miR‑1 inhibits the progression of colon cancer by regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

Sorcin promotes proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating VEGFA/B via PI3K pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized tumor, one of the most common and lethal cancer-related tumor deaths worldwide, with cell proliferation playing a key role. In this study our western blot results and data from TAGC demonstrate a strong association between Sorcin (SRI) overexpression and poor outcomes in HCC. Moreover, SRI overexpression was remarkably effective in promoting proliferation in vitro and increasing tumor growth in vivo, which were attenuated by knocking down SRI. Mechanistically, SRI regulated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signal pathway. Overall, our study indicates that SRI stimulates HCC growth by controlling VEGFA/B, which presents a fresh insight into the pathogenesis of hepatocarcinogenesis and a new therapeutic target for HCC.

The diagnostic potential of miR-196a-1 in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic alterations that notably impact various physiological and pathological processes by acting as negative regulators of gene expression. Furthermore, they have a vital function in different types of cancers, including CRC. In this research, we evaluated, for the very first time, the expression levels of miR-196a-1 in the tissue and plasma of patients with CRC and also homeobox D8 (HOXD8) as the target gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included a collection of 220 plasma and tissue samples from 55 patients diagnosed with CRC, as well as 55 healthy individuals matched by age and sex. Total RNA was extracted from plasma and tissue samples, and then polyadenylation and cDNA synthesis were performed. The expression levels of miR-196a-1 and HOXD8 as target gene was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. We compared the diagnostic value of plasma miR-196a-1 with that of the circulating tumor markers CA19-9 and CEA using a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The association of miR-196a-1 with clinicopathological characteristics was assessed in tissue and plasma samples from patients with CRC.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-196a-1 in the tissue and plasma samples of CRC patients were 11.426- and 11.655-fold higher, respectively than those in adjacent normal tissue and plasma samples from normal subjects (p < 0.001). Through ROC curve analysis, it was identified that the sensitivity and specificity of miR-196a-1 for tissue samples, with an AUC of 0.925, were 89% and 98%, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for plasma samples with an AUC of 0.801 were 70% and 98%, respectively. These findings reveal that miR-196a-1 is a useful biomarker for discriminating cases from controls. Furthermore, the expression of HOXD8 was not significantly altered in tumor tissue samples compared to adjacent normal tissues (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that miR-196a-1 has an oncogenic impact and plays a significant role in CRC development. The results also indicate that miR-196a-1 could serve as a novel noninvasive biomarker for the detection of CRC.

Dysregulation of miR-1-3p: An Early Event in Colitis-Associated Dysplasia

Detection of colorectal dysplasia during surveillance colonoscopy remains the best method of determining risk for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). miRNAs (miRs) show great promise as tissue-specific biomarkers of neoplasia. The goal of this study was to explore the miR expression profile of precancerous dysplastic lesions in the AOM/DSS mouse model and identify early molecular changes associated with CAC. Epithelial cells were laser-microdissected from the colonic mucosa (inflamed versus dysplastic) of mice with AOM/DSS-induced colitis. A miR signature that can distinguish inflamed non-neoplastic mucosa from dysplasia was identified. Bioinformatic analyses led to the discovery of associated miR gene targets and enriched pathways and supported the construction of a network interaction map. miR-1a-3p was one of the miRs with the highest number of predicted targets, including Cdk6. Interestingly, miR-1a-3p and Cdk6 were down- and up-regulated in dysplastic lesions, respectively. Transfection of HCT116 and RKO cells with miR-1a-3p mimics induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G1, suggesting its biological function. A slight reduction in the level of CDK6 transcripts was also observed in cells transfected with miR-1. These data provide novel insight into the early molecular alterations that accompany the development of CAC and identify a miR signature that represents a promising biomarker for the early detection of colitis-associated dysplasia.

Analysis of miR-143, miR-1, miR-210 and let-7e Expression in Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Histopathological Features

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules involved in the control of the expression of many genes and are responsible for, among other things, cell death, differentiation and the control of their division. Changes in miRNA expression profiles have been observed in colorectal cancer. This discovery significantly enriches our knowledge of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and offers new goals in diagnostics and therapy. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of four miRNA sequences—miR-143, miR-1, miR-210 and let-7e—and to investigate their significance in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Materials and methods: miRNA sequences were investigated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue in colorectal cancer patients (n = 150) and in cancer-free controls (n = 150). The real-time PCR method was used. Results: This study revealed a lower expression of miR-143 in colorectal cancer patients than in the controls. miR-143 was positively correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation (grading). Three out of four analyzed miRNA (miR-1, miR-210 and let-7e) were found to be statistically insignificant in terms of colorectal carcinoma risk. Conclusions: miR-143 may be associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

Investigating Helicobacter pylori-related pyloric hypomotility: functional, histological, and molecular alterations

Multiple theories have been proposed describing the pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric motility disorders. We assessed ex vivo pyloric activity in H. pylori-infected rats, and tried to explore the associated ghrelin hormone alteration and pyloric fibrogenesis. In addition, miR-1 was assessed in pyloric tissue samples, being recently accused of having a role in smooth muscle dysfunction. Ninety adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned into nine groups: 1) control group, 2) sterile broth (vehicle group), 3) amoxicillin control, 4) omeperazole control, 5) clarithromycin control, 6) triple therapy control, 7) H. pylori- group, 8) H. pylori-clarithromycin group, and 9) H. pylori-triple therapy group. Urease enzyme activity was applied as an indicator of H. pylori infection. Ex vivo pyloric contractility was evaluated. Serum ghrelin was assessed, and histological tissue evaluation was performed. Besides, pyloric muscle miR-1 expression was measured. The immunological epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers; transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin-3 were also evaluated. By H. pylori infection, a significant (P < 0.001) reduced pyloric contractility index was recorded. The miR-1 expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in the H. pylori-infected group, associated with reduced serum ghrelin, elevated TGFβ, and α-SMA levels and reduced E-cadherin levels. Decreased miR-1 and disturbed molecular pattern were improved by treatment. In conclusion, H. pylori infection was associated with reduced miR-1, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and pyloric hypomotility. The miR-1 may be a target for further studies to assess its possible involvement in H. pylori-associated pyloric dysfunction, which might help in the management of human H. pylori manifestations and complications.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work is investigating functional, histopathological, and molecular changes underlying Helicobacter pylori hypomotility and is correlating these with miR-1, whose disturbance is supposed to be involved in smooth muscle dysfunction and cell proliferation according to literature. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduced ghrelin hormone may contribute to H. pylori infection-associated hypomotility. H. pylori infection was associated with reduced pyloric miR-1 expression. Targeting miR-1 could be valuable in the clinical management of pyloric hypofunction.

Angiogenesis-related non-coding RNAs and gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the main reasons for cancer death globally. The deadliest types of GI cancer include colon, stomach, and liver cancers. Multiple lines of evidence have shown that angiogenesis has a key role in the growth and metastasis of all GI tumors. Abnormal angiogenesis also has a critical role in many non-malignant diseases. Therefore, angiogenesis is considered to be an important target for improved cancer treatment. Despite much research, the mechanisms governing angiogenesis are not completely understood. Recently, it has been shown that angiogenesis-related non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could affect the development of angiogenesis in cancer cells and tumors. The broad family of ncRNAs, which include long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, are related to the development, promotion, and metastasis of GI cancers, especially in angiogenesis. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in mediating angiogenesis in various types of GI cancers and looks forward to the introduction of mimetics and antagonists as possible therapeutic agents.

Involvement of microRNA in Solid Cancer: Role and Regulatory Mechanisms

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as the post-transcriptional factor that finetunes the gene expression by targeting to the specific candidate. Mis-regulated expression of miRNAs consequently disturbs gene expression profile, which serves as the pivotal mechanism involved in initiation or progression of human malignancy. Cancer-relevant miRNA is potentially considered the therapeutic target or biomarker toward the precise treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism underlying the altered expression of miRNA in cancer is largely uncovered. Detailed knowledge regarding the influence of miRNAs on solid cancer is critical for exploring its potential of clinical application. Herein, we elucidate the regulatory mechanism regarding how miRNA expression is manipulated and its impact on the pathogenesis of distinct solid cancer.

MiR-1-3p Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Inhibiting YWHAZ-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as one of the most common malignancies in the world. MiR-1-3p was reported to be a tumor suppressor in CRC. However, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

To identify CRC-associated miRNA, microarray data set GSE30454 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), and miR-1-3p was screened out as a candidate. The expression of miR-1-3p was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in CRC cell lines and tissues. CCK-8 assay and transwell invasion assay were performed to determine CRC cell line proliferation and invasion, respectively. The levels of YWHAZ and EMT-associated proteins were detected using western blotting.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis showed that miR-1-3p was downregulated in CRC tissues, which is verified by our experimental validation. The overexpression of miR-1-3p significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Further studies showed that YWHAZ was a direct target of miR-1-3p and mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) modulated by miR-1-3p.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that miR-1-3p suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through regulating YWHAZ-mediated EMT, which may support a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC patients.

miRNA Clusters with Down-Regulated Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer and Their Regulation

Regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been extensively studied with respect to colorectal cancer (CRC), since CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Transcriptional control of miRNAs creating clusters can be, to some extent, estimated from cluster position on a chromosome. Levels of miRNAs are also controlled by miRNAs “sponging” by long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Both types of miRNA regulation strongly influence their function. We focused on clusters of miRNAs found to be down-regulated in CRC, containing miR-1, let-7, miR-15, miR-16, miR-99, miR-100, miR-125, miR-133, miR-143, miR-145, miR-192, miR-194, miR-195, miR-206, miR-215, miR-302, miR-367 and miR-497 and analysed their genome position, regulation and functions. Only evidence provided with the use of CRC in vivo and/or in vitro models was taken into consideration. Comprehensive research revealed that down-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC are mostly located in a gene intron and, in a majority of cases, miRNA clusters possess cluster-specific transcriptional regulation. For all selected clusters, regulation mediated by long ncRNA was experimentally demonstrated in CRC, at least in one cluster member. Oncostatic functions were predominantly linked with the reviewed miRNAs, and their high expression was usually associated with better survival. These findings implicate the potential of down-regulated clusters in CRC to become promising multi-targets for therapeutic manipulation.

Small RNA Sequencing Reveals Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs in the Development of Meloidogyne incognita

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small regulatory RNAs. Knowing the specific expression and functions of miRNAs during root-knot nematode (RKN) (Meloidogyne incognita) development could provide fundamental information about RKN development as well as a means to design new strategies to control RKN infection, a major problem of many important crops. Employing high throughput deep sequencing, we identified a total of 45 conserved and novel miRNAs from two developmental stages of RKN, eggs and J2 juveniles, during their infection of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Twenty-one of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two stages. Compared with their expression in eggs, two miRNAs were upregulated (miR252 and miRN19), whereas 19 miRNAs were downregulated in J2 juveniles. Nine miRNAs were expressed at high levels, with >1000 reads per mapped million (RPM) sequenced reads in both eggs and J2 juveniles (miR1, miR124, miR2-3p, miR252, miR279, miR57-5p, miR7904, miR87, and miR92). Three miRNAs were only expressed in eggs (miR4738, miRN3, and miRN5). These differentially expressed miRNAs may control RKN development by regulating specific protein-coding genes in pathways associated with RKN growth and development.

MiR-1-3p Inhibits Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Tumorigenesis via Targeting Protein Regulator of Cytokinesis 1

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most lethal malignancies, posing a threat to human health. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LUAD development remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-1-3p was significantly downregulated in human LUAD tissues and cell lines and played an inhibitory role in LUAD cell tumorigenesis, as evidenced by the significantly reduced viability, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells in response to miR-1-3p overexpression. Mechanistically, microRNA (miR)-1-3p physically interacted with the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) mRNA, leading to downregulation of PRC1. Overexpression of PRC1 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-1-3p on LUAD cell tumorigenesis, suggesting that the miR-1-3p/PRC1 axis is majorly involved in suppressing LUAD development and progression. Consistently, PRC1 was dramatically induced in LUAD tissues and cell lines as well as associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Taken together, our study identified the miR-1-3p/PRC1 axis as an important regulatory mechanism contributing to LUAD inhibition and provided valuable clues for the future development of therapeutic strategies against LUAD.