MiR-204-3p overexpression inhibits gastric carcinoma cell proliferation by inhibiting the MAPK pathway and RIP1/MLK1 necroptosis pathway to promote apoptosis

Induction of necroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma by miR‑10b‑5p through modulation of the PKP3/RIPK3/MLKL cascade

Globally, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the leading cause of cancer‑related mortality, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Necroptosis has been recognized as a crucial mechanism for inhibiting cancer progression. Research has revealed a significant association between microRNA (miRNA)‑mediated necroptosis and tumor progression. The present study aimed to elucidate the role and underlying mechanisms of miR‑10b‑5p in regulating necroptosis in the context of LUAD. In an investigation of LUAD, miRNA sequencing was conducted on both LUAD and adjacent non‑tumor tissues, followed by the integration of external database information to identify specific target miRNAs. The expression of miR‑10b‑5p was verified in LUAD tissues and corresponding adjacent non‑cancerous tissues using immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments, utilizing LUAD cell lines engineered to modulate miR‑10b‑5p levels, assessed its effects on cellular activities and necroptosis. The inhibition of PKP3 by miR‑10b‑5p was determined using a dual luciferase reporter system. Furthermore, alterations in miR‑10b‑5p levels were found to affect PKP3 expression and inhibit the RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, as evidenced by western blot analysis in LUAD cell lines. The effect of PKP3 knockdown on cell activity and necroptosis in LUAD cell lines with low miR‑10b‑5p expression levels was assessed using cell function assays. Finally, a nude mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the effect of miR‑10b‑5p on LUAD growth in vivo and its specific mechanism of action. It has been revealed that miR‑10b‑5p levels are significantly elevated in LUAD specimens. Further investigations demonstrated that an increase in miR‑10b‑5p enhances the proliferation of LUAD cells and suppresses the progression of necroptosis, as evidenced by in vitro experiments. Through dual luciferase reporter assays, PKP3 was confirmed as a direct target negatively regulated by miR‑10b‑5p, leading to reduced expression levels. Western blot analysis indicated that miR‑10b‑5p inhibits the RIPK3/MLKL pathway activation through downregulation of PKP3, which leads to increased cell proliferation and decreased necroptosis. However, knockdown of PKP3 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‑10b‑5p inhibitors on cellular activity and inhibited necrosis by suppressing the RIPK3/MLKL signalling pathway. In addition, animal model studies demonstrated that inhibition of miR‑10b‑5p activated the RIPK3/MLKL pathway by promoting PKP3 expression and significantly reduced LUAD growth by promoting necroptosis. In conclusion, our studies have revealed that the miR‑10b‑5p functions as a tumorigenic factor, enhancing various cellular activities in LUAD cells and suppressing necroptosis by specifically targeting PKP3, thereby inhibiting activation of the RIPK3/MLKL pathway. Importantly, interventions using inhibitors that specifically target miR‑10b‑5p have shown significant success in impeding the progression of LUAD by promoting necroptosis in both cellular and animal models. Thus, targeting miR‑10b‑5p holds considerable potential as a therapeutic strategy for LUAD.

Role of miRNAs in Apoptosis Pathways of Immune Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulated immune responses and multi-organ involvement. Dysregulation of apoptosis, a key process for maintaining immune homeostasis, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of SLE. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, have emerged as important modulators of apoptosis in immune cells, influencing the balance between immune tolerance and autoimmunity.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to comprehensively summarize recent advancements in understanding the roles of miRNAs in apoptosis regulation within immune cells in SLE, highlighting their therapeutic potential for restoring immune balance and mitigating disease progression.

RESULTS

Aberrant expression of specific miRNAs contributes to the dysregulation of apoptosis in SLE immune cells. Pro-apoptotic miRNAs, such as miR-125b and miR-150, are often downregulated, leading to enhanced survival of autoreactive immune cells. Conversely, anti-apoptotic miRNAs, including miR-21, are upregulated, further disrupting the delicate balance of immune cell apoptosis. Dual-function miRNAs, such as miR-155, exhibit context-dependent roles based on cellular environments and target gene interactions. This dysregulation promotes the persistence of autoreactive immune cells and the development of autoimmunity.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs play critical roles in modulating apoptosis pathways, making them promising therapeutic targets for SLE. Restoring the balance of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic miRNAs could help reinstate immune tolerance and reduce tissue damage. Future research should focus on elucidating miRNA targetomes, improving delivery systems, and addressing off-target effects to fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Functional Role of miR-499a-5p in the Development of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly prone malignant tumor, which has attracted wide attention. This study investigated the expression and clinical value of miR-499a-5p in GC. A total of 105 patients with GC were included in this study. Simultaneously, 55 patients with benign stomach disorders and 45 healthy subjects were enrolled as controls. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of miR-499a-5p. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of miR-499a-5p in GC. Kaplan-Meier and logistic analyses were used to evaluate the association between miR-499a-5p and GC prognosis. The levels of miR-499a-5p are markedly downregulated in GC and have a high diagnostic value. miR-499a-5p is closely linked to pathological features of GC. Overexpression of miR-499a-5p inhibits GC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, miR499a-5p is also related to GC and 5-year survival, and is a risk factor for GC death. The levels of miR-499a-5p were markedly downregulated in GC and related to GC pathological features. It has the potential to become a biomarker for the diagnosis of GC.

MicroRNA-based interventions in aberrant cell cycle diseases: Therapeutic strategies for cancers, central nervous system disorders and comorbidities

Malignant tumors and central nervous system (CNS) disorders are intricately linked to a process known as "aberrant cell cycle re-entry," which plays a critical role in the progression of these diseases. Addressing the dysregulation in cell cycles offers a promising therapeutic approach for cancers and CNS disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role as regulators of gene expression in cell cycle transitions, presenting a promising therapeutic avenue for treating these disorders and their comorbidities. This review consolidates the progress made in the last three years regarding miRNA-based treatments for diseases associated with aberrant cell cycle re-entry. It encompasses exploring fundamental mechanisms and signaling pathways influenced by miRNAs in cancers and CNS disorders, particularly focusing on the therapeutic effects of exosome-derived miRNAs. The review also identifies specific miRNAs implicated in comorbidity of cancers and CNS disorders, discusses the future potential of miRNA reagents in managing cell cycle-related diseases.

Non-Coding RNA as Biomarkers and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer-A Narrative Review

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a broad family of molecules that regulate gene expression, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, amongst others. Dysregulated expression of ncRNAs alters gene expression, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Gastric cancer is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Studies have found that altered expression of ncRNAs may contribute to tumourigenesis through regulating proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance and metastasis. This review describes the potential use of ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Moreover, we discuss the involvement of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, including their interactions with the members of major signalling pathways.

Editor-in-Chief articles of choice and comments at the year-end of 2023

As the Editor-in-Chief of World Journal of Gastroenterology, every week prior to a new issue's online publication, I perform a careful review of all encompassed articles, including the title, clinical and/or research importance, originality, novelty, and ratings by the peer reviewers. Based on this review, I select the papers of choice and suggest pertinent changes (e.g., in the title) to the Company Editors responsible for publication. This process, while time-consuming, is very important for assuring the quality of publications and highlighting important articles that Readers may revisit.