Rab31 promotes the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting MAPK6 degradation

The circ_0003928/miR-31-5p/MAPK6 cascade affects high glucose-induced inflammatory response, fibrosis and oxidative stress in HK-2 cells

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe diabetic complication disorder. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) actively participate in DN pathogenesis. In this report, we sought to define a new mechanism of circ_0003928 in regulating high glucose (HG)-induced HK-2 cells.

METHODS

To construct a DN cell model, we treated HK-2 cells with HG. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The inflammatory cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Protein analysis was performed by immunoblotting, and mRNA expression was detected by quantitative PCR. The circ_0003928/miR-31-5p and miR-31-5p/MAPK6 relationships were validated by RNA pull-down and luciferase assays.

RESULTS

HG promoted HK-2 cell apoptosis, fibrosis and oxidative stress. Circ_0003928 and MAPK6 levels were enhanced and miR-31-5p level was decreased in HK-2 cells after HG treatment. Circ_0003928 disruption promoted cell growth and inhibited apoptosis, inflammatory response, fibrosis and oxidative stress in HG-induced HK-2 cells. Circ_0003928 targeted miR-31-5p, and MAPK6 was a target of miR-31-5p. Circ_0003928 regulated MAPK6 expression through miR-31-5p. The functions of circ_0003928 disruption in HG-induced HK-2 cells were reversed by miR-31-5p downregulation or MAPK6 upregulation.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0003928 exerts regulatory impacts on HG-induced apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in human HK-2 cells by the miR-31-5p/MAPK6 axis.

Function and regulation of Rab GTPases in cancers

The Rab small GTPases are characterized by the distinct intracellular localization and modulate various endocytic, transcytic and exocytic transport pathways. Rab proteins function as scaffolds that connect signaling pathways and intracellular membrane trafficking processes through the recruitment of effectors, such as tethering factors, phosphatases, motors and kinases. In different cancers, Rabs play as either an onco-protein or a tumor suppressor role, highly dependending on the context. The molecular mechanistic research has revealed that Rab proteins are involved in cancer progression through influences on migration, invasion, metabolism, exosome secretion, autophagy, and drug resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, targeting Rab GTPases to recover the dysregulated vesicle transport systems may provide potential strategy to restrain cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the regulation of Rab protein level and activity in modulating pathways involved in tumor progression, and propose that Rab proteins may serve as a prognostic factor in different cancers.

Riddle of the Sphinx: Emerging role of circular RNAs in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a prominent cause of cancer-related mortality among women, with recent attention directed toward exploring the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in this particular cancer. CircRNAs, characterized by a covalently closed loop structure, belong to a class of single-stranded non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that play crucial roles in cancer development and progression through diverse mechanisms. The abnormal expression of circRNAs in vivo is significantly associated with the development of cervical cancer. Notably, circRNAs actively interact with miRNAs in cervical cancer, leading to the regulation of diverse signaling pathways, and they can contribute to cancer hallmarks such as self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, limitless proliferation, evading apoptosis, tissue invasion and metastasis, and sustained angiogenesis. Moreover, the distinctive biomedical attributes exhibited by circRNAs, including their abundance, conservation, and stability in body fluids, position them as promising biomarkers for various cancers. In this review, we elucidate the tremendous potential of circRNAs as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in cervical cancer by expounding upon their biogenesis, characteristics, functions, and databases, highlighting the novel advances in the signaling pathways associated with circRNAs in cervical cancer.

Role of the Atypical MAPK ERK3 in Cancer Growth and Progression

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose structural and regulatory features are distinct from those of conventional MAPKs, such as ERK1/2. Since its identification in 1991, the regulation, substrates and functions of ERK3 have remained largely unknown. However, recent years have witnessed a wealth of new findings about ERK3 signaling. Several important biological functions for ERK3 have been revealed, including its role in neuronal morphogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, endothelial cell tube formation and epithelial architecture. In addition, ERK3 has been recently shown to play important roles in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance in multiple types of cancers. Furthermore, accumulating studies have uncovered various molecular mechanisms by which the expression level, protein stability and activity of ERK3 are regulated. In particular, several post-translational modifications (PTMs), including ubiquitination, hydroxylation and phosphorylation, have been shown to regulate the stability and activity of ERK3 protein. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding biochemical and cellular functions of ERK3, with a main focus on its roles in cancers, as well as the molecular mechanisms of regulating its expression and activity.

TGFA expression is associated with poor prognosis and promotes the development of cervical cancer

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are the second most common cancers in women aged 20-39. While HPV screening can help with early detection of cervical cancer, many patients are already in the medium to late stages when they are identified. As a result, searching for novel biomarkers to predict CESC prognosis and propose molecular treatment targets is critical. TGFA is a polypeptide growth factor with a high affinity for the epidermal growth factor receptor. Several studies have shown that TGFA can improve cancer growth and progression, but data on its impact on the occurrence and advancement of CESC is limited. In this study, we used clinical data analysis and bioinformatics techniques to explore the relationship between TGFA and CESC. The results showed that TGFA was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. TGFA knockdown can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. In addition, after TGFA knockout, the expression of IL family and MMP family proteins in CESC cell lines was significantly reduced. In conclusion, TGFA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. Therefore, TGFA may become a new target for cervical cancer treatment.

RAB31 drives extracellular vesicle fusion and cancer-associated fibroblast formation leading to oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance. The Rab superfamily of small G-proteins plays a role in regulating cell cytoskeleton and vesicle transport. However, it is not yet clear how the Rab family contributes to cancer progression by participating in EMT. By analysing various in silico datasets, we identified a statistically significant increase in RAB31 expression in the oxaliplatin-resistant group compared to that in the parental or other chemotherapy drug groups. Our findings highlight RAB31's powerful effect on colorectal cancer cell lines when compared with other family members. In a study that analysed multiple online meta-databases, RAB31 RNA levels were continually detected in colorectal tissue arrays. Additionally, RAB31 protein levels were correlated with various clinical parameters in clinical databases and were associated with negative prognoses for patients. RAB31 expression levels in all three probes were calculated using a computer algorithm and were found to be positively correlated with EMT scores. The expression of the epithelial-type marker CDH1 was suppressed in RAB31 overexpression models, whereas the expression of the mesenchymal-type markers SNAI1 and SNAI2 increased. Notably, RAB31-induced EMT and drug resistance are dependent on extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion. Interactome analysis confirmed that RAB31/AGR2 axis-mediated exocytosis was responsible for maintaining colorectal cell resistance to oxaliplatin. Our study concluded that RAB31 alters the sensitivity of oxaliplatin, a supplementary chemotherapy approach, and is an independent prognostic factor that can be used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Tumor cells-derived extracellular vesicles carry circ_0064516 competitively inhibit microRNA-6805-3p and promote cervical cancer angiogenesis and tumor growth

BACKGROUND

The current study tried to elucidate the regulatory role of tumor cell-derived exosomes (Exos)-circ_0064516 in angiogenesis and growth of cervical cancer.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Related cirRNAs and downstream target genes were identified through bioinformatics analysis. Exos were isolated from cervical cancer cell line CaSki, followed by co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Then, the roles of circ_0064516, miR-6805-3p, and MAPK1 in migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs were assayed. Furthermore, xenografted tumors were transplanted into nude mice for in vivo validation.

RESULTS

In vitro assay validated highly expressed circ_0064516 in cervical cancer cells. Tumor cell-derived Exos carried circ_0064516 to HUVECs. circ_0064516 increased MAPK1 expression by binding to miR-6805-3p, thus enhancing migration and angiogenesis. Exos containing circ_0064516 also promoted tumorigenesis of cervical cancer cells in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the oncogenic role of tumor cell-derived Exos carrying circ_0064516 in cervical cancer progression through miR-6805-3p/MAPK1.

Human papillomavirus associated cervical lesion: pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally. Persistent high-risk HPV infection can result in cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, with 70% of cervical cancer cases associated with high-risk types HPV16 and 18. HPV infection imposes a significant financial and psychological burden. Therefore, studying methods to eradicate HPV infection and halt the progression of precancerous lesions remains crucial. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms underlying HPV-related cervical lesions, including the viral life cycle, immune factors, epithelial cell malignant transformation, and host and environmental contributing factors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of treatment methods for HPV-related cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Our focus is on immunotherapy, encompassing HPV therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and advanced adoptive T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the commonly employed drugs and other nonsurgical treatments currently utilized in clinical practice for managing HPV infection and associated cervical lesions. Gene editing technology is currently undergoing clinical research and, although not yet employed officially in clinical treatment of cervical lesions, numerous preclinical studies have substantiated its efficacy. Therefore, it holds promise as a precise treatment strategy for HPV-related cervical lesions.

HOXA1 promotes aerobic glycolysis and cancer progression in cervical cancer

As a hallmark for cancer, aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect contributes to tumor progression. However, the roles of aerobic glycolysis on cervical cancer remain elusive. In this work, we identified transcription factor HOXA1 as a novel regulator of aerobic glycolysis. High expression of HOXA1 is closely associated with poor outcome of patients. And, altered HOXA1 expression enhance or reduce aerobic glycolysis and progression in cervical cancer. Mechanistically, HOXA1 directly regulates the transcriptional activity of ENO1 and PGK1, thus induce glycolysis and promote cancer progression. Moreover, therapeutic knockdown of HOXA1 results in reduce aerobic glycolysis and inhibits cervical cancer progression in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, these data indicate a therapeutic role of HOXA1 inhibits aerobic glycolysis and cervical cancer progression.

The promoting effect and mechanism of Nrf2 on cell metastasis in cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) has poor prognosis and high mortality rate for its metastasis during the disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anoikis are initial and pivotal steps during the metastatic process. Although higher levels of Nrf2 are associated with aggressive tumor behaviors in cervical cancer, the detailed mechanism of Nrf2 in cervical cancer metastasis, especially EMT and anoikis, remains unclear.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Nrf2 expression in CC. Wound healing assay and transwell analysis were used to evaluate the migration ability of CC cells. Western blot, qTR-PCR and immunofluorescent staining were used to verify the expression level of Nrf2, the EMT associated markers and anoikis associated proteins. Flow cytometry assays and cell counting were used to detect the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. The lung and lymph node metastatic mouse model were established for studies in vivo. The interaction between Nrf2 and Snail1 was confirmed by rescue-of-function assay.

RESULTS

When compared with cervical cancer patients without lymph node metastasis, Nrf2 was highly expressed in patients with lymph node metastasis. And Nrf2 was proved to enhance the migration ability of HeLa and SiHa cells. In addition, Nrf2 was positively correlated with EMT processes and negatively associated with anoikis in cervical cancer. In vivo, a xenograft assay also showed that Nrf2 facilitated both pulmonary and lymphatic distant metastasis of cervical cancer. Rescue-of-function assay further revealed the mechanism that Nrf2 impacted the metastasis of CC through Snail1.

CONCLUSION

Our fundings established Nrf2 plays a crucial role in the metastasis of cervical cancer by enhancing EMT and resistance to anoikis by promoting the expression of Snail1, with potential value as a therapeutic candidate.

CircDNAJC11 interacts with TAF15 to promote breast cancer progression via enhancing MAPK6 expression and activating the MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignant tumor in women worldwide. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proven to play a critical role in BC progression. However, the exact biological functions and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in BC remain largely unknown.

METHODS

Here, we first screened for differentially expressed circRNAs in 4 pairs of BC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues using a circRNA microarray. Functionally, gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo showed that circDNAJC11 promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, RNA pull-down, mass spectrum, RNA immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in situ hybridization assays, and rescue experiments were executed.

RESULTS

We found that circDNAJC11 was significantly upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and cells. Clinical data revealed that the high expression of circDNAJC11 was closely correlated with a poor prognosis of BC patients and could be an independent risk factor for BC prognosis. Functionally, gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo showed that circDNAJC11 promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, RNA pull-down, mass spectrum, RNA immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in situ hybridization assays, and rescue experiments were executed. We demonstrated that circDNAJC11 combined with TAF15 to promote BC progression via stabilizing MAPK6 mRNA and activating the MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The circDNAJC11/TAF15/MAPK6 axis played a crucial role in the progression and development of BC, suggesting that circDNAJC11 might be a novel biomarker and therapeutical target for BC.

lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 suppresses castration-resistant prostate cancer proliferation and migration via the miR-106a-5p/RAB31 axis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignant cancer in elderly males in Western countries. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently altered in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and promote drug resistance to cancer therapy. Therefore, elucidating the prospective role of lncRNAs in PCa oncogenesis and progression is of remarkable clinical significance. In this study, gene expression in prostate tissues was determined using RNA-sequencing datasets, and the gene diagnostic and prognostic values of CRPC were analyzed using bioinformatics. Further, the expression levels and clinical significance of MAGI2 Antisense RNA 3 (MAGI2-AS3) in PCa clinical specimens were evaluated. The tumor-suppressive activity of MAGI2-AS3 was functionally explored in PCa cell lines and animal xenograft models. MAGI2-AS3 was found to be aberrantly decreased in CRPC and was negatively correlated with Gleason score and lymph node status. Notably, low MAGI2-AS3 expression positively correlated with poorer survival in patients with PCa. The overexpression of MAGI2-AS3 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of PCa in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MAGI2-AS3 could play a tumor suppressor function in CRPC through a novel miR-106a-5p/RAB31 regulatory network and could be a target for future cancer therapy.

siRNA-E6 sensitizes HPV-16-related cervical cancer through Oxaliplatin: an in vitro study on anti-cancer combination therapy

BACKGROUND

Persistent infection with high-risk Human papillomaviruses (HPV), such as hr-HPV-16 and hr-HPV-18, lead to cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the world. In the present study, we investigated the alteration of E6 oncogene expression by E6-specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) combined with Oxaliplatin.

METHODS

The cervical cancer cell line, CaSki, was transfected with E6-siRNA, then treated with Oxaliplatin. The cellular genes, such as p53, MMP9, Nanog, and caspases expression, were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The cell death rate, cell cycle, and cell viability were assessed by Annexin V/PI staining, DAPI staining, and MTT test, respectively. Furthermore, colony formation assay and scratch test determined the stemness ability and cell metastasis, respectively.

RESULTS

Combination therapy increased the re-expression of genes involved in the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway (increase in apoptosis to 44.2%), and reduced stemness and metastasis ability compared to either siRNA or Oxaliplatin monotherapy. Together, our results demonstrate that E6-siRNA and Oxaliplatin combination increased the cervical cancer cells' sensitivity to Oxaliplatin and decreased the survival rate, proliferation, and metastasis, and consequently escalated apoptosis rate, induced cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 stage, and reduced the chemotherapy drug dosage.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of E6 oncogene expression and subsequent E6-siRNA with Oxaliplatin combination therapy could be a novel strategy for cervical cancer treatment.

From Bowen disease to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: eight markers were verified from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Background

Bowen's disease is a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in situ. If left untreated, BD may progress to invasive CSCC. CSCC is one of the most common cutaneous carcinoma in the elderly and the advanced, metastasis CSCC usually have a poor outcomes. However, the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis from Bowen’s disease to CSCC is complicated and still unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the biomarkers and molecular alterations in Bowen’s disease development process via analyzing the proteomics changes in tissues of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin.

Methods

A total of 7 individuals with CSCC (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation), 7 individuals with Bowen disease (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) and 7 healthy controls (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) presented to the Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2021 and December 2021 were enrolled. The proteomics analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed proteins/gens (DEPs/DEGs) in the lesions of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues. The transcriptomic data (GSE32628) of CSCC was selected and downloaded from the GEO database. The common DEGs in our proteomics results and GSE32628 between CSCC and healthy skin tissues were selected. And then, the common DEGs which significantly up or down-regulated between CSCC and Bowen disease in our proteomics results were further screened to identify using Western blot methods in the validation group. CSCC A431 cells were transfected with SERPINB1 small interfering RNA (si-SERPINB1) or small interfering RNA negative control (si-NC). To explore the effect of SERPINB1 silencing on migration and invasion ability of A431 cells.

Results

A total of 501 proteins were differentially expressed between the CSCC and healthy skin tissues, with 332 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated at least 1.5-fold with a P value < 0.05. These DEPs involved multiple biological functions such as protein binding process, immune, inflammation, ribosome, protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and others. A total of 20 common DEGs (COL3A1, LUM, TNC, COL1A1, ALDH3A2, FSCN1, SERPINB4, SERPINB1, CD36, COL4A1, CSTB, GPX3, S100A7, ACTN1, SERPINB3, S100A8, RAB31, STAT1, SPRR1B, S100A9) between CSCC and healthy skin tissues in GSE32628 and our proteomics results were found. Besides, the proteins of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in CSCC were significantly up-regulated, while COL3A1, COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly down-regulated relative to Bowen disease in proteomics results. These proteins were mainly involved in multiple pathways, including Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Human papillomavirus infection, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway and others. These eight proteins were selected for further validation. According to the Western blotting analysis, when compared with the Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues, we found that the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in the CSCC were significantly increased, while COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1 in the Bowen disease were also significantly increased, while the COL3A1 were also significantly decreased relative to the healthy control. SERPINB1 siRNA inhibited the expression of SERPINB1 at mRNA and protein levels in the A431 cells. After interfering with the expression of SERPINB1, the migration and invasion ability in the A431 cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study highlights that eight proteins, TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1, RAB31, COL3A1, COL1A1, CD36, were significantly associated with the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis in Bowen’s disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03622-1.