MicroRNA‑144 inhibits migration and proliferation in rectal cancer by downregulating ROCK‑1

Rel-A/PACER/miR 7 Axis May Play a Role in Radiotherapy Treatment in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Radiotherapy has become the standard form of treatment for breast cancer (BC). Radioresistance is an issue that limits the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT). Therefore, predictive biomarkers are needed to choose the appropriate RT for the patient. Activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), is a frequently noted pathway in BC. Investigating the relationship between RT and alterations in gene expression involved in the immune pathway can help better control the disease. This research investigated the impact of RT on the expression levels of Rel-A, PACER, and miR-7 within the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods

Blood samples (n = 15) were obtained from BC patients during four different time intervals: 72 hours prior to initiating RT, as well as one, two, and four weeks following RT completion. Samples were also collected from 20 healthy women who had no immune or cancer-related diseases. Blood RNA was extracted, and complementary DNA was synthesized. Gene expression level was determined using R real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

There was a significant difference in the expression level of Rel-A between patients and normal individual blood samples (p < 0.05). After four weeks of RT, qRT-PCR revealed a significant downregulation of miR-7 and upregulation of Rel-A and PACER in BC patients. Also, there was a significant association between Rel-A expression and monocyte numbers during RT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The expression level of PACER, miR-7 and Rel-A, changed after RT; therefore, these genes could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic RT markers in BC.

Rel-A/PACER/miR 7 Axis May Play a Role in Radiotherapy Treatment in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Radiotherapy has become the standard form of treatment for breast cancer (BC). Radioresistance is an issue that limits the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT). Therefore, predictive biomarkers are needed to choose the appropriate RT for the patient. Activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), is a frequently noted pathway in BC. Investigating the relationship between RT and alterations in gene expression involved in the immune pathway can help better control the disease. This research investigated the impact of RT on the expression levels of Rel-A, PACER, and miR-7 within the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods

Blood samples (n = 15) were obtained from BC patients during four different time intervals: 72 hours prior to initiating RT, as well as one, two, and four weeks following RT completion. Samples were also collected from 20 healthy women who had no immune or cancer-related diseases. Blood RNA was extracted, and complementary DNA was synthesized. Gene expression level was determined using R real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

There was a significant difference in the expression level of Rel-A between patients and normal individual blood samples (p < 0.05). After four weeks of RT, qRT-PCR revealed a significant downregulation of miR-7 and upregulation of Rel-A and PACER in BC patients. Also, there was a significant association between Rel-A expression and monocyte numbers during RT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The expression level of PACER, miR-7 and Rel-A, changed after RT; therefore, these genes could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic RT markers in BC.

Diverse alkaloids from the aerial parts of Aconitum carmichaelii and antiproliferative activity of costemline via inhibiting SIRT1/ROCK1/P-STAT3 pathways

Six undescribed alkaloids together with 15 known alkaloids were isolated from the aerial parts of Aconitum carmichaelii. Their structures were elucidated extensively by NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of N-formyllaurotetanine, and the known compounds glaucine-β-N-oxide and glaucine-α-N-oxide were established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Notably, it was the discovery of rare indole alkaloids from the genus Aconitum, and biosynthetic pathway of compounds 1 and 6 was deduced. Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of these alkaloids demonstrated that costemline exhibited significant anti-proliferation effects against HCT116, SKOV3, and A549 cells with IC₅₀ values of 5.6, 14.2, and 6.8 μM, respectively. Costemline could also inhibit the cell invasion activity of HCT116 cells. Mechanistic studies in HCT116 cells suggested that the antiproliferative activity of costemline was attributable to SIRT1/ROCK1/P-STAT3 pathways regulation. This study revealed the potential for developing and utilizing the aerial parts of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Tumor-suppressing effects of miR-381-3p in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia via ROCK1 downregulation

MicroRNA (miR)-381-3p is the newly discovered tumor-associated miRNA, which is frequently associated with diverse human malignancies; but, it is still unknown about its effect on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. This work focused on exploring miR-381-3p's effect on childhood AML and identifying the possible mechanisms facilitating new treatment development. Using qRT-PCR analysis, miR-381-3p expression remarkably reduced in pediatric AML patients and AML cell lines (HL-60 and U937). Following transfection of miR-381-3p mimic or inhibitor into HL-60 and U937 cells, we conducted MTT assay to evaluate cell proliferation, flow cytometry (FCM) to measured cell apoptosis and cell cycle, whereas Transwell assays to detect cell invasion and migration. Our results demonstrated that miR-381-3p overexpression remarkably repressed cell growth, invasion and migration; additionally, miR-381-3p overexpression resulted in arrest of cell cycle and enhanced cell apoptosis. In contrast, miR-381-3p knockdown led to an opposite effect. Moreover, we predicted miR-381's target gene and validated it by luciferase reporter assay and TargetScan, separately. We identified miR-381-3p's binding site in ROCK1 3'-UTR. As revealed by Western-blot (WB) assay, miR-381-3p overexpression notably suppressed ROCK1 level. Moreover, restoring ROCK1 expression abolished miR-381-3p's inhibition on cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Data in this work indicated the role of miR-381-3p as the tumor suppressor within pediatric AML by targeting ROCK1. Therefore, miR-381-3p might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pediatric AML.

Tetramethylpyrazine Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion of Glioma Cells by Regulating the UBL7-AS1/miR-144-3p Pathway

This work aims to investigate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells and to analyze the regulation mechanism of TMP on the long noncoding RNA UBL7-AS1/miR-144-3p pathway. Glioma cell line and normal astrocytes were collected. The expression of UBL7-AS1 was detected by real-time PCR. The glioma cells were overexpressed with UBL7-AS1. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation and cell invasion ability, respectively. Bioinformatics was adopted to predict the possible regulatory mechanisms of UBL7-AS1. The dual luciferase reporter gene was applied to verify the regulatory effect of RNA UBL7-AS1 with miR-144-3p. TMP inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. UBL7-AS1 was highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells. The overexpression of UBL7-AS1 promotes the cell proliferation and invasion of glioma. UBL7-AS1 can act as a sponge for miR-144-3p in glioma cells. The overexpression of UBL7-AS1 can reverse the inhibition of TMP on proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. TMP inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells by regulating the UBL7-AS1/miR-144-3p pathway.

CircTUBGCP3 Contributes to the Malignant Progression of Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNA) tubulin gamma complex associated protein 3 (circTUBGCP3) has been reported to play an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer and osteosarcoma.

AIMS

We further assessed the role and working mechanism of circTUBGCP3 in rectal cancer progression.

METHODS

Colony formation assay and transwell assays were performed to analyze cell colony formation ability and motility. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis. The production of lactate and the consumption of glucose were evaluated by fluorescence-based glucose/lactate assay kit to analyze cell glycolysis. The intermolecular interaction was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vivo experiments were carried out to analyze the role of circTUBGCP3 in tumor growth using xenograft tumor model.

RESULTS

CircTUBGCP3 was significantly up-regulated in rectal cancer tissues and cell lines. CircTUBGCP3 interference inhibited the colony formation ability, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and glycolysis and promoted the apoptosis in rectal cancer cells. CircTUBGCP3 negative regulated microRNA-375 (miR-375) expression through interacting with it and circTUBGCP3 silencing-mediated effects in rectal cancer cells were largely based on the up-regulation of miR-375. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) was a target of miR-375, and ROCK1 was regulated by circTUBGCP3/miR-375 axis in rectal cancer cells. MiR-375 overexpression suppressed the malignant behaviors of rectal cancer cells partly through down-regulating ROCK1. CircTUBGCP3 interference restrained rectal cancer progression in vivo.

CONCLUSION

CircTUBGCP3 acted as an oncogene to promote the malignant phenotypes of rectal cancer cells by modulating miR-375/ROCK1 axis.

Dysregulation of miR-144-5p/RNF187 axis contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer

Background and Objectives

RING finger protein 187 (RNF187) belongs to RING domain-containing E3 ligases family, which was recently reported to be involved in oncogenesis and development of several cancers. This research aims to clarify the role of RNF187 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

Methods

The expression of RNF187 and miR-144-4p were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of RNF187 protein were assessed by western blot analysis. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, clonogenic assay, cell scratch test and transwell assay were used to determine the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. The binding of miR-144-5p and RNF197 mRNA was validated by luciferase reporter assays. Tumor-bearing nude mice were used to determine CRC cells growth in vivo.

Results

RNF187 expression significantly increased in CRC specimens and cell lines compared to normal colon tissues and normal colonic mucosa cell line, respectively. Upregulation of RNF187 expression was inversely correlated to poor prognosis in CRC patients. In addition, knockdown of RNF187 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted the apoptosis of CRC lines Caco-2 and SW480 cells. Further studies validated that RNF187 was the direct target of miR-144-5p. The expression of miR-144-5p was downregulated in CRC tissues, which was negatively correlated to the expression of RNF187. Restoration of miR-144-5p significantly inhibited the progression of CRC cells and its anti-tumor effects could be abrogated by overexpression of RNF187.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the deregulation of miR-144-5p/ RNF187 axis in CRC, as well as its role in regulation of the tumor progression, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment.

Evaluation of Radiotherapy on miR-374 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer Patient Blood Samples

BACKGROUND

Current cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Despite these treatments, a main issue in cancer treatment is early detection. microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as markers to diagnose and treat cancers. This study investigated the effect of radiotherapy on miR-374 expression, and APC and GSK-3β, two of its target genes, in the WNT pathway, in peripheral blood samples from radiotherapy-treated colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 25 patients before and after radiotherapy. RNA was extracted from the blood and cDNA synthesized. miR-374, APC, and GSK-3β expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the amplicons were sequenced. Finally, the data were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

Quantitative RT-PCR revealed significant down-regulation of miR-374 (0.63-fold) and up-regulation of APC (1.12-fold) and GSK-3β (1.22-fold) in CRC patients after five weeks of radiotherapy. Sequencing of PCR-produced amplicons confirmed the conservation of mature and precursor sequences encoding miR-374. miR-374 expression changed with time after radiotherapy treatment and related tumor grading. Increased age and tumor grade positively correlated with decreased miR-374 expression.

CONCLUSION

miR-374 expression, and that of its two target genes, APC and GSK-3β, changed after radiotherapy. These genes can likely be used as diagnostic radiotherapy markers in CRC.

hsa‑miR‑15a‑5p inhibits colon cell carcinoma via targeting CCND1

Colon carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Epidemiological studies have revealed that colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, which is due to the increased incidence and mortality rates. However, the treatment strategies for colon cancer remain unsatisfactory for patients, especially for those with advanced or recurrent colon cancer. Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to influence tumor development and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism through which miRNAs affect cancer progression is not yet completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of has-miR-15a-5p and its molecular mechanism in colon cell carcinoma. In the present study, the expression levels of hsa-miR-15a-5p were found to be decreased in colon tumor tissues and cancer cell lines. Hsa-miR-15a-5p overexpression inhibited colon cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, the G1/S-specific cyclin-D1 (CCND1) gene was predicted as a target of hsa-miR-15a-5p, as evidenced by bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay analyses. CCND1 overexpression significantly increased the progression of colon cancer. Furthermore, CCND1 was demonstrated to mediate the effects of hsa-miR-15a-5p on colon cancer cells. The present study demonstrated that hsa-miR-15a-5p alleviated the proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer by targeting the CCND1 gene, which represents a potential molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Glucocorticoid Receptor β (GRβ): Beyond Its Dominant-Negative Function

Glucocorticoids (GCs) act via the GC receptor (GR), a receptor ubiquitously expressed in the body where it drives a broad spectrum of responses within distinct cell types and tissues, which vary in strength and specificity. The variability of GR-mediated cell responses is further extended by the existence of GR isoforms, such as GRα and GRβ, generated through alternative splicing mechanisms. While GRα is the classic receptor responsible for GC actions, GRβ has been implicated in the impairment of GRα-mediated activities. Interestingly, in contrast to the popular belief that GRβ actions are restricted to its dominant-negative effects on GRα-mediated responses, GRβ has been shown to have intrinsic activities and "directly" regulates a plethora of genes related to inflammatory process, cell communication, migration, and malignancy, each in a GRα-independent manner. Furthermore, GRβ has been associated with increased cell migration, growth, and reduced sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis. We will summarize the current knowledge of GRβ-mediated responses, with a focus on the GRα-independent/intrinsic effects of GRβ and the associated non-canonical signaling pathways. Where appropriate, potential links to airway inflammatory diseases will be highlighted.

Concomitant Up-Regulation of Hsa- Mir-374 and Down-Regulation of Its Targets, GSK-3β and APC, in Tissue Samples of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The WNT-pathway is involved in several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Many cell signaling components and pathways are controlled by microRNAs. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of hsa-miR-374, and its two target genes of the Wnt-pathway in CRC clinical samples.

METHODS

In this study, we predicted the miRNAs targeting key genes of WNT-pathway using bioinformatics algorithms. The expression levels of hsa-miR-374, APC and GSK-3β on 48 pairs of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) CRC tumors and marginal-tumors were evaluated using real time-PCR. Additionally, the hsa-miR-374a-5p precursor sequence was amplified by whole-blood DNA as a template. This amplicon was cloned into pEGFP-c1 expression vector and transfected into SW742 cells. Aside from this, MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of miR-374 on cell viability.

RESULTS

The bioinformatics analysis indicated that hsa-miR-374 binds to the regulatory region the key components of WNT-pathway, including APC and GSK-3β considering the recognition elements and mirSVR scores. Our results revealed significant down-regulation of GSK-3β (0.94 times, p= 0.0098) and APC (0.96 times, p= 0.03) and up-regulation of miR-374 (1.22 times, p= 0.0071) on tumor samples compared with their normal pairs. Meanwhile, the results of the over-expression of miR-374 showed down-regulation of APC and GSK-3β. MTT-assay also indicated that the miR-374 increased cell survival.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicated a concomitant change in the expression of miR-374 and its two related target genes, in clinical samples of CRC. Hsa-miR-374 might be as a helpful biomarker or therapeutic target in CRC.

Identification of differentially expressed miRNAs after Lactobacillus reuteri treatment in the ileum mucosa of piglets

BACKGROUND

Lactobacillus reuteri I5007 possesses many excellent probiotic characteristics in piglets. miRNA plays important role in host-microbiota interactions, but the mechanism by which L. reuteri I5007 regulates intestinal function through its influence on miRNA expression is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the miRNA expression patterns in the ileum mucosa tissue of piglets by L. reuteri I5007 treatment, aim to clarify its molecular mechanism for regulating intestinal function through miRNA.

METHODS

Neonatal piglets were orally administered L. reuteri I5007 or a placebo daily starting on day 1, and differential expression of ileal miRNAs was analyzed at 10 and 20 days of age by small RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

361 known porcine miRNAs were identified, and ten miRNAs were highly expressed in the ileum mucosa in both treatments. Nineteen differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in response to L. reuteri treatment, and four DE miRNAs (ssc-miR-196a, -196b-5p, -1285 and -10386) were differentially expressed at both time points. The KEGG pathway analyses showed the targets of 19 DE miRNAs were involved in 63 significantly enriched pathways, including the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways, which were confirmed to play important roles in probiotic-host communication. L. reuteri I5007 exerted anti-inflammatory effects by influencing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Suppressor of cytokine signalling 4 gene was the target gene of ssc-miR-196a/-196b-5p, overexpression of ssc-miR-196a/-196b-5p downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNFα in IPEC-J2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides new insight into the role of miRNAs in the intestinal function of piglets after L. reuteri I5007 treatment.

MicroRNA-144: A novel biological marker and potential therapeutic target in human solid cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has been reported that microRNA-144 (miR-144) is highly conserved and can combine complementarily with the 3'-UTRs of target gene mRNAs to inhibit mRNA translation or promote targeted mRNA degradation. MiR-144 is abnormally expressed and has been identified as a tumor suppressor in many types of solid tumors. Increasing evidence supports a crucial role for miR-144 in modulating physiopathologic processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis in different tumor cells. Apart from these functions, miR-144 can also affect drug sensitivity, cancer treatment and patient prognosis. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of miR-144, its direct targets and the important signal pathways through which it acts in relation to various tumors. We also discuss the role of miR-144 in tumor biology and its clinical significance in detail and offer novel insights into molecular targeting therapy for human cancers.

MicroRNA: Another Pharmacological Avenue for Colorectal Cancer?

MicroRNAs (miR) are single-stranded RNA of 21-23 nucleotides in length that repress mRNA translation and induces mRNA degradation. miR acts as an endogenous factor of gene expression and plays a crucial part in cancer biology such as cell development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous research has indicated that dysregulation of miR associates with colorectal carcinogenesis. In this review article, we firstly introduce the background of miR and colorectal cancer, and the mechanisms of miR in colorectal cancer, such as the proliferation, apoptosis, and progression. Then, we summarize the theranostic value of miR in colorectal cancer. Eventually, we discuss the potential directions and perspectives of miR. This article serves as a guide for further studies and implicate miR as a potent theranostic target for colorectal cancer.

A Distinctive microRNA (miRNA) Signature in the Blood of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients at Surgery

Background: Liquid biopsy (LB) provides an examination of the peripheral blood of cancer patients for circulating tumor cells, cell-free nucleic acids and microRNAs (miRNAs) and is an established tool of precision medicine. Unlike most previous LB studies that focused on advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), we assessed miRNA dysregulation in blood samples obtained on the day of surgery from patients with primary CRC lesions but no clinical evidence of extra-colonic diffusion. In this study, plasma preparation included miRNAs associated to exosomes, but excluded large macrovesicles from the preparation. Methods: The miRNA profile in plasma isolated from a cohort of 35 CRC patients at the day of surgery was analyzed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and further confirmed by droplet digital RT-PCR (dd-RT-PCR). Results: A miR-141-3p/miR-221-3p/miR-222-3p upregulation signature previously described in advanced CRC did not discriminate the analyzed early-CRC cohort from six tumor-free donors (Tf-D). In contrast, NGS-based miRNome analysis of a training cohort of five CRC and three tumor-free donors identified a novel, distinct nine miRNA signature comprising five up-regulated and four down-regulated miRNAs, six of which could be confirmed in the full CRC and tumor-free donor validation dataset by dd-RT-PCR. Additionally, a KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog) mutant status was correlated with the plasma content of three identified miRNAs. Conclusions: When the data obtained were comparatively evaluated, at least one of the miRNAs belonging to the signature list was found to be dysregulated in 34/35 (97.1%) of our early-CRC plasma samples. The miRNA list provides diagnostic markers as well as possible molecular targets for protocols focusing on “microRNA therapeutics”.

miR-144 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer by targeting NRAS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of malignant cancer that has become particularly prevalent worldwide. It is of crucial importance to CRC treatment that the underlying molecular mechanism of CRC progression is determined. The NRAS gene is an important small G protein that is involved in various biological processes, including cancers. NRAS is an oncogene in many neoplasms but its function and regulation in CRC have seldom been investigated. In this study, it was uncovered that the NRAS protein was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues. According to a bioinformatics prediction, we identified that miR-144 may target NRAS to suppress its expression. In vitro experiments indicated that miR-144 decreased NRAS expression in different CRC cell lines (SW480, LoVo, and Caco2). By inhibiting NRAS, miR-144 repress SW480 cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, miR-144 decelerated the growth of SW480 xenograft tumors in vivo by targeting NRAS. In summary, our results identified a novel miR-144-NRAS axis in CRC that could promote the research and treatment of CRC.

MicroRNAs in Rectal Cancer: Functional Significance and Promising Therapeutic Value

It is well-known that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical mediators of initiation and disease progression in many human cancers. Rectal cancer is a highly prevalent tumor, accounting for around one third of newly diagnosed colorectal cancers. The usefulness of miRNAs as clinical biomarkers predictive of the outcome and response to chemoradiotherapy has been well-reported for rectal cancer. However, the existing literature on their functional and therapeutic impact needs to be put in context to clarify their role in disease pathogenesis. Therfore, this review is focused on the functional relevance of miRNAs as key regulators of signaling pathways in rectal cancer and their potential therapeutic value as novel molecular targets in this disease.

miR-144-mediated Inhibition of ROCK1 Protects against LPS-induced Lung Endothelial Hyperpermeability

Dysfunctional endothelial cell (EC) barrier and increased lung vascular permeability is a cardinal feature of acute lung injury and sepsis that may result in a pathophysiological condition characterized by alveolar flooding, pulmonary edema, and subsequent hypoxemia. In lung ECs, activation of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1) phosphorylates myosin light chain (MLC)-associated phosphatase at its inhibitory site, which favors phosphorylation of MLC, stress fiber formation, and hyperpermeability during acute lung injury. The role of microRNA-144 (miR-144) has been well investigated in many human diseases, including cardiac ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, lung cancer, and lung viral infection; however, its role in pulmonary EC barrier regulation remains obscure. Here, we investigated the miR-144-mediated mechanism in the protection of endothelial barrier function in an LPS-induced lung injury model. By using transendothelial electrical resistance and transwell permeability assay to examine in vitro permeability and immunofluorescence microscopy to determine barrier integrity, we showed that ectopic expression of miR-144 effectively blocked lung EC barrier disruption and hyperpermeability in response to proinflammatory agents. Furthermore, using a gain-and-loss-of-function strategy, overexpression of miR-144 significantly decreased ROCK1 expression. Concomitantly, miR-144 inhibits ROCK1-mediated phosphorylation of MLC phosphatase^Thr853 and thus phosphorylation of MLC^Thr18/Ser19 to counteract stress fiber formation in LPS-activated EC. Finally, in LPS-challenged mice, intranasal delivery of miR-144 mimic via liposomes attenuated endotoxemia-induced increases in lung wet/dry ratio, vascular permeability, and inflammation. In conclusion, these data suggest that miR-144-attenuated activation of inflammatory ROCK1/MLC pathway in vascular ECs is a promising therapeutic strategy to counter inflammatory lung injury.

Rac1 Signaling: From Intestinal Homeostasis to Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

The small GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in a variety of dynamic cell biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell survival, cell-cell contacts, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell motility, and invasiveness. These processes are orchestrated through the fine tuning of Rac1 activity by upstream cell surface receptors and effectors that regulate the cycling Rac1-GDP (off state)/Rac1-GTP (on state), but also through the tuning of Rac1 accumulation, activity, and subcellular localization by post translational modifications or recruitment into molecular scaffolds. Another level of regulation involves Rac1 transcripts stability and splicing. Downstream, Rac1 initiates a series of signaling networks, including regulatory complex of actin cytoskeleton remodeling, activation of protein kinases (PAKs, MAPKs) and transcription factors (NFkB, Wnt/β-catenin/TCF, STAT3, Snail), production of reactive oxygen species (NADPH oxidase holoenzymes, mitochondrial ROS). Thus, this GTPase, its regulators, and effector systems might be involved at different steps of the neoplastic progression from dysplasia to the metastatic cascade. After briefly placing Rac1 and its effector systems in the more general context of intestinal homeostasis and in wound healing after intestinal injury, the present review mainly focuses on the several levels of Rac1 signaling pathway dysregulation in colorectal carcinogenesis, their biological significance, and their clinical impact.

Retracted Article: lncRNA TINCR sponges miR-214-5p to upregulate ROCK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Our preliminary bioinformatics analysis showed that lncRNA TINCR may absorb miR-214-5p by serving is sponge, while miR-214-5p targets ROCK1. This study aimed to investigate the interactions among these 3 factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Expression of TINCR, ROCK1 and miR-214-5p in HCC and non-tumor tissues was detected by performing qPCR. The correlations among TINCR, ROCK1 and miR-214-5p in HCC tissues were analyzed by performing linear regression. Overexpression experiments were performed to analyze gene interactions. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.

Results

We found that TINCR and ROCK1 were upregulated, while miR-214-5p was downregulated in HCC. TINCR and ROCK1 were positively correlated, while TINCR and miR-214-5p were not significantly correlated. In HCC cells, TINCR overexpression is followed by ROCK1 overexpression, while miR-214-5p overexpression induced the downregulation of ROCK1. In addition, TINCR and miR-214-5p did not affect the expression of each other. TINCR and ROCK1 overexpression led to increased rate of cancer cell proliferation, while miR-214-5p played an opposite role and reduced the effects of TINCR overexpression. Therefore, TINCR sponges miR-214-5p to upregulate ROCK1 in HCC, thereby promoting cancer cell invasion and migration.

Competitive endogenous RNA network identifies four long non-coding RNA signature as a candidate prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most commonly histological subtype of lung cancer (LC) and the prognoses of the majority of LUAD patients are still very poor. The present study aimed at integrating long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression data to construct lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identify importantly potential lncRNA signature in ceRNA network as a candidate prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients.

METHODS

lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression data as well as clinical characteristics of LUAD patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNA) between LUAD and normal lung tissues samples were analyzed. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed and the biological functions of DEmRNAs in ceRNA network were analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of DElncRNAs in ceRNA network were implemented to predict the overall survival (OS) in LUAD patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the performance of multivariate Cox regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 1,664 DElncRNAs, 120 DEmiRNAs and 2,503 DEmRNAs was identified between LUAD and normal lung tissues samples. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network including 140 DElncRNAs, 33 DEmiRNAs and 57 DEmRNAs was established. Kaplan-Meier (KM) [Log-rank (LR) test] and univariate regression analysis of those 140 DElncRNAs revealed that 7 DElncRNAs (LINC00518, UCA1, NAV2-AS2, MED4-AS1, SYNPR-AS1, AC011483.1, AP002478.1) were simultaneously identified to be associated with OS of LUAD patients. A multivariate Cox regression analysis of those 7 DElncRNAs showed that a group of 4 DElncRNAs including AP002478.1 (Cox P=4.66E-03), LINC00518 (Cox P=2.34E-04), MED4-AS1 (Cox P=6.42E-03) and NAV2-AS2 (Cox P=6.66E-02) had significantly prognostic value in OS of LUAD patients. The cumulative risk score indicated that the 4-lncRNA signature was significantly associated with OS of LUAD patients (P=0). The area under the curve (AUC) of the 4-lncRNA signature related with 3-year survival was 0.669.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides novel insights into the lncRNA-related regulatory mechanisms in LUAD, and identifying 4-lncRNA signature may serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker in predicting the OS of LUAD patients.

Regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs in colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal and hard-to-treat cancers in the world, which in its advanced stages, surgery and chemotherapy are the main common treatment approaches. The microRNAs (miRNAs), as novel markers for CRC detection, promote their regulatory effects via the 3'-untranslated binding region (3'-UTR) of target messenger RNA in posttranscriptional regulation of genes and also play a pivotal role in modulating resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. These small noncoding RNAs have also a critical role in CRC stem cells (CRCSCs) regulation, comprising self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are distinctive cell types inside a tumor tissue that are believed to derive from normal somatic stem cells. The CSCs have self-renewal abilities, angiogenesis, as well as specific surface markers expression characteristics. Furthermore, they are frequently criticized for tumor maintenance, treatment resistance, tumor development, and distant metastasis. In this review, we discuss the current understandings of CRCSCs and their environment with a focus on the role of miRNAs on the regulation of CSCs and their targeting application in CRC treatment.

MiR-144 inhibits growth and metastasis in colon cancer by down-regulating SMAD4

MicroRNAs (MiRs) are thought to display regulator action in tumor suppression and oncogenesis. miR-144 plays an important role in the development of various cancers, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, by targetting different molecules potentially involved in many signaling pathways. SMAD4 is a common signaling during tumor progression, and it can inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell motility in most epithelial cells. The present study focused on the effect of miR-144 and SMAD4 on colon cancer in order to find the novel gene therapy target for the treatment of colon cancer. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression level of miR-144 in colon cancer tissues and SW620 cells. MTT assay, scratch test, and transwell assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Moreover, luciferase assays were utilized to identify the predictive effect of miR-144 on SMAD4. Western blotting was performed to determine the relative expression of protein related to SMAD4. We found miR-144 level was significantly lower in colon cancer tissues and SW620 cells. Moreover, SMAD4 level, both in mRNA and protein, was obviously elevated in colon cancer tissues. Further, miR-144 mimics treatment inhibited cells proliferation, invasion, and migration. Fluorescence intensity of miR-144 mimics group in wild type cells was decreased. MiR-144 mimics repressed the SMAD4 expression both in mRNA and protein. These findings about miR-144/SMAD4 pair provide a novel therapeutic method for colon cancer patients.

MiR-144 Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Osteosarcoma via Dual-suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 Signaling Pathway

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found expressed differentially in osteosarcoma (OS), so they may function in the onset and progression of OS. In this study, we found that miR-144 significantly suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanically, we demonstrated that Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and its pivotal downstream effector Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were direct targets of miR-144. Moreover, the negative correlation between down-regulated miR-144 and up-regulated ROCK1/RhoA was verified in both OS cell lines and clinical patients' specimens. Functionally, RhoA with or without ROCK1 co-overexpression resulted a rescue phenotype on miR-144 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion abilities whereas individual overexpression of ROCK1 had no statistical significance compared with controls in miR-144-transfected SAOS2 and U2-OS cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR-144 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in OS via dual-suppressing of RhoA and ROCK1, which could be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of OS.

MicroRNA-144 mediates chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer progression via regulating C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of microRNA-144 (miR-144) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11) in CRC and their association. Data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DataSets were analyzed to obtain the expression profile of CXCL11 in CRC. Subsequently, serum samples were collected from 65 subjects, including 39 patients with CRC and 26 controls; CRC and adjacent normal tissues were collected from all 39 CRC patients and the expression of CXCL11 was measured in these specimens. After searching for the potential regulator of CXCL11 through bioinformatics analysis, the levels of miR-144 in the clinical specimens were also detected. Finally, the regulatory association between miR-144 and CXCL11 was certified via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Microarray data and bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that CXCL11 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and miR-144 was a potential regulator of CXCL11. In line with this finding, the expression of CXCL11 was significantly increased in the serum and tumor samples of patients with CRC, while that of miR-144 was downregulated. Dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-144 directly targets the 3′-untranslated region of CXCL11 mRNA to regulate its expression. These results demonstrated that enhanced CXCL11 expression in patients with CRC was associated with reduced miR-144 expression. The results of the present study may indicate a novel regulatory role of miR-144 in CRC through CXCL11 downregulation.

Spatiotemporal microRNA profile in peripheral nerve regeneration: miR-138 targets vimentin and inhibits Schwann cell migration and proliferation

While the peripheral nervous system has regenerative ability, restoration of sufficient function remains a challenge. Vimentin has been shown to be localized in axonal growth fronts and associated with nerve regeneration, including myelination, neuroplasticity, kinase signaling in nerve axoplasm, and cell migration; however, the mechanisms regulating its expression within Schwann cell (SC) remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to profile the spatial and temporal expression profile of microRNA (miRNA) in a regenerating rat sciatic nerve after transection, and explore the potential role of miR-138-5p targeting vimentin in SC proliferation and migration. A rat sciatic nerve transection model, utilizing a polyethylene nerve guide, was used to investigate miRNA expression at 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days during nerve regeneration. Relative levels of miRNA expression were determined using microarray analysis and subsequently validated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro assays were conducted with cultured Schwann cells transfected with miRNA mimics and assessed for migratory and proliferative potential. The top seven dysregulated miRNAs reported in this study have been implicated in cell migration elsewhere, and GO and KEGG analyses predicted activities essential to wound healing. Transfection of one of these, miRNA-138-5p, into SCs reduced cell migration and proliferation. miR-138-5p has been shown to directly target vimentin in cancer cells, and the luciferase assay performed here in rat Schwann cells confirmed it. These results detail a role of miR-138-5p in rat peripheral nerve regeneration and expand on reports of it as an important regulator in the peripheral nervous system.

miR-202-5p inhibits the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting ROCK1

Many studies have shown that microRNA regulates the development and treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). In many human cancer studies, the expression of microRNA-202 has been shown to be abnormal. The aim of the study was to examine the role of miR-202-5p in the occurrence and formation of OS. miR-202-5p and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) levels were assessed using RT-qPCR in OS tissues and cell lines. The cell migrating and invasive abilities were detected by the Transwell assay in OS. Moreover, the relationship between miR-202-5p and ROCK1 was verified via luciferase reporter assay. The protein level of ROCK1 was identified by western blot analysis. Downregulation of miR-202-5p was identified in OS tissues and cell lines. In addition, the miR-202-5p overexpression had inhibitory action for cell migration and invasion in OS. Moreover, miR-202-5p directly targeted ROCK1 and negatively regulated its expression. Upregulation of ROCK1 had a carcinogenic effect in OS. Furthermore, the upregulation of ROCK1 restored the suppressive effect of miR-202-5p. miR-202-5p, in turn, weakened the abilities of cell migration and invasion in OS by inhibiting ROCK1 expression. As a result, miR-202-5p may be developed as a potential pathway in the reatment of OS.

NUDCD1 promotes metastasis through inducing EMT and inhibiting apoptosis in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. NudC domain containing 1 (NUDCD1) was identified as an oncoprotein which was activated or over-expressed in various human cancers. We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of NUDCD1 in human CRC. The expression of NUDCD1 in CRC and pericarcinous tissues from 70 CRC patients were determined by real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of NUDCD1 and clinical characteristics was analyzed. The expression of NUDCD1 in five CRC cell lines and normal colon mucosal epithelial cell line was measured by real-time PCR. Then we knock down NUDCD1 in HCT116 and HT 29 cells. The cell viability assay, scratch assay, migration and invasion assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze NUDCD1's effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis of CRC cells. NUDCD1's effects on CRC xenografts of nude mice was also determined. Results showed that the expression of NUDCD1 was much higher in CRC tissues than that in pericarcinous tissues. Over-expression of NUDCD1 in human CRC tissues was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced stages. The expression of NUDCD1 was higher in all of the CRC cell lines than that in normal colon epithelial mucosal cells. To knockdown NUDCD1 resulted in significant decreases in cell viability and proliferation, decreased protein expression of N-cadherin and increased protein expression of E-cadherin which were biomarkers of EMT, arrested the cell cycle and increased apoptosis via down-regulated cyclin D1, Bcl2, and up-regulated cleaved-caspase3. Furthermore, to knockdown NUDCD1 inactivated IGF1R-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed the xenografts of CRC. In conclusion, NUDCD1 promotes the carcinogenesis and metastasis of CRC through inducing EMT and inhibiting apoptosis, which suggests NUDCD1 be a potential biomarker for CRC.

MicroRNA-216b reduces growth, migration and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by directly targeting ρ-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1

Developments in cancer therapy have greatly improved the survival time for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the prognosis of patients with PDAC remains poor. Understanding the expression patterns and functions of microRNAs may provide strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with PDAC. The present study aimed to explore the expression and functions of microRNA-216b (miR-216b) in PDAC. The expression of miR-216b in PDAC tissues and cell lines was quantified with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. An miR-216b mimic was introduced into PDAC cells to induce the effects of miR-21b overexpression. The effects of miR-216b overexpression on growth, migration and invasion of PDAC cells were evaluated by cell proliferation assay, migration and invasion assays, respectively. The molecular mechanism underlying the suppressive effects of miR-216b on PDAC was also examined; a direct target gene of miR-216b, ρ-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), was downregulated by ROCK1 short interfering RNA to investigate the effects on growth, migration and invasion of PDAC cells. The present study revealed that miR-216b was significantly downregulated in PDAC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-216b inhibited growth, migration and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro. ROCK1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-216b in pancreatic cancer and the downregulation of ROCK1 resembled the effects of miR-216b overexpression in PDAC cells. Taken together, miR-216b acted as a tumor suppressor in PDAC and may represent a novel therapeutic target in PDAC.

miR-144 inhibits growth and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by targeting VEGFA and VEGFC

MicroRNAs (miRs) are aberrantly expressed in various cancer types and have critical roles in their genesis and progression. miR-144 has been identified to be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and rectal cancer. However, the roles of miR-144 in cervical cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. The present study identified that miR-144 was significantly decreased in cervical cancer tissues compared with that in matched normal cervical tissues as well as in metastatic vs. non-metastatic cervical cancer tissues. miR-144 downregulation was significantly associated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymph node metastasis. In a gain-of function study, miR-144 mimics were transfected into the Hela and C33A cervical cancer cell lines, which led to suppression of cell growth. In addition, overexpression of miR-144 inhibited the migration and invasion of Hela and C33A cells. Furthermore, a bioinformatics analysis identified vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) VEGFC as two novel target genes of miR-144. Of note, a dual luciferase reporter assay, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blot analysis demonstrated that miR-144 repressed the expression of VEGFA and VEGFC by directly targeting to their 3'-untranslated region. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-144 acts as a tumor suppressor in the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by directly targeting VEGFA and VEGFC, suggesting that miR-144 may be a novel promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for cervical cancer.

Potential roles of microRNAs and ROS in colorectal cancer: diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

As one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, colorectal adenocarcinoma often occurs sporadically in individuals aged 50 or above and there is an increase among younger patients under 50. Routine screenings are recommended for this age group to improve early detection. The multifactorial etiology of colorectal cancer consists of both genetic and epigenetic factors. Recently, studies have shown that the development and progression of colorectal cancer can be attributed to aberrant expression of microRNA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a key role in cancer cell survival, can also lead to carcinogenesis and cancer exacerbations. Given the rapid accumulating knowledge in the field, an updated review regarding microRNA and ROS in colorectal cancer is necessary. An extensive literature search has been conducted in PubMed/Medline databases to review the roles of microRNAs and ROS in colorectal cancer. Unique microRNA expression in tumor tissue, peripheral blood, and fecal samples from patients with colorectal cancer is outlined. Therapeutic approaches focusing on microRNA and ROS in colorectal cancer treatment is also delineated. This review aims to summarize the newest knowledge on the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer in the hopes of discovering novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic techniques.

A comprehensive insight into the clinicopathologic significance of miR-144-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Studies which focused on the character of miR-144-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. This study aimed to explore the expression, clinical significance and the potential targets of miR-144-3p in HCC.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a cohort of 95 cases of HCC were applied to investigate aberrant miR-144-3p expression in HCC. A meta-analysis was performed to accumulate data on miR-144-3p expression in HCC based on TCGA, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Additionally, the potential regulatory mechanisms of miR-144-3p in HCC were explored by bioinformatics.

RESULTS

MiR-144-3p expression was downregulated distinctly in HCC compared to para-HCC tissue both in TCGA data (8.9139±1.5986 vs 10.7721±0.9156, P<0.001) and in our qRT-PCR validation (1.3208±0.7594 vs 2.6200±0.9263, P<0.001). The meta-analysis based on TCGA, qRT-PCR and GEO data confirmed a consistent result (standard mean difference =-0.854, 95% CI: -1.224 to -0.484, P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve of miR-144-3p gained a significant diagnostic value both in TCGA data (area under the curve [AUC] =0.852, 95% CI: 0.810 to 0.894, P<0.001) and in qRT-PCR validation (AUC =0.867, 95% CI: 0.817 to 0.916, P<0.001), especially in alpha-fetoprotein-negative HCC patients (AUC =0.900, 95% CI: 0.839 to 0.960, P<0.001). Furthermore, we identified 119 potential targets of miR-144-3p in HCC by bioinformatics. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that several significant biologic functions and pathways correlated with the pathogenesis of HCC, including the p53 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MiR-144-3p may function as a cancer suppressor microRNA, which is essential for HCC progression through the regulation of various signaling pathways. Thus, interactions with miR-144-3p may provide a novel treatment strategy for HCC in the future.

MicroRNA-340 inhibits invasion and metastasis by downregulating ROCK1 in breast cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are 19–25 nucleotide-long, non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level. In the present study, the role of miR-340 in breast cancer (BC) was investigated. The overexpression of miR-340 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in vitro. The Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) gene was identified as a target of miR-340; its expression was downregulated by overexpression of miR-340 by binding to its 3′-untranslated region. The short interfering RNA-mediated silencing of ROCK1 was also performed, which phenocopied the effects of miR-340 overexpression. An inhibitor of miR-340 was used to suppress miR-340 expression, which led to increased expression of ROCK1, thus improving the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Data from the present study suggest that miR-340 inhibits MDA-MB-231 cell growth and its downregulation may lead to the progression and metastasis of BC. Thus, miR340 may act as a tumor-suppressor agent that could serve a key role in the diagnosis and therapy of BC.

Proof-of-concept study: profile of circulating microRNAs in Bovine serum harvested during acute and persistent FMDV infection

Background

Changes in the levels of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the serum of humans and animals have been detected as a result of infection with a variety of viruses. However, to date, such a miRNA profiling study has not been conducted for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection.

Methods

The relative abundance of 169 miRNAs was measured in bovine serum collected at three different phases of FMDV infection in a proof-of-concept study using miRNA PCR array plates.

Results

Alterations in specific miRNA levels were detected in serum during acute, persistent, and convalescent phases of FMDV infection. Subclinical FMDV persistence produced a circulating miRNA profile distinct from cattle that had cleared infection. bta-miR-17-5p was highest expressed during acute infection, whereas bta-miR-31 was the highest during FMDV persistence. Interestingly, miR-1281was significantly down-regulated during both acute and persistent infection. Cattle that cleared infection resembled the baseline profile, adding support to applying serum miRNA profiling for identification of sub-clinically infected FMDV carriers. Significantly regulated miRNAs during acute or persistent infection were associated with cellular proliferation, apoptosis, modulation of the immune response, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a role for non-coding regulatory RNAs in FMDV infection of cattle. Future studies will delineate the individual contributions of the reported miRNAs to FMDV replication, determine if this miRNA signature is applicable across all FMDV serotypes, and may facilitate development of novel diagnostic applications.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-017-0743-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification of the potential biomarkers for the metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma

Rectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, with a high incidence and high mortality. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for rectal adenocarcinoma (RAC) metastasis. The expression profiling of RAC patients with metastasis and RAC patients without metastasis was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The datasets were used to identify the genes associated with RAC metastasis. Fifty up-regulated genes and seventeen down-regulated genes were identified in the primary tumor loci of RAC metastasis compared with non-metastasis. Sixty-seven dysregulated gens were conducted to construct the protein-protein network, and CCND3 was the hub protein. The dysregulated genes were significantly enriched in pancreatic secretion, cell adhesion molecules pathways, response to vitamin D of biological process, and retinoid binding of molecular function. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that CCND3, AQP3, PEG10, and RAB27B had the up-regulated tendency in RAC metastasis; ADCY1 had the down-regulated tendency in RAC metastasis. CCND3, AQP3, PEG10, RAB27B, and ADCY1 might play essential roles in the metastasis process of RAC through pancreatic secretion and cell adhesion molecules pathways. The five genes could be potential diagnosis biomarkers or therapeutic targets for RAC metastasis.

MicroRNA-152 inhibits tumor cell growth by directly targeting RTKN in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of adult liver cancer and accounts for approximately 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer annually. Rhotekin (RTKN), which functions as a cancer promoter, can be frequently detected in many human cancers, including gastric cancer, colorectal carcinoma and bladder carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of RTKN in HCC. Using HCC cells and tissues from patients with liver cancer, we demonstrated that RTKN was significantly increased in HCC. To examine the effect of RTKN on HCC, RTKN overexpressed or silenced HepG2 and Hep3B cells were constructed. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that RTKN can function as an oncogene and promote the proliferation, while inhibiting apoptosis, of HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Furthermore, we identified that RTKN is a direct gene target of miR-152. miR-152 can reverse the growth promoting effect of RTKN on HCC cells through G2/M phase arrest and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signal inhibition. In conclusion, our research identified that miRNA-152 can inhibit tumor cell growth by targeting RTKN in HCC.

Toward the promise of microRNAs - Enhancing reproducibility and rigor in microRNA research

The fields of applied and translational microRNA research have exploded in recent years as microRNAs have been implicated across a spectrum of diseases. MicroRNA biomarkers, microRNA therapeutics, microRNA regulation of cellular physiology and even xenomiRs have stimulated great interest, which have brought many researchers into the field. Despite many successes in determining general mechanisms of microRNA generation and function, the application of microRNAs in translational areas has not had as much success. It has been a challenge to localize microRNAs to a given cell type within tissues and assay them reliably. At supraphysiologic levels, microRNAs may regulate hosts of genes that are not the physiologic biochemical targets. Thus the applied and translational microRNA literature is filled with pitfalls and claims that are neither scientifically rigorous nor reproducible. This review is focused on increasing awareness of the challenges of working with microRNAs in translational research and recommends better practices in this area of discovery.

MicroRNAs in colorectal carcinoma--from pathogenesis to therapy

Background

Acting as inflammatory mediators, tumor oncogenes or suppressors, microRNAs are involved in cell survival, death, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis, etc. Investigating the communication between microRNAs and tumorigenesis is critical to our understanding of the pathogenesis of multiple disease states.

Main body

Currently, colorectal carcinoma (CRC), one of the most common malignancies worldwide, has a poor prognosis due to lack of an effective therapeutic option. Increasing evidence has identified altered profiles and regulatory potential of microRNAs in conditions related to environmentally-caused colorectal inflammation and colitis-associated cancer. Many studies have shed light on a more thorough understanding of the function and distribution of microRNAs in CRC initiation and emergence. However, the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs modulate cellular processes still need to be further elucidated and may offer a foundation for evaluating microRNA-based therapeutic potential for CRC in both animal models and clinical trials.

Conclusion

In this review, the roles and mechanisms of microRNAs involved in CRC from pathogenesis to therapy are summarized and discussed, which may provide more useful hints for CRC prevention and therapy.

A Critical Role of miR-144 in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Proliferation and Invasion

MicroRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs that play important roles in a wide variety of biologic processes such as apoptosis, development, aging, and tumorigenesis. The B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) transcriptional repressor has emerged as a critical therapeutic target in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), but the mechanisms regulating BCL6 are still unclear. In the current study, we screened the microRNA expression profiles in DLBCL specimens and cell lines by qRT-PCR and found that the expression of miR-144 was significantly downregulated in DLBCL tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with BCL6 expression. We further demonstrated that BCL6 was the direct target gene of miR-144, and miR-144 suppressed the expression of BCL6 via binding the 3'untranslated region of BCL6 mRNA. Biologically, forced expression of miR-144 significantly attenuated cell proliferation and invasion of OCI-Ly3 cells in vitro, and the tumor-suppressor effect of miR-144 was also confirmed using a xenograft mouse model in vivo Taken together, our results reveal that miR-144 regulates BCL6 in DLBCL and provide a rationale for developing strategies that target miR-144 as a therapeutic intervention for DLBCL.

Sweet-P inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor β as a potential cancer therapy

The need for the development of new cancer therapies and push for the design of new targeting techniques is on the rise, and would be useful for cancers that are resistant to current drug treatments. The understanding of the genome has significantly advanced cancer therapy, as well as prevention and earlier detection. This research highlight discusses a potential new type of cancer-targeting molecule, Sweet-P, which is the first of its kind. Sweet-P specifically targets the microRNA-144 binding site in the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the human glucocorticoid receptor β (GRβ), which has been demonstrated to increase expression. GRβ has been shown to be highly expressed in cells from solid tumors of uroepithelial carcinomas, gliomas, osteosarcomas, and hepatocellular carcinomas, as well as in liquid tumor cells from leukemia patients. In non-cancerous diseases, GRβ has been shown to be highly expressed in glucocorticoid-resistant asthma. These maladies brought the need for the development of the Sweet-P anti-GRβ molecule. Sweet-P was shown to repress the migration of bladder cancer cells, and may serve as a new therapeutic for GRβ-related diseases.