miR-130a-3p promotes cell proliferation and invasion by targeting estrogen receptor α and androgen receptor in cervical cancer

A hypoxia-derived gene signature to suggest cisplatin-based therapeutic responses in patients with cervical cancer

Cervical cancer remains a significant global public health concern, often exhibits cisplatin resistance in clinical settings. Hypoxia, a characteristic of cervical cancer, substantially contributes to cisplatin resistance. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in patients with cervical cancer and to identify potential effective drugs against cisplatin resistance, we established a hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-related risk score (HRRS) model using clinical data from patients treated with cisplatin. Cox and LASSO regression analyses were used to stratify patient risks and prognosis. Through qRT-PCR, we validated nine potential prognostic HIF-1 genes that successfully predict cisplatin responsiveness in patients and cell lines. Subsequently, we identified fostamatinib, an FDA-approved spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, as a promising drug for targeting the HRRS-high group. We observed a positive correlation between the IC50 values of fostamatinib and HRRS in cervical cancer cell lines. Moreover, fostamatinib exhibited potent anticancer effects on high HRRS groups in vitro and in vivo. In summary, we developed a hypoxia-related gene signature that suggests cisplatin response prediction in cervical cancer and identified fostamatinib as a potential novel treatment approach for resistant cases.

High seminal BPA in IVF patients correlates with lower sperm count and up-regulated miR-21 and miR-130a

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread industrial chemical, used as the key monomer of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA has been detected in human seminal fluid and has been correlated with changes in sperm parameters, crucial in determining male fertility. In this study, semen samples were collected from 100 patients aged 29-47 years undergoing fertility assessment between 2021 and 2023 and analyzed according to WHO guidelines. BPA levels in the seminal plasma were then measured through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to sperm quality metrics. The relative mRNA/miRNA expression of key genes associated to male reproduction, including androgen receptor, miR-34c, miR-21, miR-130a, was then quantified and compared between groups with high or low BPA content. Our results revealed that BPA levels were increased with age and were negatively correlated with sperm counts (p<0.05). The negative correlation remained significant when patients were age-matched. No other relationships between seminal BPA and motility, morphology or DNA fragmentation levels were observed. qPCR analysis showed that androgen receptor mRNA expression was significantly greater in sperm with high seminal BPA (p<0.05). Moreover, we found that the expression of miR-21 and miR-130a was also upregulated in the higher BPA group (p<0.05). These results display a relationship between BPA content in the semen and male fertility parameters, and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms through which BPA may be affecting male reproductive capability. Ultimately, this research can potentially drive changes to guidelines and exposure limits for BPA exposure.

A comprehensive overview on the crosstalk between microRNAs and viral pathogenesis and infection

Infections caused by viruses as the smallest infectious agents, pose a major threat to global public health. Viral infections utilize different host mechanisms to facilitate their own propagation and pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small noncoding RNA molecules, play important regulatory roles in different diseases, including viral infections. They can promote or inhibit viral infection and have a pro-viral or antiviral role. Also, viral infections can modulate the expression of host miRNAs. Furthermore, viruses from different families evade the host immune response by producing their own miRNAs called viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs). Understanding the replication cycle of viruses and their relation with host miRNAs and v-miRNAs can help to find new treatments against viral infections. In this review, we aim to outline the structure, genome, and replication cycle of various viruses including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza A virus, coronavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, and Ebola virus. We also discuss the role of different host miRNAs and v-miRNAs and their role in the pathogenesis of these viral infections.

Androgens in cervical cancer: Their role in epidemiology and biology

This comprehensive review delves into the significance of androgens in cervical cancer, examining both epidemiological evidence and the underlying biological mechanisms. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, with disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates in less developed regions where cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) screening remains limited. Recent research highlights the previously underexplored role of androgens in cervical cancer. Notably, cervical tissues house androgen receptors, and elevated levels of endogenous androgens have been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Androgens exert their influence on the development and progression of cervical cancer by impacting key cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and epithelial cell transformation. Furthermore, specific HPV subtypes may interact with androgens, potentially modulating HPV-related cellular degeneration and transformation. In light of these findings, it is evident that androgens assume a crucial role in cervical cancer's pathogenesis. Consequently, further investigations are warranted to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between androgens and cervical cancer. Such knowledge advancements can facilitate improved strategies for early prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, especially in regions with limited HPV screening access. This review underscores the importance of considering androgens as a vital component of the multifaceted landscape of cervical cancer etiology and progression, ultimately contributing to more effective clinical interventions.

Role of microRNA in Sex Steroid Hormones Signaling and Its Effect in Regulation of Endometrial, Ovarian, and Cervical Cancer: A Literature Review

Worldwide, in 2020, an estimated 417,367 people were diagnosed with uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer accounts for more than 90% of all uterine cancers. The 15th most frequent cancer overall and the sixth most frequent cancer in women is endometrial cancer. Global ovarian cancer Incidence was diagnosed estimated at 313,959 new cases worldwide in 2020. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide. It has been demonstrated that sex steroid hormones (SSHs) have an essential role in regulating the susceptibility of cancer to cytotoxic therapy. Dysregulation of DNA repair contributes to genomic instability, aberrant cell survival, and cancer development as well as therapy resistance. Several crucial DNA repair components have been discovered to interact with the three main SSHs: androgen, estrogen, and progesterone. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been associated with aberrant sex steroid hormone signaling as well as an increased risk of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer. The expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors is modulated by a number of miRNAs, and it has been demonstrated that the miRNA expression profile may predict the way a patient would respond to hormone therapy. Additionally, particular miRNAs have been linked to the control of genes involved in signaling pathways connected to hormones. Recent research has shown that miRNAs can modify hormone signaling pathways and affect the expression of sex steroid hormone receptors. Our goal in this literature review is to present an overview of current knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs in cancers regulated by sex steroid hormone pathways, as well as to identify particular miRNA targets for hormonal therapy.

Identification of MicroRNAs Associated with Prediabetic Status in Obese Women

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) recently emerged as means of communication between insulin-sensitive tissues to mediate diabetes development and progression, and as such they present a valuable proxy for epigenetic alterations associated with type 2 diabetes. In order to identify miRNA markers for the precursor of diabetes called prediabetes, we applied a translational approach encompassing analysis of human plasma samples, mouse tissues and an in vitro validation system. MiR-652-3p, miR-877-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-152-3p and let-7i-5p were increased in plasma of women with impaired fasting glucose levels (IFG) compared to those with normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Among these, let-7i-5p and miR-93-5p correlated with fasting blood glucose levels. Human data were then compared to miRNome data obtained from islets of Langerhans and adipose tissue of 10-week-old female New Zealand Obese mice, which differ in their degree of hyperglycemia and liver fat content. Similar to human plasma, let-7i-5p was increased in adipose tissue and islets of Langerhans of diabetes-prone mice. As predicted by the in silico analysis, overexpression of let-7i-5p in the rat β-cell line INS-1 832/12 resulted in downregulation of insulin signaling pathway components (Insr, Rictor, Prkcb, Clock, Sos1 and Kcnma1). Taken together, our integrated approach highlighted let-7i-5p as a potential regulator of whole-body insulin sensitivity and a novel marker of prediabetes in women.

MicroRNA-130a-3p impedes the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma through downregulation of KPNB1 by targeting PSME3

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the main type of thyroid cancer (THCA). Despite the good prognosis, some PTC patients may deteriorate into more aggressive disease, leading to poor survival. Our study aimed to explore the role of microRNA (miR)-130a-3p in regulating PTC.

METHODS

After transfection with miR-130a-3p-mimic, OE-PSME3, or miR-130a-3p-mimic + OE-KPNB1 in PTC cells (TPC-1), CCK-8, Transwell, scratch, and flow cytometry experiments were performed to analyze TPC-1 cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect proliferation or invasion-related protein markers (PCNA, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin). The RNA22 database, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RNA pull-down assay were applied for the prediction and verification of the binding site between miR-130a-3p and PSME3. Pan-cancer software identified a positive correlation between PSME3 and KPNB1 in THCA. Co-immunoprecipitation was utilized to verify the interaction of PSME3 with KPNB1. Nude mice were transplanted with TPC-1 cells overexpressing miR-130a-3p. The tumors were isolated for detection of the expression of miR-130a-3p, PSME3, KPNB1, Ki-67, and CD31.

RESULTS

miR-130a-3p was lowly expressed in PTC cell lines. Upregulation of miR-130a-3p repressed the expression of PSME3 and KPNB1 and reduced the malignancy of TPC-1 cells in vitro, shown by inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and the expression of PCNA and N-cadherin. Also, overexpressed miR-130a-3p inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. miR-130a-3p bound to PSME3 which interacted with KPNB1.

CONCLUSION

miR-130a-3p impedes the progression of PTC by downregulating PSME3/KPNB1.

Endothelin-3 is epigenetically silenced in endometrioid endometrial cancer

Purpose

Changes in the activity of endothelins and their receptors may promote neoplastic processes. They can be caused by epigenetic modifications and modulators, but little is known about endothelin-3 (EDN3), particularly in endometrial cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the expression profile of endothelin family and their interactions with miRNAs, and to assess the degree of EDN3 methylation.

Methods

The study enrolled 45 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and 30 patients without neoplastic changes. The expression profile of endothelins and their receptors was determined with mRNA microarrays and RT-qPCR. The miRNA prediction was based on the miRNA microarray experiment and the mirDB tool. The degree of EDN3 methylation was assessed by MSP.

Results

EDN1 and EDNRA were overexpressed regardless of endometrial cancer grade, which may be due to the lack of regulatory effect of miR-130a-3p and miR-485-3p, respectively. In addition, EDN3 and EDNRB were significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

The endothelial axis is disturbed in endometrioid endometrial cancer. The observed silencing of EDN3 activity may be mainly due to DNA methylation.

Molecular Regulation of Androgen Receptors in Major Female Reproductive System Cancers

There are three main types of cancer in the female reproductive system, specifically ovarian cancer (OVCA), endometrial cancer (EC), and cervical cancer (CC). They are common malignant tumors in women worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, androgen receptors (ARs) have been found to be closely related to the occurrence, progression, prognosis, and drug resistance of these three types of tumors. This paper summarizes current views on the role of AR in female reproductive system cancer, the associations between female reproductive system cancers and AR expression and polymorphisms. AR regulates the downstream target genes transcriptional activity and the expression via interacting with coactivators/corepressors and upstream/downstream regulators and through the gene transcription mechanism of “classical A/AR signaling” or “non-classical AR signaling”, involving a large number of regulatory factors and signaling pathways. ARs take part in the processes of cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, cancer cell stemness, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. These findings suggest that the AR and related regulators could target the treatment of female reproductive system cancer.

Down-Regulated miR-130a/b Attenuates Rhabdomyosarcoma Proliferation via PPARG

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is one of the most common types of soft-tissue sarcomas in children, and it exhibits a low 5-years survival rate. The survival outcome has shown no significant improvements in the past 30 years miRNA profiling of RMS might therefore provide a novel insight into uncovering new molecular targets for therapy.

Methods: We analyzed miRNA and RNA sequencing data from patients and the TARGET database to reveal the potential miRNA-mRNA axes and validated them in patients’ samples. After the miRNA antagomirs were used to silence the target miRNAs in the cell model, qRT-PCR, western immunoblotting analysis, and proliferation assays were performed to explore the interaction between miR-130a/b and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and their effects.

Results: In RMS patients, the expression of miR-130a/b was augmented, and its related PPARG gene was suppressed. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-130a/b targeted the PPARG gene and inhibited the proliferation of human RMS cell lines. In addition, rosiglitazone maleate activated the expression of PPARG in human RMS cell lines to suppress proliferation.

Conclusion: miR-130a/b regulates the malignant process in RMS by targeting PPARG. Furthermore, the PPARG agonist rosiglitazone maleate attenuated the proliferation of RD cells and might therefore be of benefit to RMS patients.

Combination of Estrogen Receptor Alpha and Histological Type Helps to Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Stage IA2 to IIA2 Cervical Cancer

Objective

This study aimed to identify a subset of patients with stage IA2 to IIA2 cervical cancer who are at low risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) using pathological parameters including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR).

Methods

The clinical data of patients with stage IA2 to IIA2 cervical cancer who underwent radical surgery between 2014 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of ERα and PR. A low-risk criterion for LNM was identified using logistic regression analysis, and its performance was estimated through receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Of 263 patients, 57 (21.7%) had pathological LNM. ERα (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.582; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.991–19.222; P < 0.001) and squamous cell carcinoma (aOR, 3.520; 95% CI, 1.887–6.568; P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for no LNM by multivariate logistic regression analysis, while PR had no effect on LNM. The rate of LNM was 1.4% for low-risk patients (n = 73) identified as ERα positive with squamous cell carcinoma. The 5-year disease-free survival in low-risk patients was significantly greater than in those negative for ERα and/or those with non-squamous cell carcinoma (96.9% vs 80.1%, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

ERα positivity and squamous cell carcinoma are associated with a low risk of LNM in patients with stage IA2 to IIA2 cervical cancer. Hence, those patients without a low risk of LNM could be considered for definitive chemoradiotherapy to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Interaction between Non-Coding RNAs and Androgen Receptor with an Especial Focus on Prostate Cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and has three functional domains, namely the N-terminal, DNA binding, and C-terminal domain. The N-terminal domain harbors potent transactivation functions, whereas the C-terminal domain binds to androgens and antiandrogens used to treat prostate cancer. AR has genomic activity being DNA binding-dependent or through interaction with other DNA-bound transcription factors, as well as a number of non-genomic, non-canonical functions, such as the activation of the ERK, AKT, and MAPK pathways. A bulk of evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs have functional interactions with AR. This type of interaction is implicated in the pathogenesis of human malignancies, particularly prostate cancer. In the current review, we summarize the available data on the role of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs on the expression of AR and modulation of AR signaling, as well as the effects of AR on their expression. Recognition of the complicated interaction between non-coding RNAs and AR has practical importance in the design of novel treatment options, as well as modulation of response to conventional therapeutics.