miR-325-3p Promotes the Proliferation, Invasion, and EMT of Breast Cancer Cells by Directly Targeting S100A2

Knockdown of S100A2 inhibits the aggressiveness of endometrial cancer by activating STING pathway

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer is a kind of gynaecological cancer. S100A2 is a newfound biomarker to diagnose endometrial cancer. This study was to investigate the role of S100A2 on regulating migration and invasion of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

The mRNA and protein levels of S100A2 were obtained by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot methods. Cell viability was measured by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were quantified using transwell assays. Western blot assay was conducted to quantify protein expressions of epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related proteins (N-cadherin and E-cadherin). Furthermore, in vivo tumour formation experiments were performed to evaluate the role of S100A2 on tumour xenografts.

RESULTS

S100A2 was significantly up-regulated in endometrial cancer tissues. Knockdown of S100A2 inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. Meanwhile, STING pathway was activated by the inhibited S100A2. STING inhibitor C-176 significantly reversed the effects of S100A2 knockdown on aggressive behaviours of endometrial cancer cells. Inhibition of S100A2 dramatically suppresses the tumour growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

S100A2 functions as an oncogene in endometrial cancer. Targeting S100A2 may be a promising therapeutic method to treat endometrial carcinoma.

S100A2 activation promotes interstitial fibrosis in kidneys by FoxO1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common feature of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) being one of its important mechanisms. S100A2 is a protein associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, but its specific functions and molecular mechanisms in RIF remain to be determined.

METHODS

S100A2 levels were evaluated in three mouse models, including unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), as well as in TGF-β1- treated HK-2 cells and in kidney tissue samples. Furthermore, the role of S100A2 and its interaction with FoxO1 was investigated using RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), transcriptome sequencing, and gain- or loss-of-function approaches in vitro.

RESULTS

Elevated expression levels of S100A2 were observed in three mouse models and TGF-β1-treated HK2 cells, as well as in kidney tissue samples. Following siRNA silencing of S100A2, exposure to TGF-β1 in cultured HK-2 cells suppressed EMT process and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Conversely, Overexpression of S100A2 induced EMT and ECM deposition. Notably, we identified that S100A2-mediated EMT depends on FoxO1. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that S100A2 and FoxO1 colocalized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and their interaction was verified in Co-IP assay. S100A2 knockdown decreased TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of FoxO1 and increased its protein expression, whereas S100A2 overexpression hampered FoxO1 activation. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of FoxO1 rescued the induction of TGF-β1 on EMT and ECM deposition in S100A2 siRNA-treated cells.

CONCLUSION

S100A2 activation exacerbates interstitial fibrosis in kidneys by facilitating FoxO1-mediated EMT.

MicroRNA‑325: A comprehensive exploration of its multifaceted roles in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic implications (Review)

MicroRNA (miRNA/miR) represents a category of endogenous, short-chain non-coding RNA molecules comprising ~22 nucleotides. Specifically, miR-325 is situated within the first sub-band of region 2 on the short arm of the X chromosome. Notably, aberrant expression of miR-325 has been observed across various tumor systems, spanning the nervous, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive and digestive systems. miR-325 exhibits the capacity to target a minimum of 20 protein-coding genes, thereby influencing diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Moreover, miR-325 serves a pivotal role in the formation of six competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axes, involving one circular RNA, four long non-coding RNA and one additional miRNA. By participating in various signaling pathways through gene targeting, the abnormal expression of miR-325 has been associated with clinicopathological conditions in diverse patients with cancer, significantly impacting both the clinicopathology and prognosis of affected individuals. Additionally, miR-325 has been associated with the development of resistance to oxaliplatin, cisplatin and doxorubicin in cancer cells. Its involvement in the anticancer molecular mechanisms of these agents underscores its potential significance in therapeutic contexts. However, it is noteworthy that the current study did not specifically address sex-based cell line selection. In conclusion, the present review provides a comprehensive summary of the relevant findings concerning miR-325, offering valuable insights for future research endeavors focused on determining the molecular mechanisms associated with this miRNA.

Single-cell analysis of breast cancer metastasis reveals epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity signatures associated with poor outcomes

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is unclear how intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) contributes to metastasis and how metastatic cells adapt to distant tissue environments. The study of these adaptations is challenged by the limited access to patient material and a lack of experimental models that appropriately recapitulate ITH. To investigate metastatic cell adaptations and the contribution of ITH to metastasis, we analyzed single-cell transcriptomes of matched primary tumors and metastases from patient-derived xenograft models of breast cancer. We found profound transcriptional differences between the primary tumor and metastatic cells. Primary tumors upregulated several metabolic genes, whereas motility pathway genes were upregulated in micrometastases, and stress response signaling was upregulated during progression. Additionally, we identified primary tumor gene signatures that were associated with increased metastatic potential and correlated with patient outcomes. Immune-regulatory control pathways were enriched in poorly metastatic primary tumors, whereas genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition were upregulated in highly metastatic tumors. We found that ITH was dominated by epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which presented as a dynamic continuum with intermediate EMP cell states characterized by specific genes such as CRYAB and S100A2. Elevated expression of an intermediate EMP signature correlated with worse patient outcomes. Our findings identified inhibition of the intermediate EMP cell state as a potential therapeutic target to block metastasis.

Immune-related gene signature improves prognosis prediction in patients with breast cancer and associates it with tumor immunity and inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

The prognostic potential of immune-related genes, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is gaining attention for evaluating the prognosis of breast cancer patients.

METHODS

We analyzed 23 datasets to identify 15 ICI-related mRNAs and 5 immune-related lncRNAs, creating a robust immune score (IS). This score was used to classify patients into high and low IS groups and assess their survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients with high IS showed significantly poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those with low IS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed IS as an independent prognostic factor. Additionally, high IS was associated with higher mutation loads and neoantigen profiles, while low IS correlated with enhanced immune cell infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

The immune score developed from ICI-related mRNAs and lncRNAs effectively predicts the prognosis of breast cancer patients and highlights the differential immune and inflammatory responses between patients with varying levels of immune score. This underscores the relevance of IS in guiding therapeutic decisions and tailoring patient management strategies in clinical settings.

TFAP2A Activates S100A2 to Mediate Glutamine Metabolism and Promote Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastasis

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a fatal disease with metabolic abnormalities. The dysregulation of S100 calcium-binding protein A2 (S100A2), a member of the S100 protein family, is connected to the development of various cancers. The impact of S100A2 on the LUAD occurrence and metastasis, however, has not yet been reported. The functional mechanism of S100A2 on LUAD cell metastasis was examined in this article.

METHODS

The expression of TFAP2A and S100A2 in LUAD tissues and cells was analyzed by bioinformatics and qRT-PCR, respectively. The enrichment pathway analysis was performed on S100A2. Bioinformatics analysis determined the binding relationship between TFAP2A and S100A2, and their interaction was validated through dual-luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). A transwell assay was performed to analyze the invasion and migration of cells. Immunofluorescence was conducted to obtain vimentin and E-cadherin expression, and a western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, GLS, and GLUD1. The kits measured the NADPH/NADP ratio, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels, and the contents of glutamine, α-KG, and glutamate.

RESULTS

S100A2 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, and S100A2 mediated glutamine metabolism to induce LUAD metastasis. Additionally, the transcriptional regulator TFAP2A was discovered upstream of S100A2, and TFAP2A expression was upregulated in LUAD, which indicated that TFAP2A promoted the S100A2 expression. The rescue experiment found that upregulation of S100A2 could reverse the inhibitory effects of silencing TFAP2A on glutamine metabolism and cell metastasis.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, by regulating glutamine metabolism, the TFAP2A/S100A2 axis facilitated LUAD metastasis. This suggested that targeting S100A2 could be beneficial for LUAD treatment.

Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing reveal heterogeneity and diagnostic markers in papillary thyroid carcinoma lymph-node metastasis

PURPOSE

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is characterized by lymph-node metastasis (LNM), which affects recurrence and prognosis. This study analyzed PTC LNM by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to find diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

ScRNA-seq data were clustered and malignant cells were identified. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in malignant cells of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq, respectively. PTC LNM diagnostic model was constructed based on intersecting DEGs using glmnet package. Next, PTC samples from 66 patients were used to validate the two most significant genes in the diagnostic model, S100A2 and type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC). Further, the inhibitory effect of DIO2 on PTC cells was verified by cell biology behavior, western blot, cell cycle analysis, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and xenograft tumors.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of PTC LNM was demonstrated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. A total of 19 differential genes were used to construct the diagnostic model. S100A2 and DIO2 differ significantly at the RNA (p < 0.01) and protein level in LNM patient tissues (p < 0.001). And differed in PTC tissues with different pathologic typing (p < 0.001). Further, EdU (p < 0.001) and cell biology behavior revealed that PTC cells overexpressed DIO2 had reduced proliferative capacity. Cell cycle proteins were reduced and cells are more likely to be stuck in G2/M phase (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study explored the heterogeneity of PTC LNM using scRNA-seq. By combining with bulk RNA-seq data, diagnostic markers were explored and the model was established. Clinical diagnostic efficacy of S100A2 and DIO2 was validated and the treatment potential of DIO2 was discovered.

ncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network: Transcriptomic insights into breast cancer progression and treatment strategies

With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing technology, several studies have shown that ncRNAs can act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and are involved in various biological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration of breast cancer (BC) cells, and plays an important role in BC progression as a molecular target for its diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and differentiation of subtypes and age groups of BC patients. Based on the description of ceRNA-related biological functions, this study screened and sorted the sequencing analysis and experimental verification conclusions of BC-related ceRNAs and found that the ncRNAs mediated ceRNA networks can promote the development of BC by promoting the expression of genes related to BC proliferation, drug resistance, and apoptosis, inducing the production of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote metastasis and activating cancer-related signaling pathways.

Mechanical overloading-induced miR-325-3p reduction promoted chondrocyte senescence and exacerbated facet joint degeneration

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) degeneration is one of the main causes of low back pain (LBP). Mechanical stress leads to the exacerbation of LFJ degeneration, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study was intended to investigate the mechanism of LFJ degeneration induced by mechanical stress.

METHODS

Here, mice primary chondrocytes were used to screen for key microRNAs induced by mechanical overloading. SA-β-gal staining, qRT-PCR, western blot, and histochemical staining were applied to detect chondrocyte senescence in vitro and in vivo. We also used a dual-luciferase report assay to examine the targeting relationship of miRNA-325-3p (miR-325-3p) and Trp53. By using NSC-207895, a p53 activator, we investigated whether miR-325-3p down-regulated trp53 expression to reduce chondrocyte senescence. A mice bipedal standing model was performed to induce LFJ osteoarthritis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was intraarticularly injected to evaluate the effect of miR-325-3p on facet joint degeneration.

RESULTS

We observed chondrocyte senescence both in human LFJ osteoarthritis tissues and mice LFJ after bipedally standing for 10 weeks. Mechanical overloading could promote chondrocyte senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expression. MicroRNA-array analysis identified that miR-325-3p was obviously decreased after mechanical overloading, which was further validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in vivo. Dual-luciferase report assay showed that miR-325-3p directly targeted Trp53 to down-regulated its expression. MiR-325-3p rescued chondrocyte senescence in vitro, however, NSC-207895 reduced this effect by activating the p53/p21 pathway. Intraarticular injection of AAV expressing miR-325-3p decreased chondrocyte senescence and alleviated LFJ degeneration in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that mechanical overloading could reduce the expression of miR-325-3p, which in turn activated the p53/p21 pathway to promote chondrocyte senescence and deteriorated LFJ degeneration, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for LFJ degeneration.

NFIC1 inhibits the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells through S100A2-mediated inactivation of MEK/ERK pathway

NFIC is a potent transcriptional factor involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis. However, the role of NFIC1, the longest isoform of NFIC, in the progression of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains elusive. Our study demonstrates that overexpression of NFIC1 inhibits the migration and invasion of TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. NFIC1 regulates the expression of S100A2, and knockdown of S100A2 reverses the inhibitive effects of NFIC1 on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of S100A2 activates the MEK/ERK signaling transduction pathway that is inhibited by NFIC1 overexperssion. Treatment with MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor, U0126, abolishes the effects of S100A2 knockdown. In addition, overexpression of NFIC1 in MDA-MB-231 cells increases the expression of epithelial markers and decreases the expression of mesenchymal markers, and these effects could also be reversed by knockdown of S100A2. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NFIC1 inhibits the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating S100A2 expression, which suppress the activation of MEK/ERK pathway. Therefore, our study confirms the role of NFIC1 as a tumor repressor in TNBC, and reveals the molecular mechanism through which NFIC1 inhibits the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells.

MiR-325-3p Alleviates Acute Pancreatitis via Targeting RIPK3

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disease that can lead to death. Mir-325-3p is strongly and abnormally expressed in many diseases, necessitating exploration of its function and mechanism in AP.

METHODS

Blood samples from AP patients and mice were analyzed. The expression levels of miR-325-3p in AP patients and mouse were detected. Whether miR-325-3p targets RIPK3 gene was predicted by TargetScan online database and dual luciferase reporter assay. In vitro experiments verified the effect of miR-325-3p overexpression on caerulein-induced MPC83 pancreatic acinar cancer cell line. In vivo experiments verified the effect of overexpression of miR-325-3p on the disease degree of pancreatic tissues in AP mice.

RESULTS

Analysis of blood samples from AP patients and experiments in mice demonstrated that expression of miR-325-3p was significantly reduced during the process of AP in humans and mice. Predicted using the TargetScan online database and through dual luciferase reporter assay detection, miR-325-3p directly targets the RIPK3 gene. In vitro experiments revealed that overexpression of miR-325-3p reversed caerulein-induced apoptosis and necroptosis in MPC83 pancreatic acinar cancer cell line. We used Z-VAD-FMK to assess necroptosis and demonstrated that miR-325-3p targets necroptosis to reduce cell damage. In subsequent experiments in mice, we verified that overexpression of miR-325-3p reduces inflammation, edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis in acute pancreatitis. Characteristic western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy results revealed that overexpression of miR-325-3p reduces the severity of acute pancreatitis by inhibiting pancreatic necroptosis in AP mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The current research results indicate that miR-325-3p directly targets RIPK3 and exerts a protective role in mouse AP. Necroptosis is still the primary mechanism of RIPK3 regulation. MiR-325-3p inhibits acute pancreatitis by targeting RIPK3-dependent necroptosis, which may represent a novel treatment method for acute pancreatitis.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in human cancer: From proliferation and metastasis to therapy

Initiation and development of cancer depend on multiple factors that mutations in genes and epigenetic level can be considered as important drivers. Epigenetic factors include a large family of members and understanding their function in cancer has been a hot topic. LncRNAs are RNA molecules with no capacity in synthesis of proteins, and they have regulatory functions in cells. LncRNAs are localized in nucleus and cytoplasm, and their abnormal expression is related to development of tumor. This manuscript emphasizes on the role of lncRNA H19 in various cancers and its association with tumor hallmarks. The function of lncRNA H19 in most tumors is oncogenic and therefore, tumor cells increase its expression for promoting their progression. LncRNA H19 contributes to enhancing growth and cell cycle of cancers and by EMT induction, it is able to elevate metastasis rate. Silencing H19 induces apoptotic cell death and disrupts progression of tumors. LncRNA H19 triggers chemo- and radio-resistance in cancer cells. miRNAs are dually upregulated/down-regulated by lncRNA H19 in increasing tumor progression. Anti-cancer agents reduce lncRNA H19 in impairing tumor progression and increasing therapy sensitivity. A number of downstream targets and molecular pathways for lncRNA H19 have been detected in cancers including miRNAs, RUNX1, STAT3, β-catenin, Akt2 and FOXM1. Clinical studies have revealed potential of lncRNA H19 as biomarker and its association with poor prognosis. LncRNA H19 can be transferred to cancer cells via exosomes in enhancing their progression.

Circ_0,007,331 Promotes the PTX Resistance and Progression of Breast Cancer via miR-200b-3p/ANLN

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to explore the expression pattern of circular ribonucleic acid (RNA)_0,007,331 (circ_0,007,331) in breast cancer (BC) and its functional association with cellular paclitaxel (PTX) resistance and proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure RNA expression. The PTX resistance of BC cells was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Flow cytometry was applied to assess cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis. Transwell assays were utilized to analyze cell migration and invasion abilities. Protein expression was determined by Western blot assay. The target relationship between microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p) and circ_0,007,331 or Anillin (ANLN) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-pull down assay. The in vivo role of circ_0,007,331 was analyzed using xenograft tumor model.

RESULTS

Circ_0,007,331 expression was elevated in PTX-resistant BC cell lines relative to parental BC cell lines. Circ_0,007,331 contributed to the PTX resistance, proliferation, migration, invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 interacted with miR-200b-3p in BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 silencing-mediated effects in BC cells were largely overturned by the knockdown of miR-200b-3p. ANLN was a target of miR-200b-3p in BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 silencing reduced ANLN expression partly through upregulating miR-200b-3p in BC cells. miR-200b-3p overexpression-induced effects in BC cells were largely counteracted by the accumulation of ANLN. Circ_0,007,331 silencing aggravated PTX-mediated inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0,007,331 contributed to the PTX resistance, proliferation and motility and inhibited the apoptosis of BC cells through mediating miR-200b-3p/ANLN signaling.

Influence of S100A2 in Human Diseases

S100 proteins are a family of low-molecular-weight proteins characterized by two calcium-binding sites with a helix-loop-helix (“EF-hand-type”) domain. The S100 family of proteins is distributed across various organs and can interact with diverse molecules. Among the proteins of the S100 family, S100 calcium-binding protein A2 (S100A2) has been identified in mammary epithelial cells, glands, lungs, kidneys, and prostate gland, exhibiting various physiological and pathological actions in human disorders, such as inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors. In this review, we introduce basic knowledge regarding S100A2 regulatory mechanisms. Although S100A2 is a tumor suppressor, we describe the various influences of S100A2 on cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Role of MiR-325-3p in the Regulation of CFL2 and Myogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts

Skeletal myogenesis is required to maintain muscle mass and integrity, and impaired myogenesis is causally linked to the etiology of muscle wasting. Recently, it was shown that excessive uptake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting. Although microRNA (miRNA) is implicated in the regulation of myogenesis, the molecular mechanism whereby SFA-induced miRNAs impair myogenic differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the regulatory roles of miR-325-3p on CFL2 expression and myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. PA impeded myogenic differentiation, concomitantly suppressed CFL2 and induced miR-325-3p. Dual-luciferase analysis revealed that miR-325-3p directly targets the 3'UTR of CFL2, thereby suppressing the expression of CFL2, a crucial factor for actin dynamics. Transfection with miR-325-3p mimic resulted in the accumulation of actin filaments (F-actin) and nuclear Yes-associated protein (YAP) in myoblasts and promoted myoblast proliferation and cell cycle progression. Consequently, miR-325-3p mimic significantly attenuated the expressions of myogenic factors and thereby impaired the myogenic differentiation of myoblasts. The roles of miR-325-3p on CFL2 expression, F-actin modulation, and myogenic differentiation suggest a novel miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism of myogenesis and PA-inducible miR-325-3p may be a critical mediator between obesity and muscle wasting.