Regulatory functions of miR‑200b‑3p in tumor development (Review)

Exosomal delivery of miR-200b-3p suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting ERG- and VEGF-mediated angiogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options. Recent discoveries have highlighted the pivotal role of miRNAs in HCC progression. We previously reported that the expression of miR-200b-3p was decreased in HCC cells and exosomal miR-200b-3p from hepatocytes inhibited angiogenesis by suppressing the expression of the endothelial transcription factor ERG (erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS)-related gene), leading to the hypothesis that the delivery of this miRNA may inhibit angiogenesis and suppress HCC growth in vivo. Here, we tested this hypothesis by using human HCC inoculation models. First, we transfected the human HepG2 HCC cells and established a stable cell line that overexpressed a high level of miR-200b-3p. When miR-200b-3p-overexpressing cells were injected into severe combined immunedeficiency (SCID)-beige mice, tumor growth was significantly reduced compared to tumors of control cells, with a reduction in the expression of ERG and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and subsequent angiogenesis. Intra-tumoral injection of exosomes containing high levels of miR-200b-3p also reduced the growth of parental HepG2 tumors with reduced ERG and VEGF expression and angiogenesis. These results validate the inhibitory role of miR-200b-3p in tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing HCC tumor growth, and provide a novel insight into its potential therapeutic application.

Integration of miRNA expression analysis of purified leukocytes and whole blood reveals blood-borne candidate biomarkers for lung cancer

Changes in leukocyte populations may confound the disease-associated miRNA signals in the blood of cancer patients. We aimed to develop a method to detect differentially expressed miRNAs from lung cancer whole blood samples that are not influenced by variations in leukocyte proportions. The Ref-miREO method identifies differential miRNAs unaffected by changes in leukocyte populations by comparing the within-sample relative expression orderings (REOs) of miRNAs from healthy leukocyte subtypes and those from lung cancer blood samples. Over 77% of the differential miRNAs observed between lung cancer and healthy blood samples overlapped with those between myeloid-derived and lymphoid-derived leukocytes, suggesting the potential impact of changes in leukocyte populations on miRNA profile. Ref-miREO identified 16 differential miRNAs that target 19 lung adenocarcinoma-related genes previously linked to leukocytes. These miRNAs showed enrichment in cancer-related pathways and demonstrated high potential as diagnostic biomarkers, with the LASSO regression models effectively distinguishing between healthy and lung cancer blood or serum samples (all AUC > 0.85). Additionally, 12 of these miRNAs exhibited significant prognostic correlations. The Ref-miREO method offers valuable candidates for circulating biomarker detection in cancer that are not affected by changes in leukocyte populations.

Differential levels of circulating RNAs prior to endometrial cancer diagnosis

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common female cancers and there is currently no routine screening strategy for early detection. An altered abundance of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and other RNA classes have the potential as early cancer biomarkers. We analyzed circulating RNA levels using small RNA sequencing, targeting RNAs in the size range of 17-47 nucleotides, in EC patients with samples collected prior to diagnosis compared to cancer-free controls. The analysis included 316 cases with samples collected 1-11 years prior to EC diagnosis, and 316 matched controls, both from the Janus Serum Bank cohort in Norway. We identified differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs, isomiRs, and small nuclear RNAs between EC cases and controls. The top EC DA miRNAs were miR-155-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-589-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-543, miR-485-5p, miR-625-p, and miR-671-3p. miR-200b-3p was previously reported to be among one of the top miRNAs with higher abundance in EC cases. We observed 47, 41, and 32 DA miRNAs for EC interacting with BMI, smoking status, and physical activity, respectively, including two miRNAs (miR-223-3p and miR-29b-3p) interacting with all three factors. The circulating RNAs are altered and show temporal dynamics prior to EC diagnosis. Notably, DA miRNAs for EC had the lowest q-value 4.39-6.66 years before diagnosis. Enrichment analysis of miRNAs showed that signaling pathways Fc epsilon RI, prolactin, toll-like receptor, and VEGF had the strongest associations.

miR-200b-3p accelerates progression of pituitary adenomas by negatively regulating expression of RECK

MicroRNA (miR)-200b-3p has been associated with many tumors, but its involvement in pituitary adenoma is unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying miR-200b-3p regulation in pituitary adenomas to provide a theoretical basis for treatment. Bioinformatics was used to analyze pituitary adenoma-related genes and screen new targets related to RECK and miRNA. As well, the relationship between miR-200b-3p and RECK protein was verified using a double-luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of miR-200b-3p in clinical samples was analyzed by in situ hybridization. Transfection of the miR-200b-3p inhibitor and small interfering-RECK (si-RECK) was verified by qPCR. GH3 cell viability and proliferation were detected using CCK8 and EdU assays. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. The effects of miR-200b-3p and RECK on GH3 cells were verified using salvage experiments. miR-200b-3p was highly expressed in pituitary tumor tissue. Inhibitors of miR-200b-3p inhibited cell proliferation promoted cell apoptosis, inhibited invasion and migration, and inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Interestingly, miR-200b-3p negatively regulated RECK. The expression of RECK in pituitary adenoma tissues was lower than that in neighboring tissues. Si-RECK rescued the function of miR-200b-3p inhibitors in the above cellular behaviors, and miR-200b-3p accelerated the development of pituitary adenoma by negatively regulating RECK expression. In summary, this study investigated the molecular mechanism by which miR-200b-3p regulates the progression of pituitary adenoma through the negative regulation of RECK. The findings provide a new target for the treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Noxa inhibits oncogenesis through ZNF519 in gastric cancer and is suppressed by hsa-miR-200b-3p

While Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (Noxa/PMAIP1) assumes a pivotal role in numerous tumors, its clinical implications and underlying mechanisms of gastric cancer (GC) are yet enigmatic. In this investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the clinical relevance and potential mechanisms of Noxa in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted on tissue microarrays comprising samples from a meticulously characterized cohort of 84 gastric cancer patients, accompanied by follow-up data, to assess the expression of Noxa. Additionally, Noxa expression levels in gastric cancer clinical samples and cell lines were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The effect of Noxa expression on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival. Further insight into the role of Noxa in driving gastric cancer progression was gained through an array of experimental techniques, including cell viability assays (CCK8), plate cloning assays, transwell assays, scratch assays, and real-time cell analysis (RTCA). Potential upstream microRNAs (miRNAs) that might modulate Noxa were identified through rigorous bioinformatics analysis, substantiated by luciferase reporter assays and Western blot experiments. Additionally, we utilized RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to identify proteins binding to Noxa and potential downstream target. Finally, we utilized BALB/c nude mice to explore the role of Noxa in vivo. Our investigation unveiled a marked downregulation of Noxa expression in gastric cancer and underscored its significance as a pivotal prognostic factor influencing overall survival (OS). Noxa overexpression exerted a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays unveiled the capacity of hsa-miR-200b-3p to interact with the 3'-UTR of Noxa mRNA, thereby orchestrating a downregulation of Noxa expression in vitro, consequently promoting tumor progression in GC. Our transcriptome analysis, coupled with mechanistic validation, elucidated a role for Noxa in modulating the expression of ZNF519 in the Mitophagy-animal pathway. The depletion of ZNF519 effectively reversed the oncogenic attributes induced by Noxa. Upregulation of Noxa expression suppressed the tumorigenesis of GC in vivo. The current investigation sheds light on the pivotal role of the hsa-miR-200b-3p/Noxa/ZNF519 axis in elucidating the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, offering a promising avenue for targeted therapeutic interventions in the management of this challenging malignancy.

A comprehensive integrated gene network construction to explore the essential role of Notch 1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)

The heterogeneous biological landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely attributed to the activation of Notch signalling pathway. Among the Notch family transmembrane proteins, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein1 (NOTCH1) is a putative oncogene in NSCLC which activates the pathway as negative prognostic factor. This study aims to explore integrated network approach in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) especially linked to the notch pathway and its receptors. Our gene set enrichment analysis reveals the key Notch pathway genes are predominantly down regulated in LUAD. There were 675 genes with a total of 6517 functional interactions and 6 densely connected clusters of 38 miRNAs, 84 transcription factors with 156 edges identified through network construction. Here we report five key genes namely NOTCH1, CDH1, ERBB2, GAPDH and COL1A1 significantly enriched in Notch pathway which are further validated through the KM plot, box plots, stage plots and TIMER analysis. In addition, the NOTCH1 receptor is strongly linked to the immune checkpoint inhibitor CD274 (PD-L1) and can be considered as prognostic marker and tumour suppressor gene in LUAD which surely provide the basis for early diagnosis and futuristic immunotherapeutic targets for LUAD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Unraveling the Role of miR-200b-3p in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Its Therapeutic Potential in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children with unknown etiology. Impaired learning ability was commonly reported in ADHD patients and has been associated with dopamine uptake in the striatum of an animal model. Another evidence also indicated that micro-RNA (miR)-200b-3p is associated with learning ability in various animal models. However, the association between miR-200b-3p and ADHD-related symptoms remains unclear. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of miR-200b-3p in ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and striatal inflammatory cytokines. To verify the influence of miR-200b-3p in ADHD-related symptoms, striatal stereotaxic injection of miR-200b-3p antagomir (AT) was performed on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The antioxidant activity and expressions of miR-200b-3p, slit guidance ligand 2 (Slit2), and inflammatory cytokines in the striatum of SHR were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spontaneous alternation of SHR was tested using a three-arm Y-shaped maze. The administration of miR-200b-3p AT or taurine significantly decreased striatal tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in SHR, along with increased super-oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and significantly higher spontaneous alternation. In this paper, we show that miR-200b-3p AT and taurine alleviates ADHD-related symptoms in SHR. These findings provide insights into ADHD's molecular basis and suggest miR-200b-3p as a potential therapeutic target. Concurrently, this study also suggests broad implications for treating neurodevelopmental disorders affecting learning activity such as ADHD.

Does insulin make breast cancer cells resistant to doxorubicin toxicity?

The effects of insulin on the doxorubicin (Dox) sensitivity of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its Dox-resistant counterpart MCF-7/Dox were studied and glucose metabolism, content of essential minerals, and the expression of several microRNAs in these cells upon exposure to insulin and Dox were compared. Cell viability colorimetric assay, colorimetric enzymatic technique, flow cytometry, immunocytochemical techniques, inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used in the study. We found that insulin in high concentration significantly suppressed Dox toxicity, especially in parental MCF-7 cell line. The increase in proliferative activity triggered by insulin in MCF-7 but not MCF-7/Dox cells occurred in the setting of the increased level of specific binding sites for insulin and increased glucose uptake. Insulin treatment of MCF-7 cells in low and high concentrations resulted in the increase of Mg, Ca, and Zn content while in DOX-resistant cells, only Mg content increased upon exposure to insulin. High concentration of insulin increased the expression of kinase Akt1, P-glycoprotein 1 (P-gp1) and DNA excision repair protein ERCC-1 in MCF-7 cells, while in MCF-7/Dox cells, Akt1 expression decreased, and cytoplasmic expression of P-gp1 increased. In addition, insulin treatment affected expression of miR-122-5p, miR-133a-3p, miR-200b-3p, and miR-320a-3p. The decreased manifestation of biological effects of insulin in Dox-resistant cells could be partly explained by the different patterns of energy metabolism in MCF-7 cells and their Dox-resistant counterpart.

The long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via miR200b/ZEB1 axis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor worldwide. CRC is influenced by several types of miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This study aims to evaluate the correlation of lncRNA ZFAS1/ miR200b/ ZEB1 protein with presence of CRC.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure serum expression of lncRNA ZFAS1 and microRNA-200b in 60 CRC patients and 28 control subjects. ZEB1 protein in serum was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Lnc ZFAS1 and ZEB1 were up-regulated in CRC patients in compare to control subjects while miR-200b was down-regulated. There was a linear correlation between ZAFS1 expression and miR-200b and ZEB1 in CRC.

CONCLUSION

ZFAS1 is a key player of CRC progression and could be a potential therapeutic target by sponging miR-200b. In-addition the association between ZFAS1, miR-200b and ZEB1 highlights their potential value as a novel diagnostic biomarker in human CRC.

Microenvironment commits breast tumor ECs to dedifferentiation by micro-RNA-200-b-3p regulation and extracellular matrix remodeling

Introduction: Hypoxia shapes the tumor microenvironment, modulates distinct cell population activities, and activates pathological angiogenesis in cancer, where endothelial cells (ECs) are the most important players. This study aimed to evidence the influences of the tumor microenvironment on the global gene expression pattern characteristic for ECs and the distinct responses displayed by tumor-derived ECs in comparison to the healthy endothelium during endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and its regulation by miR-200-b-3p. Methodology: Immortalized lines of ECs from the same patient with breast cancer, healthy breast tissue (HBH.MEC), and primary tumor (HBCa.MEC) were used. The experiments were performed in normoxia and hypoxia for 48 h. By using the wound healing test, we investigated the migration abilities of ECs. Global gene expression analysis with NGS was carried out to detect new pathways altered in pathological ECs and find the most changed miRNAs. The validation of NGS data from RNA and miRNA was estimated by qPCRs. Mimic miR-200b-3p was used in HBH.MEC, and the targets VEGF, Bcl2, ROCK2, and SP1 were checked. Results: Hypoxia influences EC migration properties in wound healing assays. In hypoxia, healthy ECs migrate slower than they do in normoxia, as opposed to HBCa.MEC, where no decreased migration ability is induced by hypoxia due to EndMT features. NGS data identified this process to be altered in cancer ECs through extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The deregulated genes, validated by qPCR, included SPP1, ITGB6, COL4A4, ADAMST2, LAMA1, GAS6, PECAM1, ELN, FBLN2, COL6A3, and COL9A3. NGS also identified collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and integrins, as being deregulated in tumor-derived ECs. Moreover, the analysis of the 10 most intensively modified miRNAs, when breast tumor-derived ECs were compared to healthy ECs, shed light on miR-200b-3p, which is strongly upregulated in HBCa.MECs when compared to HBH.MECs. Discussion and conclusion: The pathological ECs differed significantly, both phenotypically and functionally, from the normal corresponding tissue, thus influencing their microenvironment cross-talk. The gene expression profile confirms the EndMT phenotype of tumor-derived ECs and migratory properties acquisition. Moreover, it indicates the role of miR-200b-3p, that is, regulating EndMT in pathological ECs and silencing several angiogenic growth factors and their receptors by directly targeting their mRNA transcripts.

MiRNA Profiling and Its Potential Roles in Rapid Growth of Velvet Antler in Gansu Red Deer (Cervus elaphus kansuensis)

A significant variety of cell growth factors are involved in the regulation of antler growth, and the fast proliferation and differentiation of various tissue cells occur during the yearly regeneration of deer antlers. The unique development process of velvet antlers has potential application value in many fields of biomedical research. Among them, the nature of cartilage tissue and the rapid growth and development process make deer antler a model for studying cartilage tissue development or rapid repair of damage. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid growth of antlers are still not well studied. MicroRNAs are ubiquitous in animals and have a wide range of biological functions. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the miRNA expression patterns of antler growth centers at three distinct growth phases, 30, 60, and 90 days following the abscission of the antler base, in order to determine the regulatory function of miRNA on the rapid growth of antlers. Then, we identified the miRNAs that were differentially expressed at various growth stages and annotated the functions of their target genes. The results showed that 4319, 4640, and 4520 miRNAs were found in antler growth centers during the three growth periods. To further identify the essential miRNAs that could regulate fast antler development, five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened, and the functions of their target genes were annotated. The results of KEGG pathway annotation revealed that the target genes of the five DEMs were significantly annotated to the "Wnt signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", "MAPK signaling pathway", and "TGF-β signaling pathway", which were associated with the rapid growth of velvet antlers. Therefore, the five chosen miRNAs, particularly ppy-miR-1, mmu-miR-200b-3p, and novel miR-94, may play crucial roles in rapid antler growth in summer.

miR-200b, ZEB2 and PTPN13 Are Downregulated in Colorectal Carcinoma with Serosal Invasion

Serosal invasion is an independent negative prognostic factor in certain cancers, including CRC. However, the mechanisms behind serosal invasion are poorly understood. We therefore assumed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) might be involved. Our study included 34 patients with CRC, 3 stage pT2, 14 stage pT3 and 17 showing serosal invasion (stage pT4a according to TNM staging system). RNA isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples was analysed for expression of the miR-200 family and their target genes CDKN1B, ONECUT2, PTPN13, RND3, SOX2, TGFB2 and ZEB2 using real-time PCR. We found upregulation of miR-200b and ONECUT2 in CRC pT3 and pT4a compared to normal mucosa, and downregulation of CDKN1B in CRC pT3. Moreover, we observed, downregulation of miR-200b, PTPN13 and ZEB2 in CRC with serosal invasion (pT4a) compared to pT3. Our results suggest the involvement of partial EMT in serosal invasion of CRC. In addition, PTPN13 seems to be one of the important regulators involved in serosal invasion, and ONECUT2 in tumour growth.

Potential of the miR-200 Family as a Target for Developing Anti-Cancer Therapeutics

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18–24 nucleotides) that play significant roles in cell proliferation, development, invasion, cancer development, cancer progression, and anti-cancer drug resistance. miRNAs target multiple genes and play diverse roles. miRNAs can bind to the 3′UTR of target genes and inhibit translation or promote the degradation of target genes. miR-200 family miRNAs mostly act as tumor suppressors and are commonly decreased in cancer. The miR-200 family has been reported as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker. This review discusses the clinical value of the miR-200 family, focusing on the role of the miR-200 family in the development of cancer and anti-cancer drug resistance. This review also provides an overview of the factors that regulate the expression of the miR-200 family, targets of miR-200 family miRNAs, and the mechanism of anti-cancer drug resistance regulated by the miR-200 family.

miR 31-3p Has the Highest Expression in Cesarean Scar Endometriosis

Micro-RNAs expression can vary between different forms of endometriosis, but data on miRNA expression in cesarean scar endometriosis is lacking. The present study is comprised of 30 patients with endometriosis in the cesarean scar (scar endometriosis, SE), 14 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), 47 patients with endometrioma (ovarian endometrial cyst, OE), and 33 patients with healthy ovarian tissue as the control group (CG). In the initial experiment to identify possible dysregulated miRNAs, the levels of 754 miRNAs in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) samples from OE, high-grade ovarian cancer, endometrioid ovarian cancer, and CG were measured. We identified seven potentially dysregulated miRNAs: miR-1-3p, miR-31-3p, miR-125b-1-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-548d, miR-502, and miR-503. We then examined the expression profiles of each of these miRNAs individually in the SE, DIE, OE, and CG FFPE samples using RT-qPCR. miR-31-3p had significantly higher levels of expression and miR-125b-1-3p had significantly lower levels of expression in SE compared to the controls. Overall, the higher expression levels of miR-31-3p and the lower expression levels of miR-125b-1-3p are consistent with the benign nature of SE. Importantly, the results of the present study demonstrate the possibility of using miRNA to monitor the risk of malignant transformation of endometriosis tissue.