MicroRNA-143 inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis and sensitizes chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin in colorectal cancers

Are micro-RNA 21 and 143 indicative as prognostic biomarkers in dedifferentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma?

AIM

Dedifferentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma (DEAC) is a rare, aggressive subtype, accounting for 2% of all endometrial cancers. Poor survival in DEAC prompts the need for effective treatment modalities through better prognostic classification. MicroRNAs (miRNA) have essential roles in tumor angiogenesis, which might enable their use as novel biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship between the expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-143, which are associated with angiogenesis, and the prognosis of DEAC.

METHOD

The study included six cases diagnosed with DEAC. The expression levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-143 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Microvascular density (MVD) was measured by CD34 staining. All data and effects on survival were compared for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Six cases diagnosed with DEAC were included in the study. The percentage of undifferentiated components ranged from 50 to 90%. The second component of differentiated carcinoma was detected as endometrioid (3/5 grade I, 1/5 grade II, 1/5 grade III) in five cases and serous in one case. The mean MVD was 27 (range 17-44, SD 9.4). In three cases, miRNA-21 expression was down-regulated in neoplastic areas compared to non-neoplastic areas. On the contrary, it was found to be up-regulated in the remaining three cases. MiRNA-143 expression decreased in four cases and increased in two cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, we found a significant irregular expression of miRNA-21 in DEACs. As in other cancers, angiogenesis is significantly associated with survival in DEACs. This study provides initial data for revealing possible implications of miRNAs as prognostic indicators in DEAC.

Non-coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets for receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in solid tumors: current status and future directions

This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of research on receptor tyrosine kinase regulatory non-coding RNAs (RTK-RNAs) in solid tumors. RTK-RNAs belong to a class of non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs) responsible for regulating the expression and activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which play a critical role in cancer development and progression. The article explores the molecular mechanisms through which RTK-RNAs modulate RTK signaling pathways and highlights recent advancements in the field. This include the identification of potential new RTK-RNAs and development of therapeutic strategies targeting RTK-RNAs. While the review discusses promising results from a variety of studies, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and limitations associated with targeting RTK-RNAs for therapeutic applications. Further studies involving various cancer cell lines, animal models, and ultimately, patients are necessary to validate the efficacy of targeting RTK-RNAs. The specificity of ncRNAs in targeting cellular pathways grants them tremendous potential, but careful consideration is required to minimize off-target effects, the article additionally discusses the potential clinical applications of RTK-RNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In essence, by providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of RTK-RNAs in solid tumors, this review emphasizes their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer while acknowledging the associated challenges and limitations.

Role of Angiogenesis and Its Biomarkers in Development of Targeted Tumor Therapies

Angiogenesis plays a significant role in the human body, from wound healing to tumor progression. "Angiogenic switch" indicates a time-restricted event where the imbalance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors results in the transition from prevascular hyperplasia to outgrowing vascularized tumor, which eventually leads to the malignant cancer progression. In the last decade, molecular players, i.e., angiogenic biomarkers and underlying molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, have been intensely investigated. Disrupting the initiation and halting the progression of angiogenesis by targeting these biomarkers and molecular pathways has been considered as a potential treatment approach for tumor angiogenesis. This review discusses the currently known biomarkers and available antiangiogenic therapies in cancer, i.e., monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, small molecular inhibitors, miRNAs, siRNAs, angiostatin, endostatin, and melatonin analogues, either approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or currently under clinical and preclinical investigations.

microRNA-Based Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by impeding mRNA translation or stability [...].

Human milk miRNAs associate to maternal dietary nutrients, milk microbiota, infant gut microbiota and growth

BACKGROUND

Maternal diet influences the milk composition, yet little information is available on the impact of maternal diet on milk miRNAs expression. Further, the association of human milk miRNAs to maternal diet and milk microbiota is not explored. In addition, the role of milk miRNAs on the infant gut microbiota, infant growth and development has not been investigated.

METHODS

Milk samples were collected from 60 healthy lactating women at ≤15d post-partum, HTG transcriptome assay was performed to examine milk miRNA profile. Maternal clinical and dietary clusters information were available and infant anthropometric measures were followed up to one year of age. Milk and infant microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and integrative multi-omics data analysis was performed to identify potential association between microRNA, maternal dietary nutrients and microbiota.

RESULTS

Discriminant analysis revealed that the milk miRNAs were clustered into groups according to the maternal protein source. Interestingly, 31 miRNAs were differentially expressed (P adj < 0.05) between maternal dietary clusters (Cluster 1: enriched in plant protein and fibers and Cluster 2: enriched in animal protein), with 30 miRNAs downregulated in the plant protein group relative to animal protein group. Pathway analysis revealed that the top enriched pathways (P adj < 0.01) were involved in cell growth and proliferation processes. Furthermore, significant features contributing to the clustering were associated with maternal dietary nutrients and milk microbiota (r > 0.70). Further, miR-378 and 320 family miRNAs involved in adipogenesis were positively correlated to the infant BMI-z-scores, weight, and weight for length-z-scores at 6 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal dietary source impacts the milk miRNA expression profile. Further, miRNAs were associated with maternal dietary nutrients, milk microbiota and to the infant gut microbiota and infant growth and development.

CLINICAL TRIAL

The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. The identification number is NCT03552939.

P53‑microRNA interactions regulate the response of colorectal tumor cells to oxaliplatin under normoxic and hypoxic conditions

Oxaliplatin (OXA)‑containing regimens are used as first‑line chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, OXA resistance remains a major challenge in CRC treatment. CRC cells that adapt to hypoxia can potentially develop OXA resistance, and the underlying molecular mechanisms still need to be further investigated. In the current study, the OXA drug sensitivity of two CRC cell lines, HCT116 (TP53WT) and HT29 (TP53MT), was compared under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. It was found that under normoxic condition, HCT116 cells showed significantly higher OXA sensitivity than HT29 cells. However, both cell lines showed remarkable OXA resistance under hypoxic conditions. It was also revealed that P53 levels were increased after OXA and hypoxia treatment in HCT116 cells but not in HT29 cells. Notably, knocking down P53WT decreased normoxic but increased hypoxic OXA sensitivity in HCT116 cells, which did not exist in HT29 cells. Molecular analysis indicated that P53WT activated microRNA (miR)‑26a and miR‑34a in OXA treatment and activated miR‑23a in hypoxia treatment. Cell proliferation experiments indicated that a high level of miR‑23a decreased OXA sensitivity and that a high level of miR‑26a or miR‑34a increased OXA sensitivity in HCT116 cells. Additionally, it was demonstrated that miR‑26a, miR‑34a and miR‑23a affect cell apoptosis through regulation of MCL‑1, EZH2, BCL‑2, SMAD 4 and STAT3. Taken together, the present findings revealed the dual function of P53 in regulating cellular chemo‑sensitivity and highlighted the role of P53‑miR interactions in the response of CRC cells to OXA chemotherapy under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

TGM2, HMGA2, FXYD3, and LGALS4 genes as biomarkers in acquired oxaliplatin resistance of human colorectal cancer: A systems biology approach

Acquired resistance to oxaliplatin is considered as the primary reason for failure in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Identifying the underlying resistance mechanisms may improve CRC treatment. The present study aims to identify the key genes involved in acquired oxaliplatin-resistant in CRC by confirming the oxaliplatin resistance index (OX-RI). To this aim, two public microarray datasets regarding oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells with different OX-RI, GSE42387, and GSE76092 were downloaded from GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results indicated that the OX-RI affects the gene expression pattern significantly. Then, 54 common DEGs in both datasets including 18 up- and 36 down-regulated genes were identified. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed 13 up- (MAGEA6, TGM2, MAGEA4, SCHIP1, ECI2, CD33, AKAP12, MAGEA12, CALD1, WFDC2, VSNL1, HMGA2, and MAGEA2B) and 12 down-regulated (PDZK1IP1, FXYD3, ALDH2, CEACAM6, QPRT, GRB10, TM4SF4, LGALS4, ALDH3A1, USH1C, KCNE3, and CA12) hub genes. In the next step, two novel up-regulated hub genes including ECI2 and SCHIP1 were identified to be related to oxaliplatin resistance. Functional enrichment and pathway analysis indicated that metabolic pathways, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition may play dominant roles in CRC progression and oxaliplatin resistance. In the next procedure, two in vitro oxaliplatin-resistant sub-lines including HCT116/OX-R4.3 and HCT116/OX-R10 cells with OX-IR 3.93 and 10.06 were established, respectively. The results indicated the up-regulation of TGM2 and HMGA2 in HCT116/OX-R10 cells with high OX-RI and down-regulation of FXYD3, LGALS4, and ECI2 in both cell types. Based on the results, TGM2, HMGA2, FXYD3, and LGALS4 genes are related to oxaliplatin-resistant CRC and may serve as novel therapeutic targets.

Unraveling Therapeutic Opportunities and the Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs for Human Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in treatment options, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients remains low, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer due to their crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For example, miR-34a and miR-150, once delivered to lung cancer via liposomes or nanoparticles, can inhibit tumor growth by downregulating critical cancer promoting genes. Conversely, miR-21 and miR-155, frequently overexpressed in lung cancer, are associated with increased cell proliferation, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles of miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis, especially those induced by exposure to environmental pollutants, namely, arsenic and benzopyrene, which account for up to 1/10 of lung cancer cases. We then discuss the recent advances in miRNA-based cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Such information will provide new insights into lung cancer pathogenesis and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities based on miRNAs.

New advances in the research of clinical treatment and novel anticancer agents in tumor angiogenesis

In 1971, Folkman proposed that tumors could be limited to very small sizes by blocking angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, considered to be one of the important processes in tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various factors and involves many secreted factors and signaling pathways. Angiogenesis is important in the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor during tumor development. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis has become an important strategy in the clinical management of many solid tumors. Combination therapies of angiogenesis inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in clinical practice. In this article, we will review common targets against angiogenesis, the most common and up-to-date anti-angiogenic drugs and clinical treatments in recent years, including active ingredients from chemical and herbal medicines.

Hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through sponging miR-665 and regulating E2F3 expression

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and development of various cancers. This study explored the potential contribution of hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Functional roles of hsa_circ_0081069 were examined by shRNA-mediated silencing using CCK-8 proliferation assay, Transwell migration and invasion assay, tube formation assay. The tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC cells were assess in a xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0081069 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0081069 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in CRC cells, as well as the angiogenesis. Silencing hsa_circ_0081069 also impaired the tumorigenesis of CRC cells in a xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, miR-665 was identified as an interacting partner of hsa_circ_0081069, which was negatively regulated by hsa_circ_0081069. miR-665 targeted the mRNA of E2F3 to suppress its expression. We further demonsatred that miR-665/E2F3 axis mediated the functional role of hsa_circ_0081069 in regulating the malignant phenotype of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our study suggests that hsa_circ_0081069 could serve as a prognostic marker in progression of CRC. Targeting hsa_circ_0081069 and miR-665/E2F3 axis could serve as potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.

The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer

Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary.

MicroRNA Methylome Signature and Their Functional Roles in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Chemoresistance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in the diagnostic services and patient care, several gaps remain to be addressed, from early detection, to identifying prognostic variables, effective treatment for the metastatic disease, and the implementation of tailored treatment strategies. MicroRNAs, the short non-coding RNA species, are deregulated in CRC and play a significant role in the occurrence and progression. Nevertheless, microRNA research has historically been based on expression levels to determine its biological significance. The exact mechanism underpinning microRNA deregulation in cancer has yet to be elucidated, but several studies have demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the regulation of microRNA expression, particularly DNA methylation. However, the methylation profiles of microRNAs remain unknown in CRC patients. Methylation is the next major paradigm shift in cancer detection since large-scale epigenetic alterations are potentially better in identifying and classifying cancers at an earlier stage than somatic mutations. This review aims to provide insight into the current state of understanding of microRNA methylation in CRC. The new knowledge from this study can be utilized for personalized health diagnostics, disease prediction, and monitoring of treatment.

MicroRNA-766-3p-mediated downregulation of HNF4G inhibits proliferation in colorectal cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a class of transcription factors that play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, but their function in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Here, we investigate the role NRs play in CRC pathogenesis. We found that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 gamma (HNF4G; NR2A2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4A; NR2A1), and retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (RORC; NR1F3) were significantly upregulated in CRC tissues analyzed by GEPIA bioinformatics tool. The expression of HNF4G was examined in CRC samples and cell lines by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Increased expression of HNF4G was strongly associated with high tumor-node-metastasis stage and poor prognosis. Moreover, overexpression of HNF4G significantly promoted the proliferation of CRC cells in vitro. Next, we found that HNF4G promoted CRC proliferation via the PI3K/AKT pathway through targeting of GNG12 and PTK2. In addition, HNF4G was verified as a direct target of microRNA-766-3p (miR-766-3p). miR-766-3p inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells by targeting HNF4G in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study indicates that miR-766-3p reduces the proliferation of CRC cells by targeting HNF4G expression and thus inhibits the PI3K/AKT pathway. Therefore, development of therapies which target the miR-766-3p/HNF4G axis may aid in the treatment of CRC.

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.

Angioregulatory role of miRNAs and exosomal miRNAs in glioblastoma pathogenesis

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive cancer of the central nervous system, occurring in the brain or spinal cord. Many factors such as angiogenesis are associated with GB development. Angiogenesis is a procedure by which the pre-existing blood vessels create new vessels that play an essential role in health and disease, including tumors. Also, angiogenesis is one of the significant factors thought to be responsible for treatment resistance in many tumors, including GB. Hence, an improved understanding of the molecular processes underlying GB angiogenesis will pave the way for developing potential new treatments. Recently, it has been found that microRNAs (miRNAs) and exosomal miRNAs have a crucial role in inducing or inhibiting the angiogenesis process in GB development. A better knowledge of the miRNA's regulation pathway in the angiogenesis process in cancer offers unique mechanistic insight into the mechanism of tumor-associated neovascularization. Because of advancements in miRNA characterization and delivery methods, miRNAs can also be employed in clinical settings as potential biomarkers for anti-angiogenic treatment response as well as therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis. The recent finding and insights about miRNAs' angioregulatory role and exosomal miRNAs in GB are provided throughout the review. Also, we discuss the new concept of miRNAs-based therapies for GB in the future.

The role of non-coding RNAs in chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal, gastric, hepatic, esophageal, and pancreatic tumors, are responsible for large numbers of deaths around the world. Chemotherapy is the most common approach used to treat advanced GI cancer. However, chemoresistance has emerged as a critical challenge that prevents successful tumor elimination, leading to metastasis and recurrence. Chemoresistance mechanisms are complex, and many factors and pathways are involved. Among these factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of GI tumor development and subsequently can induce resistance to chemotherapy. This occurs because ncRNAs can target multiple signaling pathways, affect downstream genes, and modulate proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell migration, and autophagy. ncRNAs can also induce cancer stem cell features and affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, ncRNAs could possibly act as new targets in chemotherapy combinations to treat GI cancer and to predict treatment response.

Circ-ACAP2 facilitates the progression of colorectal cancer through mediating miR-143-3p/FZD4 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we explored the role of circRNA ArfGAP with coiled-coil, ankyrin repeat and PH domains 2 (circ-ACAP2) in the progression and radioresistance of CRC.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot assay were used to detect RNA and protein expression, respectively. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and radioresistance of CRC cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, transwell migration assay, transwell invasion assay and colony formation assay. The target interaction between microRNA-143-3p (miR-143-3p) and circ-ACAP2 or frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Murine xenograft model was established to explore the role of circ-ACAP2 in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of circ-ACAP2 was prominently enhanced in CRC tissues and cell lines. Circ-ACAP2 facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion and radioresistance whereas inhibited the apoptosis of CRC cells. MiR-143-3p was a direct target of circ-ACAP2 in CRC cells. Circ-ACAP2 promoted the progression and radioresistance of CRC partly by sponging miR-143-3p. MiR-143-3p interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of FZD4 in CRC cells, and FZD4 overexpression partly reversed miR-143-3p-mediated effects in CRC cells. Wnt/β-catenin signalling was modulated by circ-ACAP2/miR-143-3p/FZD4 axis in CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

Circ-ACAP2 contributed to the development and radioresistance of CRC partly through targeting miR-143-3p/FZD4 axis, which provided novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CRC.

miR-7, miR-10a and miR-143 Expression May Predict Response to Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor A. It is currently used in combination with chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. This therapy is not equally effective in every patient; in some, mechanisms of resistance arise that remain poorly understood. The aim of the present work was to determine whether the expression of 26 miRNAs could be associated with the effectiveness of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, with progression-free survival (PFS), and with overall survival (OS) in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

Paraffin-embedded biopsies from 76 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were collected to isolate miRNAs. The expression of 26 miRNAs was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. For the purpose of analysis, patients were classified as either “responders” (PFS ≥6 months since beginning treatment) or “non-responders” (PFS <6 months). For the analysis of PFS and OS, patients were classified into two groups using the median gene expression value as the cut-off point (“high” [≥50% percentile] or “low” [<50% percentile]). Time-to-event data were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared by the log rank test. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

miR-7-5p and miR-10a-5p were more strongly expressed in non-responders than responders (p=0.049 and p=0.043, respectively), and OS was poorer in patients showing these higher expression levels (HR=2.54, 95% CI 1.42–4.55, p=0. 001, and HR=1.81, 95% CI 1.02–3.20, p=0.039, respectively). The overexpression of miR-143-3p, however, was associated with a better prognosis and significantly better PFS (HR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.33–0.96; p=0.033).

Conclusion

High expression values for miR-7-5p and miR-10a-5p might be considered markers of a poorer prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, while the same for miR-143-3p might be a marker of better outcomes.

Long Noncoding RNA OR7E156P/miR-143/HIF1A Axis Modulates the Malignant Behaviors of Glioma Cell and Tumor Growth in Mice

Gliomas are characterized by high incidence, recurrence and mortality all of which are significant challenges to efficacious clinical treatment. The hypoxic microenvironment in the inner core and intermediate layer of the tumor mass of gliomas is a critical contributor to glioma pathogenesis. In this study, we identified an upregulated lncRNA, OR7E156P, in glioma was identified. The silencing of OR7E156P inhibited cell invasion and DNA synthesis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. OR7E156P was intricately linked to the HIF1A pathway. Hypoxia could induce OR7E156P expression, whereas OR7E156P silencing decreased HIF1A protein levels under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia promoted glioma cell invasion and DNA synthesis, and HUVEC tube formation, whereas OR7E156P silencing partially reversed the cellular effects of hypoxia. HIF1A overexpression promoted, whereas OR7E156P silencing inhibited tumor growth; the inhibitory effects of OR7E156P silencing on tumor growth were partially reversed by HIF1A overexpression. miR-143 directly targeted OR7E156P and HIF1A, respectively. miR-143 inhibition increased HIF1A protein levels, promoted glioma cell invasion and DNA synthesis. Moreover, they enhanced HUVEC tube formation, whereas OR7E156P silencing partially reversed the cellular effects of miR-143 inhibition. HIF1A targeted the promoter region of miR-143 and inhibited miR-143 expression. Altogether a regulatory axis consisting of OR7E156P, miR-143, and HIF1A, was identified which is deregulated in glioma, and the process of the OR7E156P/miR-143/HIF1A axis modulating glioma cell invasion through ZEB1 and HUVEC tube formation through VEGF was demonstrated.

Dysregulation of microRNAs in metal-induced angiogenesis and carcinogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate cancer initiation, development, angiogenesis, and therapeutic resistance. Metal exposure widely occurs through air, water, soil, food, and industrial contaminants. Hundreds of millions of people may have metal exposure associated with toxicity, serious health problems, and cancer occurrence. Metal exposure is found to induce oxidative stress, DNA damage and repair, and activation of multiple signaling pathways. However, molecular mechanisms of metal-induced carcinogenesis remain to be elucidated. Recent studies demonstrated that the exposure of metals such as arsenic, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and nickel caused dysregulation of microRNAs that are implicated to play an important role in cell transformation, tumor growth and angiogenesis. This review focuses on the recent studies that show metal-induced miRNA dysregulation and underlined mechanisms in cell malignant transformation, angiogenesis and tumor growth.

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.

MicroRNAs and angiogenesis: a new era for the management of colorectal cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA molecules containing only 20–22 nucleotides. MiRNAs play a role in gene silencing and translation suppression by targeting and binding to mRNA. Proper control of miRNA expression is very important for maintaining a normal physiological environment because miRNAs can affect most cellular pathways, including cell cycle checkpoint, cell proliferation, and apoptosis pathways, and have a wide range of target genes. With these properties, miRNAs can modulate multiple signalling pathways involved in cancer development, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration pathways. MiRNAs that activate or inhibit the molecular pathway related to tumour angiogenesis are common topics of research. Angiogenesis promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis by providing oxygen and diffusible nutrients and releasing proangiogenic factors and is one of the hallmarks of tumour progression. CRC is one of the most common tumours, and metastasis has always been a difficult issue in its treatment. Although comprehensive treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, have prolonged the survival of CRC patients, the overall response is not optimistic. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic targets to improve CRC treatment. In a series of recent reports, miRNAs have been shown to bidirectionally regulate angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Many miRNAs can directly act on VEGF or inhibit angiogenesis through other pathways (HIF-1a, PI3K/AKT, etc.), while some miRNAs, specifically many exosomal miRNAs, are capable of promoting CRC angiogenesis. Understanding the mechanism of action of miRNAs in angiogenesis is of great significance for finding new targets for the treatment of tumour angiogenesis. Deciphering the exact role of specific miRNAs in angiogenesis is a challenge due to the high complexity of their actions. Here, we describe the latest advances in the understanding of miRNAs and their corresponding targets that play a role in CRC angiogenesis and discuss possible miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.

The Interplay Between Non-coding RNAs and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Neoplasia

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are polypeptides with similar sequences with insulin. These factors regulate cell growth, development, maturation, and aging via different processes including the interplay with MAPK, Akt, and PI3K. IGF signaling participates in the pathogenesis of neoplasia, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, cerebral ischemic injury, fatty liver disease, and several other conditions. Recent investigations have demonstrated the interplay between non-coding RNAs and IGF signaling. This interplay has fundamental roles in the development of the mentioned disorders. We designed the current study to search the available data about the role of IGF-associated non-coding RNAs in the evolution of neoplasia and other conditions. As novel therapeutic strategies have been designed for modification of IGF signaling, identification of the impact of non-coding RNAs in this pathway is necessary for the prediction of response to these modalities.

Biological Implications and Clinical Potential of Metastasis-Related miRNA in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), ranking as the third commonest cancer, leads to extremely high rates of mortality. Metastasis is the major cause of poor outcome in CRC. When metastasis occurs, 5-year survival rates of patients decrease sharply, and strategies to enhance a patient's lifetime seem limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that are significantly involved in manipulation of CRC malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. To date, accumulating studies have revealed the mechanisms and functions of certain miRNAs in CRC metastasis. However, there is no systematic discussion about the biological implications and clinical potential (diagnostic role, prognostic role, and targeted therapy potential) of metastasis-related miRNAs in CRC. This review mainly summarizes the recent advances of miRNA-mediated metastasis in CRC. We also discuss the clinical values of metastasis-related miRNAs as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in CRC. Moreover, we envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating these findings into clinical applications.

MicroRNA-143 Sensitizes Cervical Cancer Cells to Cisplatin: a Promising Anticancer Combination Therapy

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is commonly used for cervical cancer treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance is considered the main obstacle to the effectiveness of this therapeutic agent. MicroRNAs are illustrated to play a major role in the regulation of cancer cell chemosensitivity. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of miRNA-143 in combination with cisplatin on cervical cancer cells. Then, CaSki cell line with low expression levels of miRNA-143 was selected for functional experiments. The cells were treated with miRNA-143 and cisplatin individually or in combination. The cell viability and apoptosis induction were evaluated by MTT, Annexin V-FITC/PI, and DAPI staining tests. Cell migration was further evaluated by wound healing assay. The effect of miRNA-143 and cisplatin combination on gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR. Furthermore, the combination therapy effect on cell cycle progression and autophagy induction was also evaluated by flow cytometry. Our results showed that miRNA-143 overexpression could increase cisplatin-induced apoptosis and increase the sensitivity of CaSki cells to low doses of this chemotherapeutic agent via modulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes including Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-9. Besides, miRNA-143 and cisplatin were demonstrated to cooperatively increase the cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 and G2-M phases, induce autophagy activation, and via downregulation of vimentin inhibit CaSki cell migration. Moreover, c-Myc as an important regulator of cell growth was downregulated in treatment groups compared to the control. In conclusion, regarding that miRNA-143 could sensitize cervical cancer cells to cisplatin, it may be considered a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this malignancy.

MicroRNA-Based Therapeutics for Drug-Resistant Colorectal Cancer

Although therapeutic approaches for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have improved in the past decades, the problem of drug resistance still persists and acts as a major obstacle for effective therapy. Many studies have shown that drug resistance is related to reduced drug uptake, modification of drug targets, and/or transformation of cell cycle checkpoints. A growing body of evidence indicates that several microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to the drug resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy by regulating the drug resistance-related target genes in CRC. These drug resistance-related miRNAs may be used as promising biomarkers for predicting drug response or as potential therapeutic targets for treating patients with CRC. In this review, we summarized the recent discoveries regarding anti-cancer drug-related miRNAs and their molecular mechanisms in CRC. Furthermore, we discussed the challenges associated with the clinical application of miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of drug-resistant patients and as therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.

MicroRNA-Assisted Hormone Cell Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Resistance

Despite substantial progress in cancer therapy, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, mainly due to the acquisition of resistance and disease recurrence in patients. Growing evidence indicates that deregulation of hormone signaling pathways and their cross-talk with other signaling cascades inside CRC cells may have an impact on therapy resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small conserved non-coding RNAs thatfunction as negative regulators in many gene expression processes. Key studies have identified miRNA alterations in cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview and assessment of miRNAs role in hormone signaling pathways in CRC drug resistance and their potential as future targets for overcoming resistance to treatment.

Non coding RNAs as the critical factors in chemo resistance of bladder tumor cells

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the ninth frequent and 13th leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world which is mainly observed among men. There is a declining mortality rates in developed countries. Although, the majority of BCa patients present Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) tumors, only 30% of patients suffer from muscle invasion and distant metastases. Radical cystoprostatectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy have proven to be efficient in metastatic tumors. However, tumor relapse is observed in a noticeable ratio of patients following the chemotherapeutic treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important factors during tumor progression and chemo resistance which can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BCa.

MAIN BODY

In present review we summarized all of the lncRNAs and miRNAs associated with chemotherapeutic resistance in bladder tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This review paves the way of introducing a prognostic panel of ncRNAs for the BCa patients which can be useful to select a proper drug based on the lncRNA profiles of patients to reduce the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy in such patients.

Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of miRNAs in drug resistance of colorectal cancer

Systemic chemotherapy is identified as a curative approach to prolong the survival time of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although great progress in therapeutic approaches has been achieved during the last decades, drug resistance still extensively persists and serves as a major hurdle to effective anticancer therapy for CRC. The mechanism of multidrug resistance remains unclear. Recently, mounting evidence suggests that a great number of microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to drug resistance in CRC. Certain of these miRNAs may thus be used as promising biomarkers for predicting drug response to chemotherapy or serve as potential targets to develop personalized therapy for patients with CRC. This review mainly summarizes recent advances in miRNAs and the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated chemoresistance in CRC. We also discuss the potential role of drug resistance-related miRNAs as potential biomarkers (diagnostic and prognostic value) and envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating the findings on miRNA-mediated chemoresistance of CRC into clinical applications.

Regulation of MicroRNA-497-Targeting AKT2 Influences Tumor Growth and Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in Lung Cancer

Background

MicroRNA-497 (miR-497) has been implicated in several cancers. Increasing studies demonstrate the role of AKT2 in cancers as an oncogene which is closely associated with tumor aggressiveness by enhancing cancer cell survival, migration and invasion However, miR-497/AKT2 axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of miR-497 and its target gene. The function of miR-497 in lung cancer was investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays (cell proliferation assay, cell migration assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, immunoblotting and tumorigenesis assay). Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-497.

Results

In this study, we found that miR-497 was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues and blood samples of lung cancer patients. To understand the potential mechanism of miR-497 in inhibiting tumor growth, we showed that miR-497 blocked the activation of AKT2 and regulated cell proliferation, cell migration, colony formation and increases chemosensitivity of H1299 cells to cisplatin by inhibiting AKT2. MiR-497 also inhibited tumor growth and suppressed expression of AKT2 at the protein and mRNA levels in mouse xenograft tumors.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings indicated that miR-497 suppresses the tumor growth by targeting AKT2, and the miR-497/AKT2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC intervention.

The significance of microRNA deregulation in colorectal cancer development and the clinical uses as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic agent

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widely recognized and deadly malignancies worldwide. Although death rates have declined over the previous decade, mainly because of enhanced screening or potential treatment alternatives, CRC remains the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with an estimated incidence of over 1 million new cases and approximately 600 000 deaths estimated yearly. Therefore, many scientific efforts are put into the development of new diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of the epigenetics categories, have demonstrated significant roles in carcinogenesis and progression through regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic signaling pathways, and metastasis. Dysregulation of miRNAs expression has been reported in many cancers, including CRC. The expression profile of miRNAs is reproducibly altered in CRC, and their expression patterns are associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes in CRC. Recently, many studies were conducted on the dysregulation of miRNAs as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CRC. Among them, some miRNAs, which include miR-21, miR-34 family, miR-155, miR-224, and miR-378, have been more studied in CRC with more prominent roles in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. In the present review, we summarized the latest information regarding the dysregulated miRNAs in CRC and the advantages of using miRNAs as a biomarker for CRC diagnosis, treatment, and their function in different signaling pathways involved in CRC progression. Moreover, we described the translation of miRNA research to potential therapeutic applications in the management of CRC in clinical settings.

Forced expression of miR-143 and -145 in cardiomyocytes induces cardiomyopathy with a reductive redox shift

BACKGROUND

Animal model studies show that reductive stress is involved in cardiomyopathy and myopathy, but the exact physiological relevance remains unknown. In addition, the microRNAs miR-143 and miR-145 have been shown to be upregulated in cardiac diseases, but the underlying mechanisms associated with these regulators have yet to be explored.

METHODS

We developed transgenic mouse lines expressing exogenous miR-143 and miR-145 under the control of the alpha-myosin heavy chain (αMHC) promoter/enhancer.

RESULTS

The two transgenic lines showed dilated cardiomyopathy-like characteristics and early lethality with markedly increased expression of miR-143. The expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a cardioprotective gene that is a target of miR-143, was strongly suppressed in the transgenic hearts, but the in vitro HK activity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were comparable to those observed in wild-type mice. In addition, transgenic complementation of HK2 expression did not reduce mortality rates. Although HK2 is crucial for the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glycolysis, the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was unexpectedly higher in the hearts of transgenic mice. The expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy subunit (γ-GCSc) and the in vitro activity of glutathione reductase (GR) were also higher, suggesting that the recycling of GSH and its de novo biosynthesis were augmented in transgenic hearts. Furthermore, the expression levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, a rate-limiting enzyme for the PPP) and p62/SQSTM1 (a potent inducer of glycolysis and glutathione production) were elevated, while p62/SQSTM1 was upregulated at the mRNA level rather than as a result of autophagy inhibition. Consistent with this observation, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) were activated, all of which are known to induce p62/SQSTM1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of miR-143 and miR-145 leads to a unique dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype with a reductive redox shift despite marked downregulation of HK2 expression. Reductive stress may be involved in a wider range of cardiomyopathies than previously thought.

miR-143 acts as an inhibitor of migration and proliferation as well as an inducer of apoptosis in melanoma cancer cells in vitro

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancers begins in the melanocyte. Micro-RNAs are small noncoding RNA with 19 to 25 nucleotides in length involves in the regulation of a wide range of biological processes. MicroRNAs are affected by an aberrant epigenetic alteration in the tumors that may lead to their dysregulation and formation of cancer. Recently, dysregulation of numerous microRNAs has been reported in different types of cancer. The present study focused on the role of miR-143 in carcinogenesis of melanoma cancer. Here, we evaluated the expression level of miR-143 in three melanoma cell lines in comparison with the normal human epidermal melanocyte cell line. Then, miR-143 gene plasmid transfected into the WM115 cell line, for having the lowest expression of miR-143. In addition, the effect of miR-143 transfection on mRNA and protein levels of metastasis-related genes was performed along with MTT assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. The results showed that mRNA and protein expression levels of metastasis-related genes including MMP-9, E-cadherin, Vimentin, and CXCR4 have been reduced following transfection of miR-143. Moreover, the results of the scratch test showed that miR-143 re-expression inhibited cell migration. Also, the role of miR-143 in the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation by flow cytometry and MTT was confirmed. As a result, the present study showed that miR-143 was involved in metastatic and apoptotic pathways, suggesting that miR-143 acts as a tumor-suppressor microRNA in melanoma cancer.

HB-EGF Activates the EGFR/HIF-1α Pathway to Induce Proliferation of Arsenic-Transformed Cells and Tumor Growth

Arsenic was recently identified as a pollutant that is a major cause of lung cancer. Since heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) was reported to be a promising therapeutic target for lung cancer, we investigated the role and mechanism of HB-EGF during arsenic-induced carcinogenesis and development of lung cancer. HB-EGF expression were upregulated in As-T cells, lung cancer cell lines, and in most lung cancer tissue samples; and HB-EGF activated the EGFR/p-ERK/HIF-1α pathway and induced VEGF by regulating HIF-1α transcription. HIF-1α transcriptional stimulation by HB-EGF was facilitated by PKM2 and played an important role in HB-EGF's effect on cells. An HB-EGF inhibitor(CRM197, cross-reacting material 197) slowed cell proliferation and inhibited migration of As-T and A549 cells, and inhibited tumor growth. PKM2 also played an important role in the proliferation and migration in As-T cells. The positive staining ratios of EGFR phosphorylation (Y1068) and PKM2 were significantly higher in most cases of lung cancer than in paired normal tumor-adjacent lung tissues; and HB-EGF expression levels strongly correlated with p-EGFR expression levels. Thus, HB-EGF drives arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and lung cancer development via the EGFR/PKM2/HIF-1α pathway.

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.

Proteogenomic biomarkers in colorectal cancers: clinical applications

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading cancers in terms of incidence and mortality, rate requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The discovery of specific CRC biomarkers has caused a paradigm shift in its clinical management.

AREAS COVERED

The aim is to illustrate the possible clinical applications of CRC biomarkers through an updated literature review (from 2015 to 2020) based on the PubMed database. A relationship between cancer localization and genetic profile has been identified. Nowadays, the tumor markers are largely used to select patients that could really benefit from a specific type of adjuvant therapy, in order to optimize treatment programs, especially in metastatic patients. This review highlights both CRC biomarkers' advantages and critical issues.

EXPERT OPINION

New biomarker discoveries allow to set noninvasive tests that could increase patient's compliance with therapy. They also permit a cost-effective early diagnosis, as well as patient-tailored treatments, improving the overall survival. The CRC biomarkers could also have a prognostic value, and usually, they are included in follow-up programs. However, despite the continuous progression of new technologies, their clinical validation is still debated. In this context, additional clinical studies are still necessary to identify, among potential markers, the most effective ones.

MicroRNAs in cancer therapy: Their involvement in oxaliplatin sensitivity/resistance of cancer cells with a focus on colorectal cancer

The resistance of cancer cells into chemotherapy has restricted the efficiency of anti-tumor drugs. Oxaliplatin (OX) being an anti-tumor agent/drug is extensively used in the treatment of various cancer diseases. However, its frequent application has led to chemoresistance. As a consequence, studies have focused in finding underlying molecular pathways involved in OX resistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short endogenous non-coding RNAs that are able to regulate vital biological mechanisms such as cell proliferation and cell growth. The abnormal expression of miRs occurs in pathological events, particularly cancer. In the present review, we describe the involvement of miRs in OX resistance and sensitivity. The miRs are able to induce the oncogene factors and mechanisms, resulting in stimulation OX chemoresistance. Also, onco-suppressor miRs can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and trigger apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, leading to reduced viability and progression of cancer cells. MiRs can also enhance the efficacy of OX chemotherapy. It is worth mentioning that miRs affect various down-stream targets in OX resistance/sensitivity such as STAT3, TGF-β, ATG4B, FOXO1, LATS2, NF-κB and so on. By identification of these miRs and their upstream and down-stream mediators, further studies can focus on targeting them to sensitize cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and induce apoptotic cell death.

Angiogenesis-promoting factors in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common malignant tumors, accounting for about 10% and 9.4% of malignancies in males and females, respectively. The number of patients who die from CRC reaches 700000 each year. In addition, there are about 1.4 million new patients every year. Angiogenesis is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes and is an important pathological marker for many diseases such as tumor, ischemia, atherosclerosis, inflammation, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of CRC. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of tumor-associated angiogenesis, the factors that promote angiogenesis in CRC, and future directions in this field, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for better understanding the role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of CRC.

MiR-153-5p promotes sensibility of colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin via targeting Bcl-2-mediated autophagy pathway

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is one of the effective chemotherapeutic drugs for colorectal cancer (CRC). Further investigation into the molecular mechanism of chemoresistance could improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. Recently, microRNAs have been reported as a key in drug resistance of tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of miR-153-5p in L-OHP-resistant CRC cells, and its underlying mechanism. Downregulation of miR-153-5p was observed in CRC cells, while upregulation of miR-153-5p enhances the chemosensitivity of CRC/L-OHP cells. The autophagy of CRC/L-OHP cells was markedly increased after exposure to L-OHP but abolished by the upregulation of miR-153-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated that Bcl-2 was a direct target of miR-153-5p. In conclusion, our data suggested that miR-153-5p was a mediator of cisplatin resistance in colorectal cancer by affecting Bcl-2-mediated autophagy, indicating a new therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Exosome Derived from Coronary Serum of Patients with Myocardial Infarction Promotes Angiogenesis Through the miRNA-143/IGF-IR Pathway

Purpose

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury primarily causes myocardial infarction (MI), which is manifested by cell death. Angiogenesis is essential for repair and regeneration in cardiac tissue after MI. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of exosomes derived from the serum of MI patients in angiogenesis and its related mechanism.

Patients and Methods

Exosomes, isolated from serum, were collected from MI (MI-exosome) and control (Con-exosome) patients. After coculturing with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, MI-exosome promoted cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation.

Results

The results revealed that the production and release of MI-exosome were associated with cardiomyocytes. Moreover, microarray assays demonstrated that miRNA-143 was significantly decreased in MI-exosome. Meanwhile, the overexpression and knockdown of miRNA-143 could inhibit and enhance angiogenesis, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of exosomal miRNA-143 on angiogenesis was mediated by its targeting gene, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), and was associated with the production of nitric oxide (NO).

Conclusion

Taken together, exosomes derived from the serum of patients with MI promoted angiogenesis through the IGF-IR/NO signaling pathway. The results provide novel understanding of the function of exosomes in MI.

miR-143 inhibits renal cell carcinoma cells metastatic potential by suppressing ABL2

Although micro RNA (miRNA) expression profiles are widely investigated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), their potential roles for affecting RCC initiation and progression remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the aberrant expression profiles of miRNAs inhuman metastatic RCC tissues based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE37989). We further validated them iRNAs expression data in the largest clinical dataset: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). And cell adhesion and migration abilities and epithelial me senchymal transition (EMT) related proteins were assessed in both normal and tumor RCC cell lines. We suggest that hsa-miR-143 is a potential tumor suppressor in RCC as its down regulation positively correlated with adverse prognosis. Biologically, cell adhesion, migration, and EMT were dramatically inhibited by miR-143. Mechanistically, we found that miR-143 targets ABL proto-oncogene 2 (ABL2), which was also found to be an indicator for poor survival in TCGA database. Our results have important implications in understanding functions of miRNAs in metastatic RCC and will provide a basis for further clinical application.

Current and New Predictors for Treatment Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. The Role of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. More than half of all CRC patients will eventually develop metastases and require treatment accordingly, but few validated predictive factors for response to systemic treatments exist. In order to ascertain which patients benefit from specific treatments, there is a strong need for new and reliable biomarkers. We conducted a comprehensive search using the PUBMED database, up to December 2019, in order to identify relevant studies on predictive biomarkers for treatment response in metastatic CRC. We will herein present the currently used and potential biomarkers for treatment response and bring up-to-date knowledge on the role of circulating microRNAs, associated with chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens used in metastatic CRC treatment. Molecular, tumor-related, disease-related, clinical, and laboratory predictive markers for treatment response were identified, mostly proposed, with few validated. Several circulating microRNAs have already proven their role of prediction for treatment response in CRC, but future clinical studies are needed to confirm their role as biomarkers across large cohorts of patients.

MiRNAs as Novel Adipokines: Obesity-Related Circulating MiRNAs Influence Chemosensitivity in Cancer Patients

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ, capable of regulating distant physiological processes in other tissues via the release of adipokines into the bloodstream. Recently, circulating adipose-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as a novel class of adipokine, due to their capacity to regulate gene expression in tissues other than fat. Circulating levels of adipokines are known to be altered in obese individuals compared with typical weight individuals and are linked to poorer health outcomes. For example, obese individuals are known to be more prone to the development of some cancers, and less likely to achieve event-free survival following chemotherapy. The purpose of this review was twofold; first to identify circulating miRNAs which are reproducibly altered in obesity, and secondly to identify mechanisms by which these obesity-linked miRNAs might influence the sensitivity of tumors to treatment. We identified 8 candidate circulating miRNAs with altered levels in obese individuals (6 increased, 2 decreased). A second literature review was then performed to investigate if these candidates might have a role in mediating resistance to cancer treatment. All of the circulating miRNAs identified were capable of mediating responses to cancer treatment at the cellular level, and so this review provides novel insights which can be used by future studies which aim to improve obese patient outcomes.

Angioregulatory microRNAs in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Angiogenesis is a rate-determining step in CRC development and metastasis. The balance of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors is crucial in this process. Angiogenesis-related genes can be regulated post-transcriptionally by microRNAs (miRNAs) and some miRNAs have been shown to shuttle between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). MiRNAs have context-dependent actions and can promote or suppress angiogenesis dependent on the type of cancer. On the one hand, miRNAs downregulate anti-angiogenic targets and lead to angiogenesis induction. Tumor suppressor miRNAs, on the other hand, enhance anti-angiogenic response by targeting pro-angiogenic factors. Understanding the interaction between these miRNAs and their target mRNAs will help to unravel molecular mechanisms involved in CRC progression. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on angioregulatory miRNAs in CRC.

miR-143 expression profiles in urinary bladder cancer: correlation with clinical and epidemiological parameters

Hsa-mir-143 and hsa-let-7c have been reported to be deregulated in multiple neoplasms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of these miRNAs in bladder cancer (BCa) and to analyze the association between their expression profiles and clinical and epidemiological parameters. Ninety BCa specimens were included. Expression patterns of miR-143 and let-7c were assessed by qRT-PCR using Taqman specific probes. Validated and predicted targets of these miRNA's were identified using CSmiRTar and DAVID tools, respectively. miR-143 was downregulated in tumors compared to controls (mean fold-change (FC) = 0.076). Its expression was significantly higher in MIBC compared to NMIBC (p = 0,001). Its value as a potential biomarker discriminating non invasive tumors from the invasive ones was confirmed by ROC curve (AUC = 0.768; p = 0.0001). Also, this down-regulation positively correlates with frequency of tobacco use (p = 0,04) and chronic alcohol consumption (p = 0,04). Let-7c was overexpressed in BCa samples (mean (FC = 9.92) compared to non tumoral ones but was not associated to clinical and epidemiological parameters. A comprehensive overview of miR-143 targets and pathways implicated in BCa initiation, diagnosis or prognosis using bioinformatical analysis, was conducted. While both deregulated miRNAs may contribute to urothelial tumorigenesis, the deregulation of miR-143 was significantly correlated to epidemiological and clinical parameters.

MicroRNAs as potential therapeutic targets to predict responses to oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer: From basic evidence to therapeutic implication

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies with poor prognosis. Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is an important treatment for CRC; however, the cells develop resistance to therapy. The mechanisms underlying oxaliplatin resistance are complex and unclear. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) (i.e., miR-34a, miR-143, miR-153, miR-27a, miR-218, and miR-520) play an essential role in tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance, by targeting various cellular and molecular pathways (i.e., PI3K/Akt/Wnt, EMT, p53, p21, and ATM) that are involved in the pathogenesis of CRC. Identifying the miRNAs that are involved in chemo-resistance, and their function, may help as a potential therapeutic option for treatment of CRC or as potential prognostic biomarker. Here, we summarized the clinical impact of miRNAs that have critical roles in the development of resistance to oxaliplatin in CRC.

Effects of pericytes and colon cancer stem cells in the tumor microenvironment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one type of tumor with the highest frequency and mortality worldwide. Although current treatments increase patient survival, it is important to detect CRC in early stages; however, most CRC, despite responding favorably to treatment, develop resistance and present recurrence, a situation that will inevitably lead to death. In recent years, it has been shown that the main reason for drug resistance is the presence of colon cancer stem cells (CSC). Pericytes are also capable of tumor homing and are important cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to the formation of vessels and promoting metastasis; however, they have not been considered very important as a therapeutic target in cancer. In this review, we highlight the contribution of pericytes and cancer stem cells to some classical hallmarks of cancer, namely, tumor angiogenesis, growth, metastasis, and evasion of immune destruction, and discuss therapies targeting pericytes and cancer stem cells in CRC.

Current Evidence on miRNAs as Potential Theranostic Markers for Detecting Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

BACKGROUND

Findings from observational clinical studies examining the relationship between biomarker expression and theranosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) have been conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise the existing evidence to demonstrate the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chemoresistance and sensitivity in CRC through drug genetic pathways.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed and Science Direct for relevant studies that took place between 2012 and 2017. A random-effects model of meta-analysis was applied to evaluate the pooled effect size of hazard ratios (HRs) across the included studies. Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic were used to detect heterogeneity. A funnel plot was used to assess potential publication bias.

RESULTS

Of the 4700 studies found, 39 studies comprising 2822 patients with CRC met the inclusion criteria. The included studies used one or a combination of 14 chemotherapy drugs, including 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Of the 60 miRNAs, 28 were associated with chemosensitivity, 20 with chemoresistance, and one with differential expression and radiosensitivity; ten miRNAs were not associated with any impact on chemotherapy. The results outline the importance of 34 drug-regulatory pathways of chemoresistance and sensitivity in CRC. The mean effect size was 0.689 (95% confidence interval 0.428-1.110), indicating that the expression of miRNAs decreased the likelihood of death by about 32%.

CONCLUSION

Studies have consistently shown that multiple miRNAs could act as clinical predictors of chemoresistance and sensitivity. An inclusion of supplementary miRNA estimation in CRC routine practice needs to be considered to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy after confirming our findings with large-scale prospective cohort studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017082196.

Mixed Diets Reduce the Oxidative Stress of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio): Based on MicroRNA Sequencing

The rice-fish mode, a mode of ecological aquaculture, has become a popular research topic in recent years. The antioxidant capacity of fish can be affected by the type of diet. Three groups of adult common carp (initial weight 517.8 ± 50 g) were fed earthworm (group A), earthworm + duckweed (group M), and duckweed (group P). The antioxidant capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated by histopathological sectioning, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the miRNA transcriptome profile. The pathological changes in group M were lighter than those in groups C and A. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) significantly increased in group M, and the malondialdehyde content (MDA) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, nine differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were found between groups A and M, and eight DEMs found between groups P and M were identified in the liver of common carp. Five miRNAs were reported to be related to oxidative stress, including miR-137-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-125b-5p. Compared with group M, all five detected miRNAs were upregulated in group A, and four of the detected miRNAs were upregulated in group P. The targets of the five miRNAs were further predicted via functional analysis. Our study confirmed that omnivorous common carp exhibits stronger antioxidant capacity when feeding on both an animal diet and a plant diet.