Emerging roles and mechanisms of microRNA‑222‑3p in human cancer (Review)

Extracellular Vesicular miRNA in Pancreatic Cancer: From Lab to Therapy

Pancreatic cancer is a prevalent lethal gastrointestinal cancer that generally does not show any symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, resulting in a high mortality rate. People at high risk, such as those with a family history or chronic pancreatitis, do not have a universally accepted screening protocol. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrate limited effectiveness in the management of pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Recent studies indicated that the complex interaction among pancreatic cancer cells within the dynamic microenvironment, comprising the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated cells, and diverse immune cells, intricately regulates the biological characteristics of the disease. Additionally, mounting evidence suggests that EVs play a crucial role as mediators in intercellular communication by the transportation of different biomolecules, such as miRNA, proteins, DNA, mRNA, and lipids, between heterogeneous cell subpopulations. This communication mediated by EVs significantly impacts multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, including proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. In this review, we delve into the pivotal role of EV-associated miRNAs in the progression, metastasis, and development of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer as well as their therapeutic potential as biomarkers and drug-delivery mechanisms for the management of pancreatic cancer.

Nanomaterials promote the fast development of electrochemical MiRNA biosensors

Cancer has become the leading cause of death worldwide. In recent years, molecular diagnosis has demonstrated great potential in the prediction and diagnosis of cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short oligonucleotides that regulate gene expression and cell function and are considered ideal biomarkers for cancer detection, diagnosis, and patient prognosis. Therefore, the specific and sensitive detection of ultra-low quantities of miRNA is of great significance. MiRNA biosensors based on electrochemical technology have advantages of high sensitivity, low cost and fast response. Nanomaterials show great potential in miRNA electrochemical detection and promote the rapid development of electrochemical miRNA biosensors. Some methods and signal amplification strategies for miRNA detection in recent years are reviewed herein, followed by a discussion of the latest progress in electrochemical miRNA detection based on different types of nanomaterial. Future perspectives and challenges are also proposed for further exploration of nanomaterials to bring breakthroughs in electrochemical miRNA detection.

TNFα-Induced Altered miRNA Expression Links to NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by immune system dysregulation, which is involved in lesion initiation and progression. Studies have demonstrated that several cytokines are associated with the evolution of endometriosis, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). TNFα is a non-glycosylated cytokine protein with potent inflammatory, cytotoxic, and angiogenic potential. In the current study, we examined the ability of TNFα to induce dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to NFkB signaling pathways, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Using RT-qPCR, the expression of several miRNAs was quantified in primary cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis subjects (EESC) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC), and also TNFα-treated NESCs. The phosphorylation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-κB and the candidates of the survival pathways PI3K, AKT, and ERK was measured by western blot analysis. The elevated secretion of TNFα in EESCs downregulates the expression level of several miRNAs significantly in EESCs compared to NESCs. Also, treatment of NESCs with exogenous TNFα significantly reduced the expression of miRNAs in a dose-dependent manner to levels similar to EESCs. In addition, TNFα significantly increased the phosphorylation of the PI3K, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, treatment with curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), an anti-inflammatory polyphenol, significantly increased the expression of dysregulated miRNAs in EESC in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that TNFα is upregulated in EESCs, which subsequently dysregulates the expression of miRNAs, contributing to the pathophysiology of endometriotic cells. CUR effectively inhibits the expression of TNFα, subsequently altering miRNA levels and suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and NF-κB.

Role of probe design and bioassay configuration in surface enhanced Raman scattering based biosensors for miRNA detection

The accurate design of labelled oligo probes for the detection of miRNA biomarkers by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) may improve the exploitation of the plasmonic enhancement. This work, thus, critically investigates the role of probe labelling configuration on the performance of SERS-based bioassays for miRNA quantitation. To this aim, highly efficient SERS substrates based on Ag-decorated porous silicon/PDMS membranes are functionalized according to bioassays relying on a one-step or two-step hybridization of the target miRNA with DNA probes. Then, the detection configuration is varied to evaluate the impact of different Raman reporters and their labelling position along the oligo sequence on bioassay sensitivity. At high miRNA concentration (100-10 nM), a significantly increased SERS intensity is detected when the reporters are located closer to the plasmonic surface compared to farther probe labelling positions. Counterintuitively, a levelling-off of the SERS intensity from the different configurations is recorded at low miRNA concentration. Such effect is attributed to the increased relative contribution of Raman hot-spots to the whole SERS signal, in line with the electric near field distribution simulated for a simplified model of the Ag nanostructures. However, the beneficial effect of reducing the reporter-to-surface distance is partially retained for a two-step hybridization assay thanks to the less sterically hindered environment in which the second hybridization occurs. The study thus demonstrates an improvement of the detection limit of the two-step assay by tuning the probe labelling position, but sheds at the same time light on the multiple factors affecting the sensitivity of SERS-based bioassays.

Circulating miRNAs as Noninvasive Biomarkers for PDAC Diagnosis and Prognosis in Mexico

Among malignant neoplasms, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the highest fatality rates due to its late detection. Therefore, it is essential to discover a noninvasive, early, specific, and sensitive diagnostic method. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive biomarkers because they are accessible, highly specific, and sensitive. It is crucial to find miRNAs that could be used as possible biomarkers because PDAC is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in Mexico. With the help of microRNA microarrays, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were found in PDAC tissues. The presence of these DEmiRNAs in the plasma of Mexican patients with PDAC was determined using RT-qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic capacity of these DEmiRNAs. Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GEO) were employed to verify our results. The Prisma V8 statistical analysis program was used. Four DEmiRNAs in plasma from PDAC patients and microarray tissues were found. Serum samples from patients with PDAC were used to validate their overexpression in GEO databases. We discovered a new panel of the two miRNAs miR-222-3p and miR-221-3p that could be used to diagnose PDAC, and when miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p were overexpressed, survival rates decreased. Therefore, miR-222-3p and miR-221-3p might be employed as noninvasive indicators for the diagnosis and survival of PDAC in Mexican patients.

TNFα-induced altered miRNA expression links to NF-κB signaling pathway in endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by immune system dysregulation, which is involved in lesion initiation and progression. Studies have demonstrated that several cytokines are associated with the evolution of endometriosis, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). TNFα is a non-glycosylated cytokine protein with potent inflammatory, cytotoxic, and angiogenic potential. In the current study, we examined the ability of TNFα to induce dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to NFkB-signaling pathways, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Using RT-QPCR, the expression of several miRNAs were quantified in primary cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis subjects (EESC) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC) and also TNFα treated NESCs. The phosphorylation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-κB and the candidates of the survival pathways PI3K, AKT and ERK was measured by westernblot analysis. The elevated secretion of TNFα in EESCs downregulates the expression level of several miRNAs significantly (p < 0.05) in EESCs compared to NESC. Also treatment of NESCs with exogenous TNFα significantly reduced the expression of miRNAs in a dose-dependent manner to levels similar to EESCs. In addition, TNFα significantly increased the phosphorylation of the PI3K, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, treatment with curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), an anti-inflammatory polyphenol, significantly increased the expression of dysregulated miRNAs in EESC in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that TNFα is upregulated in EESCs, which subsequently dysregulates the expression of miRNAs, contributing to the pathophysiology of endometriotic cells. CUR effectively inhibits the expression of TNFα, subsequently altering miRNA levels and suppresses the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and NF-κB.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers of Active Pulmonary TB Course

The spread of drug-resistant forms of TB dictates the need for surgical treatment in the complex of anti-tuberculosis measures in Russia. Most often, surgical intervention is performed in the case of pulmonary tuberculoma or fibrotic cavitary tuberculosis (FCT). This study is devoted to the search for biomarkers that characterize the course of disease in surgical TB patients. It is assumed that such biomarkers will help the surgeon decide on the timing of the planned operation. A number of serum microRNAs, potential regulators of inflammation and fibrosis in TB, selected on the basis of PCR-Array analysis, were considered as biomarkers. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and receiver operating curves (ROC) were used to verify Array data and to estimate the ability of microRNAs (miRNAs) to discriminate between healthy controls, tuberculoma patients, and FCT patients. The study showed that miR-155, miR-191 and miR-223 were differentially expressed in serum of tuberculoma with “decay” and tuberculoma without “decay” patients. Another combination (miR-26a, miR-191, miR-222 and miR-320) forms a set to differentiate between tuberculoma with “decay” and FCT. Patients with tuberculoma without “decay” diagnosis differ from those with FCT in serum expression of miR-26a, miR-155, miR-191, miR-222 and miR-223. Further investigations are required to evaluate these sets on a larger population so as to set cut-off values that could be applied in laboratory diagnosis.

Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Agents in Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is an immunogenic highly heterogenic tumor characterized by poor outcomes when it is diagnosed late. Therefore, immunotherapy in combination with other anti-proliferative approaches is among the most effective weapons to control its growth and metastatic dissemination. Recently, a large amount of published reports indicate the interest of researchers and clinicians about plant secondary metabolites as potentially useful therapeutic tools due to their lower presence of side effects coupled with their high potency and efficacy. Published evidence was reported in most cases through in vitro studies but also, with a growing body of evidence, through in vivo investigations. Our aim was, therefore, to review the published studies focused on the most interesting phytochemicals whose immunomodulatory activities and/or mechanisms of actions were demonstrated and applied to melanoma models.

Circulating microRNA as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of well-differentiated thyroid cancer: A review article

Half of all people aged 50 and over develop a thyroid nodule in their lifetime, exclusion of cancer is required in each case. Nodule tissue sampling is performed by way of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), however a definite diagnosis in possible only in 30% of cases. The discovery of a diagnostic biomarker to discriminate between thyroid cancer and benign nodules would therefore greatly improve current clinical practice. Using the databases of Medline, Embase and Pubmed we identified 21 original research papers examining various microRNA as potential biomarkers. Currently, the most evidence supporting diagnostic utility exists for miRNA-222. It has been shown repeatedly to have potential in diagnosis of PTC & MTC as well as being linked with the most prognostic factors of all microRNA. To a lesser extent, evidence seems to support the diagnostic and prognostic utility of miR-146b, Let-7 family, miR-221 for PTC and miR-21 for PTC & FTC. MicroRNA appear to show promise as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, however there is still not enough data to produce a consensus. Continued research should be undertaken with streamlined protocols.

Prognostic biomarker prediction for glioma induced by heavy metals and their mixtures: An in-silico study

Although there is an association between heavy metals and glioma, the molecular mechanisms involved in glioma development remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms implicated in glioma development induced by heavy metals and their mixtures using various methodologies and databases (CTD, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, miRNAsong, GeneMANIA, Metascape, MIENTURNET, UALCAN). I found that heavy metals, particularly arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, as well as their mixtures, have substantial influences on the etiology of gliomas. "glioblastoma signaling pathways," "integrated cancer pathway," "central carbon metabolism in cancer," "microRNAs in cancer," "p53 signaling pathway," "chemical carcinogenesis-DNA adducts," "glioma," "TP53 network," and "MAPK signaling pathway" were the predominant molecular pathways implicated in the glioma development induced by the studied heavy metals and their mixtures. Five genes (SOD1, CAT, GSTP1, PTGS2, TNF), two miRNAs (hsa-miR-26b-5p and hsa-miR-143-3p), and transcription factors (DR1 and HNF4) were identified as key components related to combined heavy metal and glioma development. Physical interactions were found to be the most common among the heavy metals and their mixtures studied (ranging from 45.2% to 77.6%). The expression level of SOD1 was significantly lower in glioblastoma multiforma samples compared to normal samples, whereas GSTP1 and TP53 expression levels were significantly higher. Brain lower and grade glioma patients who had higher levels of TP53, hsa-miR-25, hsa-miR-34, hsa-miR-222, and hsa-miR-143 had a reduced likelihood of survival. Our findings suggest that further priority should be given to investigating the impact of specific heavy metals or their mixtures on these molecular processes.

Construction of an immune-related ceRNA network in cervical cancer based on HPV E6 splicing

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The unspliced human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 plays an important role in tumor progression and immune regulation. Improved immunotherapy implementation might benefit from a better knowledge of HPV E6 splicing-related immune gene expressions and immunocyte infiltration in cervical cancer. This study aimed to identify the potential therapeutic and prognostic roles of unspliced/spliced E6 ratio (E6 ratio) in cervical cancer.

Methods

Data from the TCGA were used to analyze the E6 condition and clinical information. Nomogram and K-M analysis were used to analyze assess the prognostic significance, IOBR was used to investigate immunological infiltrates. Functions and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were investigated through GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis, respectively. A core module was taken from the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and used to build a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. QT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of genes. CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and migration assays were used to detect cell functions.

Results

Our study found that HPV E6 ratio had significantly correlation with overall survival. In cervical cancer, a high E6 ratio was adversely linked with infiltrating levels of aDC, M1 macrophages, monocytes, NKT, and Tgd. High E6 ratio phenotypes were shown to be implicated in immune response regulation, cell adhesion, and Wnt signaling pathways, according to functional enrichment analysis. Subsequently, we constructed an immune-related ceRNA network based on E6 splicing in cervical cancer, including three lncRNA (LINC00943, LIFR-AS1, DANT2, and RASSF8-AS1), four miRNA (miR-205-5p, miR-181d-5p, miR-222-3p, and miR-221-3p), and seven mRNA (FGFR1, PRLR, CXCL2, ISG20, ISG15, SDC1, and NR2F2). Among them, CXCL2, SDC1, and miR-221-3p were associated with survival and immune cell infiltration.

Conclusions

These data imply that a high E6 ratio in cervical cancer contributes to the immune-related ceRNA network, resulting in a low amount of infiltrating effector immune cells and tumor growth. As a result, the E6 ratio might be employed as a biomarker in cervical cancer to determine prognosis and treatment success.

Circulating plasma miR222-3P status and its potential diagnostic performance in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Although studies suggest that miR222-3p is dysregulated in prostate cancer (PC) cells and tissues, the possible changes in the level of miR222-3p in the plasma samples of PC patients remained unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the plasma miR222-3p expression level as a potential biomarker in PC, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy people.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 100 adult males (54 patients with PC, 27 patients with BPH and 19 healthy individuals) referred to our affiliated hospital. The expression level of miR222-3p was evaluated using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate miR222-3p diagnostic accuracy for discriminating between the PC, BPH and healthy individuals.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR222-3p was significantly higher in PC patients compared to healthy individuals as a fold change of 5.3 (p = 0.009), but not for BPH individuals. The diagnostic value of the plasma miR222-3p for discrimination of the PC patients from healthy individuals was reasonable [cut-off value (fold change relative to miR16-5p) = 1.69, area under the curve = 0.73, sensitivity = 0.75 and specificity = 0.74].

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating plasma miR-222-3p significantly upregulated in PC patients, but not in BPH ones. Besides these preliminary results showed that miR222-3p has the potential to discriminate PC patients from healthy ones. Addittional studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these data.

MiR-222 regulates the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting CDKN1B

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to establish a causal relationship between microRNA (miR-222) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

The cell viability of each treatment group was measured by MTT. The effects of miR-222 on cell metastasis and apoptosis were measured by transwell and flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-222 and CDKN1B was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot. Cell derived xenograft was further constructed to verify the effect of miR-222 on tumor growth by observing tumor weight and volume. The proliferation of tumor tissue was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Compared with those in adjacent tissues and normal cells, the levels of miR-222 in OSCC tissues and cells were significantly increased (P<0.05). The miR-222 mimic group promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle and inhibited cell apoptosis significantly (P<0.05). The up-regulation of CDKN1B expression inhibited cell viability, migration and invasiveness and promoted the apoptosis of OSCC (P<0.05). The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay found that miR-222 was targeted to CDKN1B and could inhibit fluorescence activity (P<0.05). In vivo assays showed that miR-222 could promote tumor growth through CDKN1B (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiR-222 was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells and regulated tumor progression by targeting CDKN1B.

Hotair promotes the migration and proliferation in ovarian cancer by miR-222-3p/CDK19 axis

Previous studies in our laboratory have reported that miR-222-3p was a tumor-suppressive miRNA in OC. This study aims to further understand the regulatory role of miR-222-3p in OC and provide a new mechanism for its prevention and treatment. We first found that miR-222-3p inhibited the migration and proliferation of OC cells. Then, we observed CDK19 was highly expressed in OC and inversely correlated with miR-222-3p. Besides, we observed that miR-222-3p directly binds to the 3′-UTR of CDK19 and inhibits CDK19 translation, thus inhibiting OC cell migration and proliferation in vitro and repressed tumor growth in vivo. We also observed the inhibitory effect of Hotair on miR-222-3p in OC. In addition, Hotair could promote the proliferation and migration of OC cells in vitro and facilitate the growth and metastasis of tumors in vivo. Moreover, Hotair was positively correlated with CDK19 expression. These results suggest Hotair indirectly up-regulates CDK19 through sponging miR-222-3p, which enhances the malignant behavior of OC. This provides a further understanding of the mechanism of the occurrence and development of OC.

Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes Derived from Adipose Tissue-Sourced Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Neural and Retinal Diseases

Therapeutic agents that are able to prevent or attenuate inflammation and ischemia-induced injury of neural and retinal cells could be used for the treatment of neural and retinal diseases. Exosomes derived from adipose tissue-sourced mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSC-Exos) are extracellular vesicles that contain neurotrophins, immunoregulatory and angio-modulatory factors secreted by their parental cells. AT-MSC-Exos are enriched with bioactive molecules (microRNAs (miRNAs), enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, immunoregulatory, trophic, and growth factors), that alleviate inflammation and promote the survival of injured cells in neural and retinal tissues. Due to the nano-sized dimension and bilayer lipid envelope, AT-MSC-Exos easily bypass blood–brain and blood–retinal barriers and deliver their cargo directly into the target cells. Accordingly, a large number of experimental studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of AT-MSC-Exos in the treatment of neural and retinal diseases. By delivering neurotrophins, AT-MSC-Exos prevent apoptosis of injured neurons and retinal cells and promote neuritogenesis. AT-MSC-Exos alleviate inflammation in the injured brain, spinal cord, and retinas by delivering immunoregulatory factors in immune cells, suppressing their inflammatory properties. AT-MSC-Exos may act as biological mediators that deliver pro-angiogenic miRNAs in endothelial cells, enabling re-vascularization of ischemic neural and retinal tissues. Herewith, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms which were responsible for the beneficial effects of AT-MSC-Exos in the treatment of neural and retinal diseases, emphasizing their therapeutic potential in neurology and ophthalmology.

Reinfection of Transplanted Livers in HCV- and HCV/HIV-Infected Patients Is Characterized by a Different MicroRNA Expression Profile

Background: After liver transplantation, HCV/HIV co-infected patients present, compared to the HCV mono-infected ones, increased HCV viral load, rapid progression to liver fibrosis and higher mortality. Liver biopsies (LB), obtained routinely 6 months after transplantation, represent a unique model to assess the early events related to graft re-infection. Here, we used miRNA sequencing of LB obtained from both HCV-and HCV/HIV-infected recipients, to identify transcriptional profiles able to explain the more severe outcome of these latter. Methods: miRNAs of 3 healthy livers, 3 HCV-LB and 3 HCV/HIV-LB were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. The DIANA-miRPath v3.0 webserver and DIANA-microT-CDS algorithm (v5.0) were used to characterize the functions of differentially expressed (DE-) miRNAs, querying the KEGG and Gene Ontology-Biological Process databases. Results: LB obtained from infected patients were characterized, with respect to controls, by a miRNA profile related to viral infection, immune system signaling and DNA damage in HCV-induced carcinogenesis. Instead, HCV-LB and HCV/HIV-LB differed in the expression of miRNAs involved in immunological and apoptotic processes and in extracellular matrix remodeling. Conclusions: liver reinfection processes are associated with early miRNA changes. Further studies are necessary to establish their prognostic role and possible actionability.

Expression Profiles of Long Non-Coding RNA GAS5 and MicroRNA-222 in Younger AML Patients

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous malignant disease both on clinical and genetic levels. AML has poor prognosis and, therefore, there is a constant need to find new prognostic markers, as well as markers that can be used as targets for innovative therapeutics. Recently, the search for new biomarkers has turned researchers’ attention towards non-coding RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the expression level of growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) lncRNA in 94 younger AML patients, and also the expression level of miR-222 in a cohort of 39 AML patients with normal karyotype (AML-NK), in order to examine their prognostic potential. Our results showed that GAS5 expression level in AML patients was lower compared to healthy controls. Lower GAS5 expression on diagnosis was related to an adverse prognosis. In the AML-NK group patients had higher expression of miR-222 compared to healthy controls. A synergistic effect of GAS5^low/miR-222^high status on disease prognosis was not established. This is the first study focused on examining the GAS5 and miR-222 expression pattern in AML patients. Its initial findings indicate the need for further investigation of these two non-coding RNAs, their potential roles in leukemogenesis, and the prognosis of AML patients.