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Zhang M, Ju Y, Xue L, Zhao X, Xu X, Wu G, Bo H, Qin Z. Integration of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data reveals that CYTOR is a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic response marker for skin cutaneous melanoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:3890-3902. [PMID: 38911384 PMCID: PMC11190755 DOI: 10.7150/jca.94823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly malignant tumor that is prone to immune escape and distant metastasis. Immunotherapy is considered to be the best treatment for patients with SKCM. However, not all patients benefit from it. We observed a significant differential expression of the lncRNA CYTOR in patients with SKCM based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data mining results. The results showed that compared to normal tissue lncRNA CYTOR expression was significantly upregulated in SKCM tissue. Subsequently, we validated this finding in clinical samples, and we also found that the expression of lncRNA CYTOR in SKCM was higher as it progressed. lncRNA CYTOR was differentially expressed in patients who responded to immunotherapy, suggesting that it may serve as a biomarker to predict the efficacy of SKCM immunotherapy. In-depth analysis revealed that lncRNA CYTOR expression was strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune response, and immune checkpoint expression. Meanwhile, our experiments revealed that CYTOR affects SKCM cell invasion and clone formation and is associated with the activation of the EMT pathway. In summary, our findings illustrate, for the first time, the value of CYTOR as a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic response marker in SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 220005, China
| | - Yikun Ju
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Lei Xue
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xueheng Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Xuezheng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Geng Wu
- The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 220005, China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Zailong Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defect Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003, China
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Salido-Guadarrama I, Romero-Cordoba SL, Rueda-Zarazua B. Multi-Omics Mining of lncRNAs with Biological and Clinical Relevance in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16600. [PMID: 38068923 PMCID: PMC10706612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide a general overview of the current panorama of mining strategies for multi-omics data to investigate lncRNAs with an actual or potential role as biological markers in cancer. Several multi-omics studies focusing on lncRNAs have been performed in the past with varying scopes. Nevertheless, many questions remain regarding the pragmatic application of different molecular technologies and bioinformatics algorithms for mining multi-omics data. Here, we attempt to address some of the less discussed aspects of the practical applications using different study designs for incorporating bioinformatics and statistical analyses of multi-omics data. Finally, we discuss the potential improvements and new paradigms aimed at unraveling the role and utility of lncRNAs in cancer and their potential use as molecular markers for cancer diagnosis and outcome prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Salido-Guadarrama
- Departamento de Bioinformatìca y Análisis Estadísticos, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico
| | - Sandra L. Romero-Cordoba
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
- Biochemistry Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Bertha Rueda-Zarazua
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
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Li R, Huang D, Ju M, Chen HY, Luan C, Zhang JA, Chen K. The long non-coding RNA PVT1 promotes tumorigenesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma via interaction with 4EBP1. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:101. [PMID: 36944636 PMCID: PMC10030977 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) plays an oncogenic role in multiple cancers due to its high expression. However, the expression and associated regulatory mechanisms of PVT1 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remain unclear. Our results revealed that PVT1 was highly upregulated in cSCC tissues and cSCC cell lines. To determine the functional role of PVT1 in cSCC, we constructed a stable knockdown cell model of PVT1 in the A431 and COLO16 cell lines using a lentiviral approach. Xenograft tumor experiments of nude mice in vivo, and colony formation, CCK-8, and EdU assays in vitro demonstrated that knockdown of PVT1 could widely suppress cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In addition, PVT1 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis, as detected by flow cytometry analysis. Wound healing and transwell assays revealed that PVT1 knockdown significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CSCC cell lines. To gain insight into the tumorigenic mechanism and explore the potential target molecules of PVT1, we employed label-free quantitative proteomic analysis. The GO, KEGG enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks suggested that 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) is the possible downstream target effector of PVT1, which was validated by western blot analysis. PVT1 silencing markedly decreased 4EBP1 protein expression levels and directly bound 4EBP1 in the cytoplasm of cSCC cells. 4EBP1 overexpression counteracted the effects of PVT1 knockdown on tumorigenesis in cSCC cells, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Our findings provide strong evidence that PVT1 is an oncogene which plays a role in tumorigenesis of cSCC, that PVT1 may interact with 4EBP1 in the cytoplasm as an underlying mechanism in cSCC carcinogenesis, and that PVT1 combined with 4EBP1 may serve as a potential new therapeutic target for cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Ju
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Ying Chen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Luan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jia-An Zhang
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210042, Nanjing, China.
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Tamas T, Raduly L, Berindan-Neagoe I, Dinu C, Botan E, Bumbu B, Tamas A, Stoia S, Leucuta DC, Bran S, Onisor F, Băciuț G, Armencea G, Băciuț M. The Role of miRNA-221 and miRNA-34a in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck Region. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:503. [PMID: 36833430 PMCID: PMC9956318 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most frequent types of malignancy in the human body with an increasing incidence. Short, non-coding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) can control post-transcriptional gene expression and they have a significant role in several physiological cellular processes and pathologies, including cancer. Depending on the functions of the genes, miRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The aim of this paper was to describe the role of miRNA-34a and miRNA-221 in head and neck NMSC. Thirty-eight NMSC match paired (tumor and adjacent) tissue samples were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Total RNA was extracted and isolated from tissue samples using the phenol-chloroform (Trireagent) method according to the manufacturer's protocol. The concentration of RNA was measured by a NanoDrop-1000 spectrophotometer. The expression level of each miRNA was calculated by threshold cycle. For all statistical tests, the 0.05 significance level was used and two-tailed p values. All analyses were conducted in an R environment for statistical computing and graphics. We found the miRNA-221 being overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (p < 0.05), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and basosquamous cell carcinoma (BSC) compared with adjacent normal tissue. Additionally, the levels of miRNA-221 were two times higher (p < 0.05) in cases where the excision of the tumor was done with positive margins (R1), which means that we are the first to highlight the potential role of miRNA-221 in the microscopical local invasion. Mi-RNA-34a expression was altered in the malignant tissue compared with the adjacent normal one both in BCC and SCC but not statistically significantly. In conclusion, NMSC are challenging because of their increasing incidence and rapidly evolving development and discovering their molecular mechanisms of action lead us to understand tumorigenesis and evolution, while also contributing to the implementation of novel therapeutic keys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiberiu Tamas
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Dinu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emil Botan
- Department of Pathology, Emergency County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bumbu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adela Tamas
- Doctoral School, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sebastian Stoia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Corneliu Leucuta
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simion Bran
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Onisor
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Grigore Băciuț
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Armencea
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Băciuț
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ji J, Xiong C, Peng J, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Yang H, Zhu W. Circ_0068631 sponges miR-139-5p to promote the growth and metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating HOXB7. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13248. [PMID: 36823512 PMCID: PMC10155854 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13248] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are often dysregulated in cancers and closely related to cancer progression, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). However, the role and mechanism of circ_0068631 in CSCC progression have not been reported. METHODS The expression of circ_0068631, microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p), and homeobox B7 (HOXB7) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and colony formation assay were used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. The interaction between miR-139-5p and circ_0068631 or HOXB7 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. A xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the function of circ_0068631 in vivo. RESULTS Circ_0068631 was upregulated in CSCC tissues and cells, and its silencing could inhibit CSCC cell proliferation and metastasis while promoting apoptosis in vitro, as well as restrain CSCC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0068631 acted as a sponge of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibition reversed the repressive effect of circ_0068631 knockdown on CSCC cell progression. Furthermore, HOXB7 was a target of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibited the malignant behaviors by downregulating HOXB7 expression in CSCC cells. Further, circ_0068631 sponged miR-139-5p to regulate HOXB7 expression. CONCLUSION Circ_0068631 functioned as a novel oncogene in CSCC progression by regulating miR-139-5p/HOXB7 axis, suggesting that circ_0068631 may be a potential target for CSCC treatment. HIGHLIGHTS Circ_0068631 was overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0068631 downregulation suppressed CSCC progression via miR-139-5p. Circ_0068631 regulated HOXB7 via sponging miR-139-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ji
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Chengcheng Xiong
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Niannian Zhang
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Honghong Yang
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Wenwen Zhu
- Department of DermatologyThe First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Department of DermatologyYichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
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Li M, Luo M, Liu P, Wang R, Jing H. Circ_0001402 knockdown suppresses the chemoresistance and development of DDP-resistant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells by functioning as a ceRNA for miR-625-5p. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:529-541. [PMID: 36635223 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are differentially expressed in CSCC and can sequester and sponge microRNAs. GSE74758 shows that hsa_circ_0001402 (circ_0001402) is the most overexpressed circRNA in CSCC. Expression of circ_0001402, microRNA(miR)-625-5p and karyopherin subunit alpha 4 (KPNA4) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and/or Western blot. Colon formation, flow cytometry, Transwell assays and xenograft tumour model confirmed the development of CSCC cells. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interaction was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Circ_0001402 was significantly upregulated in CSCC tissues and cells, and higher expression of circ_0001402 was found in DDP-resistant samples. Functionally, circ_0001402 knockdown induced apoptosis and inhibited half maximal inhibitory concentration of DDP, colony formation, migration and invasion of DDP-resistant CSCC cells, accompanied with the depressed multi-drug resistance-1 (MDR1) and MDR-related protein-1, while miR-625-5p inhibitor could counteract these effects. Mechanically, circ_0001402 mediated the expression regulation of KPNA4 via functioning as a ceRNA for miR-625-5p. KPNA4 re-expression could abate the functions of miR-625-5p. Furthermore, circ_0001402 knockdown could hinder tumour growth of DDP-resistant CSCC. Circ_0001402 knockdown can suppress the development and chemoresistance of DDP-resistant CSCC cells at least partly through targeting miR-625-5p/KPNA4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Dematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of Oncology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Department of Dematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Runchao Wang
- Department of Dematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Haixia Jing
- Department of Dematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Stella S, Martorana F, Massimino M, Vitale SR, Manzella L, Vigneri P. Potential Therapeutic Targets for Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancer: What We Know so Far. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:235-247. [PMID: 37056632 PMCID: PMC10089148 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s379867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancers (LAR BCs) are characterized by a triple negative phenotype and by the expression of Androgen Receptor (AR), coupled with luminal-like genomic features. This unique BC subtype, accounting for about 10% of all triple negative BC, has raised considerable interest given its ill-defined clinical behavior and the chance to exploit AR as a therapeutic target. The complexity of AR activity in BC cells, as revealed by decades of mechanistic studies, holds promise to offer additional therapeutic options beyond mere AR inhibition. Indeed, preclinical and translational evidence showed that several pathways and mediators, including PI3K/mToR, HER2, BRCA1, cell cycle and immune modulation, can be tackled in LAR BCs. Moving from bench to bedside, several clinical trials tested anti-androgen therapies in LAR BCs, but their results are inconsistent and often disappointing. More recently, studies exploring combinations of anti-androgen agents with other targeted therapies have been designed and are currently ongoing. While the results from these trials are awaited, a concerted effort will be needed to find the biological vulnerabilities of LAR BCs which may disclose new and effective therapeutic targets, eventually improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: Stefania Stella, University of Catania, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Via S. Sofia, 78, Edificio 8D/2, Catania, Italy, Tel +39 95 378 1946, Email ;
| | - Federica Martorana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
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Histone Modifications and Non-Coding RNAs: Mutual Epigenetic Regulation and Role in Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105801. [PMID: 35628612 PMCID: PMC9146199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, more and more scientists have suggested and confirmed that epigenetic regulators are tightly connected and form a comprehensive network of regulatory pathways and feedback loops. This is particularly interesting for a better understanding of processes that occur in the development and progression of various diseases. Appearing on the preclinical stages of diseases, epigenetic aberrations may be prominent biomarkers. Being dynamic and reversible, epigenetic modifications could become targets for a novel option for therapy. Therefore, in this review, we are focusing on histone modifications and ncRNAs, their mutual regulation, role in cellular processes and potential clinical application.
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Wang L, Hou S, Li J, Tian T, Hu R, Yu N. Circular RNA circ-LARP1B contributes to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting microRNA-515-5p/TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor axis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1209-1223. [PMID: 34982022 PMCID: PMC8805892 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2019172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have shown pivotal regulatory roles in tumorigenesis and progression. Our purpose was to analyze the role of circRNA La ribonucleoprotein 1B (circ-LARP1B; hsa_circ_0070934) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) progression and its associated mechanism. Cell viability, colony formation ability, migration, and invasion were analyzed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell invasion assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Cell glycolytic metabolism was analyzed using Glucose Uptake Colorimetric Assay kit, Lactate Assay Kit II, and ATP colorimetric Assay kit. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to verify the interaction between microRNA-515-5p (miR-515-5p) and circ-LARP1B or TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor (TPX2). Circ-LARP1B expression was up-regulated in CSCC tissues and cell lines. Circ-LARP1B knockdown suppressed cell viability, colony formation ability, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and glycolysis and triggered cell apoptosis in CSCC cells. miR-515-5p was a direct target of circ-LARP1B in CSCC cells, and circ-LARP1B silencing-mediated anti-tumor effects were largely counteracted by miR-515-5p knockdown. miR-515-5p directly interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of TPX2. TPX2 overexpression largely overturned miR-515-5p-mediated anti-tumor effects in CSCC cells. Circ-LARP1B could up-regulate TPX2 expression by sponging miR-515-5p in CSCC cells. Circ-LARP1B knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, circ-LARP1B contributed to CSCC progression by targeting miR-515-5p/TPX2 axis. The circ-LARP1B/miR-515-5p/TPX2 axis might provide novel therapeutic targets for CSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Wang
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Shaozhang Hou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China.,Ningxia Innovation Team of the Foundation and Clinical Researches of Diabetes and Its Complications, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Jianning Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Rongying Hu
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Nan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
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10
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Is miRNA Regulation the Key to Controlling Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Evolution? Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121929. [PMID: 34946878 PMCID: PMC8701953 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It has a number of subtypes, which include basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules, capable of regulating gene expression at a post transcriptional level. They play a pivotal role in a variety of physiologic cellular functions and pathologies, including malignant diseases. The development of miRNAs represents an important study field, which has been extensively exploited in melanoma for almost a decade with promising results, therefore we consider it a stepstone for further research projects also in non-melanoma skin cancers. The aim of our study was to explore the current literature in order to present the role of the different miRNAs in some of the most frequent types of NMSC pertaining to oncogenesis, evolution and therapy. The most relevant and accurate available data from the literature were evaluated. Our study concluded that there are almost 100 miRNAs which can be upregulated or downregulated and can play a role in oncogenesis. They can be easily identified in circulation, are stable and they can be important diagnosis/prognosis and therapy monitoring markers.
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Li Z, Cheng Y, Fu K, Lin Q, Zhao T, Tang W, Xi L, Sheng L, Zhang H, Sun Y. Circ-PTPDC1 promotes the Progression of Gastric Cancer through Sponging Mir-139-3p by Regulating ELK1 and Functions as a Prognostic Biomarker. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4285-4304. [PMID: 34803498 PMCID: PMC8579456 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is a novel class of non-coding RNAs resulting from the non-canonical splicing of linear pre-mRNAs. However, the role of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remains indistinct. This study aims to explore their potential modulation in GC and its prognostic value. We first screen for circRNA expression patterns in GC through GC and adjacent noncancerous tissues by microarray. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of the microarray data, we screened out a novel circRNA, circ-PTPDC1. Then we demonstrated that circ-PTPDC1 was up-regulated in GC cells, tissues, and serum. Its overexpression was positively correlated with age, invasion depth, advanced clinical stages, and worse survival in patients with GC. We further revealed that circ-PTPDC1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cell lines via sponging miR-139-3p by regulating ELK1. Importantly, we identified that circ-PTPDC1 promotes tumor upgrowth and metabasis in vivo. Additionally, we established its prognostic prediction model based on the follow-up data of the patients. Our study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism and a comprehensive landscape of circ-PTPDC1 in GC, suggesting that circ-PTPDC1 has the potential to be a biomarker for early detection and prognostic prediction of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouxiao Li
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ye Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaowei Lin
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Jiangsu Province Hospital, The first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Xi
- Jiangsu Province Hospital, The first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lulu Sheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Six People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangbai Sun
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Yuan J, Zhang Q, Wu S, Yan S, Zhao R, Sun Y, Tian X, Zhou K. miRNA-223-3p modulates ibrutinib resistance through regulation of the CHUK/Nf-κb signaling pathway in mantle cell lymphoma. Exp Hematol 2021; 103:52-59.e2. [PMID: 34474146 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since the use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), the problem of drug resistance has become increasingly prominent. Though it has been proven that the nonclassic nuclear factor κB pathway (nonclassic NF-κB pathway) correlates with ibrutinib resistance in MCL, the upstream regulator is unknown. In the present study, conserved helix-loop-helix ubiquitous kinase (CHUK) overexpression accelerated proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of MCL cells after ibrutinib treatment in vitro. The results of luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot revealed that CHUK was targeted and negatively regulated by miRNA-223-3p. miRNA-223-3p knockdown promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of MCL cells after ibrutinib treatment in vitro and vivo, whereas CHUK knockdown reversed downregulated miRNA-223-3p-promoted cell proliferation after ibrutinib treatment in vitro. In conclusion, miRNA-223-3p modulates ibrutinib resistance through regulation of the CHUK/NF-κB signaling pathway in MCL, which is crucial in providing a marker to predict disease response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengsheng Wu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suran Yan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yajuan Sun
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Tian
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Keshu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
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Non-coding RNA dysregulation in skin cancers. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:641-655. [PMID: 34414406 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. They can be classified in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In recent years, the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in skin cancer pathogenesis has become increasingly evident. NcRNAs are functional RNA molecules that lack any protein-coding activity. These ncRNAs are classified based on their length: small, medium-size, and long ncRNAs. Among the most studied ncRNAs there are microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNAs). ncRNAs have the ability to regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and are involved in skin cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Many ncRNAs exhibit tissue- or cell-specific expression while others have been correlated to tumor staging, drug resistance, and prognosis. For these reasons, ncRNAs have both a diagnostic and prognostic significance in skin cancers. Our review summarizes the functional role of ncRNAs in skin cancers and their potential clinical application as biomarkers.
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Piipponen M, Riihilä P, Nissinen L, Kähäri VM. The Role of p53 in Progression of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184507. [PMID: 34572732 PMCID: PMC8466956 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common types of cancer worldwide, and their incidence is increasing. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the three major types of skin cancer. Melanoma originates from melanocytes, whereas BCC and cSCC originate from epidermal keratinocytes and are therefore called keratinocyte carcinomas. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a common risk factor for skin cancers, but they differ with respect to oncogenic mutational profiles and alterations in cellular signaling pathways. cSCC is the most common metastatic skin cancer, and it is associated with poor prognosis in the advanced stage. An important early event in cSCC development is mutation of the TP53 gene and inactivation of the tumor suppressor function of the tumor protein 53 gene (TP53) in epidermal keratinocytes, which then leads to accumulation of additional oncogenic mutations. Additional genomic and proteomic alterations are required for the progression of premalignant lesion, actinic keratosis, to invasive and metastatic cSCC. Recently, the role of p53 in the invasion of cSCC has also been elucidated. In this review, the role of p53 in the progression of cSCC and as potential new therapeutic target for cSCC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Piipponen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11 TE6, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (P.R.); (L.N.)
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Dermatology and Venereology Division, Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pilvi Riihilä
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11 TE6, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (P.R.); (L.N.)
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Nissinen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11 TE6, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (P.R.); (L.N.)
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Kähäri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11 TE6, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (M.P.); (P.R.); (L.N.)
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-2-3131600
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Bennardo L, Bennardo F, Giudice A, Passante M, Dastoli S, Morrone P, Provenzano E, Patruno C, Nisticò SP. Local Chemotherapy as an Adjuvant Treatment in Unresectable Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What Do We Know So Far? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:2317-2325. [PMID: 34201867 PMCID: PMC8293038 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers involving skin and oral mucosa. Although this condition's gold-standard treatment is the surgical removal of the lesions, the physician must propose alternative treatments in some cases due to the patient's ineligibility for surgery. Among the available alternative therapies, local chemotherapy may represent an initial treatment in combination with radiotherapy or systemic chemotherapy due to the low frequency of side-effects and the lack of necessity for expensive devices. Methods: In this paper, we review all available literature in various databases (PubMed, Scopus-Embase, Web of Science), proposing local chemotherapy as a treatment for cutaneous and oral SCC. Exclusion criteria included ocular lesions (where topical treatments are common), non-English language, and non-human studies. Results: We included 14 studies in this review. The majority were case reports and case series describing the treatment of non-resectable localized SCC with either imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil. We also analyzed small studies proposing combination treatments. Almost all studies reported an excellent clinical outcome, with a low risk of relapses in time. Conclusions: Resection of the lesion remains the gold-standard treatment for SCC. When this approach is not feasible, local chemotherapy may represent a treatment alternative, and it may also be associated with radiotherapy or systemic chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Bennardo
- Unit of Dermatology, Mariano Santo Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; (P.M.); (E.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-096-1364-7195
| | - Francesco Bennardo
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
| | - Amerigo Giudice
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
| | - Maria Passante
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
| | - Stefano Dastoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
| | - Pietro Morrone
- Unit of Dermatology, Mariano Santo Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; (P.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Eugenio Provenzano
- Unit of Dermatology, Mariano Santo Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; (P.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Cataldo Patruno
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
| | - Steven Paul Nisticò
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (A.G.); (M.P.); (S.D.); (C.P.); (S.P.N.)
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Identifying an lncRNA-Related ceRNA Network to Reveal Novel Targets for a Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050432. [PMID: 34068010 PMCID: PMC8152267 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The exact functions and molecular mechanism of lncRNAs, acting as competitive endogenous RNAs in a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, remain unexplored. The present study was conducted to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs and establish the lncRNA-related competing endogenous RNA networks associated with a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. A competing endogenous RNA network consisting of 137 miRNA-lncRNA and 221 miRNA-mRNA pairs was constructed. As for the functional analysis of the mRNAs in the network, a FoxO signaling pathway, an autophagy and cellular senescence were the top enrichment terms based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. We identified five core mRNAs and built a core mRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network. Finally, one lncRNA HLA-F-AS1 and three mRNAs named AGO4, E2F1 and CCND1 in the core mRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network were validated with the same expression patterns. The core mRNAs and their associated lncRNAs may provide potential therapeutic targets for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Abstract A cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) derived from keratinocytes is the second most common cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. The accumulation of the mutational burden of genes and cellular DNA damage caused by the risk factors (e.g., exposure to ultraviolet radiation) contribute to the aberrant proliferation of keratinocytes and the formation of a cSCC. A cSCC encompasses a spectrum of diseases that range from recursor actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (SCCIS) to invasive cSCCs and further metastatic SCCs. Emerging evidence has revealed that lncRNAs are involved in the biological process of a cSCC. According to the ceRNA regulatory theory, lncRNAs act as natural miRNA sponges and interact with miRNA response elements, thereby regulating the mRNA expression of their down-stream targets. This study was designed to search for the potential lncRNAs that may become potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers of a cSCC. Considering the spirit of the study to be adequately justified, we collected microarray-based datasets of 19 cSCC tissues and 12 normal skin samples from the GEO database (GSE42677 and GSE45164). After screening the differentially expressed genes via a limma package, we identified 24 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and 3221 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). The miRcode, miRTarBase, miRDB and TargetScan databases were used to predict miRNAs that could interact with DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs. A total of 137 miRNA-lncRNA and 221 miRNA-mRNA pairs were retained in the ceRNA network, consisting of 31 miRNAs, 11 DElncRNAs and 155 DEmRNAs. For the functional analysis, the top enriched biological process was enhancer sequence-specific DNA binding in Gene Ontology (GO) terms. The FoxO signaling pathway, autophagy and cellular senescence were the top enrichment terms based on a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The combination of a STRING tool and Cytoscape software (plug-in MCODE) identified five core mRNAs and built a core mRNA-associated ceRNA network. The expression for five identified core mRNAs and their related nine lncRNAs was validated using the external dataset GSE7553. Finally, one lncRNA HLA-F-AS1 and three mRNAs named AGO4, E2F1 and CCND1 were validated with the same expression patterns. We speculate that lncRNA HLA-F-AS1 may sponge miR-17-5p or miR-20b-5p to regulate the expression of CCND1 and E2F1 in the cSCC. The present study may provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cSCC patients.
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Yin S, Lin X. MicroRNA-21 Contributes to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via Mediating TIMP3/PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:27-39. [PMID: 33447074 PMCID: PMC7802778 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s275016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though the therapeutic potentials of microRNAs (miRNAs) are extensively explored in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the concrete function of miR-21 in this disorder has not been thoroughly comprehended. Therein, this work is launched to clarify the miR-21-pivoted mechanism in CSCC from the perspective of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. METHODS Microarray-based analysis was utilized to screen out miR-21 with the most up-regulated expression in CSCC tissues. The relation between miR-21 and TIMP3 expression in tissues, and the overall survival of CSCC patients was evaluated. Loss-of-function assays were performed in cells to explore the independent and combined functions of miR-21 and TIMP3 in CSCC cell progression. Mice were injected with miR-21 inhibitor or TIMP3 si for identifying their roles in tumor formation and liver metastasis. The mechanism among miR-21, TIMP3 and PI3K/AKT pathway was interpreted. RESULTS MiR-21 was up-regulated while TIMP3 was down-regulated in CSCC tissues, which were connected with unsatisfactory survival of patients. Down-regulating miR-21 inhibited CSCC cell progression and retarded CSCC tumor formation and metastasis in mice. Silencing of TIMP3 reversed the effects of miR-21 down-regulation on CSCC progression. Besides, down-regulating miR-21 inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway activation in CSCC cells via mediating TIMP3. CONCLUSION It is elucidated that miR-21 depletion impedes CSCC cell invasion and metastasis via enhancing TIMP3 and suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuying Lin
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, People’s Republic of China
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