MicroRNAs in Smoking-Related Carcinogenesis: Biomarkers, Functions, and Therapy

Smoking-Mediated miR-301a/IRF1 Axis Controlling Immunotherapy Response in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Revealed by Bioinformatic Analysis

Smoking is an established risk factor for a variety of malignant tumors, the most well-known of which is lung cancer. Various molecular interactions are known to link tobacco smoke exposure to lung cancer, but new data are still emerging on the effects of smoking on lung cancer development, progression, and tumor response to therapy. In this study, we reveal in further detail the previously established association between smoking and hsa-mir-301a activity in lung squamous cell carcinoma, LUSC. Using different bioinformatic tools, we identified IRF1 as a key smoking-regulated target of hsa-mir-301a in LUSC. We further confirmed this relationship experimentally using clinical LUSC tissue samples and intact lung tissue samples. Thus, increased hsa-mir-301a levels, decreased IRF1 mRNA levels, and their negative correlation were shown in LUSC tumor samples. Additional bioinformatic investigation for potential pathways impacted by such a mechanism demonstrated IRF1's multifaceted role in controlling the antitumor immune response in LUSC. IRF1 was then shown to affect tumor immune infiltration, the expression of immune checkpoint molecules, and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. As a result, here we suggest a smoking-regulated mir301a/IRF1 molecular axis that could modulate the antitumor immune response and immunotherapy efficacy in LUSC, opening up novel opportunities for future research.

Anticancer mechanism of coumarin-based derivatives

The structural motif of coumarins is related with various biological activities and pharmacological properties. Both natural coumarin extracted from various plants or a new coumarin derivative synthesized by modification of the basic structure of coumarin, in vitro experiments showed that coumarins are a promising class of anti-tumor agents with high selectivity. Cancer is a complex and multifaceted group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the body. This review focuses on the anticancer mechanism of various coumarins synthesized and isolated in more than a decade. Isopentenyloxycoumarins inhibit angiogenesis by reducing CCl2 chemokine levels. Ferulin C is a potent colchicine-binding agent that destabilizes microtubules, exhibiting antiproliferative and anti-metastatic effects in breast cancer cells through PAK1 and PAK2-mediated signaling. Trimers of triphenylethylene-coumarin hybrids demonstrated significant proliferation inhibition in HeLa, A549, K562, and MCF-7 cell lines. Platinum(IV) complexes with 4-hydroxycoumarin have the potential for high genotoxicity against tumor cells, inducing apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells by up-regulating caspase 3 and caspase 9 expression. Derivatives of 3-benzyl coumarin seco-B-ring induce apoptosis, mediated through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Sesquiterpene coumarins inhibit the efflux pump of multidrug resistance-associated protein. Coumarin imidazolyl derivatives inhibit the aromatase enzyme, a major contributor to estrogen overproduction in estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

Circ_0091579 Knockdown Inhibited HCC Proliferation and Glutamine Metabolism Through miR-1270/YAP1 Axis

A growing number of studies have indicated that circRNAs play an important role in the progression of malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we designed to explore the abnormal expression of hsa_circ_0091579 (circ_0091579) and its role in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this study, the mRNA levels of circ_0091579, miR-1270, and Yes-associated protein (YAP1) were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RNase R and Actinomycin D were used to test the stability of circ_0091579. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure cell viability. Tubule formation assay was used to determine the effect of HCC cells on the number of tubes. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used for the protein levels. Transwell and wound healing tests were used to measure the abilities of invasion and migration. The effect of circ_0091579 knockdown on tumor growth was verified in vivo by xenograft tumor assay and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter or RIP assay was used to detect the relationship between miR-1270 and circ_0091579 or YAP1. Glutamine metabolism was determined by ELISA and western blot assays. In the present study, we found that circ_0091579 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Inhibited circ_0091579 expression significantly suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Moreover, circ_0091579 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatic prediction and luciferase assay showed that circ_0091579 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-1270 and YAP1 was a target gene of miR-1270. MiR-1270 silencing could reverse the inhibitory effect of circ_0091579 knockdown on HCC progression, and YAP1 overexpression also could reverse the suppressive effect of circ_0091579 silencing on HCC progression. Meanwhile, miR-1270 inhibitor could invert the negative regulation effect of circ_0091579 silencing on YAP1 expression. Circ_0091579 promoted HCC progression by regulating the miR-1270/YAP1 axis, and our study might offer novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.

Overexpression of MicroRNA-138 Affects the Proliferation and Invasion of Urothelial Carcinoma Cells by Suppressing SOX9 Expression

SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) is important for sexual differentiation, chondrogenic differentiation, and cell proliferation in cancer. It acts as a target molecule of microRNA (miR)-138 in various tumors and is associated with tumor development and growth. In this study, we analyzed the functions of miR-138 and SOX9 in urothelial carcinoma. SOX9 was highly expressed in invasive urothelial carcinoma tissues. miR-138 precursor transfection of T24 and UMUC2 cells significantly decreased SOX9 expression, indicating that SOX9 is a miR-138 target in urothelial carcinoma. Moreover, miR-138 precursor or SOX9 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection decreased the proliferation of urothelial carcinoma cell lines. To further confirm that miR-138-SOX9 signaling is involved in cell proliferation and invasion, urothelial carcinoma cells were transfected with the miR-138 precursor or SOX9 siRNA. This transfection reduced the proliferation and invasion of cells via the promotion of autophagy and apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. These results suggest that miR-138-SOX9 signaling modulates the growth and invasive potential of urothelial carcinoma cells.

RNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and diverse group of malignancies with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and monitoring of HNC are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive diagnostic approach, has emerged as a promising tool for cancer detection and monitoring. In this article, we review the application of RNA-based liquid biopsy in HNC. Various types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are explored as potential biomarkers in HNC liquid-based diagnostics. The roles of RNAs in HNC diagnosis, metastasis, tumor resistance to radio and chemotherapy, and overall prognosis are discussed. RNA-based liquid biopsy holds great promise for the early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment of HNC. Further research and validation are necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Diagnostic and prognostic potential clustered miRNAs in bladder cancer

At specific genomic loci, miRNAs are in clusters and their association with copy number variations (CNVs) may exhibit abnormal expression in several cancers. Hence, the current study aims to understand the expression of miRNA clusters residing within CNVs and the regulation of their target genes in bladder cancer. To achieve this, we used extensive bioinformatics resources and performed an integrated analysis of recurrent CNVs, clustered miRNA expression, gene expression, and drug–gene interaction datasets. The study identified nine upregulated miRNA clusters that are residing on CNV gain regions and three miRNA clusters (hsa-mir-200c/mir-141, hsa-mir-216a/mir-217, and hsa-mir-15b/mir-16-2) are correlated with patient survival. These clustered miRNAs targeted 89 genes that were downregulated in bladder cancer. Moreover, network and gene enrichment analysis displayed 10 hub genes (CCND2, ETS1, FGF2, FN1, JAK2, JUN, KDR, NOTCH1, PTEN, and ZEB1) which have significant potential for diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer patients. Interestingly, hsa-mir-200c/mir-141 and hsa-mir-15b/mir-16-2 cluster candidates showed significant differences in their expression in stage-specific manner during cancer progression. Downregulation of NOTCH1 by hsa-mir-200c/mir-141 may also sensitize tumors to methotrexate thus suggesting potential chemotherapeutic options for bladder cancer subjects. To overcome some computational challenges and reduce the complexity in multistep big data analysis, we developed an automated pipeline called CmiRClustFinder v1.0 (https://github.com/msls-bioinfo/CmiRClustFinder_v1.0), which can perform integrated data analysis of 35 TCGA cancer types.

Diagnostic Strategies for Urologic Cancer Using Expression Analysis of Various Oncogenic Surveillance Molecules—From Non-Coding Small RNAs to Cancer-Specific Proteins

Urinary-tract-related tumors are prone to simultaneous or heterogeneous multiple tumor development within the primary organ. Urologic tumors have a very high risk of recurrence in the long and short term. This may be related to the disruption of homeostasis on the genetic level, such as the induction of genetic mutations due to exposure to various carcinogenic factors and the disruption of cancer suppressor gene functions. It is essential to detect the cancer progression signals caused by genetic abnormalities and find treatment therapies. In this review, we discuss the usefulness of tumor-expressing clinical biomarkers for predicting cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss various factors associated with disturbed intracellular signals and those targeted by microRNAs, which are representative of non-coding small RNAs.

Association of Treatable Health Conditions During Adolescence With Accelerated Aging at Midlife

IMPORTANCE

Biological aging is a distinct construct from health; however, people who age quickly are more likely to experience poor health. Identifying pediatric health conditions associated with accelerated aging could help develop treatment approaches to slow midlife aging and prevent poor health in later life.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between 4 treatable health conditions in adolescence and accelerated aging at midlife.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study analyzed data from participants in the Dunedin Study, a longitudinal investigation of health and behavior among a birth cohort born between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973, in Dunedin, New Zealand, and followed up until age 45 years. Participants underwent an assessment at age 45 years and had data for at least 1 adolescent health condition (asthma, smoking, obesity, and psychological disorders) and outcome measure (pace of aging, gait speed, brain age, and facial age). Data analysis was performed from February 11 to September 27, 2021.

EXPOSURES

Asthma, cigarette smoking, obesity, and psychological disorders were assessed at age 11, 13, and 15 years.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The outcome was a midlife aging factor composite score comprising 4 measures of biological aging: pace of aging, gait speed, brain age (specifically, BrainAGE score), and facial age.

RESULTS

A total of 910 participants (459 men [50.4%]) met the inclusion criteria, including an assessment at age 45 years. Participants who had smoked daily (0.61 [95% CI, 0.43-0.79] SD units), had obesity (0.82 [95% CI, 0.59-1.06] SD units), or had a psychological disorder diagnosis (0.43 [95% CI, 0.29-0.56] SD units) during adolescence were biologically older at midlife compared with participants without these conditions. Participants with asthma were not biologically older at midlife (0.02 [95% CI, -0.14 to 0.19] SD units) compared with those without asthma. These results remained unchanged after adjusting for childhood risk factors such as poor health, socioeconomic disadvantage, and adverse experiences.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that adolescent smoking, obesity, and psychological disorder diagnoses were associated with older biological age at midlife. These health conditions could be treated during adolescence to reduce the risk of accelerated biological aging later in life.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Lung Cancer: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy

Lung cancer is the first cause of cancer death in the world due to its high prevalence, aggressiveness, late diagnosis, lack of effective treatment and poor prognosis. It also shows high rate of recurrence, metastasis and drug resistance. All these problems highlight the urgent needs for developing new strategies using noninvasive biomarkers for early detection, metastasis and recurrence of disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. These molecules found to be abnormally expressed in increasing number of human disease conditions including cancer. miRNAs could be detected in body fluids such as blood, serum, urine and sputum, which leads us towards the idea of using them as non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring cancer treatment and recurrence. miRNAs are found to be deregulated in lung cancer initiation and progression and could regulate lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In this review, we summarized recent progress and discoveries in microRNAs regulatory role in lung cancer initiation and progression. In addition, the role of microRNAs in EGFR signaling pathway regulation is discussed briefly.

miRNA-138-5p suppresses cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis in testicular cells by targeting Caspase-3 through the Bcl-2 signaling pathway

Long-term cigarette smoking (CS) can cause testicular toxicity, which interferes with normal spermatogenesis and leads to male infertility. One possible mechanism for this is the activation of the apoptosis signaling pathway, which leads to the irreversible apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the exact mechanism for this is not completely understood. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were performed to elucidate the function of micro RNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of male testicular cell injury induced by CS. The results suggested that testicular cell injury was associated with CS both in vitro and in vivo. CS extract (CSE)-treated Leydig and Sertoli cells showed noticeable apoptosis. Based on the results of Agilent miRNA microarray and bioinformatics analyses, miRNA-138-5p was used in subsequent experiments. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays showed a negative correlation between miR-138-5p and Caspase-3 expression. Transfection of miR-138-5p mimic significantly inhibited apoptosis and downregulated the expression of Caspase-3 in TM3 and TM4 cells. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-138-5p directly targeted Caspase-3 to regulate the apoptosis of testicular cells mediated by CSE. In addition, overexpression of miR-138-5p markedly downregulated the expression of p53 and Bak, which played critical roles in the Bcl-2 pathway. These results demonstrate that miRNA-138-5p inhibits CS-induced apoptosis in testicular cells by targeting Caspase-3 through the Bcl-2 signaling pathway.

Tumor Suppressor miR-584-5p Inhibits Migration and Invasion in Smoking Related Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Targeting YKT6

Simple Summary

Cigarette smoke is a major carcinogen that causes lung cancer and induces DNA methylation. DNA methylation regulates the expression of microRNA (miRNAs), which are important regulators of cancer biology. However, the association between smoking and miRNAs has not been fully elucidated in smoking-related lung carcinogenesis. In this study, we found that miR-584-5p expression was downregulated with cancer progression using a lung carcinogenesis model cell line. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-584-5p is downregulated by the methylation of its promoter region and that it suppresses migration and invasion by targeting YKT6 in smoking-related non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Our results provide a better understanding of the underlying changes in miRNA expression in smoking-related lung carcinogenesis and suggest that miR-584-5p is a potential molecular biomarker for smoking-related NSCLC.

Abstract

Cigarette smoke (CS) affects the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important regulators of gene expression by inducing DNA methylation. However, the effects of smoking on miRNA expression have not been fully elucidated in smoking-related lung carcinogenesis. Therefore, in this study, to investigate the change of miRNA expression pattern and to identify tumor suppressor miRNAs by smoking in lung carcinogenesis, we used lung carcinogenesis model cell lines that, derived from a murine xenograft model with human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), exposed CS or not. The microarray analysis revealed that miR-584-5p expression was downregulated with cancer progression in lung carcinogenesis model cell lines. We confirmed by pyrosequencing that the methylation level of the miR-584-5p promoter increased with cancer progression. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-584-5p suppressed migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by targeting YKT6. Furthermore, we showed that high level of YKT6 was associated with a poor survival rate in NSCLC patients with a history of smoking. These results suggest that miR-584-5p acts as a tumor suppressor and is a potential molecular biomarker for smoking-related NSCLC.

The Effect of Tobacco Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Urinal miRNAs in a Pilot Study

The diseases associated with tobacco smoking affect miRNAs and small single-stranded non-coding RNAs. However, there are no data on urinal miRNAs in healthy smokers. We searched for the possible effect of smoking and smoking cessation on miRNA urine expression. For screening, Affymetrix miRNA 4.0 arrays were used in 33 urine samples obtained from six never smokers and from current smokers in three time-points before smoking cessation (n = 10), after short time abstinence (3–8 weeks), and after long-term abstinence (1 year). For validation, a quantitative (q) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used in 93 urine samples obtained from 18 never smokers and 25 current smokers in three time-points before smoking cessation, after short time abstinence (3–8 weeks), and after long-term abstinence (1 year). In screening analysis, 5 miRNAs (hsa-miR-3620-5p, hsa-miR-3613-5p, hsa-miR-3921, hsa-miR-5094, and hsa-miR-337-3p) were dysregulated in current vs. never smokers after multiple testing corrections. Smoking cessation was accompanied by miRNA dysregulation that did not reach a significant level after a multiple testing correction. In validation analysis, three miRNAs correlated with cotinine, but they were affected neither after smoking cessation nor between current and never smokers. Our whole-genome screening of 2.578 miRNAs and validation suggest that tobacco smoking has no or only a small effect on urinal miRNAs.

Identification of core miRNA prognostic markers in patients with laryngeal cancer using bioinformatics analysis

PURPOSE

Lots of studies indicated that many microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with the prognosis of patients with laryngeal cancer (LC). The objective of our study is to identify potential core miRNAs associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of LC.

METHODS

Using the Cancer Genome Atlast database, we identified 70 differentially expressed miRNAs between LC tumor specimens and non-tumor specimens. Then Cox regression analyses and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression signature were performed to detect miRNA prognostic markers. A nomogram integrating miRNA prognostic markers was constructed to predict overall survival (OS) for LC patients. The potential target genes of the key miRNA were predicted by miRTarBase and miRDB databases. Subsequently, their potential functions were revealed by gene ontology annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Related biological pathways of the key target gene involved in LC were detected through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

RESULTS

A prognostic miRNA signature was constructed. The up-regulated miR-105-1 was related to a worse OS (p = 0.043), which suggested that miR-105-1 may likely be the key miRNA prognostic marker. Survival analyses and paired expression analyses of target genes indicated that ENDOU may be the key target gene. Finally, we conducted GSEA to elucidate the pathways enriched between low- and high-ENDOU expression datasets.

CONCLUSION

Our findings might bring some new light on the pathogenesis of LC. Then, it might facilitate doctors to predict the prognosis and improve treatment outcomes for LC patients. However, the behaviors of LC are relatively heterogeneous, and the TCGA database cannot provide detailed information about the subsites and treatment modalities of LC. Further molecular biological experiments and clinical investigations would be required to confirm this conclusion.

CircularRNA-9119 protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells from apoptosis by intercepting miR-26a/JAK1/STAT3 signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a more common malignancy than the majority of cancers and ranks second in the world’s top causes of cancer-related mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate and explain how circularRNA-9119 (circ9119) regulated the properties of HCC cell lines. Cancer cells isolated from HCC patients and HCC cell lines showed clearly upregulated expression of circ9119 and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) with decreased levels of miR-26a compared to healthy controls and normal hepatic cells. To determine the function of circ9119, circ9119 was silenced in HCC cells, resulting in significantly less proliferation of HCC cells and increasing apoptosis. Circ9119 silencing also resulted in the upregulation of miR-26a. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that circ9119 targeted miR-26a. Further studies revealed that miR-26a had the opposite effect on circ9119; the inhibition of miR-26a antagonized circ9119 silencing, leading to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, while the ectopic overexpression of miR-26a impaired cell growth. Additionally, we found that the JAK1 3′-UTR was targeted by miR-26a; a decrease in the levels of JAK1 protein and mRNA followed transfection of a miR-26a mimic. Administration of the JAK1 inhibitor, baricitinib, caused the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and revealed an effect similar to that of circ9119 silencing on cell proliferation and apoptosis. These results showed that circ9119 could modulate apoptosis, and broadly, cell proliferation by competitively binding miR-26a, which targeted JAK1-STAT3, in HCC cell lines. This study is a novel description of circ9119 regulation of HCC.

circFADS2 protects LPS-treated chondrocytes from apoptosis acting as an interceptor of miR-498/mTOR cross-talking

We aimed to investigate the regulation of circular RNAs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated chondrocytes isolated from SD rat. In this study, we analyzed how circFADS2 was regulated in LPS-treated chondrocytes and isolates from Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and found that circFADS2 and mTOR were highly expressed whereas miR-498 expression was significantly reduced. We then silenced circFADS2 in LPS-treated chondrocytes; this resulted in a declined expression of type II collagen, but an increase in the expression of MMP-13, COX-2, and IL-6. Overall, silencing circFADS2 caused a significant reduction in the proliferative rate of LPS-treated chondrocytes, increased apoptotic levels, miR-498 upregulation, and mTOR downregulation. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that circFADS2 directly targeted miR-498. In contrast, miR-498 down-regulation affected circFADS2 silencing, promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and apoptosis. The 3’ UTR of the mTOR gene is targeted by miR-498, and consequently, in cells transfected with miR-498, there was a significant reduction of mTOR expression at the protein and mRNA levels. Silencing mTOR had a similar effect to circFADS2 silencing on type II collagen, MMP-13, COX-2, and IL-6 expression, as well as cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, circFADS2 may affect LPS-induced chondrocytes properties by regulating the ECM catabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis in chondrocytes.

Circular RNA-9119 protects IL-1β-treated chondrocytes from apoptosis in an osteoarthritis cell model by intercepting the microRNA-26a/PTEN axis

AIMS

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. As its pathogenesis remains unclear, there are no effective treatments established. Circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and other noncoding RNAs participate in OA development; however, the effects and mechanisms of circRNA and miRNA in OA remain unknown.

MAIN METHODS

Cartilage miRNA was examined in patients with and without OA.

KEY FINDINGS

CircRNA-9119 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression decreased in OA-affected cartilage and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced chondrocytes, and miR-26a expression significantly decreased in normal cells and tissues. CircRNA-9119 overexpression restored chondrocyte growth, whereas IL-1β treatment impaired chondrocyte growth. Annexin V-FITC & PI flow cytometry and Bcl-2/Bax ratio measurement indicated that the apoptosis of IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes was decreased by circRNA-9119 upregulation. Bioinformatic prediction and the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that circRNA-9119 served as a miR-26a sponge and that miR-26a targeted the 3'-UTR of PTEN. Transfection of chondrocytes with a circRNA-9119-overexpressing vector revealed downregulation of miR-26a expression. Furthermore, circRNA-9119 overexpression induced PTEN expression. In addition, a miR-26a mimic induced IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, and circRNA-9119 overexpression inhibited IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

CircRNA-9119 is an important regulator of IL-1β-treated chondrocytes through the miR-26a/PTEN axis, possibly contributing to OA development.

CiRS-126 inhibits proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells through targeting the miR-21-PDCD4-ROS axis in a polycystic ovarian syndrome model

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. CiRS-126, an innovative circular microRNA, has previously been proven to be a promising miR-21 sponge. However, a proper understanding of the impact of ciRS-126 on PCOS is needed. Circular RNA (CiRS) profiles were initially evaluated in ovarian cortex samples obtained from 18 women with PCOS as well from 9 women without PCOS. Insulin-induced ovarian granulosa cells isolated from mice were utilized for the functional study. CiRS microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR indicated that ciRs-126 expression was downregulated while miR-21 expression was upregulated in PCOS samples and insulin-induced granulosa cells as compared with non-PCOS samples and non-insulin-induced granulosa cells. Furthermore, ectopic overexpression of ciRS-126 was associated with a reduction in proliferation and increased apoptosis in insulin-treated granulosa cells. Meanwhile, bioinformatic prediction and the results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated the presence of consecutive binding in the ciRS-126-miR-21-programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) axis. Moreover, overexpression of miR-21 blocked ciRS-126 repression of proliferation and triggered the death of insulin-induced granulosa cells. Excessive PDCD4 expression counteracted the influence of miR-21 on cell death and proliferation. The data indicated that PDCD4 played a regulatory role in ROS generation, which is reportedly involved in apoptosis. Therefore, ciRS-126 reduction in PCOS granulosa cells targeted the miR-21-PDCD4 axis to reduce proliferation and promote apoptosis. CiRS-126 shows potential as a promising predictor of clinical outcome as well as a therapeutic target in PCOS.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 inhibits the apoptosis and autophagy of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by targeting the microRNA-146a/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis

Background

Increased long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression is characteristic to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and several other neoplasms. The present study aimed to identify the mechanism underlying modulation of HCC development by the lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1).

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine MALAT1 and microRNA (miR)-146a expression in HCC tissues and cell lines. Western blotting was performed to measure PI3K, Akt, and mTOR levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the direct targeting and negative regulatory interaction between miR-146a and MALAT1. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively; autophagy was detected based on LC3B expression.

Results

MALAT1 expression was higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues. MALAT1 upregulation promoted HCC cell proliferation, whereas MALAT1 downregulation promoted HCC apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, effects of MALAT1 downregulation on HCC cells were abolished by miR-146a inhibition. miR-146a directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of PI3K, and PI3K protein level was clearly decreased upon miR-146a mimic transfection.

Conclusions

MALAT1 may modulate HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy via sponging miR-146a, which regulates HCC progression.

CircularRNA-9119 promotes the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by sponging miR-126/MDM4

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circular RNA-9119 (circ9119) in cervical cancer (CC) and the microRNA-126-3p (miR-126)-based molecular mechanism underlying CC. circ9119 and MDM4 were initially overexpressed, and miR-126 expression was found to be reduced in CC cells and tissues. A series of mimics, inhibitors, overexpressing plasmids or siRNAs were introduced into CC cells to alter the circ9119, miR-126, and MDM4 expressions. Cell-based experiments showed that silencing of circ9119 or the upregulation of miR-126 resulted in suppressed proliferation, accompanied by the induced apoptosis of CC cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay highlighted that circ9119 functioned as an miR-126 ceRNA to increase MDM4 expression. In vivo experiments further confirmed the suppressed tumor growth caused by circ9119 silencing. Our findings demonstrated that circ9119 acts as an oncogene in CC. Our study provides evidence for targeting circ9119 for the treatment of CC.

Dysregulations of MicroRNA and Gene Expression in Chronic Venous Disease

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a vascular disease of lower limbs with high prevalence worldwide. Pathologic features include varicose veins, venous valves dysfunction and skin ulceration resulting from dysfunction of cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. These processes are partly regulated by microRNA (miRNA)-dependent modulation of gene expression, pointing to miRNA as a potentially important target in diagnosis and therapy of CVD progression. The aim of the study was to analyze alterations of miRNA and gene expression in CVD, as well as to identify miRNA-mediated changes in gene expression and their potential link to CVD development. Using next generation sequencing, miRNA and gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with CVD in relation to healthy controls were studied. Thirty-one miRNAs and 62 genes were recognized as potential biomarkers of CVD using DESeq2, Uninformative Variable Elimination by Partial Least Squares (UVE-PLS) and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) methods. Regulatory interactions between potential biomarker miRNAs and genes were projected. Functional analysis of microRNA-regulated genes revealed terms closely related to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. The study shed new light on miRNA-dependent regulatory mechanisms involved in the pathology of CVD. MicroRNAs and genes proposed as CVD biomarkers may be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

MicroRNA-9119 regulates cell viability of granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome via mediating Dicer expression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Although much is understood concerning the pathology of PCOS, further investigation into the influence of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) on the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is needed. This study investigated the role of specific miRNAs in ovarian dysfunction of PCOS and its effect on the proliferation of GCs. Initially, miRNA profiling was performed on the ovarian cortexes of 15 rats in which PCOS had been induced and 15 rats without PCOS (non-PCOS). This mechanical study was performed on ovarian GCs extracted from human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-induced rats. Insulin was used to treat GCs to establish the PCOS cell model. Increased Equus caballus mir-9119 expression was observed and confirmed in the insulin-induced model of PCOS in GCs (GC-PCOS) as well as in the hCG-induced rats when compared to non-PCOS rats and cells. Observation and confirmation were carried out through both miRNA array and quantitative PCR. In contrast, downregulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) p65 was observed in the PCOS cell model. Additionally, annexin V, FITC, and propidium iodide flow cytometry showed overexpression of miR-9119-induced apoptosis. In this study, we revealed that miR-9119 inhibition regulates p65 expression levels in insulin-treated GCs by binding to the 3'-untranslated of p65. Additionally, regulation of p65 expression was positively correlated with the expression of the double-stranded RNA endoribonuclease DICER. Moreover, RNA silencing/overexpression of p65 affected the functional role of miR-9119. In conclusion, GCs of PCOS, the expression of miR-9119, and targeted NFκB/p65-DICER axis are upregulated in order to maintain cell viability and prevent apoptosis, thereby promoting Anti-Müllerian hormone production in GCs. This study may provide a new understanding of the mechanism of GC dysfunction.

microRNAs Are Key Regulators in Chronic Lung Disease: Exploring the Vital Link between Disease Progression and Lung Cancer

microRNAs (miRNAs) bind to mRNAs and inhibit their expression through post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression. Here, we elaborate upon the concise summary of the role of miRNAs in carcinogenesis with specific attention to precursor respiratory pathogenesis caused by cigarette smoke modulation of these miRNAs. We review how miRNAs are implicated in cigarette-smoke-driven mechanisms, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, autophagy modulation, and lung ageing, which are important in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and potential progression to lung cancer. Extracellular vesicles are key to inter-cellular communication and sharing of miRNAs. A deeper understanding of the role of miRNAs in chronic respiratory disease and their use as clinical biomarkers has great potential. Therapeutic targeting of miRNAs may significantly benefit the prevention of cancer progression.

Small RNA-sequence analysis of plasma-derived extracellular vesicle miRNAs in smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as circulating biomarkers

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a vital role in normal lung physiology to maintain homeostasis in the airways via intercellular communication. EVs include exosomes and microvesicles, and are characterized by their phospholipid bilayers. EVs have been recognized as novel circulating biomarkers of disease, which are released by different cell types. In this study, we used different EV isolation and purification methods to characterize the plasma-derived EV miRNAs from non-smokers, smokers and patients with COPD. A small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach was adapted to identify novel circulating EV miRNAs. We found that plasma-derived EVs from non-smokers, smokers and patients with COPD vary in their size, concentration, distribution and phenotypic characteristics as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblot analysis of EV surface markers. RNA-seq analysis confirmed the most abundant types of small RNAs, such as miRNAs, tRNAs, piRNAs snRNAs, snoRNAs and other biotypes in plasma-derived EVs. We mainly focused on miRNAs as novel biomarkers in smokers and patients with COPD for further analysis. Differential expression by DESeq2 identified distinct miRNA profiles (up-regulated: miR-22-3p, miR-99a-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-320b, miR-320d; and down-regulated: miR-335-5p, miR-628-3p, miR-887-5p and miR-937-3p) in COPD versus smokers or non-smokers in a pairwise comparison. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of differentially expressed miRNAs revealed the top pathways, gene ontology and diseases associated with smokers and patients with COPD. We selectively validated miRNAs in EVs isolated from BEAS-2B cells treated with cigarette smoke extract by quantitative PCR analysis. For the first time, we report that plasma-derived EV miRNAs are novel circulating pulmonary disease biomarkers. Thus, molecular profiling of EV miRNAs has great translational potential for the development of biomarkers that may be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics of COPD.

Cigarette smoke extract modulates E-Cadherin, Claudin-1 and miR-21 and promotes cancer invasiveness in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoke is considered a risk factor for lung and colorectal cancer. A convincing link between epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with colorectal cancer progression and therapeutic resistance has emerged. Deregulated expression of E-Cadherin and Claudin-1 and increased miR-21 expression and invasiveness represent hallmarks of EMT. The effects of cigarette smoke exposure on EMT in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells are largely unknown.

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin, molecules associated to EMT in colorectal cancer cells.

METHODS

A human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) was treated with CSE at different concentration (5% and 10%) and for different time points (3 h and 24 h). Metabolic activity (by MTS assay), cell necrosis/cell apoptosis (evaluating Propidium Iodide/Annexin V expression by flow cytometry), miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin gene expression were evaluated by Real time PCR. Cell permeability, actin polymerization and cancer cell migration was assessed by Trans-Epitelial Electrical Resistance (TEER), Phalloidin expression and matrigel system, respectively.

RESULTS

CSE at all the tested concentrations and at all time points reduced cell necrosis. CSE at 10% increased miR-21 and reduced the metabolic activity, cell necrosis, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin mRNA at 3 h. Cell permeability, actin polymerization and cancer cell migration were all increased upon CSE exposure.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that CSE increasing miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin and enhancing the aggressiveness of cancer cells, may concur to colorectal cancer progression.

Nicotine induces cell survival and chemoresistance by stimulating Mcl-1 phosphorylation and its interaction with Bak in lung cancer

Nicotine is a major carcinogen in cigarettes, which can enhance cell proliferation and metastasis and increase the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Our previous data found that nicotine promotes cell survival in lung cancer by affecting the expression of antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, suggesting that the Mcl-1 may be a therapeutic target for patients with lung cancer. In this study, we found that the effects of drug resistance on nicotine-induced lung cancer cell lines were shown to influence the phosphorylation of Mcl-1. Moreover, nicotine induces Mcl-1 phosphorylation exclusively at the T163 site, which results in enhancement of the antiapoptotic activity of Mcl-1 and increased cell survival. Meanwhile, nicotine can reduce the sensitivity of H1299 cells to CDDP via enhancement of the binding of Mcl-1 to Bak, which inhibits the proapoptotic effect of Bak and ultimately leads to increased survival and drug resistance of lung cancer cells. Thus, nicotine-induced cell survival and chemoresistance may occur in a mechanism by stimulating Mcl-1 phosphorylation and its interaction with Bak, which may contribute to improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of human lung cancer.

LncRNA MALAT1 mediates proliferation of LPS treated-articular chondrocytes by targeting the miR-146a-PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis

The study aimed to investigate the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), Metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in osteoarthritis (OA) development. Isolated rat chondrocytes treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as OA cell model. Results from quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) showed that, in OA patients and OA cell model, the expression of MALAT1 and PI3K was clearly reduced, while the miR-146a levels were increased. Next, MALAT1 was silenced in LPS-treated chondrocytes. Following with MALAT1 silencing, the generation of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Matrix metallopeptidase-13 (MMP-13) were promoted, while the level of type II collagen (COL2) was inhibited. Moreover, MALAT1 silencing caused a significant reduction in the proliferative rate of LPS-treated chondrocytes through inducing apoptosis. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay (DLRA) results showed that MALAT1 targets miR-146a. MALAT1 silencing also resulted in the upregulation of miR-146a. Further studies revealed that miR-146a has the opposite effect on MALAT1, and its inhibition can antagonize the function of MALAT1 silencing on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, the 3'-UTR of the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) gene was found to be a target of miR-146a, while PI3K protein and mRNA expression, as well as the activation of downstream Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were clearly reduced upon transfection with a miR-146a mimic. These results show that MALAT1 can modulate ECM catabolism, inflammation, and especially apoptosis in chondrocytes treated with LPS, which targets PI3K/Akt/mTOR to eventually regulate the progression of OA. Our findings provide a novel regulatory mechanism of MALAT1 in OA.

Inhibition of microRNA‑124‑3p protects against acute myocardial infarction by suppressing the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes

The aims of the present study were to investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of microRNA‑124‑3p (miR‑124‑3p) in the progression of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The expression of miR‑124‑3p was determined via reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). TargetScan analysis and a luciferase reporter assay were conducted to reveal the association between miR‑124‑3p and nuclear factor κ‑light‑chain‑enhancer of activated B cells (NF‑κB) repressing factor (NKRF). To investigate the role of miR‑124‑3p in AMI, a cell model of myocardial hypoxic/ischemic injury was established by subjecting H9c2 cardiac cells to hypoxia for 48 h. The viability of cells was determined using an MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), interleukin (IL)‑1β and IL‑6] were measured via ELISA. Furthermore, gene and protein expression levels were determined by performing RT‑qPCR and western blot analyses, respectively. It was revealed that the expression of miR‑124‑3p was significantly increased in the blood of patients with AMI and hypoxia‑treated H9c2 cells. Additionally, it was demonstrated that NKRF was a direct target of miR‑124‑3p. The hypoxia‑induced decrease in the viability of H9c2 cells and increase in cell apoptosis were eliminated by the downregulation of miR‑124‑3p. Furthermore, hypoxia significantly increased the levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6, whereas miR‑124‑3p downregulation eliminated these effects. Downregulated expression of B‑cell lymphoma 2, pro‑caspase 3 and pro‑caspase 9 protein, and upregulated expression of cleaved caspases 3 and 9 was observed in hypoxic H9c2 cells; the altered expression of these proteins was suppressed by miR‑124‑3p inhibitor. Additionally, miR‑124‑3p inhibitor suppressed the hypoxia‑induced activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the various effects of miR‑124‑3p inhibitor on H9c2 cells were eliminated by the small interfering RNA‑mediated downregulation of NKRF. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that miR‑124‑3p downregulation protected against AMI via inhibition of inflammatory responses and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by regulating the NKRF/NF‑κB pathway.

Spinal circRNA-9119 Suppresses Nociception by Mediating the miR-26a-TLR3 Axis in a Bone Cancer Pain Mouse Model

Altered expression of circular RNA (circRNA) is recognized as a contributor to malignant pain where microRNA (miRNA) exerts an essential effect. We generated a murine model for bone malignancy pain in which 2472 osteolytic sarcoma cells were injected into the femurs of mice. CircRNA microarray and quantitative PCR (qPCR) and revealed that circ9119 expression was repressed in the spinal cord of bone malignancy pain model mice, which is the first relay site involved in the transmission of nociceptive information to the cerebrum of mice that receive spinal analgesics for malignancy pain. Overexpression of circ9119 by plasmid injection in the model mice reduced progressive thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical hyperalgesia. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that circ9119 functions as a sponge of miR-26a, which targets the TLR3 3'-untranslated region. Furthermore, expression of miR-26a was elevated and TLR3 level was repressed in bone malignancy pain model mice, which were counteracted by circ9119 in the spinal cord of tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, excessive expression of miR-26a was involved in the recovery of mice from progressive thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical hyperalgesia triggered via circ9119. TLR3 knockdown in bone malignancy pain model mice thoroughly impaired pain in the initial stages and reduced the effects of circ9119 on hyperalgesia. Our research findings indicate that targeting the circ9119-miR-26a-TLR3 axis may be a promising analgesic strategy to manage malignancy pain.

MicroRNA-153 Decreases Tryptophan Catabolism and Inhibits Angiogenesis in Bladder Cancer by Targeting Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1

Background: Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer deaths, warranting further investigation. This study assessed microRNA-153 (miR-153) expression in bladder cancer tissues and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-153-mediated regulation of bladder cancer cells.

Methods: Paired tissue specimens from 45 bladder cancer patients were collected for qRT-PCR. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to identify associations of miR-153 with bladder cancer prognosis. Bladder cancer tissues and immortalized cell lines were used for the following experiments: miR-153 mimics and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) siRNA transfection; Western blot, cell viability, colony formation, and Transwell analyses; nude mouse xenograft; and chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis (CAM) assays. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with bladder cancer cells for the tube formation assay. The luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm miR-153-targeting genes.

Results: miR-153 expression was downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines, and reduced miR-153 expression was associated with advanced tumor stage and poor overall survival of patients. Moreover, miR-153 expression inhibited bladder cancer cell growth by promoting tumor cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and endothelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor xenograft growth in vivo, while miR-153 expression suppressed HUVEC and CAM angiogenesis. At the gene level, miR-153 targeted IDO1 expression and inhibited bladder cancer cell tryptophan metabolism through inhibiting IL6/STAT3/VEGF signaling.

Conclusions: Collectively, our data demonstrate that miR-153 exerts anti-tumor activity in bladder cancer by targeting IDO1 expression. Future studies will investigate miR-153 as a novel therapeutic target for bladder cancer patients.

CircRNA-9119 suppresses poly I:C induced inflammation in Leydig and Sertoli cells via TLR3 and RIG-I signal pathways

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute to the epigenetic modulation of pathological and physiological conditions. The understanding of the impact of circRNAs on generation of testicular inflammatory reactions is insufficient.

Methods

Our research adopted a poly I:C-triggered testicular inflammation murine model and cell assays.

Results

Microarray data and quantitative evaluation revealed the elevation in the concentrations of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), circRNA-9119, and retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) and repression in the levels of miR-136 and miR-26a. Inhibition of circRNA-9119 expression impaired the inflammatory reactions in the separated Leydig and Sertoli cells subjected to poly I:C treatment. CircRNA-9119 suppressed the expression of miR-136 and miR-26a by acting as a microRNA sponge. miR-136 and miR-26a repressed the expression of RIG-I and TLR3 through the expected target region in Leydig and Sertoli cells in vitro. Inhibition of miR-136 and miR-26a expression, at least in part, restored the expression of inflammatory cytokines, which were inhibited upon circRNA-9119 expression silencing. Furthermore, the expression of circRNA-9119 was positively associated with RIG-I and TLR3 mRNA and protein levels. The expression of inflammatory genes triggered by poly I:C treatment was noticeably suppressed after RIG-I and TLR3 knockout.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that circRNA-9119 may serve as a competing endogenous RNA that insulated miR-136 and miR-26a and consequently defended RIG-I and TLR3 mRNAs against miR-26a/miR-136-mediated inhibition of testicular cells. Moreover, RIG-I and TLR3 contributed to the modulation of poly I:C-triggered inflammatory cytokine generation during orchitis in testicular cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s10020-019-0094-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role and underlying mechanisms of microRNA‑214 in Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes disease

Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes disease (LCPD) is a pediatric form of femoral head osteonecrosis with unknown etiology. MicroRNAs (miRs) have been revealed to serve an important role in LCPD. MiR‑214 serves an important role in chondrogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of miR‑214 in LCPD and the underlying mechanisms. The expression levels of miR‑214 and B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein (Bax) in dexamethasone (DEX)‑treated TC28 cells, and the femoral head cartilage tissues, serum and primary chondrocytes of patients with LCPD, and healthy individuals were determined via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to investigate the association between miR‑214 and Bax, while cell viability was determined via an MTT assay, and flow cytometry was performed to investigate cell apoptosis. The results revealed that miR‑214 was downregulated and Bax was upregulated in DEX‑treated TC28 cells and tissues obtained from patients with LCPD. MiR‑214 was demonstrated to directly target Bax and negatively regulate its expression. DEX administration significantly suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and decreased the Bcl‑2/Bax ratio in TC28 cells; overexpression of miR‑214 induced opposing effects, which were reversed by Bax overexpression. In conclusion, the results indicated that miR‑214 and Bax may be potential therapeutic targets for the future clinical treatment of LCPD.

Association of EGFR mutations and HMGB1 genetic polymorphisms in lung adenocarcinoma patients

High-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) is overexpressed and reported to be a prognostic factor in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutants play an important role in NSCLC progression. The aim of this study was to explore potential associations between genetic polymorphisms of HMGB1 and EGFR mutations in a cohort that included 280 patients with NSCLC, some of whom were smokers and others who never smoked. Four tagged single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HMGB1 were detected by a TaqMan-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients. We found that after adjusting for other covariates, NSCLC patients who smoked and who respectively had CG, CT, and TC heterozygotes of HMGB1 rs2249825, rs1045411, and rs1360485, were at lower risk of developing mutant EGFR, compared to those patients with wild-type homozygotes. Moreover, significant inverse associations between the CG and CG + GG genotypes of HMGB1 rs2249825 and the EGFR hotspot mutation, an exon 19 in-frame deletion, were also observed among NSCLC patients. Within patients harboring mutant EGFR, HMGB1 rs1360485 C (TC + CC) allele carriers were at higher risk of developing poorly differentiated cancer types (odds ratio=5.493, 95% confidence interval: 1.130~26.696, p=0.019), compared to patients with TT homozygotes. Furthermore, we found that HMGB1 rs1360485 polymorphisms seemed to be related to susceptibility to developing poorly differentiated cancer linked to tobacco consumption in EGFR mutant patients. In conclusion, our results suggested that HMGB1 variants are significantly inversely associated with EGFR mutations among NSCLC patients who smoked. HMGB1 variants and tobacco consumption might contribute to the pathological development of NSCLC.

MicroRNA‑195‑5p inhibitor prevents the development of osteoarthritis by targeting REGγ

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common inflammatory joint disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of OA; however, the role of miRNAs in OA remains largely unexplained. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of miR-195-5p in OA, and to further explore the mechanism. The expression level of miR-195-5p was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). TargetScan and a luciferase reporter assay were used to reveal the associations between miR-195-5p and REGγ (also known as PSME3). To investigate the role of miR-195-5p in OA, a cell model of OA was established by treating ATDC5 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then an MTT assay was conducted to detect cell proliferation ability, and an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit was used to measure cell apoptosis. In addition, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined using ELISA. Furthermore, gene and protein expression was measured via RT-qPCR and western blot assay, respectively. The results revealed that miR-195-5p was significantly upregulated in the articular cartilage tissues of patients with OA and in LPS stimulated ATDC5 cells. REGγ was a direct target of miR-195-5p. The repressed cell proliferation ability and enhanced cell apoptosis of ATDC5 cells induced by LPS were reversed by miR-195-5p downregulation. Furthermore, LPS stimulation significantly upregulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, while miR-195-5p downregulation markedly reduced the expression of inflammatory factors induced by LPS. The results also revealed that a miR-195-5p inhibitor inhibited the LPS induced repression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in ATDC5 cells. Notably, the results of the present study also indicated that all of the effects of the miR-195-5p inhibitor on ATDC5 cells were reversed by REGγ silencing. In conclusion, the results indicated that the miR-195-5p inhibitor served a protective role in OA by inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammatory responses by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways.

MiR-154 inhibits the growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting GALNT7

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of the development and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). However, the role of microRNA-154 (miR-154) in the development and progression of LSCC has not been clarified. We found that down-regulated miR-154 expression in LSCC tissues was associated with poorer prognosis in LSCC patients. MiR-154 over-expression inhibited the proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of LSCC cells and induced cell cycle arrest, which were reversed by miR-154 inhibition. MiR-154 targeted GALNT7 expression by reducing GALNT7-regulated luciferase activity in LSCC cells while up-regulating GALNT7 mRNA transcription in LSCC tissues and cells. GALNT7 silencing significantly attenuated the proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of LSCC cells and induced cell cycle arrest. Finally, intravenous treatment with lentivirus for miR-154, but not scrambled control miRNA, significantly restrained the growth of implanted LSCC Hep-2 tumors and decreased the tumor mass by reducing GALNT7 expression in mice. Therefore, miR-154 may serve as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LSCC.