MicroRNA-449a inhibits cell proliferation and migration by regulating mutant p53 in MDA-MB-468 cells

Deciphering the roles of non-coding RNAs in liposarcoma development: Challenges and opportunities for translational therapeutic advances

Liposarcoma is one of the most prevalent forms of soft tissue sarcoma, and its prognosis is highly dependent on its molecular subtypes. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bind various cellular targets to regulate carcinogenesis. By affecting the expressions and activities of their downstream targets post-transcriptionally, dysregulations of miRNAs can alter different oncogenic signalling pathways, mediating liposarcoma progression. On the contrary, lncRNAs can sponge miRNAs to spare their downstream targets from translational repression, indirectly affecting miRNA-regulated oncogenic activities. In the past 15 years, multiple fundamental and clinical research has shown that different ncRNAs play essential roles in modulating liposarcoma development. Yet, there is a lack of an effective review report that could summarize the findings from various studies. To narrow this literature gap, this review article aimed to compare the findings from different studies on the tumour-regulatory roles of ncRNAs in liposarcoma and to understand how ncRNAs control liposarcoma progression mechanistically. Additionally, the reported findings were critically reviewed to evaluate the translational potentials of various ncRNAs in clinical applications, including employing these ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or as therapeutic targets in the management of liposarcoma. Overall, over 15 ncRNAs were reported to play essential roles in modulating different cellular pathways, including apoptosis, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β/SMAD4, EMT, interleukin, and YAP-associated pathways to influence liposarcoma development. 28 ncRNAs were reported to be upregulated in liposarcoma tissues or circulation, whereas 11 were downregulated, making them potential candidates as liposarcoma diagnostic biomarkers. Among these ncRNAs, measuring the tissues or circulating levels of miR-155 and miR-195 was reported to help detect liposarcoma, differentiate liposarcoma subtypes, and predict the survival and treatment response of liposarcoma patients. Overall, except for a few ncRNAs like miR-155 and miR-195, current evidence to support the use of discussed ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing liposarcoma is mainly based on a single-center study with relatively small sample sizes or cell-based studies. Hence, more large-scale multi-center studies should be conducted to further confirm the sensitivity, specificity, and safety of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Instead of furthering investigation to confirm the translational values of all the discussed ncRNAs, which can be time- and cost-consuming, it would be more practical to focus on a few ncRNAs, including miR-155 and miR-195, to evaluate if they are sensitive and safe to be used as liposarcoma biomarkers and therapeutic agents or targets.

A Critical Review on microRNAs as Prognostic Biomarkers in Laryngeal Carcinoma

During the past decade, a vast number of studies were dedicated to unravelling the obscurities of non-coding RNAs in all fields of the medical sciences. A great amount of data has been accumulated, and consequently a natural need for organization and classification in all subfields arises. The aim of this review is to summarize all reports on microRNAs that were delineated as prognostic biomarkers in laryngeal carcinoma. Additionally, we attempt to allocate and organize these molecules according to their association with key pathways and oncogenes affected in laryngeal carcinoma. Finally, we critically analyze the common shortcomings and biases of the methodologies in some of the published papers in this area of research. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases with the keywords "laryngeal carcinoma" OR "laryngeal cancer" AND "microRNA" OR "miRNA" AND "prognostic marker" OR "prognosis". Only research articles written in English were included, without any specific restrictions on study type. We have found 43 articles that report 39 microRNAs with prognostic value associated with laryngeal carcinoma, and all of them are summarized along with the major characteristics and methodology of the respective studies. A second layer of the review is structural analysis of the outlined microRNAs and their association with oncogenes and pathways connected with the cell cycle (p53, CCND1, CDKN2A/p16, E2F1), RTK/RAS/PI3K cascades (EGFR, PI3K, PTEN), cell differentiation (NOTCH, p63, FAT1), and cell death (FADD, TRAF3). Finally, we critically review common shortcomings in the methodology of the papers and their possible effect on their results.

miR-449a: A Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Cancer and Other Diseases

In the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic factors like non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an equal role in genetics. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are members of the ncRNA family, in post-transcriptional gene regulation is well-documented and has important implications for both normal and abnormal biological processes, such as angiogenesis, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to synthesize previous research on miR-449a by analyzing published results from various databases, as there have been a number of investigations on miR-449's potential involvement in the development of human disorders. Based on our findings, miR-449 is strongly dysregulated in a wide range of diseases, from various cancers to cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairments, and respiratory diseases, and it may play a pivotal role in the development of these problems. In addition, miR-449a functions as a crucial regulator of the expression of several well-known genes, including E2F-3, BCL2, NOTCH1, and SOX4. This, in turn, modulates various pathways and processes related to cancer, including Notch, PI3K, and TGF-β, and contributes to the improvement of cancer drug sensitivity. Curiously, abnormalities in the expression of this miRNA may serve as diagnostic or prognostic indicators for distinguishing between healthy people and patients or to evaluate the survival rates for specific disorders. This article provides a synopsis of the current understanding of miR-449a's role in human disease development through its regulation of gene expression and the biological processes related to these genes and their linked processes. In addition, we have covered the topic of miR-449a's potential as a clinical feature (diagnosis and prognosis) indicator for a range of disorders, both neoplastic and non-neoplastic. In general, our goal was to gain a thorough comprehension of the numerous functions of miR-449a in different disorders.

The Overexpressed MicroRNAs miRs-182, 155, 493, 454, and U6 snRNA and Underexpressed let-7c, miR-328, and miR-451a as Potential Biomarkers in Invasive Breast Cancer and Their Clinicopathological Significance

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer comprises the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors with concern to carcinogenesis and have potential for use as biomarkers.

METHODS

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the microRNA expression in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type tissues compared with benign tissues via large-scale screening and the candidate-specific validation of 15 miRNAs and U6 snRNA applying qPCR and the examination of clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

Of the six downregulated miRNAs, let-7c was identified as the most promising miRNA biomarker and its lower expression was linked with Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus luminal A samples, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, and inferior PFS. Of the 9 upregulated sncRNAs, the data on U6 snRNA, miR-493 and miR-454 highlighted their potential oncogenic functions. An elevated U6 snRNA expression was associated with the tumor grade, Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus A samples, lymph node metastasis, and worsened PFS (and OS) outcomes. An elevated miR-454 expression was detected in higher grades, Ki-67 positive and luminal B versus A samples. Higher miR-493 levels were noted for the tumor stage (and grade) and worse patient outcomes (PFS, OS). The data also suggested that miR-451a and miR-328 may have tumor suppressor roles, and miR-182 and miR-200c pro-oncogenic functions, while the remaining sncRNAs did not evince any significant associations.

CONCLUSION

We showed particular microRNAs and U6 snRNA as differentially expressed between tumors and benign tissues and associated with clinicopathological parameters, thus potentially corresponding with important roles in breast carcinogenesis. Their importance should be further investigated and evaluated in follow-up studies to reveal their potential in clinical practice.

Impact of microRNA variants on PI3K/AKT signaling in triple-negative breast cancer: comprehensive review

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype associated with high mortality rates, especially among younger females. TNBC poses a considerable clinical challenge due to its aggressive tumor behavior and limited therapeutic options. Aberrations within the PI3K/AKT pathway are prevalent in TNBC and correlate with increased therapeutic intervention resistance and poor outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as crucial PI3K/AKT pathway regulators influencing various cellular processes involved in TNBC pathogenesis. The levels of miRs, including miR-193, miR-4649-5p, and miR-449a, undergo notable changes in TNBC tumor tissues, emphasizing their significance in cancer biology. This review explored the intricate interplay between miR variants and PI3K/AKT signaling in TNBC. The review focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-mediated dysregulation of this pathway and highlighted specific miRs and their targets. In addition, we explore the clinical implications of miR dysregulation in TNBC, particularly its correlation with TNBC prognosis and therapeutic resistance. Elucidating the roles of miRs in modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway will enhance our understanding of TNBC biology and unveil potential therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review aims to discuss current knowledge and open promising avenues for future research, ultimately facilitating the development of precise and effective treatments for patients with TNBC.

Mutant p53 gain-of-function stimulates canonical Wnt signaling via PI3K/AKT pathway in colon cancer

Aberrant canonical Wnt signaling is a hallmark of colon cancer. The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is altered in many solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, resulting in mutant versions of p53 (mut-p53) that lose their tumor suppressor capacities and acquire new-oncogenic functions (GOFs) critical for disease progression. Although the mechanisms related to mut-p53 GOF have been explored extensively, the relevance of mut-p53 in the canonical Wnt pathway is not well defined. This work investigated the influence of mut-p53 compared to wt-p53 in β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling. Using the TCGA public data from Pan-Cancer and the GEPIA2 platform, an in silico analysis of wt-p53 versus mut-p53 genotyped colorectal cancer patients showed that TP53 (p53) and CTNNB1 (β-catenin) are significantly overexpressed in colorectal cancer, compared with normal tissue. Using p53 overexpression or p53 knockdown assays of wt-p53 or mut-p53, we found that while wt-p53 antagonizes canonical Wnt signaling, mut-p53 induces the opposite effect, improving the β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activity and colony formation ability of colon cancer cells, which were both decreased by mut-p53 knockdown expression. The mechanism involved in mut-p53-induced activation of canonical Wnt appears to be via AKT-mediated phosphorylation of Ser 552 of β-catenin, which is known to stabilize and enhance its transcriptional activity. We also found that while wt-p53 expression contributes to 5-FU sensitivity in colon cancer cells, the RITA p53 reactivating molecule counteracted the resistance against 5-FU in cells expressing mut-p53. Our results indicate that mut-p53 GOF acts as a positive regulator of canonical Wnt signaling and participates in the induction of resistance to 5-FU in colon cancer cells.

Berberine regulates PADI4-related macrophage function to prevent lung cancer

Coptis chinensis Franch (CCF) has been widely used by Chinese old herbalist doctor to treat internal and external diseases including malignant sore and cancer. Berberine (BBR) is a major bioactive compound in CCF and may exert anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects like CCF. However, the prevention effect of berberine against lung cancer and its relevance of anti-inflammation property to cancer-preventing effect are still obscure. Protein arginine deaminase 4 (PAD4) played an important role in macrophage related inflammatory response, the purpose of this study was to identify whether berberine can prevent lung cancer and explore its effect on PADI4-related macrophage function. In vitro, PADI4 overexpression affects cell-activated state in macrophages. PADI4 overexpressed macrophages promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 lung cancer cells and inhibit cell apoptosis. Berberine at the experiment dose had no effect on cell viability of U937-derived macrophages, but could significantly inhibit PADI4 expression to reverse the macrophage-activated state and the lung cancer -promoting effect of PADI4-overexpressed macrophages. Unlike GSK484, berberine had a little effect on the PADI4 citrullination activity at the experimental doses, its IC50 for PADI4 inhibition is 45.07 μM (44.03-46.12 μM). In the mouse lung carcinogenetic model, PADI4 expression was directly related to the number of lung nodules. Berberine had the similar role to GSK484 in reducing the number of lung tumor nodules with the improved lung pathology in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited PADI4 expression. Further, we found that PADI4 overexpression could inhibit IRF5 expression, up-regulate CD163 and CD206 and down-regulate CD86 in macrophages, which could be reversed by berberine. Our results suggest that berberine may regulate PADI4-related macrophage function to prevent lung cancer.