LINC00852 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Spinal Metastasis by Targeting S100A9

S100A8 and S100A9 in Cancer

S100A8 and S100A9 are Ca²⁺ binding proteins that belong to the S100 family. Primarily expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, S100A8 and S100A9 play critical roles in modulating various inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases. Forming a common heterodimer structure S100A8/A9, S100A8 and S100A9 are widely reported to participate in multiple signaling pathways in tumor cells. Meanwhile, S100A8/A9, S100A8, and S100A9, mainly as promoters, contribute to tumor development, growth and metastasis by interfering with tumor metabolism and the microenvironment. In recent years, the potential of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 as tumor diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers has also been demonstrated. In addition, an increasing number of potential therapies targeting S100A8/A9 and related signaling pathways have emerged. In this review, we will first expound on the characteristics of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 in-depth, focus on their interactions with tumor cells and microenvironments, and then discuss their clinical applications as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We also highlight current limitations and look into the future of S100A8/A9 targeted anti-cancer therapy.

S100A9 plays a key role in Clostridium perfringens beta2 toxin-induced inflammatory damage in porcine IPEC-J2 intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

As an important regulator of autoimmune responses and inflammation, S100A9 may serve as a therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of S100A9 in Clostridium perfringens type C infectious diarrhea is poorly studied. The aim of our study was to screen downstream target genes regulated by S100A9 in Clostridium perfringens beta2 (CPB2) toxin-induced IPEC-J2 cell injury. We constructed IPEC-J2 cells with S100A9 knockdown and a CPB2-induced cell injury model, screened downstream genes regulated by S100A9 using RNA-Seq technique, and performed functional enrichment analysis. The function of S100A9 was verified using molecular biology techniques.

RESULTS

We identified 316 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 221 were upregulated and 95 were downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in cilium movement, negative regulation of cell differentiation, immune response, protein digestion and absorption, and complement and coagulation cascades. The key genes of immune response were TNF, CCL1, CCR7, CSF2, and CXCL9. When CPB2 toxin-induced IPEC-J2 cells overexpressed S100A9, Bax expression increased, Bcl-2 expression and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, and SOD activity was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, S100A9 was involved in CPB2-induced inflammatory response in IPEC-J2 cells by regulating the expression of downstream target genes, namely, TNF, CCL1, CCR7, CSF2, and CXCL9; promoting apoptosis; and aggravating oxidative cell damage. This study laid the foundation for further study on the regulatory mechanism underlying piglet diarrhea.

The LINC00852/miR-29a-3p/JARID2 axis regulates the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cell

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 00852 (LINC00852) has been shown to promote the progression of many different cancers including prostate cancer. However, the involved mechanism in promoting the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells has not been reported. In this study, we found that LINC00852 was highly expressed in the tissue of prostate cancer using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). CCK-8 assay, colony formation experiment, Transwell migration and invasion experiments were performed to prove that the up-regulation of LINC00852 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro. Xenograft tumors experiments in nude mice confirmed that up-regulation of LINC00852 promoted the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vivo. Bioinformatics predictions and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-29a-3p binds to the 3'-untranslated region of JARID2, and the enhancement of miR-29a-3p could reverse the effect of LINC00852 overexpression in vitro. Moreover, the results of qRT-PCR and western blot showed that LINC00852 could regulate the expression of JARID2 through miR-29a-3p induction. In summary, we demonstrated that LINC00852 played a key role in promoting the prostate cancer, and LINC00852/miR-29a-3p/JARID2 axis could be used as a target for prostate cancer treatment.

Extracellular RNA as a kind of communication molecule and emerging cancer biomarker

Extracellular RNA (exRNA) is a special form of RNA in the body. RNA carries information about genes and metabolic regulation in the body, which can reflect the real-time status of cells. This characteristic renders it a biomarker for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. ExRNA is transported through extracellular vesicles as a signal medium to mediate communication between cells. Tumor cells can release more vesicles than normal cells, thereby promoting tumor development. Depending on its easy detection, the advantages of non-invasive molecular diagnostic technology can be realized. In this systematic review, we present the types, vectors, and biological value of exRNA. We briefly describe new methods of tumor diagnosis and treatment, as well as the difficulties faced in the progress of such research. This review highlights the groundbreaking potential of exRNA as a clinical biomarker.

Linc00852 from cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell-derived exosomes regulates COMMD7 to promote cisplatin resistance of recipient cells through microRNA-514a-5p

OBJECTIVE

Cisplatin (DDP)-based chemotherapy is commonly referred to as advanced gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to unravel whether Linc00852 from DDP-resistant tumor cell-derived exosomes (Exos) promotes DDP resistance of GC cells.

METHODS

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Linc00852, miR-514a-5p, COMM domain protein 7 (COMMD7) mRNA, Bax mRNA, and Bcl-2 mRNA. Western blot was used to measure the expression of COMMD7 protein. The IC50 value of DDP is determined by MTT assay. The cell proliferation ability was measured by colony formation test. The apoptosis ability was measured by flow cytometry. The interaction between Linc00852, miR-514a-5p, and COMMD7 was confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down assay. Xenograft tumor model was used to study the effect of Linc00852 on DDP resistance in vivo.

RESULTS

Linc00852 was up-regulated in DDP-resistant GC cells and their secreted exosomes. Down-regulating Linc00852 facilitated the sensitivity of DDP-resistant GC cells to DDP. Linc00852 bound to miR-514a-5p and COMMD7 was a target of miR-514a-5p. Linc00852 could regulate COMMD7 expression via targeting miR-514a-5p. Exosomes from DDP-resistant GC cells enhanced the resistance of recipient GC cells to DDP via exosomal delivery of Linc00852. Depletion of Linc00852 repressed the growth and DDP resistance of GC cells in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Linc00852 from DDP-resistant tumor cell-derived Exos regulates COMMD7 to promote drug resistance of GC cells through miR-514a-5p.

XBP1s promotes the development of lung adenocarcinoma via the p‑JNK MAPK pathway

Spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of numerous types of cancer; however, whether XBP1s plays a role in lung cancer remains to be elucidated. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the mRNA expression level of XBP1 in lung cancer and adjacent normal tissues. Gene Ontology terms, pathway enrichment and Pearson's correlation analysis were performed to investigate the possible mechanism involved. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were performed to quantify the protein and mRNA expression level of target proteins, respectively. Small interfering RNA or overexpression plasmid were used to knockdown or overexpress the expression level of XBP1s. EdU staining, colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and wound healing assays, and flow cytometry were performed to detect the proliferation, colony forming ability, cell viability, migration and invasion ability, and the apoptosis rate. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression level of XBP1 was higher in tumor tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues using data from the TIMER2.0, ONCOMINE and UALCAN online databases. In addition, the mRNA expression level of XBP1 was also associated with clinical features, including age, smoking habit, individual cancer stage and nodal metastasis status. In the in vitro experiments, the mRNA and protein expression level of XBP1s was increased in the A549 cell line compared with that in the human bronchial epithelial (HBE), H1299, PC9 and H460 cell lines. Hypoxia further increased the protein expression level of XBP1s in the A549 cell line. Knockdown of XBP1s expression in the A549 cell line resulted in decreased proliferation, colony formation, cell viability, migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis. By contrast, overexpressing XBP1s in the HBE cell line led to the opposite results. To investigate the mechanism involved, proteins associated with XBP1 were analyzed using the LinkedOmics database. Pathway enrichment revealed the MAPK pathway to be the possible XBP1 downstream target. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation and western blot analyses verified that phosphorylated (p)-JNK rather than p-ERK or p-p38 was the downstream effector of XBP1s. Phosphorylation of JNK was decreased when XBP1s expression was knocked down in the A549 cell line under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Inhibiting p-JNK with SP600125 reversed the increased prosurvival effects caused by XBP1s overexpression. The results from the present study suggest that XBP1s/p-JNK function as a prosurvival factors in the A549 cell line and could be a potential target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

LINC00852 promotes the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by competitively binding with miR-140-3p to regulate AGTR1 expression

Background

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been identified in ovarian cancer. However, the expression and biological functions of LINC00852 in ovarian cancer are not understood.

Methods

The expressions of LINC00852, miR-140-3p and AGTR1 mRNA in ovarian cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to explore the biological functions of LINC00852 and miR-140-3p in the progression of ovarian cancer in vitro. The bindings between LINC00852 and miR-140-3p were confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay.

Results

We found that LINC00852 expression was significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cells, whereas miR-140-3p expression was significantly down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues. Functionally, LINC00852 knockdown inhibited the viability, proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and promoted the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Further investigation showed that LINC00852 interacted with miR-140-3p, and miR-140-3p overexpression suppressed the viability, proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, miR-140-3p interacted with AGTR1 and negatively regulated its level in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that LINC00852 acted as a ceRNA of miR-140-3p to promote AGTR1 expression and activate MEK/ERK/STAT3 pathway. Finally, LINC00852 knockdown inhibited the growth and invasion ovarian cancer in vivo.

Conclusion

LINC00852/miR-140-3p/AGTR1 is an important pathway to promote the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer.

Revisiting Lung Cancer Metastasis: Insight From the Functions of Long Non-coding RNAs

Globally, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. After diagnosis at all stages, <7% of patients survive for 10 years. Thus, diagnosis at later stages and the lack of effective and personalized drugs reflect a significant need to better understand the mechanisms underpinning lung cancer progression. Metastasis should be responsible for the high lethality and recurrence rates seen in lung cancer. Metastasis depends on multiple crucial steps, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition, vascular remodeling, and colonization. Therefore, in-depth investigations of metastatic molecular mechanisms can provide valuable insights for lung cancer treatment. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their complex roles in cancer progression. In lung cancer, multiple lncRNAs have been reported to regulate metastasis. In this review, we highlight the major molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of lung cancer metastasis, including (1) lncRNAs acting as competing endogenous RNAs, (2) lncRNAs regulating the transduction of several signal pathways, and (3) lncRNA coordination with enhancer of zeste homolog 2. Thus, lncRNAs appear to execute their functions on lung cancer metastasis by regulating angiogenesis, autophagy, aerobic glycolysis, and immune escape. However, more comprehensive studies are required to characterize these lncRNA regulatory networks in lung cancer metastasis, which can provide promising and innovative novel therapeutic strategies to combat this disease.

LINC00852 is associated with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients and its inhibition suppresses cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance via the hsa-miR-145-5p/KLF4 axis

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human cancer. In the present study, we examined the expression, prognostic implications and functional roles of a lncRNA, LINC00852 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

LINC00852 expression was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in both NSCLC clinical samples and in vitro NSCLC cell lines. In patients with NSCLC, postoperative overall survival was estimated according to endogenous LINC00852 expression in their cancerous lung tissues. In NSCLC cell line SW900 and H441 cells, LINC00852 was down-regulated to examine its effects on cancer proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance and cell-cycle transition in vitro, as well as tumorigenicity in vivo. The potential downstream target of LINC00852, the axis of human microRNA-145-5p (hsa-miR-145-5p) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) gene, was investigated in NSCLC, by dual-luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and genetic knockdown functional assays.

RESULTS

LINC00852 is up-regulated in both NSCLC tumors and NSCLC cell lines. High LINC00852 expression was significantly correlated with NSCLC patients' short overall survival. In NSCLC cell lines, LINC00852 down-regulation had anti-cancer effects by suppressing cancer cell proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance and cell-cycle transition in vitro, as well as explant growth in vivo. Moreover, the hsa-miR-145-5p/KLF4 axis was demonstrated to be directly regulated by LINC00852 in NSCLC. Inhibiting hsa-miR-145-5p or overexpressing KLF4 could reverse the LINC00852-down-regulation-induced anti-cancer effects on NSCLC cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00852 may be a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC. The epigenetic signaling pathway of LINC00852/hsa-miR-145-5p/KLF4 may be considered as a novel molecular target for fighting NSCLC.

How to Target Spinal Metastasis in Experimental Research: An Overview of Currently Used Experimental Mouse Models and Future Prospects

The spine is one of the organs that is most affected by metastasis in cancer patients. Since the control of primary tumor is continuously improving, treatment of metastases is becoming one of the major challenges to prevent cancer-related death. Due to the anatomical proximity to the spinal cord, local spread of metastasis can directly cause neurological deficits, severely limiting the patient’s quality of life. To investigate the underlying mechanisms and to develop new therapies, preclinical models are required which represent the complexity of the multistep cascade of metastasis. Current research of metastasis focuses on the formation of the premetastatic niche, tumor cell dormancy and the influence and regulating function of the immune system. To unveil whether these influence the organotropism to the spine, spinal models are irreplaceable. Mouse models are one of the most suitable models in oncologic research. Therefore, this review provides an overview of currently used mouse models of spinal metastasis. Furthermore, it discusses technical aspects clarifying to what extend these models can picture key steps of the metastatic process. Finally, it addresses proposals to develop better mouse models in the future and could serve as both basis and stimulus for researchers and clinicians working in this field.

Use of four genes in exosomes as biomarkers for the identification of lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma

The determination of biomarkers in the blood specific for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is crucial for the selection of effective treatment strategies and the prediction of prognosis. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LUSC and LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In order to identify the potential biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for clinical diagnosis, bioinformatics was used to analyze the DEGs of two subtypes of NSCLC, LUAD and LUSC. Exosomes were isolated from the serum of patients with LUAD or LUSC and identified using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot analysis. A total of four differential exosomal mRNAs were selected for validation with serum samples from 70 patients with NSCLC via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curves were established to evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of four DEGs for patients with LUAD and LUSC. The analysis based on TCGA data revealed the DEGs in LUSC and LUAD: A total of 1,619 genes were differentially expressed in patients with LUSC and LUAD. DEGs analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that inflammation-related signaling pathways, such as complement pathways, and multiple autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and asthma were mainly enriched in LUAD. The cell cycle, Hippo signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were the main signaling pathways enriched in LUSC. The combination of tumor protein P63 (TP63), keratin 5 (KRT5), CEA cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) and surfactant protein B (SFTPB) improved the specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of different lung cancer subtypes. Exosomal TP63, KRT5, CEACAM6 and SFTPB mRNAs can thus be used as biomarkers to differentiate between LUSC and LUAD, and may provide a novel strategy for their differential diagnosis and treatment.

Long Noncoding RNA H19 Overexpression Protects against Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage by Inhibiting miR-107 and Up-Regulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Long noncoding RNAs play critical roles in cellular homeostasis, and long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) is implicated in several pathologic conditions. The putative role of H19 in the pathogenesis and progression of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is not yet understood. Therefore, a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were designed to investigate the potential roles of H19 in neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction in HIBD. H19 expression was decreased in HIBD rat models established by partial occlusion of carotid artery. H19 bound to and decreased the expression of miR-107, which also increased VEGF expression. H19 overexpression reduced neuronal apoptosis and alleviated cognitive dysfunction in HIBD rats. The up-regulation of miR-107 reversed the protective effects conferred by H19. In addition, the cell model of HIBD was established by oxygen-glucose deprivation in neuronal cells used. H19 overexpression in oxygen-glucose deprivation neurons increased B-cell lymphoma-2 and decreased B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X, total and cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Taken together, the results showed that H19 expresses at a low level in HIBD. H19 overexpression decreased miR-107 and increased VEGF expression, which resulted in repressed neuronal apoptosis and alleviated cognitive dysfunction. Thus, H19 may serve as a molecular target for translational research for HIBD therapy.

Serum lnc34a is a potential prediction biomarker for bone metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background

Early screening and intervention therapies are crucial to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with bone metastasis. We aimed to identify serum lncRNA as a prediction biomarker in HCC bone metastasis.

Methods

The expression levels of lnc34a in serum samples from 157 HCC patients were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine statistically significant variables.

Results

Expression levels of lnc34a in serum from HCC patients with bone metastasis were significantly higher than those without bone metastasis. The high expressions of lnc34a, vascular invasion and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were associated with bone metastasis by analysis. Moreover, lnc34a expression was specifically associated with bone metastasis rather than lung or lymph node metastasis in HCC.

Conclusions

High serum lnc34a expression was a independent risk factor for developing bone metastasis in HCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07808-6.

Overexpression of LINC00852 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis

AIM

Long noncoding RNAs play a key role in the development and progression of various human cancers. Recently, LINC00852 has been reported to be associated with spinal metastasis lung adenocarcinoma. However, the role and potential mechanisms of LINC00852 in prostate cancer cells remain largely unknown.

METHODS

LINC00852 expression in prostate cancer cells was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions in prostate cancer cells. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometric analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by cck-8 assay. The migration and invasion capabilities were determined using transwell assays.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that LINC00852 was highly expressed in prostate cancer tissues based on the TCGA database. Overexpression of LINC00852 mediated by lentivirus significantly reinforced the proliferation and colony formation abilities of prostate cancer cell linePC3. The migration and invasion capabilities were also augmented by overexpression of LINC00852. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that LINC00852 overexpression resulted in a decrease of cells in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, overexpression of LINC00852 affected the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data collectively demonstrate that LINC00852 contributes to prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis, indicating that LINC00852is a new promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for treatment of prostate cancer.

Exosome-transmitted linc00852 associated with receptor tyrosine kinase AXL dysregulates the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been found to be highly expressed in osteosarcoma and positively associated with poor prognosis. There are tumor groups with high or low AXL expression, which had different capabilities of invading vessels and forming distal metastases. Exosome-transmitted lncRNA may be transferred intercellularly to promote tumor cells' proliferation and invasion.

METHODS

Exosomes were detected by electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and western blotting. High-throughput sequencing helped to find the highest differentially expressed lncRNA in AXL-associated exosomes. Clone formation, wound healing, transwell assay, and xenograft model in nude mice were performed to evaluate cells' proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Lentiviral transfection was used to up- or down-regulate the lncRNA levels in cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA FISH etchelped to indicate the molecular mechanisms. The results in the cell lines were proved in the osteosarcoma tissues with clinical analysis.

RESULTS

The exosomes derived from donor cells with high AXL expression could promote the proliferation and invasion and upregulate AXL expression of the receiver cells with low AXL. Linc00852 was the highest differentially expressed lncRNA in AXL-associated exosomes and was also regulated by AXL expression. Although the mechanisms of linc00852 in nucleus were unrevealed, it could upregulate AXL expression partly by competitively binding to miR-7-5p. The AXL-exosome-linc00852-AXL positive feedback loop might exist between the donor cells and the receiver cells. Clinically, linc00852 was significantly highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and positively associated with tumor volumes and metastases, which was also obviously related with AXL mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

AXL-associated exosomal linc00852 up-regulated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, which would be considered as a new tumor biomarker and a special therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Long non-coding RNAs: How to regulate the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer

Non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the most lethal human cancer because of the high rate of metastasis. Hence, clarifying the molecular mechanism underlying NSCLC metastasis is very important to improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides, which can participate in diverse biological processes. About 18% of human LncRNAs were recently found to be associated with tumours. Many studies indicated that aberrant expression of LncRNAs played key roles in the progression and metastasis of NSCLC. According to the function in tumours, LncRNAs can be divided into two classes: oncogenic LncRNAs and tumour‐suppressor LncRNAs. In this review, we summarized the main molecular mechanism of LncRNAs regulating NSCLC metastasis, including three aspects: (a) LncRNAs interact with miRNAs as ceRNAs; (b) LncRNAs bind with target proteins; and (c) LncRNAs participate in the transduction of different signal pathways. Then, LncRNAs can exert their function to regulate the metastasis of NSCLC through influencing the progression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the properties of cancer stem cell (CSC). But, it is necessary to do some further research to demonstrate the LncRNAs particular regulatory mechanism of inhibiting the metastasis of NSCLC and explore new drugs targeting LncRNAs.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies Critical Genes in the Development of Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The development of heart failure (HF) remains a common complication following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and is associated with substantial adverse outcomes. However, the specific predictive biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets for post-infarction HF have not been fully established. We sought to perform a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify key modules, hub genes, and possible regulatory targets involved in the development of HF following AMI.

Methods: Genes exhibiting the most (top 50%) variation in expression levels across samples in a GSE59867 dataset were imported to the WGCNA. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on genes identified in the key module by Metascape. Gene regulatory networks were constructed using the microarray probe reannotation and bioinformatics database. Hub genes were screened out from the key module and validated using other datasets.

Results: A total of 10,265 most varied genes and six modules were identified between AMI patients who developed HF within 6 months of follow-up and those who did not. Specifically, the blue module was found to be the most significantly related to the development of post-infarction HF. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the blue module was primarily associated with the inflammatory response, immune system, and apoptosis. Seven transcriptional factors, including SPI1, ZBTB7A, IRF8, PPARG, P65, KLF4, and Fos, were identified as potential regulators of the expression of genes identified in the blue module. Further, non-coding RNAs, including miR-142-3p and LINC00537, were identified as having close interactions with genes from the blue module. A total of six hub genes (BCL3, HCK, PPIF, S100A9, SERPINA1, and TBC1D9B) were identified and validated for their predictive value in identifying future HFs.

Conclusions: By using the WGCNA, we provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanism and molecular markers correlated with HF development following an AMI, which may serve to improve risk stratification, therapeutic decisions, and prognosis prediction in AMI patients.