The long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition by sponging miR-149-3p in Colorectal Cancer

Exploring the interplay of natural products and long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and overcoming drug resistance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the most prevalent malignancies, both in terms of incidence and mortality rates. Current research into CRC has shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving its development. Several factors, including lifestyle, environmental influences, genetics, and diet, play significant roles in its pathogenesis. Natural compounds such as curcumin, tanshinone, lycorine, sinomenine, kaempferol, verbascoside, quercetin, berberine, and fisetin have shown great promise in the prevention and treatment of CRC. Research has also highlighted the significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. Among these, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to regulate the transcription of genes involved in cancer. LncRNAs contribute to cancer stem cell (CSC) proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance. Specific lncRNAs, including GAS5, LNC00337, HOTAIR, TPT1-AS1, cCSC1, BCAR4, TUG1, and Solh2, play crucial roles in these processes. They hold potential as novel biomarkers, detectable in bodily fluids and tissues, and could serve as therapeutic targets due to their involvement in drug resistance and sensitivity. These insights could improve CRC treatment strategies, addressing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness of natural anti-cancer agents in CRC treatment. Additionally, it offers an in-depth evaluation of lncRNAs in CRC, their role in the disease's progression, and their potential applications in its management.

SALL4 in gastrointestinal tract cancers: upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms

Effective therapeutic targets and early diagnosis are major challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. SALL4 is a well-known transcription factor that is involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. Previous studies have revealed that SALL4 regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration and maintains stem cell function in mature cells. Additionally, SALL4 overexpression is associated with tumorigenesis. Despite its characterization as a biomarker in various cancers, the role of SALL4 in GIT cancers and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe the functions of SALL4 in GIT cancers and discuss its upstream/downstream genes and pathways associated with each cancer. We also consider the possibility of targeting these genes or pathways as potential therapeutic options for GIT cancers.

Targeting HOXA11-AS to mitigate prostate cancer via the glycolytic metabolism: In vitro and in vivo

As oncogenes or oncogene suppressors, long-stranded non-coding RNAs are essential for the formation and progression of human tumours. However, the mechanisms behind the regulatory role of RNA HOXA11-AS in prostate cancer (PCa) are unclear. PCa is a common malignant tumour worldwide, and an increasing number of studies have focused on its metabolic profile. Studies have shown that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11-AS is aberrantly expressed in many tumours. However, the role of HOXA11-AS in PCa is unclear. This work aimed to determine how HOXA11-AS regulated PCa in vitro and in vivo. We first explored the clinical role of HOXA11-AS in PCa using bioinformatics methods, including single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-logistics systematically. In this study, PCa cell lines were selected to assess the PCa regulatory role of HOXA11-AS overexpression versus silencing in vitro, and tumour xenografts were performed in nude mice to assess tumour suppression by HOXA11-AS silencing in vivo. HOXA11-AS expression was significantly correlated with clinicopathological factors, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and glycolysis. Moreover, key genes downstream of HOXA11-AS exhibited good clinical diagnostic properties for PCa. Furthermore, we studied both in vitro and in vivo effects of HOXA11-AS expression on PCa. Overexpression of HOXA11-AS increased PCa cell proliferation, migration and EMT, while silencing HOXA11-AS had the opposite effect on PCa cells. In addition, multiple metabolites were downregulated by silencing HOXA11-AS via the glycolytic pathway. HOXA11-AS silencing significantly inhibited tumour development in vivo. In summary, silencing HOXA11-AS can inhibit PCa by regulating glucose metabolism and may provide a future guidance for the treatment of PCa.

Roles of non-coding RNA in megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis: new target therapies in ITP

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of RNA molecules that cannot encode proteins, and a better understanding of the complex interaction networks coordinated by ncRNAs will provide a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutics targeting the regulatory effects of ncRNAs. Platelets are produced upon the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes, 10¹¹ per day, and are renewed every 8-9 days. The process of thrombopoiesis is affected by multiple factors, in which ncRNAs also exert a significant regulatory role. This article reviewed the regulatory roles of ncRNAs, mainly microRNAs (miRNAs), circRNAs (circular RNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in thrombopoiesis in recent years as well as their roles in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Long non-coding RNAs and JAK/STAT signaling pathway regulation in colorectal cancer development

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main fatal cancers. Cell signaling such as Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling substantially influences the process of gene expression and cell growth. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play regulatory roles in cell signaling, cell proliferation, and cancer fate. Hence, lncRNAs can be considered biomarkers in cancers. The inhibitory or activating effects of different lncRNAs on the JAK/STAT pathway regulate cancer cell proliferation or tumor suppression. Additionally, lncRNAs regulate immune responses which play a role in immunotherapy. Mechanisms of lncRNAs in CRC via JAK/STAT regulation mainly include cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, adhesion, and control of inflammation. More profound findings are warranted to specifically target the lncRNAs in terms of activation or suppression in hindering CRC cell proliferation. Here, to understand the lncRNA cross-talk in CRC through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, we collected the related in vitro and in vivo data. Future insights may pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and personalized treatment strategies for CRC patients.

Long Noncoding RNA SAMMSON Promotes Melanoma Progression by Inhibiting FOXA2 Expression

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in melanoma initiation and development, serving as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for melanoma. lncRNA survival-associated mitochondrial melanoma-specific oncogenic noncoding RNA (SAMMSON) is upregulated in many types of human cancers. However, the functions of SAMMSON in melanoma have not been fully elucidated. This study is aimed at investigating the expression and functions of SAMMSON in melanoma development. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the expression of SAMMSON and its correlation with the 10-year overall survival (OS) in melanoma patients. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis were detected by MTT, colony formation, Transwell assays, and mouse xenograft model. The expression of cell cycle-related factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) makers, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting analysis. The results demonstrated that SAMMSON expression was upregulated in melanoma tissues and cells, and lower SAMMSON expression was correlated with longer 10-year OS. SAMMSON knockdown decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells by regulating the expression of proliferation-related genes, EMT factors, and MMPs, respectively. Additionally, Forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) was confirmed to be a target of SAMMSON, and the biological effects induced by FOXA2 overexpression were similar to those induced by SAMMSON silencing in melanoma cells. Further studies showed that SAMMSON downregulated FOXA2 expression in melanoma cells by modulating the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis. Taken together, our data indicate that SAMMSON plays an important role in melanoma progression and can be a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma.

Using period analysis to timely assess and predict 5-year relative survival for colorectal cancer patients in Taizhou, eastern China

INTRODUCTION

While timely assessment of long-term survival for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is essential for evaluation on early detection and screening programs of colorectal cancer, those data are extremely scarce in China. We aimed to timely and accurately assess long-term survival for CRC patients in eastern China.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with CRC during 2004-2018 and followed up until December 31, 2018 from four cancer registries with high-quality data from Taizhou, eastern China were included. Period analysis was used to calculate 5-year relative survival (RS) for overall and the stratification by sex, age at diagnosis and region. The projected 5-year RS of CRC patients during 2019-2023 was also assessed using a model-based period analysis.

RESULTS

Overall 5-year RS for patients with CRC during 2014-2018 reached 78.8%, being 74.9% for men and 86.1% for women. 5-year RS declined along with aging, decreasing from 84.1% for age < 45 years to 48.9% for age > 74 years, while 5-year RS for urban area was higher compared to rural area (83.9% vs. 75.8%). Projected overall 5-year RS of CRC patients could reach 85.9% during the upcoming period 2019-2023.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided, for first time in China using period analysis, most up-to-date 5-year RS for patients with CRC from Taizhou, eastern China and also found 5-year RS for CRC patients have improved greatly during 2004-2018.

DDX17 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis through the miR-149-3p/CYBRD1 pathway in colorectal cancer

DEAD box helicase 17 (DDX17) has been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of several cancers. However, the functional role and mechanisms of DDX17 in colorectal cancer (CRC) malignant progression and metastasis remain unclear. Here, we reported that DDX17 expression was increased in CRC tissues compared with noncancerous mucosa tissues and further upregulated in CRC liver metastasis compared with patient-paired primary tumors. High levels of DDX17 were significantly correlated with aggressive phenotypes and worse clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Ectopic expression of DDX17 promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while the opposite results were obtained in DDX17-deficient CRC cells. We identified miR-149-3p as a potential downstream miRNA of DDX17 through RNA sequencing analysis, and miR-149-3p displayed a suppressive effect on the metastatic potential of CRC cells. We demonstrated that CYBRD1 (a ferric reductase that contributes to dietary iron absorption) was a direct target of miR-149-3p and that miR-149-3p was required for DDX17-mediated regulation of CYBRD1 expression. Moreover, DDX17 contributed to the metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells via downregulation of miR-149-3p, which resulted in increased CYBRD1 expression. In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the significance of DDX17 in the aggressive development and prognosis of CRC patients, but also reveal a novel mechanism underlying DDX17-mediated CRC cell metastasis and EMT progression through manipulation of the miR-149-3p/CYBRD1 pathway.

HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Although there has been substantial improvement in the treatment modalities, cancer remains the major cause of fatality worldwide. Metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to oncological therapies are the leading causes of cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that allows cancer cells to undergo morphological transformation into a mesenchymal phenotype to acquire invasive potential. It encompasses reversible and dynamic ontogenesis by neoplastic cells during metastatic dissemination. Hence, understanding the molecular landscape of EMT is imperative to identify a reliable clinical biomarker to combat metastatic spread. Accumulating evidence reveals the role of HOX (homeobox) cluster-embedded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT and cancer metastasis. They play a crucial role in the induction of EMT, modulating diverse biological targets. The present review emphasizes the involvement of HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in EMT as a molecular sponge, chromatin remodeler, signaling regulator, and immune system modulator. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance and the potential use of novel drugs targeting HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in the clinical management of distant metastasis will be discussed.

DNA Methylation of HOXA11 Gene as Prognostic Molecular Marker in Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and hypomethylation of oncogenes might be identified as possible biomarkers in gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to assess the DNA methylation status of selected genes in GC tissue samples and evaluate these genes’ prognostic importance on patient survival. Patients (99) diagnosed with GC and who underwent gastrectomy were included. We selected a group of genes (RAD51B, GFRA3, AKR7A3, HOXA11, TUSC3, FLI1, SEZ6L, GLDC, NDRG) which may be considered as potential tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Methylation of the HOXA11 gene promoter was significantly more frequent in GC tumor tissue (p = 0.006) than in healthy gastric mucosa. The probability of surviving longer (71.2 months (95% CI 57–85.3) vs. 44.3 months (95% CI 34.8–53.9)) was observed with unmethylated HOXA11 promoter in cancer tissues. Survival in patients with a methylation of HOXA11 promoter either in healthy gastric mucosa or gastric cancer tissue was twice as high as in patients with a methylation of HOXA11 promoter in both healthy gastric mucosa and cancer tissue (61.2 months (95% CI 50.9–71.4) vs. 28.5 months (95% CI 20.8–36.2)). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed the HOXA11 methylation as significantly associated with patients’ survival (HR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.19–4.86). Our results suggest that the HOXA11 gene might be a potential prognostic molecular marker in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Regulators of EMT-Related Transcription Factors in Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis

Simple Summary

Emerging evidence highlights long non-coding RNAs as important regulators of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have attempted to define their possible diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values in various human cancers. The aim of this review is to summarize long non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma. Additional candidate long non-coding RNAs are identified through a bioinformatics analysis.

Abstract

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastases, stemness, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. EMT in most carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), is only partial, and can be evidenced by identification of the underlying molecular drivers and their regulatory molecules. During EMT, cellular reprogramming is orchestrated by core EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), namely ZEB1/2, TWIST1/2, SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). While microRNAs have been clearly defined as regulators of EMT, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT is poorly defined and controversial. Determining the role of lncRNAs in EMT remains a challenge, because they are involved in a number of cellular pathways and are operating through various mechanisms. Adding to the complexity, some lncRNAs have controversial functions across different tumor types, acting as EMT promotors in some tumors and as EMT suppressors in others. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of EMT-TFs in human CRC. Additional candidate lncRNAs were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.

Long non-coding RNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal tumor cells: an overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer mortality and a major health challenge worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a poor prognosis in CRC patients. Tumor recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of high mortality rate in these patients, which are due to late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be the most important cause of CRC metastasis, during which tumor cells obtain metastasis ability by losing epithelial features and gaining mesenchymal features. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of EMT process. Regarding the higher stability of lncRNAs compared with coding RNAs in body fluids, they can be used as non-invasive diagnostic markers for EMT process. In the present review, we summarized all of the lncRNAs involved in regulation of EMT process during CRC progression and metastasis. It was observed that lncRNAs mainly induced the EMT process in CRC cells by regulation of EMT-related transcription factors, Poly comb repressive complex (PRC), and also signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, MAPK, and Hippo.

miR-149-3p suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor development in acute myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVE

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a form of primary acute leukemia with high mortality. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-149-3p was down-regulated in chemoresistant acute leukemia cells. However, the biological function of miR-149-3p in AML needs to be further explored.

METHODS

Herein, the expression of miR-149-3p was overexpressed/silenced in U-937 human AML cells via transfection with miR-149-3p agomir/antagomir. The effect of miR-149-3p on U-937-induced tumor growth was investigated using a xenograft nude mouse model.

RESULTS

The results showed that miR-149-3p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of U-937 cells. In addition, miR-149-3p suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition in U-937 cells, as demonstrated by the miR-149-3p agomir-induced increase in E-cadherin expression and decrease in vimentin expression. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-149-3p suppressed tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the findings revealed the association of miR-149-3p with the development of AML and suggest that miR-149-3p is a potential therapeutic candidate for AML.

The long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS activates ITGB3 expression to promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer by sponging miR-124-3p

BACKGROUND

miR-124-3p can inhibit integrin β3 (ITGB3) expression to suppress the migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC), and in the process lncRNA HOXA11-AS may act as a molecular sponge.

METHODS

Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the binding of miR-124-3p and HOXA11-AS. RT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect the expression of HOXA11-AS, miR-124-3p and ITGB3 in GC tissues and cells. Gene silence and overexpression experiments as well as cell migration and invasion assays on GC cell lines were performed to determine the regulation of molecular pathways, HOXA11-AS/miR-124-3p/ITGB3. Furthermore, the role of HOXA11-AS in GC was confirmed in mice models.

RESULTS

We found HOXA11-AS is up-regulated in GC tissues and can bind with miR-124-3p. Through overexpression/knockdown experiments and function tests in vitro, we demonstrated HOXA11-AS can promote ITGB3 expression by sponging miR-124-3p, consequently enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Meanwhile, we validated that HOXA11-AS promotes migration and invasion of GC cells via down-regulating miR-124-3p and up-regulating ITGB3 in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that lncRNA HOXA11-AS can increase ITGB3 expression to promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer by sponging miR-124-3p. Our results suggested that HOXA11-AS may reasonably serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of GC.

The SOX9-MMS22L Axis Promotes Oxaliplatin Resistance in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is estimated to be one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. SOX9 is commonly overexpressed in CRC and participates in drug resistance. In addition, DNA damage repair confers resistance to anticancer drugs. However, the correlation between DNA damage repair and high SOX9 expression is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function and the specific underlying mechanism of the SOX9-dependent DNA damage repair pathway in CRC.

Methods

The expression levels of SOX9 and MMS22L in CRC were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TCGA analysis. RNA sequencing was conducted in RKO SOX9-deficient cells and RKO shControl cells. Mechanistic studies were performed in CRC cells by modulating SOX9 and MMS22L expression, and we evaluated drug sensitivity and DNA damage repair signaling events. In addition, we investigated the effect of oxaliplatin in tumors with SOX9 overexpression and low expression of MMS22L in vivo.

Results

Our study showed that SOX9 has a higher expression level in CRC tissues than in normal tissues and predicts poor prognosis in CRC patients. Overexpression and knockdown of SOX9 were associated with the efficacy of oxaliplatin. In addition, SOX9 activity was enriched in the DNA damage repair pathway via regulation of MMS22L expression and participation in DNA double-strand break repair. SOX9 was upregulated and formed a complex with MMS22L, which promoted the nuclear translocation of MMS22L upon oxaliplatin treatment. Moreover, the xenograft assay results showed that oxaliplatin abrogated tumor growth from cells with MMS22L downregulation in mice.

Conclusions

In CRC, activation of the SOX9-MMS22L-dependent DNA damage pathway is a core pathway regulating oxaliplatin sensitivity. Targeting this pathway in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells is a promising therapeutic option.

Hsa-miR-149-5p Suppresses Prostate Carcinoma Malignancy by Suppressing RGS17

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in the progression of human cancers. While several miRNAs have been reported to regulate the development of tumors, the molecular mechanisms and roles of miR-149-5p in prostate carcinoma (PCa) remain unclear. Our aim was to investigate the interaction and functions of miR-149-5p and RGS17 in PCa.

Methods

Microarray analysis was performed to identify the key miRNA and gene involved in PCa progression. The expression levels of miRNA and mRNA in PCa tissues and cells were verified by qRT-PCR. MTT assay, BrdU proliferation assay and wound-healing assay were applied to assess the effect of miR-149-5p and RGS17 on PCa cells’ viability, proliferation, and migration ability. The association between RGS17 and miR-149-5p was identify using dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay.

Results

Data analysis indicated the reduction of miR-149-5p expression in PCa tissues and cells. Experimental investigations also showed that this miRNA suppressed the viability, proliferation and migration ability of PCa cells. RGS17 was found to be the target of miR-149-5p, and the low expression of miR-149-5p upregulated RGS17 in PCa tissues and cells. The results of the cell-function assays showed that RGS17 acted as an oncogene in PCa even though its promotive effect could be reversed by miR-149-5p.

Conclusion

This research confirmed that by targeting and inhibiting RGS17, miR-149-5p could suppress PCa development.

Portrait of Cancer Stem Cells on Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Biomarkers, Signaling Pathways and miRNAome

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and about 20% is metastatic at diagnosis and untreatable. Increasing evidence suggests that the heterogeneous nature of CRC is related to colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), a small cells population with stemness behaviors and responsible for tumor progression, recurrence, and therapy resistance. Growing knowledge of stem cells (SCs) biology has rapidly improved uncovering the molecular mechanisms and possible crosstalk/feedback loops between signaling pathways that directly influence intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis. The generation of CCSCs is probably connected to genetic changes in members of signaling pathways, which control self-renewal and pluripotency in SCs and then establish function and phenotype of CCSCs. Particularly, various deregulated CCSC-related miRNAs have been reported to modulate stemness features, controlling CCSCs functions such as regulation of cell cycle genes expression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasization, and drug-resistance mechanisms. Primarily, CCSC-related miRNAs work by regulating mainly signal pathways known to be involved in CCSCs biology. This review intends to summarize the epigenetic findings linked to miRNAome in the maintenance and regulation of CCSCs, including their relationships with different signaling pathways, which should help to identify specific diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for CRC, but also develop innovative CCSCs-targeted therapies.