Leptin secreted by adipocytes promotes EMT transition and endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumour with a high incidence and mortality rate, and obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for the disease. However, it remains unclear whether leptin affects cell activity, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples of endometrial cancer tissue were obtained from clinical patients and nude mice Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed to assess leptin levels. Western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were conducted to detect EMT, JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway proteins, and cell proliferation biomarkers. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell activity, proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively.

RESULTS

ELISA, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses showed that leptin was highly expressed, and the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway was activated in endometrial cancer patients. Cell-based experiments showed that adipocytes secreted leptin, which increased the levels of leptin, and also promoted cell migration and invasion, EMT transition, and cell activity and proliferation. Leptin accelerated cell progression and promoted EMT via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. The tumour-promoting effect of leptin on endometrial cancer cells was further verified by in vivo experiments, in which leptin promoted tumour growth and activated the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Leptin secreted by adipocytes promotes EMT transition and endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in a dose-dependent manner.Highlights Endometrial cancer patients have high levels of leptinLeptin promotes EMT transition via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathwayLeptin promotes endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathwayLeptin promotes endometrial cancer in a dose-dependent manner.

Downregulated circRNA_CDKN1A promotes gallbladder cancer progression through activation of the NF-κB pathway

This study uncovered the potential clinical value and molecular driving mechanisms of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in gallbladder cancer (GBC). Differentially expressed circRNAs in GBC cells were screened by high-throughput sequencing. CircRNA_CDKN1A (circBase ID: hsa_circ_0076194) was knocked out in BGC-SD cells through transfection with sh-circRNA_CDKN1A. Then, proliferation was investigated via CCK8 and EdU assays, apoptosis via flow cytometry, migration via wound healing assays, and invasion via Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis of circRNA_CDKN1A-related signaling pathways was performed using MetScape and g:Profiler. Results showed that the knockdown of circRNA_CDKN1A enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBC cells and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, knocking out circRNA_CDKN1A promoted GBC cell proliferation and enhanced the dry indices of the OCT4 protein and CD34 expression levels. The knockdown of circRNA_CDKN1A activated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the biological role of circRNA_CDKN1A in GBC cells involved the NF-κB pathway. LY2409881, which is an NF-κB inhibitor, reversed the effects induced by the knockdown of circRNA_CDKN1A in GBC-SD cells. In summary, the knockdown of circRNA_CDKN1A promoted the progression of GBC by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. For the first time, this study revealed the mechanism of circRNA_CDKN1A-mediated regulatory action in GBC and identified the newly discovered circRNA_CDKN1A-NF-κB signaling axis as a potentially important candidate for clinical therapy and prognostic diagnosis of GBC.

CircPTK2 inhibits cell cisplatin (CDDP) resistance by targeting miR-942/TRIM16 axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

In recent years, the problem of cancer resistance has become more and more prominent, seriously affecting treatment efficiency. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in cell progression and cancer mechanisms. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on its function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistance. CircPTK2, microRNA-942 (miR-942), and Tripartite motif 16 (TRIM16) levels were detected by Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose consumption, and lactate production were assessed using the Seahorse XF96 Glycolysis Analyzer, glucose, and lactate assay kits, respectively. The protein expression was measured with the western bolt Transwell assay was used to determine migration and invasion of transfected cells. (4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were applied to carry out cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The relationship among circPTK2, miR-942, and TRIM16 were determined by using the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. circPTK2 (hsa_circ_0008305) and TRIM16 were low expressed, while miR-942 was significantly highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of circPTK2 remarkably inhibited cell growth, metastasis, and glycolysis in A549/CDDP and H1299/CDDP cells. Promotion of miR-942 or inhibition of TRIM16 could reverse the effects of high circPTK2 expression on cell growth, metastasis, and glycolysis in A549/CDDP and H1299/CDDP cells. CircPTK2 overexpression inhibited the growth of A549/CDDP cells in vivo. Furthermore, circPTK2 weakened CDDP resistance of NSCLC through modulating miR-942/TRIM16 axis, providing a novel sight for the treatment of NSCLC and improving the understanding of the CDDP resistance mechanism of NSCLC.

MiR-204 suppresses the progression of acute myeloid leukemia through HGF/c-Met pathway

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was confirmed to be associated with hematopoietic insufficiency, as well as abnormal proliferation, differentiation or survival of myeloid progenitors. Multiple studies reported that microRNA-204 (miR-204) and Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) played important roles in types of cancers. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanism between miR-204 and HGF in AML remains to be further defined. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was adopted to detect the expression of miR-204 and HG. Relative protein levels were detected by western blot assay. The viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed by MTT, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Moreover, the target relationship between miR-204 and HGF was predicted by MiRcode website and confirmed by luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and western blot assays. Our data suggested that miR-204 was downregulated in AML serum samples and cells. MiR-204 overexpression repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in AML cells. HGF was upregulated in AML samples and cells, and HGF knockdown inhibited the malignancy of AML cells. In addition, HGF was directly targeted by miR-204. HGF overexpression reversed the effects of miR-204 mimic on AML cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Besides, miR-204 regulated the c-Met signaling by targeting HGF, thereby regulating the downstream protein levels related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in AML cells. In conclusion, miR-204 could regulate AML progression through regulating the HGF/c-Met pathway.

The Role of Microenvironmental Cues and Mechanical Loading Milieus in Breast Cancer Cell Progression and Metastasis

Cancer can disrupt the microenvironments and mechanical homeostatic actions in multiple scales from large tissue modification to altered cellular signaling pathway in mechanotransduction. In this review, we highlight recent progresses in breast cancer cell mechanobiology focusing on cell-microenvironment interaction and mechanical loading regulation of cells. First, the effects of microenvironmental cues on breast cancer cell progression and metastasis will be reviewed with respect to substrate stiffness, chemical/topographic substrate patterning, and 2D vs. 3D cultures. Then, the role of mechanical loading situations such as tensile stretch, compression, and flow-induced shear will be discussed in relation to breast cancer cell mechanobiology and metastasis prevention. Ultimately, the substrate microenvironment and mechanical signal will work together to control cancer cell progression and metastasis. The discussions on breast cancer cell responsiveness to mechanical signals, from static substrate and dynamic loading, and the mechanotransduction pathways involved will facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge transfer, enabling further insights into prognostic markers, mechanically mediated metastasis pathways for therapeutic targets, and model systems required to advance cancer mechanobiology.

Long Non-Coding RNA AGAP2-AS1/miR-628-5p/PTN Axis Modulates Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Glioma Cells

Purpose

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in a variety of cancers, including glioma. However, the exact role and underlying mechanism of lncRNA AGAP2 antisense RNA 1 (AGAP2-AS1) in glioma have not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods

The expression levels of AGAP2-AS1, microRNA-628-5p (miR-628-5p) and pleiotrophin (PTN) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, respectively. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein level of PTN. The interaction between miR-628-5p and AGAP2-AS1 or PTN was predicted by bioinformatics software and confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Murine xenograft model was established to confirm the role of AGAP2-AS1 in glioma progression in vivo.

Results

AGAP2-AS1 expression was upregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of AGAP2-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, but facilitated apoptosis in glioma cells. Moreover, AGAP2-AS1 could directly bind to miR-628-5p and its overexpression reversed the anti-tumor effect of miR-628-5p restoration on the progression of glioma cells. In addition, miR-628-5p directly targeted PTN and its inhibition abolished the inhibitory effect of PTN knockdown on the progression of glioma cells. Furthermore, AGAP2-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-628-5p to modulate PTN expression. Besides, AGAP2-AS1 depletion reduced tumor growth by upregulating miR-628-5p and downregulating PTN.

Conclusion

AGAP2-AS1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis in glioma cells by regulating miR-628-5p/PTN axis, providing novel avenues for treatment of glioma.

HOXD3 was negatively regulated by YY1 recruiting HDAC1 to suppress progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ITGA2 pathway

Objectives

HOXD3 is associated with progression of multiple types of cancer. This study aimed to identify the association of YY1 with HOXD3‐ITGA2 axis in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Bioinformatics assay was used to identify the effect of YY1, HOXD3 and ITGA2 expression in HCC tissues. The function of YY1 and HOXD3 in HCCs was determined by qRT‐PCR, MTT, apoptosis, Western blotting, colony formation, immunohistochemistry, and wound‐healing and transwell invasion assays. The relationship between YY1 and HOXD3 or HOXD3 and ITGA2 was explored by RNA‐Seq, ChIP‐PCR, dual luciferase reports and Pearson's assays. The interactions between YY1 and HDAC1 were determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and Co‐IP.

Results

Herein, we showed that the expression of YY1, HOXD3 and ITGA2 associated with the histologic and pathologic stages of HCC. Moreover, YY1, recruiting HDAC1, can directly target HOXD3 to regulate progression of HCCs. The relationship between YY1 and HOXD3 was unknown until uncovered by our present investigation. Furthermore, HOXD3 bound to promoter region of ITGA2 and up‐regulated the expression, thus activating the ERK1/2 signalling and inducing HCCs proliferation, metastasis and migration in the vitro and vivo.

Conclusions

Therefore, HOXD3, a target of YY1, facilitates HCC progression via activation of the ERK1/2 signalling by promoting ITGA2. This finding provides a new whole way to HCC therapy by serving YY1‐HOXD3‐ITGA2 regulatory axis as a potential therapeutic target for HCC therapy.

Long Non-Coding RNA CRNDE Promotes Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Progression and Paclitaxel Resistance by Regulating miR-126-5p/ATAD2 Axis

Background

Long non-coding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (lncRNA CRNDE) and microRNA-126-5p (miR-126-5p) were reported to be related to the development of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, the detailed mechanism of CRNDE and miR-126-5p is not fully understood. The purpose of this research was to explore their roles and molecular mechanism in CRC.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the transcription levels of genes. Paclitaxel (PTX) was used to analyze cell drug resistance. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry analysis were employed to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Furthermore, cell migratory and invasive abilities were measured using transwell assay. The interaction between miR-126-5p and CRNDE or ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) was predicted by online tool starbase and then confirmed using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Besides, Western blot assay was carried out to detect the levels of proteins.

Results

CRNDE and ATAD2 expressions were upregulated and miR-126-5p expression was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. CRNDE depletion repressed PTX resistance and the growth of CRC cells. Interestingly, we found that miR-126-5p was a target gene of CRNDE, and miR-126-5p directly targeted ATAD2. Furthermore, CRNDE affected CRC cell progression via modulation of miR-126-5p/ATAD2 axis in CRC cells.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that CRNDE regulated CRC cell development and PTX resistance by modulating miR-126-5p/ATAD2 axis, providing the theoretical basis for the treatment of CRC patients.

Knockdown of lncRNA SNHG12 suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer by sponging miR-451a

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is a common cancer with high incidence in women worldwide. Although there are some studies focusing on the pathogenesis of BC, the regulatory mechanism needs to be further investigated. The function of lncRNA and miRNA has been demonstrated to participate in cell progression of BC. However, the function of SNHG12 has not been clearly elucidated.

METHODS

We detected the expression of SNHG12 and miR-451a using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of AKT, p-AKT, mTOR and p-mTOR were measured using western blot. The relationship between SNHG12 and miR-451a was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Xenograft transplantation was used to detect the function of SNHG12 in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that SNHG12 was significantly increased in BC tissues and cells. Knockdown of SNHG12 inhibited BC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In addition, miR-451a expression was obviously down-regulated in BC tissues and had negative correlation with SNHG12. Luciferase reporter assay determined that miR-451a was a target miRNA of SNHG12. Notably, SNHG12 knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and AKT/mTOR pathway activation which could be reversed by down-regulation of miR-451a.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of SNHG12 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by regulating miR-451a through suppression of AKT/mTOR pathway in BC.

lncRNA MALAT1 modulates oxaliplatin resistance of gastric cancer via sponging miR-22-3p

Objective

Various regulatory mechanisms have been demonstrated to be associated with cancer progression. ncRNA and mRNA play important roles in gastric cancer (GC) cell growth and drug resistance, respectively. However, the regulatory network of ncRNA and mRNA in GC oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance has not been fully clarified.

Methods

The expression of miR-22-3p, MALAT1, and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) was detected in tissues and cells using quantitative real-time PCR. The protein level of ZFP91 was measured by Western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter, pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine the relationship between MALAT1, miR-22-3p, and ZFP91. MTT assay was applied to measure cell survival and proliferation. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Tumor xenograft assay was used to detect the function of miR-22-3p in vivo.

Results

In this study, we found that MALAT1 and ZFP91 expression was upregulated while the expression of miR-22-3p was downregulated in GC/OXA tissues and cells. Additionally, miR-22-3p was a target miRNA of MALAT1 and ZFP91 was a target mRNA of miR-22-3p. Functional studies showed that the knockdown of MALAT1 or overexpression of miR-22-3p inhibited GC/OXA cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance as well as induced apoptosis, which could be reversed by the inhibition of miR-22-3p or overexpression of ZFP91.

Conclusion

We observed a new regulatory network for MALAT1 in drug resistance of GC. MALAT1 modulates ZFP91 to promote GC cells OXA resistance via sponging miR-22-3p.

Long noncoding RNA NORAD regulates lung cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion by the miR-30a-5p/ADAM19 axis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most common human cancers. Long noncoding RNA-activated by DNA damage (NORAD) is often upregulated and promotes cell progression in various human cancers; however, its function and possible mechanism in lung cancer remain largely unknown.

METHODS

The expression levels of NORAD, miR-30a-5p and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 19 (ADAM19) were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 3-(4, 5)-dimethylthiazole-2-y1)-2, 5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were employed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion abilities, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ADAM19. The interaction between miR-30a-5p and NORAD or ADAM19 was predicted by online software and confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The expression levels of NORAD and ADAM19 were increased and the expression level of miR-30a-5p was decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of NORAD could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion but promote apoptosis in lung cancer cells. In addition, NORAD directly interacted with miR-30a-5p and its overexpression reversed the anti-cancer role of miR-30a-5p in lung cancer. Moreover, miR-30a-5p directly targeted ADAM19 and its inhibition attenuated the inhibitory effect of ADAM19 knockdown on progression of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, NORAD functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) through sponging miR-30a-5p to regulate ADAM19 expression.

CONCLUSION

NORAD knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis in lung cancer cells by regulating miR-30a-5p/ADAM19, providing a possible therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients.

Paris saponin H suppresses human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Paris polyphylla, also known as Chong-lou in China, is traditionally used as an anticancer medicine. Paris saponin H (Ps H) has been reported to be one potential antitumor active component from Paris polyphylla and shows cytotoxicity on tumor cells. However, the role of Ps H in HCC is not clear.

METHODS

PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells were exposed to Ps H. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were measured with CCK-8 assay, EMT and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of cleaved caspase 3, E-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin, p-GSK-3β and GSK-3β. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, and caspase 3 activity assay. For in vivo experiments, xenograft tumors were induced with PLC/PRF/5 cells.

RESULTS

Ps H reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in HCC cells in the dose-dependent manner; EMT and invasion were inhibited by Ps H. Ps H downregulated expression of β-catenin and p-GSK-3β; in addition, β-catenin silencing mediated Ps H-induced suppression of cell progression in PLC/PRF/5 cells. An administration of Ps H effectively suppressed the tumor growth in the HCC xenograft model in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Ps H suppresses HCC cell progression through downregulation of β-catenin in vitro, and inhibits xenograft tumor growth, suggesting Ps H is an attractive candidate for clinical therapy for HCC.

miR-143 inhibits migration and invasion through regulating LASP1 in human esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the common cancers in China with high incidence and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence has emphasized the important roles of differentially expressed miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. Previous studies indicated that miR-143-3p and LASP1 influence cell growth in ESCC and other cancer types. However, the function and molecular mechanism of action of miR-143 and LASP1 in ESCC have not been fully explored.

METHODS

miR-143 and LASP1 expression were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein level of LASP1 was measured by western blot. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell migration and invasion capacity was measured by transwell assay. Targeting of LASP1 mRNA by miR-143 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Overall survival of ESCC patients with different miR-143 expression level was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

miR-143 expression was down-regulated, while LASP1 expression was up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells compared to non-malignant counterparts. LASP1 mRNA was identified as a target of miR-143. Low miR-143 expression or high LASP1 expression significantly associated with ESCC patients' decreased survival. miR-143 mimic transfection inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, which was impaired by LASP1 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

miR-143 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by down-regulating LASP1.

EGR1 mediates miR-203a suppress the hepatocellular carcinoma cells progression by targeting HOXD3 through EGFR signaling pathway

EGR1 plays a critical role in cancer progression. However, its precise role in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that the overexpression of EGR1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and increases cell apoptosis by binding to the miR-203a promoter sequence. In addition, we investigated the function of miR-203a on progression of HCC cells. We verified that the effect of overexpression of miR-203a is consistent with that of EGR1 in regulation of cell progression. Through bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assays, we confirmed that miR-203a targets HOXD3. Silencing HOXD3 could block transition of the G2/M phase, increase cell apoptosis, decrease the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins, EGFR, p-AKT, p-ERK, CCNB1, CDK1 and Bcl2 by targeting EGFR through EGFR/AKT and ERK cell signaling pathways. Likewise, restoration of HOXD3 counteracted the effects of miR-203a expression.In conclusion, our findings are the first to demonstrate that EGR1 is a key player in the transcriptional control of miR-203a, and that miR-203a acts as an anti-oncogene to suppress HCC tumorigenesis by targeting HOXD3 through EGFR-related cell signaling pathways.