Pleiotropic Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in TGF-β-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Their Functions in Tumor Progression

TGF-β-induced lncRNA TBUR1 promotes EMT and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma via hnRNPC-mediated GRB2 mRNA stabilization

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is pivotal in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoting cancer metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant players in these processes, yet their precise mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that TGF-β-upregulated lncRNA 1 (TBUR1) is significantly activated by TGF-β via Smad3/4 signaling in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. Functionally, TBUR1 triggers EMT, enhances LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro, and promotes metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, TBUR1 interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNPC) to stabilize GRB2 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. Clinically, TBUR1 is upregulated in LUAD tissues and correlates with poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD. Taken together, our findings underscore the crucial role of TBUR1 in mediating TGF-β-induced EMT and metastasis in LUAD, providing insights for future therapeutic interventions.

PiRNA CFAPIR inhibits cardiac fibrosis by regulating the muscleblind-like protein MBNL2

Myocardial fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts during the progression of cardiac fibrosis, together with excessive cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Hence, the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis are significant factors for inhibiting the development of heart failure. P-element Induced WImpy testis-interacting RNAs (PiRNA) are widely expressed in the heart, but their involvement in cardiac fibrosis has not yet been confirmed. We identified differentially expressed PiRNAs using Arraystar PiRNA expression profiling in Angiotensin II models of cardiac fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. We then explored cardiac-fibrosis-associated PiRNA-related proteins, RNA-protein interactomes, immunoprecipitation, and pulldown. We detected fibrosis markers and pathway-related proteins using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. We uncovered cardiac fibrosis associated PiRNA (CFAPIR) that was obviously dysregulated during cardiac fibrosis, whereas its overexpression reversed fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, CFAPIR competitively bound muscleblind like protein 2 (MBNL2) and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21 to regulate the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway.

Mapping and Analysis of Protein and Gene Profile Identification of the Important Role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Synovial Invasion in Patients With Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

OBJECTIVE

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign proliferative disease affecting the soft-tissue lining the synovial joints and tendons. Its etiology is poorly understood, largely limiting the availability of current therapeutic options. Here, we mapped the synovial gene and protein profiles of patients with PVNS, revealed a link between synovial inflammation and invasion, and elucidated the potential molecular mechanism involved.

METHODS

The expression of synovial genes from 6 control individuals, 7 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and 19 patients with PVNS was analyzed via RNA sequencing. Protein profiles from 5 control individuals, 10 patients with OA, and 32 patients with PVNS were analyzed using label-free proteomics. Microarray and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate inflammatory cytokine and target gene expression levels in synovial tissue, epithelial cells, and synovial fibroblasts (FLSs) derived from tissue of patients with PVNS. Various signaling pathway inhibitors, small interfering RNAs, and Western blots were used for molecular mechanism studies. Transwell migration and invasion assays were subsequently performed.

RESULTS

In total, 522 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the tissues of patients with PVNS. By integrating RNA sequencing and microarray analyses, significant changes in the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, including transforming growth factor TGF-b induced, neural cadherin, epithelial cadherin, SNAIL, and TWIST, were confirmed in the tissue of patients with PVNS compared to the control tissue. In vitro, TGFβ induced EMT and increased epithelial cell migration and invasion. Moreover, TGFβ not only promoted interactions between epithelial cells and FLSs but also directly increased the migration and invasion abilities of FLSs by activating the classical Smad2/3 and nonclassical JNK/AKT signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

This study provides overall protein and gene profiles of PVNS and identifies the crucial role of TGFβ in synovial invasion pathology. Exploring the related molecular mechanism may also reveal a new strategy or target for PVNS therapy.

SnoRNA and lncSNHG: Advances of nucleolar small RNA host gene transcripts in anti-tumor immunity

The small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) are a group of genes that can be transcript into long non-coding RNA SNHG (lncSNHG) and further processed into small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Although lncSNHGs and snoRNAs are well established to play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis, how lncSNHGs and snoRNAs regulate the immune cell behavior and function to mediate anti-tumor immunity remains further illustrated. Certain immune cell types carry out distinct roles to participate in each step of tumorigenesis. It is particularly important to understand how lncSNHGs and snoRNAs regulate the immune cell function to manipulate anti-tumor immunity. Here, we discuss the expression, mechanism of action, and potential clinical relevance of lncSNHGs and snoRNAs in regulating different types of immune cells that are closely related to anti-tumor immunity. By uncovering the changes and roles of lncSNHGs and snoRNAs in different immune cells, we aim to provide a better understanding of how the transcripts of SNHGs participate in tumorigenesis from an immune perspective.

Modulation of miR-192/NF-κB/ TGF-β/ E-cadherin by thymoquinone protects against diethylnitrosamine /carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity

Scientific efforts have been made for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the possible role of miR-192/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/E-cadherin in hepatic tumorigenesis. We expected a modulatory impact of thymoquinone. Thirty adult male rats were assigned into 3 groups (n = 10); (1) Control group. Group (2): Experimental HCC induced by intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Group (3): Thymoquinone 20 mg kg-1/oral supplementation starting from the model induction to the end of the 8th week. The HCC (DENA-CCL4) model was confirmed by elevated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein and transaminases (ALT, AST) and by histopathological examination which denoted marked cellular atypia and features of neoplasia. Suppressed hepatic miR-192 and E-cadherin expression were detected in the HCC (DENA-CCL4) group accompanied by elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL6)/NF-κB & TGF-β1. Thymoquinone treatment protected the rat livers from hepatic tumorigenesis. Thymoquinone diminished (P < 0.001) alpha-fetoprotein and improved ALT, AST. It preserved hepatic miR-192 and normal E-cadherin expression. Thymoquinone-treated rats showed abrogated TNF-α, IL6/NF-κB/TGF-β. Thymoquinone increased cell apoptosis markers Bax/Bcl2 and diminished cellular atypia. Pearson's correlations revealed positive association between miR-192 expression and E-cadherin and Bax/Bcl2 as well, and it was negatively correlated to alpha-fetoprotein, NF-κB and TGF-β and the cellular atypia score. In conclusion, thymoquinone protected the liver tissues through preserving miR-192 and E-cadherin and aborting NF-κB & TGF-β signaling. The current results highlight a new role for thymoquinone in preventing hepatic tumorigenesis.

TGFβ-induced expression of long noncoding lincRNA Platr18 controls breast cancer axonogenesis

Tumor axonogenesis is an emerging hallmark of cancer and TGF-beta is a well-known cytokine involved in the control of cancer progression. In this study we identify a novel function for the TGF-beta signaling in cancer aggressivity by promoting cancer axonogenesis.

Metastasis is the leading driver of cancer-related death. Tumor cell plasticity associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), an embryonic program also observed in carcinomas, has been proposed to explain the colonization of distant organs by the primary tumor cells. Many studies have established correlations between EMT marker expression in the primary tumor and metastasis in vivo. However, the longstanding model of EMT-transitioned cells disseminating to secondary sites is still actively debated and hybrid states are presently considered as more relevant during tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we describe an unexplored role of EMT on the tumor microenvironment by controlling tumor innervation. Using in vitro and in vivo breast tumor progression models, we demonstrate that TGFβ-mediated tumor cell EMT triggers the expression of the embryonic LincRNA Platr18 those elevated expression controls the expression of the axon guidance protein semaphorin-4F and other neuron-related molecules such as IGSF11/VSIG-3. Platr18/Sema4F axis silencing abrogates axonogenesis and attenuates metastasis. Our observations suggest that EMT-transitioned cells are also locally required in the primary tumor to support distant dissemination by promoting axonogenesis, a biological process known for its role in metastatic progression of breast cancer.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related circular RNAs in lung carcinoma

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly complex phenotypic conversion during embryogenesis, and is important for metastasis, which contributes to tumor deterioration and poor prognoses of cancer patients. Lung carcinoma has a high tendency to develop the EMT. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in EMT-related cell invasion and metastasis in various types of cancers. Moreover, circRNAs have been found to be a link to EMT-related transcription factors and EMT-associated signaling pathways. This review mainly focuses on the influence of EMT-related circRNAs on lung carcinomas. More specifically, the roles of EMT-inducing and EMT-suppressive circRNAs in lung carcinomas are discussed. With circRNAs potentially becoming promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer managements, they will hopefully stimulate the interest of medical workers in the early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and positive prognoses in the era of precision oncology.

TRAIL receptor-induced features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition increase tumour phenotypic heterogeneity: potential cell survival mechanisms

The continuing efforts to exploit the death receptor agonists, such as the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), for cancer therapy, have largely been impaired by the anti-apoptotic and pro-survival signalling pathways leading to drug resistance. Cell migration, invasion, differentiation, immune evasion and anoikis resistance are plastic processes sharing features of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that have been shown to give cancer cells the ability to escape cell death upon cytotoxic treatments. EMT has recently been suggested to drive a heterogeneous cellular environment that appears favourable for tumour progression. Recent studies have highlighted a link between EMT and cell sensitivity to TRAIL, whereas others have highlighted their effects on the induction of EMT. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms by which death signals can elicit an increase in response heterogeneity in the metastasis context, and to evaluate the impact of these processes on cell responses to cancer therapeutics.

The role of Krüppel-like factor 8 in cancer biology: Current research and its clinical relevance

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, ranked second after heart disease. Despite recent advancements in diagnosis and treatment, there are still numerous problems associated with cancer progression, disease recurrence, and therapeutic resistance that are partially explored. Several studies have recently revealed that Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) regulates transcription of genes linked with diverse biological processes, including proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion, and inflammation. KLF8 is expressed ubiquitously in mammalian cells, and its aberrant expression has been manifested with several cancer types. Earlier studies demonstrated the crucial role of KLF8 in DNA repair and resistance to apoptosis in numerous cancer types. Hence, studying the function of KLF8 from the perspective of cancer progression and therapy resistance would help develop a new therapeutic avenue. In this review, we summarize the clinical relevance of KLF8 expression in various malignancies, focusing on recent updates in EMT, cellular signaling, and cancer stem cells. We also address the contribution of KLF8 in development, DNA repair, chemoresistance, and its clinical utility as a predictive biomarker.

Long non-coding RNAs and TGF-β signaling in cancer

Cancer is driven by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and by cellular events that develop a misregulated molecular microenvironment in the growing tumor tissue. The tumor microenvironment is guided by the excessive action of specific cytokines including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which normally controls embryonic development and the homeostasis of young or adult tissues. As a consequence of the genetic alterations generating a given tumor, TGF-β can preserve its homeostatic function and attempt to limit neoplastic expansion, whereas, once the tumor has progressed to an aggressive stage, TGF-β can synergize with various oncogenic stimuli to facilitate tumor invasiveness and metastasis. TGF-β signaling mechanisms via Smad proteins, various ubiquitin ligases, and protein kinases are relatively well understood. Such mechanisms regulate the expression of genes encoding proteins or non-coding RNAs. Among non-coding RNAs, much has been understood regarding the regulation and function of microRNAs, whereas the role of long non-coding RNAs is still emerging. This article emphasizes TGF-β signaling mechanisms leading to the regulation of non-coding genes, the function of such non-coding RNAs as regulators of TGF-β signaling, and the contribution of these mechanisms in specific hallmarks of cancer.

New insights into the mechanisms of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and implications for cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular programme that is known to be crucial for embryogenesis, wound healing and malignant progression. During EMT, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions are remodelled, which leads to the detachment of epithelial cells from each other and the underlying basement membrane, and a new transcriptional programme is activated to promote the mesenchymal fate. In the context of neoplasias, EMT confers on cancer cells increased tumour-initiating and metastatic potential and a greater resistance to elimination by several therapeutic regimens. In this Review, we discuss recent findings on the mechanisms and roles of EMT in normal and neoplastic tissues, and the cell-intrinsic signals that sustain expression of this programme. We also highlight how EMT gives rise to a variety of intermediate cell states between the epithelial and the mesenchymal state, which could function as cancer stem cells. In addition, we describe the contributions of the tumour microenvironment in inducing EMT and the effects of EMT on the immunobiology of carcinomas.

Long non-coding RNA FTH1P3 promotes the metastasis and aggressiveness of non-small cell lung carcinoma by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) ferritin heavy chain 1 pseudogene 3 (FTH1P3) has been suggested to act as an oncogene in many types of human malignancy, but its role in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) remains unknown. This study aimed to characterize the biologic functions of FTH1P3 in NSCLC and illuminate its clinical significance. The expression levels of FTH1P3 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The relationship of FTH1P3 expression with clinicopathologic features was evaluated by chi-square test, and its correlation with prognosis of NSCLC patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities, respectively. Western blotwas performed to detect the changes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein expression. The results showed that FTH1P3 was highly expressed in NSCLC tumor tissues and NSCLC-derived cell lines, and high expression of FTH1P3 was associated with advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. NSCLC patients with high FTH1P3 expression had a poor overall survival relative to patients with low FTH1P3 expression. Through loss-of-function studies, FTH1P3 inhibition was demonstrated to suppress NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Notably, FTH1P3 knockdown could decrease expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail protein of NSCLC cells, but promote E-cadherin protein expression, which was in accordance with its effect on cell migration and invasion. To sum up, our data demonstrated that FTH1P3 predicts a poor prognosis and promotes metastasis and aggressiveness in NSCLC by inducing EMT, suggesting FTH1P3 may be a promising target for gene therapy of NSCLC.

tRNA Deregulation and Its Consequences in Cancer

The expression of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) is deregulated in cancer cells but the mechanisms and functional meaning of such deregulation are poorly understood. The proteome of cancer cells is not fully encoded by their transcriptome, however, the contribution of mRNA translation to such diversity remains to be elucidated. We review data supporting the hypothesis that tRNA expression deregulation and translational error rate is an important contributor to proteome diversity and cell population heterogeneity, genome instability, and drug resistance in tumors. This hypothesis is aligned with recent data in various model organisms, showing unanticipated adaptive roles of translational errors (adaptive mistranslation), expression control of specific gene subsets by tRNAs, and proteome diversification by elevation of translational error rates in tumors.

Quantifying Cancer Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity and its Association with Stemness and Immune Response

Cancer cells can acquire a spectrum of stable hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells in these hybrid E/M phenotypes often combine epithelial and mesenchymal features and tend to migrate collectively commonly as small clusters. Such collectively migrating cancer cells play a pivotal role in seeding metastases and their presence in cancer patients indicates an adverse prognostic factor. Moreover, cancer cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes tend to be more associated with stemness which endows them with tumor-initiation ability and therapy resistance. Most recently, cells undergoing EMT have been shown to promote immune suppression for better survival. A systematic understanding of the emergence of hybrid E/M phenotypes and the connection of EMT with stemness and immune suppression would contribute to more effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, we first discuss recent efforts combining theoretical and experimental approaches to elucidate mechanisms underlying EMT multi-stability (i.e., the existence of multiple stable phenotypes during EMT) and the properties of hybrid E/M phenotypes. Following we discuss non-cell-autonomous regulation of EMT by cell cooperation and extracellular matrix. Afterwards, we discuss various metrics that can be used to quantify EMT spectrum. We further describe possible mechanisms underlying the formation of clusters of circulating tumor cells. Last but not least, we summarize recent systems biology analysis of the role of EMT in the acquisition of stemness and immune suppression.

hnRNP E1 at the crossroads of translational regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which cells undergo a switch from a polarized, epithelial phenotype to a highly motile fibroblastic or mesenchymal phenotype is fundamental during embryonic development and can be reactivated in a variety of diseases including cancer. Spatio-temporally-regulated mechanisms are constantly orchestrated to allow cells to adapt to their constantly changing environments when disseminating to distant organs. Although numerous transcriptional regulatory factors are currently well-characterized, the post-transcriptional control of EMT requires continued investigation. The hnRNP E1 protein displays a major role in the control of tumor cell plasticity by regulating the translatome through multiple non-redundant mechanisms, and this role is exemplified when E1 is absent. hnRNP E1 binding to RNA molecules leads to direct or indirect translational regulation of specific sets of proteins: (1) hnRNP E1 binding to specific targets has a direct role in translation by preventing elongation of translation; (2) hnRNP E1-dependent alternative splicing can prevent the generation of a competing long non-coding RNA that acts as a decoy for microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in translational inhibition of EMT master regulators; (3) hnRNP E1 binding to the 3’ untranslated region of transcripts can also positively regulate the stability of certain mRNAs to improve their translation. Globally, hnRNP E1 appears to control proteome reprogramming during cell plasticity, either by direct or indirect regulation of protein translation.

Hysteresis control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition dynamics conveys a distinct program with enhanced metastatic ability

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been extensively characterized in development and cancer, and its dynamics have been modeled as a non-linear process. However, less is known about how such dynamics may affect its biological impact. Here, we use mathematical modeling and experimental analysis of the TGF-β-induced EMT to reveal a non-linear hysteretic response of E-cadherin repression tightly controlled by the strength of the miR-200s/ZEBs negative feedback loop. Hysteretic EMT conveys memory state, ensures rapid and robust cellular response and enables EMT to persist long after withdrawal of stimuli. Importantly, while both hysteretic and non-hysteretic EMT confer similar morphological changes and invasive potential of cancer cells, only hysteretic EMT enhances lung metastatic colonization efficiency. Cells that undergo hysteretic EMT differentially express subsets of stem cell and extracellular matrix related genes with significant clinical prognosis value. These findings illustrate distinct biological impact of EMT depending on the dynamics of the transition.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that plays important roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Here, the authors characterize a non-linear hysteretic response of E-cadherin repression during TGFβ-induced EMT that is controlled by the strength of the miR-200s/ZEBs negative feedback loop and enhances metastasis.

LncRNAs in TGF-β-Driven Tissue Fibrosis

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a crucial mediator in tissue fibrosis that promotes accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), myofibroblasts to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and apoptosis via canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. In the past decades, a number of microRNAs have been reported to participate in TGF-β-mediated tissue scarring; however, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in fibrogenesis remain largely unknown. Recently, emerging evidence has shown that lncRNAs are involved in the development of different diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and fibrotic diseases. In this review, we summarize the current updates of lncRNAs in TGF-β1-driven tissue fibrosis and discuss their therapeutic potential for the treatment of chronic fibrotic diseases.

Thyroid cancer stem-like cell exosomes: regulation of EMT via transfer of lncRNAs

Thyroid cancers are the most common endocrine malignancy and approximately 2% of thyroid cancers are anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), one of the most lethal and treatment resistant human cancers. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) may initiate tumorigenesis, induce resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have multipotent capability and may be responsible for recurrent and metastatic disease. The production of CSCs has been linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of stemness. Exosomes are small (30-150 nm) membranous vesicles secreted by most cells that play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication. Many non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), such as long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), can initiate tumorigenesis and the EMT process. Exosomes carry ncRNAs to local and distant cell populations. This study examines secreted exosomes from two in vitro cell culture models; an EMT model and a CSC model. The EMT was induced in a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell line by TGFβ1 treatment. Exosomes from this model were isolated and cultured with naïve PTC cells and examined for EMT induction. In the CSC model, exosomes were isolated from a CSC clonal line, cultured with a normal thyroid cell line and examined for EMT induction. The EMT exosomes transferred the lncRNA MALAT1 and EMT effectors SLUG and SOX2; however, EMT was not induced in this model. The exosomes from the CSC model also transferred the lncRNA MALAT1 and the transcription factors SLUG and SOX2 but additionally transferred linc-ROR and induced EMT in the normal thyroid cells. Preliminary siRNA studies directed towards linc-ROR reduced invasion. We hypothesize that CSC exosomes transfer lncRNAs, importantly linc-ROR, to induce EMT and inculcate the local tumor microenvironment and the distant metastatic niche. Therapies directed towards CSCs, their exosomes and/or the lncRNAs they carry may reduce a tumor's metastatic capacity.

Curcumol attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via TGF-β1

The current study aimed to identify the effect and primary mechanism of Curcumol on the migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Curcumol was dissolved in absolute ethyl alcohol and the experiment was performed in NPC 5–8F cells in vitro and in vivo. The effect of different concentrations of Curcumol on cell migration was determined using wound healing and Transwell assays. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was also performed in order to determine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of Curcumol on apoptosis. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins and genes was evaluated by western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and ELISA. In addition, the antitumor activity of Curcumol was investigated in female BALB/C nude mice with orthotopic tumor implants. The results indicated that cell apoptosis was increased and the viability of NPC 5–8F cells was decreased following treatment with Curcumol at doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 µM/ml. The results of in vivo experiments indicated that tumor growth and weight were decreased following Curcumol administration. Furthermore, the results of western blotting and RT-qPCR demonstrated that Curcumol altered the level of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner in vivo. Curcumol also regulated the secretion of protein markers in the serum that were associated with EMT and TGF-β1 in the 5–8F xenograft mouse model. Thus, the results indicated that Curcumol induced TGF-β1-mediated EMT arrest by regulating E-cadherin and N-cadherin, which may prevent further development of NPC.

The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during normal embryonic development, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis, and wound healing.[...].

Metabolic Labeling and Profiling of Transfer RNAs Using Macroarrays

Transfer RNAs (tRNA) are abundant short non-coding RNA species that are typically 76 to 90 nucleotides in length. tRNAs are directly responsible for protein synthesis by translating codons in mRNA into amino acid sequences. tRNAs were long considered as house-keeping molecules that lacked regulatory functions. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that cellular tRNA levels fluctuate in correspondence to varying conditions such as cell type, environment, and stress. The fluctuation of tRNA expression directly influences gene translation, favoring or repressing the expression of particular proteins. Ultimately comprehending the dynamic of protein synthesis requires the development of methods able to deliver high-quality tRNA profiles. The method that we present here is named SPOt, which stands for Streamlined Platform for Observing tRNA. SPOt consists of three steps starting with metabolic labeling of cell cultures with radioactive orthophosphate, followed by guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction of radioactive total RNAs and finally hybridization on in-house printed macroarrays. tRNA levels are estimated by quantifying the radioactivity intensities at each probe spot. In the protocol presented here we profile tRNAs in Mycobacterium smegmatis mc²155, a nonpathogenic bacterium often used as a model organism to study tuberculosis.