miR-224 Controls Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line HCT116 Proliferation by Targeting Smad4

Anticancer Potential of Farnesol Against Human Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells and Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells

INTRODUCTION

Increased colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and osteosarcoma prevalence, low survival rate, poor prognosis, and the limitations of existing anticancer therapies like side effects of drugs, non-specificity, short half-life, etc., pose a need for novel anticancer drugs. Farnesol, an organic sesquiterpene compound, found in the essential oils of various plants has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the anticancer effect of farnesol against CRC and osteosarcoma has not yet been adequately elucidated.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze the anticancer effects of farnesol against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human osteosarcoma (Saos-2) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines were procured and cultured at 37oC and 5% CO2. The cells were treated with 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µM/ml and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM/ml of farnesol for 24 hours, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of farnesol on Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining was carried out to analyze apoptosis. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining was done to observe the nuclear changes. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining was performed to assess the farnesol-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell death.

RESULTS

Farnesol reduced the viability and proliferation of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Farnesol was able to alter the cellular and nuclear morphology of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells, promoting cell death. Farnesol-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma and colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Early apoptosis was observed in farnesol-treated HCT-116 cells. Additionally, ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death was reported in Saos-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Farnesol has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines.

SOX17 is a Critical Factor in Maintaining Endothelial Function in Pulmonary Hypertension by an Exosome-Mediated Autocrine Manner

Endothelial dysfunction is considered a predominant driver for pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). SOX17, a key regulator of vascular homoeostasis, has been found to harbor mutations in PH patients, which are associated with PH susceptibility. Here, this study explores whether SOX17 mediates the autocrine activity of pulmonary artery ECs to maintain endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH and its underlying mechanism. It is found that SOX17 expression is downregulated in the endothelium of remodeled pulmonary arteries in IPH patients and SU5416/hypoxia (Su/hypo)-induced PH mice as well as dysfunctional HPAECs. Endothelial knockdown of SOX17 accelerates the progression of Su/hypo-induced PH in mice. SOX17 overexpression in the pulmonary endothelium of mice attenuates Su/hypo-induced PH. SOX17-associated exosomes block the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of HPAECs, preventing pulmonary arterial remodeling and Su/hypo-induced PH. Mechanistic analyses demonstrates that overexpressing SOX17 promotes the exosome-mediated release of miR-224-5p and miR-361-3p, which are internalized by injured HPAECs in an autocrine manner, ultimately repressing the upregulation of NR4A3 and PCSK9 genes and improving endothelial function. These results suggest that SOX17 is a key gene in maintaining endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH through regulating exosomal miRNAs in an autocrine manner.

Capric Acid Behaves Agonistic Effect on Calcitriol to Control Inflammatory Mediators in Colon Cancer Cells

Inflammation prompts cancer development and promotes all stages of tumorigenesis. Calcitriol is a nutraceutical essential regulator for host health benefits. However, the influence of calcitriol on inflammatory mediators involved in cancer cells is not clear. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of calcitriol alone and combined with capric acid, and identify the possible influence of calcitriol on inflammatory mediators. The colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) was induced by LPS/TNF-α and the inflammation and metastatic mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) were quantified in calcitriol and capric acid supplemented colon cancer cells. The mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, NF-κB and COX-2 were quantified. The significant reduction in MMP-2 expression was confirmed at combination treatment by zymogram analysis. Our findings demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic potentials of capric acid and calcitriol in individual exposure in a combination of human colon cancer cell lines (HCT116). These abilities may be due to the inhibition of COX-2 mediators and NF-κB transcription factor and reciprocally regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 signaling pathways. These findings elucidate the activation of COX-2 and NF-κB via disruption of the cellular outer matrix could be considered a novel molecular target suitable for colorectal cancer therapy. This study confirmed that capric acid activates calcitriol sensitization in colon cancer cells and could be used as a successful supplement for intestinal diseases and colon aberrations.

Non-coding RNAs as emerging regulators and biomarkers in colorectal cancer

CRC is the third most common cancer occurring worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In the year 2020, 1,931,590 new cases of CRC and 935,173 deaths were reported. The last two decades have witnessed an intensive study of noncoding RNAs and their implications in various pathological conditions including cancer. Noncoding RNAs such as miRNAs, tsRNAs, piRNAs, lncRNAs, pseudogenes, and circRNAs have emerged as promising prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in preclinical studies of cancer. Some of these noncoding RNAs have also been shown as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we have discussed the emerging roles of various types of noncoding RNAs in CRC and their future implications in colorectal cancer management and research.

Multiple roles of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, drug resistance, and cancer therapy

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway controls many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormalities in the TGF-β signaling pathway and its components are closely related to the occurrence of many human diseases, including cancer. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4), also known as deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4, is a typical tumor suppressor candidate gene locating at q21.1 of human chromosome 18 and the common mediator of the TGF-β/Smad and bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathways. It is believed that Smad4 inactivation correlates with the development of tumors and stem cell fate decisions. Smad4 also interacts with cytokines, miRNAs, and other signaling pathways, jointly regulating cell behavior. However, the regulatory function of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance is currently controversial. In addition, Smad4 represents an attractive therapeutic target for cancer. Elucidating the specific role of Smad4 is important for understanding the mechanism of tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Here, we review the identification and characterization of Smad4, the canonical TGF-β/Smad pathway, as well as the multiple roles of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance. Furthermore, we provide novel insights into the prospects of Smad4-targeted cancer therapy and the challenges that it will face in the future.

miR‑224‑5p regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma by targeting PTEN

Pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant tumor, with a limited number of studies. The present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of microRNA (miR)-224-5p on proliferation, migration and invasion of MCC of the pancreas. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to explorethe expression of miR-224-5p and the PTEN gene. MTT, wound healing, Transwell and tumorigenesis assays were conducted to investigate the proliferation, migration and invasion of MCC1 cells in vitro and in vivo. Western blot analysis was employed to test the protein expression of PTEN. The target gene of miR-224-5p was assessed and verified by luciferase assay. miR-224-5p expression was notably higher, while PTEN expression was lower, in MCC1 cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-224-5p promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of MCC and knockdown of miR-224-5p inhibited these functions. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay indicated that PTEN was the direct target gene of miR-224-5p. The negative correlation between miR-224-5p and PTEN was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. PTEN reversed the effects of miR-224-5p on proliferation, migration and invasion of MCC1 cells. The present study revealed for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge, that miR-224-5p was highly expressed and served an oncogenic role in MCC. miR-224-5p not only regulated the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic MCC but may also be a potential therapeutic target for MCC.

MiR-146a-5p targeting SMAD4 and TRAF6 inhibits adipogenensis through TGF-β and AKT/mTORC1 signal pathways in porcine intramuscular preadipocytes

BACKGROUND

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a vital parameter for assessing pork quality. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating porcine IMF deposition. Here, a novel miRNA implicated in porcine IMF adipogenesis was found, and its effect and regulatory mechanism were further explored with respect to intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation.

RESULTS

By porcine adipose tissue miRNA sequencing analysis, we found that miR-146a-5p is a potential regulator of porcine IMF adipogenesis. Further studies showed that miR-146a-5p mimics inhibited porcine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, while the miR-146a-5p inhibitor promoted cell proliferation and adipogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, miR-146a-5p suppressed cell proliferation by directly targeting SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) to attenuate TGF-β signaling. Moreover, miR-146a-5p inhibited the differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes by targeting TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to weaken the AKT/mTORC1 signaling downstream of the TRAF6 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-146a-5p targets SMAD4 and TRAF6 to inhibit porcine intramuscular adipogenesis by attenuating TGF-β and AKT/mTORC1 signaling, respectively. These findings provide a novel miRNA biomarker for regulating intramuscular adipogenesis to promote pork quality.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0004872 inhibits gastric cancer progression via the miR-224/Smad4/ADAR1 successive regulatory circuit

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial regulatory role in the occurrence and development of cancer. Exploring the roles and mechanisms of circRNAs in tumorigenesis and progression may help to identify new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigated the role and regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0004872 in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of hsa_circ_0004872 in GC tissues and cells. EdU, CCK-8, transwell and scratch wound healing assays were used to assess the role of hsa_circ_0004872 in GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, respectively. Subcutaneous and tail vein tumor injections in nude mice were used to assess the role of hsa_circ_0004872 in vivo. RIP assay, biotin-coupled probe pull-down assay, FISH and luciferase reporter assay were performed to confirm the relationship between hsa_circ_0004872 and the identified miRNA. ChIP assay, luciferase reporter assay and western blot were used to determine the direct binding of Smad4 to the promoter of the ADAR1 gene.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that hsa_circ_0004872 was dramatically downregulated in GC tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. The expression level of hsa_circ_0004872 was associated with tumor size and local lymph node metastasis. Enforced expression of hsa_circ_0004872 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells, whereas knockdown of hsa_circ_0004872 had the opposite effects. Nude mice experiments showed that ectopic expression of hsa_circ_0004872 dramatically inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0004872 acted as a "molecular sponge" for miR-224 to upregulate the expression of the miR-224 downstream targets p21 and Smad4. Importantly, we found that the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1 inhibited hsa_circ_0004872 expression and further led to the upregulation of miR-224. Smad4, the downstream target of miR-224, could further affect hsa_circ_0004872 levels by directly binding to the promoter region of ADAR1 to inhibit ADAR1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that hsa_circ_0004872 acted as a tumor suppressor in GC by forming a negative regulatory loop consisting of hsa_circ_0004872/miR-224/Smad4/ADAR1. Thus, hsa_circ_0004872 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.

Role of TGF-β signaling regulatory microRNAs in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) modulates tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Biological and pharmacological agonists/antagonists, the interplay between intracellular signaling pathways, and microRNAs (miRNAs) control the initiation and activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. It has been proposed that the expression profiles of tumor suppressor and oncogenic TGF-β miRNAs may be used for the classification, diagnosis, and prognosis of human malignancies. Deregulated miRNAs and aberrant activation of TGF-β signaling are frequently found in human colorectal cancers (CRCs), but a little is known about their mechanisms of action in the development and progression of colorectal carcinoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of TGF-β signaling regulatory miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CRC for a better understanding and hence better management of this disease.

Altered expression of miRNAs and mRNAs reveals the potential regulatory role of miRNAs in the developmental process of early weaned goats

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in growth, development, and stress responses. However, the regulatory function of miRNAs in early weaned goats remains unclear. Deep sequencing comparison of mRNA and miRNA expression profiles showed that 18 miRNAs and 373 genes were differentially expressed in pre- and post-weaning Chongming white goats. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes are involved in cellular processes, developmental processes, and growth in terms of biological process analysis. KEGG analysis showed that downregulated genes were enriched in salivary secretion, bile secretion, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and calcium signaling pathways. Additionally, a miRNA-mRNA co-expression network of the 18 dysregulated miRNAs and their 107 target mRNAs was constructed using a combination of Pearson’s correlation analysis and prediction by miRanda software. Among the downregulated miRNAs, two (chi-miR-206 and chi-miR-133a/b) were muscle development-related and the others were cell proliferation associated. Further RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that downregulated miRNAs (chi-miR-99b-3p, chi-miR-224, and chi-miR-10b-5p) were highly expressed in muscle tissues (heart, spleen, or kidney) of the rapid growth period (7-month old) in Chongming white goats. The results of the present study suggested that weaning induced cell proliferation repression in post-weaning goats, providing new insight into the mechanism of muscle development of goats, although additional details remain to be elucidated in the future.

The Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Pathogenesis Study and Gene Therapy for Vascular Disorders: Current Progress and Future Challenges

Vascular disorders are complex diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Among them, the dilated macrovascular diseases (MVD), such as aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, have presented a huge threat to human health. The pathogenesis of vascular diseases is mostly associated with property alteration of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Studies have confirmed that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be proliferated and differentiated into other somatic cells, such as VECs and VSMCs. And patient-specific cells could provide detailed human-associated information in regard to pathogenesis or drug responses. In addition, differentiated ECs from iPSC have been widely used in disease modeling as a cell therapy. In this review, we mainly discussed the application of hiPSCs in investigating the pathological mechanism of different inherited vascular diseases and provide a comprehensive understanding of hiPSCs in the field of clinical diagnosis and gene therapy.

miR-224 Is Significantly Upregulated and Targets Caspase-3 and Caspase-7 During Colorectal Carcinogenesis

miR-224 has recently emerged as a driver oncomiR in sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis, but its pathogenetic role is still controversial. A large phenotypical and molecularly characterized series of preinvasive and invasive colorectal lesions was investigated for miR-224 expression by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The caspase-3 and caspase-7 status was also assessed and correlated to miR-224 dysregulation. miR-224 was significantly upregulated during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and in the context of inflammatory bowel disease dysplastic lesions, whereas its expression was significantly downregulated among BRAF-mutated tumors and in the presence of a DNA mismatch repair deficiency. miR-224 targets caspase-3 and caspase-7 in colorectal cancer, and this inverse relation was already evident from the earliest phases of transformation in intestinal mucosa. The miR-224/caspases axis may represent an interesting field of study for innovative biomarkers/therapeutics for BRAF-mutated/DNA mismatch repair-deficient tumors.

miRNA expression profiles in Smad4-positive and Smad4-negative SW620 human colon cancer cells detected by next-generation small RNA sequencing

Background and aims

SMAD4, as a tumor suppressive gene in human colon cancer, inhibits the metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma cells. However, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. miRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer.

Methods

In this study, a deep sequencing technique was used to screen Smad4-regulated miR-NAs in human colon cancer SW620 cell line. Using a next-generation small RNA sequencing approach, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of SW620 colon cancer cells transfected with smad4 lentiviral vector with those transfected with control vector. Six samples were selected and sequenced randomly each from control group (smad4-negative cell) and Smad4 group (Smad4-positive cells). Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) was used to validate the results of sequencing.

Results

Smad4 reexpression significantly upregulated 43 known miRNAs and downregulated 10 known miRNAs expression. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of predicted miRNAs targets showed that these genes were mainly involved in protein-binding transcription factor activity, vascular smooth muscle contraction, pathways in cancer metastasis, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signal pathway. qRT-PCR and WB validated the partial results of sequencing. Reexpression of Smad4 inhibited colon cancer cell migration and invasion. Smad4 reexpression increased the expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) and decreased the Vimentin (Vim) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 expression. Restoration of SMAD4 results in a marked decrease of Vim by inhibiting p-AKT and p-EPHA2, but significantly increased the E-cad by AKT-EPHA2 pathways.

Conclusion

Smad4 inhibits the migration and invasion ability of colon cancer cells in vitro and this is the first report of Smad4-mediated miRNA expression profiling in Smad4-positive and Smad4-negative SW620 human colon cancer cells, which may help us better understand the role of Smad4 in inhibiting the metastasis of colon cancer cells and its possible molecular mechanisms.

MiRNA-224-5p inhibits autophagy in breast cancer cells via targeting Smad4

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Autophagy is known as a protective intracellular procedure, which can be regulated by several factors. MiRNA has been suggested as a potential element to mediate autophagy pathway in carcinomas. Our study was aim to investigate the role of autophagy in breast cancer cells and identify the involved molecular mechanism METHODS: The expression of LC3I/II, SQSTM1 and Smad4 were detected by western blot. The mRNA level were quantified by real-time PCR. MDC staining was used to directly visualize autophagosome formation. Target Scan 7.2 was used to predict biological targets of miR-224-5p RESULTS: MiR-224 -5p expression was upregulated in metastatic breast cancer and non-metastatic breast cancer cells compare with control. Moreover, miR-224-5p inhibition enhanced cellular autophagy levels in breast cancer cells. MiR-224-5p could suppress Smad4 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicated that Smad4 was identified as a target of miR-224-5p in breast cancer cells with high metastatic potential CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that miR-224-5p inhibited autophagy by targeting Smad4 in MDA-MB-231 cells. The results indicated that miR-224-5p/Smad4 regulating autophagy might be a novel regulatory network contributing to metastasis of breast cancer. MiR-224-5p and Smad4 is involved in breast tumorigenesis, which is possibly a novel target for breast cancer therapy.

Characterization of microRNA expression in primary human colon adenocarcinoma cells (SW480) and their lymph node metastatic derivatives (SW620)

Background and objective

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related deaths in patients with colon cancer, however, the exact molecular mechanism is unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in two colon carcinoma cell lines: SW480, derived from primary colon carcinoma and SW620, derived from lymph node metastasis, which were obtained from the same patient.

Materials and methods

Three independent samples of cancer cells were collected from SW480 and SW620 cells, respectively. An miRNA microarray platform, miRCURY LNA™ microRNA array with 1,223 probes containing 3,000 capture probes, was used to determine the miRNA expression profiles of these two cell lines. Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

The raw data were submitted to the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE72412). Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed between SW480 and SW620 cells, of which, seven miRNAs (hsa-miR-920, hsa-miR-636, hsa-miR-766-3p, hsa-miR-545-5p, hsa-miR-195-3p, hsa-miR-125a-3p, and hsa-miR-196b-3p) were found to be upregulated and six miRNAs (hsa-miR-3613-3p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-1297, hsa-miR-141-5p, hsa-miR-200c-3p, and hsa-miR-141-3p) were found to be downregulated. Target analysis of the predicted miRNAs showed that these genes were primarily involved in protein binding, cell adhesion, and cancer metastasis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR validated the results of miRNA microarray.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic analysis of the differences of miRNAs between SW480 and SW620 cells. The results provide useful information to explore potential biomarkers of miRNAs for predicting colon cancer metastasis.

NFIX Circular RNA Promotes Glioma Progression by Regulating miR-34a-5p via Notch Signaling Pathway

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the association between NFIX circular RNA (circNFIX) and miR-34a-5p in glioma. Furthermore, this study investigated the influence that circNFIX has on glioma progression through the upregulation of NOTCH1 via the Notch signaling pathway by sponging miR-34a-5p.

Methods: We applied five methods, CIRCexplorer2, circRNA-finder, CIRI, find-circ and MapSplice2, to screen for circRNAs with differential expression between three glioma tissue samples and three paired normal tissue samples. The GSEA software was used to confirm whether significantly different pathways were activated or inactivated in glioma tissues. The binding sites between circNFIX and miR-34a-5p were confirmed by TargetScan. QRT-PCR and western blot were used to measure the relative expression levels of circNFIX, miR-34a-5p and NOTCH and identify their correlation in glioma. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) validated the binding relationship between circNFIX and miR-34a-5p, while the targeted relationship between NOTCH1 and miR-34a-5p was verified by a dual luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability and mobility were examined by a CCK-8 assay and wound healing assay, and a flow cytometry assay was employed to analyze cell apoptosis. The nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment verified that si-circNFIX exerted a suppressive effect on glioma progression in vivo.

Results: Twelve circRNAs were differentially expressed between the tissue types. Of those, circNFIX was the sole circRNA to be overexpressed in glioma among the five methods of finding circRNAs. In addition, the Notch signaling pathway was considerably upregulated in tumor tissues compared with the paired normal brain tissues. It was determined that circNFIX acted as a sponge of miR-34a-5p, a miRNA that targeted NOTCH1. Downregulation of circNFIX and upregulation of miR-34a-5p both inhibited cell propagation and migration. Furthermore, a miR-34a-5p inhibitor neutralized the suppressive effect of si-circNFIX on glioma cells. Si-circNFIX and miR-34a-5p mimics promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, it was demonstrated in vivo that si-circNFIX could suppress glioma growth by regulating miR-34a-5p and NOTCH1.

Conclusion: CircNFIX was markedly upregulated in glioma cells. CircNFIX could regulate NOTCH1 and the Notch signaling pathway to promote glioma progression by sponging miR-34a-5p via the Notch signaling pathway. This finding provided a deeper insight into the function of circNFIX in human glioma cancer progression.

MiR-129-5p inhibits glioma cell progression in vitro and in vivo by targeting TGIF2

This study purposed to explore the correlation between miR-129-5p and TGIF2 and their impacts on glioma cell progression. Differentially expressed miRNA was screened through microarray analysis. MiR-129-5p expression levels in glioma tissues and cells were measured by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometer, transwell assay and wound-healing assay were employed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle, invasiveness and migration, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporting assay was performed to confirm the targeted relationship between miR-129-5p and TGIF2. The effects of TGIF2 expression on cell biological functions were also investigated using the indicated methods. Tumour xenograft was applied to explore the impact of miR-129-5p on tumorigenesis in vivo. MiR-129-5p expression was down-regulated in both glioma tissues and glioma cells, while TGIF2 expression was aberrantly higher than normal level. Dual-luciferase reporter assay validated the targeting relation between miR-129-5p and TGIF2. Overexpression of miR-129-5p or down-regulation of TGIF2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration capacity of glioma cells U87 and U251, and meanwhile blocked the cell cycle as well as induced cell apoptosis. MiR-129-5p overexpression repressed the tumour development in vivo. MiR-129-5p and TGIF2 had opposite biological functions in glioma cells. MiR-129-5p could inhibit glioma cell progression by targeting TGIF2, shining light for the development of target treatment for glioma.