Crosstalk between Long Non Coding RNAs, microRNAs and DNA Damage Repair in Prostate Cancer: New Therapeutic Opportunities?

Updated review on analysis of long non-coding RNAs as emerging diagnostic and therapeutic targets in prostate cancers

Despite advancements, prostate cancers (PCa) pose a significant global health challenge due to delayed diagnosis and therapeutic resistance. This review delves into the complex landscape of prostate cancer, with a focus on long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Also explores the influence of aberrant lncRNAs expression in progressive PCa stages, impacting traits like proliferation, invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The study elucidates how lncRNAs modulate crucial molecular effectors, including transcription factors and microRNAs, affecting signaling pathways such as androgen receptor signaling. Besides, this manuscript sheds light on novel concepts and mechanisms driving PCa progression through lncRNAs, providing a critical analysis of their impact on the disease's diverse characteristics. Besides, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostics and therapeutic targets in PCa. Collectively, this work highlights state of art mechanistic comprehension and rigorous scientific approaches to advance our understanding of PCa and depict innovations in this evolving field of research.

Circ_0008657 regulates lung DNA damage induced by hexavalent chromium through the miR-203a-3p/ATM axis

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is an important environmental pollutant and may cause lung injury when inhaled into the human body. Cr (VI) is genotoxic and can cause DNA damage, although the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain unclear. To simulate the real-life workplace exposure to Cr (VI), we used a novel exposure dose calculation method. We evaluated the effect of Cr (VI) on DNA damage in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE and BEAS-2B) by calculating the equivalent real-time exposure dose of Cr (VI) (0 to 10 μM) in an environmental population. Comet experiments and olive tail moment measurements revealed increased DNA damage in cells exposed to Cr (VI). Cr (VI) treatment increased nuclear γ-H2AX foci and γ-H2AX protein expression, and caused DNA damage in the lung tissues of mice. An effective Cr (VI) dose (6 μM) was determined and used for cell treatment. Cr (VI) exposure upregulated circ_0008657, and knockdown of circ_0008657 decreased Cr (VI)-induced DNA damage, whereas circ_0008657 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, we found that circ_0008657 binds to microRNA (miR)-203a-3p and subsequently regulates ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM), a key protein involved in homologous recombination repair downstream of miR-203a-3p, thereby regulating DNA damage induced by Cr (VI). The present findings suggest that circ_0008657 competitively binds to miR-203a-3p to activate the ATM pathway and regulate the DNA damage response after environmental chemical exposure in vivo and in vitro.

lncRNA-microRNA axis in cancer drug resistance: particular focus on signaling pathways

Cancer drug resistance remains a formidable challenge in modern oncology, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. The convergence of intricate regulatory networks involving long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and pivotal signaling pathways has emerged as a crucial determinant of drug resistance. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs in orchestrating gene expression and cellular processes, mainly focusing on their interactions with specific signaling pathways. Dysregulation of these networks leads to the acquisition of drug resistance, dampening the efficacy of conventional treatments. The review highlights the potential therapeutic avenues unlocked by targeting these non-coding RNAs. Developing specific inhibitors or mimics for lncRNAs and miRNAs, alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, emerges as a promising strategy. In addition, epigenetic modulators, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine present exciting prospects in tackling drug resistance. While substantial progress has been made, challenges, including target validation and safety assessment, remain. The review emphasizes the need for continued research to overcome these hurdles and underscores the transformative potential of lncRNA-miRNA interplay in revolutionizing cancer therapy.

Oxidative balance score and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

The oxidative balance score (OBS) has been utilized to assess the overall pro- and antioxidant exposure status in various chronic diseases. The current meta-analysis was carried out to pool the association between OBS and the risk of cancer.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to August 2023. All observational studies which evaluated the association of OBS with the risk of cancers were included. There was no time of publication or language restrictions. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Chi-square-based Q-test and the I2. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect sizes. Possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, 15 studies (9 case-control and 6 cohorts) were eligible for meta-analysis. Random effect model meta-analysis of case-control studies showed that higher OBS significantly decreases the odds of cancers (pooled OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.74). In the cohort studies, the association of OBS with the risk of cancers was not significant (pooled HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.80,1.18). The subgroup analysis showed that cancer type and gender were the potential sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our results show an inverse and significant association between higher OBS and odds of colorectal cancers in case-control and cohort studies. In the case of prostate cancer in cohort studies, our results did not align with the hypothesis. Considering the importance of diet and antioxidant balance in the conditions of malignancy, it is suggested to conduct more comprehensive studies with standard measurement methods to obtain conclusive results.

Unlocking the role of non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer progression: exploring the interplay with the Wnt signaling pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in males, exhibiting a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that pose challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. The Wnt signaling pathway, a conserved and complex pathway, is crucial for embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and various physiological processes. Apart from the classical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, there exist multiple non-classical Wnt signaling pathways, including the Wnt/PCP and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and development of PCa and the response to PCa treatment. ncRNAs are known to execute diverse regulatory roles in cellular processes, despite their inability to encode proteins. Among them, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs play key roles in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway in PCa. Aberrant expression of these ncRNAs and dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway are one of the causes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in PCa. Moreover, these ncRNAs affect the characteristics of PCa cells and hold promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the role of ncRNAs in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway during the development of PCa. Additionally, we present an overview of the current progress in research on the correlation between these molecules and clinical features of the disease to provide novel insights and strategies for the treatment of PCa.

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

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

Critical Evaluation of Transcripts and Long Noncoding RNA Expression Levels in Prostate Cancer Following Radical Prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

The clinical course of prostate cancer (PCa) is highly variable, ranging from indolent behavior to rapid metastatic progression. The Gleason score is widely accepted as the primary histologic assessment tool with significant prognostic value. However, additional biomarkers are required to better stratify patients, particularly those at intermediate risk.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the expression of 86 cancer hallmark genes in 171 patients with PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy and focused on the outcome of the 137 patients with postoperative R0-PSA0 status.

RESULTS

Low expression of the IGF1 and SRD52A, and high expression of TIMP2, PLAUR, S100A2, and CANX genes were associated with biochemical recurrence (BR), defined as an increase of prostate-specific antigen above 0.2 ng/mL. Furthermore, the analysis of the expression of 462 noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) in a sub-cohort of 39 patients with Gleason score 7 tumors revealed that high levels of expression of the ncRNAs LINC00624, LINC00593, LINC00482, and cd27-AS1 were significantly associated with BR. Our findings provide further evidence for tumor-promoting roles of ncRNAs in PCa patients at intermediate risk. The strong correlation between expression of LINC00624 and KRT8 gene, encoding a well-known cell surface protein present in PCa, further supports a potential contribution of this ncRNA to PCa progression.

CONCLUSION

While larger and further studies are needed to define the role of these genes/ncRNA in PCa, our findings pave the way toward the identification of a subgroup of patients at intermediate risk who may benefit from adjuvant treatments and new therapeutic agents.

Long non-coding RNA AC245100.4 activates the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote PCa cell proliferation by elevating PAR2

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most generally diagnosed cancers in males. A long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) called AC245100.4 has been discovered and linked to PCa carcinogenesis. However, its specific and potential mechanism is uncertain in PCa. In this research, we investigated the role of AC245100.4 in cell proliferation and the underlying mechanism in PCa cells.

Methods

qRT-PCR assays were utilized to detect AC245100.4 expression and confirm its downstream target. The pathways related to AC245100.4 were identified by RAP-MS. PCa cell proliferation was experimented by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Colony formation assays. Western blot was performed to detect PAR2, AKT, p-AKT, Cyclin D1 and PCNA expression.

Results

AC245100.4/PAR2 overexpression promotes PCa cell proliferation and the opposite results are obtained after AC245100.4/PAR2 knockdown. Mechanistically, we found that PAR2 is confirmed as the AC245100.4 downstream target and AC245100.4 promotes PCa cell proliferation by regulating PAR2. AC245100.4 promotes PCa cell proliferation via PI3K/AKT pathway. Rescue assays validated that PAR2 knockdown reversed the impact of AC245100.4 overexpression on increasing p-AKT protein levels.

Conclusion

This research revealed that AC245100.4 enhances cell proliferation in PCa cells through modulating the PAR2/PI3K/AKT axis, which may offer novel tumor markers and potential therapeutic targets for PCa.

RNA-binding protein MAC5A interacts with the 26S proteasome to regulate DNA damage response in Arabidopsis

DNA damage response (DDR) in eukaryotes is essential for the maintenance of genome integrity in challenging environments. The regulatory mechanisms of DDR have been well-established in yeast and humans. However, increasing evidence supports the idea that plants seem to employ different signaling pathways that remain largely unknown. Here, we report the role of MODIFIER OF SNC1, 4-ASSOCIATED COMPLEX SUBUNIT 5A (MAC5A) in DDR in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Lack of MAC5A in mac5a mutants causes hypersensitive phenotypes to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), a DNA damage inducer. Consistent with this observation, MAC5A can regulate alternative splicing of DDR genes to maintain the proper response to genotoxic stress. Interestingly, MAC5A interacts with the 26S proteasome (26SP) and is required for its proteasome activity. MAC core subunits are also involved in MMS-induced DDR. Moreover, we find that MAC5A, the MAC core subunits, and 26SP may act collaboratively to mediate high-boron-induced growth repression through DDR. Collectively, our findings uncover the crucial role of MAC in MMS-induced DDR in orchestrating growth and stress adaptation in plants.

Taurine-Upregulated Gene 1 Attenuates Cerebral Angiogenesis following Ischemic Stroke in Rats

Objective

Angiogenesis is one of the therapeutic targets of cerebral infarction. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the pathological process of angiogenesis following ischemic stroke. Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), an lncRNA, is correlated to ischemic stroke. We intended to determine the effect of TUG1 on angiogenesis following an ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was adopted to build a focal ischemic model of the rat brain, and pcDNA-TUG1 and miR-26a mimics were injected into rats. Neurological function was estimated through modified neurological severity scores. The volume of focal brain infarction was calculated through 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The level of TUG1 and miR-26a was measured by PCR. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 was checked using immunohistochemistry and western blot. The correlation between miR-26a and TUG1 was verified through a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

TUG1 increased noticeably while miR-26a was markedly reduced in MCAO rats. Overexpression of miR-26a improved neurological function recovery and enhanced cerebral angiogenesis in MCAO rats. TUG1 overexpression aggravated neurological deficits and suppressed cerebral angiogenesis in MCAO rats. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-26a was one of the predicted targets of TUG1. Furthermore, TUG1 combined with miR-26a to regulate angiogenesis. TUG1 overexpression antagonized the role of miR-26a in neurological recovery and angiogenesis in MCAO rats.

Conclusions

TUG1/miR-26a, which may act as a regulatory axis in angiogenesis following ischemic stroke, can be considered a potential target for cerebral infarction therapy.

The Landscape of Noncoding RNA in Pulmonary Hypertension

The transcriptome of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is complex and highly genetically heterogeneous, with noncoding RNA transcripts playing crucial roles. The majority of RNAs in the noncoding transcriptome are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with less circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are two characteristics gaining increasing attention in the forefront of RNA research field. These noncoding transcripts (especially lncRNAs and circRNAs) exert important regulatory functions in PH and emerge as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent technological advancements have established great momentum for discovery and functional characterization of ncRNAs, which include broad transcriptome sequencing such as bulk RNA-sequence, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and RNA-protein/RNA interactions. In this review, we summarize the current research on the classification, biogenesis, and the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of these noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in the pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH. Furthermore, we highlight the utility and challenges of using these ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutics in PH.