MicroRNA-132-3p regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of liver cancer by targeting Sox4

Sparassis latifolia and exercise training as complementary medicine mitigated the 5-fluorouracil potent side effects in mice with colorectal cancer: bioinformatics approaches, novel monitoring pathological metrics, screening signatures, and innovative management tactic

BACKGROUND

Prompt identification and assessment of the disease are essential for reducing the death rate associated with colorectal cancer (COL). Identifying specific causal or sensitive components, such as coding RNA (cRNA) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), may greatly aid in the early detection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

For this purpose, we gave natural chemicals obtained from Sparassis latifolia (SLPs) either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy (5-Fluorouracil to a mouse colorectal tumor model induced by AOM-DSS. The transcription profile of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their target hub genes was evaluated using qPCR Real-Time, and ELISA techniques.

RESULTS

MSX2, MMP7, ITIH4, and COL1A2 were identified as factors in inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to the development of COL. The hub genes listed, upstream regulatory factors such as lncRNA PVT1, NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, SNHG16, and miR-132-3p have been discovered as biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of COL. The SLPs and exercise, effectively decreased the size and quantity of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This effect may be attributed to the modulation of gene expression levels, including MSX2, MMP7, ITIH4, COL1A2, PVT1, NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, SNHG16, and miR-132-3p. Ultimately, SLPs and exercise have the capacity to be regarded as complementing and enhancing chemotherapy treatments, owing to their efficacious components.

The Regulation of Exosome-Mediated miR-132-3p/miR-132-3p-UUU on Radiation-Induced Esophageal Injury

Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a major dose-limiting complication of radiotherapy, mainly acute esophagitis. However, understanding of radiation injury and repair mechanisms in esophageal epithelial cells remains limited. MiR-132-3p and its uridylated isoform (miR-132-3p-UUU) are upregulated in radiation esophageal injury, yet their role in radiation-induced esophageal injury progression remains unexplored. We expressed miR-132-3p and its uridine form in irradiated human esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC) and secreted exosomes was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and colony formation were used to determine biological effects. Cell cycle assays and dual luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the relationship between miR-132-3p and its uridylated isoforms and MEF2A. The addition of miR-132-3p mimics or overexpression of miR-132-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC cells as well as primary cells) and increased radiation damage. This was reversed by its uridylated isoform by reducing binding to MEF2A and regulating the cell cycle. Furthermore, miR-132-3p and its triuridylated isomer also regulate apoptosis after irradiation through pathways other than reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, our data reveal that radiation-induced miR-132-3p uridylation and exosome-mediated intercellular communication and tri-uridylated isoforms are protective against radiation-induced esophageal injury. Furthermore, miR-132-3p offers new opportunities as a promising biomarker widely present in human body fluids for the prediction of radiation esophagitis as a biomarker.

Changes in miR-124-1, miR-212, miR-132, miR-134, and miR-155 Expression Patterns after 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Treatment in CBA/Ca Mice

Specific gene and miRNA expression patterns are potential early biomarkers of harmful environmental carcinogen exposures. The aim of our research was to develop an assay panel by using several miRNAs for the rapid screening of potential carcinogens. The expression changes of miR-124-1, miR-212, miR-132, miR-134, and miR-155 were examined in the spleen, liver, and kidneys of CBA/Ca mice, following the 20 mg/bwkg intraperitoneal 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) treatment. After 24 h RNA was isolated, the miRNA expressions were analyzed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared to a non-treated control. DMBA induced significant changes in the expression of miR-134, miR-132, and miR-124-1 in all examined organs in female mice. Thus, miR-134, miR-132, and miR-124-1 were found to be suitable biomarkers for the rapid screening of potential chemical carcinogens and presumably to monitor the protective effects of chemopreventive agents.

Molecular mechanisms of the microRNA-132 during tumor progressions

Cancer as one of the leading causes of human deaths has always been one of the main health challenges in the world. Despite recent advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a high mortality rate among cancer patients. Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for the high ratio of cancer related deaths. Therefore, it is required to introduce novel early detection methods. Various molecular mechanisms are associated with the tumor progression and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) family that has important functions in regulation of the cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, they have higher stability in body fluids compared with mRNAs which can be introduced as non-invasive diagnostic markers in cancer patients. MiR-132 has important functions as tumor suppressor or oncogene in different cancers. In the present review, we have summarized all of the studies which have been reported the role of miR-132 during tumor progressions. We categorized the miR-132 target genes based on their cell and molecular functions. Although, it has been reported that the miR-132 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor, it has also oncogenic functions especially in pancreatic tumors. MiR-132 mainly exerts its roles during tumor progressions by regulation of the transcription factors and signaling pathways. Present review clarifies the tumor specific molecular mechanisms of miR-132 to introduce that as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic marker in various cancers.

The Effect of RBP4 on microRNA Expression Profiles in Porcine Granulosa Cells

Simple Summary

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), mainly secreted by the liver and adipocytes, is a transporter of vitamin A. RBP4 has been shown to be involved in several pathophysiological processes, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk. However, the role of RBP4 in mammalian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) remains largely unknown. To characterize the molecular pathways associated with the effects of RBP4 on GCs, we used sRNA deep sequencing to detect differential microRNA (miRNA) expression in GCs overexpressing RBP4. A total of 17 miRNAs were significantly different between the experimental and control groups. Our results support the notion that several miRNAs are involved in important biological processes associated with folliculogenesis and pathogenesis. These results will be useful for further studies investigating the role of RBP4 in porcine GCs.

Abstract

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a transporter of vitamin A that is secreted mainly by hepatocytes and adipocytes. It affects diverse pathophysiological processes, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play indispensable roles in regulating various developmental processes via the post-transcriptional repression of target genes in mammals. However, the functional link between RBP4 and changes in miRNA expression in porcine granulosa cells (GCs) remains to be investigated. To examine how increased expression of RBP4 affects miRNA expression, porcine GCs were infected with RBP4-targeted lentivirus for 72 h, and whole-genome miRNA profiling (miRNA sequencing) was performed. The sequencing data were validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. As a result, we obtained 2783 known and 776 novel miRNAs. In the experimental group, 10 and seven miRNAs were significantly downregulated and upregulated, respectively, compared with the control group. Ontology analysis of the biological processes of these miRNAs indicated their involvement in a variety of biological functions. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these miRNAs were involved mainly in the chemokine signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, insulin resistance pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-kappa B) signaling pathway, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Our results indicate that RBP4 can regulate the expression of miRNAs in porcine GCs, with consequent physiological effects. In summary, this study profiling miRNA expression in RBP4-overexpressing porcine GCs provides an important reference point for future studies on the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the porcine reproductive system.

SOX4 as biomarker in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is associated with liver disease, including cancers. In this study, we assessed the power of sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG)-box 4(SOX4) gene to predict the clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: To evaluate the differential expression of SOX4 and its diagnostic and prognostic potential in HCC, we analyzed the GSE14520 dataset. Stratified analysis and joint-effect analysis were done using SOX4 and clinical factor. We then designed a nomogram for predicting the clinical course of HCC. Differential SOX4 expression and its correlation with tumor stage as well as its diagnostic and prognostic value were analyzed on the oncomine and GEPIA websites. Gene set enrichment analysis was explored as well as candidate gene ontology and metabolic pathways modulated by in SOX4 HCC.

Results: Our analysis revealed that the level of SOX4 was significantly upregulated in tumor issue (P <0.001). This observation was validated through oncomine dataset and MERAV analysis (all P <0.05). Diagnostic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of SOX4 suggested it has diagnostic potential in HCC (GSE14520 dataset: P <0.001, area under curve (AUC) = 0.782; Oncomine: (Wurmbach dataset) P = 0.002, AUC = 0.831 and (Mas dataset) P <0.001, AUC = 0.947). In addition, SOX4 exhibited high correlation with overall survival of HBV-associated HCC (adjusted P = 0.004, hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 2.055 (1.261-3.349) and recurrence-free survival (adjusted P = 0.008, HR (95% CI) = 1.721 (1.151-2.574). These observations which were verified by GEPIA analysis for overall survival (P = 0.007) and recurrence-free survival (P= 0.096). Gene enrichment analysis revealed that affected processes included lymphocyte differentiation, pancreatic endocrine pathways, and insulin signaling pathway. SOX4 prognostic value was evaluated using nomogram analysis for HCC 1, 3, and 5-year, survival.

Conclusion: Differential SOX4 expression presents an avenue of diagnosing and predicting clinical course of HCC. In HCC, SOX4 may affect TP53 metabolic processes, lymphocyte differentiation and the insulin signaling pathway.

Circ_DOCK1 regulates USP11 through miR-132-3p to control colorectal cancer progression

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) take part in colorectal cancer malignancies. CircRNA dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (circ_DOCK1) is involved in colorectal cancer progression, but the mechanism underlying this circRNA that takes part in colorectal cancer development remains largely undetermined.

Methods

Tumor and normal para-cancerous tissues were collected from 42 colorectal cancer patients. Human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 and SW480) were used for the experiments in vitro. Circ_DOCK1, microRNA (miR)-132-3p, and ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) levels were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis were investigated via colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, MTT, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and transwell analyses. The target association was evaluated via dual-luciferase reporter analysis, RNA pull-down, and immunoprecipitation (RIP). Xenograft assay was performed using HCT116 cells. USP11 and Ki67 levels in tumor tissues were detected via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Circ_DOCK1 expression was enhanced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Silencing circ_DOCK1 repressed cell growth, migration, and invasion, and facilitated apoptosis. Circ_DOCK1 sponged miR-132-3p, and miR-132-3p silence mitigated the effect of circ_DOCK1 interference on cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. MiR-132-3p targeted USP11, and circ_DOCK1 could regulate USP11 level by miR-132-3p. MiR-132-3p suppressed cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis, and USP11 attenuated these effects. Knockdown of circ_DOCK1 decreased colorectal cancer cell xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusion

Circ_DOCK1 interference suppressed cell growth and metastasis, and increased apoptosis of colorectal cancer via decreasing USP11 by increasing miR-132-3p.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02173-x.

Role of taurine, its haloamines and its lncRNA TUG1 in both inflammation and cancer progression. On the road to therapeutics? (Review)

For one century, taurine is considered as an end product of sulfur metabolism. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effect of taurine, its haloamines and taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) in both cancer and inflammation. We outline how taurine or its haloamines (N‑Bromotaurine or N‑Chlorotaurine) can induce robust and efficient responses against inflammatory diseases, providing insight into their molecular mechanisms. We also provide information about the use of taurine as a therapeutic approach to cancer. Taurine can be combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs, not only mediating durable responses in various malignancies, but also circumventing the limitations met from chemotherapeutic drugs, thus improving the therapeutic outcome. Interestingly, the lncRNA TUG1 is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach, which can overcome acquired resistance of cancer cells to selected strategies. In this regard, we can translate basic knowledge about taurine and its TUG1 lncRNA into potential therapeutic options directed against specific oncogenic signaling targets, thereby bridging the gap between bench and bedside.