Expression Profiles of Long Non-Coding RNA GAS5 and MicroRNA-222 in Younger AML Patients

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Leukemia

Leukemia is a heterogenous group of hematological malignancies categorized in four main types (acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Several cytogenetic and molecular markers have become a part of routine analysis for leukemia patients. These markers have been used in diagnosis, risk-stratification and targeted therapy application. Recent studies have indicated that numerous regulatory RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have a role in tumor initiation and progression. When it comes to leukemia, data for lncRNA involvement in its etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize research data on lncRNAs in different types of leukemia, on their expression pattern, their role in leukemic transformation and disease progression. The usefulness of this information in the clinical setting, i.e., for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, will be emphasized. Finally, how particular lncRNAs could be used as potential targets for the application of targeted therapy will be considered.

lncRNA GAS5 Induces Cell Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Targeting Nrf2

Objective

This study is aimed at investigating the molecular mechanism of lncRNA GAS5-induced cell apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting Nrf2.

Methods

The RNA interfering technique was utilized to silence THP-1 in AML cell line, and lncRNA GAS5 expression in cell line was determined by real-time PCR. EdU experiment and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis and proliferation ability of cells in different groups. PD-L1, STAT3, AKT, and MMP9 expressions were determined by Western blot.

Results

The si-RNA significantly inhibited the expression of lncRNA GAS5 in THP-1 cells. Compared with the si-NC group, the difference in cell apoptosis between lncRNA GAS5 and Nrf2 groups was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the lncRNA GAS5 group, the number of apoptotic cells in the lncRNA GAS5+Nrf2 group significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the si-NC group, the differences in the levels of four proteins between lncRNA GAS5 and Nrf2 groups were significant (P < 0.05). In lncRNA GAS5+Nrf2 and lncRNA GAS5 groups, PD-L1 expression increased, while the expression of STAT3, AKT, and MMP9 decreased.

Conclusion

In AML cells, lncRNA GAS5 with Nrf2 could regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells. lncRNA GAS5 inhibited Nrf2 expression, regulated cell apoptosis and proliferation, and further inhibited the progression of AML disease.