miR-671-5p Blocks The Progression Of Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma By Suppressing FGFR2

CircMMP11 is a Potential Recurrence Biomarker and Facilitates Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is a deadly tumor with a high mortality rate and unsatisfactory treatment effect. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a new kind of noncoding RNA molecules, were found to play a key role in variety of tumors. This study aimed to explore the participation of hsa_circ_0062558 (circMMP11) in the recurrence of ESCC and its role in ESCC progression. The expression of circMMP11 in tissue specimens and cells was measured using the RT-qPCR method. RNase R treatment assay and Actinomycin D treatment assay verified the stability of circMMP11. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of circMMP11 in predicting postoperative recurrence. The capacities of circMMP11 on cellular behaviors were measured using cell counting kit (CCK-8) and Transwell assays. The circMMP11 expression was raised in ESCC tissues. The circMMP11 in tumor tissues of the recurrence/metastasis group was higher than that in the non-recurrence/metastasis group. ROC curve showed that circMMP11 in tumor tissues could detect the postoperative recurrence/metastasis of the patients with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.838. Silencing circMMP11 led to a reduction in the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of ESCC cells, and miR-671-5p inhibitor partially diminished the inhibitory effects of si-circMMP11. The high circMMP11 expression in postoperative tissues of patients with ESCC is correlated with recurrence and metastasis, and it has potential predictive value for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of patients. Inhibition of circMMP11 repressed ESCC cell behaviors by regulating miR-671-5p, which may be a potential target for early diagnosis of recurrence and treatment of ESCC.

FGFR2 and miR-889-3p expression in oral cancer is associated with cervical lymph node metastasis

OBJECTIVE

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) and miR-889-3p expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumours were compared to normal controls. We then examined the relationship between miR-889-3p, FGFR2 expression and patient clinicopathological features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The interaction of FGFR2 and miR-889-3p was investigated using bioinformatics. Then, OSCC tumour biopsies and normal gingiva were collected and processed for expression analysis of FGFR2-specific mRNA and miR-889-3p using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry evaluated the expression of the FGFR2 protein.

RESULTS

The protein and mRNA expression levels of FGFR2 were significantly greater in tumours when contrasted with controls. Expression of miR-889-3p was significantly lower in OSCC compared to normal tissues. The FGFR2 and miR-889-3p expressions were inversely related (-0.86 and -0.73, respectively) in both cases and controls. Changes in miR-889-3p and FGFR2 expression in tumour tissues were associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM), with ~0.57 and ~3.0 folds of change in positive-LNM patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Decreased expression of miR-889-3p in OSCC tumours suggests that miR-889-3p functions as a tumour suppressor gene. Overexpression of FGFR2 further proves the role of miR-889-3p in the regulation of the FGFR2 pathway. This was further confirmed by showing differences in miR-889-3p expression in positive and negative LNM cases.

UBE2C: A pan-cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarker revealed through bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

The diverse and complex attributes of cancer have made it a daunting challenge to overcome globally and remains to endanger human life. Detection of critical cancer-related gene alterations in solid tumor samples better defines patient diagnosis and prognosis, and indicates what targeted therapies must be administered to improve cancer patients' outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify genes that have aberrant expression across different cancer types, differential expressed genes were detected within the TCGA datasets. Subsequently, the DEGs common to all pan cancers were determined. Furthermore, various methods were employed to gain genetic alterations, co-expression genes network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, pathway enrichment analysis of common genes. Finally, the gene regulatory network was constructed.

RESULTS

Intersectional analysis identified UBE2C as a common DEG between all 28 types of studied cancers. Upregulated UBE2C expression was significantly correlated with OS and DFS of 10 and 9 types of cancer patients. Also, UBE2C can be a diagnostic factor in CESC, CHOL, GBM, and UCS with AUC = 100% and diagnose 19 cancer types with AUC ≥90%. A ceRNA network constructed including UBE2C, 41 TFs, 10 shared miRNAs, and 21 circRNAs and 128 lncRNAs.

CONCLUSION

In summary, UBE2C can be a theranostic gene, which may serve as a reliable biomarker in diagnosing cancers, improving treatment responses and increasing the overall survival of cancer patients and can be a promising gene to be target by cancer drugs in the future.

miR-940 modulates CD47 to suppress biological functions of lung adenocarcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

mir-940 and CD47 play regulatory and immunoregulatory roles in lung cancer. While previous study found that the expression of mir-940 decreased, associated with the increasing of CD47 in lung adenocarcinoma. However, their inherent correlations remain elusive. Herein, this experiment intends to search for the relevant molecular mechanisms regulating the biological function of non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

The cancer and adjacent tissue samples were collected from 20 pairs of newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer patients without applying radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We performed immunohistochemistry containing 45 lung adenocarcinoma tissues to investigate the relationship between the clinicopathological features and CD47 expression. The expressions of mir-940 and CD47 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Lung epithelial and lung adenocarcinoma (A549, H1299, GLC-82, PC-9) cell lines were cultured to detect the expression of mir-940 and CD47 molecules in each cell line. According to the expression situation, 2 cell lines were selected for mimic and siRNA transfection, and the transfection efficiency was also verified by qRT-PCR and western blot. CCK-8, transwell migration, transwell invasion, and colony formation assays were used to detect the changes in biological functions of lung adenocarcinoma cells after transfection, such as enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and cloning. The changes of related protein molecules after transfection were detected by western blot. The dual-luciferase experiment verified the targeting regulation relationship between mir-940 and CD47. Finally, flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle were carried out to detect apoptosis cells and change phase of cell cycle distribution.

RESULTS

CD47 expression was not associated with clinicopathologic factors in lung adenocarcinoma. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and cloning abilities of lung adenocarcinoma cells were weakened after transfection with mir-940 mimic and siRNA-CD47. Overexpression of CD47 could promote proliferation, migration, invasion, cloning abilities, reduce apoptosis rate and attenuate the antitumor effect of mir-940 on lung adenocarcinoma. Dual luciferase experiments confirmed that mir-940 can target CD47 molecules.

CONCLUSION

mir-940 can inhibit the biological function of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting CD47.

CircHDAC9 regulates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via miR-671-5p/SOX4 signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), a harmful process in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, can cause secondary damage to the cardiac tissues. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators in a number of cardiac disorders. However, the role of circHDAC9 in myocardial I/R injury has not been clarified.

METHODS

Human cardiac myocytes (HCMs) were treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and mice were subjected to I/R. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expression of circHDAC9, miR-671-5p, and SOX4, and western blot was used to detect SOX4 protein. The binding relationship among circHDAC9, miR-671-5p, and SOX4 was confirmed by RNA pull-down, luciferase, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The effects of circHDAC9/miR-671-5p/SOX4 axis on the apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated in both myocardial I/R injury models.

RESULTS

The expression of circHDAC9 and SOX4 was noticeably elevated, whereas miR-671-5p expression was downregulated in both myocardial I/R injury models. circHDAC9 knockdown significantly reduced the apoptosis, activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, ROS intensity, MDA activity, and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, but increased the viability and SOD activity in H/R-treated HCMs. Suppression of circHDAC9 dramatically reduced the levels of circHDAC9 and SOX4, while enhanced miR-671-5p expression in H/R-treated HCMs. CircHDAC9 functioned via sponging miR-671-5p to regulate SOX4 expression in vitro. Additionally, silencing of circHDAC9 improved the pathological abnormalities and cardiac dysfunction, and reduced the apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in mice with myocardial I/R injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of circHDAC9 significantly improved myocardial I/R injury by regulating miR-671-5p/SOX4 signaling pathway.

Aloin and CPT-11 combination activates miRNA-133b and downregulates IGF1R- PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways to inhibit colorectal cancer progression

CPT-11 is one of the drugs employed in colorectal cancer treatment and has faced challenges in the form of resistance. The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates cancer cell survival and drug resistance. It is frequently overexpressed in colorectal cancer and has previously been identified as a microRNA target. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene function by suppressing messenger RNA translation. Studies have demonstrated that natural compounds can regulate microRNA function and their target genes. Therefore, combining natural compounds with existing cancer drugs can enhance the therapeutic efficacy. We investigated a natural compound, Aloin, for the potential sensitization of colorectal cancer to CPT-11. We used western blot, MTT cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and microRNA/gene knockdown and overexpression experiments, as well as an in vivo mouse model. Our investigation revealed that combining Aloin with CPT-11 exerts an enhanced anti-tumor effect in colorectal cancer. This combination reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this combination upregulated miRNA-133b, while downregulating the IGF1R and its downstream MEK/ERK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Our findings suggests that CPT-11 and Aloin are potential combination treatment partners against colorectal cancer. MicroRNA-133b may serve as a co-therapeutic target with IGF1R against colorectal cancer, which might overcome the existing treatment limitations.

Exploring the Interplay Between Vitamin B12-related Biomarkers, DNA Methylation, and Gene-Nutrition Interaction in Esophageal Precancerous Lesions

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 depletion has been suggested to be associated with esophageal precancerous lesions (EPL). However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear.

AIMS

This study aims to evaluate the role of vitamin B12 and its regulated epigenetic modification in EPL and provide preliminary information on the identification of potential molecular biomarkers for the early prediction of EPL.

METHODS

We collected information and samples from the Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment Project of Esophageal Cancer database from 200 EPL cases and 200 matched controls. Vitamin B12, one-carbon metabolism biomarkers, genetic polymorphism of TCN2 C776G, and DNA methylation were compared. Preliminarily identified candidate promoters of differentially methylated CpG positions were further verified by targeted bisulfite sequencing.

RESULTS

EPL cases had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin B12 and transcobalamin II, and higher serum levels of homocysteine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate than controls. The TCN2 C776G polymorphism was found to be associated with susceptibility to EPL and may interact with vitamin B12 nutritional status to influence the risk of EPL in male subjects. In addition, global hypomethylation related to vitamin B12 depletion was observed in EPL cases, along with region-specific hypermethylation of UGT2B15 and FGFR2 promoters.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that vitamin B12 depletion may be associated with aberrant DNA methylation and increased risk of EPL through the one-carbon metabolism pathway, presents that the TCN2 C776G polymorphism may interact with vitamin B12 nutritional status to affect EPL risk in males, and also identifies specific locations in the UGT2B15 and FGFR2 promoters with potential as promising molecular biomarkers.

Hyaluronic acid-FGF2-derived peptide bioconjugates for suppression of FGFR2 and AR simultaneously as an acne antagonist

Acne is a chronic skin condition that has serious consequences for mental and social well-being because it frequently occurs on the face. Several acne treatment approaches have commonly been used but have been hampered by side effects or weak activity. Thus, the investigation of the safety and efficacy of anti-acne compounds is of considerable medical importance. Herein, an endogenous peptide (P5) derived from fibroblast growth factors 2 (FGF2) was conjugated to the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) to generate the bioconjugate nanoparticle HA-P5, which suppresses fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) to significantly rehabilitate acne lesions and reduce sebum accumulation in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, our results show that HA-P5 inhibits both fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and androgen receptor (AR) signalling in SZ95 cells, reverses the acne-prone transcriptome, and decreases sebum secretion. Furthermore, the cosuppression mechanism revealed that HA-P5 blocks FGFR2 activation, as well as the YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F3 (YTHDF3) downstream molecules, including an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader that facilitates AR translation. More importantly, a significant difference between HA-P5 and the commercial FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 is that HA-P5 does not trigger the overexpression of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), which blocks acne treatment by catalyzing the synthesis of testosterone. Overall, we demonstrate that a polysaccharide-conjugated and naturally derived oligopeptide HA-P5 can alleviate acne and act as an optimal FGFR2 inhibitor and reveal that YTHDF3 plays a crucial role in signalling between FGFR2 and AR.

CircRNA-PTPRA Knockdown Inhibits Atherosclerosis Progression by Repressing ox-LDL-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury via Sponging of miR-671-5p

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the role of circular RNA protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A (circRNA_PTPRA) in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) injury and its underlying molecular mechanism. The expression of circRNA-PTPRA and microRNA (miR)-671-5p was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The interaction between circRNA-PTPRA and miR-671-5p was predicted using bioinformatic analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Inflammation in HUVECs was analyzed by measuring the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cleaved-caspase-3 expression was assessed using western blotting. The results indicated that circRNA-PTPRA expression was significantly increased and miR-671-5p expression was decreased in the serum of patients with AS and in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. The interaction between circRNA-PTPRA and miR-671-5p was verified by dual luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In HUVECs, downregulation of circRNA-PTPRA reversed ox-LDL-induced reduction in cell viability, increase in apoptosis, and enhanced inflammation, whereas all these effects mediated by circRNA-PTPRA downregulation in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs were abolished by miR-671-5p downregulation. In conclusion, circRNA-PTPRA downregulation protects against ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury by upregulating miR-671-5p, thereby providing potential therapeutic targets for AS.

Uncovering the role of microRNA671-5p/CDCA7L/monoamine oxidase-A signaling in Helicobacter pylori mediated apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium and is associated with gastrointestinal diseases ranging from peptic ulcer and gastritis to gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. In our laboratory, the transcriptomes and miRnomes of AGS cells infected with H. pylori have been profiled, and an miRNA-mRNA network has been constructed. MicroRNA 671-5p is upregulated during H. pylori infection of AGS cells or of mice. In this study, the role of miR-671-5p during infection has been investigated. It has been validated that miR-671-5p targets the transcriptional repressor CDCA7L, which is downregulated during infection (in vitro and in vivo) concomitant with miR-671-5p upregulation. Further, it has been established that the expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is repressed by CDCA7L, and that MAO-A triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, miR-671-5p/CDCA7L signaling is linked to the generation of ROS during H. pylori infection. Finally, it has been demonstrated that ROS-mediated caspase 3 activation and apoptosis that occurs during H. pylori infection, is dependent on the miR-671-5p/CDCA7L/MAO-A axis. Based on the above reports, it is suggested that targeting miR-671-5p could offer a means of regulating the course and consequences of H. pylori infection.

Research progress on the role and mechanism of miR-671 in bone metabolism and bone-related diseases

Bone metabolism consists of bone formation and resorption and maintains a dynamic balance in vivo. When bone homeostasis is broken, it can manifest as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteosarcoma (OS), etc. MiR-671, an important class of non-coding nucleotide sequences in vivo, is regulated by lncRNA and regulates bone metabolism balance by regulating downstream target proteins and activating various signaling pathways. Based on the structure and primary function of miR-671, this paper summarizes the effect and mechanism of miR-671 in bone-related inflammation and cancer diseases, and prospects the application possibility of miR-671, providing reference information for targeted therapy of bone-related disorders.

The Molecular Characterization of Genetic Abnormalities in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma May Foster the Development of Targeted Therapies

Esophageal cancer is among the most common tumors in the world and is associated with poor outcomes, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10-20%. Two main histological subtypes are observed: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), more frequent among Asian populations, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the predominant type in Western populations. The development of molecular analysis techniques has led to the definition of the molecular alterations observed in ESCC, consistently differing from those observed in EAC. The genetic alterations observed are complex and heterogeneous and involve gene mutations, gene deletions and gene amplifications. However, despite the consistent progress in the definition of the molecular basis of ESCC, precision oncology for these patients is still virtually absent. The recent identification of molecular subtypes of ESCC with clinical relevance may foster the development of new therapeutic strategies. It is estimated that about 40% of the genetic alterations observed in ESCC are actionable. Furthermore, the recent introduction of solid tumor immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed that a minority of ESCC patients are responsive, and the administration of ICIs, in combination with standard chemotherapy, significantly improves overall survival over chemotherapy in ESCC patients with advanced disease.

A review on the role of miR-671 in human disorders

miR-671 is encoded by a gene on 7q36.1 and contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of disorders, including diverse types of cancers, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, liver fibrosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, acute myocardial infarction and Crohn's disease. In the context of cancer, different studies have revealed opposite roles for this miRNA. In brief, it has been shown to be down-regulated in pancreatic ductal carcinoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, osteosarcoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and myelodysplastic syndromes. Yet, miR-671 has been up-regulated in glioma, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies in breast, lung and renal cell carcinoma have reported inconsistent results. The current review aims at summarization of the role of miR-671 in these disorders focusing on its target mRNA in each context and dysregulated signaling pathways. We also provide a summary of the role of this miRNA as a prognostic factor in malignancies.

Targeting FGFR2 Positive Gastroesophageal Cancer: Current and Clinical Developments

Despite recent advances in the systemic treatment of gastroesophageal cancers, prognosis remains poor. Comprehensive molecular analyses have characterized the genomic landscape of gastroesophageal cancer that has established therapeutic targets such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) pathway is attractive for targetable therapy with FGFR inhibition based on preclinical data showing a pivotal role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). FGFR2 amplification is the most common FGFR2 gene aberration in gastroesophageal cancer, and most associated with diffuse GC, which is often linked to poorer prognostic outcomes. There has been considerable progress with drug development focused on FGFR inhibition. At present, there is no approved FGFR inhibitor for FGFR2 positive gastroesophageal cancer. A selective FGFR2b monoclonal antibody bemarituzumab is currently being investigated in the first phase III randomized trial for patients with first line advanced GC, which may change the treatment paradigm for FGFR2b positive GC. The role of FGFR signalling, specifically FGFR2, is less established in oesophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) with a paucity of evidence for clinical benefit in these patients. Precision medicine is part of the wider approach in gastrointestinal cancers; however, it can be challenging due to heterogeneity and here circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for patient selection may have future clinical utility. In our review, we outline the FGFR pathway and focus on the developments and challenges of targeting FGFR2 driven gastroesophageal cancers.

Dietary stilbenes as modulators of specific miRNAs in prostate cancer

Accumulated experimental data have suggested that natural plant products may be effective miRNA-modulating chemopreventive and therapeutic agents. Dietary polyphenols such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans, among others, have been intensively studied for their miRNA-mediated cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The aim of this review is to outline known stilbene-regulated miRNAs in cancer, with a special focus on the interplay between various miRNAs and MTA1 signaling in prostate cancer. MTA1 is an epigenetic reader and an oncogenic transcription factor that is overexpressed in advanced prostate cancer and metastasis. Not surprisingly, miRNAs that are linked to MTA1 affect cancer progression and the metastatic potential of cells. Studies led to the identification of MTA1-associated pro-oncogenic miRNAs, which are regulated by stilbenes such as resveratrol and pterostilbene. Specifically, it has been shown that inhibition of the activity of the MTA1 regulated oncogenic miR-17 family of miRNAs, miR-22, and miR-34a by stilbenes leads to inhibition of prostatic hyperplasia and tumor progression in mice and reduction of proliferation, survival and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, these findings implicate the use of resveratrol and its analogs as an attractive miRNA-mediated chemopreventive and therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer and the use of circulating miRNAs as potential predictive biomarkers for clinical development.

Exosomal circ_PTPRA inhibits tumorigenesis and promotes radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer by enriching the level of SMAD4 via competitively binding to miR-671-5p

Accumulating evidence supports that exosomal RNAs are crucial in tumor microenvironment and may be used as diagnostic biomarkers for cancers. This study aimed to determine the role of exosomal circular RNA_protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A (circ_PTPRA) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The morphology of exosomes was identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and several exosome-specific proteins were quantified by western blot. The expression of circ_PTPRA, miR-671-5p and SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Cell cycle was assessed using flow cytometry assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Radiosensitivity was observed according to colony growth and cell apoptosis rate by colony formation assay and flow cytometry assay. The protein levels of proliferation- and apoptosis-related markers and SMAD4 were measured by western blot. The predicted relationship between miR-671-5p and circ_PTPRA or SMAD4 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Animal study was performed to investigate the role of exosomal circ_PTPRA in vivo. Circ_PTPRA expression was declined in serumal exosomes from CRC patients and CRC cell lines. Exosomal circ_PTPRA induced CRC cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation. Besides, exosomal circ_PTPRA promoted radiosensitivity of CRC cells, leading to inhibitory colony formation and increased apoptotic rate. In mechanism, circ_PTPRA functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to increasing SMAD4 level by binding to miR-671-5p. Rescue experiments concluded that circ_PTPRA inhibited CRC growth and radioresistance by decreasing miR-671-5p expression, and miR-671-5p inhibition also inhibited CRC growth and radioresistance by enriching SMAD4 expression. Moreover, exosomal circ_PTPRA blocked tumor growth in vivo. Exosomal circ_PTPRA enhanced CRC cell radiosensitivity and inhibited CRC malignant development partially by regulating the miR-671-5p/SMAD4 pathway, hinting that exosomal circ_PTPRA might be used as a potential predicted and therapeutic target for CRC.

microRNA-671-5p reduces tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer via suppressing HDAC5 and HIF-1α expression

OBJECTIVE

microRNA (miR)-based therapeutic reference has been established and expanded in the treatment of cancers. For this reason, we explored how miR-671-5p regulated tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer (OC) through regulating histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α).

METHODS

miR-671-5p, HDAC5 and HIF-1α expression levels were determined in OC clinical tissues. The OC cell line H8910 was screened and transfected with the vector that altered miR-671-5p, HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels. Finally, the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the transfected H8910 cells were determined and the role of miR-671-5p and HDAC5 in vivo tumor growth was further discussed.

RESULTS

Low miR-671-5p and high HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels were tested in OC tissues. Up-regulating miR-671-5p or down-regulating HDAC5 or HIF-1α suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and augmented apoptosis of H8910 cells while the silenced miR-671-5p or enhanced HDAC5 caused the opposite consequences. Overexpression of HDAC5 reduced while depletion of HDAC5 enhanced the influence of up-regulated miR-671-5p on OC cell growth. In animal models, suppressing miR-671-5p or promoting HDAC5 encouraged OC tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

A summary delineates that miR-671-5p reduces tumorigenicity of OC via suppressing HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels.

MicroRNA‑671‑5p inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion in non‑small cell lung cancer by targeting MFAP3L

MicroRNA (miR)‑671‑5p serves as a tumor suppressor in several types of cancer, including gastric and breast cancer. However, the function of miR‑671‑5p in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been described in detail. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR‑671‑5p in NSCLC. The expression levels of miR‑671‑5p were determined in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Prediction of miR‑671‑5p targets was performed using the TargetScan database and verified by luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis. Functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit‑8, wound healing and Transwell assays, were performed in NSCLC cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that lower expression levels of miR‑671‑5p were observed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines compared with those in the corresponding controls. Low miR‑671‑5p levels were significantly associated with an advanced Tumor‑Node‑Metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis in patients with NSCLC. Microfibril‑associated protein 3‑like (MFAP3L) was confirmed to be a direct target of miR‑671‑5p. The proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of NSCLC cells were suppressed following transfection with miR‑671‑5p mimics and promoted by the miR‑671‑5p inhibitor compared with those in the respective control groups. In addition, the effects of miR‑671‑5p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin and vimentin were reversed by MFAP3L overexpression. In conclusion, targeting the miR‑671‑5p/MFAP3L signaling pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC treatment.

Circ_0000620 acts as an oncogenic factor in gastric cancer through regulating MMP2 expression via sponging miR-671-5p

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the digestive system. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to function as important regulators in the pathogenesis of GC. This study focused on the biological role and molecular mechanism of circ_0000620 in GC progression.

METHODS

The expression levels of circ_0000620, microRNA-671-5p (miR-671-5p) and Matrix MetalloProteinase 2 (MMP2) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay or western blot. The stability of circ_0000620 was confirmed by Ribonuclease R (RNase R) assay. The protein levels were determined by western blot assay. Cell viability, colony formation, cell migratory ability, cell invasive ability and tube formation capacity were respectively examined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay and tube formation assay. The interaction between miR-671-5p and circ_0000620 or MMP2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay. The role of circ_0000620 in GC undefined was explored by xenograft tumor assay.

RESULTS

Circ_0000620 was conspicuously upregulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0000620 knockdown reduced cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion and tube formation capacity of GC cells in vitro. Furthermore, MMP2 was upregulated in GC and MMP2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor response of circ_0000620 knockdown in GC progression. Moreover, circ_0000620 directly interacted with miR-671-5p and circ_0000620 downregulation regulated malignant behaviors of GC cells by upregulating miR-671-5p. In addition, silencing of circ_0000620 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0000620 knockdown inhibited the malignant development of GC partly through modulating the miR-671-5p/MMP2 axis.

[MiR-671-5p negatively regulates SMAD3 to inhibit migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of miR-671-5p in regulating the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteosarcoma were screened in the NCBI online database, and the target proteins of these miRNAs were predicted and their functions were analyzed. Osteosarcoma cells were transfected with a plasmid overexpressing miR-671-5p, and the transfection efficiency was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The changes in the migration and invasion of the transfected cells were examined with Transwell assay, and the expressions of proteins related with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected using Western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether the 3'UTR of SMAD3 contained a targeted binding site of miR-671-5p.

RESULTS

MiR-671-5p was significantly down-regulated in both osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05). The osteosarcoma cells overexpressing miR-671-5p showed significantly reduced migration and invasion abilities (P < 0.05) with obviously lowered expressions of EMT-related proteins (P < 0.05). SMAD3 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the presence of a targeted binding site between miR-671-5p and the 3'UTR of SMAD3 (P < 0.05). In osteosarcoma cells transfected with a SMAD3-overexpressing plasmid (P < 0.05), the high expression of SMAD3 significantly inhibited by miR-671-5p overexpression (P < 0.05). Transwell assay demonstrated that SMAD3 overexpression significantly promoted the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and while miR-671-5p overexpression obviously reversed this effect (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiR-671-5p can inhibit the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells by negatively regulating SMAD3.

Paeoniflorin Suppresses Rheumatoid Arthritis Development via Modulating the Circ-FAM120A/miR-671-5p/MDM4 Axis

Paeoniflorin is an active ingredient derived from Paeonia, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the potential role and basis of paeoniflorin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are indistinct. Cell viability, cycle distribution, migration, and invasion were evaluated via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and transwell assays. The contents of inflammatory cytokines were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA expression levels were determined via qRT-PCR and western blot. The targeting relationship between miR-671-5p and circ-FAM120A (hsa_circ_0003972) or murine double minute 4 (MDM4) was validated via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Paeoniflorin restrained proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation and accelerated cell cycle arrest in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). Circ-FAM120A was boosted in RA synovial tissues and RA-FLSs. Circ-FAM120A upregulation, miR-671-5p knockdown, or MDM4 augmentation reversed the repressive effect of paeoniflorin on RA-FLS progression. Moreover, paeoniflorin attenuated RA-FLS progression by regulating the circ-FAM120A/miR-671-5p/MDM4 axis. Paeoniflorin inhibited RA-FLS proliferation, mobility, and inflammation and triggered cell cycle arrest via mediating the circ-FAM120A/miR-671-5p/MDM4 pathway.

Relationship of expression of heat shock transcription factor 1 with sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The morbidity and mortality of esophageal cancer are extremely high all over the world, and the treatment effect is not good. As the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer is not yet fully understood, this is not conducive to the study of specific therapeutic drugs for esophageal cancer. Heat shock transcription fact 1 (HSF1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. Is HSF1 also closely related to the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)? Will HSF1 become a biological target for the treatment of ESCC? Different patients with advanced ESCC have different sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Studies have shown that in hepatocellular carcinoma, HSF1 can weaken the toxic effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on tumors and reduce the curative effect. Does HSF1 affect the sensitivity of ESCC to radiotherapy and chemotherapy?

AIM

To investigate the expression of HSF1 in ESCC and its effect on the sensitivity of ESCC to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Ninety-two patients were divided into four groups: 20 stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ESCC patients undergoing surgical resection, 18 stage Ⅲ/Ⅱ ESCC patients undergoing surgical resection, and 44 stage Ⅲ/Ⅱ ESCC patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Among the 44 stage Ⅲ/Ⅱ ESCC patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 16 had low HSF1 expression and 28 had high expression. Ten cases of esophageal dysplasia. Ten esophagitis tissues were used as a control group. The expression of HSF1 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry. The changes of non-tumorous lesion size, tumor diameter, and CEA value were compared between the HSF1 low expression group and high expression group before and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy to assess the sensitivity of patients to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Factors that might affect the 3-year survival of ESCC patients were identified, and the 3-year overall survival rate of ESCC patients was calculated.

RESULTS

HSF1 was highly expressed in each ESCC group, but lowly expressed in esophagitis group and esophageal dysplasia group, and there was a significant difference in the expression of HSF1 between each ESCC group and esophagitis group and esophageal dysplasia group (P = 0.001). HSF1 expression was not significantly associated with age, gender, tumor location , tumor size, degree of differentiation, T stage, N stage, or M stage (P > 0.05). In the HSF1 low expression group, the non-tumor lesion was more significantly relieved, the tumor diameter was more significantly reduced, and the CEA value was more significantly decreased after radiotherapy and chemotherapy compared with those in the HSF1 high expression group (P < 0.05). In the ESCC surgical resection group, the 3-year survival period was significantly related to age (P = 0.019), HSF1 expression (P = 0.028), T stage (P = 0.007), and N stage (P = 0.016), but not related to gender, tumor location, tumor diameter, or degree of differentiation (P > 0.05). In stage Ⅲ/Ⅱ ESCC patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the HSF1 low expression group had a significantly higher 3-year overall survival rate than the HSF1 high expression group (P = 0.016). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of the HSF1 low expression group were significantly higher than those of the HSF1 high expression group (P < 0.05). The HSF1 low expression group had a significantly higher 3-year overall survival rate than the HSF1 high expression group (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

HSF1 is highly expressed in ESCC and the higher the HSF1 expression, the worse the prognosis of patients. HSF1 expression is not related to patients' clinical characteristics. In stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ ESCC patients receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the higher the expression of HSF1, the worse the sensitivity of patients to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In ESCC patients undergoing surgical resection and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ ESCC patients receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the 3-year overall survival rate is higher in the HSF1 low expression group than in the HSF1 high expression group.

Development and Characterization of a Novel Peptide-Drug Conjugate with DM1 for Treatment of FGFR2-Positive Tumors

A maytansin derivative, DM1, is a promising therapeutic compound for treating tumors, but is also a highly poisonous substance with various side effects. For clinical expansion, we tried to develop novel peptide–drug conjugates (PDCs) with DM1. In the study, a one-bead one-compound (OBOC) platform was used to screen and identify a novel, highly stable, non-natural amino acid peptide targeting the tyrosine receptor FGFR2. Then, the identified peptide, named LLC2B, was conjugated with the cytotoxin DM1. Our results show that LLC2B has high affinity for the FGFR2 protein according to an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) test. LLC2B-Cy5.5 binding to FGFR2-positive cancer cells was confirmed by fluorescent microscopic imaging and flow cytometry in vitro. Using xenografted nude mouse models established with breast cancer MCF-7 cells and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma KYSE180 cells, respectively, LLC2B-Cy5.5 was observed to specifically target tumor tissues 24 h after tail vein injection. Incubation assays, both in aqueous solution at room temperature and in human plasma at 37 °C, suggested that LLC2B has high stability and strong anti-proteolytic ability. Then, we used two different linkers, one of molecular disulfide bonds and another of a maleimide group, to couple LLC2B to the toxin DM1. The novel peptide–drug conjugates (PDCs) inhibited tumor growth and significantly increased the maximum tolerated dose of DM1 in xenografted mice. In brief, our results suggest that LLC2B–DM1 can be developed into a potential PDC for tumor treatment in the future.

Identification of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and its prognostic effect in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The high morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have posed great threats to human health. Circular RNA (CircRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), have been found to play vital roles in carcinogenesis. However, the biological function of ceRNAs in CRC pathogenesis and prognosis remains largely unexplored.

AIM

To identify the CRC-specific circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and uncover the subnetwork associated with its prognosis.

METHODS

CircRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs differentially expressed (DE) in CRC tissues were selected by expression file analysis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the downstream target molecules of circRNAs and miRNAs were predicted. Then, the intersection of differentially expressed RNA molecules with the predicted targets was determined to obtain a ceRNA network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to elucidate the possible mechanism of pathogenesis. A survival analysis using the gene profiles and clinical information in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was performed to identify the mRNAs associated with the clinical outcome of CRC patients and construct a prognostic subnetwork.

RESULTS

We downloaded three datasets (GSE126095, GSE41655 and GSE41657) of large-scale CRC samples from the GEO database. There were 55 DEcircRNAs, 114 DEmiRNAs and 267 DEmRNAs in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. After intersecting these molecules with predicted targets, 19 circRNAs, 13 miRNAs and 28 mRNAs were chosen to develop a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses indicated that the retinol metabolic process, leukocyte chemotaxis, extracellular matrix remodeling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, alcohol dehydrogenase activity, gastric acid secretion, nitrogen metabolism and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway might participate in the tumorigenesis of CRC. After verifying the identified mRNA effect in the TCGA database, we finally recognized 3 mRNAs (CA2, ITLN1 and LRRC19) that were significantly associated with the overall survival of CRC patients and constructed a ceRNA subnetwork including 5 circRNAs (hsa_circ_0080210, hsa_circ_0007158, hsa_circ_0000375, hsa_circ_0018909 and hsa_circ_0011536) and 3 miRNAs (hsa-miR-601, hsa-miR-671-5p and hsa-miR-765), which could contain innovative and noninvasive indicators for the early screening and prognostic prediction of CRC.

CONCLUSION

We proposed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network closely associated with the progression and clinical outcome of CRC that might include promising biomarkers for carcinogenesis and therapeutic targets.

LINC01207 is up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and promotes disease progression by regulating miR-671-5p/DDX5 axis

LINC01207 is involved in the progression of some cancers. This study was designed to delve into the biological function and mechanism of LINC01207 in gastric cancer. qPCR was adopted to examine the expression levels of LINC01207, miR-671-5p, DDX5 mRNA in gastric cancer tissues and cells. After LINC01207 was overexpressed or depleted, MTT and BrdU assays were conducted to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay was employed to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot was used to detect the expression of DDX5 protein in cells. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to predict and validate the binding site between miR-671-5p and LINC01207 or DDX5. LINC01207, DDX5 mRNA were up-regulated in gastric cancer, while miR-671-5p was down-regulated; high expression of LINC01207 and transfection of miR-671-5p inhibitors facilitated the proliferation of gastric cancer cells; however, knocking down LINC01207 and the overexpression of miR-671-5p mimics had opposite biological effects. LINC01207 and miR-671-5p were interacted and miR-671-5p was negatively regulated by LINC01207. MiR-671-5p could reverse the function of LINC01207. DDX5 was a downstream target of miR-671-5p and was positively modulated by LINC01207. LINC01207 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating miR-671-5p/DDX5 axis.

Circular RNA profiles and the potential involvement of down-expression of hsa_circ_0001360 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinogenesis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as sponges of noncoding RNAs and have been implicated in many pathophysiological processes, including tumor development and progression. However, their roles in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are not yet well understood. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed circRNAs and their potential functions in cutaneous squamous cell carcinogenesis. The expression profiles of circRNAs in three paired cSCC and adjacent nontumorous tissues were detected with RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The candidate circRNAs were validated by PCR, Sanger sequencing and quantitative RT‐PCR in another five matched samples. The biological functions of circRNAs in SCL‐1 cells were assessed using circRNA silencing and overexpression, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium inner salt (MTS), flow cytometry, transwell and colony formation assays. In addition, the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction networks were predicted by bioinformatics. In summary, 1115 circRNAs, including 457 up‐regulated and 658 down‐regulated circRNAs (fold change ≥ 2 and P < 0.05), were differentially expressed in cSCC compared with adjacent nontumorous tissues. Of four selected circRNAs, two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0000932 and hsa_circ_0001360) were confirmed to be significantly decreased in cSCC using PCR, Sanger sequencing and quantitative RT‐PCR. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0001360 silencing was found to result in a significant increase of the proliferation, migration and invasion but a significant decrease of apoptosis in SCL‐1 cells in vitro, whereas hsa_circ_0001360 overexpression showed the opposite regulatory effects. hsa_circ_0001360 was predicted to interact with five miRNAs and their corresponding genes. In conclusion, circRNA dysregulation may play a critical role in carcinogenesis of cSCC, and hsa_circ_0001360 may have potential as a biomarker for cSCC.

Kelch-like protein 14 promotes proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells

Kelch-like protein 14 (KLHL14) belongs to the Kelch gene family, which interacts with TorsinA and is associated with dystonia symptoms. However, the effect of KLHL14 on tumorigenesis remains unclear; thus, we aimed to explore the effects of KLHL14 on ovarian cancer cells. By analyzing information regarding ovarian cancer patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Ovarian Cancer Database, we found that the KLHL14 gene is highly expressed in ovarian cancer, and patients with high KLHL14 expression had lower survival than those with low expression. qRT-PCR and western blot results revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of KLHL14 in ovarian cancer cells were higher in A-2780 cells than in KGN cells. After constructing cell lines with a knocked down KLHL14 gene, we used the MTT assay, flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and transwell assay and found that knockdown of KLHL14 gene inhibited proliferation of A-2780 cells, caused cell G0/G1 phase arrest, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited migration and invasiveness. In addition, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that KLHL14 may promote development of ovarian cancer by regulating signaling pathways such as mTOR, WNT, and TGF-beta. In short, the KLHL14 gene plays an important role in ovarian cancer development and may be a target for ovarian cancer detection and treatment.

MiRNA-671-5p Promotes prostate cancer development and metastasis by targeting NFIA/CRYAB axis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second cause of death due to malignancy among men, and metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with PCa. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important regulatory roles in tumor development and metastasis. Here, we identified 13 miRNAs related to PCa metastasis by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, we found that miR-671-5p was increased in metastatic PCa tissues, and its high expression indicated poor prognosis of PCa. MiR-671-5p could facilitate PCa cells proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and vivo. We confirmed that miR-671-5p directly bound to the 3’ untranslated regions of NFIA mRNA, and NFIA directly bound to the CRYAB promoter. High expression of NFIA and CRYAB negatively correlated with the advanced clinicopathological characteristics and metastasis status of PCa patients. Our study demonstrated that miR-671-5p promoted PCa development and metastasis by suppressing NFIA/ CRYAB axis.

Identification of a Novel Cancer Stemness-Associated ceRNA Axis in Lung Adenocarcinoma via Stemness Indices Analysis

The aim of this study was to identify a novel cancer stemness-related ceRNA regulatory axis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) via weighted gene coexpression network analysis of a stemness index. The RNA sequencing expression profiles of 513 cancer samples and 60 normal samples were obtained from the TCGA database. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified with R software. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using DAVID 6.8. The ceRNA network was constructed via multiple bioinformatics analyses, and the correlations between possible ceRNAs and prognosis were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier plots. WGCNA was then applied to distinguish key genes related to the mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) in LUAD. After combining the weighted gene coexpression and ceRNA networks, a novel ceRNA regulatory axis was identified, and its biological functions were explored in vitro and vivo. In total, 1,825 DElncRNAs, 291 DEmiRNAs, and 3,742 DEmRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DEmRNAs might be associated with LUAD onset and progression. The ceRNA network was constructed with 14 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 52 mRNAs. Kaplan–Meier analysis identified 2 DEmiRNAs, 5 DElncRNAs, and 41 DEmRNAs with remarkable prognostic power. One gene (MFAP4) in the ceRNA network was found to be closely related to mRNAsi by using WGCNA. Functional investigation further confirmed that the C8orf34-as1/miR-671-5p/MFAP4 regulatory axis has important functions in LUAD cell migration and stemness. This study provides a deeper understanding of the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA network and, more importantly, reveals a novel ceRNA regulatory axis, which may provide new insights into novel molecular therapeutic targets for inhibiting LUAD stem characteristics.

miR‑217‑5p regulates myogenesis in skeletal muscle stem cells by targeting FGFR2

MicroRNA-217-5p (miR-217-5p) has been implicated in cell proliferation; however, its role in skeletal muscle stem cells (SkMSCs) remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the roles of miR‑217‑5p in the biological characteristics of SkMSCs. SkMSCs were identified by cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The present study observed that miR‑217‑5p mimics accelerated the proliferation and suppressed the differentiation in SkMSCs. In addition, the results of the present study revealed that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was a target of miR‑217‑5p, as miR‑217‑5p bound directly to the 3'‑untranslated region of FGFR2 mRNA, resulting in increased FGFR2 mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the present study suppressed the expression of FGFR2 in SkMSCs using a selective FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 and detected the efficiency of inhibition by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. miR‑217‑5p levels were positively associated with FGFR2 expression, which was upregulated and accelerated the proliferation of SkMSCs compared with that of the miR‑NC group. Collectively, these results demonstrated that miR‑217‑5p may act as a myogenesis promoter in SkMSCs by directly targeting FGFR2 and may regulate the myogenesis of these cells.

The Transcriptome of Pig Spermatozoa, and Its Role in Fertility

In the study presented here we identified transcriptomic markers for fertility in the cargo of pig ejaculated spermatozoa using porcine-specific micro-arrays (GeneChip^® miRNA 4.0 and GeneChip^® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST). We report (i) the relative abundance of the ssc-miR-1285, miR-16, miR-4332, miR-92a, miR-671-5p, miR-4334-5p, miR-425-5p, miR-191, miR-92b-5p and miR-15b miRNAs, and (ii) the presence of 347 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated RNA transcripts in high-fertility breeding boars, based on differences of farrowing rate (FS) and litter size (LS), relative to low-fertility boars in the (Artificial Insemination) AI program. An overrepresentation analysis of the protein class (PANTHER) identified significant fold-increases for C-C chemokine binding (GO:0019957): CCR7, which activates B- and T-lymphocytes, 8-fold increase), XCR1 and CXCR4 (with ubiquitin as a natural ligand, 1.24-fold increase), cytokine receptor activity (GO:0005126): IL23R receptor of the IL23 protein, associated to JAK2 and STAT3, 3.4-fold increase), the TGF-receptor (PC00035) genes ACVR1C and ACVR2B (12-fold increase). Moreover, two micro-RNAs (miR-221 and mir-621) were down- and up-regulated, respectively, in high-fertility males. In conclusion, boars with different fertility performance possess a wide variety of differentially expressed RNA present in spermatozoa that would be attractive targets as non-invasive molecular markers for predicting fertility.

miR-574-3p inhibits proliferation and invasion in esophageal cancer by targeting FAM3C and MAPK1

Esophageal cancer is considered as one of the leading malignancies. MicroRNA-574-3p (miR-574-3p) was used as a postoperative prognostic indicator in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the underlying mechanism miR-574-3p involvement in esophageal cancer remains unclear. In this study, the expression of miR-574-3p was reduced in esophageal cancer tissues and cells. In vitro, miR-574-3p mimics and inhibitor were transfected into esophageal cancer cells (TE-1 and TE-8 cells) to up- or downregulating of miR-574-3p. miR-574-3p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. In addition, miR-574-3p was confirmed to target family with sequence similarity 3 member C (FAM3C) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1). miR-574-3p suppressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Raf)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling via regulating FAM3C and MAPK1. In vivo, overexpression of miR-574-3p suppressed tumor growth in mice. Our findings indicated that miR-574-3p repressed proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer via regulation of FAM3C and MAPK1, which provides a new biomarker for esophageal cancer treatment.