Long intergenic non‑coding RNA LINC01232 contributes to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by sequestering microRNA‑654‑3p and consequently promoting hepatoma‑derived growth factor expression

LINC01232 targeting miR-1250-3p/MSH2 axis attenuates mesangial cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy

The significance of long non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) in the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) has attracted much interest. The purpose of this work was to ascertain the role of LINC01232 in cell models and animal models of DN. C57BL/6 J mice were administered with streptozotocin (STZ) to develop animal models of DN, and mouse glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) were exposed to high glucose (HG) to establish cell models of DN. Expression levels of LINC01232, miR-1250-3p and MSH2 were identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) or western blotting. Fibrosis-related proteins were quantified by western blotting. MC proliferative capacity was checked by EdU assay. DN progression and fibrosis level in animal models were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The potential binding sites between miR-1250-3p and LINC01232 or MSH2 were examined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. LINC01232 expression was heightened in kidney tissues of DN patients. Its overexpression in HG-treated MCs alleviated MC proliferation and fibrosis. Overexpression of LINC01232 alleviated the pathological state of glomerular hypertrophy, MC hyperplasia, basement membrane thickening, and fibrosis in the DN models. LINC01232 bound to miR-1250-3p and competed for miR-1250-3p binding sites with MSH2. LINC01232 overexpression decoyed miR-1250-3p to increase MSH2 expression, and MSH2 depletion restored LINC01232 overexpression-inhibited MC proliferation and fibrosis. LINC01232 alleviated the mesangial cell proliferation and fibrosis in the progression of DN by targeting miR-1250-3p/MSH2 pathway.

The m6A reader IGF2BP2 promotes ESCC progression by stabilizing HDGF mRNA

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role of IGF2BP2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, transcriptome sequencing, and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset were used to detect the expression of m6A-associated genes in ESCC. The in vitro and in vivo assays were used to explore the role of IGF2BP2 in ESCC.

RESULTS

IGF2BP2 was significantly overexpressed in human ESCC specimens, which was confirmed by analyzing the GEO dataset. IGF2BP2 overexpression was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with ESCC. Altering the expression of IGF2BP2 influenced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. IGF2BP2 could bind to and stabilize hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) transcripts in ESCC in an m6A-dependent manner and promote HDGF expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the novel IGF2BP2-HDGF axis is pivotal for ESCC cancer progression and can serve as a target for developing therapeutics.

Roles of long non‑coding RNAs in esophageal cell squamous carcinoma (Review)

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and deadly malignancy of the digestive tract. Recent research has identified long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulators in the pathogenesis of ESCC. These lncRNAs, typically exceeding 200 nucleotides, modulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway and RNA‑protein interactions. The current study reviews the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in ESCC, highlighting their involvement in processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, cell cycle progression, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, glycolysis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, autophagy, tumor growth, metastasis and the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Specific lncRNAs like HLA complex P5, LINC00963 and non‑coding repressor of NFAT have been shown to enhance resistance to radio‑ and chemotherapy by modulating pathways such as AKT signaling and microRNA interaction, which promote cell survival and proliferation under therapeutic stress. Furthermore, lncRNAs like family with sequence similarity 83, member A antisense RNA 1, zinc finger NFX1‑type containing 1 antisense RNA 1 and taurine upregulated gene 1 are implicated in enhancing invasive and proliferative capabilities of ESCC cells through the ceRNA mechanism, while interactions with RNA‑binding proteins further influence cancer cell behavior. The comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic targets in ESCC, suggesting avenues for future research focused on elucidating the detailed molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of lncRNAs in ESCC management.

Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of tumorigenic role of PPIA in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with high incidence rate and mortality. Due to the lack of effective diagnostic indicators, most patients are diagnosed in late stage and have a poor prognosis. An increasing number of studies have proved that Peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) can play an oncogene role in various cancer types. However, the precise mechanism of PPIA in GC is still unclear. Herein, we analyzed the mRNA levels of PPIA in pan-cancer. The prognostic value of PPIA on GC was also evaluated using multiple databases. Additionally, the relationship between PPIA expression and clinical factors in GC was also examined. We further confirmed that PPIA expression was not affected by genetic alteration and DNA methylation. Moreover, the upstream regulator miRNA and lncRNA of PPIA were identified, which suggested that LINC10232/miRNA-204-5p/PPIA axis might act as a potential biological pathway in GC. Finally, this study revealed that PPIA was negatively correlated with immune checkpoint expression, immune cell biomarkers, and immune cell infiltration in GC.

LINC01232 promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma progression through modulating miR-181a-5p/SMAD2 axis

BACKGROUND

LINC01232 has been implicated in the progression of multiple malignancies. Yet, the function of LINC01232 in the carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unclear. This study aims to examine the role LINC01232 plays in LUSC progression.

METHODS

mRNA and protein levels were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell assay. The interactions between LINC01232, miR-181a-5p, and SMAD2 were assessed using luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The subcellular distribution of LINC01232 was examined by cytosolic/nuclear fractionation assay RESULTS: LINC01232 was upregulated in both LUSC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of LINC01232 impaired cell proliferation, migration and invasion capability in H1229 and A549 cells, a phenotype that could be reversed by miR-181a-5p silencing. In addition, LINC01232 silencing reduced levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail in H1229 and A549 cells, but increased the level of E-cadherin, which can be abrogated by miR-181a-5p inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study demonstrates that LINC01232 expression increases in LUSC tissues and cell lines and promotes LUSC progression by modulating the miR-181a-5p/SMAD2 signaling, providing new potential drug targets for LUSC treatment.

Prognostic analysis of RAS-related lncRNAs in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), whose incidence is increasing globally, is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers. RAS-related pathways are involved in the cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and metabolism in LIHC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) also play important roles in the progression and prognosis of LIHC. However, the clinical role, prognostic significance, and immune regulation of RAS-related lncRNAs in LIHC remains unclear. Our study aims to construct and validate a RAS-related lncRNA prognostic risk signature that can estimate the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in LIHC.

Methods

The clinical information and corresponding messenger RNA (mRNA)/lncRNA expression profiles were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and 502 RAS-related lncRNAs were identified by Pearson correlation analysis. A prognostic risk signature with 5 RAS-related lncRNAs was then developed based on the Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm analyses. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the nomogram were established to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the signature. In addition, the immune microenvironment, tumor mutation burden, and drug sensitivity associated with the signature were also analyzed in LIHC.

Results

Compared with the low-risk groups, the high-risk groups had an unfavorable outcome. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the risk score signature was the independent prognostic factor superior to the other clinical variables. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses demonstrated that the risk score was highly associated with the nuclear division, DNA replication, and immune response. The group with high risk tended to hold a lower immune escape rate and better immunotherapy efficacy, while the group with low risk was more sensitive to some small molecular targeted drugs.

Conclusions

We developed a RAS-related lncRNA risk signature that was highly associated with the prognosis and response to immunotherapy and targeted drugs and which provided novel mechanistic insights into the personalized treatment and potential drug selection for patients with LIHC.

LINC01232 Promotes Metastasis and EMT by Regulating miR-506-5p/PAK1 Axis in Gastric Cancer

Background

Long non-coding RNA LINC01232 plays an important role in the progression of metastasis in several cancers. However, the function of LINC01232 in gastric cancer is limited. Authors aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of LINC01232 in the metastasis of gastric cancer.

Methods

The expression levels and correlation of LINC01232, miR-506-5p, and PAK1 were analyzed by GEPIA or ENCORI, and the abundance of LINC01232 and miR-506-5p was measured in tissues and cells via qRT-PCR, the location of LINC01232 in gastric cells was analyzed by nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation, while the protein levels of PAK1, E-cadherin and vimentin were additionally quantified by Western blotting. Interactions between LINC01232, miR-506-5p, and PAK1 were detected through luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cellular viability was evaluated through CCK8 assays, migration ability was measured by transwell assays, invasion ability was tested by wound healing experiment.

Results

LINC01232 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells, and mainly located in nucleus. The inhibition of LINC01232 could suppress migration, invasion and EMT of gastric cancer cells. MiR-506-5p was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. LINC01232 sponged miR-506-5p to accelerate migration and EMT. PAK1 was certified to be a target of miR-506-5p, inhibition of PAK1 could interrupt LINC01232 overexpression-induced migration of gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

The LINC01232/miR-506-5p/PAK1 axis promotes metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

A Pleiotropic Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implication in Chemotherapeutic Drug Response

Despite the availability of modern techniques for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), tumor recurrence and metastasis are significant challenges in clinical management. Thus, ESCC possesses a poor prognosis and low five-year overall survival rate. Notably, the origin and recurrence of the cancer phenotype are under the control of complex cancer-related signaling pathways. In this review, we provide comprehensive knowledge about long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in ESCC and its implications in hindering the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. We observed that a pool of lncRNAs, such as HERES, TUG1, and UCA1, associated with ESCC, directly or indirectly targets various molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and facilitates the manifestation of multiple cancer phenotypes, including proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to anticancer treatment. Additionally, several lncRNAs, such as HCP5 and PTCSC1, modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways during the ESCC pathogenesis. Furthermore, a few lncRNAs, such as AFAP1-AS1 and LINC01014, block the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs, including cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and gefitinib, used for ESCC treatment. Therefore, this review may help in designing a better therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients.

Long non-coding RNA long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1232 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in bladder cancer via modulating miR-370-5p/PIM3 axis

Increasing evidences have suggested that long non-coding RNAs are critical regulators in the progression of tumor growth. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1232 (LINC01232) was verified as an oncogene in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, its function in bladder cancer (BC) remains to be uncovered. In the current study, we detected LINC01232 expression utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and discovered that LINC01232 was overexpressed in BC cell lines versus normal cell line. Besides, the effect of LINC01232 on BC cell behaviors was measured by colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling and caspase-3/8 activity assays. Functionally, LINC01232 deficiency suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Next, miR-370-5p was proved to bind with LINC01232 by RNA pull down, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, PIM3 expression was negatively modulated by miR-370-5p and markedly increased in BC cell lines. Moreover, PIM3 silence repressed proliferation, migration and invasion but triggered apoptosis of BC cells. The rescue assays validated that upregulation of PIM3 recovered the effects of LINC01232 silence on the growth of BC cells. To summarize, our study manifested that LINC01232 accelerates BC progression by targeting miR-370-5p/PIM3 axis. Targeting LINC01232 might offer novel insight into BC treatment.

Elevated LINC01232 is associated with poor prognosis and HBV infection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients and contributes to tumor progression in vitro

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had high prevalence and poor prognosis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of long intergenic noncoding RNA 01232 (LINC01232) in the prognosis and progression of HCC, and explore the relationship between LINC01232 and HBV infection.

METHODS

LINC01232 expression and its prognostic value were firstly analyzed using TCGA database. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of LINC01232 in HCC patients and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the relationship between LINC01232 expression and HCC overall survival prognosis. Function-loss in vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the role of LINC01232 in HCC progression. A luciferase reporter assay and Pearson correlation were used to confirm the relationship between LINC01232 and microRNA (miR)-708-5p in HCC.

RESULTS

The expression of LINC01232 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and high LINC01232 was associated with worse overall survival in HCC. LINC01232 reduction inhibited HCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. LINC01232 expression was significantly correlated with HBV infection and liver cirrhosis, and showed potential to distinguish HBV-infected HCC patients. miR-708-5p, as a HBV-related miRNA, was a potential target of LINC01232, and was negatively correlated with LINC01232 in HCC.

CONCLUSION

Our findings found that highly expressed LINC01232 may be a biomarker to indicate survival prognosis in HCC patients, especially in HBV-infected cases. In addition, LINC01232 plays as an oncogene in HCC progression, and its function may exert by sponging miR-708-5p.

LINC01232 serves as a novel biomarker and promotes tumour progression by sponging miR-204-5p and upregulating RAB22A in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the progression of various cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic value of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA (LINC) 01232 in ccRCC and preliminary explore the molecular mechanism underlying the role of LINC01232 in ccRCC progression.

METHODS

Tumour tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 122 patients with ccRCC were collected in this study. The levels of LINC01232, microRNA (miR)-204-5p and RAB22A were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The interaction among LINC01232, miR-204-5p and RAB22A was confirmed by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and Pearson correlation analysis. The association of LINC01232 and miR-204-5p with ccRCC patient survival was verified by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic value of LINC01232 in ccRCC was confirmed by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

LINC01232 expression was increased in ccRCC tumour tissues and ccRCC cells and independently predicted the prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, LINC01232 silencing inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, LINC01232 served as a sponge for miR-204-5p, and miR-204-5p reduction reversed the inhibitory effect of LINC01232 silencing on ccRCC cell function. Furthermore, LINC01232 could sponge miR-204-5p, causing the elevation of RAB22A in ccRCC, thereby promoting ccRCC cell function.

CONCLUSION

LINC01232 may be an independent prognostic biomarker in ccRCC and plays an oncogenic role in ccRCC progression by sponging miR-204-5p and upregulating RAB22A.

LncRNA 4344 promotes NLRP3-related neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by targeting miR-138-5p

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive impairment is a common neurological disease of which NLRP3-related neuroinflammation has been demonstrated to be an essential mediator. Previous studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for the development of neurological disorders. However, the roles and functions of lncRNA 4344 in neuroinflammation during cognitive impairment are unknown and need to be further elucidated.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat cognitive impairment and rat microglia (RM) cell inflammation models were established in vitro and in vivo. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive behavior of the rats. Gene expression was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between lncRNA 4344, miR-138-5p, and NLRP3 was identified using bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Nissl stainings, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, or immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to detect pathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, or positive cells in hippocampal tissues, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression levels of lncRNA 4344 and NLRP3 were upregulated in the hippocampal tissues of LPS-treated rats and RM cells, and showed a strong positive correlation between each other. LncRNA 4344 overexpression further enhanced the expression of NLRP3 and its downstream genes (caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), as well as neuronal apoptosis in LPS-stimulated RM cells, whereas lncRNA 4344 silencing attenuated the inflammatory injuries. Moreover, miR-138-5p was the direct target of lncRNA 4344 and was downregulated in the RM cell inflammation model. We also found that miR-138-5p directly reduced the expression of NLRP3 and its downstream genes. Subsequently, the results of the animal experiments showed that the lncRNA 4344/miR-138-5p/NLRP3 axis plays an essential role in regulating the cognitive behavior, pathological changes and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, expression of inflammation-related factors (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and microglial activation in LPS-induced cognitive impairment rats.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated for the first time that lncRNA 4344 regulates NLRP3-related neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by targeting miR-138-5p, providing a possible target for the treatment of diseases characterized by a cognitive deficit.

LINC01232 Promotes Gastric Cancer Proliferation through Interacting with EZH2 to Inhibit the Transcription of KLF2

To clarify the role of long intergenic nonprotein-coding RNA 1232 (LINC01232) in the progression of gastric cancer and the potential mechanism, we analyzed the expression of LINC01232 in TCGA database using the GEPIA online tool, and the LINC01232 level in gastric cancer cell lines was detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as well. Cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and tumor formation experiment in nude mice were conducted to observe the biological behavior changes of gastric cancer cells through the influence of LINC01232 knockdown. LncATLAS database and subcellular isolation assay were used for subcellular distribution of LINC01232 in gastric cancer cells. The interaction among LINC01232, zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) was clarified by RNA-protein interaction prediction (RPISeq), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), qRT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Rescue experiments were further conducted to elucidate the biological function of LINC01232/KLF2 axis in the progression of gastric cancer. LINC01232 was upregulated in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) tissues and gastric cancer lines. LINC01232 knockdown inhibited the proliferative capacities of gastric cancer cells in vitro, and impaired in vivo tumorigenicity. LINC01232 was mainly distributed in the cell nucleus where it epigenetically repressed KLF2 expression via binding to the enhancer of EZH2, which was capable of binding to promoter regions of KLF2 to induce histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). LINC01232 exerts oncogenic activities in gastric cancer via inhibition of KLF2, and therefore, the knockdown of KLF2 could reverse the regulatory effect of LINC01232 in the proliferative ability of gastric cancer cells.

LINC01410 leads the migration, invasion and EMT of bladder cancer cells by modulating miR-4319 / Snail1

Background

Several previous studies have implied the significance of lncRNA1410 (LINC01410) in gastric cancer, rectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Nevertheless, the potential of LINC01410 in bladder cancer (BC) development has not been addressed.

Methods

The related mechanisms were explored by qRT-PCR analysis, CCK-8 assay, cell transfection assay, Transwell assay, Western Blot analysis, Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay.

Results

In the following study, LINC01410, characterized as an oncogene, exhibited high levels of expression in BC tissues as compared to normal tissues and its expression leads to a reduced prognosis of BC. Functional characterization of LINC01410 showed that knocking down LINC01410 could markedly reduce the invasion and proliferation capacity of T24 and 5637 cells. Mechanistically, LINC01410 served as a sponge for miR-4319 and the findings were further attested through luciferase reporter assay. Analysis of miR-4319 demonstrated its low expression in BC tissues as compared to normal tissues and knocking down LINC01410 significantly increased miR-4319. Data obtained from rescue assay discovered that silencing of miR-4319 in T24 and 5637 cells restored the proliferation and invasion capacity of LINC01410.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study is the first report on the oncogenic potential of LINC01410 in BC development by upregulating Snail1 protein and downregulating miR-4319.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02119-z.