Long non-coding RNA CRYBG3 regulates glycolysis of lung cancer cells by interacting with lactate dehydrogenase A

LINC00853 contributes to tumor stemness of gastric cancer through FOXP3-mediated transcription of PDZK1IP1

BACKGROUND

The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) are high worldwide. Tumor stemness is a major contributor to tumorigenesis and development of GC, in which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deeply involved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences and mechanisms of LINC00853 in the progression and stemness of GC.

METHODS

The level of LINC00853 was assessed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GC cell lines by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. An evaluation of biological functions of LINC00853 including cell proliferation, migration, and tumor stemness was conducted via gain-and loss-of-function experiments. Furthermore, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were utilized to validate the connection between LINC00853 and the transcription factor Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3). Nude mouse xenograft model was used to identify the impacts of LINC00853 on tumor development.

RESULTS

We identified the up-regulated levels of lncRNA-LINC00853 in GC, and its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in GC patients. Further study indicated that LINC00853 promoted cell proliferation, migration and cancer stemness while suppressed cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC00853 directly bind to FOXP3 and promoted FOXP3-mediated transcription of PDZK1 interacting protein 1(PDZK1IP1). Alterations of FOXP3 or PDZK1IP1 reversed the LINC00853-induced biological effects on cell proliferation, migration and stemness. Moreover, xenograft tumor assay was used to investigate the function of LINC00853 in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings revealed the tumor-promoting activity of LINC00853 in GC, expanding our understanding of lncRNAs regulation on GC pathogenesis.

Extracellular Vesicle (EVs) Associated Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer and Therapeutics

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, with a very high mortality rate. The precise pathophysiology of lung cancer is not well understood, and pertinent information regarding the initiation and progression of lung cancer is currently a crucial area of scientific investigation. Enhanced knowledge about the disease will lead to the development of potent therapeutic interventions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound heterogeneous populations of cellular entities that are abundantly produced by all cells in the human body, including the tumor cells. A defined class of EVs called small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs or exosomes) carries key biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, Proteins and Lipids. Exosomes, therefore, mediate physiological activities and intracellular communication between various cells, including constituent cells of the tumor microenvironment, namely stromal cells, immunological cells, and tumor cells. In recent years, a surge in studying tumor-associated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been observed. Subsequently, studies have also reported that exosomes abundantly carry different species of ncRNAs and these exosomal ncRNAs are functionally involved in cancer initiation and progression. Here, we discuss the function of exosomal ncRNAs, such as miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in the pathophysiology of lung tumors. Further, the future application of exosomal-ncRNAs in clinics as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in lung cancer is also discussed due to the multifaceted influence of exosomes on cellular physiology.

The role of lncRNAs in regulation of DKD and diabetes-related cancer

Diabetes mellitus often results in several complications, such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and end-stage renal diseases (ESRDs). Cancer patients often have the dysregulated glucose metabolism. Abnormal glucose metabolism can enhance the tumor malignant progression. Recently, lncRNAs have been reported to regulate the key proteins and signaling pathways in DKD development and progression and in cancer patients with diabetes. In this review article, we elaborate the evidence to support the function of lncRNAs in development of DKD and diabetes-associated cancer. Moreover, we envisage that lncRNAs could be diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for DKD and cancer patients with diabetes. Furthermore, we delineated that targeting lncRNAs might be an alternative approach for treating DKD and cancer with dysregulated glucose metabolism.

Research progress on the interaction between long non‑coding RNAs and RNA‑binding proteins to influence the reprogramming of tumor glucose metabolism (Review)

As epigenetic regulators, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various important regulatory processes and typically interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to exert their core functional effects. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs can regulate the occurrence and development of cancer through a variety of complex mechanisms and can also participate in tumor glucose metabolism by directly or indirectly regulating the Warburg effect. As one of the metabolic characteristics of tumor cells, the Warburg effect provides a large amount of energy and numerous intermediate products to meet the consumption demands of tumor metabolism, providing advantages for the occurrence and development of tumors. The present review article summarizes the regulatory effects of lncRNAs on the reprogramming of glucose metabolism after interacting with RBPs in tumors. The findings discussed herein may aid in the better understanding of the pathogenesis of malignancies, and may provide novel therapeutic targets, as well as new diagnostic and prognostic markers for human cancers.

Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs in the Metabolic Reprogramming of Lung Cancer: Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Potential

As key regulators of gene function, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generally accepted to be involved in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression. Recent research has clarified the phenomenon of metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer because of its significant role in tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and other malignant biological behaviors. Emerging evidence has also shown a relationship between the aberrant expression of lncRNAs and circRNAs and metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer tumorigenesis. This review provides insight regarding the roles of different lncRNAs and circRNAs in lung cancer metabolic reprogramming, by how they target transporter proteins and key enzymes in glucose, lipid, and glutamine metabolic signaling pathways. The clinical potential of lncRNAs and circRNAs as early diagnostic biomarkers and components of therapeutic strategies in lung cancer is further discussed, including current challenges in their utilization from the bench to the bedside and how to adopt a proper delivery system for their therapeutic use.

Downregulation of Long Noncoding RNA CRYBG3 Enhances Radiosensitivity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Depending on p53 Status

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with high recurrence and metastasis rates, and more than half of the patients diagnosed with NSCLC receive local radiotherapy. However, the intrinsic radio-resistance of cancer cells is a major barrier to effective radiotherapy for NSCLC. CRYBG3 is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that was originally identified to be upregulated in NSCLC and enhanced metastasis of NSCLC cells by interacting with eEF1A1 to promote murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression. The aims of this study were to reveal the contribution of CRYBG3 to the radioresistance of NSCLC and determine whether that is associated with MDM2-p53 pathway. Therefore, CRYBG3 was stably downregulated in A549 (wild-type p53) and H1299 (deficient p53) cells by infecting short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentiviral particles. The results showed that downregulation of CRYBG3 increased DNA damage, enhanced apoptosis and pro-apoptotic protein expression in A549 or p53-overexpressed H1299 cells but not in H1299 or p53-silenced A549 cells after X-ray irradiation. However, the contribution of CRYBG3 to radioresistance was abolished by eEF1A1 or MDM2 knockdown in A549 cells. Thus, we concluded that downregulation of CRYBG3 enhanced radiosensitivity by reducing MDM2 expression then leading to decreased MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 in wild-type p53 expressing NSCLC cells. These findings suggested that CRYBG3 can be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of certain lung cancer subtypes.

Lycopene ameliorates skin aging by regulating the insulin resistance pathway and activating SIRT1

Lycopene could reverse insulin resistance through SIRT1 during skin aging and promotes microcirculation via the improvement of microvascular neovascularization to protect aging skin.

Long non-coding RNA SLC2A1-AS1 induced by GLI3 promotes aerobic glycolysis and progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-378a-3p to enhance Glut1 expression

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs play pivotal roles in tumor energy metabolism; however, the detailed mechanisms of lncRNAs in the regulation of tumor glycolysis remain largely unknown.

METHODS

The expression of SLC2A1-AS1 was investigated by TCGA, GEO dataset and qRT-PCR. The binding of GLI3 to SLC2A1-AS1 promoter was detected by Luciferase Reporter Assay System and Ago2-RIP assay. FISH was performed to determine the localization of SLC2A1-AS1 in ESCC cells. Double Luciferase Report assay was used to investigate the interaction of miR-378a-3p with SLC2A1-AS1 and Glut1. Gain-of-function and Loss-of-function assay were performed to dissect the function of SLC2A1-AS1/miR-378a-3p/Glut1 axis in ESCC progression in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

We identified a novel lncRNA SLC2A1-AS1 in ESCC. SLC2A1-AS1 was frequently overexpressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and its overexpression was associated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Importantly, GLI3 and SLC2A1-AS1 formed a regulatory feedback loop in ESCC cells. SLC2A1-AS1 promoted cell growth in vitro and in vivo, migration and invasion, and suppressed apoptosis, leading to EMT progression and increased glycolysis in ESCC cells. SLC2A1-AS1 functioned as ceRNA for sponging miR-378a-3p, resulting in Glut1 overexpression in ESCC cells. MiR-378a-3p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion as well as induced apoptosis, resulting in reduced glycolysis, which was partly reversed by SLC2A1-AS1 or Glut1 overexpression in ESCC cells.

CONCLUSION

SLC2A1-AS1 plays important roles in ESCC development and progression by regulating glycolysis, and SLC2A1-AS1/miR-378a-3p/Glut1 regulatory axis may be a novel therapeutic target in terms of metabolic remodeling of ESCC patients.

Long non‑coding RNA SNHG3 promotes the development of non‑small cell lung cancer via the miR‑1343‑3p/NFIX pathway

The aim of the present study was to identify the function of long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) and examine its effects on non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A series of in vitro experiments were employed to evaluate the effects of SNHG3 on the progression of NSCLC, including Cell Counting Kit‑8, 5‑Ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR assays. Bioinformatics analyses and a luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify the target gene of SNHG3 and microRNA (miR)‑1343‑3p. Finally, recuse experiments were conducted to verify the effect of SNHG3 and its target gene on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. The findings indicated that lncRNA SNHG3 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of lncRNA SNHG3 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and accelerated cell apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. The results of the bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay indicated that lncRNA SNHG3 directly bound to miR‑1343‑3p and that it could downregulate the expression levels of miR‑1343‑3p to promote the progression of NSCLC. Rescue experiments indicated that lncRNA SNHG3 increased nuclear factor IX (NFIX) expression by sequestering miR‑1343‑3p in NSCLC. These results suggested that the SNHG3/miR‑1343‑3p/NFIX axis may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Long Non-Coding RNA CRYBG3 Promotes Lung Cancer Metastasis via Activating the eEF1A1/MDM2/MTBP Axis

The occurrence of distant tumor metastases is a major barrier in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy, and seriously affects clinical treatment and patient prognosis. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be crucial regulators of metastasis in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to reveal the underlying mechanisms of a novel lncRNA LNC CRYBG3 in regulating NSCLC metastasis. Experimental results showed that LNC CRYBG3 was upregulated in NSCLC cells compared with normal tissue cells, and its level was involved in these cells' metastatic ability. Exogenously overexpressed LNC CRYBG3 increased the metastatic ability and the protein expression level of the metastasis-associated proteins Snail and Vimentin in low metastatic lung cancer HCC827 cell line. In addition, LNC CRYBG3 contributed to HCC827 cell metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, LNC CRYBG3 could directly combine with eEF1A1 and promote it to move into the nucleus to enhance the transcription of MDM2. Overexpressed MDM2 combined with MDM2 binding protein (MTBP) to reduce the binding of MTBP with ACTN4 and consequently increased cell migration mediated by ACTN4. In conclusion, the LNC CRYBG3/eEF1A1/MDM2/MTBP axis is a novel signaling pathway regulating tumor metastasis and may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

The long noncoding RNA CRYBG3 induces aneuploidy by interfering with spindle assembly checkpoint via direct binding with Bub3

Aneuploidy is a hallmark of genomic instability that leads to tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. CDC20, Bub1, and Bub3 form the mitosis checkpoint complex (MCC) that binds the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C), a crucial factor of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), to ensure the bi-directional attachment and proper segregation of all sister chromosomes. However, just how MCC is regulated to ensure normal mitosis during cellular division remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that LNC CRYBG3, an ionizing radiation-inducible long noncoding RNA, directly binds with Bub3 and interrupts its interaction with CDC20 to result in aneuploidy. The 261-317 (S3) residual of the LNC CRYBG3 sequence is critical for its interaction with Bub3 protein. Overexpression of LNC CRYBG3 leads to aneuploidy and promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis of lung cancer cells, implying that LNC CRYBG3 is a novel oncogene. These findings provide a novel mechanistic basis for the pathogenesis of NSCLC after exposure to ionizing radiation as well as a potential target for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of an often fatal disease.

Regulation of Glycolysis by Non-coding RNAs in Cancer: Switching on the Warburg Effect

The “Warburg effect” describes the reprogramming of glucose metabolism away from oxidative phosphorylation toward aerobic glycolysis, and it is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Several factors can be involved in this process, but in this review, the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are highlighted in several types of human cancer. ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, can all affect metabolic enzymes and transcription factors to promote glycolysis and modulate glucose metabolism to enhance the progression of tumors. In particular, the 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways are associated with alterations in ncRNAs. A better understanding of the roles of ncRNAs in the Warburg effect could ultimately lead to new therapeutic approaches for suppressing cancer.

m6 A transferase METTL3-induced lncRNA ABHD11-AS1 promotes the Warburg effect of non-small-cell lung cancer

N⁶ -methyladenosine (m⁶ A) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are both crucial regulators in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis. However, the pathological roles of m⁶ A and lncRNAs in NSCLC progression are still limited and undefined. Here, lncRNA ABHD11-AS1 was upregulated in NSCLC tissue specimens and cells and the ectopic overexpression was closely correlated with unfavorable prognosis of NSCLC patients. Functionally, ABHD11-AS1 promoted the proliferation and Warburg effect of NSCLC. Mechanistically, m⁶ A profile was analyzed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq). MeRIP-Seq presented that there was m⁶ A modification site in ABHD11-AS1. m⁶ A methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) installed the m⁶ A modification and enhanced ABHD11-AS1 transcript stability to increase its expression. In conclusion, our findings highlight the function and mechanism of METTL3-induced ABHD11-AS1 in NSCLC and inspire the understanding of m⁶ A and lncRNA in cancer biology.

lncRNA MAFG-AS1 Contributes to Esophageal Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Progression via Regulating miR143/LASP1

Background

Increasing investigations indicate that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is responsible for diverse biological functions during the progression of cancer. However, its functions and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the MAFG-AS1- expression profile in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients and explored its biological function and potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

qRT-PCR and the GEPIA data base were used to evaluate expression levels of MAFG-AS1 in ESCC tissue and cells. WST1-proliferation, -migration, and -invasion assays were performed to define the role of MAFG-AS1 in ESCC. Potential molecular mechanisms of MAFG-AS1 were investigated with online bioinformatic analysis, qRT-PCR, and rescue assays.

Results

MAFG-AS1 was upregulated in 45 ESCC-tissue samples and cell lines compared to that of adjacent nontumor tissue and normal esophageal cells. Higher MAFG-AS1 expressionindicated poor survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments suggested that MAFG-AS1 promoted ESCC-cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Molecular mechanism analysis and rescue assay showed that miR143 inhibitors partly abolished the suppression of MAFG-AS1 knockdown on EC109-cells proliferation. Moreover, we found that LASP1 specifically targeted miR143. Collectively, these data indicated that MAFG-AS1 served as a ceRNA to elevate LASP1 levels by sponging miR143, and played an oncogenic role in ESCC.

Conclusion

Our research findings demonstrate that MAFG-AS1 is a key regulator through a novel MAFG-AS1–miR143–LASP1 axis in ESCC development and progression, which may offer a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Recent progress on the Chinese space programme and radiation research

Manned space exploration was initiated in China in 1992, and substantial progress has been made. The next step is to build the Chinese Space Station (CSS), which is planned to be launched in 2020. The CSS will provide an on-orbit laboratory for experimental studies including space radiation research. The health risk of space radiation, especially carcinogenesis, is a major concern for long-term space exploration. Establishing a risk assessment system suitable for Chinese astronauts and developing effective countermeasures are major tasks for Chinese space radiobiologists. The Institute of Space Life Sciences, Soochow University has focused on these topics for years. We established cancer models with low-dose-rate exposure of alpha particles, and elucidated a microRNA-TGFβ network regulating bystander effects and a lncRNA-cytoskeleton network regulating genomic instability induced by ionising radiation. We also confirmed the radioresistance of quiescent cells, which inspires a potential strategy to improve individual radioresistance during long-term space travel. However, we believe that a multi-disciplinary strategy must be developed to protect astronauts from highly energised space radiation.

Noncoding RNAs: the shot callers in tumor immune escape

Immunotherapy, designed to exploit the functions of the host immune system against tumors, has shown considerable potential against several malignancies. However, the utility of immunotherapy is heavily limited due to the low response rate and various side effects in the clinical setting. Immune escape of tumor cells may be a critical reason for such low response rates. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as key regulatory factors in tumors and the immune system. Consequently, ncRNAs show promise as targets to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in tumors. However, the relationship between ncRNAs and tumor immune escape (TIE) has not yet been comprehensively summarized. In this review, we provide a detailed account of the current knowledge on ncRNAs associated with TIE and their potential roles in tumor growth and survival mechanisms. This review bridges the gap between ncRNAs and TIE and broadens our understanding of their relationship, providing new insights and strategies to improve immunotherapy response rates by specifically targeting the ncRNAs involved in TIE.

MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove fatty acid oxidation through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of gastric cancer

Chemotherapy is the first-tier treatment regime for gastric cancer (GC) patients at advance stages. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cam affect drug-resistance of GC cells in tumor microenvironment, but the detailed mechanism remains poorly understood. Present study aimed to investigate the regulation of MSC-induced long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in GC. Dysregulated lncRNAs in GC were analyzed based on GEO data. Stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells were detected by sphere formation, colony formation, CCK-8, and flow cytometry analyses. MicroRNA (miRNA)-related pathways were analyzed by online KEGG analysis tool DAVID6.8. Molecular interactions were determined by luciferase reporter assay, pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP). Results revealed that MSC co-culture improved stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells. LncRNA histocompatibility leukocyte antigen complex P5 (HCP5) was induced in GC cells by MSC co-culture, contributing to stemness and drug-resistance. Mechanistically, HCP5 sequestered miR-3619-5p and upregulated PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A), increasing transcription complex Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) coactivator-1α (PGC1α)/CEBPB and transcriptionally inducing carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which prompted the fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in GC cells. In conclusion, MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove FAO through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of GC, indicating that targeting HCP5 was a novel approach to enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in GC.

Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting society today. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), through the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic changes they impose, have been found to be dysregulated to affect lung cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review will briefly summarize hallmarks involved in lung cancer initiation and progression. For initiation, these hallmarks include tumor initiating cells, immortalization, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressors. Hallmarks involved in lung cancer progression include metastasis and drug tolerance and resistance. The targeting of these hallmarks with non-coding RNAs can affect vital metabolic and cell signaling pathways, which as a result can potentially have a role in cancerous and pathological processes. By further understanding non-coding RNAs, researchers can work towards diagnoses and treatments to improve early detection and clinical response.

The Molecular Mechanism of Metabolic Remodeling in Lung Cancer

Metabolic remodeling is a key phenomenon in the occurrence and development of tumors. It not only offers materials and energy for the survival and proliferation of tumor cells, but also protects tumor cells so that they may survive, proliferate and transfer in the harsh microenvironment. This paper attempts to reveal the role of abnormal metabolism in the development of lung cancer by considering the processes of glycolysis and lipid metabolism, Identification of the molecules that are specifically used in the processes of glycolysis and lipid metabolism, and their underlying molecular mechanisms, is of great clinical and theoretical significance. We will focus on the recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanism of metabolic remodeling in lung cancer.

LncRNAs: The Regulator of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Tumor Cells

Metabolism is a complex network of regulatory system. Cells often alter their metabolism in response to the changes in their environment. These adaptive changes are particularly pronounced in tumor cells, known as metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming is considered to be one of the top 10 characteristics of tumor cells. Glucose and lipid metabolism are important components of metabolic reprogramming. A large number of experimental studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The current review briefly introduces the regulatory effect of lncRNAs on glucose and lipid metabolism of tumor cells, and the significance of lncRNA-mediated metabolism in tumor therapy, hoping to provide new strategies for clinical targeting tumor therapy.

Recent Progress in Characterizing Long Noncoding RNAs in Cancer Drug Resistance

Drug resistance is an important cause of failure in cancer chemotherapies. A large number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be related to drug resistance in cancers. Therefore, lncRNAs provide potential targets for cancer therapies. The lncRNAs involved in cancer drug resistance are attracting interest from an increasing number of researchers. This review summarizes the latest research on the mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in cancer drug resistance and envisages their future developments and therapeutic applications. This research suggests that lncRNAs regulate drug resistance through multiple mechanisms. LncRNAs do not affect drug resistance directly; usually, they do so by regulating the expression of some intermediate regulatory factors. In addition, lncRNAs exhibit a diversity of functions in cancer drug resistance. The overexpression of most lncRNAs promotes drug resistance, while a few lncRNAs have inhibitory effects.

LNC CRYBG3 inhibits tumor growth by inducing M phase arrest

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are usually associated with tumor development and progression and some of them are dysregulated in various human cancers. The mechanisms underlying their dysregulation are worth further study. Here, we demonstrate that the expression level of LNC CRYBG3 is correlated with 1501 aberrantly expressed proteins in A549 cells (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells). LNC CRYBG3 overexpression results in M phase arrest and promoted cell death, whereas LNC CRYBG3 knockdown did not elicit the opposite effects. The overexpression of LNC CRYBG3 inhibits cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it upregulates the expression of cyclin B1 and the phosphorylation of H3, whereas it inhibited the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 and cyclin D1. Taken together, these findings suggest that LNC CRYBG3 regulates the cell cycle process of A549 cells, suggesting its potential application for the treatment of this disease.

Whole-exome sequencing indicates FLG2 variant associated with leg ulcers in Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes ( P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia.

Impact statement

To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.