lncRNA NEAT1 regulates gastric carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis via the miR‑500a‑3p/XBP‑1 axis

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer cells: molecular mechanisms and involvement miRNAs

A complex sequence of occurrences, including host genetic vulnerability, Helicobacter pylori infection, and other environmental variables, culminate in gastric cancer (GC). The development of several genetic and epigenetic changes in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes causes dysregulation of several signaling pathways, which upsets the cell cycle and the equilibrium between cell division and apoptosis, leading to GC. Developments in computational biology and RNA-seq technology enable quick detection and characterization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple roles in the development of gastric cancer. These lncRNAs interact with molecules of protein, RNA, DNA, and/or combinations. This review article explores several gastric cancer-associated lncRNAs, such as ADAMTS9-AS2, UCA1, XBP-1, and LINC00152. These various lncRNAs could change GC cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion features in the tumor microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the most recent research on lncRNAs and GC cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and drug resistance, focusing on studies conducted in cancer cells and healthy cells during differentiation.

The knockdown of stathmin with si-RNA inhibits invasion of mesothelioma

BACKGROUND

To investigate the mechanism of action of stathmin1 (STMN1) in mesothelioma (MSM) and whether it has any role in its treatment.

METHODS

STMN1 expression was examined using immunohistochemistry in biopsy tissues taken from MSM patients. The relationships between the levels of STMN1 expression in the pathology preparations of MSM patients, and the clinicopathological characteristics of these patients, and their survival times were investigated. Transfection of STMN1-specific siRNA into SPC212 cells was compared to negative control siRNAs. The mRNA levels of genes that may play a role in invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy were evaluated by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression of STMN1 was shown to be high in MSM tissues (p < 0.05). It was found that the only independent predictor factor affecting the survival time of MSM patients was the disease stage (p < 0.05). STMN1 was significantly reduced after siRNA intervention (81.5%). STMN1 with specific siRNA has been shown to suppress invasion by reducing the mRNA levels of cadherin-6 (CDH6), fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF8), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1A), matrix metallopeptidase 1-2 (gelatinase A) (MMP1-2), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2), which are important markers for invasion. Although the expression of apoptosis and autophagy-related genes, caspase-2 (Casp2) and LC-3, was reduced by silencing STMN1 with specific siRNA in western blot analysis, this effect was not observed in PCR results.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical analysis of STMN1 may contribute to the differential diagnosis of MSM, and STMN1 may also be considered as a potential therapeutic target in the early invasive stage of MSM therapy.

The dual effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in digestive system tumors and intervention of Chinese botanical drug extracts: a review

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential for maintaining human health, and once imbalanced, it will trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which participates in the development of digestive system tumors and other diseases. ERS has dual effect on tumor cells, activating adaptive responses to promote survival or inducing apoptotic pathways to accelerate cell death of the tumor. Recent studies have demonstrated that Chinese botanical drug extracts can affect the tumor process of the digestive system by regulating ERS and exert anticancer effects. This article summarizes the dual effect of ERS in the process of digestive system tumors and the intervention of Chinese botanical drug extracts in recent years, as reference for the combined treatment of digestive system tumors with Chinese and modern medicine.

Exploring the role of lncrna neat1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types: A review

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, contributing significantly to a diverse range of cellular processes, including apoptosis. One such lncRNA is NEAT1, which is elevated in several types of cancer and aid in cancer growth. However, recent studies have also demonstrated that the knockdown of NEAT1 can inhibit cancer cells proliferation, movement, and infiltration while enhancing apoptosis. This article explores the function of lncRNA NEAT1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types. We explore the existing understanding of NEAT1's involvement in the progression of malignant conditions, including its structure and functions. Additionally, we investigate the molecular mechanisms by which NEAT1 modulates the cell cycle, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, movement, and infiltration in diverse cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and retinoblastoma. Furthermore, we review the recent studies investigating the therapeutic potential of NEAT1 knockdown in cancer treatment. Targeting the lncRNA NEAT1 presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating cancer. It has shown the ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in various cancer types.

Long non-coding RNAs and gastric cancer: An update of potential biomarkers and therapeutic applications

The frequent metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) complicates the cure and therefore the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is urgently necessary. In recent years, lncRNA has emerged as a drug target in the treatment of GC, particularly in the areas of cancer immunity, cancer metabolism, and cancer metastasis. This has led to the demonstration of the importance of these RNAs as prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological activities of lncRNAs in GC development and update the latest pathological activities, prognostic and diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options for GC-related lncRNAs.

An Updated Review of Contribution of Long Noncoding RNA-NEAT1 to the Progression of Human Cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) present pivotal roles in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Recently, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) as a lncRNA has been shown to mediate cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in tumor cells. NEAT1 by targeting several miRNAs/mRNA axes could regulate cancer cell behavior. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a potent biomarker for the prediction and treatment of some human cancers. In this review, we summarized various NEAT1-related signaling pathways that are critical in cancer initiation and progression.

Epigenetic signatures in gastric cancer: current knowledge and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the world and accounts for 7.7% of all cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis of GC is critical in terms of prognosis, and aberrations at the molecular level, especially epigenetic alterations, manifest much earlier than histological findings. In recent years, there has been a great deal of research on the epigenomic profile of GC, and epigenetic alterations seem to play a more important role than genetic factors. With the introduction of epigenetic drugs into clinical use in the last decade, the importance of the epigenetic background of GC has increased considerably.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize the role of methylation changes, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of GC and how these signatures can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in clinical management.

EXPERT OPINION

Epigenetic alterations take place before most genetic aberrations observed in GC and may have an initiating role in the pathogenesis of GC. They can be used as biomarkers in risk calculation, early diagnosis, and evaluation of prognosis of GC, as well as treatment targets.

Construction and validation of a prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma based on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most universal types of cancer all over the world and its morbidity continues to rise year by year. Growing evidence has demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum stress is highly activated in cancer cells and plays a key role in regulating the fate of cancer cells. However, the role and mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress in lung adenocarcinoma genesis and development remains unclear. In this research, we developed a prognostic model to predict the overall survival of patients with LUAD utilizing endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes and screened out potential small molecular compounds, which could assist the clinician in making accurate decisions and better treat LUAD patients. Firstly, we downloaded 419 endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (ERSRGs) from Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Secondly, we obtained information about the transcriptome profiling and corresponding clinical data of 59 normal samples and 535 lung adenocarcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we used the DESeq2 package to identify differentially expressed genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress. We performed univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analysis to establish a prognostic model for LUAD patients based on ERSRGs. Then, we carried out univariate and multivariate independent prognostic analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related gene (ERSRG) score and some clinical traits of lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, we developed a clinically applicable nomogram for predicting survival for LUAD patients over one, three, and five years. Moreover, we carried out a drug sensitivity analysis to identify novel small molecule compounds for LUAD treatment. Finally, we examined the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune cell infiltrating analysis to explore the interactions between immune and cancer cells. 142 differentially expressed ERSRGs were identified by using the DESeq2 package. A prognostic model was built based on 7 differentially expressed ERSRGs after performing univariate Cox regression, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. According to the results of univariate and multivariate independent prognostic analysis, we found ERSRG score can be used as an independent prognostic maker. Using the Kaplan-Meier curves, we found low-risk patients had higher survival probability than high-risk patients in both training set and test set. A nomogram was drawn to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probability. The calibration curves explained good performance of the model for the prediction of survival. Phenformin, OSU-03012, GSK-650394 and KIN001-135 were identified as the drugs most likely to provide important information to clinicians about the treatment of LUAD patients. A prognostic prediction model was established based on 7 differentially expressed ERSRGs (PDX1, IGFBP1, DDIT4, PPP1R3G, CFTR, DERL3 and NUPR1), which could effectively predict the prognosis of LUAD patients and give a reference for clinical doctors to help LUAD patients to make better treatment tactics. Based on the 4 small molecule compounds (Phenformin, OSU-03012, GSK-650394 and KIN001-135) we discovered, targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes may also be a therapeutic approach for LUAD patients.

Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs Regulate AKT and Its Effectors to Control Cell Functions of Cancer Cells

AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) and its effectors are essential for maintaining cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis (fission/fusion), ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response (damage and repair), senescence, and migration of cancer cells. Several lncRNAs and circRNAs also regulate the expression of these functions by numerous pathways. However, the impact on cell functions by lncRNAs and circRNAs regulating AKT and its effectors is poorly understood. This review provides comprehensive information about the relationship of lncRNAs and circRNAs with AKT on the cell functions of cancer cells. the roles of several lncRNAs and circRNAs acting on AKT effectors, such as FOXO, mTORC1/2, S6K1/2, 4EBP1, SREBP, and HIF are explored. To further validate the relationship between AKT, AKT effectors, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, more predicted AKT- and AKT effector-targeting lncRNAs and circRNAs were retrieved from the LncTarD and circBase databases. Consistently, using an in-depth literature survey, these AKT- and AKT effector-targeting database lncRNAs and circRNAs were related to cell functions. Therefore, some lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate several cell functions through modulating AKT and AKT effectors. This review provides insights into a comprehensive network of AKT and AKT effectors connecting to lncRNAs and circRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell functions.

Molecular Interactions of the Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 in Cancer

As one of the best-studied long noncoding RNAs, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of cancers. NEAT1, especially its isoform NEAT1-1, facilitates the growth and metastasis of various cancers, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. NEAT1 can be elevated via transcriptional activation or stability alteration in cancers changing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells. NEAT1 can also be secreted from other cells and be delivered to cancer cells through exosomes. Hence, elucidating the molecular interaction of NEAT1 may shed light on the future treatment of cancer. Herein, we review the molecular function of NEAT1 in cancer progression, and explain how NEAT1 interacts with RNAs, proteins, and DNA promoter regions to upregulate tumorigenic factors.

Autophagy Related Noncoding RNAs: Emerging Regulatory Factors of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant cancers that seriously affect human health. Autophagy is a highly conserved self-defense mechanism found to plays an important role in the occurrence, progression, drug resistance, and prognosis of GC. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a critical role in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases including GC. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to research on autophagy-related ncRNAs, such as miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in GC. Herein, we briefly summarize the roles, functions, and the research progress of autophagy and autophagy-related ncRNAs in GC with a focus on the potential application in GC tumorigenesis, development, prognosis, and drug resistance. We also discussed prospects of clinical application, future research direction, and challenges in future research of autophagy-related ncRNAs.

The Interplay of NEAT1 and miR-339-5p Influences on Mesangial Gene Expression and Function in Various Diabetic-Associated Injury Models

Mesangial cells (MCs), substantial cells for architecture and function of the glomerular tuft, take a key role in progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Despite long standing researches and the need for novel therapies, the underlying regulatory mechanisms in MCs are elusive. This applies in particular to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) but also microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we investigated the expression of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), a highly conserved lncRNA, in several diabetes in-vitro models using human MCs. These cells were treated with high glucose, TGFβ, TNAα, thapsigargin, or tunicamycin. We analyzed the implication of NEAT1 silencing on mesangial cell migration, proliferation, and cell size as well as on mRNA and miRNA expression. Here, the miRNA hsa-miR-339-5p was not only identified as a potential interaction partner for NEAT1 but also for several coding genes. Furthermore, overexpression of hsa-miR-339-5p leads to a MC phenotype comparable to a NEAT1 knockdown. In-silico analyses also underline a relevant role of NEAT1 and hsa-miR-339-5p in mesangial physiology, especially in the context of DKD.

LncRNA ZNF674-AS1 Hinders Proliferation and Invasion of Hepatic Carcinoma Cells through the Glycolysis Pathway

Purpose. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in regulating various functions of cells at the levels of transcription and posttranscription. Extensive investigations have illustrated that lncRNAs are critical in the glucose metabolism of tumor cells, but their mechanisms of action need to be further explored. This study evaluates the role of lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 on the apoptosis and proliferation of human hepatic carcinoma cells in vitro through the glucose metabolism and its related mechanisms. Methods. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed for detecting the level of expressions for lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 in liver cancer tissues (25 cases), paracancerous tissues, and liver cancer cell lines. The lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 high expression cell strain was constructed by the lentiviral overexpression vector. CCK-8, plate colony formation, transwell assay, lactate production, glucose consumption, and ATP levels were used to detect the change of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, as well as glycolytic capability. Western blot was carried out to detect the expression of HK2, PFKL, PKM2, GLUT1, and PKM1, which are the key proteins of glycolysis in cells. Result. The lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 was undesirably expressed in liver cancer cell lines and tissues. Cell function assessments showed that compared with the blank control group (vector), overexpression of lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 could substantially hinder the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion capability of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 could inhibit cell glycolysis (inhibit glucose consumption and reduce intracellular lactate and ATP levels) by inhibiting the expression of key proteins (such as PFKL, HK2, PKM2, and GLUT1) in the process of glycolysis. Conclusion. As a tumor repressor gene, lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 inhibits the expression of key proteins in glycolysis to inhibit glycolysis level, thereby inhibiting cell migration and proliferation. Therefore, lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 could be a potent therapeutic target or a novel diagnostic molecule for patients suffering from liver cancer.

A novel ceRNA-immunoregulatory axis based on immune cell infiltration in ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal carcinoma by integrated weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer with a prolonged disease course. Many studies have shown that alterations in the immune microenvironment play a key role in ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Additionally, competing endogenous RNAs have important functions in immunoregulation, affecting inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the complexity and behavioral characteristics of the competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory network in ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer remain unclear. We constructed a competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory network to discover and validate a novel competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory axis to provide insight into ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer progression.

Methods

The competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory network was constructed using differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and immune-related genes. Cmap was used to identify small-molecule drugs with therapeutic potential in ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer. The ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer-related pathways were identified by gene set variation and enrichment analysis. CIBERSORT, single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and xCell were used to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells and screen hub immunocytes. The competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory axis was identified by correlation analysis.

Results

We identified 130 hub immune genes and constructed a competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory network consisting of 56 long non-coding RNAs, four microRNAs, and six targeted hub immune genes. Four small-molecule drugs exerted potential therapeutic effects by reversing the expression of hub immune genes. Pathway analysis showed that the NF-κB pathway was significantly enriched. Neutrophils were identified as hub immunocytes, and IL6ST was significantly positively correlated with the neutrophil count. In addition, NEAT1 may serve as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR-1-3p and promote IL6ST expression.

Conclusions

The competing endogenous RNA immunoregulatory axis may regulate neutrophil infiltration, affecting the occurrence of ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02252-7.

Activation of miR-500a-3p/CDK6 axis suppresses aerobic glycolysis and colorectal cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the lethal cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide and understanding the mechanisms behind its progression is critical for improving patients' prognosis and developing therapeutics. MiR-500a-3p has been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of several human cancers but its role in CRC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to uncover the expression pattern and mechanisms of action of miR-500a-3p during the CRC progression.

METHODS

The expression of miR-500a-3p and Cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6) in 134 CRC tissues were tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC), respectively. The effect of miR-500a-3p on cell proliferation was explored in vitro and in vivo. The glycolysis of CRC cells was determined by Mass Spectrometry and Seahorse XF 96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the relationship between miR-500a-3p and CDK6.

RESULTS

miR-500a-3p was abnormally downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines and was negatively associated with a worse prognosis. miR-500a-3p mimics impeded CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. miR-500a-3p inhibited glucose consumption, lactate and ATP production, and down-regulated the expression of hexokinase2 (HK2). In silico prediction combined with western blot and luciferase assay confirmed that CDK6 is a direct target of miR-500a-3p. Overexpression of CDK6 phenotypically rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-500a-3p on the proliferation and glycolysis of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a potential tumor-suppressive role of miR-500a-3p in CRC, specifically targeting CDK6 and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis, which may provide new insights into novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC.