Non-Coding RNAs in Breast Cancer: Intracellular and Intercellular Communication

MiR-181c-5p Regulates Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression via Targeting PRKN

Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a vital effect on lung adenocarcinoma. However, the contributions and possible mechanisms of miR-181c-5p to lung adenocarcinoma remain largely unclear. Our objective is to clarify the potential mechanism by which miR-181c-5p regulates lung adenocarcinoma progression. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the levels of miR-181c-5p in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the viability, migration, and invasion of H460 cells, respectively. The putative target association between miR-181c-5p and the Parkin gene (PRKN) was predicted using miRDB and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-181c-5p expression was found to be up-regulated in both lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Suppression of miR-181c-5p resulted in the inhibition of viability, migration, and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma cells. PRKN level was negatively related to miR-181c-5p expression and mediated with the miR-181c-5p's functions on lung adenocarcinoma progression. MiR-181c-5p regulates lung adenocarcinoma progression via targeting PRKN, indicating miR-181c-5p is expected to be a diagnostic and predictive marker for lung adenocarcinoma, providing new insights into the development of treatment strategies for lung adenocarcinoma.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

In-silico and in-vitro evidence suggest LINC01405 as a sponge for miR-29b and miR-497-5p, and a potential regulator of Wnt, PI3K, and TGFB signaling pathways in breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the breast, a prevailing factor in female mortality worldwide, involves dysregulation of lncRNAs and microRNAs.

AIM

The main goal of this research was to predict and experimentally examine the LINC01405 expression status in breast cancer subtypes, along with investigation of its interaction with miR-29b and miR-497-5p that results in regulating PI3-Kinase, WNT, and TGF-beta signaling pathways.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a meta-analysis of five GEO datasets, encompassing microarray and RNA-seq data, to identify differentially expressed genes. The Cancer Genome Atlas transcriptome dataset was also analyzed to determine essential gene modules, associated with different stages of breast cancer by weighted gene co-expression networks. In addition, networks of drug-gene interactions were constructed to explore potential treatment options. LINC01405 as a microRNA sponge was chosen and examined. furthermore, downstream target genes were discovered. Experimental validation consisted of plasmid constructs used in cell culture experiments, RT-qPCR for expression analysis, and cell cycle assays. Our bioinformatics findings showed higher LINC01405 expression in Basal-like triple-negative breast carcinoma. In contrast, lower expression in Luminal samples was observed compared with normal samples, which was consistently observed in both breast cancer tissues and cell lines. LINC01405 expression level was correlated with miR-29b and miR-497 levels. The MDA-MB-231 cell line demonstrated higher LINC01405 expression and lower miR-29b and miR-497 expression levels. However, SKBR3 and MCF7 cells had lower LINC01405 expression and higher miR-29b and miR-497 levels, suggesting a regulatory role for LINC01405 as a competing endogenous RNA. This was experimentally confirmed when LINC01405 was overexpressed in SKBR3 cells, and the common target genes of miR-29b and miR-497 were upregulated. Additionally, LINC01405 upregulation led to the increased cell populations, proliferation, and upregulation of critical cancer-related genes, including AKT1, AKT3, mTOR, WNT3A, SMAD3, CYCLIN D1, CYCLIN D2, BCL2, and GSK3B.

CONCLUSION

We revealed the differential expression of LINC01405 in several types of breast cancer and its role in regulating signaling pathways, potentially via scavenging miRNAs. These findings clarified the role of LINC01405 in breast cancer development and identified potential therapeutic targets.

Decoding mitochondrial-nuclear (epi)genome interactions: the emerging role of ncRNAs

Bidirectional communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus is required for several physiological processes, and the nuclear epigenome is a key mediator of this relationship. ncRNAs are an emerging area of discussion for their roles in cellular function and regulation. In this review, we highlight the role of mitochondrial-encoded ncRNAs as mediators of communication between the mitochondria and the nuclear genome. We focus primarily on retrograde signaling, a process in which the mitochondrion relays ncRNAs to translate environmental stress signals to changes in nuclear gene expression, with implications on stress responses that may include disease(s). Other biological roles of mitochondrial-encoded ncRNAs, such as mitochondrial import of proteins and regulation of cell signaling, will also be discussed.

MicroRNAs mediated interaction of tumor microenvironment cells with breast cancer cells during bone metastasis

Breast cancer (BC) bone metastasis is primarily osteolytic and has limited therapeutic options. Metastasized BC cells prime the secondary environment in bone by forming a tumor niche, which favors their homing and colonization. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is primarily generated by the cancer cells. Bone TME is an intricate network of multiple cells, including altered bone, tumor, stromal, and immune cells. Recent findings highlight the significance of small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in influencing TME during tumor metastasis. MiRNAs from TME-resident cells facilitate the interaction between the tumor and its microenvironment, thereby regulating the biological processes of tumors. These miRNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Hence, both miRNA inhibitors and mimics are extensively utilized in pre-clinical trials for modulating the phenotypes of tumor cells and associated stromal cells. This review briefly summarizes the recent developments on the functional role of miRNAs secreted directly or indirectly from the TME-resident cells in facilitating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. This information would be beneficial in developing novel targeted therapies for BC.

MiR-4649-5p acts as a tumor-suppressive microRNA in triple negative breast cancer by direct interaction with PIP5K1C, thereby potentiating growth-inhibitory effects of the AKT inhibitor capivasertib

BACKGROUND

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtype of breast cancer that requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies. To pave the way for such developments it is essential to characterize new molecular players in TNBC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute interesting candidates in this regard as they are frequently deregulated in cancer and contribute to numerous aspects of carcinogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we discovered that miR-4649-5p, a miRNA yet uncharacterized in breast cancer, is associated with better overall survival of TNBC patients. Ectopic upregulation of the otherwise very low endogenous expression levels of miR-4646-5p significantly decreased the growth, proliferation, and migration of TNBC cells. By performing whole transcriptome analysis and physical interaction assays, we were able to identify the phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase PIP5K1C as a direct target of miR-4649-5p. Downregulation or pharmacologic inhibition of PIP5K1C phenocopied the growth-reducing effects of miR-4649-5p. PIP5K1C is known to play an important role in migration and cell adhesion, and we could furthermore confirm its impact on downstream PI3K/AKT signaling. Combinations of miR-4649-5p upregulation and PIP5K1C or AKT inhibition, using the pharmacologic inhibitors UNC3230 and capivasertib, respectively, showed additive growth-reducing effects in TNBC cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, miR-4649-5p exerts broad tumor-suppressive effects in TNBC and shows potential for combined therapeutic approaches targeting the PIP5K1C/PI3K/AKT signaling axis.

Emerging roles of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 in gynecologic cancers

Gynecologic cancers are a worldwide problem among women. Recently, molecular targeted therapy opened up an avenue for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules (> 200 nt) that are not translated into protein, and interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins. LncRNAs were found to play pivotal roles in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a lncRNA that mediates cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in gynecologic cancers by targeting several miRNAs/mRNA axes. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a potent biomarker for the prediction and treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. In this narrative review, we summarized various NEAT1-related signaling pathways that are critical in gynecologic cancers. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) by targeting various signaling pathways involved in its target genes can regulate the occurrence of gynecologic cancers.

Roles, biological functions, and clinical significances of RHPN1-AS1 in cancer

For the complex and multifaceted challenge of cancer eradication, a comprehensive approach is required. Molecular strategies are critical in the fight against cancer as they allow us to understand the underlying fundamental mechanisms and develop specialized treatments. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of ncRNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides, in cancer biology has attracted growing attention in recent years. These roles include but are not limited to regulating gene expression, protein localization, and chromatin remodeling. LncRNAs can influence a range of cellular functions and pathways, including those involved in cancer development. The first study on RHPN1 antisense RNA 1 (RHPN1-AS1), a 2030-bp transcript originating from human chromosome 8q24, in uveal melanoma (UM) demonstrated that this lncRNA was significantly upregulated in several UM cell lines. Further studies in various cancer cell lines showed that this lncRNA is significantly overexpressed and exerts oncogenic functions. This review will provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the roles played by RHPN1-AS1 in the emergence of various cancers, focusing on its biological and clinical functions.

Influence of Extracellular Vesicles on Lung Stromal Cells during Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer is a prominent cause of cancer diagnosis and death in women globally, with over 90% of deaths being attributed to complications that arise from metastasis. One of the common locations for breast cancer metastasis is the lung, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Curative treatments for metastatic breast cancer patients are not available and the molecular mechanisms that underlie lung metastasis are not fully understood. In order to better treat these patients, identifying events that occur both prior to and during metastatic spread to the lung is essential. Several studies have demonstrated that breast cancer-derived extracellular vesicles secreted from the primary breast tumor play a key role in establishing the lung pre-metastatic niche to support colonization of metastatic tumor cells. In this review, we summarize recent work supporting the influence of extracellular vesicles on stromal components of the lung to construct the pre-metastatic niche and support metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential clinical applications of utilizing extracellular vesicles for diagnosis and treatment. Together, this review highlights the dynamic nature of extracellular vesicles, their roles in breast cancer metastasis to the lung, and their value as potential biomarkers and therapeutics for cancer prevention.

Extensive review on breast cancer its etiology, progression, prognostic markers, and treatment

As the most frequent and vulnerable malignancy among women, breast cancer universally manifests a formidable healthcare challenge. From a biological and molecular perspective, it is a heterogenous disease and is stratified based on the etiological factors driving breast carcinogenesis. Notably, genetic predispositions and epigenetic impacts often constitute the heterogeneity of this disease. Typically, breast cancer is classified intrinsically into histological subtypes in clinical landscapes. These stratifications empower physicians to tailor precise treatments among the spectrum of breast cancer therapeutics. In this pursuit, numerous prognostic algorithms are extensively characterized, drastically changing how breast cancer is portrayed. Therefore, it is a basic requisite to comprehend the multidisciplinary rationales of breast cancer to assist the evolution of novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims at highlighting the molecular and genetic grounds of cancer additionally with therapeutic and phytotherapeutic context. Substantially, it also renders researchers with an insight into the breast cancer cell lines as a model paradigm for breast cancer research interventions.

Omics-Based Investigations of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is characterized by an extensive genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. In-depth investigations into the molecular bases of BC phenotypes, carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis are necessary for accurate diagnoses, prognoses, and therapy assessments in predictive, precision, and personalized oncology. This review discusses both classic as well as several novel omics fields that are involved or should be used in modern BC investigations, which may be integrated as a holistic term, onco-breastomics. Rapid and recent advances in molecular profiling strategies and analytical techniques based on high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry (MS) development have generated large-scale multi-omics datasets, mainly emerging from the three "big omics", based on the central dogma of molecular biology: genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Metabolomics-based approaches also reflect the dynamic response of BC cells to genetic modifications. Interactomics promotes a holistic view in BC research by constructing and characterizing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks that provide a novel hypothesis for the pathophysiological processes involved in BC progression and subtyping. The emergence of new omics- and epiomics-based multidimensional approaches provide opportunities to gain insights into BC heterogeneity and its underlying mechanisms. The three main epiomics fields (epigenomics, epitranscriptomics, and epiproteomics) are focused on the epigenetic DNA changes, RNAs modifications, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) affecting protein functions for an in-depth understanding of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Novel omics fields, such as epichaperomics or epimetabolomics, could investigate the modifications in the interactome induced by stressors and provide PPI changes, as well as in metabolites, as drivers of BC-causing phenotypes. Over the last years, several proteomics-derived omics, such as matrisomics, exosomics, secretomics, kinomics, phosphoproteomics, or immunomics, provided valuable data for a deep understanding of dysregulated pathways in BC cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME) or tumor immune microenvironment (TIMW). Most of these omics datasets are still assessed individually using distinct approches and do not generate the desired and expected global-integrative knowledge with applications in clinical diagnostics. However, several hyphenated omics approaches, such as proteo-genomics, proteo-transcriptomics, and phosphoproteomics-exosomics are useful for the identification of putative BC biomarkers and therapeutic targets. To develop non-invasive diagnostic tests and to discover new biomarkers for BC, classic and novel omics-based strategies allow for significant advances in blood/plasma-based omics. Salivaomics, urinomics, and milkomics appear as integrative omics that may develop a high potential for early and non-invasive diagnoses in BC. Thus, the analysis of the tumor circulome is considered a novel frontier in liquid biopsy. Omics-based investigations have applications in BC modeling, as well as accurate BC classification and subtype characterization. The future in omics-based investigations of BC may be also focused on multi-omics single-cell analyses.

Soloxolone methyl induces apoptosis and oxidative/ER stress in breast cancer cells and target cancer stem cell population

One of the most prevalent malignancies in women and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death is breast cancer. There is a need for new treatment approaches and drugs for breast cancer. Many studies show the high potential of triterpene compounds and their semisynthetic derivatives as anticancer agents due to their ability to induce apoptosis and suppress tumorigenesis. The effects of soloxolone methyl (SM), a semisynthetic derivative of 18-H-glycyrrhetinic acid, on the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell line (T-47D) and cancer stem cell (CSCs) population (mammospheres; CD44+/CD24-antigen) derived from breast cancer cells, were examined in this work. The ATP assay was used to determine SM growth-inhibitory effects. Fluorescent staining, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18, and flow cytometry analysis were used to determine the mode of the cell death. In addition, cell death was investigated at protein and gene levels by Western Blotting and PCR, respectively. SM resulted in cytotoxicity in a time and dose dependent manner via ROS production and ER stress in T-47D cells in 2 models. The mode of cell death was apoptosis, evidenced by phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase activation, and bax overexpression. In mammospheres as 3D model, SM decreased stem cell properties and induced cell death. Taken together, SM may be a promising agent in the treatment of breast cancer, especially due to its antigrowth activity on CSCs.

Analysis of circulating extracellular vesicle derived microRNAs in breast cancer patients with obesity: a potential role for Let-7a

BACKGROUND

The incidence of obesity, a known risk factor for several metabolic and chronic diseases, including numerous malignancies, has risen sharply in the world. Various clinical studies demonstrate that excessive Body Mass Index (BMI) may worsen the incidence, prognosis, and mortality rates of breast cancer. Thus, understanding the link tying up obesity and breast cancer onset and progression is critically important, as it can impact patients' survival and quality of life. Recently, circulating extracellular vesicle (EV) derived miRNAs have attracted much attention for their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential in oncology research. Although the potential role of EV-derived miRNAs in the early detection of breast cancer has been repeatedly mentioned, screening of miRNAs packaged within serum EVs has not yet been reported in patients with obesity.

METHODS

Circulating EVs were isolated from normal weight (NW), and overweight/obese (OW/Ob) breast cancer patients and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), and protein marker expression. Evaluation of EV-associated miRNAs was conducted in a screening (RNA-seq) and a validation (qRT-PCR) cohort. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to uncover significantly enriched biological processes, molecular functions and pathways. ROC and Kaplain-Meier survival analyses were used for clinical significance.

RESULTS

Comparison of serum EV-derived miRNAs from NW and OW/Ob patients detected seven differentially expressed miRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-4772-3p, and miR-10a-5p) in the screening cohort. GO analysis revealed the enrichment of protein phosphorylation, intracellular signal transduction, signal transduction, and vesicle-mediated transport among the top biological processes. In addition, the target genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to PI3K/Akt, growth hormones, and insulin signalings, which are all involved in obesity-related diseases and/or breast cancer progression. In the validation cohort, qRT-PCR confirmed a significant down-regulation of EV-derived let-7a in the serum of OW/Ob breast cancer patients compared to NW patients. Let-7a levels also exhibited a negative correlation with BMI values. Importantly, decreased let-7a miRNA expression was associated with higher tumor grade and poor survival in patients with breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that serum-EV derived miRNAs may reflect a differential profile in relation to a patient's BMI, which, once validated in larger cohorts of patients, could provide insights into novel specific biomarkers and innovative targets to prevent the progression of obesity-mediated breast cancer.

Circular RNAs-New Kids on the Block in Cancer Pathophysiology and Management

The ever-increasing number of cancer cases and persistently high mortality underlines the urgent need to acquire new perspectives for developing innovative therapeutic approaches. As the research on protein-coding genes brought significant yet only incremental progress in the development of anticancer therapy, much attention is now devoted to understanding the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in various types of cancer. Recent years have brought about the awareness that ncRNAs recognized previously as "dark matter" are, in fact, key players in shaping cancer development. Moreover, breakthrough discoveries concerning the role of a new group of ncRNAs, circular RNAs, have evidenced their high importance in many diseases, including malignancies. Therefore, in the following review, we focus on the role of circular RNAs in cancer, particularly in cancer stem-like cells, summarize their mechanisms of action, and provide an overview of the state-of-the-art toolkits to study them.

Prognostic and diagnostic values of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for breast cancer: An umbrella review and pan-cancer analysis

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. The incidence and morbidity of BC are expected to rise rapidly. The stage at which BC is diagnosed has a significant impact on clinical outcomes. When detected early, an overall 5-year survival rate of up to 90% is possible. Although numerous studies have been conducted to assess the prognostic and diagnostic values of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in breast cancer, their overall potential remains unclear. In this field of study, there are various systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies that report volumes of data. In this study, we tried to collect all these systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies in order to re-analyze their data without any restriction to breast cancer or non-coding RNA type, to make it as comprehensive as possible. Methods: Three databases, namely, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS), were searched to find any relevant meta-analysis studies. After thoroughly searching, the screening of titles, abstracts, and full-text and the quality of all included studies were assessed using the AMSTAR tool. All the required data including hazard ratios (HRs), sensitivity (SENS), and specificity (SPEC) were extracted for further analysis, and all analyses were carried out using Stata. Results: In the prognostic part, our initial search of three databases produced 10,548 articles, of which 58 studies were included in the current study. We assessed the correlation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression with different survival outcomes in breast cancer patients: overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.521), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.33), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.66), progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.71), metastasis-free survival (MFS) (HR = 0.90), and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR = 0.37). After eliminating low-quality studies, the results did not change significantly. In the diagnostic part, 22 articles and 30 datasets were retrieved from 8,453 articles. The quality of all studies was determined. The bivariate and random-effects models were used to assess the diagnostic value of ncRNAs. The overall area under the curve (AUC) of ncRNAs in differentiated patients is 0.88 (SENS: 80% and SPEC: 82%). There was no difference in the potential of single and combined ncRNAs in differentiated BC patients. However, the overall potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) is higher than that of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). No evidence of publication bias was found in the current study. Nine miRNAs, four lncRNAs, and five gene targets showed significant OS and RFS between normal and cancer patients based on pan-cancer data analysis, demonstrating their potential prognostic value. Conclusion: The present umbrella review showed that ncRNAs, including lncRNAs and miRNAs, can be used as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer patients, regardless of the sample sources, ethnicity of patients, and subtype of breast cancer.

Coding roles of long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer: Emerging molecular diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets with special reference to chemotherapy resistance

Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms have been depicted in several pathological consequence such as cancer. Different modes of epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation (hypomethylation or hypermethylation of promotor), histone modifications, abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs), are discovered. Particularly, lncRNAs are known to exert pivot roles in different types of cancer including breast cancer. LncRNAs with oncogenic and tumour suppressive potential are reported. Differentially expressed lncRNAs contribute a remarkable role in the development of primary and acquired resistance for radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A wide range of molecular subtype specific lncRNAs have been assessed in breast cancer research. A number of studies have also shown that lncRNAs may be clinically used as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Such molecular biomarkers have also been found in cancer stem cells of breast tumours. The objectives of the present review are to summarize the important roles of oncogenic and tumour suppressive lncRNAs for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, metastatic potential, and chemotherapy resistance across the molecular subtypes.

Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: A study based on multi-omics analysis and RT-PCR validation

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between MALAT1 and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We constructed a MALAT1 protein-protein interaction network using the STRING database and a network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) using the StarBase database. Using data from the GEPIA2 database, we studied the association between genes in these networks and survival of patients with HCC. The potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between MALAT1 and HCC prognosis were studied using combined data from RNA sequencing, DNA methylation, and somatic mutation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) liver cancer cohort. Tumor tissues and 19 paired adjacent non-tumor tissues (PANTs) from HCC patients who underwent radical resection were analyzed for MALAT1 mRNA levels using real-time PCR, and associations of MALAT1 expression with clinicopathological features or prognosis of patients were analyzed using log-rank test and Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon test. Results: Five interacting proteins and five target genes of MALAT1 in the ceRNA network significantly correlated with poor survival of patients with HCC (p < 0.05). High MALAT1 expression was associated with mutations in two genes leading to poor prognosis and may upregulate some prognostic risk genes through methylation. MALAT1 was significantly co-expressed with various signatures of genes involved in HCC progression, including the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, mismatch repair, homologous recombination, molecular cancer m6A, exosome, ferroptosis, infiltration of lymphocyte (p < 0.05). The expression of MALAT1 was markedly upregulated in HCC tissues compared with PANTs. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with high MALAT1 expression had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.033) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.023) than those with low MALAT1 expression. Median PFS was 19.2 months for patients with high MALAT1 expression and 52.8 months for patients with low expression, while the corresponding median OS was 40.5 and 78.3 months. In subgroup analysis of patients with vascular invasion, cirrhosis, and HBsAg positive or AFP positive, MALAT1 overexpression was significantly associated with shorter PFS and OS. Models for predicting PFS and OS constructed based on MALAT1 expression and clinicopathological features had moderate predictive power, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.661-0.731. Additionally, MALAT1 expression level was significantly associated with liver cirrhosis, vascular invasion, and tumor capsular infiltration (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: MALAT1 is overexpressed in HCC, and higher expression is associated with worse prognosis. MALAT1 mRNA level may serve as a prognostic marker for patients with HCC after hepatectomy.

The diagnostic, prognostic role and molecular mechanism of miR-328 in human cancer

MicroRNA are non-coding small RNAs that bind to their target mRNA and cause mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNA dysregulation is linked to a variety of human cancers and has a role in the genesis and development of cancer pathology. MiR-328 has been reported to be involved in various human cancers. And miR-328 is considered a key regulator in human cancer. It participates in biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and EMT. The present review will combine the basic and clinical studies to find that miR-328 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in human cancer. And we will describe the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of miR-328 in various human cancers.

The landscape of exosomal non-coding RNAs in breast cancer drug resistance, focusing on underlying molecular mechanisms

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Like many other cancers, BC therapy is challenging and sometimes frustrating. In spite of the various therapeutic modalities applied to treat the cancer, drug resistance, also known as, chemoresistance, is very common in almost all BCs. Undesirably, a breast tumor might be resistant to different curative approaches (e.g., chemo- and immunotherapy) at the same period of time. Exosomes, as double membrane-bound extracellular vesicles 1) secreted from different cell species, can considerably transfer cell products and components through the bloodstream. In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are a chief group of exosomal constituents with amazing abilities to regulate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of BC, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, migration, and particularly drug resistance. Thereby, exosomal ncRNAs can be considered potential mediators of BC progression and drug resistance. Moreover, as the corresponding exosomal ncRNAs circulate in the bloodstream and are found in different body fluids, they can serve as foremost prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers. The current study aims to comprehensively review the most recent findings on BC-related molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways affected by exosomal miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, with a focus on drug resistance. Also, the potential of the same exosomal ncRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC will be discussed in detail.

The lncRNA NEAT1 Inhibits miRNA-216b and Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Indirectly Activating YY1

Background

Nuclear Paraspeckle Assembly Transcript 1 (NEAT1) is commonly considered an oncogene in various cancers. The long noncoding RNA NEAT1 has been reported to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the exact role of NEAT1 in CRC remains unknown. Our research aimed to explore the function of NEAT1 in the tumorigenesis and the development of CRC.

Methods

Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the NEAT1, miR-216b, and YIN-YANG-1 (YY1) mRNA levels in CRC tissues and cells, then immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of YY1 in CRC tissues. Luciferase reporter, qPCR, western blot, and DNA pulldown assays were conducted to study the relationships between NEAT1, miR-216b, and YY1. Flow cytometry analysis was performed for cell cycle and apoptosis analyses, and a colony formation assay was performed to test cell proliferation. Transwell assays were performed to detect cell invasion and migration.

Results

The NEAT1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with its expression in normal tissues, and downregulation of NEAT1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Moreover, we found NEAT1 decreased the miR-216b level directly, and the suppression of miR-216b could inhibit the function of downstream YY1. However, overexpression of YY1 accelerated CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that NEAT1 acted as an oncogene in CRC and promoted the progression of CRC by directly sponging miR-216 b expression to activate the expression of YY1. The NEAT1/miR-216b/YY1 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for CRC.

Epigenetic factors in breast cancer therapy

Epigenetic modifications are inherited differences in cellular phenotypes, such as cell gene expression alterations, that occur during somatic cell divisions (also, in rare circumstances, in germ line transmission), but no alterations to the DNA sequence are involved. Histone alterations, polycomb/trithorax associated proteins, short non-coding or short RNAs, long non—coding RNAs (lncRNAs), & DNA methylation are just a few biological processes involved in epigenetic events. These various modifications are intricately linked. The transcriptional potential of genes is closely conditioned by epigenetic control, which is crucial in normal growth and development. Epigenetic mechanisms transmit genomic adaptation to an environment, resulting in a specific phenotype. The purpose of this systematic review is to glance at the roles of Estrogen signalling, polycomb/trithorax associated proteins, DNA methylation in breast cancer progression, as well as epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer therapy, with an emphasis on functionality, regulatory factors, therapeutic value, and future challenges.

LincRNAs and snoRNAs in Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis: The Unknown Players

Recent advances in research have led to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies against breast cancer, which has resulted in reduced breast cancer-related mortality. However, the majority of breast cancer-related deaths are due to metastasis of cancer cells to other organs, a process that has not been fully elucidated. Among the factors and genes implicated in the metastatic process regulation, non-coding RNAs have emerged as crucial players. This review focuses on the role of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in breast cancer cell metastasis. LincRNAs are transcribed between two protein-coding genes and are longer than 200 nucleotides, they do not code for a specific protein but function as regulatory molecules in processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion while most of them are highly elevated in breast cancer tissues and seem to function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) inhibiting relevant miRNAs that specifically target vital metastasis-related genes. Similarly, snoRNAs are 60-300 nucleotides long and are found in the nucleolus being responsible for the post-transcriptional modification of ribosomal and spliceosomal RNAs. Most snoRNAs are hosted inside intron sequences of protein-coding and non-protein-coding genes, and they also regulate metastasis-related genes affecting related cellular properties.

Advances of Epigenetic Biomarkers and Epigenome Editing for Early Diagnosis in Breast Cancer

Epigenetic modifications are known to regulate cell phenotype during cancer progression, including breast cancer. Unlike genetic alterations, changes in the epigenome are reversible, thus potentially reversed by epi-drugs. Breast cancer, the most common cause of cancer death worldwide in women, encompasses multiple histopathological and molecular subtypes. Several lines of evidence demonstrated distortion of the epigenetic landscape in breast cancer. Interestingly, mammary cells isolated from breast cancer patients and cultured ex vivo maintained the tumorigenic phenotype and exhibited aberrant epigenetic modifications. Recent studies indicated that the therapeutic efficiency for breast cancer regimens has increased over time, resulting in reduced mortality. Future medical treatment for breast cancer patients, however, will likely depend upon a better understanding of epigenetic modifications. The present review aims to outline different epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs with their impact on breast cancer, as well as to discuss studies highlighting the central role of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer pathogenesis. We propose new research areas that may facilitate locus-specific epigenome editing as breast cancer therapeutics.

Exosomes in Breast Cancer: Involvement in Tumor Dissemination and Prospects for Liquid Biopsy

In women, breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (24.5%) and the leading cause of cancer death (15.5%). Understanding how this heterogeneous disease develops and the confirm mechanisms behind tumor progression is of utmost importance. Exosomes are long-range message vesicles that mediate communication between cells in physiological conditions but also in pathology, such as breast cancer. In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the scientific studies reporting the change in morphology and cargo of tumor-derived exosomes. Due to the transfer of biologically active molecules, such as RNA (microRNA, long non-coding RNA, mRNA, etc.) and proteins (transcription factors, enzymes, etc.) into recipient cells, these lipid bilayer 30–150 nm vesicles activate numerous signaling pathways that promote tumor development. In this review, we attempt to shed light on exosomes’ involvement in breast cancer pathogenesis (including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell proliferation and motility, metastatic processes, angiogenesis stimulation, and immune system repression). Moreover, the potential use of exosomes as promising diagnostic biomarkers for liquid biopsy of breast cancer is also discussed.

Analysis of rare driving events in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Elucidating genetic aberrations in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) provides insight in biology and may impact on risk-group stratification and clinical outcome. This study aimed to detect such aberrations in a selected series of samples without known (cyto)genetic aberration using molecular profiling. A cohort of 161 patients was selected from various study groups: DCOG, BFM, SJCRH, NOPHO and AEIOP. Samples were analyzed using RNA sequencing (n=152), whole exome (n=135) and/or whole genome sequencing (n=100). In 70 of 156 patients (45%), of whom RNA sequencing or whole genome sequencing was available, rearrangements were detected, 22 of which were novel; five involving ERG rearrangements and four NPM1 rearrangements. ERG rearrangements showed self-renewal capacity in vitro, and a distinct gene expression pattern. Gene set enrichment analysis of this cluster showed upregulation of gene sets derived from Ewing sarcoma, which was confirmed comparing gene expression profiles of AML and Ewing sarcoma. Furthermore, NPM1-rearranged cases showed cytoplasmic NPM1 localization and revealed HOXA/B gene overexpression, as described for NPM1 mutated cases. Single-gene mutations as identified in adult AML were rare. Patients had a median of 24 coding mutations (range, 7-159). Novel recurrent mutations were detected in UBTF (n=10), a regulator of RNA transcription. In 75% of patients an aberration with a prognostic impact could be detected. Therefore, we suggest these techniques need to become standard of care in diagnostics.

Phenazine derivatives attenuate the stemness of breast cancer cells through triggering ferroptosis

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are positively correlated with the metastasis, chemoresistance, and recurrence of breast cancer. However, there are still no drugs targeting BCSCs in clinical using for breast cancer treatment. Here, we tried to screen out small-molecule compounds targeting BCSCs from the phenazine library established by us before. We focused on the compounds without affecting cell viability and screened out three potential compounds (CPUL119, CPUL129, CPUL149) that can significantly attenuate the stemness of breast cancer cells, as evident by the decrease of stemness marker expression, CD44+/CD24- subpopulation, mammary spheroid-formation ability, and tumor-initiating capacity. Additionally, these compounds suppressed the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Combined with the transcriptome sequencing analysis, ferroptosis was shown on the top of the most upregulated pathways by CPUL119, CPUL129, and CPUL149, respectively. Mechanistically, we found that these three compounds could trigger ferroptosis by accumulating and sequestering iron in lysosomes through interacting with iron, and by regulating the expression of proteins (IRP2, TfR1, ferritin) engaged in iron transport and storage. Furthermore, inhibition of ferroptosis rescued the suppression of these three compounds on breast cancer cell stemness. This study suggests that CPUL119, CPUL129, and CPUL149 can specifically inhibit the stemness of breast cancer cells through triggering ferroptosis and may be the potential compounds for breast cancer treatment.

Emerging role of lncRNA ELDR in development and cancer

Whole-genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis revealed more than 90% of the human genome transcribes noncoding RNAs including lncRNAs. From the beginning of the 21st century, lncRNAs have gained widespread attention as a new layer of regulation in biological processes. lncRNAs are > 200 nucleotides in size, transcribed by RNA polymerase II, and share many similarities with mRNAs. lncRNA interacts with DNA, RNA, protein, and miRNAs, thereby regulating many biological processes. In this review, we have focused mainly on LINC01156 [also known as the EGFR long non-coding downstream RNA (ELDR) or Fabl] and its biological importance. ELDR is a newly identified lncRNA and first reported in a mouse model, but it has a human homolog. The human ELDR gene is closely localized downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene at chromosome 7 on the opposite strand. ELDR is highly expressed in neuronal stem cells and associated with neuronal differentiation and mouse brain development. ELDR is upregulated in head and neck cancer, suggesting its role as an oncogene and its importance in prognosis and therapy. Publicly available RNA-seq data further support its oncogenic potential in different cancers. Here, we summarize all the aspects of ELDR in development and cancer, highlighting its future perspectives in the context of mechanism.

Exosomal LncRNAs and hepatocellular Carcinoma: From basic research to clinical practice

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with poor prognosis. The incidences of HCC and HCC-related deaths have increased over the last several decades. However, the treatment options for advanced HCC are very limited. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) wrapped in exosomes can change the expression of their target genes in recipient cells, thereby regulating the behavior of recipient cells. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that there is a correlation between the activation of exosomal lncRNAs and the development of HCC. In this review article, we highlighted the functions of exosomal lncRNAs in the development of HCC, showing that exosomal lncRNAs play a vital role in the growth and progression of HCC and are targets for HCC.

Effects of Polyphenols on ncRNAs in cancer - An update

In recent years, oncotherapy has received considerable attention concerning plant polyphenols. Increasing evidence suggests that due to the efficiency of polyphenols, they may have antitumor effects in various cancers. However, their regulatory structures remain elusive. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified in the regulation of various forms of tumorigenesis and tumor development. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have recently emerged as regulatory eukaryotic transcripts and therapeutic targets with important and diverse functions in health and diseases. LncRNAs may be associated with the initiation, development, and progression of cancer. This review summarizes the research on the modulatory effects of LncRNAs and their roles in mediating cellular processes. The mechanisms of action of polyphenols underlying their therapeutic effects on cancers are also discussed. Based on our review, polyphenols might facilitate a significant epigenetic modification as part of their tissue-/cell-related biological effects. This finding may be attributed to their interaction with cellular signaling pathways involved in chronic diseases. Certain LncRNAs might be the target of specific polyphenols, and some critical signaling processes involved in the intervention of cancers might mediate the therapeutic roles of polyphenols. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

AMD Genomics: Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the world’s leading cause of blindness in the aging population. Although the clinical stages and forms of AMD have been elucidated, more specific prognostic tools are required to determine when patients with early and intermediate AMD will progress into the advanced stages of AMD. Another challenge in the field has been the appropriate development of therapies for intermediate AMD and advanced atrophic AMD. After numerous negative clinical trials, an anti-C5 agent and anti-C3 agent have recently shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, in terms of slowing the growth of geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD. Interestingly, both drugs appear to be associated with an increased incidence of wet AMD, another advanced form of the disease, and will require frequent intravitreal injections. Certainly, there remains a need for other therapeutic agents with the potential to prevent progression to advanced stages of the disease. Investigation of the role and clinical utility of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is a major advancement in biology that has only been minimally applied to AMD. In the following review, we discuss the clinical relevance of ncRNAs in AMD as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Non-Coding RNAs in the Crosstalk between Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) by controlling gene expression at multiple levels. In tumors, ncRNAs can mediate the crosstalk between cancer cells and other cells in the TME, such as immune cells, stromal cells, and endothelial cells, influencing tumor development and progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most abundant inflammatory cells infiltrating solid cancers that promote tumorigenesis, and their infiltration correlates with a poor prognosis in many tumors. Cancer cells produce different ncRNAs that orchestrate TAM recruitment and polarization toward a tumor-promoting phenotype. Tumor-reprogrammed macrophages shape the TME by promoting angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, and suppressing the anti-tumor activity of adaptive immune cells. TAMs can also produce ncRNA molecules that boost cancer cell proliferation and direct their phenotype and metabolic changes facilitating cancer progression and metastasis. This review will focus on the crosstalk between cancer cells and TAMs mediated by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during breast cancer (BC) initiation and progression.

Secreted Non-Coding RNAs: Functional Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment and Clinical Relevance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma characterized by poor prognosis and high rate of metastasis. Current treatment is based on chemo- and/or radiotherapy and surgery. TNBC is devoid of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Although precision medicine has come a long way to ameliorate breast cancer disease management, targeted therapies for the treatment of TNBC patients are still limited. Mounting evidence has shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) drive many oncogenic processes at the basis of increased proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in TNBC, strongly contributing to tumor progression and resistance to treatments. Many of these ncRNAs are secreted in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impinge on the activity of the diverse immune and stromal cell types infiltrating the TME. Importantly, secreted ncRNAs may be detected as circulating molecules in serum/plasma from cancer patients and are emerging a promising diagnostic/therapeutic tools in TNBC. This review aims to discuss novel insights about the role of secreted circulating ncRNAs in the intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment and their potential clinical use as diagnostic and prognostic non-invasive biomarkers in TNBC.

Circular RNA circCCDC85A inhibits breast cancer progression via acting as a miR-550a-5p sponge to enhance MOB1A expression

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence indicates that abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) plays a crucial role by acting as molecular sponges of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various diseases, including cancer. In this study, we explored whether circCCDC85A could function as a miR-550a-5p sponge and influence breast cancer progression.

METHODS

We detected the expression of circCCDC85A in breast cancer tissues and cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferative ability of breast cancer cells. Wound healing assay and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to detect the migrative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. We also examined the interactions between circCCDC85A and miR-550a-5p using FISH, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, we performed luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to confirm the direct targeting of miR-550a-5p to MOB1A.

RESULTS

The expression of circCCDC85A in breast cancer tissues was obviously lower than that in normal breast tissues. Over-expression of circCCDC85A substantially inhibited the proliferative, migrative, and invasive ability of breast cancer cells, while knocking down of circCCDC85A enhanced the aforementioned properties of breast cancer cells. Moreover, enforced expression of circCCDC85A inhibits the oncogenic activity of miR-550a-5p and increases the expression of MOB1A targeted by miR-550a-5p. Further molecular mechanism research showed that circCCDC85A may act as a molecular sponge for miR-550a-5p, thus restoring miR-550a-5p-mediated targeting repression of tumor suppressor MOB1A in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide novel evidence that circCCDC85A inhibits the progression of breast cancer by functioning as a molecular sponge of miR-550a-5p to enhance MOB1A expression.

Circular RNA-associated ceRNA network involved in HIF-1 signalling in triple-negative breast cancer: circ_0047303 as a potential key regulator

The aggressive and highly metastatic nature of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) causes patients to suffer from the poor outcome. HIF‐1 signalling pathway is a prominent pathway that contributes to angiogenesis and metastasis progression in tumours. On the contrary, the undeniable importance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as multifunctional non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been identified in breast cancer. These ncRNAs owing to their high stability and specificity have been becoming a hotspot in cancer researches. circRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and compete with mRNAs for shared miRNAs, thus modulate gene expression. Since the most dysregulated biological functions in TNBC are associated with cellular invasion, understanding the molecular pathogenesis of these processes is a crucial step towards the development of new treatment approaches. The purpose of this study is to undermine the circRNA‐associated ceRNA network involved in HIF‐1 signalling in TNBC using an integrative bioinformatics approach. In the next step, the novel circ_0047303‐mediated ceRNA regulatory axes have been extracted and validated across TNBC samples. We show that circ_0047303 has the highest degree in the circRNA‐associated ceRNA network and shows a significant up‐expression in TNBC. Moreover, our results suggest that circ_0047303 could mediate the upregulation of key angiogenesis‐related genes, including HIF‐1, EIF4E2 and VEGFA in TNBC through sponging the tumour‐suppressive miRNAs. The circ_0047303 could be a promising molecular biomarker and/or therapeutic target for TNBC.

Identification of Potential Long Non-Coding RNA Candidates that Contribute to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Humans through Computational Approach

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy identified in adult females, resulting in enormous financial losses worldwide. Owing to the heterogeneity as well as various molecular subtypes, the molecular pathways underlying carcinogenesis in various forms of BC are distinct. Therefore, the advancement of alternative therapy is required to combat the ailment. Recent analyses propose that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform an essential function in controlling immune response, and therefore, may provide essential information about the disorder. However, their function in patients with triple-negative BC (TNBC) has not been explored in detail. Here, we analyzed the changes in the genomic expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) and lncRNA in standard control in response to cancer metastasis using publicly available single-cell RNA-Seq data. We identified a total of 197 potentially novel lncRNAs in TNBC patients of which 86 were differentially upregulated and 111 were differentially downregulated. In addition, among the 909 candidate lncRNA transcripts, 19 were significantly differentially expressed (DE) of which three were upregulated and 16 were downregulated. On the other hand, 1901 mRNA transcripts were significantly DE of which 1110 were upregulated and 791 were downregulated by TNBCs subtypes. The Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed that some of the host genes were enriched in various biological, molecular, and cellular functions. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that some of the genes were involved in only one pathway of prostate cancer. The lncRNA-miRNA-gene network analysis showed that the lncRNAs TCONS_00076394 and TCONS_00051377 interacted with breast cancer-related micro RNAs (miRNAs) and the host genes of these lncRNAs were also functionally related to breast cancer. Thus, this study provides novel lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for the therapeutic intervention of this cancer subtype.

DNAJC3-AS1 Is Associated with Proliferation, Metastasis, and Poor Prognosis of Breast Cancer

Objective. Long noncoding RNA DNAJC3-AS1 (DNAJC3-AS1) was a newly identified tumor-related lncRNA. The aim of the present study was to explore the prognostic value and diagnostic of DNAJC3-AS1 (DNAJC3-AS1) expression in breast cancer (BC) patients. Patients and Methods. The expression of DNAJC3-AS1 was detected in 170 BC tissues and matched normal breast samples by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value of DNAJC3-AS1 was examined by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) assays. The correlation of DNAJC3-AS1 with clinicopathological features and prognosis was also statistically analyzed. CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, and Transwell assays were applied to examine the potential function of DNAJC3-AS1 on tumor progression. Western blot was used to examine the expression of EMT-related proteins. Results. The expression of DNAJC3-AS1 in BC specimens was higher than that in the adjacent nontumor tissues ( $p<0.01$ ). Diagnostic assays revealed that DNAJC3-AS1 has considerable diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.7457 ( $p<0.001$ ). High DNAJC3-AS1 expression was positively associated with lymph node metastasis ( $p=0.010$ ) and clinical stage ( $p=0.023$ ). A survival study revealed that patients with high DNAJC3-AS1 expression had shorter overall survival ( $p=0.0067$ ) and disease-free survival ( $p<0.0001$ ) than those with low DNAJC3-AS1 expression. More importantly, multivariate assays indicated that DNAJC3-AS1 was an independent prognostic factor in BC patients. Functional assays confirmed that silence of DNAJC3-AS1 distinctly suppressed the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT progress of BC cells. Conclusions. DNAJC3-AS1 may be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for BC patients.

Exosome-Mediated Crosstalk Between Tumor and Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles, derived from the endolysosomal compartment of cells and can shuttle diverse biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and metabolites, which can reflect their origin cells. Delivery of these cargoes to recipient cells enables exosomes to influence diverse cellular functions. As one of the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are educated by the tumor milieu, which is rich in cancer cells and stroma components, to exert functions such as the promotion of tumor growth, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and cancer cell dissemination. Herein, we focus on exosomes-mediated intercellular communication between tumor cells and TAM in the tumor microenvironment, which may provide new targets for anti-tumor treatment. In this review, we highlight the most recent studies on the effect of tumor/macrophage-derived exosomes on macrophage/tumor function in different cancer types.

Dexmedetomidine inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress to suppress pyroptosis of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal epithelial cells via activating the SIRT1 expression

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) can protect the intestine against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway, which could be activated by Dex, was reported to inhibit I/R injury. Pyroptosis plays an important role in intestinal diseases. We aimed to investigate whether Dex could attenuate pyroptosis of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced intestinal epithelial cells via activating SIRT1. The intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 with or without SIRT1 knockdown after H/R treatment was exposed to Dex, then cell viability, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory cytokines production and SIRT1 expression were detected. Results showed that Dex treatment had no significant effect on IEC-6 cell viability but rescued the H/R-reduced cell viability. The expression of proteins involved in ERS including Grp78, Gadd153 and caspase 12 was enhanced upon H/R stimulation, but was reversely reduced by Dex. The cell apoptosis increased by H/R was also decreased by Dex. Additionally, Dex inhibited pyroptosis and inflammation, which were markedly promoted upon H/R stimulation. The expression of SIRT1, which was reduced after H/R treatment was also partially rescued by Dex. Finally, the above effects of Dex were all blocked by SIRT1 knockdown. In conclusion, Dex could inhibit H/R-induced intestinal epithelial cells ERS, apoptosis and pyroptosis via activating SIRT1 expression.

Impacts of LOC105371267 Variants on Breast Cancer Susceptibility in Northern Chinese Han Females: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Background

LOC105371267, also known as PR-lncRNA1, was reported to be a p53-regulated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which played an essential role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). We aimed to observe the potential association between LOC105371267 polymorphisms and BC risk in Northern Chinese Han females.

Methods

Totally, 555 healthy individuals and 561 patients with BC were recruited. Five candidate SNPs (rs6499221, rs3931698, rs8044565, rs3852740, and rs111577197) of LOC105371267 were genotyped with the Agena MassARRAY system. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the relationship of LOC105371267 genetic polymorphisms with BC susceptibility. Additionally, stratification analysis based on clinical features and haplotype analysis were also conducted. Finally, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was performed to assess the SNP-SNP interaction among LOC105371267 variants, and false-positive report probability (FPRP) analysis was used to validate the result of this study.

Results

In this study, rs3931698 was a protective factor of BC in total (GG homozygote: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.82, p=0.018; recessive model: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.84, p=0.021). In stratification analysis based on the average age of 52 years and clinical characteristics (PR status, III-IV TNM stage), rs3931698 was also demonstrated to be associated with BC susceptibility. In addition, rs6499221 and rs3852740 were also associated with BC susceptibility among patients at age <52 years and patients with BC in a positive status. Thus, the haplotype analysis had a negative result for the incidence of BC (p > 0.05), and haplotype consisting of rs8044565 and rs111577197 was nonsignificantly associated with the BC risk. Finally, MDR and FPRP analyses also validated the result of this study.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms rs3931698, rs6499221, and rs3852740 of LOC105371267 were found to be associated with the risk of BC in total, and stratification analysis in the Northern Chinese Han females suggested that LOC105371267 variants might be helpful to predict BC progression.

Hsa-miR-599 inhibits breast cancer progression via BRD4/Jagged1/Notch1 axis

Hsa-miR-599 was identified as a tumor suppressor against cancer. This study aimed to explore possible mechanisms of antitumor effect of hsa-miR-599 against breast cancer. Tissue specimens were collected from 106 breast cancer cases, and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was cultured for in vitro experiments. The expression pattern of hsa-miR-599 was measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lipofectamine® 2000 reagent was used for cell transfection. Cell viability, motility and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometer, respectively. Protein analysis was performed via western blot. Hsa-miR-599 expression was decreased in breast cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, its expression was negatively correlated with TNM stage (p = 0.004) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001). Enhanced hsa-miR-599 expression in breast cancer cells could induce the inhibition against cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and strengthen cell apoptosis. BRD4 might be a target of hsa-miR-599. Hsa-miR-599 combined with BRD4 inhibited breast cancer progression through targeting Jagged1/Notch1 pathway. Hsa-miR-599 expression is downregulated in breast cancer. Hsa-miR-599 may inactivate BRD4/Jagged1/Notch1 axis, thus suppressing malignant progression of breast cancer.

Role of exosomal long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer

Exosomes are a class of small extracellular vesicles, 30-150 nm in diameter, that transfer biological information (e.g., DNA, RNA, and protein) via cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes play critical roles in the occurrence and development of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be encapsulated in exosomes, which transfer lncRNAs from secretory cells into recipient cells. This process affects the progression of CRC, since exosomal lncRNAs display special and extensive functions in CRC tumorigenesis, including malignant proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance, and inflammatory response. Moreover, due to their specificity and sensitivity, exosomal lncRNAs are released into body fluids (e.g., urine, sputum, and plasma), which have the potential to be biomarkers of CRC tumorigenesis within screening efforts and medical and epidemiologic research. In this review, we aim to clarify the function and mechanism of exosomal lncRNAs in CRC tumorigenesis and provide a strategy for early diagnosis and medical treatment of this malignancy.

Exosomal lncRNA LINC01711 facilitates metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the miR-326/FSCN1 axis

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Early diagnosis and exploration of esophageal cancer pathogenesis are of great significance for the treatment and prognosis of esophageal cancer. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of different types of tumors. However, the role of exosome LncRNA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is rarely reported. In this study, we detected high expression of lncRNA LINC01711 in ESCC tissues and was associated with poor prognosis. Silencing LINC01711 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and growth of ESCC cell lines, and induce apoptosis. Linc01711 was identified as a competitive endogenous RNA that suppressed miR-326, and up-regulated the expression of fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1). Besides, in vivo experiments showed that the administration of exosome-derived LINC01711 (LINC01711-Exo) promoted the growth of tumors in nude mice. In general, exosomal LINC01711 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer cells by up-regulating FSCN1 and down-regulating miR-326, thus improved the occurrence and development of ESCC.

Identification and Roles of miR-29b-1-3p and miR29a-3p-Regulated and Non-Regulated lncRNAs in Endocrine-Sensitive and Resistant Breast Cancer Cells

Despite improvements in the treatment of endocrine-resistant metastatic disease using combination therapies in patients with estrogen receptor α (ERα) primary tumors, the mechanisms underlying endocrine resistance remain to be elucidated. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), are targets and regulators of cell signaling pathways and their exosomal transport may contribute to metastasis. Previous studies have shown that a low expression of miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p is associated with lower overall breast cancer survival before 150 mos. Transient, modest overexpression of miR-29b1-3p or miR-29a-3p inhibited MCF-7 tamoxifen-sensitive and LCC9 tamoxifen-resistant cell proliferation. Here, we identify miR-29b-1/a-regulated and non-regulated differentially expressed lncRNAs in MCF-7 and LCC9 cells using next-generation RNA seq. More lncRNAs were miR-29b-1/a-regulated in LCC9 cells than in MCF-7 cells, including DANCR, GAS5, DSCAM-AS1, SNHG5, and CRND. We examined the roles of miR-29-regulated and differentially expressed lncRNAs in endocrine-resistant breast cancer, including putative and proven targets and expression patterns in survival analysis using the KM Plotter and TCGA databases. This study provides new insights into lncRNAs in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

Circulating lncRNA UCA1 and lncRNA PGM5-AS1 act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and significant malignant diseases worldwide. In the present study, we evaluated two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC patients as diagnostic markers for early-stage CRC.

METHODS

Using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE102340, GSE126092, GSE109454 and GSE115856, 14 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between cancer and adjacent tissues, among which, the two most differentially expressed were confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 200 healthy controls and 188 CRC patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for CRC.

RESULTS

From four GEO datasets, three up-regulated and eleven down-regulated lncRNAs were identified in CRC tissues, among which, lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) and lncRNA phosphoglucomutase 5-antisense RNA 1 (PGM5-AS1) were the most significantly up- and down-regulated lncRNAs in CRC patient plasma, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was calculated to be 0.766, 0.754 and 0.798 for UCA1, PGM5-AS1 and the combination of these two lncRNAs, respectively. Moreover, the diagnostic potential of these two lncRNAs was even higher for the early stages of CRC. The combination of UCA1 and PGM5-AS1 enhanced the AUC to 0.832, and when the lncRNAs were used with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the AUC was further improved to 0.874.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we identified two lncRNAs, UCA1 and PGM5-AS1, in CRC patients' plasma, which have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers of CRC.

Piwi-Interacting RNAs: A New Class of Regulator in Human Breast Cancer

P-element-induced wimpy testis (Piwi)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of germline-enriched small non-coding RNA that associate with Piwi family proteins and mostly induce transposon silencing and epigenetic regulation. Emerging evidence indicated the aberrant expression of Piwil proteins and associated piRNAs in multiple types of human cancer including breast cancer. Although the majority of piRNAs in breast cancer remains unclear of the function mainly due to the variety of regulatory mechanisms, the potential of piRNAs serving as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis or therapeutic targets for cancer treatment has been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Herein we summarized the research progress of oncogenic or tumor suppressing piRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms in regulating human breast cancer, including piR-021285, piR-823, piR-932, piR-36712, piR-016658, piR-016975 and piR-4987. The challenges and perspectives of piRNAs in the field of human cancer were discussed.

Estrogen-decreased hsa_circ_0001649 promotes stromal cell invasion in endometriosis

Endometriosis (EMs) is an estrogen (E2)-dependent inflammatory disorder. Although EMs is considered a benign disease, it presents with malignant characteristics, such as migration and invasion. An increasing number of studies have shown that aberrantly expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in disease development and progression. However, the mechanisms by which circRNAs exert their pathological effects in EMs remain unclear. Hsa_circ_0001649, a novel cancer-associated circRNA, has been previously reported to be downregulated in several cancer types and related to cell migration and invasion. In the present study, real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out to measure hsa_circ_0001649 levels in human tissues, human primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and a human endometrial stromal cell line (ThESCs). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) levels in ESCs and ThESCs were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the migration and invasion capacities of ThESCs were evaluated by transwell assay. As a result, hsa_circ_0001649 expression was significantly decreased in ectopic and eutopic endometrial samples compared with that in normal endometrial samples. E2 decreased hsa_circ_0001649 expression but increased MMP9 expression in ESCs and ThESCs. Furthermore, ThESCs were more invasive under E2 stimulation. However, these effects disappeared when ICI or hsa_circ_0001649 transfection was used. Collectively, our findings reveal that decreased hsa_circ_0001649 expression plays a role in E2-increased MMP9 expression through E2 receptors (ERs), which have critical functions in EMs.

Chemoresistance and Metastasis in Breast Cancer Molecular Mechanisms and Novel Clinical Strategies

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in females worldwide. Chemotherapy is the standard breast cancer treatment; however, chemoresistance is often seen in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Owing to high heterogeneity, the mechanisms of breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis have not been fully investigated. The possible molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancer include efflux transporters, signaling pathways, non-coding RNAs, and cancer stem cells. However, to overcome this hurdle, the use of novel clinical strategies such as drug carriers, immunotherapy, and autophagy regulation, are being investigated. The goal of this review is to summarize the current data about the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer chemoresistance and the novel clinical strategies; thus, providing a useful clinical tool to explore optimal treatment for breast cancer.