Behind the curtain of non-coding RNAs; long non-coding RNAs regulating hepatocarcinogenesis

Serum tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J as a novel biomarker for auxiliary diagnosis and disease course monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective

In most cases, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develop advanced disease when diagnosed. Finding new molecules to combine with traditional biomarkers is crucial for HCC early diagnosis. In cancer development, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNA) play a crucial role. Here, we aimed to identify a novel biomarker among tsRNAs that can facilitate HCC diagnosis and monitor its prognosis.

Methods

We screened candidate tsRNAs in 3 pairs of HCC and adjacent tissues through high-throughput sequencing. tRF-33-RZYQQ9M739P0J was screened in tissues, sera, and cells through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for further analysis. tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J was characterized using agarose gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA isolation. Experiments at room temperature and repeated freeze-thaw cycles were conducted to evaluate the detection performance of tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J. We measured the levels of differential expression of tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J in sera using qRT-PCR. We applied the chi-square test to evaluate the correlation between tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J expression levels and clinicopathological features, and assessed its prognostic value by plotting Kaplan-Meier curves. The diagnostic efficacy of tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally, the downstream genes related to tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J were explored through bioinformatics prediction.

Results

tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J was highly expressed in HCC tissues and sera, and its expression was correlated with metastasis, TNM stage, BCLC stage, and vein invasion. Expression of tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J were decreased after surgery in patients with HCC. High serum tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J levels are associated with low survival rates, and they can predict survival times in patients with HCC according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Combining tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J with serum alpha-fetoprotein and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II can improve the diagnostic efficiency of HCC, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for HCC.

Conclusion

tRF-33-RZYQHQ9M739P0J may not only be a promising non-invasive marker for early diagnosis, but also a predictor of liver cancer progression.

Pyroptosis-related non-coding RNAs emerging players in atherosclerosis pathology

Globally, atherosclerosis a persistent inflammatory condition of the artery walls continues to be the primary cause of cardiovascular illness and death. The ncRNAs are important regulators of important signalling pathways that affect pyroptosis and the inflammatory environment in atherosclerotic plaques. Comprehending the complex interaction between pyroptosis and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offers fresh perspectives on putative therapeutic targets for ameliorating cardiovascular problems linked to atherosclerosis. The discovery of particular non-coding RNA signatures linked to the advancement of atherosclerosis could lead to the creation of novel biomarkers for risk assessment and customised treatment approaches. A thorough investigation of the regulatory networks regulated by these non-coding RNAs has been made possible by the combination of cutting-edge molecular methods and bioinformatics tools. Studying pyroptosis-related ncRNAs in detail appears to be a promising way to advance our understanding of disease pathophysiology and develop focused therapeutic methods as we work to unravel the complex molecular tapestry of atherosclerosis. This review explores the emerging significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of pyroptosis and their consequential impact on atherosclerosis pathology.

Role of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest cancer in human malignancies. It is the most common and severe type of primary liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new kind of RNA and epigenetic factors, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC. LncRNAs are capable of promoting the autophagy, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells by targeting and modulating the expression of downstream genes in signaling pathways related to cancer; these transcripts modify the activity and expression of various tumor suppressors and oncogenes. LncRNAs could act as biomarkers for treatment approaches such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to effectively treat HCC patients. Improved knowledge regarding the aetiology of HCC may result from an advanced understanding of lncRNAs. Enhanced oxidative stress in the mitochondrial and Endoplasmic reticulum leads to the activation of unfolded protein response pathway that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. The mutual regulation between LncRNAs and Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cancer and simultaneous activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway determines the fate of tumor cells in HCC. Mitochondria-associated lncRNAs work as essential components of several gene regulatory networks; abnormal regulation of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs may lead to oncogenesis, which provides further insight into the understanding of tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies.

Natural flavonoids alleviate glioblastoma multiforme by regulating long non-coding RNA

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Due to the poor prognosis of patients, the median survival time of GBM is often less than 1 year. Therefore, it is very necessary to find novel treatment options with a good prognosis for the treatment or prevention of GBM. In recent years, flavonoids are frequently used to treat cancer. It is a new attractive molecule that may achieve this promising treatment option. Flavonoids have been proved to have many biological functions, such as antioxidation, prevention of angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and protection of nerve cells. It has also shown the ability to regulate long non-coding RNA (LncRNA). Studies have confirmed that flavonoids can regulate epigenetic modification, transcription, and change microRNA (miRNA) expression of GBM through lncRNA at the gene level. It also found that flavonoids can induce apoptosis and autophagy of GBM cells by regulating lncRNA. Moreover, it can improve the metabolic abnormalities of GBM, interfere with the tumor microenvironment and related signaling pathways, and inhibit the angiogenesis of GBM cells. Eventually, flavonoids can block the tumor initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNA in GBM cancer progression and the influence of flavonoids on lncRNA regulation. And emphasize their expected role in the prevention and treatment of GBM.

An immune infiltration-related long non-coding RNAs signature predicts prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: With a high incidence and dismal survival rate, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tops the list of the world's most frequent malignant tumors. Immunotherapy is a new approach to cancer treatment, and its effect on prolonging overall survival (OS) varies from patient to patient. For a more effective prognosis and treatment of HCC, we are committed to identifying immune infiltration-related long non-coding RNAs (IIRLs) with prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: In our study, we calculated immune scores of 369 hepatocellular carcinoma samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database by using an estimation algorithm, and obtained long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with immune infiltration by using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network analysis (WGCNA). For training cohort, univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to determine prognostic IIRLs, we established a prognostic IIRLs signature. By testing cohort and entire cohort, we confirmed that the signature is practical. The prognosis of people with different clinicopathological stages and risk scores were predicted by the nomogram we constructed. In addition, Immune cell infiltration analysis and prediction of therapeutic drugs were performed. Results: 93 IIRLs were obtained by WGCNA. Furthermore, the prognostic value of these IIRLs were evaluated by using univariate Cox, Lasso and multivariate Cox analysis. Four IIRLs were used to create a signature with a prognosis. Time-related receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that this model had an acceptable prognostic value for HCC patients. By using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, this risk score has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC. The nomogram we made showed good predictions. Except for that, the treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) was likely to be more effective for low-risk patients. Conclusion: Based on four IIRLs, a prognostic signature was created in this research showed good accuracy in predicting OS. This study also provided valuable references for Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Potential Biomarkers for Liver Cancer Diagnosis Based on Multi-Omics Strategy

Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for about 85%-90% of all primary liver malignancies. However, only 20-30% of HCC patients are eligible for curative therapy mainly due to the lack of early-detection strategies, highlighting the significance of reliable and accurate biomarkers. The integration of multi-omics became an important tool for biomarker screening and unique alterations in tumor-associated genes, transcripts, proteins, post-translational modifications and metabolites have been observed. We here summarized the novel biomarkers for HCC diagnosis based on multi-omics technology as well as the clinical significance of these potential biomarkers in the early detection of HCC.

Identification of Immune-Related Prognostic mRNA and lncRNA in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

As the most common hepatic malignancy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence; therefore, in this paper, the immune-related genes were sought as biomarkers in liver cancer.

Methods

In this study, a differential expression analysis of lncRNA and mRNA in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset between the HCC group and the normal control group was performed. Enrichment analysis was used to screen immune-related differentially expressed genes. Cox regression analysis and survival analysis were used to determine prognostic genes of HCC, whose expression was detected by molecular experiments. Finally, important immune cells were identified by immune cell infiltration and detected by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared with the normal group, 1613 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRs) and 1237 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRs) were found in HCC. Among them, 143 immune-related DEmRs and 39 immune-related DElncRs were screened out. These genes were mainly related to MAPK cascade, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and TGF-beta. Through Cox regression analysis and survival analysis, MMP9, SPP1, HAGLR, LINC02202, and RP11-598F7.3 were finally determined as the potential diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. The gene expression was verified by RT-qPCR and western blot. In addition, CD4 + memory resting T cells and CD8 + T cells were identified as protective factors for overall survival of HCC, and they were found highly expressed in HCC through flow cytometry.

Conclusion

The study explored the dysregulation mechanism and potential biomarkers of immune-related genes and further identified the influence of immune cells on the prognosis of HCC, providing a theoretical basis for the prognosis prediction and immunotherapy in HCC patients.

Long noncoding RNAs in the regulation of p53-mediated apoptosis in human cancers

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely known for their regulatory function in transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. The involvement of such non-protein-coding RNAs in nuclear organization and chromatin remodeling is often associated with an increased risk of human malignancies. In cancer, lncRNAs either promote cell survival or may act as a growth suppressor, thus conferring a key regulatory function other than their established role in fundamental cellular processes. Interestingly, lncRNAs interfere with the stages of apoptosis and related pathways involving p53. Many of these molecules either regulate or are regulated by p53 while mounting oncogenic events. Consequently, they may confer both prosurvival or proapoptotic functions depending upon the tissue type. Since the mechanism of cell death is bypassed in many human cancers, it has emerged that the lncRNAs are either overexpressed or knocked down to sensitize cells to apoptotic stimuli. Nonetheless, the abundant expression of lncRNAs in tumor cells renders them suitable targets for anticancer therapies. Although the role of lncRNAs in the p53 network and apoptosis has been independently defined, their interplay in activating p53-target genes during cell cycle arrest remains unexplored. Thus, we have specifically reviewed the possible involvement of lncRNAs in the p53-mediated apoptosis of human cancer cells. In particular, we summarize the growing evidence from individual studies and analyze whether lncRNAs are essential to facilitate apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner. This may lead to the identification of p53-associated lncRNAs that are suitable therapeutic targets or diagnostic/prognostic markers.

Circ-CSPP1 knockdown suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression through miR-493-5p releasing-mediated HMGB1 downregulation

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for over 80% of primary liver cancers and leads to a high death rate. Research on circular RNAs (circRNAs) suggests that circRNAs are promising biomarkers for cancer treatment. This study aimed to explore the function of a novel circRNA (circ-CSPP1) in HCC.

METHODS

Circ-CSPP1 was obtained from the microarray data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression of circ-CSPP1, miR-493-5p and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, colony formation ability, migration and invasion were monitored using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The protein levels of CyclinD1, Vimentin, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and HMGB1 were detected by western blot. Xenograft models were established to investigate the function of circ-CSPP1 in vivo. The association between miR-493-5p and circ-CSPP1 or HMGB1 was predicted by the online tool starBase and ensured by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The expression of circ-CSPP1 and HMGB1 was elevated, while the expression of miR-493-5p was declined in HCC tissues and cells. Circ-CSPP1 knockdown not only depleted HCC cell proliferation, formation, migration and invasion in vitro but also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. MiR-493-5p was a target of circ-CSPP1, and HMGB1 was a target of miR-493-5p. Rescue experiments presented that miR-493-5p deficiency reversed the effects of circ-CSPP1 knockdown, and HMGB1 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-493-5p restoration. Circ-CSPP1 sponged miR-493-5p to regulate HMGB1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of circ-CSPP1 suppressed HCC development both in vitro and in vivo by upregulation of miR-493-5p and downregulation of HMGB1, hinting that circ-CSPP1 participated in HCC pathogenesis.

Whole-transcriptome and proteome analyses identify key differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs associated with HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. To gain more insights into the transcriptomic landscape and molecular mechanism of HCC, we performed TMT-labelled tandem mass spectrometry (n = 4) and whole-transcriptome sequencing (n = 3) based on HCC tumour (T) and adjacent normal (N) tissues from seven HCC patients. To comprehensively evaluate the gene-regulatory circuits in HCC, differential expression and enrichment analyses were performed on the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), genes (DEGs), miRNAs (555), lncRNAs (29) and circRNAs (895). A total of 977 proteins and 243 genes were found to be differentially expressed in HCC tumours compared with adjacent normal tissues. HCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to validate the results. Combined with the results above, 56 DEP-DEGs with common changes in relative quantity were identified. Functional pathway analysis showed that the DEP-DEGs were mainly enriched in the spliceosome and various metabolic processes. Bioinformatics analysis showed that hsa-miR-1266-5p, hsa-miR-128-1-5p, hsa-miR-139-5p, hsa-miR-34b-3p and hsa-miR-570-3p were involved in the regulation of the hub genes mentioned above. The crucial coexpression (lncRNA-mRNA, circRNA-mRNA) and competing endogenous RNA interaction axes showed the possible functions of the lncRNAs and circRNAs. We explored potential cancer biomarkers by combining proteomic and transcriptomic studies. Our study provides a valuable resource for understanding regulatory mechanisms at the RNA level and may ultimately further assist in the development of diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets for HCC.

High Expression of LINC01268 is Positively Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Regulating MAP3K7

Objective

As one of the most common neoplastic diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high morbidity and mortality, which seriously threatens human health and places a heavy burden on society and medical care. At present, effective early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HCC are limited. Altered gene expression patterns of lncRNA are associated with the occurrence, development and prognosis of various malignancies, including HCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the expression of LINC01268 and HCC, and to elucidate the potential underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

Expression level and localization of LINC01268 in human liver cancer cells and HCC tissues were investigated using RT-qPCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively. Correlation of expression levels of LINC01268 and MAP3K7 with differentiation and poor overall patient survival of HCC were analyzed using in house collected and publicly available HCC tissue data. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to inspect the effects of depletion and overexpression of LINC01268 on MAP3K7 expression. HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis were also investigated by simultaneous overexpression of LINC01268 and knockdown of MAP3K7, in order to delineate that MAP3K7 is a downstream effector of LINC01268.

Results

In this study, we identified that LINC01268 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines and tissues. High LINC01268 expression level was associated with lower HCC nodule number, moderate/poor differentiation and poor overall survival. Knockdown of LINC01268 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells, which was enhanced by overexpression of LINC01268. Co-expression analysis implied an interaction between LINC01268 and MAP3K7. Similar to LINC01268, MAP3K7 was highly expressed in HCC cells, and positively correlated with moderate/poor differentiation as well as poor prognosis. Knockdown of LINC01268 in HCC cell lines led to reduction of MAP3K7 at both mRNA and protein levels. Phenotypic effects due to LINC01268 overexpression in HCC cells were reversed by knockdown of MAP3K7.

Conclusion

Taken together, the abnormal high expression of LINC01268 is associated with HCC progression via regulating MAP3K7, suggesting LINC01268 as a novel marker for HCC prognosis and potentially a new therapeutic target.

Regulatory long non-coding RNAs of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis (Review)

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a continuous wound healing process caused by numerous chronic hepatic diseases and poses a major threat to human health. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a critical event in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are involved in HSC activation, participate in the development of LF and are likely to be therapeutic targets for LF. In the present review, the cellular signaling pathways of LF with respect to HSCs were discussed. In particular, this present review highlighted the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in activating or inhibiting LF, revealing lncRNAs that are likely to be biomarkers or therapeutic targets for LF. Additional studies should be performed to elucidate the potential of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of LF and to provide novel therapeutic approaches for the reversion of LF.

Targeting translation regulators improves cancer therapy

Deregulation of protein synthesis may be involved in multiple aspects of cancer, such as gene expression, signal transduction and drive specific cell biological responses, resulting in promoting cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. Study the molecular mechanisms about translational control may help us to find more effective anti-cancer drugs and develop novel therapeutic opportunities. Recently, the researchers had focused on targeting translational machinery to overcome cancer, and various small molecular inhibitors targeting translation factors or pathways have been tested in clinical trials and exhibited improving outcomes in several cancer types. There is no doubt that an insight into the class of translation regulation protein would provide new target for pharmacologic intervention and further provide opportunities to develop novel anti-tumor therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarized the developments of translational control in cancer survival and progression et al, and highlighted the therapeutic approach targeted translation regulation to overcome the cancer.

PCAT18, as a novel differentially regulated long noncoding RNA in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients revealed by next-generation sequencing

INTRODUCTION

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of human tumors. The aim of this work was to evaluate the expression level of lncRNAs in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and to explore the function of candidate lncRNA PCAT18 in clinical diagnosis and prognosis of AML.

METHODS

Noncoding RNA screening was performed by second-generation sequencing on adult newly diagnosed AML patients and healthy controls. GO and KEGG pathway analysis were performed for functional analysis of differentially regulated lncRNAs. The expression of candidate lncRNA PCAT18 was detected by real-time PCR. In K-562 and THP-1 cells, proliferation, and cell cycle analysis were performed using CCK-8 assay and Cell Cycle Assay Kit.

RESULTS

The lncRNA expression profile of AML patients and healthy controls showed that six upregulated (>5-fold) and eight downregulated (<0.2-fold) lncRNAs. The candidate lncRNA PCAT18 showed higher expression in AML patients with NPM1 mutation and favorable-risk. RT-PCR revealed a significant increase of PCAT18 expression comparing to control cells. PCAT18 overexpression obviously promoted cell proliferation and PCAT18 knockdown decreased cell proliferation. The fraction of the S phases was increased in the PCAT18 overexpression group and decreased in the PCAT18 knockdown group.

CONCLUSIONS

The candidate lncRNA PCAT18 in our study was firstly found upregulated in AML samples, that its overexpression promoted cell proliferation and G1/S transition. Further study of PCAT18 and its target mRNAs are needed to confirm the mechanism of PCAT18 in AML. PCAT18 may act as diagnostic and prognosis biomarker for AML.

Screening and verification of long noncoding RNA promoter methylation sites in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) promoter methylation is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we aim to screen and verify the lncRNA promoter methylation sites associated with overall survival (OS), vascular invasion, pathological grade, and clinical stage in HCC.

Methods

Methylation-related data including clinical characteristic, transcriptome, methylation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were taken from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The OS, vascular invasion, pathological grade, and clinical stage-related lncRNA promoter methylation models were developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm based on the lncRNA promoter methylation sites screened via R software. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), the calibration curve (C-index) were performed to evaluate the performance of these models. Finally, the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) was performed to verify the accuracy of these models based on 146 HCC tissues from our hospital.

Results

A total of 10 methylation sites were included in the OS-related lncRNA promoter methylation model that could effectively divide HCC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups (P < 0.0001) via survival analysis. COX univariable and multivariable regression analysis found that the OS-related model (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.378-2.942) and T stage (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.490-3.418) were independent risk factors affecting OS in HCC patients. The vascular invasion-related model contained 8 methylation sites with its AUC value of 0.657; the pathological grade-related model contained 22 methylation sites with its AUC value of 0.797; the clinical stage-related model contained 13 methylation sites with its AUC of 0.724. Target genes corresponded to vascular invasion-related lncRNA promoter methylation sites were involved in many kinds of biological processes in HCC such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The accuracy of the vascular invasion-related model was consistent with our bioinformatics conclusion after being verified via MS-PCR.

Conclusion

The lncRNA promoter methylation sites are closely correlated with the process of HCC and can be utilized to improve the therapy and prognosis of HCC.

Screening and verification of microRNA promoter methylation sites in hepatocellular carcinoma

The promoter methylation mode of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to screen and verify the miRNA methylation sites associated with the overall survival (OS) and clinical characteristics of HCC patients. Methylation-related data were from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). R software was utilized to screen the methylation sites. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was utilized to develop the miRNA promoter methylation models. Then, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed with 146 HCC tissues to verify the accuracy of the vascular infiltration-related model. Additionally, we verified the functions of vascular infiltration-related miRNA by utilizing cells transfected with miR-199a-3p mimic. The model for predicting OS of HCC patients contained eight methylation sites. The Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that the model could divide HCC patients into high- and low-risk groups (P < .0001). COX regression analysis suggested that the model (P < .001; 95% CI, 1.264-2.709) and T category (P < .001; 95% CI, 1.472-3.119) were independent risk factors for affecting OS of HCC patients. The model for predicting vascular infiltration, pathological grade, and clinical stage contained 7, 10, and 9 methylation sites respectively, with their area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values 0.667, 0.745, and 0.725, respectively. The functional analysis suggested that miRNA methylation is involved in various biological processes such as WNT, MAPK, and mTOR signaling pathways. The accuracy of the vascular infiltration-related model was consistent with our previous bioinformatics assay. And upregulation of miR-199a-3p decreased migration and invasion abilities. The screened miRNA promoter methylation sites can be served as biomarkers for judging OS, vascular infiltration, pathology grade, and clinical stage. It can also provide new targets for improving the treatment and prognosis of HCC patients.

Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Modulates Medulloblastoma Progression In Vitro And In Vivo By Sponging miR-494-3p And Targeting EIF5A2

Background

Previous studies have shown that P73 antisense RNA 1T (non-protein coding), also known as TP73-AS1, is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and involved in the development of medulloblastoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA TP73-AS1 in medulloblastoma was still unclear, the present study was aimed to investigate the detailed functions and the mechanism of TP73-AS1 in regulation of medulloblastoma.

Materials and methods

The levels of TP73-AS1, miR-494-3p, and Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), in situ hybridization (ISH), or Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The function of TP73-AS1 in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of medulloblastoma cells was evaluated using cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein levels were determined by Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assay were used to search and confirm the target gene of TP73-AS1 and miR-494-3p. The effect of TP73-AS1 knockdown in vivo was detected by animal experiment.

Results

The levels of TP73-AS1 and EIF5A2 were up-regulated, while miR-494-3p expression was down-regulated in medulloblastoma tissues and cells, ELF5A2 was a direct target of miR-494-3p, and miR-494-3p bound to TP73-AS1. The knockdown of TP73-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and promoted apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells, while the miR-494-3p inhibitor abolished the effects of TP73-AS1 knockdown on medulloblastoma cells.

Conclusion

TP73-AS1 positively regulated EIF5A2 expression by sponging miR-494-3p. These findings suggested that TP73-AS1 served as an oncogene and promoted the progression of medulloblastoma.

A Case/Control Study: AGBL1 Polymorphism Related to Lung Cancer Risk in Chinese Nonsmoking Females

ATP/GTP binding protein like 1 (AGBL1) plays a role in controlling the length of polyglutamate side chains. Polymorphism rs4513061 in AGBL1 is suspected to influence the risk of lung cancer. A case/control study was performed involving 556 cases and 563 controls from a hospital participating in donation. The relationship between rs4513061 and the risk of lung cancer and the interaction between rs4513061 and environmental exposure were determined by the chi-square tests, logistic regression analysis, and crossover analysis. The survival analysis was conducted by Cox proportional hazard regression. The results showed that rs4513061 polymorphism is associated with the risk of lung cancer. The stratified analysis suggested the protective effect of rs4513061 to different histological types of lung cancer, including lung adenocarcinoma (AA vs. GG: odds ratio [OR] = 0.505, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.337-0.756, p < 0.001), squamous cell lung cancer (AG vs. GG: OR = 0.488, 95% CI = 0.269-0.883, p = 0.018), and small-cell lung cancer (AA vs. GG: OR = 0.421, 95% CI = 0.216-0.819, p = 0.011). Nevertheless, there was no significant interaction between rs4513061 and cooking oil fume. Significant impact was not observed between the rs4513061 polymorphism and survival time of lung cancer. Our study indicated that rs4513061 in AGBL1 decreases the risk of lung cancer in nonsmoking females from northeast China.

LINC00460 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development through sponging miR-485-5p to up-regulate PAK1

LncRNAs can function as significant regulators of tumor development. However, their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poorly investigated. LINC00460 has been identified in several cancers, which can act as an oncogene. In this study, we observed that LINC00460 was significantly up-regulated in HCC cells, which implied that LINC00460 was involved in HCC development. Then, LINC00460 was silenced in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells and we found that knockdown of LINC00460 greatly inhibited HCC cell proliferation. In addition, HCC cell apoptosis was induced and meanwhile, cell cycle progression was blocked by down-regulation of LINC00460 in vitro. Furthermore, we proved that Hep3B and Huh-7 cell migration and invasion capacity was repressed by decrease of LINC00460. Recently, a growing number of studies have indicated the correlation between lncRNAs and microRNAs. Currently, we displayed that miR-485-5p was greatly decreased in HCC cells and LINC00460 could sponge miR-485-5p to regulate HCC progression. The binding association between LINC00460 and miR-485-5p was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pulled down and RIP assay in our research. Subsequently, PAK1 was predicted as a downstream target of miR-485-5p and we demonstrated that miR-485-5p suppressed PAK1 levels in vitro. Finally, in vivo experiments were conducted to validate that knockdown of LINC00460 repressed HCC development through modulating miR-485-5p to increase PAK1. Taken these together, we indicated that LINC00460 promoted HCC progression through sponging miR-485-5p and up-regulating PAK1.

DUXAP10 inhibition attenuates the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

The long non-coding RNA DUXAP10 has been involved in the development, progression, and metastasis in several human cancers, but its biological function and underlying mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still undetermined. The present study was proposed to explore the effect of DUXAP10 on the growth and metastasis of HCC cells and the potential mechanisms involved. The results showed that DUXAP10 is dramatically elevated in HCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DUXAP10 by DUXAP10 si-RNA significantly inhibited the cell viability, proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HCC cell line. Meanwhile, inhibition of DUXAP10 attenuates the cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. No significant change of JNK MAPK pathway was detected in DUXAP10 siRNA transfected HCC cell lines. The β-catenin and pAkt levels were decreased in the Hep G2+DUXAP10 siRNA and SMMC7721+DUXAP10 siRNA groups, while the activation of Wnt/β-catenin or PI₃K/Akt suppressed the inhibition of DUXAP10 siRNA on cell proliferation and migration. Collectively, DUXAP10 plays a critical role in regulating HCC development, potentially by regulating EMT and cell proliferation through the PI₃K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Inhibition of DUXAP10 in HCC HepG2 cells could attenuate the EMT and cell proliferation and invasion. Therefore, DUXAP10 might be a promising therapy target to inhibit the growth of HCC.

Long noncoding RNA GAS5 inhibits metastasis by targeting miR-182/ANGPTL1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases are responsible for the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related mortalities. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert important functions in modulating various tumor behaviors. However, the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in HCC metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, downregulation of lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) was observed in HCC tissues and cells, and predicted poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Through performing gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we found that GAS5 could obviously inhibit migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro, and suppress tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, GAS5 functioned as a tumor suppressor in HCC metastasis through directly interacting with miR-182 and abrogating its oncogenic function in this setting. Moreover, GAS5 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-182 to upregulate the expression of anti-metastasis protein ANGPTL1. Finally, we demonstrated that using ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)-mediated GAS5 transfection could significantly decrease migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells. Collectively, our study first reveals the mechanism of GAS5/miR-182/ANGPTL1 axis in suppressing HCC metastasis, which provides promising new avenues for therapeutic intervention against HCC progression.

Non-Coding RNAs and Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem and is one of the main causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite recent improvements, effective treatments for HCC are still missing and new tools for early detection are needed. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and key players in human carcinogenesis, including HCC. Aberrant expression of ncRNAs is associated with HCC metastasis, invasion, dissemination, and recurrence. This review will focus on the recent advances in ncRNA expression profiles, their dysregulation in HCV-related HCC, and the clinical perspective of ncRNA signatures for the early detection of HCC.