Implication of the p53-Related miR-34c, -125b, and -203 in the Osteoblastic Differentiation and the Malignant Transformation of Bone Sarcomas

Emerging role and therapeutic implications of p53 in intervertebral disc degeneration

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common degenerative musculoskeletal disease that imposes a huge economic burden on both individuals and society. With the aggravation of social aging, the incidence of LBP has increased globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the primary cause of LBP. Currently, IDD treatment strategies include physiotherapy, medication, and surgery; however, none can address the root cause by ending the degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, in recent years, targeted therapy based on specific molecules has brought hope for treating IDD. The tumor suppressor gene p53 produces a transcription factor that regulates cell metabolism and survival. Recently, p53 was shown to play an important role in maintaining IVD microenvironment homeostasis by regulating IVD cell senescence, apoptosis, and metabolism by activating downstream target genes. This study reviews research progress regarding the potential role of p53 in IDD and discusses the challenges of targeting p53 in the treatment of IDD. This review will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of IDD and provide insights for the future development of precision treatments.

The role of mitochondria-related lncRNAs in characterizing the immune landscape and supervising the prognosis of osteosarcoma

Mitochondrial damage is related to the functional properties of immune cells as well as to tumorigenesis and progression. Nevertheless, there is an absence concerning the systematic evaluation of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs (MALs) in the immune profile and tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma patients. Based on transcriptomic and clinicopathological data from the TARGET database, MAL-related patterns were ascertained by consistent clustering, and gene set variation analysis of the different patterns was completed. Next, a MAL-derived scoring system was created using Cox and LASSO regression analyses and validated by Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves. The GSEA, ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT algorithms were utilized to characterize the immune status and underlying biological functions in the different MAL score groups. MAL-derived risk scores were well stabilized and outperformed traditional clinicopathological features to reliably predict 5-year survival in osteosarcoma cohorts. Moreover, patients with increased MAL scores were observed to suffer from poorer prognosis, higher tumor purity, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Based on estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentrations, the low-MAL score group benefited more from gemcitabine and docetaxel, and less from thapsigargin and sunitinib compared to the high-MAL score group. Pan-cancer analysis demonstrated that six hub MALs were strongly correlated with clinical outcomes, immune subtypes, and tumor stemness indices in various common cancers. Finally, we verified the expression patterns of hub MALs in osteosarcoma with qRT-PCR. In summary, we identified the crosstalk between prognostic MALs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in osteosarcoma, providing a potential strategy to ameliorate clinical stratification management.

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

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

A comprehensive investigation of histotype-specific microRNA and their variants in Stage I epithelial ovarian cancers

isomiRs, the sequence-variants of microRNA, are known to be tissue and cell type specific but their physiological role is largely unknown. In our study, we explored for the first time the expression of isomiRs across different Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) histological subtypes, in order to shed new light on their biological role in tumor growth and progression. In a multicentric retrospective cohort of tumor biopsies (n = 215) we sequenced small RNAs finding 971 expressed miRNAs, 64% of which are isomiRs. Among them, 42 isomiRs showed a clear histotype specific pattern, confirming our previously identified miRNA markers (miR192/194 and miR30a-3p/5p for mucinous and clear cell subtypes, respectively) and uncovering new biomarkers for all the five subtypes. Using integrative models, we found that the 38% of these miRNA expression alterations is the result of copy number variations while the 17% of differential transcriptional activities. Our work represents the first attempt to characterize isomiRs expression in Stage I EOC within and across subtypes and to contextualize their alterations in the framework of the large genomic heterogeneity of this tumor.

Implications of cancer stem cells in diabetes and pancreatic cancer

This review provides a detailed study of pancreatic cancer (PC) and the implication of different types of cancers concerning diabetes. The combination of anti-diabetic drugs with other anti-cancer drugs and phytochemicals can help prevent and treat this disease. PC cancer stem cells (CSCs) and how they migrate and develop into malignant tumors are discussed. A detailed explanation of the different mechanisms of diabetes development, which can enhance the pancreatic CSCs' proliferation by increasing the IGF factor levels, epigenetic modifications, DNA damage, and the influence of lifestyle factors like obesity, and inflammation, has been discussed. It also explains how cancer due to diabetes is associated with high mortality rates. One of the well-known diabetic drugs, metformin, can be combined with other anti-cancer drugs and prevent the development of PC and has been taken as one of the prime focus in this review. Overall, this paper provides insight into the relationship between diabetes and PC and the methods that can be employed to diagnose this disease at an earlier stage successfully.

A Review of Signaling Transduction Mechanisms in Osteoclastogenesis Regulation by Autophagy, Inflammation, and Immunity

Osteoclastogenesis is an ongoing rigorous course that includes osteoclast precursors fusion and bone resorption executed by degradative enzymes. Osteoclastogenesis is controlled by endogenous signaling and/or regulators or affected by exogenous conditions and can also be controlled both internally and externally. More evidence indicates that autophagy, inflammation, and immunity are closely related to osteoclastogenesis and involve multiple intracellular organelles (e.g., lysosomes and autophagosomes) and certain inflammatory or immunological factors. Based on the literature on osteoclastogenesis induced by different regulatory aspects, emerging basic cross-studies have reported the emerging disquisitive orientation for osteoclast differentiation and function. In this review, we summarize the partial potential therapeutic targets for osteoclast differentiation and function, including the signaling pathways and various cellular processes.

miRNA ‐34c suppresses osteosarcoma progression in vivo by targeting Notch and E2F

The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is dysregulated in many types of cancers including osteosarcoma (OS) due to genetic and epigenetic alterations. Among these, miR‐34c, an effector of tumor suppressor P53 and an upstream negative regulator of Notch signaling in osteoblast differentiation, is dysregulated in OS. Here, we demonstrated a tumor suppressive role of miR‐34c in OS progression using in vitro assays and in vivo genetic mouse models. We found that miR‐34c inhibits the proliferation and the invasion of metastatic OS cells, which resulted in reduction of the tumor burden and increased overall survival in an orthotopic xenograft model. Moreover, the osteoblast‐specific overexpression of miR‐34c increased survival in the osteoblast specific p53 mutant OS mouse model. We found that miR‐34c regulates the transcription of several genes in Notch signaling (NOTCH1, JAG1, and HEY2) and in p53‐mediated cell cycle and apoptosis (CCNE2, E2F5, E2F2, and HDAC1). More interestingly, we found that the metastatic‐free survival probability was increased among a patient cohort from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) OS, which has lower expression of direct targets of miR‐34c that was identified in our transcriptome analysis, such as E2F5 and NOTCH1. In conclusion, we demonstrate that miR‐34c is a tumor suppressive miRNA in OS progression in vivo. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting miR‐34c in OS. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

LncRNA ROR/miR-145-5p axis modulates the osteoblasts proliferation and apoptosis in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic bone metabolic disease. Promotion of osteoblast proliferation and inhibition of cell apoptosis may be helpful for the prevention and clinical treatment of OP. In the current study, we focused on the expression changes and clinical values of lncRNA ROR and miR-145-5p in OP clinical serum samples, and investigated the interactive modulation effect of ROR/miR-145-5p on osteoblast function. Serum samples were obtained from 82 OP patients and 79 healthy individuals. MC3T3-E1 was applied for the cell experiments. Levels of lncRNA ROR and miR-145-5p were detected using qRT-PCR. Transient transfection was performed to regulate gene levels in cells, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected. A reciprocal correlation between lncRNA ROR and miR-145-5p was explored. LncRNA ROR was downregulated, and miR-145-5p was overexpressed in OP patients. The combined diagnosis of ROR and miR-145-5p showed good diagnostic value for OP. ROR knockdown promoted the MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. Luciferase reporting assay verified the target relationship between ROR and miR-145-5p. MiR-145-5p downregulation reversed ROR silence mediated effect on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and apoptosis. LncRNA ROR is downregulated and miR-145-5p is highly expressed in OP patients. ROR knockdown may inhibit osteoblast proliferation via targeting miR-145-5p. It may provide a theoretical basis and experimental basis for ROR to be a potential target for the treatment of OP.

miR-19 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Invasion, Migration, and EMT by Inhibiting SPRED2-mediated Autophagy in Osteosarcoma Cells

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy with rapid development and poor prognosis. microRNA-19 (miR-19) plays an important role in several biological processes. Sprouty-related EVH1 domain protein 2 (SPRED2) is a suppressor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) signaling to inhibit tumor development and progression by promoting autophagy. In this study, we investigated the roles of miR-19, SPRED2, and autophagy in osteosarcoma. We detected the expression of miR-19, SPRED2, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and autophagy-related proteins via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. To evaluate the function of miR-19 and SPRED2, we used MTT and colony formation assays to detect cell proliferation, Transwell, and wound-healing assays to detect cell invasion and migration. Targetscan and luciferase reporter assays confirmed the relationship between SPRED2 and miR-19. The expression of miR-19 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma, while SPRED2 was downregulated. miR-19 inhibitor reduced cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT, while its cell biological effects were partially reversed by addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or SPRED2 siRNA in osteosarcoma. SPRED2, a suppressor of ERK/MAPK pathway that is known to trigger autophagy, was identified as a direct target of miR-19. SPRED2 overexpression increased cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT by promoting autophagy, and the effects could be inhibited by 3-MA. Collectively, these findings reveal an underlying mechanism for development of osteosarcoma. miR-19 was upregulated in osteosarcoma cells, and negatively regulated SPRED2, thus promoting the malignant transformation of osteosarcoma cells via inhibiting SPRED2-induced autophagy. Therefore, miR-19/SPRED2 may be a potential target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Identification of potential micro-messenger RNAs (miRNA-mRNA) interaction network of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Numerous studies have reported the importance of miRNA in OS. The purpose of this study is to predict potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for OS diagnosis and prognosis by analyzing miRNAs of OS plasma samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Data-sets were downloaded from the GEO and analyzed using R software. Different expressions of miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in plasma and mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) in OS patients were identified. Funrich was used to predict the transcription factors and target genes of miRNAs. By comparing the target mRNAs and DE-mRNAs, the intersection mRNAs were identified. The intersection mRNAs were imported to perform Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. MiRNA-mRNA regulatory network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by using Cytoscape. Finally, a total of 164 DE-miRNAs, 256 DE-mRNAs, and 76 intersection mRNAs were identified. The top 10 TF of up- and down-regulated DE-miRNAs were also predicted. In addition, GO and KEGG analyses further revealed the intersection mRNAs. By constructing the miRNA–mRNA networks, we found miR-30d-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-301a-3p, and miR-30e-5p were the central hubs. COL1A1, COL1A2, MMP2, CDH11, COL4A1 etc. were predicted to be the key mRNA by constructing the PPI networks. Through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs in OS, we explored the potential effective biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of OS.

Exosomes are involved in total body irradiation-induced intestinal injury in mice

Ionizing radiation-induced intestinal injury is a catastrophic complication in patients receiving radiotherapy. Circulating exosomes from patients undergoing radiotherapy can mediate communication between cells and facilitate a variety of pathological processes in vivo, but its effects on ionizing radiation-induced intestinal damage are undetermined. In this study we investigated the roles of exosomes during total body irradiation (TBI)-induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro. We isolated exosomes from serum of donor mice 24 h after lethal dose (9 Gy) TBI (Exo-IR-24h), then intravenously injected the exosomes into receipt mice, and found that Exo-IR-24h injection not only exacerbated 9 Gy TBI-induced lethality and weight loss, but also promoted crypt-villus structural and functional injury of the small intestine in receipt mice. Moreover, Exo-IR-24h injection significantly enhanced the apoptosis and DNA damage of small intestine in receipt mice following TBI exposure. In murine intestinal epithelial MODE-K cells, treatment with Exo-IR-24h significantly promoted 4 Gy ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis, resulting in decreased cell vitality. We further demonstrated that Exo-IR-24h promoted the IR-induced injury in receipt mice partially through its DNA damage-promoting effects and attenuating Nrf2 antioxidant response in irradiated MODE-K cells. In addition, TBI-related miRNAs and their targets in the exosomes of mice were enriched functionally using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Finally, injection of GW4869 (an inhibitor of exosome biogenesis and release, 1.25 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 5 consecutive days starting 3 days before radiation exposure) was able to rescue mice against 9 Gy TBI-induced lethality and intestinal damage. Collectively, this study reveals that exosomes are involved in TBI-induced intestinal injury in mice and provides a new target to protect patients against irradiation-induced intestinal injury during radiotherapy.

Mir-34c affects the proliferation and pluripotency of porcine induced pluripotent stem cell (piPSC)-like cells by targeting c-Myc

MicroRNAs are important regulators in stem cells, which involve in gene regulation, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. As an important one, miR-34c participates in various processes by targeting protein-coding genes. It is generally considered as a tumor suppressor and cell adhesion inhibitor. However, whether miR-34c has effects on pluripotent stem cells is not clear. Here, by mir-34c mimics transfection, the function of miR-34c on porcine induced pluripotent stem cell (piPSC)-like cells was investigated. Bioinformatics analyses showed that c-Myc is miR-34c's candidate target, which was confirmed by dual Luciferase assay. The knockout of miR-34c indicated that mir-34c affects the proliferation and pluripotency of piPSC-like cells by targeting c-Myc. Our study explored the regulatory mechanism of miR-34c on piPSC-like cells, providing a reference for the establishment of true porcine PSCs.

Bioinformatics analysis to determine the prognostic value and prospective pathway signaling of miR-126 in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in the initiation and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, further investigation of the specific role of miR-126 in NSCLC is still required.

Methods

An analysis of miR-126 expression in NSCLC was carried out using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and a literature review was also performed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in three mRNA datasets, GSE18842, GSE19804, and GSE101929, from GEO were identified. Following the prediction of hsa-miR-126-5p target genes by TargetScan, the overlap of miR-126 target genes with DEGs in NSCLC was examined. After that, Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed. Finally, an analysis to identify the impact of hub genes on the prognosis of NSCLC was carried out on the basis of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network constructed using STRING and Cytoscape.

Results

The data in the literature review revealed a trend that miR126 was downregulated in NSCLC. The number of both NSCLC-related and miR-126-related DEGs was 187. Dozens of DEGs were significantly enriched in biological regulation, cell membrane binding, and signal receptor binding. In the PPI network analysis, 3 of 10 identified hub genes, namely NCAPG, MELK, and KIAA0101, were obviously related to poor prognosis in NSCLC; the survival rate was low among patients with high expression levels of these genes. Furthermore, through network analysis, TPX2, HMMR, and ANLN were identified as recessive miR-126-related genes that may be involved in NSCLC.

Conclusions

MiR-126 plays an essential role in the biological processes of NSCLC through binding to target genes and influences the prognosis of patients with the disease.