LINC01094 promotes the invasion of ovarian cancer cells and regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting miR-532-3p

LINC01094 promotes gastric cancer through dual targeting of CDKN1A by directly binding RBMS2 and HDAC1

BACKGROUND

Accumulating studies have focused on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) because of their regulatory effects on multiple cancers. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remain to be elucidated in depth.

METHODS

Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 1094 (LINC01094), a differentially expressed lncRNA between GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, was identified. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo were carried out. To understand the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of LINC01094, we performed RNA pull-down assays, RNA immunoprecipitation assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, luciferase reporter assays, etc. RESULTS: LINC01094 was markedly upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and LINC01094 upregulation was positively correlated with GC malignant behaviours in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01094 downregulated the expression of CDKN1A by interacting with RNA binding motif single stranded interacting protein 2 (RBMS2) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Additionally, LINC01094 was confirmed to sponge miR-128-3p and participate in the LINC01094-miR-128-3p-RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) feedback loop. Finally, Ro 5-3335, a validated RUNX1 inhibitor, was explored for anticancer drug development in GC.

CONCLUSIONS

The LINC01094-miR-128-3p-RUNX1 feedback loop downregulates CDKN1A and promotes GC cooperatively with RBMS2 and HDAC1. Furthermore, Ro 5-3335 may hold promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of GC. Hence, our study found an oncogenic lncRNA, LINC01094, which could be a promising target for cancer treatment and diagnosis.

LINC01094: A key long non-coding RNA in the regulation of cancer progression and therapeutic targets

LINC01094 is a long non-coding RNA that plays a crucial role in cancer progression by modulating key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β Signaling Pathway Feedback Loop. In this review we summarize the recent research on the functional mechanisms of LINC01094 in various cancers, including its impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting LINC01094 and highlight the current strategies and challenges in this area. Perspectives on future development of LINC01094-based therapies are also provided.

MicroRNA-532 as a probable diagnostic and therapeutic marker in cancer patients

The high mortality rate in cancer patients is always one of the main challenges of the health systems globally. Several factors are involved in the high rate of cancer related mortality, including late diagnosis and drug resistance. Cancer is mainly diagnosed in the advanced stages of tumor progression that causes the failure of therapeutic strategies and increases the death rate in these patients. Therefore, assessment of the molecular mechanisms associated with the occurrence of cancer can be effective to introduce early tumor diagnostic markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the stable non-coding RNAs in the biological body fluids are involved in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. MiR-532 deregulation has been reported in different tumor types. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the role of miR-532 during tumor growth. It has been shown that miR-532 has mainly a tumor suppressor role through the regulation of transcription factors, chemokines, and signaling pathways such as NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT. In addition to the independent role of miR-532 in regulation of cellular processes, it also functions as a mediator of lncRNAs and circRNAs. Therefore, miR-532 can be considered as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target in cancer patients.

Establishment of a placental lncRNA-mRNA expression network for early-onset preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to establish a placental long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mRNA expression network for early-onset preeclampsia (early-onset PE).

METHODS

The RNA sequencing data of the GSE14821 dataset were acquired. Several crucial lncRNAs and mRNAs were exerted based on the differential expression analysis of lncRNA and mRNA. By analyzing the differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA, we constructed a regulatory network to explore the mechanism of the lncRNA in early onset preeclampsia.

RESULTS

A total of 4436 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified in early-onset PE placenta samples compared with control placenta samples. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between 3659 DElncRNAs and 372 DEmRNAs. KEGG analysis showed that the DEmRNAs were enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 pathways. Several well-known early-onset PE-related mRNAs, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGF receptor 1 (FLT1), were involved in the two pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and cis-regulatory analysis further suggested the involvement of the two pathways and potential DElncRNA-DEmRNA interactions in early-onset PE. Moreover, the upregulation of representative DElncRNAs, such as RP11-211G3.3 and RP11-65J21.3, and DEmRNAs, such as VEGFA and FLT1, were validated in clinical placenta samples from patients with early-onset PE by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Importantly, overexpression of RP11-65J21.3 significantly promoted the proliferation of HTR-8 trophoblast cells at 72 h after transfection.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we identified placental DElncRNAs of early-onset PE and established a DElncRNA-DEmRNA network that was closely related to the cytokine-cytokine receptor and HIF-1 pathways. Our results provide potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for early-onset PE management.

The role of pyroptosis-related lncRNA risk signature in ovarian cancer prognosis and immune system

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death in females with gynecologic cancers. Pyroptosis is a relatively new discovered programmed cell death that is believed to be associated with inflammation. However, studies on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in ovarian cancer are limited. In this study, we identified 29 pyroptosis-related genes and screened out 72 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Furthermore, the 72 lncRNAs were eliminated to 2 survival-related lncRNAs using Cox regression and Lasso regression to build an ovarian cancer prognostic prediction signature and were further validated on the test set. We adopted a riskscore from the two-gene signature, and the survival in low-risk group was higher than the high-risk group. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two risk groups were associated with tumor immunity. This study implies that pyroptosis-related genes are closely related to tumor immunity and could be potential therapeutic factors for ovarian cancer treatment.

Regulatory Role of Fatty Acid Metabolism-Related Long Noncoding RNA in Prostate Cancer: A Computational Biology Study Analysis

In elderly men, prostate cancer is a leading cause of death. Tumor cells require more energy to progress than normal cells, and this energy is mainly dependent on the large amount of ATP support generated by lipid metabolism. Therefore, in this study, we focused on long noncoding RNAs related to lipid metabolism in prostate cancer to discover the biological mechanisms of lipid metabolism regulation. The TCGA-PRAD cohort was used in this study for computational biology analysis. In lipid metabolism biological pathways, 1959 long noncoding RNAs were identified by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of protein-coding genes, then univariate regression with P values fewer than 0.05. We further identified 784 lncRNAs that were lipid metabolism-related lncRNAs considered to have prognostic value for disease-free survival. Subsequently, we constructed two lncRNA expression patterns of lipid metabolism based on these lncRNAs by nonnegative matrix dimensionality reduction. These two expression patterns showed significant differences in disease-free survival curves for those diagnosed with prostate cancer. We found significant differences in mRNA surveillance pathway and mRNA processing between C1 and C2 groups based on the WGCNA method to explore the biological characteristics of these two expression patterns. Finally, we constructed a disease-free survival (PFS) model based on these lncRNAs. The results identified lncRNAs involved in lipid metabolism and revealed differences in their expression patterns. Additionally, the results offer candidate ideas and approaches concerning the precision treatment of prostate cancer by studying lipid metabolism by candidate long noncoding RNAs.

Pre-clinical and clinical importance of miR-21 in human cancers: Tumorigenesis, therapy response, delivery approaches and targeting agents

The field of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has made significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases and has broadened our knowledge towards their targeting, especially in cancer therapy. ncRNAs are a large family of RNAs with microRNAs (miRNAs) being one kind of endogenous RNA which lack encoded proteins. By now, miRNAs have been well-coined in pathogenesis and development of cancer. The current review focuses on the role of miR-21 in cancers and its association with tumor progression. miR-21 has both oncogenic and onco-suppressor functions and most of the experiments are in agreement with the tumor-promoting function of this miRNA. miR-21 primarily decreases PTEN expression to induce PI3K/Akt signaling in cancer progression. Overexpression of miR-21 inhibits apoptosis and is vital for inducing pro-survival autophagy. miR-21 is vital for metabolic reprogramming and can induce glycolysis to enhance tumor progression. miR-21 stimulates EMT mechanisms and increases expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 thereby elevating tumor metastasis. miR-21 is a target of anti-cancer agents such as curcumin and curcumol and its down-regulation impairs tumor progression. Upregulation of miR-21 results in cancer resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Increasing evidence has revealed the role of miR-21 as a biomarker as it is present in both the serum and exosomes making them beneficial biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of cancer.

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.

The mechanism of lncRNAs in the crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor microenvironment for early colon adenocarcinoma based on molecular subtyping

A large number of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients are already advanced when diagnosed. In this study, we aimed to further understand the mechanism of tumor development in early COAD by focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Expression profiles of early COAD patients were obtained from public databases. EMT-related lncRNAs were used as a basis for constructing molecular subtypes through unsupervised consensus clustering. Genomic features, pathways and tumor microenvironment (TME) were compared between two subtypes. LncATLAS database was applied to analyze the relation between lncRNAs and transcription factors (TFs). First order partial correlation analysis was conducted to identify key EMT-related lncRNAs.C1 and C2 subtypes with distinct prognosis were constructed. Oncogenic pathways such as EMT, KRAS signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, and TGF-β signaling were significantly enriched in C2 subtype. Higher immune infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints were also observed in C2 subtype, suggesting the key EMT-related lncRNAs may play a critical role in the modulation of TME. In addition, JAK-STAT signaling pathway was obviously enriched in upregulated TFs in C2 subtype, which indicated a link between key lncRNAs and JAK-STAT signaling that may regulate TME. The study further expanded the research on the role of EMT-related lncRNAs in the early COAD. The six identified EMT-related lncRNAs could serve as biomarkers for early screening COAD.

Efficacy evaluation of multi-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer: From bench to bed

Ovarian cancer, one of the most common gynecological malignancies, is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, and most women experience recurrence after standard care therapies. There is compelling evidence that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor. For example, the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with increased survival, while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, immunotherapies targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been gradually integrated into the existing treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapies have changed guidelines for maintenance treatment and established a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite single immunotherapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, immune checkpoints, and angiogenesis bringing inspiring efficacy, only a subset of patients can benefit much from it. Thus, the multi-immunotherapy investigation remains an active area for ovarian cancer treatment. The current review provides an overview of various clinically oriented forms of multi-immunotherapy and explores potentially effective combinational therapies for ovarian cancer.

Circular RNAs play roles in regulatory networks of cell signaling pathways in human cancers

AIMS

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous covalently closed non-coding RNAs produced by reverse splicing of linear RNA. These molecules are highly expressed in mammalian cells and show cell/tissue-specific expression patterns. They are also significantly dysregulated in various cancers and function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Emerging evidence reveals that circRNAs contribute to cancer progression via modulating different cell signaling pathways. Nevertheless, the functional significance of circRNAs in cell signaling pathways regulation is still largely elusive. Considering this, shedding light on the multi-pathway effects of circRNAs may improve our understanding of targeted cancer therapy. Here, we discuss how circRNAs regulate the major cell signaling pathways in human cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We adopted a systematic search in PubMed using the following MeSH terms: circRNAs, non-coding RNAs, lncRNAs, exosomal circRNAs, cancer, and cell signaling.

KEY FINDINGS

We discussed different roles of circRNAs during tumorigenesis in which circRNAs affect tumor development through activating or inactivating certain cell signaling pathways via molecular interactions using various signaling pathways. We also discussed how crosstalk between circRNAs and lncRNAs modulate tumorigenesis and provides a resource for the identification of cancer therapeutic targets.

SIGNIFICANCE

We here elucidated how circRNAs can modulate different cell signaling pathways and play roles in cancer. This can broaden our horizons toward introducing promising prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets.

Screening and validation of platelet activation-related lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy in gastric cancer patients

Background: Platelets (PLT) have a significant effect in promoting cancer progression and hematogenous metastasis. However, the effect of platelet activation-related lncRNAs (PLT-related lncRNAs) in gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we screened and validated PLT-related lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy in GC patients.

Methods: We obtained relevant datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Ontology (GO) Resource Database. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify PLT-related lncRNAs. By using the univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses, we constructed the PLT-related lncRNAs model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and nomogram were used to verify the model. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), drug screening, tumor immune microenvironment analysis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA methylation regulators correlation analysis were performed in the high- and low-risk groups. Patients were regrouped based on the risk model, and candidate compounds and immunotherapeutic responses aimed at GC subgroups were also identified. The expression of seven PLT-related lncRNAs was validated in clinical medical samples using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: In this study, a risk prediction model was established using seven PLT-related lncRNAs -(AL355574.1, LINC01697, AC002401.4, AC129507.1, AL513123.1, LINC01094, and AL356417.2), whose expression were validated in GC patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis verified the accuracy of the model. We screened multiple targeted drugs for the high-risk patients. Patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis since low infiltration of immune killer cells, activation of immunosuppressive pathways, and poor response to immunotherapy. In addition, we revealed a close relationship between risk scores and EMT and DNA methylation regulators. The nomogram based on risk score suggested a good ability to predict prognosis and high clinical benefits.

Conclusion: Our findings provide new insights into how PLT-related lncRNAs biomarkers affect prognosis and immunotherapy. Also, these lncRNAs may become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC patients.

Wnt antagonist as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignancy in women with a low survival rate that demands new therapeutic paradigms. Cancer cells acquire various exclusive alterations to proliferate, invade, metastasize, and escape cell death, acting independently of growth-inducing or growth-inhibiting signals. The nature of cellular signaling in tumorigenesis is interwoven. Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that has been shown to regulate ovarian cancer pathogenesis. The molecular mechanism of Wnt signaling underlying the development of ovarian cancer, drug resistance, and relapse is not completely understood. Extracellularly secreted Wnt signaling inhibitors are crucial regulators of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and malignant properties of cancer stem cells. Wnt inhibitors arbitrated modifications affecting Wnt pathway proteins on the cell membranes, in the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus have been shown to span essential contributions in the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Although many extrinsic inhibitors developed targeting the downstream components of the Wnt signaling pathway, investigating the molecular mechanisms of endogenous secreted inhibitors might substantiate prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers development. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer, more systematic studies combined with clinical studies are requisite to probe the precise mechanistic interactions of Wnt antagonists in ovarian cancer. This review outlines the latest progress on the Wnt antagonists and ovarian cancer-specific regulators such as micro-RNAs, small molecules, and drugs regulating these Wnt antagonists in ovarian tumourigenesis.

CircWHSC1 expedites cervical cancer progression via miR-532-3p/LTBP2 axis

Dysregulated circRNAs have potential roles in the progression of various cancer types, including cervical cancer (CaCx). The carcinogenic roles of circRNA Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate gene-1 (circWHSC1) are described in the development of diverse cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and the underlying role of circWHSC1 in CaCx. The expression of circWHSC1 was detected by real-time PCR. After the suppression of circWHSC1 expression, the changes in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis capacities were detected by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and the determination of apoptosis-related proteins. The interplay among circWHSC1, miR-532-3p, and latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein 2 (LTBP2) was confirmed by luciferase reporter and biotinylated RNA pull-down assays. A nude mice xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate the anti-tumorigenic role of circWHSC1 silencing in vivo. CircWHSC1 was overexpressed in CaCx tissues and cell lines and its high expression was inversely associated with the survival rate of patients with CaCx. CircWHSC1 silencing was capable of suppressing the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis. Investigation to its molecular mechanism revealed that circWHSC1 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), mediating LTBP2 expression by targeting miR-532-3p. The in vivo experiments further confirmed the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by circWHSC1 knockdown. The circWHSC1-mediated miR-532-3p/LTBP2 signaling axis might be a novel therapeutic target for CaCx.