Lnc-SNHG16/miR-128 axis modulates malignant phenotype through WNT/β-catenin pathway in cervical cancer cells

EPYC functions as a novel prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has become a worldwide challenge attributed to its difficult early diagnosis and rapid progression. Treatments continue to be limited besides surgical resection. Hence, we aimed to discover novel biological signatures as clinically effective therapeutic targets for PC via the mining of public tumor databases. We found that epiphycan (EPYC) could function as an independent risk factor to predict the poor prognosis in PC based on integrated bioinformatics analysis. We downloaded associated PC data profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) online websites, then applied the software Rstudio to filter out genes under the strict criteria. After the batch survival analysis using Log-rank test and univariate cox regression, we obtained 39 candidate genes. Subsequently, we narrowed the scope to 8 genes by establishing a Lasso regression model. Eventually, we focused on 2 genes (EPYC and MET) by further building a multivariate cox regression model. Given that the role of EPYC in PC remains obscure, we then performed a series of molecular functional experiments, including RT-qPCR, CCK8, EdU, colony formation, Transwell, western blot, cell live-dead staining, subcutaneous tumor formation, to enhance our insight into its underlying molecular mechanisms. The above results demonstrated that EPYC was highly expressed in PC cell lines and could promote the proliferation of PCs via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. We arrived at a conclusion that EPYC was expected to be a biological neo-biomarker for PC followed by being a potential therapeutic target.

Molecular mechanism underlying epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal cancer (EC) occupies the seventh spot of the most prevalent malignancy cancer ailments worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is also the most predominant histological subtype of EC, and cisplatin (DDP) is commonly used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the late advanced stages of the disease. However, the emergence of drug resistance during clinical treatment possesses a significant challenge to the therapeutic success and patient outcomes. Collectively, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a process in which transcription factors are induced to regulate the expression of epithelial and stromal markers to promote the differentiation of epithelial cells into stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between EMT and chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, with concrete evidence of reciprocal reinforcement. Therefore, in this review, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ESCC, shed light on the mechanisms driving DDP resistance, and provide insights into the intricate interplay between EMT and ESCC. We have aimed to provide some new hypotheses and perspectives that may address-inform future therapeutic strategies for ESCC treatment.

In vitro Anti-malignant Property of PCMT1 Silencing and Identification of the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 Regulatory Axis in Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Protein L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1) is a highly conserved protein repair enzyme that participates in regulating the progression of human cancers. We therefore studied the function and the related mechanisms of PCMT1 in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Expression profile and prognostic analysis of PCMT1 in breast cancer patients were analyzed using online databases. PCMT1 expression in breast cancer cells was detected by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3/7 activity assay. Cell invasion was assessed by Transwell invasion assay. The small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16)/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis was identified using bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

PCMT1 expression was increased in breast cancer tissues and cells. High PCMT1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. PCMT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation ability in breast cancer cells. Moreover, PCMT1 knockdown induced apoptosis and restrained the invasive ability in breast cancer cells. PCMT1 overexpression increased the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. miR-195 was identified as the unique upstream miRNA of PCMT1. SNHG16 was identified as the unique upstream lncRNA of miR-195. SNHG16 knockdown downregulated PCMT1 by increasing miR-195 expression. Breast cancer cell proliferation was regulated by the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 axis.

CONCLUSION

PCMT1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

The role of miRNA-128 in the development and progression of gastrointestinal and urogenital cancer

Increasing data have shown the significance of various miRNAs in malignancy. In this regard, parallel to its biological role in normal tissues, miRNA-128 (miR-128) has been found to play an essential immunomodulatory function in the process of cancer initiation and development. The occurrence of the aberrant expression of miR-128 in tumors and the unique properties of miRNAs raise the prospect of their use as biomarkers and the next generation of molecular anticancer therapies. The function of miR-128 in malignancies such as breast, prostate, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, cervical, ovarian and bladder cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma is discussed in this review. Finally, the effect of exosomal miR-128 on cancer resistance to therapeutics and cancer immunotherapy in certain malignancies is highlighted.

Blocking lncRNA-SNHG16 sensitizes gastric cancer cells to 5-Fu through targeting the miR-506-3p-PTBP1-mediated glucose metabolism

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a commonly occurring human malignancy. The 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) is a first-line anti-gastric cancer agent. However, a large number of GC patients developed 5-Fu resistance. Currently, the roles and molecular mechanisms of the lncRNA-SNHG16-modulated 5-Fu resistance in gastric cancer remain elusive.

METHODS

Expressions of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. RNA-RNA interaction was examined by RNA pull-down and luciferase assay. Cell viability and apoptosis rate under 5-Fu treatments were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V assay. The glycolysis rate of GC cells was evaluated by glucose uptake and ECAR.

RESULTS

Here, we report that SNHG16 as well as PTBP1, which is an RNA-binding protein, are positively associated with 5-Fu resistance to gastric cancer. SNHG16 and PTBP1 were significantly upregulated in gastric tumors and cell lines. Silencing SNHG16 or PTBP1 effectively sensitized GC cells to 5-Fu. Furthermore, glucose metabolism was remarkedly elevated in 5-Fu-resistant GC cells. Under low glucose supply, 5-Fu-resistant cells displayed higher vulnerability than parental GC cells. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay demonstrated that SNHG16 downregulated miR-506-3p by sponging it to form a ceRNA network. We identified PTBP1 as a direct target of miR-506-3p in GC cells. RNA-seq results unveiled that PTBP1 positively regulated expressions of multiple glycolysis enzymes, including GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA. Bioinformatic analysis illustrated the 3'UTRs of glycolysis enzymes contained multiple PTBP1 binding sites, which were further verified by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Consequently, we demonstrated that PTBP1 upregulated the mRNAs of glycolysis enzymes via promoting their mRNA stabilities. Finally, in vivo xenograft experiments validated that blocking the SNHG16-mediated miR-506-3p-PTBP1 axis effectively limited 5-Fu-resistant GC cell originated-xenograft tumor growth under 5-Fu treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates molecular mechanisms of the SNHG16-mediated 5-Fu resistance of GC cells through modulating the miR-506-3p-PTBP1-glucose metabolism axis, presenting a promising approach for anti-chemoresistance therapy.

miR-145-3p Hampers the Malignant Progression of Esophageal Carcinoma via CXCL5 Downregulation

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is the most prevalent malignant tumor that occurs frequently worldwide. The early diagnostic biomarkers are crucial for EC treatment. miRNA can regulate EC progression, with diagnostic and prognostic value. Herein, differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in EC were predicted based on TCGA database. The target mRNAs of miRNA were predicted through databases, which were then intersected with DEmRNAs. Next, the correlation between miRNA and candidate mRNAs was analyzed. qRT-PCR was introduced to analyze expression of miR-145-3p and CXCL5 mRNA in EC cell lines, and western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CXCL5. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in EC were examined through CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell invasion, and flow cytometry assays. Moreover, targeting relationship between miR-145-3p and CXCL5 was verified through luciferase reporter gene analysis. The experimental results revealed a decreased miR-145-3p expression and an increased CXCL5 expression in EC. Enforced expression of miR-145-3p hindered proliferation, migration, invasion, and stimulated apoptosis of EC cells by repressing CXCL5. This study manifested that miR-145-3p may be a tumor suppressor in EC, and miR-145-3p/CXCL5 axis restrained the malignant progression of EC. These results supply an underlying target for prognosis and treatment of EC patients.

Long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC01287 drives the progression of cervical cancer via regulating miR-513a-5p/SERP1

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer in women, which is characterized by high invasion and metastatic tendency in its advanced stage. Emerging evidence indicated that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. LINC01287 has been reported to play crucial regulatory roles in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancers. However, up until now, whether LINC01287 is associated with the initiation and development of cervical cancer remains largely unknown. In the present study, expression levels of LINC01287, miR-513a-5p and stress-associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1 (SERP1) mRNA were quantified utilizing qRT-PCR. A series of functional experiments including CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, and tumor xenograft growth of cervical cancer cells were performed for studying the effects of LINC01287. The luciferase reporter assay, pull-down assay, and western blot were used to confirm the downstream targets of LINC01287 and miR-513a-5p. The results demonstrate that LINC01287 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissue samples and cell lines. High LINC01287 predicts a poor prognosis for cervical cancer patients. Additional gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that silencing LINC01287 inhibited cervical cancer cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, apoptosis in vitro and retarded tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter gene system and RNA pulldown assay validated that LINC01287 positively regulated SERP1 expressions by sponging miR-513a-5p, and LINC01287 inhibited cervical cancer progression by regulating miR-513a-5p/SERP1 axis. In conclusion, the current study first identified that LINC01287/miR-513a-5p/SERP1 axis played an important role in cervical cancer progression. LINC01287 might be a prognostic biomarker and a target for new therapies in patients with cervical cancer.

HTR1D functions as a key target of HOXA10-AS/miR-340-3p axis to promote the malignant outcome of pancreatic cancer via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are a newly discovered class of molecular regulators involved in many diseases, especially tumors. Therefore, exploration of the potential ceRNA regulatory network regarding the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer will provide a new theoretical basis for its diagnosis and treatment. Based on the above background, we applied a bioinformatics approach to mine the public database The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and performed a series of subsequent molecular biology assays to confirm the hypothesis that HOXA10-AS/ miR-340-3p/HTR1D axis could modulate the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer. Here, our present study demonstrated that the expression level of HTR1D, positively correlated with the level of lncRNA HOXA10-AS and negatively associated with the level of miR-340-3p, was significantly increased in pancreatic cancer cell lines (PCs) compared with that in normal HPDE6-C7 cells. Knocking down HTR1D obviously inhibited the proliferation and migration of PCs and promoted apoptosis by upregulating p-AKT. Elevated miR-340-3p blocked the progression of pancreatic cancer by downregulating HTR1D. Lessened level of lncRNA HOXA10-AS reduced the sponging of miR-340-3p, resulting in an increase of miR-340-3p and a subsequent decrease of HTR1D to ultimately suppress the malignant biological behaviors of cancer. These data illustrated that the HOXA10-AS/miR-340-3p/HTR1D ceRNA axis acted a crucial part in the malignant biological behavior of pancreatic cancer in an AKT-dependent manner.

Long non-coding RNAs in virus-related cancers

Some viral infections lead to tumourigenesis explained by a variety of underlying molecular mechanisms. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have the potential to be added to this list due to their diverse mechanisms in biological functions and disease processes via gene alternation, transcriptional regulation, protein modification, microRNA sponging and interaction with RNA/DNA/proteins. In this review, we summarise the dysregulation and mechanism of lncRNAs in virus-related cancers focussing on Hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Human Papillomavirus. We will also discuss the potential implications of lncRNAs in COVID-19.

LncRNA FLVCR1-AS1 mediates miR-23a-5p/SLC7A11 axis to promote malignant behavior of cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological malignant tumor in the world. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) plays an important role in cell activities of various cancers including CC. This study aims to reveal the biological function of FLVCR1-AS1 in CC and clarify its possible mechanism of action. The findings suggest that the expression of FLVCR1-AS1 was elevated in CC tissues and cell lines, and that high expression of FLVCR1-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis of CC patients. In addition, knockdown of FLVCR1-AS1 could inhibit the proliferation and migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of CC cells, as well as accelerating apoptosis, to inhibit the development of CC. In addition, via the dual-luciferase reporting assay and RIP assay were confirmed that FLVCR1-AS1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA to inhibit the expression of microRNA (miR)-23a-5p, and miR-23a-5p targeted the 3’-untranslated region site of Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and negatively regulated the expression of SLC7A11. Functional rescue experiments showed that miR-23a-5p inhibitors reversed the inhibitory effect of FLVCR1-AS1-silencing on proliferation, EMT, migration and invasion, and the promoting impact of apoptosis of CC cells. In addition, SLC7A11 rescued the effect of miR-23a-5p overexpression on progression of CC cells. In conclusion, FLVCR1-AS1 is involved in the malignant phenotype of CC cells through miR-23a-5p/SLC7A11 axis, which may provide a beneficial direction for the treatment of CC.

A Quartet Network Analysis Identifying Mechanically Responsive Long Noncoding RNAs in Bone Remodeling

Mechanical force, being so ubiquitous that it is often taken for granted and overlooked, is now gaining the spotlight for reams of evidence corroborating their crucial roles in the living body. The bone, particularly, experiences manifold extraneous force like strain and compression, as well as intrinsic cues like fluid shear stress and physical properties of the microenvironment. Though sparkled in diversified background, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) concerning the mechanotransduction process that bone undergoes are not yet detailed in a systematic way. Our principal goal in this research is to highlight the potential lncRNA-focused mechanical signaling systems which may be adapted by bone-related cells for biophysical environment response. Based on credible lists of force-sensitive mRNAs and miRNAs, we constructed a force-responsive competing endogenous RNA network for lncRNA identification. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we then illustrated the possible crosstalk between lncRNAs and mRNAs as well as transcriptional factors and mapped lncRNAs to known signaling pathways involved in bone remodeling and mechanotransduction. Last, we developed combinative analysis between predicted and established lncRNAs, constructing a pathway–lncRNA network which suggests interactive relationships and new roles of known factors such as H19. In conclusion, our work provided a systematic quartet network analysis, uncovered candidate force-related lncRNAs, and highlighted both the upstream and downstream processes that are possibly involved. A new mode of bioinformatic analysis integrating sequencing data, literature retrieval, and computational algorithm was also introduced. Hopefully, our work would provide a moment of clarity against the multiplicity and complexity of the lncRNA world confronting mechanical input.

LINC-DUBR Suppresses Malignant Progression of Ovarian Cancer by Downregulating miR-107 to Induce SMAC Expression

Background

LINC-DUBR may be a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer (OC). The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of miR-107 on the tumorigenicity of OC and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

RT-qPCR was adopted to measure the expression of LINC-DUBR and miR-107 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. CCK-8 assays and transwell chamber assays were conducted to evaluate the impacts of LINC-DUBR and miR-107 on the proliferation and invasion of human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3). In addition, we determined the relationship between LINC-DUBR, miR-107, and SMAC using TargetScan and luciferase reporter assay. The protein expression of SMAC was determined by western blot.

Results

Compared with normal tissues and cells, LINC-DUBR was downregulated and miR-107 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of LINC-DUBR inhibited the cell proliferation and invasive ability in OC cells SKOV3. The luciferase reporter assay proved overexpression of LINC-DUBR repressed cells proliferation and invasion via binding to miR-107 in ovarian cancer. In addition, we found that SMAC was downregulated directly by miR-107 in ovarian cancer. miR-107 mimic significantly increased cell proliferation and invasiveness of SKOV3, while overexpressed SMAC eliminated this effect. Furthermore, miR-107 could regulate the XIAP/caspase-3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer by targeting SMAC.

Conclusion

LINC-DUBR suppressed malignant progression of ovarian cancer by downregulating miR-107 to induce SMAC expression and involving in the XIAP/caspase-3 signaling pathway.

SYDE1 Acts as an Oncogene in Glioma and has Diagnostic and Prognostic Values

Objectives: Gliomas remain one of serious public health problems worldwide which demand further and deeper investigation. The aim of this study was to explore the association between synapse defective protein 1 homolog 1 (SYDE1) and gliomas via public database analysis and in vitro validation to determine the potential diagnostic and prognostic values. Methods and Results: Compared with healthy brain tissues, there was a significant increase in SYDE1 expression in glioma tissues. Additionally, SYDE1 exhibited higher expression levels in glioma patients with unfavorable clinicopathological factors. In vitro knockdown of SYDE1 in glioma cell lines A172 inhibited their migrative and invasive ability but not the proliferative ability. GO and KEGG pathway analysis of the top 100 genes coexpressed with SYDE1 showed enrichments of tumor-associated terms. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed that the SNHG16/hsa-miR-520e/SYDE1 axis might be involved in glioma development. Conclusions: SYDE1 is expressed at higher levels in gliomas than in healthy brains, and can promote metastasis and invasion but not proliferation of gliomas. Furthermore, SYDE1 has values in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of gliomas.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00958 promotes colorectal cancer progression by enhancing the expression of LEM domain containing 1 via microRNA miR-3064-5p

Colorectal cancer is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Thus, there is an urgent need to determine the mechanism of progression of colorectal cancer. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of long non-coding RNA LINC00958, providing a new biomarker for colorectal cancer. The expression of LINC00958, miR-3064-5p, and LEM domain containing 1 (LEMD1) in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines was analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The interaction between LINC00958, miR-3064-5p, and LEMD1 was assessed using the luciferase assay. The viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells with silenced LINC00958, miR-3064-5p, and LEMD1 were investigated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5′-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays. Phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) protein levels were measured by western blotting. LINC00958 and LEMD1 were found to have increased, while the expression of miR-3064-5p was decreased in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Silencing of LINC00958 hampered cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, while enhancing the apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Notably, LINC00958 inhibited miR-3064-5p and promoted LEMD1; the miR-3064-5p inhibitor abrogated the effect of LINC00958 silencing in colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, LEMD1 knockdown inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our analyses have shown that LINC00958 could facilitate the progression of colorectal cancer by sponging miR-3064-5p and releasing LEMD1, leading to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Thus, LINC00958 may be considered as an effective biomarker for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

A Review on the Role of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 6 Long Non-coding RNAs in the Carcinogenic Processes

Being located on 17q25.1, small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG16) is a member of SNHG family of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) with 4 exons and 13 splice variants. This lncRNA serves as a sponge for a variety of miRNAs, namely miR-520a-3p, miR-4500, miR-146a miR-16–5p, miR-98, let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-93, miR-17-5p, miR-186, miR-302a-3p, miR-605-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-195, let-7b-5p, miR-16, miR-340, miR-1301, miR-205, miR-488, miR-1285-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-124-3p. This lncRNA can affect activity of TGF-β1/SMAD5, mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Almost all studies have reported oncogenic effect of SNHG16 in diverse cell types. Here, we explain the results of studies about the oncogenic role of SNHG16 according to three distinct sets of evidence, i.e., in vitro, animal, and clinical evidence.

Long noncoding RNA HOXC-AS3 enhances the progression of cervical cancer via activating ErbB signaling pathway

Emerging evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to human tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, the function of HOXC cluster antisense RNA 3 (HOXC-AS3) in human cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unknown. The levels of HOXC-AS3, miR-105-5p and SOS1 in CC tissues and cells were monitored by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to verify the function of HOXC-AS3 and miR-105-5p in CC cells. Meanwhile, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were examined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) experiment, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were carried out to test the regulatory interaction of HOXC-AS3, miR-105-5p and SOS1. In addition, in vivo experiment was performed to certain the role of HOXC-AS3 in tumorigenesis of CC. HOXC-AS3 was overexpressed in CC tissues (vs. adjacent normal tissues) and CC cells. Besides, the higher HOXC-AS3 profile was associated with the poorer clinical prognosis of CC patients. Overexpression of HOXC-AS3 promoted cell growth, migration and invasion, hampered apoptosis, whereas knocking down HOXC-AS3 exhibited the reverse effects. MiR-105-5p was a downstream target of HOXC-AS3, and it mediated the HOXC-AS3-induced oncogenic effects. Mechanistically, the bioinformatic analysis illustrated that SOS1 was targeted by miR-105-5p. Up-regulating SOS1 heightened the growth, migration and invasion of CC cells by enhancing the ErbB signaling pathway, which was reversed by miR-105-5p. Up-regulated HOXC-AS3 aggravates CC by promoting SOS1 expression via targeting miR-105-5p.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG16 as a potential biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) has recently been reported as a potential biomarker in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of SNHG16 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to reveal the association between SNHG16 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC.Standards-compliant literature was retrieved from multiple public databases, and data on overall survival, disease-free survival, and clinicopathological characteristics related to SNGH16 were extracted and meta-analysis was performed. Additionally, the Cancer Genome Atlas data were analyzed through the gene expression profiling interactive analysis database to verify previous results.A total of 5 reports involving 410 patients with HCC were enrolled. The high expression of SNHG16 indicated worse overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.22-3.60; P = .007) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.10-10.40; P = .03). Additionally, the high expression of SNHG16 predicted a larger tumor size, metastasis, and advanced TNM stage.SNHG16 could serve as a potential biomarker of poor prognosis in HCC.

The Biological Significance of Long noncoding RNAs Dysregulation and their Mechanism of Regulating Signaling Pathways in Cervical Cancer

Despite the remarkable decrease in cervical cancer incidence due to the availability of the HPV vaccine and implementation of screening programs for early detection in developed countries, this cancer remains a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries where most of the cases and mortality occur. Therefore, more understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer development might lead to the discovery of more effective diagnosis and treatment options. Research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) demonstrates the important roles of these molecules in many physiological processes and diseases, especially cancer. In the present review, we discussed the significance of lncRNAs altered expression in cervical cancer, highlighting their roles in regulating highly conserved signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways and their association with the progression of cervical cancer in order to bring more insight and understanding of this disease and their potential implications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

The underlying molecular mechanisms and prognostic factors of RNA binding protein in colorectal cancer: a study based on multiple online databases

BACKGROUND

RNA binding protein (RBP) is an active factor involved in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, the potential mechanism of RBP in CRC needs to be clarified by dry-lab analyses or wet-lab experiments.

METHODS

The differential RBP gene obtained from the GEPIA 2 (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2) were performed functional enrichment analysis. Then, the alternative splicing (AS) events related to survival were acquired by univariate regression analysis, and the correlation between RBP and AS was analyzed by R software. The online databases were conducted to analyze the mutation and methylation of RBPs in CRC. Moreover, 5 key RBP signatures were obtained through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and established as RBP prognosis model. Subsequently, the above model was verified through another randomized group of TCGA CRC cohorts. Finally, multiple online databases and qRT-PCR analysis were carried to further confirm the expression of the above 5 RBP signatures in CRC.

RESULTS

Through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, it was revealed that RBPs had genetic and epigenetic changes in CRC. We obtained 300 differentially expressed RBPs in CRC samples. The functional analysis suggested that they mainly participated in spliceosome. Then, a regulatory network for RBP was established to participate in AS and DDX39B was detected to act as a potentially essential factor in the regulation of AS in CRC. Our analysis discovered that 11 differentially expressed RBPs with a mutation frequency higher than 5%. Furthermore, we found that 10 differentially expressed RBPs had methylation sites related to the prognosis of CRC, and a prognostic model was constructed by the 5 RBP signatures. In another randomized group of TCGA CRC cohorts, the prognostic performance of the 5 RBP signatures was verified.

CONCLUSION

The potential mechanisms that regulate the aberrant expression of RBPs in the development of CRC was explored, a network that regulated AS was established, and the RBP-related prognosis model was constructed and verified, which could improve the individualized prognosis prediction of CRC.

LncRNA DLEU1 Contributes to the Growth and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer via Targeting miR-320b/PRPS1

Growing evidences suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely correlated to the development of human cancer, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). A previous report suggested that DLEU1 accelerated CRC development. However, DLEU1's underlying mechanism in CRC remains unclear. In our study, the level of DLEU1 in CRC tissues is investigated by qRT-PCR. Our data exhibited that DLEU1 level was observably increased in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and was closely associated with bad prognosis of CRC patients. CRC cell proliferation was repressed by sh-LncRNA DLEU1, whereas cell apoptosis was markedly stimulated. Moreover, knockdown of DLEU1 inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, through interacting with miR-320b in CRC, DLEU1 promoted the level of PRPS1 which was a target of miR-320b. The rescue experiment confirmed that knockdown of DLEU1 repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulated cell apoptosis via miR-320b/phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) axis. Meanwhile, the data of xenograft model exhibited that inhibition of DLEU1 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In summary, DLEU1 knockdown may repress PRPS1 expression via miR-320b, and then repress cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulate cell apoptosis. Our research may provide a novel target for the treatment of CRC.

Small nucleolar RNA host genes promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition lead cancer progression and metastasis

The small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) belong to the long non-coding RNAs and are reported to be able to influence all three levels of cellular information-bearing molecules, that is, DNA, RNA, and proteins, resulting in the generation of complex phenomena. As the host genes of the small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), they are commonly localized in the nucleolus, where they exert multiple regulatory functions orchestrating cellular homeostasis and differentiation as well as metastasis and chemoresistance. Indeed, worldwide literature has reported their involvement in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of different histotypes of cancer, being able to exploit peculiar features, for example, the possibility to act both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Moreover, SNHGs regulation is a fundamental topic to better understand their role in tumor progression albeit such mechanism is still debated. Here, we reviewed the biological functions of SNHGs in particular in the EMT process and discussed the perspectives for new cancer therapies.

The role of nanotechnology in current COVID-19 outbreak

COVID-19 has recently become one of the most challenging pandemics of the last century with deadly outcomes and a high rate of reproduction number. It emphasizes the critical need for the designing of efficient vaccines to prevent virus infection, early and fast diagnosis by the high sensitivity and selectivity diagnostic kits, and effective antiviral and protective therapeutics to decline and eliminate the viral load and side effects derived from tissue damages. Therefore, non-toxic antiviral nanoparticles (NPs) have been under development for clinical application to prevent and treat COVID-19. NPs showed great promise to provide nano vaccines against viral infections. Here, we discuss the potentials of NPs that may be applied as a drug itself or as a platform for the aim of drug and vaccine repurposing and development. Meanwhile, the advanced strategies based on NPs to detect viruses will be described with the goal of encouraging scientists to design effective and cost-benefit nanoplatforms for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Long Non-Coding RNA NORAD Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Regulating miR-155-5p/SOCS1 Axis

Purpose

Non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) has been reported to be a cancer-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) implicated in the progression of several cancers; however, its role in breast cancer (BC) has not yet been clarified.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine NORAD, microRNA (miR)-155-5p, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) mRNA expression levels. Western blotting was used to analyze SOCS1 protein expression. The malignancy of BC cells was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), BrdU, and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to verify the targeted relationship between NORAD and miR-155-5p. Additionally, the regulatory effects of NORAD and miR-155-5p on SOCS1 expression were determined by western blotting.

Results

NORAD expression was significantly reduced in BC cell lines and tissues, and its low expression was associated with poor tumor tissue differentiation. NORAD overexpression repressed BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas its knockdown produced the opposite effects. Additionally, miR-155-5p was found to be a target of NORAD, and the biological functions of miR-155-5p and NORAD were counteractive. MiR-155-5p was confirmed to target SOCS1, and SOCS1 was found to be positively regulated by NORAD.

Conclusion

NORAD suppresses miR-155-5p to upregulate SOCS1, thereby repressing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells.

The effect of LncRNA SNHG16 on vascular smooth muscle cells in CHD by targeting miRNA-218-5p

PURPOSE

To explore the role of SNHG16 in coronary heart disease (CHD) and its effect on vascular smooth muscle cells via miR-218-5p.

METHODS

A quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was carried out to determine the expression of serum SNHG16 and miR-218-5p in the observation group before and after treatment and in the control group. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to analyze the value of SNHG16 and miR-218-5p in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of CHD. Furthermore, purchased coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) were transfected with SNHG16 mimics, SNHG16 inhibitor, miR-218-5p mimics, miR-218-5p inhibitor, or negative control, and then the cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins (c-myc and β-catenin) in the cells were detected.

RESULTS

Both SNHG16 and miR-218-5 had good predictive value for the development and recurrence of CHD (P < 0.001). In addition, cell experiments showed that inhibition of SNHG16 weakened the proliferation and migration of HCASMC cells and intensified their apoptosis, SNHG16 and miR-218-5p had the same binding sites, and the dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that the fluorescence activity of HG16-WT was inhibited by transfected miR-mimics, but enhanced by transfected miR-inhibitor (both P < 0.050). Furthermore, the rescue experiment revealed that the effect of inhibiting SNHG16 on HCASMC cells was completely reversed by miR-218-5p (P > 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Highly expressed SNHG16 targetedly regulates miR-218-5p and promotes the proliferation and migration of HCASMC via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, giving rise to CHD.

The emerging role of miR-128 in musculoskeletal diseases

MicroRNA-128 (miR-128) is associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and survival. Genetic analysis studies have demonstrated that miR-128 participates in bone metabolism, which involves bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and adipocytes. miR-128 also participates in regeneration of skeletal muscles by targeting myoblast-associated proteins. The deregulation of miR-128 could lead to a series of musculoskeletal diseases. In this review, we discuss recent findings of miR-128 in relation to bone metabolism and muscle regeneration to determine its potential therapeutic effects in musculoskeletal diseases, and to propose directions for future research in this significant field.

Knockdown of lncRNA PCAT1 Enhances Radiosensitivity of Cervical Cancer by Regulating miR-128/GOLM1 Axis

Purpose

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer with high death rate in females. The study aims to detect the mechanism of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) PCAT1 on radiosensitivity of CC.

Methods

The expression of PCAT1, miR-128 and GOLM1 in CC tissues and cells was measured by qRT-PCR. Different doses of X-ray were used for radiation treatment of CC cells and 6 Gy was chosen to perform the following experiments. The proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells were measured by MTT assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The target relationships among PCAT1, miR-128 and GOLM1 were predicted by StarBase and TargetScan and verified by luciferase reporter assay. The protein level of GOLM1 was determined by Western blot. The xenograft tumor model was constructed in nude mice to verify the effect of PCAT1 on radiosensitivity of CC in vivo.

Results

The PCAT1 expression was upregulated in CC tissues and cells. PCAT1 silencing enhances radiosensitivity of CC cells on proliferation, migration and invasion. MiR-128 was the target of PCAT1 and was negatively regulated by PCAT1. Upregulation of miR-128 enhances radiosensitivity of CC cells on proliferation, migration and invasion. GOLM1 was a target of miR-128 and was negatively regulated by miR-128. Upregulation of GOLM1 and downregulation of miR-128 both reversed the enhanced effect of PCAT1 knockdown on radiosensitivity of CC cells, which partly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells.

Conclusion

Silencing of PCAT1 enhanced radiosensitivity of CC via targeting miR-128/GOLM1, which provided a new idea for treating CC.

Knockdown of LncRNA DLEU2 Inhibits Cervical Cancer Progression via Targeting miR-128-3p

Objective

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignancies worldwide and represents a major global health challenge. The fast growth of tumor and high rates of metastasis still lead to a poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients. It is urgent to clarify the mechanism and identify predictive biomarkers for the treatment of cervical cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified in cervical cancer and are related to malignant phenotypes of cervical cancer cells. However, the roles and mechanism of LncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukemia (DLEU2) in the tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer remain unknown.

Materials and Methods

qPCR was performed to analyze the expression of DLEU2, Cyclin D1, CDK4, Bax, Bcl2 and mi-128-3p. Western blot was performed to detect the cell cycle hallmarks expression. CCK8 was used to examine cell proliferation. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by Hoechst 33,258 staining and AV/PI staining with flow cytometry. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The xenograft model in nude mice was used to elucidate the function of DLEU2 in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were proceeded to clarify whether miR-128-3p directly binds with lncRNA DLEU2. Pull‑down assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay were used for exploring the relationship between DLEU2 and miR-128-3p.

Results

We demonstrated that DLEU2 was upregulated in cervical cancer tumor tissues. Downregulation of DLEU2 inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase of cervical cancer cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Further, LncRNA DLEU2 is one of the targets of miR-128-3p. miR-128-3p inhibitor abrogated the cell proliferation suppressed by knockdown of DLEU2, apoptosis induced by knockdown of DLEU2 and reversed the expression of cell cycle hallmarks regulated by knockdown of DLEU2.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggested knockdown of DLEU2 inhibited cervical cancer progression via targeting miR-128-3p.

Knockdown of MIR4435-2HG Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells via Regulating the miR-128-3p/MSI2 Axis in vitro

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play major roles in the development of several cancers, including cervical cancer (CC). The purpose of the present study is to explore the regulatory mechanism of MIR4435-2HG on CC in vitro.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine pairs of CC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 59 patients by resection. The expression of lncRNA MIR4435-2HG, microRNA (miR)-128-3p and Musashi 2 (MSI2) in CC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The viability of CC cells was detected by 3-(4, 5-Dimethyl-2-Thiazolyl)-2, 5-Diphenyl-2-H-Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. The ability of migration and invasion in CC cells was measured by wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Starbase software and Targetscan software were utilized to predict the relationship between miR-128 and MIR4435-2HG/MSI2, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm these interactions.

RESULTS

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG expression was significantly up-regulated in CC tissues (P < 0.001) and cells (P < 0.01). Knockdown of MIR4435-2HG inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells (P < 0.01). MiR-128-3p was a target of MIR4435-2HG and was negatively modulated by MIR4435-2HG (P < 0.0001, r = -0.6331). Up-regulation of miR-128-3p suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells (P < 0.01). In addition, MSI2 was the target gene of miR-128-3p and negatively regulated by miR-128-3p (P < 0.0001, r = -0.4775). Both down-regulation of miR-128-3p and up-regulation of MSI2 reversed the inhibitory effects of MIR4435-2HG knockdown on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MIR4435-2HG knockdown suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells through regulating the miR-128-3p/MSI2 axis, providing a possible therapeutic strategy for CC.

Association of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) with Cisplatin Resistance

Therapy resistance is a characteristic of cancer cells that significantly reduces the effectiveness of drugs. Despite the popularity of cisplatin (CP) as a chemotherapeutic agent, which is widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has been extensively observed. Among various reported mechanism(s), the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process can significantly contribute to chemoresistance by converting the motionless epithelial cells into mobile mesenchymal cells and altering cell–cell adhesion as well as the cellular extracellular matrix, leading to invasion of tumor cells. By analyzing the impact of the different molecular pathways such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt, which play an important role in resistance exhibited to CP therapy, we first give an introduction about the EMT mechanism and its role in drug resistance. We then focus specifically on the molecular pathways involved in drug resistance and the pharmacological strategies that can be used to mitigate this resistance. Overall, we highlight the various targeted signaling pathways that could be considered in future studies to pave the way for the inhibition of EMT-mediated resistance displayed by tumor cells in response to CP exposure.