microRNA-20a enhances the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells by modulating matrix metalloproteinases

Overexpressed FKBP5 mediates colorectal cancer progression and sensitivity to FK506 treatment via the NF-κB signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly tumor. FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) is associated with some cancers, but the role of FKBP5 in CRC is not clear. The present study aimed to reveal the relationship between FKBP5 and CRC and to uncover the roles of FK506 in CRC. In total, 96 CRC patients were recruited. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method and COX regression analyses. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the functions of FKBP5. The mechanisms of FKBP5 and the roles of FK506 in CRC progression were clarified by immunohistochemistry, MTS, scratch assay, transwell and flow cytometric analyses via in vitro and in vivo experiments. FKBP5 was overexpressed in 77 cancer tissues compared to that in matched normal tissues, and the overall survival rate of these patients was relatively shorter. Bioinformatics analyses showed that FKBP5 regulates proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. The upregulation or downregulation of FKBP5 dramatically increases or decreases the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of CRC cells. The expression of NF-κB, inhibitor B kinase α, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 positively correlated with FKBP5. FK506 inhibits the progression of CRC via the FKBP5/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study identified a regulatory role for FKBP5 in CRC progression. Therefore, targeting FKBP5 may provide a novel treatment approach for CRC. FK506 can inhibit the progression of CRC by restraining the FKBP5/NF-κB signaling pathway and is expected to become a new drug for the treatment of CRC.

The Simultaneous Effects of miR-145-5p and hsa-let-7a-3p on Colorectal Tumorigenesis: In Vitro Evidence

Purpose

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small regulatory non-coding RNAs, which are dysregulated through tumor progression. let-7 and MIR-145 are both tumor suppressor microRNAs that are downregulated in a wide array of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of simultaneous replacement of these two tumor suppressor miRNAs on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of CRC cells. HCT-116 with lower expression levels of hsa-let-7a-3p and MIR-145-5p was selected for functional investigations. The cells were cultured and transfected with hsa-let-7a and MIR-145, separately and in combination. Cell viability and apoptosis rates were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell cycle status was further evaluated using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR was employed to evaluate gene expression.

Results

The obtained results showed that exogenous overexpression of MIR-145 and hsa-let-7a in HCT-116 cells could cooperatively decrease CRC cell proliferation and induce sub-G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, hsa-let-7a and MIR-145 co-transfection significantly increased apoptosis induction compared to separate transfected cells and control through modulating the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes including Bax, Bcl-2, P53, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results illustrated that hsa-let-7a and MIR-145 combination more effectively downregulated MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression, as the important modulators of metastasis, compared to the controls.

Conclusion

Taken together, considering that exogenous overexpression of MIR-145 and hsa-let-7a showed cooperative anti-cancer effects on CRC cells, their combination may be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CRC.

Rebound increase in microRNA levels at the end of 5-FU-based therapy in colorectal cancer patients

Treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based therapy is still used for colorectal cancer (CRC). Epigenetics has become a focus of study in cancer because of its reversibility besides its known regulatory functions. In this study, we will monitor the change in microRNAs (miRNAs) levels with 5-FU-based therapy at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment to be correlated with their prognostic potential. The expression levels of 5 miRNAs, namely miRNA223-3p, miRNA20a-5p, miRNA17-5p, miRNA19a-3p, and miRNA7-5p, were measured in the peripheral blood of 77 CRC patients, along with the expression of 3 proteins PTEN, ERK, and EGFR. At baseline, CRC patients had significantly higher levels of circulating miRNAs than healthy controls. This level was reduced after 3 months of 5-FU-based therapy, then increased after 6 months significantly in responder patients compared to non-responders. MiRNA19a-3p showed that significant pattern of change in the subgroups of patients with high ERK, EGFR, and PTEN protein levels, and its 6 months level after 5-FU-based therapy showed significance for the hazard of increased risk of disease recurrence and progression.

Exosomes in metastasis of colorectal cancers: Friends or foes?

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common type of cancer worldwide, threaten human health and quality of life. With multidisciplinary, including surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, patients with an early diagnosis of CRC can have a good prognosis. However, metastasis in CRC patients is the main risk factor causing cancer-related death. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRC metastasis is the difficult and research focus on the investigation of the CRC mechanism. On the other hand, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been confirmed as having an essential role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of malignancies, including CRCs. Among the different factors in the TME, exosomes as extracellular vesicles, function as bridges in the communication between cancer cells and different components of the TME to promote the progression and metastasis of CRC. MicroRNAs packaged in exosomes can be derived from different sources and transported into the TME to perform oncogenic or tumor-suppressor roles accordingly. This article focuses on CRC exosomes and illustrates their role in regulating the metastasis of CRC, especially through the packaging of miRNAs, to evoke exosomes as novel biomarkers for their impact on the metastasis of CRC progression.

Systematic review of overlapping microRNA patterns in COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis is an emerging complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we speculate that patients with COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may share aberrant expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) associated to the progression of lung fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify miRNAs presenting similar alteration in COVID-19 and IPF, and describe their impact on fibrogenesis.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published between 2010 and January 2022 (PROSPERO, CRD42022341016) was conducted using the key words (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) AND (microRNA OR miRNA) or (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis OR IPF) AND (microRNA OR miRNA) in Title/Abstract.

RESULTS

Of the 1988 references considered, 70 original articles were appropriate for data extraction: 27 studies focused on miRNAs in COVID-19, and 43 on miRNAs in IPF. 34 miRNAs were overlapping in COVID-19 and IPF, 7 miRNAs presenting an upregulation (miR-19a-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-23b and miR-424) and 9 miRNAs a downregulation (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-708-3p and miR-150-5p).

CONCLUSION

Several studies reported elevated levels of profibrotic miRNAs in COVID-19 context. In addition, the balance of antifibrotic miRNAs responsible of the modulation of fibrotic processes is impaired in COVID-19. This evidence suggests that the deregulation of fibrotic-related miRNAs participates in the development of fibrotic lesions in the lung of post-COVID-19 patients.

The Compatibility of Alisma and Atractylodes Affects the Biological Behaviours of VSMCs by Inhibiting the miR-128-5p/p21 Gene

Objective

The compatibility of Alisma and Atractylodes (AA) has been estimated to exhibit antiatherosclerotic effects, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the role of AA in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behaviours and to explore the effects of microRNAs (miRNAs).

Methods

A scratch wound-healing assay was used to detect the migration of VSMCs, and immunocytochemistry and western blotting for SM22ɑ were used to evaluate phenotypic transformation. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were applied to detect the proliferation of VSMCs. miRNA microarray profiling was performed using Lianchuan biological small RNA sequencing analysis. VSMCs were transfected with the miR-128-5p mimic and inhibitor, and the migration, phenotypic modulation, and proliferation of VSMCs were investigated. The 3'UTR-binding sequence site of miR-128-5p on the p21 gene was predicted and assessed by luciferase assays.

Result

AA and the extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) blocker U0126 markedly inhibited migration, elevated smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) expression, repressed VSMC proliferation, elevated miR-466f-3p and miR-425-3p expression, and suppressed miR-27a-5p and miR-128-5p expression in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. miR-128-5p targets the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), silent information regulator 2 (SIRT2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and p21 genes, which are linked to the behaviours of VSMCs. The miR-128-5p mimic promoted the migration and proliferation of VSMCs and suppressed p21, p27, and SM22ɑ expression. The inhibitor increased p21, p27, and SM22ɑ expression and repressed the migration, phenotypic transformation, and proliferation of VSMCs. miR-128-5p directly targeted the 3'UTR-binding sequences of the p21 gene, negatively regulated p21 expression, and supported the proliferation of VSMCs.

Conclusion

Our research showed that the migration, phenotypic transformation, and proliferation of ox-LDL-induced VSMCs were repressed by AA through inhibiting miR-128-5p by targeting the p21 gene, which may provide an effective option for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

miRNAs as cornerstones in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and resistance to therapy: A spotlight on signaling pathways interplay - A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most prevalent cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality. A lot of work has been put into improving CRC patients' clinical care, including the development of more effective methods and wide biomarkers variety for prognostic, and diagnostic purposes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular processes and play a significant role in the CRC progression and spread via controlling their target gene expression by translation inhibition or mRNA degradation. Consequently, dysregulation and disruption in their function, miRNAs are linked to CRC malignant pathogenesis by controlling several cellular processes involved in the CRC. These cellular processes include increased proliferative and invasive capacity, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, enhanced EMT, promotion of angiogenesis and metastasis, and decreased sensitivity to major treatments. The miRNAs control cellular processes in CRC via regulation of pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis, KRAS, TGFb signaling, VEGFR, EGFR, and P53. Hence, the goal of this review was to review miRNA biogenesis and present an updated summary of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs and their potential implication in CRC pathogenesis and responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We also summarise the biological importance and clinical applications of miRNAs in the CRC.

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals miR-20a as a regulator for metabolic colorectal cancer

Single-driver molecular events specific to the metabolic colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we identified 12 functional miRNAs linked to activated metabolism by integrating multi-omics features in metabolic CRC. These miRNAs exhibited significantly enriched CRC driver miRNAs, significant impacts on CRC cell growth and significantly correlated metabolites. Importantly, miR-20a is minimally expressed in normal colorectal tissues but highly expressed in metabolic CRC, suggesting the potential therapeutic target. Bioinformatics analyses further revealed miR-20a as the most powerful determinant that regulates a cascade of dysregulated events, including Wnt signaling pathway, core enzymes involved in FA metabolism program and triacylglycerol abundances. In vitro assays demonstrated that elevated miR-20a up-regulated FA synthesis enzymes via Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and finally promoted proliferative and migration of metabolic CRC cells. Overall, our study revealed that miR-20a promoted progression of metabolic CRC by regulating FA metabolism and served as a potential target for preventing tumor metastasis.

Comprehensive Omics Analysis of a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Chemoresistant Oncogenic Signatures in Colorectal Cancer Cell with Antitumor Effects

Tumor recurrence from cancer stem cells (CSCs) and metastasis often occur post-treatment in colorectal cancer (CRC), leading to chemoresistance and resistance to targeted therapy. MYC is a transcription factor in the nuclei that modulates cell growth and development, and regulates immune response in an antitumor direction by mediating programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and promoting CRC tumor recurrence after adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the molecular mechanism through which c-MYC maintains stemness and confers treatment resistance still remains elusive in CRC. In addition, recent reports demonstrated that CRC solid colon tumors expresses C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8). Expression of CXCL8 in CRC was reported to activate the expression of PD-L1 immune checkpoint through c-MYC, this ultimately induces chemoresistance in CRC. Accumulating studies have also demonstrated increased expression of CXCL8, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) components, in CRC tumors suggesting their potential collaboration to promote EMT and CSCs. TIMP1 is MMP-independent and regulates cell development and apoptosis in various cancer cell types, including CRC. Recent studies showed that TIMP1 cleaves CXCL8 on its chemoattractant, thereby influencing its mechanistic response to therapy. This therefore suggests crosstalk among the c-MYC/CXCL8/TIMP1 oncogenic signatures. In this study, we explored computer simulations through bioinformatics to identify and validate that the MYC/CXCL8/TIMP1 oncogenic signatures are overexpressed in CRC, Moreover, our docking results exhibited putative binding affinities of the above-mentioned oncogenes, with our novel small molecule, RV59, Finally, we demonstrated the anticancer activities of RV59 against NCI human CRC cancer cell lines both as single-dose and dose-dependent treatments, and also demonstrated the MYC/CXCL8/TIMP1 signaling pathway as a potential RV59 drug target.

Post-transcriptional regulation of MMP2 mRNA by its interaction with miR-20a and Nucleolin in breast cancer cell lines

Matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) is a foremost MMP, governing invasion of breast cancer cells during metastasis. miR-20a was reported to induce mesenchymal to epithelial transition in MDA-MB-231 cells and its endogenous expression varies directly with invasiveness of breast cancer cells. The inverse and direct correlation of invasiveness with miR-20a and Nucleolin respectively led us to study the post-transcriptional regulation of MMP2 by miR-20a and mRNA stabilizing protein, Nucleolin. Thus, understanding the mechanism of its regulation will enable modification of the invasion potential. MMP2 was found to be higher in MDA-MB-231 than MCF-7 cells both at RNA and protein levels. RNA-protein co-immunoprecipitation assay with Argonaute 2 revealed that MMP2 undergoes miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. miR-20a decreased MMP2 expression as well as its enzymatic activity as found by zymogram assay. Reporter assay showed that miR-20a directly binds to its putative binding site in MMP2 3'-UTR as per in silico prediction. miR-20a additionally impeded MMP2 mRNA stability, and binding of stabilizing trans-factor Nucleolin to its 3'-UTR was confirmed by RNA-protein co-immunoprecipitation assay. Partial down-regulation of Nucleolin by Si-RNA resulted in the downregulation of MMP2 and Nucleolin over-expression rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-20a on MMP2 expression. Delineating the mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation of MMP2, two of its potent regulators, miR-20a and Nucleolin were identified. It was established for the first time that MMP2 is a direct target of miR-20a. The results also elucidated that Nucleolin binds to MMP2 3' UTR and its abundance affects MMP2 expression.

Dissecting miRNA signature in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advancements in surgical and molecular targeted therapies that improved the therapeutic efficacy in CRC, the 5 years survival rate of CRC patients still remains frustratingly poor. Accumulated evidences indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of CRC. Dysregulated miRNAs are closely associated with cancerous phenotypes (e.g. enhanced proliferative and invasive ability, evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle aberration, and promotion of angiogenesis) by regulating their target genes. In this review, we provide an updated overview of tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs, circulatory miRNAs, and the possible causes of dysregulated miRNAs in CRC. In addition, we discuss the important functions of miRNAs in drug resistance of CRC.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Methods and Molecular Markers for Early Detection

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract in humans. The development of colorectal cancer is composed of multiple stages, starting with benign adenomatous polyps in the inner wall of the large intestine and rectum, and then gradually developing. Then it developed into advanced adenomas carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Represents the distant metastasis of the most advanced development. The purpose of this review is to novel routine screening and diagnostic methods (e.g., Endoscopy and CT colonoscopy, SEPT9 methylation assay, Fecal test) and find reliable molecular markers for early diagnosis of CRC.

Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells under ox-LDL Is Regulated by Alismatis rhizoma Decoction via InhibitingERK1/2 and miR-17∼92a Cluster Activation

Context: Alismatis rhizome decoction (AD) exhibits antiatherosclerotic activities. The activity of AD against vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation remains unclear. Objective. The mechanisms and effects of AD on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced VSMC proliferation were explored. Materials and methods. The male SD rats were fed with AD (2.56 g/mL) or 0.9% NaCl by oral gavage 4 mL twice daily for 7 d. Then, AD-containing serum (ADcs) was collected. MTS assay was applied to measure the VSMC viability. The proliferation of VSMCs was detected by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry. The microRNA (miRNA) profiling was performed, and the target genes of miRNAs were searched from the TargetScan 7.2 database. The expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-2/9 (MMP-2/9), cyclin D1/E, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27), extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were examined by western blotting or quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results. The ox-LDL-induced miR-17-92a expression promoted VSMC proliferation. AD and the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 μmol/L) inhibited VSMC proliferation and reduced the overexpression of miR-17∼92a. AD was found to inhibit phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and reduced the expression of MMP-2/9 in VSMCs. The expression of cyclin D1/E was suppressed, and p27 was elevated following treatment with AD as well as ERK1/2 inhibitor. According to the TargetScan 7.2 database, the target genes of miR-17∼92a act on tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-MMPs, p27/21 cyclins, and peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1/G1, which are involved in the process of atherosclerosis. Conclusions. AD inhibits ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation via inhibiting ERK1/2 and miR-17∼92a activation. The results provide the multitarget mechanisms for application of AD in the treatment of atherosclerosis. It would be helpful to the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebral diseases.

Prosopis juliflora leave extracts induce cell death of MCF-7, HepG2, and LS-174T cancer cell lines

Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora) is a widespread phreatophytic tree, which belongs to the Fabaceae family. The goal of the present study is to investigate the potential anti-cancer effect of P. juliflora leave extracts and to identify its chemical composition. For this purpose, MCF-7 (breast), HepG2 (liver), and LS-174T (colorectal) cancer cell lines were cultivated and incubated with various concentrations of P. juliflora leave extracts, and its impact on cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle stages was investigated. P. juliflora leave extracts induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines. The calculated IC₅₀ was 18.17, 33.1 and 41.9 μg/ml for MCF-7, HePG2 and LS-174T, respectively. Detailed analysis revealed that the cytotoxic action of P. juliflora extracts was mainly via necrosis but not apoptosis. Moreover, DNA content flow cytometry analysis showed cell-specific anti-proliferative action and cell cycle stages arrest. In order to identify the anti-cancer constituents of P. juliflora, the ethyl extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major constituents identified in the ethyl extracts of P. juliflora leaves were hydroxymethyl-pyridine, nicotinamide, adenine, and poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In conclusion, P. juliflora ethyl acetate extracts have a potential anti-cancer effect against breast adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma, and is enriched with anti-cancer constituents. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

A panel of six-circulating miRNA signature in serum and its potential diagnostic value in colorectal cancer

AIM

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers throughout the world. Circulating serum-derived microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) can be used as non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis. This study aimed to identify a panel of six serum exosomal miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.

MAIN METHODS

Exosomes were isolated and characterized from the conditioned media of the human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-116 and Caco2). Sera were isolated from peripheral blood of 45 CRC and also 45 healthy individuals. The expression levels and diagnostic value of candidate circulating miRNAs (miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-150, miR-143, miR-145, and let-7a) were measured through quantitative real-time PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of selected miRNAs. The association of candidate miRNAs and clinicopathological characteristics e.g. tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were further evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

Circulating serum miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-150, and let-7a were significantly up-regulated in CRC patients, while miR-143 and miR-145 showed a significant down-regulation. The higher levels of miR-143 and miR-145 in patients with TNM stage I-II were detected, whereas miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-150, and let-7a were highly expressed in TNM stage III. The expression levels of miR-19a, miR-20a, and miR-150 were positively correlated with LNM status, while the expression levels of miR-143 and miR-145 were lower in patients with LNM. Area under the ROC curves of miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-150, miR-143, miR-145, and let-7a were 0.87, 0.83, 0.75, 0.76, 0.78 and 0.71, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

We established a panel of six-circulating miRNA signature (i.e. miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-143, miR-145, miR-150, and let-7a) in serum as a non-invasive biomarker for CRC diagnosis. These findings confirm that serum-derived miRNAs have a strong potential to be a diagnostic biomarker for patients with CRC.

Prognostic implication and functional exploration for microRNA-20a as a molecular biomarker of gastrointestinal cancer

Background

It is generally accepted that microRNA-20a (miR-20a) is aberrantly expressed in gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), and may be associated with the prognosis of GIC patients. Nevertheless, the clinical prognostic value of miR-20a expression in GIC remains controversial.

Methods

We first conducted a comprehensive literature search of the clinical data and pooled them for evidence in assessing prognostic significance of miR-20a expression in GIC. Afterwards, we applied some bioinformatic analysis methods to explore the biological function of miR-20a and explain why miR-20a could act as an effective biomarker.

Results

The pooled results showed that enhanced miR-20a expression was significantly associated with poor survival in GIC patients (HR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.21–1.52; P < 0.001). According to the subgroup analysis, the ethnicity, cancer type, sample source, and sample size may have an impact on the predictive roles for miR-20a. The gene ontologies enriched by the predicted miR-20a targets were highly associated with some important biological processes, cell components and molecular functions. Moreover, a series of prominent pathways linked with GIC carcinogenesis were identified. Ultimately, the crucial targets and modules were identified by constructing the protein-protein interaction network of miR-20a targets, which were highly associated with the initiation and progression of GIC according to previous molecular biology experiments.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that high expression of miR-20a may be a credible indicator of worse prognosis in GIC. Further studies involving biological experiments and larger sample sizes should be performed to validate these findings.

Function and mechanisms of microRNA-20a in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. CRC currently has no specific biomarkers to promote its diagnosis and treatment and the underlying mechanisms regulating its pathogenesis have not yet been determined. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs that exhibit regulatory functions and have been demonstrated to serve a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulatory processes of gene expression that is associated with cell physiology and disease progression. Recently, abnormal miR-20a expression has been identified in a number of cancers types and this has become a novel focus within cancer research. High levels of miR-20a expression have been identified in CRC tissues, serum and plasma. In a recent study, miR-20a was indicated to be present in feces and to exhibit a high sensitivity to CRC. Therefore, miR-20a may be used as a marker for CRC and an indicator that can prevent the invasive examination of patients with this disease. Changes in the expression of miR-20a during chemotherapy can be used as a biomarker for monitoring resistance to treatment. In conclusion, miR-20a exhibits the potential for clinical application as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for use in patients with CRC. The present study focused on the role and mechanisms of miR-20a in CRC.

A Strong Decrease in TIMP3 Expression Mediated by the Presence of miR-17 and 20a Enables Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in the NSCLC Lesion Surroundings

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide with a relatively high fatality rate and a mean 5-years survival of about 18%. One of the hallmarks of cancer is the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which is crucial for metastasis. This process may be regulated by miRs targeting metalloproteinases (MMPs) associated with the ECM breakdown and metastatic process or blocking the action of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Search for early biomarkers is essential in detecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and distinguishing its subtypes: Adenocarcinoma (AC) from Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), enabling targeted chemotherapy.

Methods:MiR-17 and miR-20a targeting MMP2 and TIMP3 were selected by TCGA data analysis with further validation using miRTarBase and literature. The study group comprised 47 patients with primary NSCLC (AC and SCC subtypes). RNA was isolated from the tumor and normal-looking neighboring tissue (NLNT) free of cancer cells. MiRs from peripheral blood exosomes were extracted on admission and 5–7 days after surgery. Gene and miRs expression were assessed in qPCR using TaqMan probes.

Results: The MMP2 has been expressed on a similar level in NLNT, as in cancer. While, TIMP3 expression was decreased both in cancer tissue and NLNT, with significantly lower expression in cancer. TIMP3 downregulation in NLNT and in SCC subtype correlated negatively with miR-20a. The preoperative miR-17 expression was significantly higher among patients with SCC compared to AC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of miR-17 as AC subtype classifier revealed 90% specificity and 48% sensitivity in optimal cut-off point with area under ROC curve (AUC): 0.71 (95%CI: 0.55–0.87). Within NSCLC subtypes: a strong negative correlation between pack-years (PY) and TIMP3 expression was observed for NLNT in the SCC group.

Conclusion: The TIMP3 silencing observed in the NLNT and its negative correlation with presurgical expression of miR-20a (from serum exosomes), suggest that miRs can influence ECM remodeling at a distance from the center of the lesion. The miRs expression pattern in serum obtained before surgery significantly differs between AC and SCC subtypes. Moreover, decreased TIMP3 expression in NLNT (in SCC group) negatively correlates with the amount of tobacco smoked in a lifetime in PY.

The Crucial Role of CXCL8 and Its Receptors in Colorectal Liver Metastasis

CXCL8 (also known as IL-8) can produce different biological effects by binding to its receptors: CXCR1, CXCR2, and the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC). CXCL8 and its receptors are associated with the development of various tumor types, especially colorectal cancer and its liver metastases. In addition to promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and the survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, CXCL8 and its receptors have also been known to induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells, to help them to escape host immunosurveillance as well as to enhance resistance to anoikis, which promotes the formation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their colonization of distant organs. In this paper, we will review the established roles of CXCL8 signaling in CRC and discuss the possible strategies of targeting CXCL8 signaling for overcoming CRC drug resistance and cancer progression, including direct targeting of CXCL8/CXCR1/2 or indirect targeting through the inhibition of CXCL8-CXCR1/2 signaling.

The Efficacy of miR-20a as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: MicroRNAs have altered expression levels in various diseases and may play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We systemically reviewed and quantitatively synthesized the scientific evidence pertaining to microRNA-20a (miR-20a) as a CRC biomarker. A keyword and reference search in PubMed yielded 32 studies, in which miR-20a was measured in feces, serum, or tumor tissue. Data were extracted from a total of 5014 cancer cases and 2863 controls. Results: Twenty out of 21 relevant studies found that miR-20a was upregulated in CRC patients compared to controls. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled miR-20a fold change of 2.45 (95% CI: 2.24-2.66) in CRC patients versus controls. To estimate sensitivity and specificity of miR-20a as a diagnostic biomarker of CRC, a pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated (0.70, 95% CI: 0.63-0.78). The prognostic capacity of miR-20a was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) for the overall survival (OS). The meta-analysis estimated the pooled HR for OS to be 2.02 (95% CI: 0.90-3.14) in CRC patients with high miR-20a expression. Conclusions: miR-20a may be a valid biomarker for CRC detection but may not be a strong predictor of poor prognosis in CRC.

MicroRNA-related transcription factor regulatory networks in human colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an extremely common gastrointestinal malignancy. The present study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) associated with tumor development.

METHODS

Three miRNA profile datasets were integrated and analyzed to elucidate the potential key candidate miRNAs in CRC. The starBase database was used to identify the potential targets of common differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Transcriptional Regulatory Element Database and Transcriptional Regulatory Relationships Unraveled by Sentence-based Text databases were used to identify cancer-related TFs and the TF-regulated target genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery (DAVID) database, and the miRNA-TF-gene networks were constructed by Cytoscape. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of genes and miRNAs.

RESULTS

In total, 14 DEMs were found in CRC. By bioinformatics analysis, 5 DEMs (miR-145, miR-497, miR-30a, miR-31, and miR-20a) and 8 TFs (ELK4 (ETS-family transcription factor), myeloblastosis proto-oncogene like (MYBL)1, MYBL2, CEBPA, PPARA, PPARD, PPARG, and endothelial PAS domain protein (EPAS1)) appeared to be associated with CRC and were therefore used to construct miRNA-TF-gene networks. From the networks, we found that miR-20a might play the most important role as an miRNA in the networks. By qRT-PCR, we demonstrated that miR-20a was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues. We also performed qRT-PCR to identify the expression of miR-20a-related TFs (PPARA, PPARD, PPARG, EPAS1). Three of them, PPARA, PPARG, and EPAS1, were downregulated in CRC tissues, with statistically significant differences, while the downregulation of PPARD in CRC tissues was not significantly different. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched pathway. Two main elements of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated agonist of cell death, were demonstrated to be downregulated in CRC.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified hub miRNAs and miRNA-related TF regulatory networks in CRC, which might be potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Matrix metalloproteinases participation in the metastatic process and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate from the initial phases of cancer onset to the settlement of a metastatic niche in a second organ. Their role in cancer progression is related to their involvement in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and in the regulation and processing of adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins, growth factors, chemokines and cytokines. MMPs participation in cancer progression makes them an attractive target for cancer therapy. MMPs have also been used for theranostic purposes in the detection of primary tumor and metastatic tissue in which a particular MMP is overexpressed, to follow up on therapy responses, and in the activation of cancer cytotoxic pro-drugs as part of nano-delivery-systems that increase drug concentration in a specific tumor target. Herein, we review MMPs molecular characteristics, their synthesis regulation and enzymatic activity, their participation in the metastatic process, and how their functions have been used to improve cancer treatment.

Development of novel predictive miRNA/target gene pathways for colorectal cancer distance metastasis to the liver using a bioinformatic approach

Background

Liver metastases are the major cause of colorectal cancer (CRC)-related deaths. However, there is no reliable clinical predictor for CRC progression to liver metastasis. In this study, we investigated possible predictors (miRNAs and biomarkers) for clinical application.

Methodology

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE49355, GSE41258 and GSE81558 for genes and GSE54088 and GSE56350 for miRNAs were used to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs between primary CRC tissues and liver metastases. The identified miRNAs and their targets from the DEGs were verified in datasets comprising gene, miRNA and miRNA exosome profiles of CRC patients with no distant metastases (M0) and distant metastases (M1); the interaction networks and pathways were also mapped.

Results

There were 49 upregulated and 13 downregulated DEGs and 16 downregulated and 14 upregulated miRNAs; between the DEGs and miRNA targets, there were five upregulated and four downregulated genes. MiR-20a was strongly correlated with the status of liver metastasis. MiR-20a, miR499a, and miR-576-5p were highly correlated with the metastatic outcomes. MiR-20a was significantly highly expressed in the M1 group. In an analysis of the miRNA target genes, we found that CDH2, KNG1, and MMP2 were correlated with CRC metastasis. We demonstrated a new possible pathway for CRC metastasis: miR-576-5p/F9, miR20a/MMP2, CTSK, MMP3, and miR449a/P2RY14. The regulation of IGF transport and uptake by IGFBPs, extracellular matrix organization, signal transduction and the immune system were the enriched pathways.

Conclusion

This model can predict CRC to liver metastases and the pathways involved, which can be clinically applicable.

Genetic and molecular origins of colorectal Cancer among the Iranians: an update

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one the leading causes of cancer related deaths among Iranians. Despite the various progresses in new therapeutic methods, it has still a low rate of survival. This high ratio of mortality is mainly related to the late diagnosis, in which the patients refer for treatment in advanced stages of tumor. MAIN BODY: colorectal cancer progression is largely associated with molecular and genetic bases. Although Iran has a high ratio of CRC mortality, there is not an efficient genetic panel for detection and prognosis. Therefore, it is critical to introduce new diagnostic markers with ability to detect in early stages.

CONCLUSION

Present review summarizes all of the genetic and epigenetic factors which are reported in CRC until now among the Iranian patients to pave the way of incorporation of new ethnic specific markers into the clinical practice and development of new targeted therapeutic methods.

The Impact of miRNA in Colorectal Cancer Progression and Its Liver Metastases

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies with a high incidence and mortality rate. An essential challenge in colorectal cancer management is to identify new prognostic factors that could better estimate the evolution and treatment responses of this disease. Considering their role in cancer development, progression and metastasis, miRNAs have become an important class of molecules suitable for cancer biomarkers discovery. We performed a systematic search of studies investigating the role of miRNAs in colorectal progression and liver metastasis published until October 2018. In this review, we present up-to-date information regarding the specific microRNAs involved in CRC development, considering their roles in alteration of Wnt/βcatenin, EGFR, TGFβ and TP53 signaling pathways. We also emphasize the role of miRNAs in controlling the epithelial⁻mesenchymal transition of CRC cells, a process responsible for liver metastasis in a circulating tumor cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, we discuss the role of miRNAs transported by CRC-derived exosomes in mediating liver metastases, by preparing the secondary pre-metastatic niche and in inducing liver carcinogenesis in a Dicer-dependent manner.

Up-regulation of miR-20a by HPV16 E6 exerts growth-promoting effects by targeting PDCD6 in cervical carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been reported to participate in progression of multiple tumors including cervical cancer. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (HPV16) is the most common and lethal HPV type, leading to exceeding 50% of cervical cancer cases. However, the relationship between miRNA and HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis remains elusive.

RESULTS

Here, HPV16 E6 positively regulated miR-20a expression. Overexpression of miR-20a showed growth-promoting effects on C33A cells (HPV16-negative), and knockdown of miR-20a showed growth-inhibitory effects on CaSki cells (HPV16-positive). In addition, PDCD6 was identified as a target gene of miR-20a. Overexpression of PDCD6 exerted growth-inhibitory effects (opposite to miR-20a overexpression), which could be reversed by miR-20a overexpression. More importantly, activation of AKT and p38 was observed in C33A cells overexpressing miR-20a, and the growth-promoting action of miR-20a could be abated by p38 inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Up-regulation of miR-20a by HPV16 E6 exerted growth-promoting effects by targeting PDCD6 in cervical carcinoma cells. This study demonstrated miR-20a might be a potential therapeutic target in HPV16 E6 infection type of cervical cancer.

The Role of MicroRNA Signature as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Different Clinical Stages of Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The early diagnosis of colorectal tumors is one of the most important challenges in cancer management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have provided new insight into CRC development and have been suggested as reliable and stable biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. This study's objective was to analyze the differential expression of miRNAs at differentstages of CRC searching for possible correlation with clinicopathological features to examine their potential value as diagnostic biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, plasma and matched tissue samples were collected from 74 CRC patients at stage II-IV as well as blood samples from 32 healthy controls. After exhaustive study of the current literature, eight miRNAs including miR-200c, 20a, 21, 31,135b, 133b,145 and let-7g were selected. The expression level of the miRNAs was assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis, including t test , Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall-Wallis tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied, where needed.

RESULTS

Significantly elevated levels of miR-21, miR-31, miR-20a, miR-135b, and decreased levels of miR- 200c, miR-145 and let-7 g were detected in both plasma and matched tissue samples compared to the healthy group (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the expression level of plasma and tissue miR-133b (P>0.05). ROC for tissue miRNAs showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.98 and P<0.001 for miR-21, 0.91 and P<0.001 for miR-135b, 0.91 and P<0.001 for miR-31, and 0.92 and P<0.001 for miR-20a.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the expression levels of microRNAs are systematically altered in CRC tissue and plasma. In conclusion, detection of miR-21, miR-135b, miR-31 and miR-20a levels in the tissue might be helpful to illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC carcinogenesis and serve as tumor-associated biomarkers for diagnosis.

MicroRNAs in the etiology of colorectal cancer: pathways and clinical implications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded RNAs that repress mRNA translation and trigger mRNA degradation. Of the ∼1900 miRNA-encoding genes present in the human genome, ∼250 miRNAs are reported to have changes in abundance or altered functions in colorectal cancer. Thousands of studies have documented aberrant miRNA levels in colorectal cancer, with some miRNAs reported to actively regulate tumorigenesis. A recurrent phenomenon with miRNAs is their frequent participation in feedback loops, which probably serve to reinforce or magnify biological outcomes to manifest a particular cellular phenotype. Here, we review the roles of oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs), tumor suppressive miRNAs (anti-oncomiRs) and miRNA regulators in colorectal cancer. Given their stability in patient-derived samples and ease of detection with standard and novel techniques, we also discuss the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and as prognostic indicators of this disease. MiRNAs also represent attractive candidates for targeted therapies because their function can be manipulated through the use of synthetic antagonists and miRNA mimics.

Summary: This Review provides an overview of some important microRNAs and their roles in colorectal cancer.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don inhibits migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways

Metastasis is one of the most aberrant behaviors of cancer cells. Patients with cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), have a higher risk of tumor recurrence and cancer-related mortality once metastasis is diagnosed. Existing treatment strategies fail to cure cancer mostly due to the onset of metastasis. Therefore, metastasis remains a challenge in cancer treatment. Some complementary and alternative medical therapies using traditional Chinese medicine have been demonstrated to be clinically effective in cancer treatment. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is a promising medicinal herb. It was previously reported that the ethanol extract of SB (EESB) is able to promote apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis in human colon cancer cells. However, the anticancer effect of SB and the underlying mechanism require further investigation, particularly its role against metastasis. To further elucidate the antimetastatic effect of SB, MTT and Transwell assays were used in the present study to evaluate the effect of EESB on the proliferation, migration and invasion of the CRC cell line HCT-8. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cadherins and other metastasis-associated proteins. EESB significantly reduced HCT-8 cell viability and attenuated the migration and invasion ability of HCT-8 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EESB decreased the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3/10, MMP-9 and MMP-13, and proteins in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathways, but not the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors E-cadherin and N-cadherin. In conclusion, the results suggested that SB inhibits CRC cell metastasis via the suppression of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways, which may represent a mechanism by which SB exerts an anticancer effect.

MicroRNAs: Potential candidates for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as the third common cancer worldwide and an important public health problem in different populations. Several genetics and environmental risk factors are involved in the development and progression of CRC including chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic alterations, and unhealthy lifestyle. Identification of risk factors and biomarkers could lead to a better understanding of molecular pathways involved in CRC pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory molecules which could affect a variety of cellular and molecular targets in CRC. A large number of studies have indicated deregulations of some known tissue-specific miRNAs, for example, miR-21, miR-9, miR-155, miR-17, miR-19, let-7, and miR-24 as well as circulating miRNAs, for example, miR-181b, miR-21, miR-183, let-7g, miR-17, and miR-126, in patients with CRC. In the current review, we focus on the findings of preclinical and clinical studies performed on tissue-specific and circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the detection of patients at various stages of CRC.

High throughput RNA sequencing utility for diagnosis and prognosis in colon diseases

RNA sequencing is the use of high throughput next generation sequencing technology to survey, characterize, and quantify the transcriptome of a genome. RNA sequencing has been used to analyze the pathogenesis of several malignancies such melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. RNA sequencing can identify differential expression of genes (DEG’s), mutated genes, fusion genes, and gene isoforms in disease states. RNA sequencing has been used in the investigation of several colorectal diseases such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), and irritable bowel syndrome.

[The Role of MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the world. Many oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are involved in the development of CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding, endogenous RNAs in animals and plants. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are associated with the mediation process of tumorigenesis, including inflammation, cell cycle, stress response, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in cancer. These miRNAs have been linked to the development of CRC and recently studied as new potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment for CRC. Specific miRNAs expression patterns help distinguish CRC from other colon-related diseases, and miRNAs can target the oncogenes and regulatory molecular pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated the restoration of tumor suppressive miRNAs and inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs for CRC treatment. Herein, we describe the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of miRNAs in CRC.

iASPP induces EMT and cisplatin resistance in human cervical cancer through miR-20a-FBXL5/BTG3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in driving chemoresistance. We previously reported that iASPP is a key EMT inducer and could increase cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer (CC) cells. Herein, we investigate the downstream mechanisms through which iASPP contributes to EMT and cisplatin resistance in CC.

METHODS

By using a lentiviral system, we investigated the effects of iASPP knockdown on CC cell growth and chemosensitivity of CC cells to cisplatin in vivo. We examined if miR-20a, which was up-regulated following iASPP overexpression, would influence metastatic phenotypes and cisplatin resistance in CC cells, and explored the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

RESULTS

Knockdown of iASPP suppressed CC cell proliferation and sensitized CC cells to cisplatin in vivo. iASPP promotes miR-20a expression in a p53-dependent manner. Upregulation of miR-20a induced EMT and the recovery of CC cell invasion and cisplatin chemoresistance that was repressed by iASPP knockdown. We identified FBXL5 and BTG3 as two direct miR-20a targets. Silencing of FBXL5 and BTG3 restored cell invasion and cisplatin chemoresistance, which was suppressed by iASPP or miR-20a knockdown. Reduced FBXL5 and BTG3 expression was found in CC samples and associated with poor prognosis in CC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

iASPP promotes EMT and confers cisplatin resistance in CC via miR-20a-FBXL5/BTG3 signaling.

Morus alba Leaf Lectin (MLL) Sensitizes MCF-7 Cells to Anoikis by Inhibiting Fibronectin Mediated Integrin-FAK Signaling through Ras and Activation of P38 MAPK

Lectins are a unique class of carbohydrate binding proteins/glycoproteins, and many of them possess anticancer properties. They can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, inhibit protein synthesis, telomerase activity and angiogenesis in cancer cells. In the present study, we have demonstrated the effect of Morus alba leaf lectin (MLL) on anoikis induction in MCF-7 cells. Anoikis induction in cancer cells has a significant role in preventing early stage metastasis. MLL treatment in monolayers of MCF-7 cells caused significant detachment of cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. The detached cells failed to re-adhere and grew even to culture plates coated with different matrix proteins. DNA fragmentation, membrane integrity studies, annexin V staining, caspase 9 activation and upregulation of Bax/Bad confirmed that the detached cells underwent apoptosis. Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) caused a decrease in fibronectin (FN) production which facilitated the cells to detach by blocking the FN mediated downstream signaling. On treatment with MLL, we have observed downregulation of integrin expression, decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), loss in FAK-integrin interaction and active Ras. MLL treatment downregulated the levels of phosphorylated Akt and PI3K. Also, we have studied the effect of MLL on two stress activated protein kinases p38 MAPK and JNK. p38 MAPK activation was found to be elevated, but there was no change in the level of JNK. Thus our study substantiated the possible antimetastatic effect of MLL by inducing anoikis in MCF-7 cells by activation of caspase 9 and proapoptotic Bax/Bad by blockage of FN mediated integrin/FAK signaling and partly by activation of p38 MAPK.

Colorectal Carcinoma: A General Overview and Future Perspectives in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Most cases of CRC are detected in Western countries, with its incidence increasing year by year. The probability of suffering from colorectal cancer is about 4%–5% and the risk for developing CRC is associated with personal features or habits such as age, chronic disease history and lifestyle. In this context, the gut microbiota has a relevant role, and dysbiosis situations can induce colonic carcinogenesis through a chronic inflammation mechanism. Some of the bacteria responsible for this multiphase process include Fusobacterium spp, Bacteroides fragilis and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. CRC is caused by mutations that target oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and genes related to DNA repair mechanisms. Depending on the origin of the mutation, colorectal carcinomas can be classified as sporadic (70%); inherited (5%) and familial (25%). The pathogenic mechanisms leading to this situation can be included in three types, namely chromosomal instability (CIN), microsatellite instability (MSI) and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). Within these types of CRC, common mutations, chromosomal changes and translocations have been reported to affect important pathways (WNT, MAPK/PI3K, TGF-β, TP53), and mutations; in particular, genes such as c-MYC, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PTEN, SMAD2 and SMAD4 can be used as predictive markers for patient outcome. In addition to gene mutations, alterations in ncRNAs, such as lncRNA or miRNA, can also contribute to different steps of the carcinogenesis process and have a predictive value when used as biomarkers. In consequence, different panels of genes and mRNA are being developed to improve prognosis and treatment selection. The choice of first-line treatment in CRC follows a multimodal approach based on tumour-related characteristics and usually comprises surgical resection followed by chemotherapy combined with monoclonal antibodies or proteins against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth receptor (EGFR). Besides traditional chemotherapy, alternative therapies (such as agarose tumour macrobeads, anti-inflammatory drugs, probiotics, and gold-based drugs) are currently being studied to increase treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.

MicroRNA-20a in human faeces as a non-invasive biomarker for colorectal cancer

Objective

Detection of microRNA (miRNA) aberrations in human faeces is a new approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The aim of this study was to characterise miR-20a in faeces as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of CRC.

Results

miR-20a expression was significantly higher in the 40 CRC tumours compared to their respective adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.0065). Levels of miR-20a were also significantly higher in faecal samples from CRC patients (P < 0.0001). The area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for miR-20a was 0.73, with a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 82% for CRC patients compared with controls. No significant difference in the level of miR-20a was found between patients with proximal, distal, and rectal cancer. The use of antibiotics did not influence faecal miR-20a levels.

Patients and Methods

miR-20a was selected from an expression microarray containing 667 miRNAs. Further verification of miR-20a was performed in 40 pairs of primary CRC tissues, as well as 595 faecal samples (198 CRCs, 199 adenomas, and 198 healthy controls) using TaqMan probe based quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Conclusions

Faecal-based miR-20a can be utilised as a potential non-invasive biomarker for CRC screening.

Systematic review of the old and new concepts in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as the transformation of an epithelial cell into a spindle cell with the loss of membrane E-cadherin expression and the gain of mesenchymal markers positivity. In the field of colorectal cancer (CRC), first data about EMT was published in 1995 and more than 400 papers had been written up to March 2016. Most of them are focused on the molecular pathways and experimentally-proved chemoresistance. In the present article, an update in the field of EMT in CRC based on the review of the literature and personal experience of the authors is presented. The information about the molecular and immunohistochemical (IHC) particularities of these processes and their possible role in the prognosis of CRC were also up-dated. This article focuses on the IHC quantification of the EMT, the immunoprofile of tumor buds and on the relation between EMT, angiogenesis, and stem cells activation. The EMT-induced chemoresistance vs chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced EMT and cellular senescence was also synthesized for both conventional and targeted therapy. As a future perspective, the EMT-angiogenesis-stemness link could be used as a possible valuable parameter for clinical follow-up and targeted therapeutic oncologic management of patients with CRC. Association of dexamethasone and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors combined with conventional chemotherapies could have clinical benefits in patients with CRC. The main conclusion is that, although many studies have been published, the EMT features are still incompletely elucidated and newly discovered EMT markers provide confusing data in understanding this complicated process, which might have significant clinical impact.

Aberrantly expressed microRNAs in bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma

Bladder cancer (BC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are frequently diagnosed urinary tract cancers. Recently developed molecular-targeted therapies for RCC have shown remarkable therapeutic efficacy; however, no targeted therapeutics are currently approved for the treatment of BC, and few effective treatment options exist. Current studies have shown that small noncoding RNA molecules have major roles in cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate protein-/nonprotein-coding RNAs in human cells. A large body of evidence suggests that aberrantly expressed miRNAs are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of human cancers. In this paper, we review recently published miRNA expression signatures of BC and RCC. We focus on downregulated or upregulated miRNAs in multiple signatures and discuss putative target genes of miRNAs. Comparisons of RCC and BC expression signatures revealed that the two types of cancer showed opposite expression patterns for miR-200 family miRNAs (i.e., miR-141/200c and miR-200a/200b/429). We discuss in silico analysis of genes targeted by miR-200 family miRNAs and the molecular mechanisms underlying BC and RCC.

Circulating Serum miRNAs as Diagnostic Markers for Colorectal Cancer

AIM

The study was designed to assess the possibility of using circulating miRNAs (serum miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify their possibility as candidates for targeted therapy.

METHODS

The study involved two sample sets: 1- a training set which included 90 patients with colorectal related disease (30 with CRC, 18 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 18 with colonic polyps (CP) and 24 with different colonic symptoms but without any colonoscopic abnormality who were enrolled as control group) and 2- a validation set which included 100 CRC patients. Serum miRNAs were extracted from all subjects to assess the expression profiles for the following miRNAs (miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-146a, miR-223, miR-24, miR-454, miR-183, miR-135a, miR- 135b and miR- 92a) using the custom miScript miRNA PCR-based sybergreen array. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the studied miRNAs for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

Data analysis of miRNA from the training set showed that; compared to control group, only miR-19b was significantly up-regulated in patients with IBD group (fold change = 5.24, p = 0.016), whereas in patients with colonic polyps, miR-18a was significantly up-regulated (fold change = 3.49, p-value = 0.018). On the other hand, miR-17, miR-19a, miR-20a and miR-223 were significantly up-regulated (fold change = 2.35, 3.07, 2.38 and 10.35; respectively and p-value = 0.02, 0.015, 0.017 and 0.016; respectively in CRC patients. However, the validation set showed that only miR-223 was significantly up-regulated in CRC patients (fold change = 4.06, p-value = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Aberrant miRNA expressions are highly involved in the cascade of colorectal carcinogenesis. We have found that (miR-17, miR-19a, miR-20a and miR-223) could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. On the other hand, miR-19b and miR-18a could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for CP and IBD respectively.