MiR-29a Curbs Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence via Targeting of HIF-1α and ANGPT2

MiR-29a-laden extracellular vesicles efficiently induced apoptosis through autophagy blockage in HCC cells

BACKGROUND

In spite of significant advancements in theraputic modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is still a high annual mortality rate with a rising incidence. Major challenges in the HCC clinical managment are related to the development of therapy resistance, and evasion of tumor cells apoptosis which leading unsatisfactory outcomes in HCC patients. Previous investigations have shown that autophagy plays crucial role in contributing to drug resistance development in HCC. Although, miR-29a is known to counteract authophagy, increasing evidence revealed a down-regulation of miR-29a in HCC patients which correlates with poor prognosis. Beside, evidences showed that miR-29a serves as a negative regulator of autophagy in other cancers. In the current study, we aim to investigate the impact of miR-29a on the autophagy and apoptosis in HCC cells using extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a natural delivery system given their potential in the miRNA delivery both in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

Human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles were lately isolated through 20,000 or 110,000 × g centrifugation (EV20K or EV110K, respectively), characterized by western blot (WB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). miR-29a was subsequently loaded into these EVs and its loading efficiency was evaluated via RT-qPCR. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assessments were then performed on Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines.

RESULTS

EV20K-miR-29a treatment significantly induces cell apoptosis and reduces both cell proliferation and colony formation in Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines. In addition, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio was increased while the expression of key autophagy regulators TFEB and ATG9A were downregulated by this treatment. These findings suggest an effective blockade of autophagy by EV20K-miR-29a leading to apoptosis in the HCC cell lines through concomitant targeting of critical mediators within each pathway.

Exosomal noncoding RNAs: decoding their role in thyroid cancer progression

Exosomes, as pivotal entities within the tumor microenvironment, orchestrate intercellular communication through the transfer of diverse molecules, among which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs play a crucial role. These ncRNAs, endowed with regulatory functions, are selectively incorporated into exosomes. Emerging evidence underscores the significance of exosomal ncRNAs in modulating key oncogenic processes in thyroid cancer (TC), including proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and immunoediting. The unique composition of exosomes shields their cargo from enzymatic and chemical degradation, ensuring their integrity and facilitating their specific expression in plasma. This positions exosomal ncRNAs as promising candidates for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in TC. Moreover, the potential of exosomes in the therapeutic landscape of TC is increasingly recognized. This review aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between exosomal ncRNAs and TC, fostering a deeper comprehension of their mechanistic involvement. By doing so, it endeavors to propel forward the exploration of exosomal ncRNAs in TC, ultimately paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies predicated on exosomes and their ncRNA content.

The effect of lipid metabolism on cuproptosis-inducing cancer therapy

Cuproptosis provides a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and is thought to have broad clinical application prospects. Nevertheless, some oncological clinical trials have yet to demonstrate favorable outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying cuproptosis in tumors. Cuproptosis primarily hinges on the intracellular accumulation of copper, with lipid metabolism exerting a profound influence on its course. The interaction between copper metabolism and lipid metabolism is closely related to cuproptosis. Copper imbalance can affect mitochondrial respiration and lipid metabolism changes, while lipid accumulation can promote copper uptake and absorption, and inhibit cuproptosis induced by copper. Anomalies in lipid metabolism can disrupt copper homeostasis within cells, potentially triggering cuproptosis. The interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism regulates the occurrence, development, metastasis, chemotherapy drug resistance, and tumor immunity of cancer. Cuproptosis is a promising new target for cancer treatment. However, the influence of lipid metabolism and other factors should be taken into consideration. This review provides a brief overview of the characteristics of the interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer and analyses potential strategies of applying cuproptosis for cancer treatment.

LncRNA HEIH modulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, is a serious problem worldwide. This research sought to examine how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) high expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEIH) affects the development and progression of HCC.

Methods

The expression of HEIH in HCC patients and HCC cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, HEIH was knocked down, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, wound-healing and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of HEIH on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the HCC cells, respectively. A xenografted mice model was constructed to investigate the function of HEIH on HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. The interactions among HEIH, microRNA (miR)-193a-5p and cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) were also investigated by dual luciferase reporter (DLR) gene and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results

HEIH was highly expressed in HCC tissues, and was correlated with advanced TNM stage and the absence of vascular invasion. The in vitro experiments showed that silencing HEIH restrained the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, and hampered xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, HEIH was shown to bind directly to microRNA 193a-5p (miR-193a-5p) and facilitate the expression of the target gene CDK8 in the HCC cells. CDK8 overexpression and miR-193a-5p silencing attenuated the effects of si-HEIH-induced inhibition on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.

Conclusions

Silencing HEIH restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells via the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis.

The role of noncoding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading fatal malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the survival, proliferation, migration, and even dormancy of cancer cells. Hypoxia is an important component of the TME, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the most important transcriptional regulator. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), comprise a large part of the human transcriptome and play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis of HCC. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis in a hypoxic microenvironment, as well as the interactions between ncRNAs and key components of the TME. It further discusses their use as biomarkers and the potential clinical value of drugs, as well as the challenges faced in the future.

Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting

LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.

Molecular Diagnostics, Pathology and Biomarkers of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms

This Special Issue aims to highlight the advances made regarding the molecular profile of digestive system tumors in experimental and clinical studies [...].

MicroRNA-29a Mitigates Laminectomy-Induced Spinal Epidural Fibrosis and Gait Dysregulation by Repressing TGF-β1 and IL-6

Spinal epidural fibrosis is one of the typical features attributable to failed back surgery syndrome, with excessive scar development in the dura and nerve roots. The microRNA-29 family (miR-29s) has been found to act as a fibrogenesis-inhibitory factor that reduces fibrotic matrix overproduction in various tissues. However, the mechanistic basis of miRNA-29a underlying the overabundant fibrotic matrix synthesis in spinal epidural scars post-laminectomy remained elusive. This study revealed that miR-29a attenuated lumbar laminectomy-induced fibrogenic activity, and epidural fibrotic matrix formation was significantly lessened in the transgenic mice (miR-29aTg) as compared with wild-type mice (WT). Moreover, miR-29aTg limits laminectomy-induced damage and has also been demonstrated to detect walking patterns, footprint distribution, and moving activity. Immunohistochemistry staining of epidural tissue showed that miR-29aTg was a remarkably weak signal of IL-6, TGF-β1, and DNA methyltransferase marker, Dnmt3b, compared to the wild-type mice. Taken together, these results have further strengthened the evidence that miR-29a epigenetic regulation reduces fibrotic matrix formation and spinal epidural fibrotic activity in surgery scars to preserve the integrity of the spinal cord core. This study elucidates and highlights the molecular mechanisms that reduce the incidence of spinal epidural fibrosis, eliminating the risk of gait abnormalities and pain associated with laminectomy.

The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in hepatic lipid metabolism

Chronic liver disease is a major public health problem with a high and increasing prevalence worldwide. In the progression of chronic liver disease, steatosis drives the progression of the disease to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is central to the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. HIF-1α upregulates the expression of genes related to lipid uptake and synthesis in the liver and downregulates the expression of lipid oxidation genes. Thus, it promotes intrahepatic lipid deposition. In addition, HIF-1α is expressed in white adipose tissue, where lipolysis releases free fatty acids (FFAs) into the blood. These circulating FFAs are taken up by the liver and accumulate in the liver. The expression of HIF-1α in the liver condenses bile and makes it easier to form gallstones. Contrary to the role of hepatic HIF-1α, intestinal HIF-1α expression can maintain a healthy microbiota and intestinal barrier. Thus, it plays a protective role against hepatic steatosis. This article aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of HIF-1α in hepatic steatosis and to encourage the development of therapeutic agents associated with HIF-1α pathways. KEY MESSAGES: • Hepatic HIF-1α expression promotes lipid uptake and synthesis and reduces lipid oxidation leading to hepatic steatosis. • The expression of HIF-1α in the liver condenses bile and makes it easier to form gallstones. • Intestinal HIF-1α expression can maintain a healthy microbiota and intestinal barrier.

Effect of miR‑29a‑3p in exosomes on glioma cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT/HIF‑1α pathway

Exosomes secreted by glioma cells can carry a number of bioactive molecules. As the most abundant noncoding RNA in exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in signaling between tumor cells in a number of ways. In addition, hypoxia is an important feature of the microenvironment of most tumors. The present study investigated the effect of miR‑29a‑3p in glioma exosomes on the proliferation and apoptosis levels of U251 glioma cells under hypoxia. Qualitative PCR results showed that the expression level of miR‑29a‑3p in plasma exosomes of glioma patients was lower than that of normal subjects. By conducting hypoxia experiments in vitro on U251 glioma cells, it was found that the expression level of miR‑29a‑3p decreased following hypoxia, while overexpression of miR‑29a‑3p significantly decreased the proliferation of U251 glioma cells and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl‑2 and increasing the expression of the proapoptotic marker Bax The potential targets of miR‑29a‑3p were predicted by online tools and validated by a dual‑luciferase gene reporter assay. miR‑29a‑3p was found to target and regulate PI3K, which in turn inhibited the activity of the PI3K‑AKT pathway, thereby reducing the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1α protein. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑29a‑3p on proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells in those processes could be reversed by the PI3K‑AKT agonist Recilisib. In addition, the inhibitory effect of miR‑29a‑3p on the PI3K/AKT/HIF‑1α regulatory axis could cause a decrease in the expression levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‑1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‑2 and eventually lead to a reduction in glycolysis in U251 glioma cells. Similarly, Recilisib slowed the inhibitory effect of miR‑29a‑3p on glycolysis and glycolysis‑related molecules. The results of this study tentatively confirm that miR‑29a‑3p carried by exosomes can be used as a novel diagnostic marker and a potential inhibitory molecule for glioma cells, providing a new theoretical and experimental basis for the precise clinical treatment of glioma.

Cancer Stem Cell and Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer. It is highly lethal and has high recurrence. Death among HCC patients occur mainly due to tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cell subpopulations within the tumor that promote invasion, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) responsible for primary secretory ECM proteins during liver injury and inflammation. These cells promote fibrogenesis, infiltrate the tumor stroma, and contribute to HCC development. Interactions between HSC and CSC and their microenvironment help promote carcinogenesis through different mechanisms. This review summarizes the roles of CSCs and HSCs in establishing the TME in primary liver tumors and describes their involvement in HCC chemoresistance.

MiR-29a-3p: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer

Cancer is frequently caused by microRNAs, which control post-transcriptional levels of gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. MiR-29a-3p has recently been shown to play a twofold function in the majority of malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), according to mounting evidence. Here, we not only briefly summarize such connection between miR-29a-3p and cancers, but aslo primarily evaluate the miR-29a-3p expression pattern, clinical applicability, and molecular mechanisms in CRC to provide a guide for future studies. This review established the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-29a-3p abnormalty in a variety of clinical samples for CRC. Furthermore, current molecular mechanisms of miR-29a-3p for regulating cancerous biological processes such growth, invasion, metastasis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process, and immunomodulation through its upstream regulatory factors and downstream targeted genes were briefly explored. More specifically, miR-29a-3p has been linked to a few medications that have been shown to have anticancer benefits. To sum up, miR-29a-3p is a promising biomarker and prospective therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, but further research is still needed to establish a theoretical basis for more practical applications.

Immunoregulation and clinical significance of neutrophils/NETs-ANGPT2 in tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer

Although significant progress has been made in the study of gastric cancer (GC), clinicians lack reliable protein markers for accurate diagnosis and tumor stratification. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of extracellular fibers composed of DNA from neutrophils. We have previously reported that abundant NETs are deposited in GC, damaging human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and triggering the release of tissue factors, leading to a hypercoagulable state in GC. However, the specific effects of NETs on HUVECs are unclear. We aimed to explore the functional changes caused by NETs on HUVECs, providing evidence that NETs may fuel GC progression. Through quantitative proteomics, we identified 6182 differentially expressed proteins in NET-stimulated HUVECs by TMT. The reliability of the TMT technique was confirmed by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis of 17 differentially expressed proteins. Through bioinformatics analysis, we found that NETs upregulate ANGPT2 in HUVECs. We comprehensively analyzed the prognosis, biological function, immune response, and therapeutic value of ANGPT2 in GC. We found that overexpression of ANGPT2 in GC is associated with poor prognosis and potentially regulates multiple biological functions. At the same time, ANGPT2 also predicted immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses in GC. In conclusion, NETs promoted ANGPT2 overexpression in the GC microenvironment. In the future, the neutrophil/NETs-ANGPT2 axis may provide a new target for the treatment of GC.