Low expression of microRNA-320b correlates with tumorigenesis and unfavorable prognosis in glioma

Therapeutic implication of MicroRNA-320a antagonist in attenuating blood clots formed during venous thrombosis

Venous thrombosis (VT) is a complex multi-factorial disease and a major health concern worldwide. Its clinical implications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). VT pathogenesis involves intricate interplay of various coagulants and anti-coagulants. Growing evidences from epidemiological studies have shown that many non-coding microRNAs play significant regulatory role in VT pathogenesis by modulating expressions of large number of gene involved in blood coagulation. Present study aimed to investigate the effect of human micro RNA (hsa-miR)-320a antagonist on thrombus formation in VT. Surgery was performed on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, wherein the inferior vena cava (IVC) was ligated to introduce DVT. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 5 in each group); Sham controls (Sham), IVC ligated-DVT (DVT), IVC ligated-DVT + transfection reagent (DVT-NC) and IVC ligated-DVT + miR320a antagonist (DVT-miR-320a antagonist). IVC was dissected after 6 h and 24 h of surgery to estimate thrombus weight and coagulatory parameters such as levels of D-dimer, clotting time and bleeding time. Also, ELISA based biochemical assays were formed to assess toxicity of miRNA antagonist in animals. Our experimental analysis demonstrated that there was a marked reduction in size of thrombus in hsa-miR-320a antagonist treated animals, both at 6 h and 24 h. There was a marked reduction in D-dimer levels in hsa-miR-320a antagonist treated animals. Also, blood clotting time was delayed and bleeding time was increased significantly in hsa-miR-320a antagonist treated rats compared to the non-treated and Sham rats. There was no sign of toxicity in treated group compared to control animals. Hsa-miR-320a antagonist could be promising therapeutic target for management of VT.

MiR-320a upregulation contributes to the effectiveness of pemetrexed by inhibiting the growth and invasion of human lung cancer cell line (Calu-6)

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a common and deadly disease. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment, which inhibits cancer cell growth. Pemetrexed (PMX) is often used with other drugs. Environmental stress can affect regulatory non-coding RNAs such as MicroRNAs that modify gene expression. This study investigates the effect of PMX on the hsa-miR-320a-3p expression in the Calu-6 lung cancer cell line.

METHODS AND RESULT

Calu-6 cells were cultured in an incubator with 37 °C, 5% CO2, and 98% humidity. The MTT test was performed to determine the concentration of PMX required to inhibit 50% of cell growth. To examine growth inhibition and apoptosis, release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cell assays and caspase 3 and 7 enzyme activity were used. Finally, molecular studies were conducted to compare the expression of hsa-miR-320a-3p and genes including VDAC1, DHFR, STAT3, BAX and BCL2 before and after therapy.

RESULTS

According to a study, it has been observed that PMX therapy significantly increases LDH release after 24 h. The study found that PMX's IC50 on Calu-6 is 8.870 µM. In addition, the treated sample showed higher expression of hsa-miR-320a-3p and BAX, while the expression of VDAC1, STAT3, DHFR and BCL2 decreased compared to the control sample.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of the current research, hsa-miR-320a-3p seems to have the potential to play an important role in the development of novel approaches to the treatment of lung cancer.

In Silico Bioinformatics Analysis on the Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs as Drivers and Gatekeepers of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Using LNCaP and PC-3 Cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cancer in men globally. The association between PCa and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported. Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs have been documented in each of the cancer "hallmarks". Androgen signaling plays an important role in PCa progression. This study aimed to profile the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in androgen-dependent (LNCaP) PCa compared to androgen-independent (PC-3) PCa cells. This was achieved by using a 384-well plate of PCa lncRNA gene panel. Differential expression of ±2 up or downregulation was determined using the CFX Maestro software v2.1. LncSEA and DIANA-miRPath were used to identify the enriched pathways. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) lncRNA was illustrated to participate in various tumourigenic classes by in silico bioinformatics analysis and was thus selected for validation using RT-qPCR. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed the involvement of differentially expressed lncRNAs in oncogenic pathways. Some lncRNAs undergo hypermethylation, others are encapsulated by exosomes, while others interact with several microRNAs (miRNAs), favouring tumourigenic pathways. Notably, TERC lncRNA was shown to interact with tumour-suppressor miRNAs hsa-miR-4429 and hsa-miR-320b. This interaction in turn activates TGF-β-signaling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways, favouring the progression of PCa. Understanding lncRNAs as competitive endogenous RNA molecules and their interactions with miRNAs may aid in the identification of novel prognostic PCa biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox Family: Non-Coding RNA and Epigenetic Regulation in Gliomas

Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumours. Among them, glioblastoma (GBM) is a grade four tumour with a median survival of approximately 15 months and still limited treatment options. Although a classical epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is not the case in glioma due to its non-epithelial origin, the EMT-like processes may contribute largely to the aggressive and highly infiltrative nature of these tumours, thus promoting invasive phenotype and intracranial metastasis. To date, many well-known EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) have been described with clear, biological functions in glioma progression. Among them, EMT-related families of molecules such as SNAI, TWIST and ZEB are widely cited, well-established oncogenes considering both epithelial and non-epithelial tumours. In this review, we aimed to summarise the current knowledge with a regard to functional experiments considering the impact of miRNA and lncRNA as well as other epigenetic modifications, with a main focus on ZEB1 and ZEB2 in gliomas. Although we explored various molecular interactions and pathophysiological processes, such as cancer stem cell phenotype, hypoxia-induced EMT, tumour microenvironment and TMZ-resistant tumour cells, there is still a pressing need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which EMT-TFs are regulated in gliomas, which will enable researchers to uncover novel therapeutic targets as well as improve patients' diagnosis and prognostication.

MiR-320b aberrant expression enhances the radioresistance of human glioma via upregulated expression of ALDH1A3

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that ALDH1A3 is closely associated with development, progression, radioresistance and prognosis in a variety of cancers. However, the upstream miRNA that plays in the ALDH1A3 signaling pathways in regulating the radioresistance of glioma remains unclear. In this study, ALDH1A3 was enriched in high-grade glioma and was determined to be essential for radioresistance in GBM cell lines. Moreover, miR-320b was identified as an upstream miRNA that interacts with ALDH1A3. Low expression of miR-320b was associated with poor prognosis and radioresistance in glioma. In addition, overexpression of miR-320b counteracted the effects of ALDH1A3 on GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis and radioresistance when exposed to X-ray irradiation. Collectively, miR-320b may serve as a novel therapeutic target for glioma patients.

Construct of qualitative diagnostic biomarkers specific for glioma by pairing serum microRNAs

BACKGROUND

Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing glioma. However, most reported predictive models are constructed without a large enough sample size, and quantitative expression levels of their constituent serum miRNAs are susceptible to batch effects, decreasing their clinical applicability.

METHODS

We propose a general method for detecting qualitative serum predictive biomarkers using a large cohort of miRNA-profiled serum samples (n = 15,460) based on the within-sample relative expression orderings of miRNAs.

RESULTS

Two panels of miRNA pairs (miRPairs) were developed. The first was composed of five serum miRPairs (5-miRPairs), reaching 100% diagnostic accuracy in three validation sets for distinguishing glioma and non-cancer controls (n = 436: glioma = 236, non-cancers = 200). An additional validation set without glioma samples (non-cancers = 2611) showed a predictive accuracy of 95.9%. The second panel included 32 serum miRPairs (32-miRPairs), reaching 100% diagnostic performance in training set on specifically discriminating glioma from other cancer types (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 100%, accuracy = 100%), which was reproducible in five validation datasets (n = 3387: glioma = 236, non-glioma cancers = 3151, sensitivity> 97.9%, specificity> 99.5%, accuracy> 95.7%). In other brain diseases, the 5-miRPairs classified all non-neoplastic samples as non-cancer, including stroke (n = 165), Alzheimer's disease (n = 973), and healthy samples (n = 1820), and all neoplastic samples as cancer, including meningioma (n = 16), and primary central nervous system lymphoma samples (n = 39). The 32-miRPairs predicted 82.2 and 92.3% of the two kinds of neoplastic samples as positive, respectively. Based on the Human miRNA tissue atlas database, the glioma-specific 32-miRPairs were significantly enriched in the spinal cord (p = 0.013) and brain (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

The identified 5-miRPairs and 32-miRPairs provide potential population screening and cancer-specific biomarkers for glioma clinical practice.

Tumor pH-functionalized and charge-tunable nanoparticles for the nucleus/cytoplasm-directed delivery of oxaliplatin and miRNA in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Prospective tumor pH-responsive and charge-convertible nanoparticles have been utilized to reduce side effects and improve the active tumor-targeting ability and nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of chemo- and gene therapeutics for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Oxaliplatin (Oxa) is a third-generation platinum compound that prevents DNA replication. miR-320 may regulate cancer cell apoptosis, resistance, and progression. Innovative nanoparticles incorporating miR-320 and Oxa were modified with a ligand, cell-penetrating peptide, and nucleus-targeted peptide. The nanoparticles were coated with a charge/size-tunable shield to prevent peptide degradation and decoated at acidic tumor sites to expose peptides for active targeting. Results indicated that the designed nanoparticles exhibited a uniform size and satisfactory drug encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles displayed the pH-responsive release and uptake of Oxa and miR-320 into human tongue squamous carcinoma SAS cells. The nanoparticles successfully delivered Oxa and miR-320 to the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. This work is the first to demonstrate the concurrent intracellular modulation of the NRP1/Rac1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, GSK-3β/FOXM1/β-catenin, P-gp/MRPs, KRAS/Erk/Oct4/Yap1, and N-cadherin/Vimentin/Slug pathways to inhibit the growth, progression, and multidrug resistance of cancer cells. In SAS-bearing mice, co-treatment with Oxa- and miR-320-loaded nanoparticles exhibited superior antitumor efficacy and remarkably decreased Oxa-associated toxicities. The nucleus/cytoplasm-localized nanoparticles with a tumor pH-sensitive and size/charge-adjustable coating may be a useful combinatorial spatiotemporal nanoplatform for nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics to achieve maximum therapeutic safety and efficacy against HNC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Innovative nanoparticles incorporating miR-320 and oxaliplatin were modified with a ligand, cell-penetrating peptide, and nucleus-targeted peptide. The tumor pH-sensitive and charge/size-adjustable shield of polyglutamic acid-PEG protected against peptide degradation during systemic circulation. This work represents the first example of the concurrent intracellular modulation of the NRP1/Rac1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, GSK-3β/FOXM1/β-catenin, P-gp/MRPs, KRAS/Erk/Oct4/Yap1, and N-cadherin/Vimentin/Slug pathways to inhibit cancer cell growth, cancer cell progression, and multidrug resistance simultaneously. The versatile nanoparticles with a tumor pH-functionalized coating could deliver chemotherapeutics and miRNA to the nucleus/cytoplasm. The nanoparticles successfully reduced chemotherapy-associated toxicities and maximized the antitumor efficacy of combinatorial therapy against head and neck cancer.

EV-miRome-wide profiling uncovers miR-320c for detecting metastatic colorectal cancer and monitoring the therapeutic response

PURPOSE

Molecular composition of circulating small extracellular vesicles (EVs) does not merely reflect the cells of origin, but also is enriched in specific biomolecules directly associated with the cellular transformation. However, while most of the currently identified EV-miRs are only geared towards one-dimensional disease detection, their application for long-term tracking and treatment response monitoring has been largely elusive.

METHODS

We established and optimized a rapid, sensitive and robust liquid biopsy sampling method, and further used small RNA sequencing to comprehensively catalogue EV-miRomes in association with the progression and outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

RESULTS

By cross-comparison of EV-miRomes (n = 290) from multi-stage and longitudinal cohorts, we uncovered a 15-EV-miR signature with dual detection and long-term monitoring of tumor size progression for mCRC. From this panel, EV-miR-320c was uncovered as a strong clinical marker - aside from its diagnostic power and a therapeutic monitoring performance superior to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), its high expression has also been linked to lower overall survival and a greater likelihood of disease recurrence. Further, integrative analyses of tissue transcriptomic and liquid biopsy implicated this 15-EV-miR signature in programming the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) for distant localization of the metastasized cells and also in creating a tumor-favoring metastatic niche.

CONCLUSION

Our clinically-oriented delineation of the mCRC-associated circulating EV-miRomes systematically revealed the functional significance of these liquid biopsy markers and further strengthen their translational potential in mCRC therapeutic monitoring.

The Role and Interactions of Programmed Cell Death 4 and its Regulation by microRNA in Transformed Cells of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Data from GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates that there were 19.3 million new cases of cancer and 10.0 million cancer-related deaths in 2020 and that this is predicted to increase by 47% in 2040. The combined burden of cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including oesophageal-, gastric- and colorectal cancers, resulted in 22.6% of the cancer-related deaths in 2020 and 18.7% of new diagnosed cases. Understanding the aetiology of GI tract cancers should have a major impact on future therapies and lessen this substantial burden of disease. Many cancers of the GI tract have suppression of the tumour suppressor Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) and this has been linked to the expression of microRNAs which bind to the untranslated region of PDCD4 mRNA and either inhibit translation or target the mRNA for degradation. This review highlights the properties of PDCD4 and documents the evidence for the regulation of PDCD4 expression by microRNAs in cancers of the GI tract.

Circ_NNT suppresses the apoptosis and inflammation in glucose-induced human retinal pigment epithelium by regulating miR-320b/TIMP3 axis in diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequent complication of diabetes. Recent reports have showed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in DR progression. Herein, the aim of this study was to explore the role and molecular mechanism of circ_NNT in DR process.

METHODS

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells ARPE-19 were treated with high glucose (HG) in experimental group. The expression of circ_NNT, miR-320b, and TIMP3 (TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 3) were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. In vitro experiments were conducted by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, MTT assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, and ELISA. The binding interaction was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and pull-down assays.

RESULTS

HG stimulation led to a decrease of circ_NNT and TIMP3 expression, and an increase of miR-320b expression in ARPE-19 cells. Functionally, circ_NNT up-regulation reversed HG-evoked apoptosis and inflammation in ARPE-19 cells. Mechanistically, circ_NNT acted as a sponge for miR-320b to elevate TIMP3 expression. Further rescue experiments showed that miR-320b elevation attenuated the protective effects of circ_NNT on HG-induced ARPE-19 cells. Moreover, inhibition of miR-320b protected ARPE-19 cells against HG-evoked apoptosis and inflammation, which were abolished by TIMP3 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

Circ_NNT protected ARPE-19 cells against HG-evoked apoptosis and inflammation via elevating TIMP3 through sequestering miR-320b, indicating that up-regulation of circ_NNT might contribute to the inhibition of DR process.

OPA Interacting Protein 5 Antisense RNA 1 Expedites Cell Migration and Invasion Through FOXM1/ Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a digestive tract malignancy with poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OPA interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) was regarded to be correlated with human malignancy, working as tumor suppressor or promoter on the basis of tumor types. However, the function of OIP5-AS1 in PC remained unclear.

AIMS

The study focused on the function and regulatory mechanism of OIP5-AS1 in PC.

METHODS

OIP5-AS1 expression was assessed by the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) in tumor tissues and PC cell lines. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were applied to detect cell proliferation ability. Through wound healing and transwell assays, cell migration and invasion capacities were estimated. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to examine apoptosis capability of PC cells.

RESULTS

OIP5-AS1 downregulating inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities, while promoting cell apoptosis rates. As a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), OIP5-AS1 competed with Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) for the binding sites on microRNA-320b (miR-320b). OIP5-AS1 was able to upregulate FOXM1 expression via silencing miR-320b. Furthermore, FOXM1 served as an activator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and mediated the effect of OIP5-AS1 on Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSION

OIP5-AS1 expedites the proliferative, migrated, and invasive capability of PC cells, while repressing cell apoptosis through regulating miRNA-320b/FOXM1 axis and FOXM1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in PC. OIP5-AS1 regulation on FOXM1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway may offer novel efficient markers for PC treatments.

RBM38 is negatively regulated by miR-320b and enhances Adriamycin resistance in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer (BC) is a common type of malignant tumor that is frequently accompanied by drug resistance, which is a significant challenge in the treatment of BC. Adriamycin (ADM) is a commonly used drug for the treatment of BC. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the association between RNA binding motif protein 38 (RBM38) and ADM resistance in BC. The results revealed that the expression levels of RBM38 were significantly upregulated in ADM-resistant BC tissues and the ADM-resistant cell line, MCF-7/A, as demonstrated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. In addition, the results of the MTT assay revealed that the overexpression of RBM38 enhanced the resistance of MCF-7/A cells to ADM, promoted invasiveness, as determined using a Transwell assay, inhibited the apoptosis of resistant cells, as determined using flow cytometry, and accelerated cell cycle progression from the G₀ to the S phase. The results of the dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated the binding relationship between microRNA (miR)-320b and RBM38, and the expression levels of miR-320b were significantly downregulated in ADM-resistant BC tissues and MCF-7/A cells. Overexpression of miR-320b reversed ADM resistance, suppressed invasiveness, promoted apoptosis and arrested MCF-7/A cells in the G₀ phase. In addition, RBM38 was discovered to be negatively regulated by miR-320b, which was able to restore the sensitivity of BC cells to ADM by downregulating RBM38. Further exploration of the underlying regulatory mechanism revealed that the miR-320b/RBM38 signaling axis mediated the development of ADM resistance in BC by altering the expression of cell cycle-, drug resistance- and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that RBM38 may be negatively regulated by miR-320b, which accelerates drug resistance in BC.

Mir-320b Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting FOXM1

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and deadly cancer. Surgical resection is the only possible cure for pancreatic cancer but often has a poor prognosis, and the role of adjuvant therapy is urgently explored.

METHODS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a very important role in tumorigenesis by regulating the target genes. In this study, we identified miR-320b lower-expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues but relatively higher-expressed in the adjacent non-tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Consistently, the expression of miR-320b in different pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly lower than the normal pancreatic cells. In order to identify the effects of miR-320b on cell growth, we overexpressed miR-320b in PANC-1 and FG pancreatic cancer cell lines, CCK8 and BrdU incorporation assay results showed that miR-320b inhibited cell proliferation.

DISCUSSION

We next predicted miR-320b targeted FOXM1 (Forkhead box protein M1) and identified the negative relationship between miR-320b and FOXM1. We also demonstrated that elevated miR- 320b expression inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

All of these results showed that miR-320b suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by targeting FOXM1, which might provide a new diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer.

LncRNA DLEU1 Contributes to the Growth and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer via Targeting miR-320b/PRPS1

Growing evidences suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely correlated to the development of human cancer, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). A previous report suggested that DLEU1 accelerated CRC development. However, DLEU1's underlying mechanism in CRC remains unclear. In our study, the level of DLEU1 in CRC tissues is investigated by qRT-PCR. Our data exhibited that DLEU1 level was observably increased in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and was closely associated with bad prognosis of CRC patients. CRC cell proliferation was repressed by sh-LncRNA DLEU1, whereas cell apoptosis was markedly stimulated. Moreover, knockdown of DLEU1 inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, through interacting with miR-320b in CRC, DLEU1 promoted the level of PRPS1 which was a target of miR-320b. The rescue experiment confirmed that knockdown of DLEU1 repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulated cell apoptosis via miR-320b/phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) axis. Meanwhile, the data of xenograft model exhibited that inhibition of DLEU1 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In summary, DLEU1 knockdown may repress PRPS1 expression via miR-320b, and then repress cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulate cell apoptosis. Our research may provide a novel target for the treatment of CRC.

MicroRNA 320, an Anti-Oncogene Target miRNA for Cancer Therapy

MicroRNAs are a set of highly conserved non-coding RNAs that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional/translational levels by binding to the 3′-UTR of diverse target genes. Increasing evidence indicates that miRNAs not only play a vital role in many biological processes, but they are also frequently deregulated in pathological conditions, including cancer. The miR-320 family is one of many tumor suppressor families and is composed of five members, which has been demonstrated to be related to the repression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Moreover, this family has been shown to regulate drug resistance, and act as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of cancer. In this review, we summarized recent research with reference to the tumor suppressor function of miR-320 and the regulation mechanisms of miR-320 expression. The collected evidence shown here supports that miR-320 may act as a novel biomarker for cancer prognosis and therapeutic response to cancer treatment.

Long non‑coding RNA LINC00460 serves as a potential biomarker and oncogene via regulation of the miR‑320b/PBX3 axis in acute myeloid leukemia

Long non-coding RNA 00460 (LINC00460) has been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of various cancer types. However, the function of LINC00460 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains elusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of LINC00460 in AML. The expression of LINC00460 in the serum of 80 diagnosed patients with AML and 67 healthy controls was measured via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the results were compared with clinical features and patient outcomes. The expression of LINC00460 in 45 patients with cytogenetically normal-AML (CN-AML) was also assayed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of serum LINC00460. In addition, the effects of LINC00460 on the viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of AML cells were investigated. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify the possible mechanisms of how LINC00460 affects AML cells. It was found that the expression of LINC00460 was significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with AML and those with CN-AML. Higher expression of serum LINC00460 was positively associated with French-American-British classification and cytogenetics. Furthermore, ROC curve analyses demonstrated that serum LINC00460 could differentiate patients with AML from healthy individuals with an area under the curve of 0.8488 (95% CI, 0.7697–0.9279). The serum LINC00460 expression was also significantly decreased when the patients achieved complete remission. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high serum LINC00460 expression had a shorter overall survival time compared with the low serum LINC00460 expression group. Knockdown of LINC00460 inhibited viability, while inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in AML cells. LINC00460 was also a decoy of microRNA (miR)-320b, which can further inhibit the expression of PBX homeobox 3 (PBX3). Collectively, the results suggested that LINC00460 may be applied as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with AML. It was identified that LINC00460 may exert its effects, at least partly, via the miR-320b/PBX3 axis in AML.

Exosomal microRNA panels as biomarkers for hematological malignancies

Hematological malignancies are classified as a heterogeneous category of cancers with various degrees of incidence and prognosis and different etiologies. Due to their aggressive essence they should be diagnosed as early as possible to improve prognosis, treatment outcome and survival. Bases on the limitations of previously identified biomarkers in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictability, it is necessary to develop new diagnostic tools and biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hematological malignancies. Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted by almost all cell types in both physiological and pathological conditions. They play major roles in intercellular communication and are recently being considered as disease biomarkers. These nanovesicles carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids like microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs, which act as translational suppressors via regulating protein-coding genes. The aberrant expression of miRNAs has been shown in various conditions including hematological malignancies. Moreover, it is now known that tumor cells secrete higher amounts of exosomes compared to normal cells. The idea of using exosomal miRNAs in serum as biomarkers is based on their surprisingly high stability and specificity. In the present paper, we reviewed and recommended exosomal miRNA panels including (miR-150, miR-155 and miR-1246), (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-16-5p and miR-5a-5p), (miR-18a, Let-7b) and (miR192-5p, miR21-5p, miR320b and Let-7d), for their potential to be used as non-invasive biomarkers in different hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma.

LINC00460 facilitated tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression via the miR-320b/IGF2BP3 axis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 460 (LINC00460) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).

METHODS

We enrolled 27 TSCC patients to explore LINC00460 expression in clinical TSCC samples. RT-qPCR measured expression of molecules in this research. Loss-of-function assays explored biological function of LINC00460 in TSCC cells. RNA pull-down assay, luciferase reporter assay, and RIP assay investigated mechanism of LINC00460 underlying TSCC cells.

RESULTS

TSCC tissues and cell lines both showed high expression of LINC00460. Functionally, LINC00460 downregulation inhibited TSCC cell growth and promoted TSCC cell apoptosis. Additionally, LINC00460 silencing suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00460 bound with microRNA 320b (miR-320b) in TSCC cells. MiR-320b overexpression suppressed TSCC cell growth and promoted TSCC cell apoptosis. Moreover miR-320b targeted insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) 3'untranslated region in TSCC cells. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 silencing suppressed TSCC cell growth and promoted TSCC cell apoptosis. IGF2BP3 upregulation countervailed effects of silenced LINC00460 on TSCC cells. The LINC00460/miR-320b/IGF2BP3 axis was associated with lymph node metastasis of TSCC patients.

CONCLUSION

Our research illustrated that LINC00460 facilitated TSCC progression via the miR-320b/IGF2BP3 axis, highlighting a potential insight for the treatment of TSCC.

Panel of serum miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Early-stage diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult due to non-specific symptoms. Circulating miRNAs in body fluids have been emerging as potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to assess a panel of miRNAs for their ability to differentiate PDAC from chronic pancreatitis (CP), a benign inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Next-generation sequencing was performed to identify miRNAs present in 60 FFPE tissue samples (27 PDAC, 23 CP and 10 normal pancreatic tissues). Four up-regulated miRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-181a-2-3p) and four down-regulated miRNAs (miR-30b-5p, miR-216b-5p, miR-320b, and miR-214-5p) in PDAC compared to CP were selected based on next-generation sequencing results. The levels of these 8 differentially expressed miRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR in 125 serum samples (50 PDAC, 50 CP, and 25 healthy controls (HC)). The results showed significant upregulation of miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-192-5p in PDAC serum samples. In contrast, levels of miR-30b-5p and miR-320b were significantly lower in PDAC as compared to CP and HC. ROC analysis showed that these 5 miRNAs can distinguish PDAC from both CP and HC. Hence, this panel can serve as a non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of PDAC.

Identification of miR-320 family members as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and the abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. An increasing number of researches have demonstrated that microRNAs play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes. Herein, we aimed to identify novel potential microRNAs bound up with the diagnosis and prognosis of MDS. MiRNA microarray analysis was used to screen deregulated microRNAs in the bone marrow of MDS patients. qRT-PCR was employed to confirm the microarray results. All members of miR-320 family (miR-320a, miR-320b, miR-320c, miR-320d, and miR-320e) were significantly increased in MDS patients compared to normal control. Although we found no correlation between miR-320 family and most clinical characteristics, high miR-320c and miR-320d expression seemed to be associated with high numbers of bone marrow (BM) blasts and worse karyotype. High expression of all the members of the miR-320 family seemed to be associated with a high prognostic score based on International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). The areas under the miR-320 family member ROC curves were 0.9037 (P < 0.0001), 0.7515 (P = 0.0002), 0.9647 (P < 0.0001), 0.8064 (P < 0.0001) and 0.9019 (P < 0.0001). Regarding Kaplan-Meier analysis, high miR-320c and miR-320d expression were related to shorter overall survival (OS). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed the independent prognostic value of miR-320d for OS in MDS. The expression of miR-320 family members was up-regulated in MDS, and miR-320 family members could serve as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for MDS. High expression of miR-320d was an independent prognostic factor for OS in MDS.

Intermittent hypoxia-induced downregulation of microRNA-320b promotes lung cancer tumorigenesis by increasing CDT1 via USP37

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH) is correlated with an increased incidence of lung cancer. In our study, we explored the functional roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in lung cancer patients that were complicated with OSAH involving the deubiquitination enzyme. The miR-320b expression pattern in lung cancer tissues and cells was determined. The interactions between ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37 (USP37) and miR-320b were evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, whereas USP37 and Cdc10-dependent transcript 1 (CDT1) was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. After the induction of intermittent hypoxia (IH), a gain-of function approach was performed to investigate roles of miR-320b, USP37, and CDT1 in lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, nude mouse xenograft models were used to study their effects on tumor growth in vivo. miR-320b was poorly expressed in lung cancer patients with OSAH. IH treatment downregulated the expression of miR-320b but promoted the proliferation and invasion capabilities of lung cancer cells, both of which were suppressed by the overexpression of miR-320b through decreasing USP37. USP37 interacted with and deubiquitinated CDT1 to protect it from proteasomal degradation. Our study uncovered that IH-induced downregulation of miR-320b promoted the tumorigenesis of lung cancer by the USP37-mediated deubiquitination of CDT1.

High expression of microRNA 221 is a poor predictor for glioma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA 221 has been found to be a good marker for several cancers. Some studies also focused on the relationship between microRNA 221 and glioma. However, the results are controversial. We aimed to systematically evaluate the prognostic role of microRNA 221 in glioma through performing a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The articles which were included in our study were searched on the Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The basic characteristics and relevant data were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the prognostic role of microRNA 221 in glioma.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 1069 patients were included. We systematically evaluated the role of microRNA 221 for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in glioma patients (HR for OS = 1.66, 95% CI, 1.34-2.04; HR for DFS = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.02-1.26). Subgroup analyses were performed according to the nation of the studies, the origin of the samples, the stage of the tumors, the cut-off value, and the method for detecting the microRNA 221. No significant publication bias was found (P = .133).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, high expression of microRNA 221 was related to poor prognosis of glioma. These findings may assist future exploration on microRNA 221 and help predict the prognosis of glioma. However, due to the significant heterogeneity of these studies, more studies are warranted.

Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00239 Functions as a Competitive Endogenous RNA by Sponging microRNA-484 and Enhancing KLF12 Expression to Promote the Oncogenicity of Colorectal Cancer

Background

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 239 (LINC00239) is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in acute myeloid leukemia. We aimed to determine LINC00239 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) and examine the influences of LINC00239 on tumor behaviors of CRC cells. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the actions of LINC00239 in CRC was unveiled in detail.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect LINC00239 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion assays, respectively. Tumor xenograft experiments were performed to evaluate the tumor growth of CRC cells in vivo. The interactions among LINC00239, microRNA-484 (miR-484), and kruppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) were analyzed by bioinformatics prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

LINC00239 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. LINC00239 knockdown impaired CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, LINC00239 deficiency inhibited CRC growth in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00239 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by directly sponging miR-484, thereby enhancing KLF12 expression. Rescue experiments further corroborated that miR-484 inhibition or KLF12 overexpression reversed the inhibitory actions of LINC00239 knockdown in CRC cells.

Conclusion

The LINC00239/miR-484/KLF12 pathway executed critical roles in CRC oncogenicity and may provide potential targets for CRC treatments.

Extracellular vesicles from human iPSC-derived neural stem cells: miRNA and protein signatures, and anti-inflammatory and neurogenic properties

Grafting of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has shown promise for brain repair after injury or disease, but safety issues have hindered their clinical application. Employing nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from hiPSC-NSCs appears to be a safer alternative because they likely have similar neuroreparative properties as NSCs and are amenable for non-invasive administration as an autologous or allogeneic off-the-shelf product. However, reliable methods for isolation, characterization and testing the biological properties of EVs are critically needed for translation. We investigated signatures of miRNAs and proteins and the biological activity of EVs, isolated from hiPSC-NSCs through a combination of anion-exchange chromatography (AEC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). AEC and SEC facilitated the isolation of EVs with intact ultrastructure and expressing CD9, CD63, CD81, ALIX and TSG 101. Small RNA sequencing, proteomic analysis, pathway analysis and validation of select miRNAs and proteins revealed that EVs were enriched with miRNAs and proteins involved in neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood-brain barrier repairing, neurogenic and Aβ reducing activities. Besides, EVs comprised miRNAs and/or proteins capable of promoting synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and better cognitive function. Investigations using an in vitro macrophage assay and a mouse model of status epilepticus confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of EVs. Furthermore, the intranasal administration of EVs resulted in the incorporation of EVs by neurons, microglia and astrocytes in virtually all adult rat and mouse brain regions, and enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis. Thus, biologically active EVs containing miRNAs and proteins relevant to brain repair could be isolated from hiPSC-NSC cultures, making them a suitable biologic for treating neurodegenerative disorders.

LINC00680 and TTN-AS1 Stabilized by EIF4A3 Promoted Malignant Biological Behaviors of Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastomas are the most common and malignant intracranial tumors with a low survival rate. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs and RNA-binding protein causes various diseases, including cancers. However, the function of LINC00680 and TTN-AS1 in the progression of glioblastomas is still elusive. In this study, we detected that LINC00680 and TTN-AS1 were upregulated in glioblastoma cells. RNA-binding protein EIF4A3 could prolong the half-life of LINC00680 and TTN-AS1. Knockdown of EIF4A3, LINC00680, and TTN-AS1 impaired proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo and promoted apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. miR-320b was proven to be a target of LINC00680 and TTN-AS1. They interacted with miR-320b as competing endogenous RNAs, which resulted in the reduction of binding between transcriptional factor EGR3 (early growth response 3) mRNA and miR-320b. The accumulation of EGR3 promoted expression of plakophilin (PKP)2, which could activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) pathway, leading to the malignant biological behaviors of glioblastoma cells. In summary, LINC00680 and TTN-AS1 promoted glioblastoma cell malignant biological behaviors via the miR-320b/EGR3/PKP2 axis by being stabilized by EIF4A3, which may provide a novel strategy for glioblastoma therapy.

Low miR-150-5p and miR-320b Expression Predicts Reduced Survival of COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of death, reducing life expectancy on average between 5 and 7 years. The survival time after diagnosis, however, varies considerably as a result of the heterogeneity of COPD. Therefore, markers that predict individual survival of COPD patients are of great value. We analyzed baseline molecular profiles and collected 54 months of follow-up data of the cohort study “COPD and SYstemic consequences-COmorbidities NETwork” (COSYCONET). Genome-wide microRNA signatures from whole blood collected at time of the inclusion in the study were generated for 533 COPD patients including patients that deceased during the 54-month follow-up period (n = 53) and patients that survived this period (n = 480). We identified two blood-born microRNAs (miR-150-5p and miR-320b) that were highly predictive for survival of COPD patients. The expression change was then confirmed by RT-qPCR in 245 individuals. Ninety percent of patients with highest expression of miR-150-5p survived the 54-month period in contrast to only 50% of patients with lowest expression intensity. Moreover, the abundance of the oncogenic miR-150-5p in blood of COPD patients was predictive for the development of cancer. Thus, molecular profiles measured at the time of a COPD diagnosis have a high predictive power for the survival of patients.

MicroRNA-6852 suppresses glioma A172 cell proliferation and invasion by targeting LEF1

microRNA (miR)-6852 has been demonstrated to suppress the progression of gastric, colorectal and cervical cancer. The mechanism by which miR-6852 regulates glioma cells is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was used and the results demonstrated that miR-6852 expression was reduced in glioma tissues and cells. Cell counting kit-8 and transwell assay analysis indicated that proliferation, migration and invasion of A172 cells in the miR-6852 mimic group were lower than in the miR-NC group. Compared with the Inh-NC group, A172 cells of the Inh-miR-6852 group exhibited higher proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, the results indicated that lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) was directly inhibited by miR-6852 and LEF1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-6852 expression in glioma tissues. Furthermore, the restoration of LEF1 reversed the effects of the miR-6852 mimics. The present findings suggested that miR-6852 inhibited glioma cells proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting the suppression of LEF1.

Predictive role of plasmatic biomarkers in advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated by nivolumab

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, as nivolumab, are used in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, no associated biomarker is validated in clinical practice with this drug. We investigated herein immune-related blood markers in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab. Plasma of 43 consecutive patients were prospectively collected at time of the diagnosis of cancer, at the initiation of nivolumab and at the first tumour evaluation (2 months). Concentrations of PD-L1 (sPD-L1), soluble PD-L2 (sPD-L2), Interleukine-2 (sIl-2), Interferon-gamma (sIFN-γ), and Granzyme B (sGranB) were quantified by ELISA. Cell free RNA was quantified by Reverse Transcriptase -PCR), and plasmatic microRNAs (miRNAs) were evaluated by targeted sequencing. Expression of PD-L1 on tumour biopsies was performed by immunohistochemistry using E13LN. High sPD-L1 at 2 months and increase of sPD-L1 concentrations were associated with poor response and absence of clinical benefit (nivolumab treatment less than 6 months). The variation of sPD-L1 concentrations were confirmed by RNA quantification. sPD-L1 concentrations were not correlated with PD-L1 expression on corresponding tumour samples. Low sGranB at nivolumab initiation was also associated with poor response. High sPD-L1 and low sGranB were associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Low sPD-L2, low sIl-2 and high sIFN-γ were associated with grade 3-4 toxicities. Finally, miRNA screening showed that patients with clinical benefit (n = 9) had down-expression of miRNA-320b and -375 compared to patients with early progression at 2 months (n = 9). In conclusion, our results highlight the interest of circulating biomarkers in patients treated with nivolumab.

Analysis of circulating extracellular vesicle-associated microRNAs in cortisol-producing adrenocortical tumors

PURPOSE

Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) have been described in patients with adrenocortical tumors, but the expression of miRNAs in non-functioning and cortisol-producing tumors has not been yet compared. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of plasma extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated microRNAs in patients with non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (NFA), cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma (CPA) and cortisol-producing adrenocortical carcinoma (CP-ACC).

METHODS

Preoperative plasma EV samples of 13 NFAs, 13 CPAs and 9 CP-ACCs were subjected to extracellular vesicle isolation. miRNAs were investigated by targeted quantitative real-time PCR normalized to cel-miR-39 as reference. Five miRNAs have been selected for this analysis based on the previous studies including hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-210-3p, hsa-miR-320b and hsa-miR-375.

RESULTS

We have observed significant overrepresentation of three miRNAs in both CPA and CP-ACC relative to NFA: hsa-miR-22-3p (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively), hsa-miR-27a-3p (p < 0.05 in both comparisons) and hsa-miR-320b (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Hsa-miR-320b has been significantly overrepresented in CP-ACC relative to CPA (p < 0.01). Hsa-miR-210-3p turned out to be significantly overrepresented only in CP-ACC compared to NFA (p < 0.05). Significant correlation was revealed between circulating miRNA concentrations and urinary free cortisol values for hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-27a-3p and hsa-miR-320b (p < 0.0001 for all) and cortisol after low-dose dexamethasone test for hsa-miR-22-3p and hsa-miR-320b (p < 0.05). Hsa-miR-27a-3p has been significantly stimulated by low-dose dexamethasone test (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

EV-associated miRNAs are differentially expressed in different non-functioning and cortisol-producing adrenocortical tumors.