Long non-coding RNA PAR5 inhibits the proliferation and progression of glioma through interaction with EZH2

LncRNA XIST knockdown reduces myocardial damage in myocarditis by targeting the miR-140-3p/RIPK1 axis

Viral myocarditis (MC) is caused by Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation, and changes in miRNA and lncRNA are linked to cardiac remodeling. The long non-coding RNA XIST (XIST) has been identified as a regulator in various pathological processes in heart diseases, but its role in CVB3-induced MC is not well understood. This research aimed to evaluate the impact that XIST has on CVB3-induced MC as well as the mechanism behind this effect. XIST expression in CVB3-exposed H9c2 cells (H9c2 cells) was evaluated by qRT-PCR. In CVB3-exposed H9c2 cells, reactive oxygen species production, inflammatory mediators, and apoptosis were experimentally observed. An investigation into and confirmation of the existence of an interaction involving XIST, miR-140-3p, and RIPK1 were carried out. The findings showed that CVB3 induced upregulation of XIST in H9c2 cells. However, XIST knockdown reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of CVB3-exposed H9c2 cells. XIST was specifically bound to miR-140-3p, and there was mutual negative regulation between the two. Moreover, XIST downregulated RIPK1, which was mediated by miR-140-3p. The study suggests that downregulating XIST can alleviate inflammatory injury in CVB3-exposed H9c2 cells through the miR-140-3p/RIPK1 axis. These findings provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of MC.

LncRNAs and the cancer epigenome: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of epigenome, modulating gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and/or chromosome remodeling. Dysregulated lncRNAs act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, driving tumor progression by shaping the cancer epigenome. By interacting with the writers, readers, and erasers of the epigenetic script, lncRNAs induce epigenetic modifications that bring about changes in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, metastasis, cancer stemness and chemoresistance. This review analyzes and discusses the multifaceted role of lncRNAs in cancer pathobiology, from cancer genesis and progression through metastasis and therapy resistance. It also explores the therapeutic potential of targeting lncRNAs through innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies. Understanding the dynamic interplay between lncRNAs and epigenome is crucial for developing personalized therapeutic strategies, offering new avenues for precision cancer medicine.

Immunological processes of enhancers and suppressors of long non-coding RNAs associated with brain tumors and inflammation

Immunological processes, such as inflammation, can both cause tumor suppression and cancer progression. Moreover, deregulated levels of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in the brain may cause inflammation and lead to the growth of tumors. Like other biological processes, the immune system's role in cancer is complicated, varies, and can help or hurt the cancer's maintenance. According to research, inflammation and brain cancer are correlated via several signaling pathways. A variety of lncRNAs have recently been revealed to influence cancer by modulating inflammatory pathways. As a result, lncRNAs have the potential to influence carcinogenesis, tumor formation, or tumor suppression via an increase or decrease in inflammation functions. Although the study and targeting of lncRNAs have made great progress in the treatment of cancer, there are definitely limitations and challenges. Using new technologies like nanocarriers and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to target treatments without hurting healthy body tissues has shown to be very effective. In this review article, we have collected significantly related lncRNAs and their inhibitory or stimulating roles in inflammation and brain cancer for the first time. However, there are limitations, such as side effects and damage to normal tissues. With the advancement of new targeting technologies, these lncRNAs may be candidates for the specific targeting therapy of brain cancers by limiting inflammation or stimulating the immune system against them in the future.

Construction and Characterization of n6-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNA Prognostic Signature and Immune Cell Infiltration in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Background. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) lacks effective prognostic biomarkers and the role and mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in KIRC remain unclear. Methods. We extracted standard mRNA-sequencing and clinical data from the TCGA database. The prognostic risk model was obtained by Lasso regression and Cox regression. We randomly divided the samples into training and test sets, each taking half of the cases. Based on Lasso regression and Cox regression for training set, the prognostic risk signature was constructed; risk scores were calculated with the R package “glmnet.” Based on the median value of the prognostic risk score, risk scores were calculated for each patient and we divided all KIRC samples into high-risk and low-risk groups. Then, high- and low-risk subtypes were established and their prognosis, clinical features, and immune infiltration microenvironment were evaluated in test set and the entire sampled data set. The reliability of the prognostic model was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results. We found 28 prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs and established a m6A-related lncRNAs prognostic signature. $\text{Risk\hspace{0.17em}score}=AC015813.1\ast \left(0.0086\right)+EMX2OS\ast \left(-0.0101\right)+LINC00173\ast \left(0.0309\right)+PWAR5\ast \left(-0.0146\right)+SNHG1\ast \left(0.0043\right).$ The signature showed a better predictive ability than other clinical indicators, including tumor node metastasis classification (TNM), histological, and pathological stages. In the high-risk group, M0 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells had significantly higher scores. Contrarily, in the low-risk group, activated dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, mast resting cells, and monocytes had significantly higher scores. In the high-risk group, LSECtin was overexpressed. In the low-risk group, PD-L1 was overexpressed. Moreover, high-risk patients may benefit more from AZ628. Conclusions. In conclusion, prognosis prediction of patients with KIRC and new insights for immunotherapy are provided by the m6A-related lncRNA prognostic signature.

Noncoding RNAs in Thyroid-Follicular-Cell-Derived Carcinomas

Simple Summary

Thyroid tumors represent the most common neoplastic pathology of the endocrine system. Mutations occurring in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are responsible for thyroid carcinogenesis; however, the complete mutational landscape characterizing these neoplasias has not been completely unveiled. It has been established that only the 2% of the human genome codes for proteins, suggesting that the vast majority of the genome has regulatory capabilities, which, if altered, could account for the onset of cancer. Hence, many scientific efforts are currently focused on the characterization of the heterogeneous class of noncoding RNAs, which represent an abundant part of the transcribed noncoding genome. In this review, we mainly focus on the involvement of microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and pseudogenes in thyroid cancer. The determination of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of thyroid cancers based on the evaluation of the noncoding RNA network could allow the implementation of a more personalized approach to fighting these pathologies.

Abstract

Among the thyroid neoplasias originating from follicular cells, we can include well-differentiated carcinomas, papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) thyroid carcinomas, and the undifferentiated anaplastic (ATC) carcinomas. Several mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have already been observed in these malignancies; however, we are still far from the comprehension of their full regulation-altered landscape. Even if only 2% of the human genome has the ability to code for proteins, most of the noncoding genome is transcribed, constituting the heterogeneous class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), whose alterations are associated with the development of several human diseases, including cancer. Hence, many scientific efforts are currently focused on the elucidation of their biological role. In this review, we analyze the scientific literature regarding the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and pseudogenes in FTC, PTC, and ATC. Recent findings emphasized the role of lncRNAs in all steps of cancer progression. In particular, lncRNAs may control progression steps by regulating the expression of genes and miRNAs involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastatization. In conclusion, the determination of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer based on the evaluation of the ncRNA network could allow the implementation of a more personalized approach to fighting thyroid tumors.

EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects

Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.

Emerging Roles of LncRNAs in the EZH2-regulated Oncogenic Network

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, but cancer therapies based on epigenetic mechanisms have made great progress. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the key catalytic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that mediates the tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3), a well-recognized marker of transcriptional repression. Mounting evidence indicates that EZH2 is elevated in various cancers and associates with poor prognosis. In addition, many studies revealed that EZH2 is also involved in transcriptional repression dependent or independent of PRC2. Meanwhile, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to regulate numerous and diverse signaling pathways in oncogenesis. In this review, we firstly discuss functional interactions between EZH2 and lncRNAs that determine PRC2-dependent and -independent roles of EZH2. Secondly, we summarize the lncRNAs regulating EZH2 expression at transcription, post-transcription and post-translation levels. Thirdly, we review several oncogenic pathways cooperatively regulated by lncRNAs and EZH2, including the Wnt/β-catenin and p53 pathways. In conclusion, lncRNAs play a key role in the EZH2-regulated oncogenic network with many fertile directions to be explored.

The Roles Played by Long Non-Coding RNAs in Glioma Resistance

Glioma originates in the central nervous system and is classified based on both histological features and molecular genetic characteristics. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are longer than 200 nucleotides and are known to regulate tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and even confer therapeutic resistance to glioma cells. Since oncogenic lncRNAs have been frequently upregulated to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in glioma cells, while tumor-suppressive lncRNAs responsible for the inhibition of apoptosis and decrease in therapeutic sensitivity in glioma cells have been generally downregulated, the dysregulation of lncRNAs affects many features of glioma patients, and the expression profiles associated with these lncRNAs are needed to diagnose the disease stage and to determine suitable therapeutic strategies. Accumulating studies show that the orchestrations of oncogenic lncRNAs and tumor-suppressive lncRNAs in glioma cells result in signaling pathways that influence the pathogenesis and progression of glioma. Furthermore, several lncRNAs are related to the regulation of therapeutic sensitivity in existing anticancer therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Consequently, we undertook this review to improve the understanding of signaling pathways influenced by lncRNAs in glioma and how lncRNAs affect therapeutic resistance.

lncRNA TUG1 inhibits the cancer stem cell‑like properties of temozolomide‑resistant glioma cells by interacting with EZH2

Temozolomide (TMZ) is currently one of the first-line drugs used for the treatment of high-grade gliomas. However, TMZ resistance results in unsatisfactory therapeutic effects in gliomas. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have recently been determined to serve a pivotal regulatory role in tumor metastasis, recurrence and chemoresistance. In addition, numerous reports have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert an essential role in the occurrence and development of tumors, and can be used as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Among them, studies have revealed that taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) exhibits an important regulatory effect on the malignant biological behavior of glioma cells. Moreover, it has been reported that enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 polycomb repressive complex subunit 2 (EZH2) promotes tumorigenesis, including in glioma. However, the underlying mechanism of the interaction of TUG1 and EZH2 with CSCs of glioma remains elusive, and thus requires further clarification. The present study aimed to explore the role of TUG1 and EZH2 in TMZ resistance in glioma. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation,sphere formation and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays were used to detect the proliferation, clone formation efficiency, stemness and apoptosis of TMZ-resistant glioma cells. Xenograft tumor assay was used to detect the effect of TUG1 on the tumorigenesis of TMZ-resistant glioma cells. The present findings demonstrated that TUG1 exhibited a low expression in glioma cells, while EZH2 expression was the opposite. Moreover, it was observed that A172/TMZ cells possessed higher CSCs-like properties compared with parent cells, and that TUG1 and EZH2 were abnormally expressed in A172/TMZ cells. Knockdown of TUG1 or overexpression of EZH2 promoted A172/TMZ cell proliferation and CSCs-like properties, as well as inhibited their apoptosis, thereby enhancing the TMZ resistance of A172/TMZ cells. Furthermore, it was found that TUG1 alleviated the TMZ resistance of A172/TMZ cells by inhibiting EZH2 expression. Of note, overexpression of TUG1 inhibited the tumorigenicity of A172/TMZ cells by downregulating EZH2 expression in vivo. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that TUG1 served an essential regulatory role in TMZ resistance of gliomas.

Long non-coding RNA signatures as predictors of prognosis in thyroid cancer: a narrative review

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with high incidence rates in recent decades. Most TC cases have good prognoses, but a high risk of recurrence and metastases poses challenges, especially for patients with high-risk factors. Currently used prognostic markers for TC involve a combination of genetic factors and overexpressed proteins. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate several integral biologic processes by playing key roles in the transcription of several downstream targets maintaining cellular behavior. Prior studies have revealed that lncRNAs promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. While the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the role of lncRNAs in modulating TC progression and recurrence is still unclear, it is important to note that some lncRNAs are upregulated in certain cancers, while others are downregulated. In the present study, we review several key lncRNAs, their association with cancer progression, and the important roles they may play as tumor suppressors or tumor promoters in tumorigenesis. We discuss the potential mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated pathogenesis that can be targeted for the treatment of TC, the existing and potential benefits of using lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic measures for cancer detection, and tumor burden in patients.

Coding of Glioblastoma Progression and Therapy Resistance through Long Noncoding RNAs

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain malignancy, with an average patient survival from diagnosis of 14 months. Glioblastoma also usually progresses as a more invasive phenotype after initial treatment. A major step forward in our understanding of the nature of glioblastoma was achieved with large-scale expression analysis. However, due to genomic complexity and heterogeneity, transcriptomics alone is not enough to define the glioblastoma “fingerprint”, so epigenetic mechanisms are being examined, including the noncoding genome. On the basis of their tissue specificity, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are being explored as new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In addition, growing evidence indicates that lncRNAs have various roles in resistance to glioblastoma therapies (e.g., MALAT1, H19) and in glioblastoma progression (e.g., CRNDE, HOTAIRM1, ASLNC22381, ASLNC20819). Investigations have also focused on the prognostic value of lncRNAs, as well as the definition of the molecular signatures of glioma, to provide more precise tumor classification. This review discusses the potential that lncRNAs hold for the development of novel diagnostic and, hopefully, therapeutic targets that can contribute to prolonged survival and improved quality of life for patients with glioblastoma.

The Long Non-Coding RNA Prader Willi/Angelman Region RNA5 (PAR5) Is Downregulated in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinomas Where It Acts as a Tumor Suppressor by Reducing EZH2 Activity

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) represents one the most aggressive neoplasias in humans, and, nowadays, limited advances have been made to extend the survival and reduce the mortality of ATC. Thus, the identification of molecular mechanism underlying its progression is needed. Here, we evaluated the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile of nine ATC in comparison with five normal thyroid tissues by a lncRNA microarray. By this analysis, we identified 19 upregulated and 28 downregulated lncRNAs with a fold change >1.1 or <−1.1 and p-value < 0.05, in ATC samples. Some of them were subsequently validated by qRT-PCR. Then, we investigated the role of the lncRNA Prader Willi/Angelman region RNA5 (PAR5), drastically and specifically downregulated in ATC. The restoration of PAR5 reduces proliferation and migration rates of ATC-derived cell lines indicating that its downregulation contributes to thyroid cancer progression. Our results suggest that PAR5 exerts its anti-oncogenic role by impairing Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) oncogenic activity since we demonstrated that PAR5 interacts with it in thyroid cancer cell lines, reducing EZH2 protein levels and its binding on the E-cadherin promoter, relieving E-cadherin from the negative regulation by EZH2. Consistently, EZH2 is overexpressed in ATC, but not in differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The results reported here define a tumor suppressor role for PAR5 in undifferentiated thyroid neoplasias, further highlighting the pivotal role of lncRNAs in thyroid carcinogenesis.

LncRNA MATN1-AS1 prevents glioblastoma cell from proliferation and invasion via RELA regulation and MAPK signaling pathway

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and malignant tumor types. Despite treatment advances, GBM pathogenesis still remains largely unknown. MATN1-AS1, an intron-retained long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been implicated in GBM development. However, the underlying mechanism has not been identified. This study aimed to examine MATN1-AS1 expression and uncover its role in GBM.

Methods

LncRNAs with low expression levels were selected by analyzing brain glioma-related genes. The relative mRNA level of MATN1-AS1 was quantified using RT-qPCR in 75 GBM tumors and 10 normal brain tissues. Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RT-qPCR and immunoblotting analysis were carried out to assess the levels of MATN1-AS1, RELA, ERK1/2, Bcl-2, Bax, survivin, and MMP-9 in GBM cells. Biological functions of MATN1-AS1 in GBM tumors were measured both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism of RELA regulation by MATN1-AS1 was detected using RNA pull-down, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

MATN1-AS1 was the most downregulated lncRNA in GBM and was correlated with a shorter survival time and poorer prognosis of GBM patients. Conversely, RELA was increased in GBM tumor tissues and negatively correlated with MATN1-AS1 expression. MATN1-AS1 over-expression or siRNA-RELA knockdown resulted in downregulation of mRNA and protein levels of RELA, ERK1/2, Bcl-2, survivin, and MMP-9; reduced cell proliferation and invasion; increased Bax mRNA and protein levels; and enhanced cellular apoptosis. MATN1-AS1 bound to E2F6, which negatively targeted RELA. Furthermore, MATN1-AS1 over-expression in GBM cells resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Upregulation of the lncRNA MATN1-AS1 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and invasion through inhibition of RELA via E2F6 and suppression of the MAPK signaling pathway. MATN1-AS1 might be an underlying therapeutic target for GBM.

Drug-induced modifications and modulations of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs for future therapy against Glioblastoma Multiforme

Non-coding RNAs are known to participate in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis by regulating the status of chromatin epigenetics and gene expression. Although these non-coding RNAs do not possess defined protein-coding potential, they are involved in the expression and stability of messenger RNA (mRNA). The length of microRNAs (miRs) ranges between 20 and 22 nt, whereas, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) length ranges between 200 nt to 1 Kb. In the case of circular RNAs (circRNAs), the size varies depending upon the length of the exon from where they were derived. Epigenetic regulations of miR and lncRNA genes will influence the gene expression by modulating histone acetylation and methylation patterns. Especially, lncRNAs will act as a scaffold for various epigenetic proteins, such as EZH2 and LSD1, and influence the chromatin epigenetic state at various genomic loci involved at silencing. Thus investigations on the expression of lncRNAs and designing drugs to modulate the expression of these genes will have a profound impact on future therapeutics against cancers such as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and also against various other diseases. With the recent advancements in genome-wide transcriptomic studies, scientists are focused on the non-coding RNAs and their regulations on various cellular processes involved in GBM and on other types of cancer as well as trying to understand possible epigenetic modulations that help in generating promising therapeutics for the future generations. In this review, the involvement of epigenetic proteins, enzymes that change chromatin architecture and epigenetic landscape and new roles of lncRNAs that are involved in GBM progression are elaborately discussed.

lncRNA SNHG16 Exerts Oncogenic Functions in Promoting Proliferation of Glioma Through Suppressing p21

Glioma is a malignant brain tumor that accounts for 30% of all brain tumors and 80% of malignant brain tumors. This poor clinical outcome makes the study of molecular mechanisms in glioma as an urgent subject. However, the certain mechanism remains unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays a key role in glioma development and progression. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of lncRNA SNHG16 in glioma. The levels of lncRNA SNHG16 were qualified in both glioma tissues and cell lines using qRT-PCR assay. The ability of cell proliferation was tested via CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Transfections were performed to knockdown SNHG16 and its target gene p21. The cell cycles and cell apoptosis were evaluated using flow cytometry, and the expression of SNHG16, p21 and apoptosis biomarkers were qualified with qRT-PCR and western blot assays. The expression of SNHG16 were up-regulated in both glioma tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of SNHG16 was associated with poor proliferation, decreased monoclonal formation rates, but increased apoptosis rates, which also caused the high expression of p21. Moreover, p21 could mediate cell proliferation and monoclonal formation, promote cell apoptosis in glioma, which was negatively correlated with lncRNA SNHG16. The molecule mechanism experiments revealed that SNHG16 could not only inhibit the expression of p21 but also suppressed the level of caspase 3 and 9, while promoted cyclinD1 and cyclinB1 expression. lncRNA SNHG16 could promote the cell proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of glioma through suppressing p21, indicating that lncRNA SNHG16 might be quite vital for the diagnosis and progression of glioma and could even be a novel therapeutic target for glioma.

Long non-coding RNA BLACAT1 promotes the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are hypothesized to regulate numerous biological behaviors in human cancers. The present study aimed to explore the roles of lncRNA bladder cancer associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) in glioma. The expression of BLACAT1 in glioma tissues and cell lines was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay were used to explore the roles of BLACAT1 in glioma cells. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to determine the BLACAT1 molecular mechanism. The findings demonstrated that lncRNA BLACAT1 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and cell lines. High BLACAT1 expression was correlated with high tumor grade in glioma patients. Functional assays determined that BLACAT1 promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro. In addition, it was demonstrated that BLACAT1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, BLACAT1 may serve as an oncogenic lncRNA in glioma progression via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, BLACAT1 may be a novel therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Molecular characterization of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a potential three-lncRNA prognostic signature

Purpose

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most frequent type of malignant thyroid tumor, lacks novel and reliable biomarkers of patients’ prognosis. In the current study, we mined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to develop lncRNA signature of PTC.

Patients and methods

The intersection of PTC lncRNAs was obtained from the TCGA database using integrative computational method. By the univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, key lncRNAs were identified to construct the prognostic model. Then, all patients were divided into the high-risk group and low-risk group to perform the Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, estimating the prognostic power of the prognostic model. Functional enrichment analysis was also performed. Finally, we verified the results of the TCGA analysis by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

After the comprehensive analysis, a three-lncRNA signature (PRSS3P2, KRTAP5-AS1 and PWAR5) was obtained. Interestingly, patients with low-risk scores tended to gain obviously longer survival time, and the area under the time-dependent ROC curve was 0.739. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis revealed the tumorigenic and prognostic function of the three lncRNAs. We also found three potential transcription factors to help understand the mechanisms of the PTC-specific lncRNAs. Finally, the GEO databases and qRT-PCR validation were consistent with our TCGA bioinformatics results.

Conclusion

We built a three-lncRNA signature by mining the TCGA database, which could effectively predict the prognosis of PTC.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG12promotes the proliferation and migration of glioma cells by binding to HuR

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in biological processes and provide a novel approach with which to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for glioma. Previous studies have demonstrated that lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) is involved in cell growth and migration. However, the accurate expression pattern of SNHG12 in glioma and the possible associations between this pattern and the clinicopathological characteristics of glioma cohorts are not yet known. The present study investigated the role of lncRNA SNHG12 in the development and progression of glioma, as well as the potential diagnostic value of SNHG12 in patients with glioma. The levels of SNHG12 were detected in resected specimens from patients and in glioma cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The potential effects of SNHG12 on the viability, mobility and apoptosis of glioma cells were evaluated using in vitro assays. The association between SNHG12 and Hu antigen R (HuR) was also determined using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. The results revealed that SNHG12 was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. High levels of SNHG12 were associated with the deterioration of patients with glioma. Patients with high levels of SNHG12 exhibited a reduced 5-year overall survival rate (compared to those with lower levels), particularly in cohorts with high-grade carcinoma (III-IV). The silencing of SNHG12 expression by RNA interference led to a reduced viability and mobility, and in an increased apoptosis of human glioma cells. Furthermore, RIP and RNA pull-down assays demonstrated that SNHG12 was associated with and was stabilized by HuR. The findings of the present study thus identify a novel therapeutic target in glioma.