miR-143 is associated with proliferation and apoptosis involving ERK5 in HeLa cells

Role of extracellular vesicle in human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a gynecological malignant tumor and a serious threat to women's health. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the occurrence of cervical cancer are known to be closely related, the underlying carcinogenic mechanism of HPV is not fully understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are found in a variety of body fluids and play an important role in both intercellular communication and cancer progression. Furthermore, the presence of EVs makes liquid biopsy of cervical cancer possible. The study of EVs in cervical cancer can provide clinical ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this article is to summarizes the role of EV contents in HPV-associated cervical cancer and discusses the possible clinical application of EVs in cervical cancer treatment.

METHODS

The search terms included the following: HPV with cervical cancer and extracellular vesicles. The initial literature search ended on March 1, 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

In HPV-positive cervical cancer, EV contents are changed due to the presence of HPV. HPV-positive cervical cancer affects the cell microenvironment and other surrounding cells through the secretion of EVs.

Identification of a Novel ERK5 (MAPK7) Inhibitor, MHJ-627, and Verification of Its Potent Anticancer Efficacy in Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, is involved in key cellular processes. However, overexpression and upregulation of ERK5 have been reported in various cancers, and ERK5 is associated with almost every biological characteristic of cancer cells. Accordingly, ERK5 has become a novel target for the development of anticancer drugs as inhibition of ERK5 shows suppressive effects of the deleterious properties of cancer cells. Herein, we report the synthesis and identification of a novel ERK5 inhibitor, MHJ-627, and verify its potent anticancer efficacy in a yeast model and the cervical cancer HeLa cell line. MHJ-627 successfully inhibited the kinase activity of ERK5 (IC₅₀: 0.91 μM) and promoted the mRNA expression of tumor suppressors and anti-metastatic genes. Moreover, we observed significant cancer cell death, accompanied by a reduction in mRNA levels of the cell proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), following ERK5 inhibition due to MHJ-627 treatment. We expect this finding to serve as a lead compound for further identification of inhibitors for ERK5-directed novel approaches for oncotherapy with increased specificity.

MiRNA-Seq reveals key MicroRNAs involved in fat metabolism of sheep liver

There is a genetic difference between Hu sheep (short/fat-tailed sheep) and Tibetan sheep (short/thin-tailed sheep) in tail type, because of fat metabolism. Previous studies have mainly focused directly on sheep tail fat, which is not the main organ of fat metabolism. The function of miRNAs in sheep liver fat metabolism has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, miRNA-Seq was used to identify miRNAs in the liver tissue of three Hu sheep (short/fat-tailed sheep) and three Tibetan sheep (short/thin-tailed sheep) to characterize the differences in fat metabolism of sheep. In our study, Hu sheep was in a control group, we identified 11 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs), including six up-regulated miRNAs and five down-regulated miRNAs. Miranda and RNAhybrid were used to predict the target genes of DE miRNAs, obtaining 3,404 target genes. A total of 115 and 67 GO terms as well as 54 and 5 KEGG pathways were significantly (padj < 0.05) enriched for predicted 3,109 target genes of up-regulated and 295 target genes of down-regulated miRNAs, respectively. oar-miR-432 was one of the most up-regulated miRNAs between Hu sheep and Tibetan sheep. And SIRT1 is one of the potential target genes of oar-miR-432. Furthermore, functional validation using the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the up-regulated miRNA; oar-miR-432 potentially targeted sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. Then, the oar-miR-432 mimic transfected into preadipocytes resulted in inhibited expression of SIRT1. This is the first time reported that the expression of SIRT1 gene was regulated by oar-miR-432 in fat metabolism of sheep liver. These results could provide a meaningful theoretical basis for studying the fat metabolism of sheep.

Effect of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinase 5 Inhibition in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

(1) Background: Extracellular signal-regulating kinase 5 (ERK5) has been implicated in many cellular functions, including survival, proliferation, and vascularization. Our objectives were to examine the expression and effect of ERK5 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). (2) Methods: The expressions of ERK5 and its regulating micro-RNA miR-143 were investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in surgical specimens of ccRCC patients. With invitro and in vivo studies, we used pharmacologic ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92, RNA interference, pre-miR-143 transduction, Western blotting, MTS assay, apoptosis assay, and subcutaneous xenograft model. (3) Results: A strong ERK5 expression in surgical specimen was associated with high-grade (p = 0.01), high-recurrence free rate (p = 0.02), and high cancer-specific survival (p = 0.03). Expression levels of ERK5 and miR-143 expression level were correlated (p = 0.049). Pre-miR-143 transduction into ccRCC cell A498 suppressed ERK5 expression. ERK5 inhibition enhanced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 expression and decreased anti-apoptotic molecules BCL2, resulting in decreased cell proliferation and survival both in ccRCC and endothelial cells. In the xenograft model, ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92 suppressed tumor growth. (4) Conclusions: ERK5 is regulated by miR-143, and ERK5 inhibition is a promising target for ccRCC treatment.

Exogenous interleukin-1 beta promotes the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a crucial cytokine that has been implicated in cancer and metastasis development. However, its possible mechanistic role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functions of exogenous IL-1β in cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

HeLa cell proliferation and migration were measured using MTT and Transwell assays. A lentivirus-mediated packaging system was used to construct an IL-1β overexpressing cell line. MEK/ERK signal transduction was inhibited by pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor PD98059. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to test the expression of relevant genes.

RESULTS

Exogenous IL-1β promoted the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells. In addition, overexpression of IL-1β in HeLa cells promoted cell proliferation. Mechanistically, exogenous IL-1β increased the phosphorylated MEK and ERK levels in HeLa cells and the expression of JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2. Alternatively, blockade of MEK inhibited the promoting proliferation effects of IL-1β and the expression of JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that exogenous IL-1β regulates HeLa cell functions by regulating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and by targeting JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2. Our study uncovered a potential association across IL-1β, cervical tumor development, and cancer progression.

Effects of the Wenyang Zhenshuai Granule on the Expression of LncRNA-MiR143HG/miR-143 Regulating ERK5 in H9C2 Cardiomyocytes

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by a variety of heart problems, with a high incidence. The 5-year survival rate of patients with clinical symptoms is similar to that of malignant tumors. Wenyang Zhenshuai granules are a safe and effective granule of traditional Chinese medicine components, including aconite, dried ginger, licorice, and red ginseng. In contemporary clinical applications, it is widely used in acute and chronic heart insufficiency, coronary heart disease, and arrhythmia. This research cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes and divided them into the normal control group, LncRNA-MiR143HG overexpression group, LncRNA-MiR143HG silence group, Adriamycin (ADR) group, ADR + medicated serum group, ADR + LncRNA-MiR143HG overexpression + medicated serogroup, and ADR + LncRNA-MiR143HG silence + medicated serogroup. The cells of each group were treated differently, and the survival rate of each group of cells and the expression levels of LncRNA-MiR143HG/miR-143 and ERK5 were detected at the end of the experiment, and the expression of LncRNA-MiR143HG/miR-143 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes was regulated by Wenyang Zhenshuai granules' impact. The results of this study showed that, in the doxorubicin-induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte injury model, the expression of miR-143 was upregulated, and the expression of LncRNA-MiR143HG and ERK5 was significantly downregulated. Wenyang Zhenshuai granules can downregulate the expression of miR-143 to promote ERK5 protein expression and phosphorylation. The process is regulated by LncRNA-MiR143HG/miR-143, which may be one of its important mechanisms for the treatment of chronic heart failure.

Effects of MIR143 on rat sarcoma signaling networks in solid tumors: A brief overview

Rat sarcoma (RAS) is a well-known oncogene that plays important roles in cancer proliferation, cell survival and cell invasion. RAS exists as three major isoforms, Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), Harvey rat sarcoma (HRAS) and neuroblastoma rat sarcoma (NRAS). Mutations of these genes account for approximately 30% of all cancers. Among them, KRAS mutations are the most common, responsible for 85%, followed by NRAS (12%) and HRAS (3%). Although the development of RAS inhibitors has been explored for over the past decade, so far, no effective inhibitor has been found. MicroRNA (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNA that control the gene expression of pleural target genes at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNA play critical roles in the physiological and pathological processes at work in cancers, such as cell proliferation, cell death, cell invasion and metastasis. MicroRNA-143 (MIR143) is known to function as a tumor suppressor in a variety of cancers. One of its known mechanisms is suppression of RAS expression and its effector signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK. Within the last five years, we developed a potent chemically modified MIR143-3p that enabled us to elucidate the details of the KRAS signaling networks at play in colon and other cancer cells. In this review, we will discuss the role of MIR143-3p in those RAS signaling networks that are related to various biological processes of cancer cells. In addition, we will discuss the possibility of the use of MIR143 as a therapeutic drug for targeting RAS signaling networks.

Impact of ERK5 on the Hallmarks of Cancer

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that consists of highly conserved enzymes expressed in all eukaryotic cells and elicits several biological responses, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In recent years, accumulating lines of evidence point to a relevant role of ERK5 in the onset and progression of several types of cancer. In particular, it has been reported that ERK5 is a key signaling molecule involved in almost all the biological features of cancer cells so that its targeting is emerging as a promising strategy to suppress tumor growth and spreading. Based on that, in this review, we pinpoint the hallmark-specific role of ERK5 in cancer in order to identify biological features that will potentially benefit from ERK5 targeting.

MicroRNA-217 functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer cells through targeting Rho-associated protein kinase 1

The abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) has been widely reported in various tumor types. miR-217 was demonstrated to be aberrantly expressed in a number of tumors, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma and osteosarcoma; however, its specific expression pattern has never been investigated in cervical cancer cells. Compared with normal control, the level of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression was markedly increased in cervical cancer tissues and cells compared with that in non-cancerous tissues and cells. The expression of miR-217 was significantly reduced in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-217 could suppress colony formation and the cell invasion capacity of SiHa and HeLa cells. Flow cytometry indicated that miR-217 significantly increased cell apoptosis in SiHa and HeLa cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that ROCK1 was a target gene of miR-217. In addition, overexpression of ROCK1 also led to an increased invasion capacity in SiHa cells, even when miR-217 was inhibited, indicating that the anti-invasive effects of miR-217 were mediated through ROCK1. In summary, the results of the present study indicated that miR-217 functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer cells, primarily by targeting ROCK1.

MicroRNA‑485 targets MACC1 and inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion

A large body of evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have essential roles in the development and progression of cervical cancer. Thus, miRNAs with dysregulated expression are potential biomarkers for cervical cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, expression levels of miR‑485 were detected in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells were determined with Cell Counting kit‑8 and Transwell invasion assays. The mechanisms underlying the action of miR‑485 in cervical cancer were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. In addition, the association between miR‑485 and metastasis associated in colon cancer‑1 (MACC1) in cervical cancer tissues was examined. The present study demonstrated that miR‑485 expression was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Reduced miR‑485 expression in patients with cervical cancer was correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, restored expression of miR‑485 significantly reduced cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. MACC1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑485 in cervical cancer. MACC1 expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer specimens and was inversely correlated with miR‑485 expression. Additionally, the restored expression of MACC1 eliminated the suppressive effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Notably, the upregulation of miR‑485 suppressed the MET proto‑oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (Met)/RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (AKT) signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that miR‑485 may perform its tumor suppressive function in cervical cancer by directly targeting MACC1 and inhibiting the Met/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the miR‑485/MACC1 axis may be a novel and effective therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR promotes cervical cancer progression through regulating BCL2 via targeting miR-143-3p

BACKGROUND

HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) widely involved in the progression of numerous malignancies. Whereas, the potential molecular mechanism of HOTAIR involved in cervical cancer progression is still needed to be elaborated.

METHODS

The expression of HOTAIR and miR-143-3p were detected in cervical cancer tissues and cells by qRT-PCR. MTT and flow cytometry analysis were performed to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis. Bioinformatics, Dual-Luciferase reporter and RIP were used to analyze the possible correlation between HOTAIR, miR-143-3p and BCL2. The expression of Bax and BCL2 was detected by western blot. Mice xenograft model was established to confirm the role of HOTAIR on tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

HOTAIR expression was elevated while miR-143-3p expression was reduced in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. HOTAIR knockdown suppressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Moreover, HOTAIR could function as a sponge for miR-143-3p. The inhibitory effect of HOTAIR knockdown on cervical cancer cells growth was abolished following decrease of miR-143-3p expression. Furthermore, HOTAIR promoted BCL2 expression by modulating miR-143-3p. BCL2 overexpression attenuated the tumor-suppressive effect of miR-143-3p in cervical cancer. Finally, the carcinogenicity of HOTAIR was validated in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

HOTAIR promoted cervical cancer cell growth by modulating BCL2 via miR-143-3p, hinting a novel regulatory mechanism and potential therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

MicroRNA‑1288 promotes cell proliferation of human glioblastoma cells by repressing ubiquitin carboxyl‑terminal hydrolase CYLD expression

Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) are important regulators involved in various cancers, including human glioblastoma (GBM). However, the underlying mechanism of miR-1288 remains poorly understood, and its role in GBM has not been reported. The present study confirmed that miR-1288 expression was markedly upregulated in GBM. Ectopic expression of miR-1288 promoted the proliferation, colony formation and anchorage-independent growth of GBM cells. Bioinformatics analysis coupled with western blotting and luciferase report assays also indicated that miR-1288 promoted cell proliferation of GBM by targeting ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase (CYLD). Knockdown of CYLD expression reversed the cell proliferation promotion by miR-1288-in in GBM. These results suggest that the miR-1288/CYLD axis may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.