Downregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibits the hallmarks of thyroid carcinoma via the regulation of miR‑302‑3p on cyclin D1

WTAP regulates autophagy in colon cancer cells by inhibiting FLNA through N6-methyladenosine

Our study investigated the role of WTAP in colon cancer. We employed experiments including m6A dot blot hybridization, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase, and RNA immunoprecipitation to investigate the regulatory mechanism of WTAP. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of WTAP, FLNA and autophagy-related proteins in cells. Our results confirmed the up-regulation of WTAP in colon cancer and its promoting effect on proliferation and inhibiting effect on apoptosis. FLNA was the downstream gene of WTAP and WTAP-regulated m6A modification led to post-transcriptional repression of FLNA. The rescue experiments showed that WTAP/FLNA could inhibit autophagy. WTAP-mediated m6A modification was confirmed to be crucial in colon cancer development, providing new insights into colon cancer therapy.

Hsa-miR-195-5p Inhibits Autophagy and Gemcitabine Resistance of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells via E2F7/CEP55

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignancy. Many studies have shown that LUAD is resistant to gemcitabine chemotherapy, resulting in poor treatment outcomes in patients. We designed this study to reveal influences of hsa-miR-195-5p/E2F7/CEP55 axis on gemcitabine resistance and autophagy of LUAD cells. The expression data of LUAD-related mRNAs were downloaded from TCGA-LUAD database for differential expression analysis. The bioinformatics databases (hTFtarget, starBase and TargetScan) were used to predict the upstream and downstream regulatory molecules of E2F7. Then the binding relationships between E2F7 and regulatory molecules were verified by ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of has-miR-195-5p, E2F7, and CEP55. CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and cell proliferation ability of LUAD cells after gemcitabine treatment. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis/autophagy markers and LC3 aggregation were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Finally, the mouse transplantation model was constructed to verify the regulation mechanism in vivo. In LUAD cells and tissues, E2F7 and CEP55 were highly expressed, while has-miR-195-5p was relatively less expressed. The ChIP or dual-luciferase assays demonstrated the binding relationships of E2F7 to the CEP55 promoter region and has-miR-195-5p to the 3'-UTR of E2F7. Cell experiments demonstrated that overexpression of hsa-miR-195-5p stimulated LUAD cell apoptosis and inhibited autophagy and gemcitabine resistance, while further overexpression E2F7/CEP55 could reverse the impact by hsa-miR-195-5p overexpression. In vivo experiments identified that hsa-miR-195-5p/E2F7/CEP55 axis constrained the growth of LUAD tumor. Hsa-miR-195-5p promoted apoptosis, repressed proliferation, and autophagy via E2F7/CEP55 and reduced gemcitabine resistance in LUAD, indicating that hsa-miR-195-5p/E2F7/CEP55 may be a novel target for LUAD.

miR-302a-3p Promotes Radiotherapy Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating Cell Cycle via MCL1

Background. The relationship between tumor suppressor gene miR-302a-3p and radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study intended to illustrate the molecular mechanism how miR-302a-3p regulated radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC. Methods. miR-302a-3p expression in HCC tissues and cells was examined by qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-302a-3p on HCC radiotherapy sensitivity were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins were detected by Western blot. The influence of miR-302a-3p on radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC was further investigated via cell cycle inhibitor (Caudatin) treatment. The target gene (MCL1) of miR-302a-3p was obtained by bioinformatics analysis, and their binding relationship was confirmed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The mechanisms of miR-302a-3p regulating cell cycle and affecting radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells through MCL1 were further explored through the rescue experiments. Results. miR-302a-3p expression was remarkably reduced in radiotherapy-resistant tissues and cells of HCC. miR-302a-3p overexpression restored sensitivity of radiotherapy-resistant HCC cells to radiotherapy. Treatment with cell cycle inhibitor Caudatin could reverse suppressive effect of miR-302a-3p downregulation on sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy. Additionally, miR-302a-3p could restrain MCL1 expression. In vitro cell assays further revealed that miR-302a-3p/MCL1 axis could enhance radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells by inducing G0/G1 arrest. Conclusions. miR-302a-3p facilitated radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells by regulating cell cycle via MCL1, which provided a new underlying target for radiotherapy resistance of HCC patients.

FOXP4-AS1 Inhibits Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Proliferation and Migration Through the AKT Signaling Pathway

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, also known as PTC, is one of the commonest malignancies in the endocrine system. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PTC could maintain proliferative signaling, induce therapeutic resistance, activate invasion and migration, and sustain stem cell-like characteristics. In this paper, results showed that lncRNA forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4-AS1) is downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. Patients in TCGA cohort with a higher FOXP4-AS1 expression showed a higher disease-free interval (DFI) rate, and the expression of FOXP4-AS1 is shown to be linked to the clinical stage, T stage, N stage, and extraglandular invasion condition of the TC patients. FOXP4-AS1 is localized in the cell cytoplasmic domain of PTC cells. Functionally, upregulated FOXP4-AS1 inhibited PTC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, whereas it downregulated FOXP4-AS1-promoted progression of PTC. In vivo assay also confirmed the tumor inhibitory effect of FOXP4-AS1 in PTC growth. Mechanism analysis indicated that FOXP4-AS1 can play its functions by regulating the AKT signaling pathway, and AKT inhibitor treatment could attenuate the impact of FOXP4-AS1 on PTC progression. Furthermore, FOXP4-AS1 also negatively regulates the expression of its host gene FOXP4. Collectively, we showed that FOXP4-AS1 inhibited PTC progression although AKT signaling and FOXP4-AS1 plays a tumor-suppressor role in PTC tumorigenesis.

Identification and Validation of an Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related lncRNA Signature for Colon Adenocarcinoma Patients

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

lncRNA-ZFAS1 promotes the progression of endometrial carcinoma by targeting miR-34b to regulate VEGFA expression

Zinc finger nuclear transcription factor, X-box binding 1-type containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) functions as an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) to promote proliferation and metastasis of endometrial carcinoma cell; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. First, RT-qPCR analysis of endometrial carcinoma tissues and cells showed that ZFAS1 was enriched in endometrial carcinoma tissues and cells. miR-34b was reduced in endometrial carcinoma and suggested negative correlation with ZFAS1 in endometrial carcinoma. Second, functional assays demonstrated that siRNA-mediated silence of ZFAS1 suppressed endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis. Third, ZFAS1 bind to miR-34b and negatively regulate expression of miR-34b in endometrial carcinoma cells. miR-34b also bind to and negatively regulate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in endometrial carcinoma cells. Lastly, knockdown of miR-34b counteracted with the suppressive effects of ZFAS1 silence on endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis. In conclusion, lncRNA ZFAS1 functioned as an oncogene to promote endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis through miR-34b/VEGFA axis.

miR-19a-3p Promotes Tumor-Relevant Behaviors in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma via Targeting THBS1

OBJECTIVE

miR-19a-3p is widely increased in several cancers and can be used as an oncogenic factor in these cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-19a-3p in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is still open. So, the study was aimed at exploring the mechanism of miR-19a-3p in BLCA cells.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was employed to find the differential miRNAs and mRNAs, and the target miRNA and mRNA were determined. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to evaluate miR-19a-3p and THBS1 levels in human urethral epithelial cells and BLCA cells. Western blot was carried out to assay protein expression of THBS1 in human urethral epithelial cells and BLCA cells. Behaviors of BLCA cells were detected through cellular functional assays. Dual-luciferase gene assay was conducted to validate the binding of miR-19a-3p and THBS1.

RESULTS

miR-19a-3p was increased in BLCA cells, while THBS1 was less expressed in BLCA cells. The miR-19a-3p functions as an oncogene in BLCA. THBS1 was a target of miR-19a-3p, and it could reverse the promotion of miR-19a-3p on cell malignant behaviors in BLCA.

CONCLUSION

miR-19a-3p facilitates cell progression in BLCA via binding THBS1, which may be an underlying therapeutic target for BLCA treatment.

HNSC exosome-derived MIAT improves cognitive disorders in rats with vascular dementia via the miR-34b-5p/CALB1 axis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular mechanism by which hippocampal neural stem cell (HNSC) exosome (exo)-derived MIAT improves cognitive disorders in rats with vascular dementia (VD).

METHODS

Rat hippocampal tissues were collected, and HNSCs and hippocampal neuronal cells (HNCs) were isolated, purified, and identified. Then the exosomes (exo) of the HNSCs were extracted and identified. A VD rat model was constructed. HE staining was used to evaluate the hippocampal pathology in each group. The expressions of the RNAs in the HNSCs were intervened, and the cells were then grouped. ELISA was used to measure the of TNF-α, IL-1, and Aβ1-42 expression levels. The kits were used to determine the oxidative stress factor levels. The targeting relationships among MIAT, miR-34b-5p, and CALB1 were measured using dual-luciferase assays. The MIAT expressions in exo were measured using qRT-PCR. The proliferation and apoptosis of the HNCs were determined using CCK-8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The CALB1, TH, and Bcl-2 protein expressions were determined using Western blot. The Morris water maze test was used for the spatial learning and memory testing.

RESULTS

The hippocampal tissues in the model group were clearly damaged, but the pathological characteristics were significantly improved in the exo group. The exo group also showed an increased SOD level, decreased MDA and ROS levels, and down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1, and Aβ1-42 expressions (all P<0.05). MiR-34b-5p had a targeting relationship with both MIAT and CALB1, and MIAT was found to be expressed in exo. The oe-MIAT-exo group and the miR-34b-5p inhibitor group showed significantly up-regulated CALB1, TH, and Bcl-2 protein expressions in the HNCs, increased cell viability, as well as reduced apoptosis, but the si-MIAT-exo group showed the opposite results (all P<0.05). The MiR-34b-5p inhibitor partially reversed the effect on the si-MIAT-exo group. The miR-34b-5p mimic group showed significantly down-regulated CALB1, TH, and Bcl-2 protein expressions in the HNCs, inhibited cell viability, as well as increased apoptosis, but the oe-CALB1 group showed the opposite results (all P<0.05). Oe-CALB1 partially reversed the effect on the miR-34b-5p mimic group. The memory and learning abilities of the rats in the oe-MIAT-exo group and the model + exo group were significantly improved but not as much as they were in the normal rats.

CONCLUSION

MIAT-containing exo from HNSCs can improve cognitive disorders in VD rats via the miR-34b-5p/CALB1 axis.

The Emerging Landscapes of Long Noncoding RNA in Thyroid Carcinoma: Biological Functions and Clinical Significance

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is one of the most prevalent primary endocrine tumors, and its incidence is steadily and gradually increasing worldwide. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the tumorigenesis and development of TC. Many TC-associated lncRNAs have been documented to be implicated in TC malignant behaviors, including abnormal cell proliferation, enhanced stem cell properties and aggressiveness, and resistance to therapeutics, through interaction with proteins, DNA, or RNA or encoding small peptides. Therefore, further elucidating the lncRNA dysregulation sheds additional insights into TC tumorigenesis and progression and opens new avenues for the early diagnosis and clinical therapy of TC. In this review, we summarize the abnormal expression of lncRNA in TC and the fundamental characteristics in TC tumorigenesis and development. Additionally, we introduce the potential prognostic and therapeutic significance of lncRNAs in TC.

LncRNA ZFAS1: Role in tumorigenesis and other diseases

Residing on chromosome 20q13.13, Zinc Finger NFX1-Type Containing 1 (ZNFX1) antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) is a transcript which has been primarily recognized as a modulator of differentiation of alveolar and epithelial cell in the mammary gland. This long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) partakes in the molecular cascades leading to several non-neoplastic conditions such as osteoarthritis, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac dysfunction. More importantly, ZFAS1 is considered as an oncogene in almost all types of cancers. Using expression amounts of ZFAS1, it is possible to forecast the clinical outcome of patients with different neoplasms such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and other types of cancer. We describe the role of ZFAS1 in the development of neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.

CREB3 Transactivates lncRNA ZFAS1 to Promote Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis by Modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3 Regulatory Axis

The incidence rate of thyroid carcinoma ranks ninth among human malignancies, and it accounts for the most frequent malignancy in endocrine-related tumors. This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 in the metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the potential molecular mechanisms. Both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were highly expressed in thyroid carcinoma and PTC cell, as measured by the q-PCR and TCGA database. In addition, ZFAS1 induced TPC-1 metastasis through inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Besides, ZFAS1 knockdown by siRNA induced miR-373-3p expression and reduced MMP3 expression, as quantified by q-PCR and Western blotting. According to the luciferase assay, both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were classified as the direct targets of miR-373-3p. However, MMP3 itself did not affect ZFAS1. Using the online prediction tool, CREB3 was predicted as the transcription factor (TF) of ZFAS1 that contained two binding sites on its promoter region, and CREB3 was positively correlated with ZFAS1 in thyroid carcinoma cohorts. Results from the dual-luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR indicated that both the two binding sites were essential for the transcription of ZFAS1. In conclusion, CREB3 activated lncRNA ZFAS1 at the transcriptional level to promote PTC metastasis by modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3.