Suxiao Jiuxin Pill alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced autophagy via miR-193a-3p/ALKBH5 pathway

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) poses a formidable challenge to cardiac reperfusion therapy due to the absence of effective clinical interventions. Methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is the most common post-transcriptional modifications occurring within mammalian mRNA, is believed to be involved in MIRI by modulating autophagy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have been implicated in the regulation of m6A methylation. Suxiao Jiuxin Pill (SJP) is extensively used in China for the clinical treatment of angina pectoris and confers benefits to patients with acute coronary syndrome who have received percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the precise mechanisms underlying SJP intervention in MIRI remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to demonstrate, both in vivo and in vitro, that SJP could alleviate autophagy in MIRI by regulating miR-193a-3p to target and upregulate the demethylase ALKBH5.

METHODS

An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established using H9c2 cells, while an in vivo MIRI model was established using Wistar rats. A lentivirus harboring the precursor sequence of miR-193a-3p was employed for its overexpression. Adeno-associated viruses were used to silence both miR-193a-3p and ALKBH5 expressions. Cardiac function, infarct size, and tissue structure in rats were assessed using echocardiography, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and HE staining, respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to detect the levels of apoptosis in rat cardiac tissue. m6A methylation levels were assessed using colorimetry. GFP-RFP-LC3B was used to monitor autophagic flux and transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the development of autophagosomes. Western Blot and qRT-PCR were respectively employed to assess the levels of autophagy-related proteins and miR-193a-3p.

RESULTS

SJP alleviated autophagy, preserved cardiac function, and minimized myocardial damage in the hearts of MIRI rats. SJP attenuated autophagy in H/R H9C2 cells. Elevated levels of miR-193a-3p were observed in the cardiac tissues of MIRI rats and H/R H9C2 cells, whereas SJP downregulated miR-193a-3p levels in these models. ALKBH5, a target gene of miR-193, is negatively regulated by miR-193a-3p. Upon overexpression of miR-193a-3p or silencing of ALKBH5, m6A methylation decreased, and the autophagy-attenuating effects of SJP and its components, senkyunolide A and l-borneol, were lost in H/R H9C2 cells, whereas in MIRI rats, these effects were not abolished but merely weakened. Further investigation indicated that the METTL3 inhibitor STM2475, combined with the silencing of miR-193a-3p, similarly attenuated autophagy in the hearts of MIRI rats. This suggests that a reduction in m6A methylation is involved in autophagy alleviation.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that SJP mitigates autophagy in MIRI by downregulating miR-193a-3p, enhancing ALKBH5 expression, and reducing m6A methylation, a mechanism potentially attributed to its constituents, senkyunolide A and l-borneol.

p53-associated miRNAs repress lncRNA ZFAS1 to retard the proliferation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent malignancy among endocrine-related tumours. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the main type of thyroid carcinoma, and almost 80% cases of thyroid carcinoma are diagnosed as PTC. The molecular mechanism underlying PTC progression is unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms of zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) function in PTC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of ZFAS1 and p53 was determined by quantitative polymerase chain analysis (qPCR) in PTC tissues derived from 20 PTC patients. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (qChIP) analysis was performed to validate the target of ZFAS1/p53 and miRNAs/p53. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE94908 was analysed to obtain the differentially expressed p53-associated microRNAs (miRNAs). Luciferase assay validated the target of ZFAS1/miRNAs, and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the cell proliferation.

RESULTS

The expression of ZFAS1 was up-regulated in the tissues derived from PTC patients, and the expression of ZFAS1 was negatively associated with p53 expression in PTC. The expression of ZFAS1 was significantly higher in the MDA-T120 cells harbouring mutant p53. We validated that ZFAS1 is a direct target of p53. In PTC cells, p53 directly repressed the ZFAS1 expression. In addition, we determined that miR-135b-5p and miR-193a-3p are directly induced by p53 in PTC cells. Interestingly, p53-targeted miR-135b-5p, miR-193a-3p, and miR-34b repressed the expression of ZFAS1 via the seed-matching sequences in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of ZFAS1, and thereby suppressed PTC cell proliferation induced by ZFAS1.

CONCLUSION

The oncogenic lncRNA ZFAS1 is directly repressed by p53 in PTC. p53-mediated miRNAs including miR-135b 5p, miR-193a-3p, and miR-34b repress ZFAS1 expression, and thereby inhibit the proliferation of PTC.

Circular RNA CircDHRS3 Aggravates IL-1β-induced ECM Degradation, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Response via Mediating MECP2 Expression

Previous studies have reported that circular RNA hsa_circ_0010024 (circDHRS3), microRNA (miR)-193a-3p, and Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) are unconventionally expressed in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage samples. However, the regulatory mechanisms among circDHRS3, miR-193a-3p, and MECP2 in OA pathogenesis are unclear. Changes of circDHRS3, miR-193a-3p, and MECP2 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. Several protein levels were evaluated using western blotting. Cell proliferation was analyzed by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell counting assays. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry assay. Detection of pro-inflammatory cytokines was conducted using ELISA. The relationship between circDHRS3 or MECP2 and miR-193a-3p was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. We verified that circDHRS3 and MECP2 were overexpressed in OA cartilage samples, whereas miR-193a-3p was downregulated. CircDHRS3 silencing weakened IL-1β-induced chondrocyte cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. CircDHRS3 adsorbed miR-193a-3p to modulate MECP2 expression. Also, silencing of miR-193a-3p impaired circDHRS3 silencing-mediated suppression on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury. Also, MECP2 overexpression alleviated miR-193a-3p mimic-mediated inhibition on IL-1β-prompted chondrocyte injury. CircDHRS3 silencing reduced MECP2 expression via sponging miR-193a-3p, thereby weakening IL-1β-induced chondrocyte ECM degradation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response.

miR-193a-3p Enhanced the Chemosensitivity to Trametinib in Gallbladder Carcinoma by Targeting KRAS and Downregulating ERK Signaling

Objective: In this study, the authors identified miR-193a-3p as a tumor-suppressing microRNA, and its effects on the chemosensitivity to trametinib in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The levels of miR-193a-3p in clinical GBC tissues and GBC cells were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of KRAS, ERK, and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) were examined by Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR-193a-3p and KRAS. The effect of miR-193a-3p knockdown or overexpression on the malignant behaviors and chemosensitivity of GBC was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethlthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide and flow cytometry assays in vitro and further examined in a xenograft model. Results: The levels of miR-193a-3p were significantly decreased in GBC cell lines, especially with KRAS mutations. In addition, miR-193a-3p overexpression retarded cell proliferation of GBC, but induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-193a-3p overexpression significantly improved the chemosensitivity of GBC to trametinib both in in vitro assays and in vivo xenograft mouse model. Further mechanisms disclosed that KRAS was a target of miR-193a-3p and levels of p-ERK were increased by treatment with miR-193a-3p inhibitor in GBC. Conclusions: These data suggested that miR-193a-3p enhanced the chemosensitivity to trametinib in GBC with wild-type KRAS or KRAS mutations by directly targeting KRAS and finally downregulated ERK signaling.

Downregulation of miR-193a/b-3p during HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis contributes to anchorage-independent growth through PI3K/AKT pathway regulators

Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV and an accumulation of (epi)genetic alterations in host cell. Acquisition of anchorage-independent growth represents a critical hallmark during HPV-induced carcinogenesis, thereby yielding the most valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets. In a previous study, we found that miR-193a-3p and miR-193b-3p were involved in anchorage-independent growth. This study aimed to delineate the role of miR-193a/b-3p in HPV-induced carcinogenesis and to identify their target genes related to anchorage-independent growth. Cell viability and colony formation were assessed in SiHa cancer cells and HPV-16 and -18 immortalized keratinocytes upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression. Both miRNAs reduced cell growth of all three cell lines in low-attachment conditions and showed a minor effect in adherent conditions. Online target predicting programs and publicly available expression data were used to find candidate mRNAs targets of miR-193a/b-3p. Seven targets showed reduced mRNA expression upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression. For 3 targets Western blot analysis was also performed, all showing a reduced protein expression. A direct interaction was confirmed using luciferase assays for 6 genes: LAMC1, PTK2, STMN1, KRAS, SOS2, and PPP2R5C, which are PIK3/AKT regulators. All 6 targets were overexpressed in cervical cancers and/or precursor lesions. Together with an oberserved downregulation of phosphorylated-AKT upon miR-193a/b-3p overexpression, this underlines the biological relevance of miR-193a/b-3p downregulation during HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis. In conclusion, downregulation of miR-193a-3p and miR-193b-3p is functionally involved in the acquisition of HPV-induced anchorage independence by targeting regulators of the PIK3/AKT pathway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CircMAP3K4 protects human lens epithelial cells from H2O2-induced dysfunction by targeting miR-193a-3p/PLCD3 axis in age-related cataract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have shown pivotal regulatory roles in multiple human ocular diseases, including age-related cataract (ARC). Here, we explored the role of circRNA mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (circMAP3K4, hsa_circ_0078619) in ARC pathology and its associated mechanism. The expression of RNAs and proteins was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assay. Cell viability, senescence, proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and flow cytometry. The oxidative stress status of SRA01/04 cells was analyzed using the commercial kits. The interaction between microRNA-193a-3p (miR-193a-3p) and circMAP3K4 or phospholipase C delta 3 (PLCD3) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA-pull down assay. CircMAP3K4 was significantly down-regulated in ARC patients and H2O2-induced SRA01/04 cells. H2O2 treatment restrained the viability and proliferation and promoted the senescence, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of SRA01/04 cells, and circMAP3K4 overexpression protected SRA01/04 cells from H2O2-induced dysfunction. MiR-193a-3p was a direct target of circMAP3K4, and circMAP3K4 overexpression-mediated protective effects in H2O2-induced SRA01/04 cells were largely reversed by the accumulation of miR-193a-3p. MiR-193a-3p interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of PLCD3, and PLCD3 knockdown largely overturned miR-193a-3p silencing-induced protective effects in H2O2-induced SRA01/04 cells. CircMAP3K4 up-regulated the expression of PLCD3 via sponging miR-193a-3p in SRA01/04 cells. In conclusion, circMAP3K4 protected SRA01/04 cells from H2O2-induced dysfunction in ARC through mediating miR-193a-3p/PLCD3 axis.

Long non-coding RNA AGAP2-AS1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion through regulating miR-193a-3p/LOXL4 axis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with highly mortality rate. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AGAP2-AS1 is an identified oncogene in several types of cancers. However, the role of AGAP2-AS1 in LSCC remains unclear. The expression levels of AGAP2-AS1 in LSCC tissues and cell lines were measured using qRT-PCR. AGAP2-AS1 was knocked down in LSCC cells through transfection with siRNA-AGAP2-AS1. Cell proliferation and invasion were detected using MTT and transwell assays. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the interaction with AGAP2-AS1 and downstream genes. Our results showed that AGAP2-AS1 expression was remarkably increased in human LSCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of AGAP2-AS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LSCC cells. In addition, AGAP2-AS1 sponged miR-193a-3p and regulated its expression in LSCC cells. Inhibition of miR-193a-3p reversed the effects of AGAP2-AS1 knockdown on LSCC cells. Furthermore, Lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) was a target gene of miR-193a-3p and the role of miR-193a-3p was mediated by LOXL4. In conclusion, these findings suggest that knockdown of AGAP2-AS1 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LSCC cells through regulating the miR-193a-3p/LOXL4 axis.

Over-expression of miR-193a-3p regulates the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by targeting PAK3

Although dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNA) has been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC), MiR-193a-3p, as a tumor inhibitor, is less studied. To investigate the function and mechanism of miR-193a-3p in CRC, the potential function of miR-193a-3p in regulating PAK3 in CRC with a series of experimental assays including western blotting, qRT-PCR, bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, CCK8 assay and immunofluorescence were performed in this study. The results showed that miR-193a-3p was down-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, which was also correlated with tumor progression. PAK3 was predicted as a target gene of miR-193a-3p in CRC cells by TargetScan database, which was confirmed by luciferase assays. Moreover, overexpression of miR-193a-3p suppressed the viability, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro by regulating the PAK3 signaling pathway. Therefore, miR-193a-3p may serve as a tumor suppressor and potential target for CRC treatment.

Mig-6 Inhibits Autophagy in HCC Cell Lines by Modulating miR-193a-3p

Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays an important role in many types of cancers by interacting with EGFR. However, its molecular mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with miRNAs need to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether Mig-6 could promote apoptosis and the inhibition of autophagy via its downstream miRNA in HCC cell lines. We used two cell lines, HepG2 and HLE, to establish Mig-6 overexpression and knockdown experiments, as well as miR-193a mimic and inhibitor experiments. The miRNA microarray profiling was also used to verify Mig-6-regulated miRNA. We found that Mig-6 induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy of HCC cell lines. miR-193a-3p is a Mig-6-regulated miRNA in the Mig-6-overexpression model. It affected the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells, at least partly by regulating the expression of TGF-β2. Additionally, the relationship between Mig-6 and transforming growth factor TGF-β2 was explored in depth for the first time. These findings revealed an important role of Mig-6 in the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells by regulating miR-193a-3p, providing a novel insight into the therapeutic target in HCC.

Long non-coding RNA KRT8P41/miR-193a-3p/FUBP1 axis modulates the proliferation and invasion of chordoma cells

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lncRNA KRT8P41 potentially serves as an oncogenic lncRNA in chordoma.

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miR-193a binds to lncRNA KRT8P41 and FUBP1 3′UTR.

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LncRNA KRT8P41/miR-193a axis modulates chordoma cell aggressiveness through FUBP1.

Chordomas are low-grade malignancies accounting for 1–4% of primary bone malignancies. Moreover, local recurrences increase the rate of metastasis. Our previous study identified the far upstream element (FUSE)-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for chordoma. In this study, lncRNA KRT8P41 was identified as a lncRNA positively correlated with FUBP1. In chordoma patients, higher lncRNA KRT8P41 expression was correlated with a poorer prognosis. LncRNA KRT8P41 silencing significantly inhibited chordoma cell proliferation and invasion. miR-193a was negatively correlated with lncRNA KRT8P41 and FUBP1; lncRNA KRT8P41 inhibited miR-193a expression, and miR-193a inhibited FUBP1 expression. Furthermore, miR-193a directly bound to lncRNA KRT8P41 and FUBP1 and lncRNA KRT8P41 competed with FUBP1 for miR-193a binding and relieved miR-193a-mediated FUBP1 inhibition. LncRNA KRT8P41 silencing inhibited, whereas miR-193a inhibition promoted chordoma cell proliferation and invasion; the inhibition of miR-193a attenuated the roles of lncRNA KRT8P41. Within chordoma tissues, the expression of miR-193a was decreased, and the expression of FUBP1 increased compared to normal control tissues. LncRNA KRT8P41 exhibited a positive correlation with FUBP1 and a negative correlation with miR-193a in vivo. Therefore, it was concluded that lncRNA KRT8P41, miR-193a-3p, and FUBP1 form a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis, modulating the proliferation and invasion of chordoma cells.

Tumor suppressor miR-193a-3p enhances efficacy of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer

Patients with BRAF‐mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) have a poor prognosis despite recent therapeutic advances such as combination therapy with BRAF, MEK, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that can improve the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib (DAB) and MEK inhibitor trametinib (TRA), we screened 240 miRNAs in BRAF‐mutated CRC cells and identified five candidate miRNAs. Overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p, one of the five screened miRNAs, in CRC cells inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Reverse‐phase protein array analysis revealed that proteins with altered phosphorylation induced by miR‐193a‐3p were involved in several oncogenic pathways including MAPK‐related pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p in BRAF‐mutated cells enhanced the efficacy of DAB and TRA through inhibiting reactivation of MAPK signaling and inducing inhibition of Mcl1. Inhibition of Mcl1 by siRNA or by Mcl1 inhibitor increased the antiproliferative effect of combination therapy with DAB, TRA, and anti‐EGFR antibody cetuximab. Collectively, our study demonstrated the possibility that miR‐193a‐3p acts as a tumor suppressor through regulating multiple proteins involved in oncogenesis and affects cellular sensitivity to MAPK‐related pathway inhibitors such as BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and/or anti‐EGFR antibodies. Addition of miR‐193a‐3p and/or modulation of proteins involved in the miR‐193a‐3p–mediated pathway, such as Mcl1, to EGFR/BRAF/MEK inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy against BRAF‐mutated CRC.

MiR-193a-3p targets LGR4 to promote the inflammatory response in endometritis

Solving the reproductive barriers of dairy cows has become one of the most critical factors determining the dairy industry's development. Clinically, inflammation disease like endometritis is the most crucial cause in reducing dairy production's financial viability. MiR-193 family can induce cell apoptosis and differentiation has been reported in various diseases. LGR4 plays a vital role in reproductive system development and immune system regulation, and it is closely related to animal reproductive function and cytokine regulation. In this study, we observed a negative relationship between miR-193a-3p and LGR4 expression level in both inflammatory tissues and cells. The expression level of miR-193a-3p and LGR4 in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BENDs) is regulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation time and dose-dependent. Subsequently, miR-193a-3p mimics and inhibitors were used to explore its functions in the inflammation response process, finding that overexpression of miR-193a-3p markedly increases the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, while the group in which transfected inhibitor is on the contrary. Of note, immunofluorescence and western blot results showed that miR-193a-3p enhanced LPS-induced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation through targeting LGR4, whereas inhibiting miR-193a-3p could suppress the activation of NF-κB pathway significantly. In conclusion, our study firstly reported the mechanism by which miR-193a-3p targets LGR4 to elevate the inflammatory response in bovine endometrium injury, thereby implying that knockdown miR-193a-3p may lay the theoretical and practical basis for drug development of alleviating endometritis in dairy cows.

DNM3OS Facilitates Ovarian Cancer Progression by Regulating miR-193a-3p/MAP3K3 Axis

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential regulators in the development of ovarian cancer (OC). Nonetheless, the function of lncRNA DNM3 opposite strand/antisense RNA (DNM3OS) in OC remains unclear. This work aimed to investigate the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of DNM3OS in OC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to examine DNM3OS, microRNA (miR)-193a-3p, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAP3K3) mRNA expression in OC tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between DNM3OS expression and the prognosis of OC patients. Cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and transwell experiments were conducted to monitor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Western blot was applied to examine epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated protein (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) expression. Luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to confirm the relationships among DNM3OS, miR-193a-3p, and MAP3K3. Pearson's correlation analysis was adopted to analyze the correlations among DNM3OS, miR-193a-3p, and MAP3K3 mRNA.

RESULTS

DNM3OS expression was remarkably increased in OC tissues and cell lines, which was associated with the unfavorable prognosis of the patients. DNM3OS overexpression enhanced OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; suppressed E-cadherin protein expression; and facilitated N-cadherin protein expression, while the transfection of miR-193a-3p mimics had the opposite effects. DNM3OS directly interacted with miR-193a-3p, and miR-193a-3p targeted MAP3K3 by directly binding to 3'UTR. DNM3OS could up-regulate the expression of MAP3K3 via repressing miR-193a-3p expression.

CONCLUSION

DNM3OS, as an oncogenic lncRNA, increases the malignancy of OC cells via regulation of an miR-193a-3p/MAP3K3 axis.

miRNA-193a-3p Regulates the AKT2 Pathway to Inhibit the Growth and Promote the Apoptosis of Glioma Cells by Targeting ALKBH5

Emerging evidence indicates that microRNA (miR)-193a-3p is involved in the tumor progression of various cancers. However, the biological functions and precise molecular mechanisms of miR-193a-3p in gliomas have not been well documented. Accordingly, this study focused on the tumor suppressor role and molecular mechanisms of miR-193a-3p in glioma cells. miR-193a-3p expression was determined by qRT-PCR in glioma tissues and cell lines. U251 and U87 glioma cells were transfected with a miR-193a-3p mimic. The effects of miR-193a-3p on cell growth and apoptosis were investigated using MTT, colony-forming, and flow cytometry assays. Overexpression of miR-193a-3p in U87 cells also significantly suppressed tumorigenicity and induced apoptosis in the xenograft mouse model. Luciferase assays were conducted to determine if ALKBH5 is a direct target of miR-193a-3p in glioma cells. Immunoprecipitation was used to explore the interaction between ALKBH5 and RAC-serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (AKT2) in glioma cells. miR-193a-3p was downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. miR-193a-3p treatment suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis in both U251 and U87 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay identified a novel miR-193a-3p target, ALKBH5. Notably, the antitumor effect of miR-193a-3p transfection in glioma cells may be due to the miR-193a-3p–induced inhibition of AKT2 expression caused by the suppression of ALKBH5 expression. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation indicated that ALKBH5 physically interacted with AKT2 through an RNA-independent mechanism in glioma cells. miR-193a-3p directly targets ALKBH5 to inhibit the growth and promote the apoptosis of glioma cells by suppressing the AKT2 pathway both in vitro and in vivo, and the physical interaction between ALKBH5 and AKT2 is essential for suppressing cell apoptosis by upregulating miR-193a-3p in glioma cells. Our study revealed that the antitumor effects of miR-193a-3p on glioma cells is due to ALKBH5 mediation of the AKT2-induced intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway.

LncRNA ZFAS1 plays a role in regulating the inflammatory responses in sepsis-induced acute lung injury via mediating miR-193a-3p

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of lncRNA ZFAS1-mediated miR-193a-3p in the regulation of inflammatory responses in rats with sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

Sepsis-induced ALI models were constructed by LPS induction and then injected with ZFAS1 overexpression plasmid. Thereafter, lung injury score and the W/D weight ratio were calculated. Besides, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was isolated from rats to perform the cell count and protein quantification, while qRT-PCR and ELISA were performed to detect the inflammatory cytokines expressions. In vitro, NR8383 cells were transfected and then treated with LPS, followed by the measurement of inflammatory cytokines, cell viability and cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

In comparison with the Control group, rats in the LPS group presented sharp increases in the W/D weight ratio and injury score of lung, total protein concentration and the count of neutrophils and macrophages in BALF. Besides, rats in LPS group also resulted in a decrease in ZFAS1 expression and increase in miR-193a-3p expression in lung tissues, with the increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed a target relation between miR-193a-3p and ZFAS1. As compared to the Blank group, NR8383 cells in the LPS group had up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines with declined cell viability and elevated cell apoptosis; and meanwhile, ZFAS1 and Bcl-2 were decreased but miR-193a-3p and Bax were increased. Overexpression of ZFAS1 could significantly improve LPS-induced ALI in vivo and in vitro with reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of ZFAS1, possibly via targeting the expression of miR-193a-3p, could inhibit the apoptosis and ameliorate the inflammatory responses of ALI in sepsis.

Multi-modal effects of 1B3, a novel synthetic miR-193a-3p mimic, support strong potential for therapeutic intervention in oncology

Compelling evidence demonstrates that miR-193a-3p is a tumor suppressor microRNA in many cancer types, and its reduced expression is linked to cancer initiation and progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. However, its mechanism of action is not consistently described between studies, and often contradicts the pleiotropic role of a microRNA in manipulating several different mRNA targets. We therefore comprehensively investigated miRNA-193a-3p's mode of action in a panel of human cancer cell lines, with a variety of genetic backgrounds, using 1B3, a synthetic microRNA mimic. Interestingly, the exact mechanism through which 1B3 reduced cell proliferation varied between cell lines. 1B3 efficiently reduced target gene expression, leading to reduced cell proliferation/survival, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, increased cell senescence, DNA damage, and inhibition of migration. SiRNA silencing of 1B3 target mRNAs further highlighted the advantage of the pleiotropic mechanism of 1B3 action, as repression of individual targets did not achieve the same robust effect on cell proliferation in all cell lines. Importantly, a novel lipid nanoparticle-based formulation of 1B3, INT-1B3, demonstrated marked anti-tumor activity as a single agent following systemic administration in tumor-bearing mice. Together, these data strongly support the development of 1B3 as a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of human cancer.

miR-193a-3p Mediates Placenta Accreta Spectrum Development by Targeting EFNB2 via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Pathway Under Decidua Defect Conditions

Objective: To clarify the role of microRNA-193a-3p (miR-193a-3p) in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta spectrum.

Methods: The placental tissue expression levels of miR-193a-3p and Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) were compared between a placenta accreta spectrum group and a control group. Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of miR-193a-3p and EFNB2 on HTR-8/SVneo cells cultured in human endometrial stromal cell (hESC)-conditioned medium. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were examined by western blotting to establish whether the EMT pathway was altered in placenta accreta spectrum. To determine whether EFNB2 is a target gene of miR-193a-3p, luciferase activity assays were performed.

Results: miR-193a-3p was upregulated but EFNB2 downregulated in the placenta accreta spectrum group and EFNB2 was a direct target of miR-193a-3p. Overexpression or inhibition of miR-193a-3p revealed that miR-193a-3p promoted the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells cultured in hESC-conditioned medium. Furthermore, EMT was induced, as shown by increased N-cadherin, vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 and decreased E-cadherin in the placenta accreta spectrum group and in HTR-8/SVneo cells transfected with miR-193a-3p mimics or si-EFNB2. The negative effect of miR-193a-3p inhibitor was reversed by co-transfection with si-EFNB2 in function studies and in analyses of EMT-related proteins in vitro.

Conclusion: miR-193a-3p which upregulated in placenta accreta spectrum group increases HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion by targeting EFNB2 via the EMT pathway under decidua defect conditions to lead to placenta accreta spectrum.

Plasma miR-193a-3p can be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications in patients with diabetes. MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is closely related to the formation, development and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. We aimed to investigate whether miR-193a-3p could be used as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

METHODS

Plasma samples were collected from all the participants. TaqMan Low Density Array analysis was employed to obtain the miRNA profiles of plasma samples, and qRT-PCR was used to confirm the result. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of miR-193a-3p for predicting diabetic nephropathy.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-193a-3p and miR-320c was elevated and miR-27a-3p was decreased in diabetic nephropathy patients compared to patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls. We found that, in diabetic nephropathy patients, the elevated miR-193a-3p expression had a negative correlation with the level of evaluate glomerular filtration rate, while a positive correlation with the level of proteinuria. We further demonstrated that miR-193a-3p could be employed to distinguish patients with diabetic nephropathy. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the high expression of miR-193a-3p significantly shortened the dialysis-free survival of diabetic nephropathy patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, miR-193a-3p is involved in diabetic nephropathy pathogenesis and may serve as a potentially novel diagnostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy.

Tumor Suppressor Role of hsa-miR-193a-3p and -5p in Cutaneous Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Remarkable deregulation of several microRNAs (miRNAs) is demonstrated in cutaneous melanoma. hsa-miR-193a-3p is reported to be under-expressed in tissues and in plasma of melanoma patients, but the role of both miR-193a arms in melanoma is not known yet.

METHODS

After observing the reduced levels of miR-193a arms in plasma exosomes of melanoma patients, the effects of hsa-miR-193a-3p and -5p transfection in cutaneous melanoma cell lines are investigated.

RESULTS

In melanoma cell lines A375, 501Mel, and MeWo, the ectopic over-expression of miR-193a arms significantly reduced cell viability as well as the expression of genes involved in proliferation (ERBB2, KRAS, PIK3R3, and MTOR) and apoptosis (MCL1 and NUSAP1). These functional features were accompanied by a significant downregulation of Akt and Erk pathways and a strong increase in the apoptotic process. Since in silico databases revealed TROY, an orphan member of the tumor necrosis receptor family, as a potential direct target of miR-193a-5p, this possibility was investigated using the luciferase assay and excluded by our results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results underline a relevant role of miR-193a, both -3p and -5p, as tumor suppressors clarifying the intracellular mechanisms involved and suggesting that their ectopic over-expression could represent a novel treatment for cutaneous melanoma patients.

Inhibition of miR-193a-3p protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against intermittent hypoxia-induced endothelial injury by targeting FAIM2

OBJECTIVE

The functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of miR-193a-3p in cardiac injury induced by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-193a-3p in intermittent hypoxia(IH)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that IH significantly decreased viability but enhanced cell apoptosis. Concurrently, the miR-193a-3p expression level was increased in HUVECs after IH. Subsequent experiments showed that IH-induced injury was ameliorated through miR-193a-3p silence. Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (FAIM2) was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and further identified as a direct target gene of miR-193a-3p. Interestingly, the effect of miR-193a-3p inhibition under IH could be reversed by down-regulating FAIM2 expression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study first revealed that miR-193a-3p inhibition could protect HUVECs against intermittent hypoxia-induced damage by negatively regulating FAIM2. These findings could advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for OSA-related cardiac injury.

METHODS

We exposed HUVECs to IH condition; the expression levels of miR-193a-3p were detected by RT-qPCR. Cell viability, and the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were examined via CCK-8, and western blotting, respectively. Target genes of miR-193a-3p were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

NEAT1/miR-193a-3p/SOX5 axis regulates cartilage matrix degradation in human osteoarthritis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were reported to be involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this work was to explore the functional role of lncRNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in OA. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression of microRNA (miR-193a)-3p, NEAT1, and sex-determining region Y-box protein 5 (SOX5), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-8 in OA cartilage tissue and chondrocytes. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis of chondrocytes. The protein levels of extracellular matrix ACAN, collagen type II α1 chain (Col2a1), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-13, a disintegrin, and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-5 and SOX5 were determined using western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the target relationship among NEAT1, miR-193a-3p, and SOX5. We found that miR-193a-3p expression was downregulated, while NEAT1 and SOX5 were upregulated in OA cartilage tissue and chondrocytes. Both upregulation of miR-193a-3p and knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed inflammation, apoptosis, and reduced the protein levels of MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5, while elevating ACAN and Col2a1 expression in chondrocytes. NEAT1 targeted miR-193a-3p, and SOX5 was targeted by miR-193a-3p. Silencing of miR-193a-3p reversed the NEAT1 knockdown-mediated effect on the inflammation, apoptosis, and production of the extracellular matrix. The introduction of SOX5 abolished the impact of the upregulation of miR-193a-3p on inflammation, apoptosis, and production of extracellular matrix in chondrocytes. In conclusion, NEAT1/miR-193a-3p/SOX5 axis regulates cartilage matrix degradation in human OA.

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 contributes to the progression and chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia by modulating Tspan3 through suppressing miR-193a-3p

AIMS

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer that invariably produces drug resistance after treatment. The aim is to explore the role of lncRNA potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) and associated novel mechanisms in the progression and chemoresistance of AML.

MAIN METHODS

The expression of KCNQ1OT1, miR-193a-3p, and Tspan3 was measured by qRT-PCR. The values of IC50 for adriamycin (ADR) and the ability of proliferation were analyzed by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry assay. The expression of Tspan3, MRP1, P-gp and LRP at the protein level was quantified by western blot. The relationship between miR-193a-3p and KCNQ1OT1 or Tspan3 was predicted by bioinformatics tool Diana and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay or RNA pull-down assay.

KEY FINDINGS

KCNQ1OT1 and Tspan3 were up-regulated, while miR-193a-3p was down-regulated in ADR resistant AML samples and cells. KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced ADR resistance, inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis of ADR resistant AML cells, miR-193a-3p inhibition reversed these effects. MiR-193a-3p was a target of KCNQ1OT1 and combined with Tspan3 3' untranslated region (3' UTR). Enrichment of miR-193a-3p decreased ADR resistance, inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and stimulated apoptosis in ADR resistant AML cells, but Tspan3 overexpression overturned these impacts.

SIGNIFICANCE

KCNQ1OT1 aggravates AML progression and chemoresistance to ADR by inducing Tspan3 expression via adsorbing miR-193a-3p in ADR resistant AML cells, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of AML with chemoresistance.

The Long Non-coding RNA ZFAS1 Sponges miR-193a-3p to Modulate Hepatoblastoma Growth by Targeting RALY via HGF/c-Met Pathway

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common and aggressive malignant hepatic neoplasm in childhood and the therapeutic outcomes remain undesirable due to its recurrence and metastasis. Recently, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) has been reported to be an oncogenic gene in multiple cancers. However, the expression status and specific role of ZFAS1 involved in cancer progression of human HB remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the role of ZFAS1/miR-193a-3p/RALY axis in the development of HB. Here we showed that the expression of ZFAS1 was significantly upregulated in both HB tissues and cell lines. High ZFAS1 expression was significantly associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and poorer overall survival in HB. In vitro and in vivo function assays indicated that silencing of ZFAS1 significantly suppressed HB cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, miR-193a-3p was identified to be the target of ZFAS1. Subsequently, RALY was confirmed to be regulated by miR-193a-3p/ZFAS1 axis. Mechanistically, our results indicated that the ZFAS1 participated to the progression of HB via regulating the HGF/c-Met signaling. Collectively, these data demonstrated that ZFAS1 acted as an oncogene to promote initiation and progression of HB by regulating miR-193a-3p/RALY (RALY Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein) axis via HGF/c-Met Pathway, which provides an efficient marker and new therapeutic target for HB.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1/miR-193a-3p regulates LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury in WI-38 cells through TLR4/NF-κB signaling

Pneumonia is a primary pulmonary infection disease with a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) facilitates to the development of effective therapeutic targets for pneumonia. LncRNA NEAT1 was vital and functional in inflammatory diseases but has not been studied in pneumonia. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NEAT1 in pneumonia and explore its potential mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was applied into WI-38 cells to establish cell model of pneumonia. Cells were transfected with shRNA-NEAT1, miR-193a-3p or negative control. Real time quantitative PCR and western blot were performed to detect mRNA level and protein expression, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine cell apoptosis. Cell viability was significantly declined and cell apoptosis was increased in LPS-treated WI-38 cells. NEAT1 was upregulated under LPS treatment and NEAT1 inhibition significantly improved cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis and the production of inflammatory cytokines. The expression level of miR-193a-3p was regulated by NEAT1, and NEAT1 reversed miR-193a-3p overexpression-alleviated inflammatory injury that include inflammation and apoptosis induced by LPS. Further, NEAT1 and miR-193a-3p regulated the activity of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a ceRNA by sponging miR-193a-3p to regulate the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling to alleviate inflammation and apoptosis of WI-38 cells induced by LPS, thus influencing the development of pneumonia. Our findings implied that NEAT1 might serve as a neoteric therapy target for pneumonia.

MiR-193a-3p inhibits pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation by targeting CCND1

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could modulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by promoting mRNA degradation or blocking mRNA translation, thus affecting the occurrence and development of cancer. Methods: In this work, qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of miR-193a-3p and CCND1. The ability of cell proliferation was evaluated via CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry. Bioinformatic techniques were employed to research the regulatory relationship between miR-193a-3p and target genes. The relationship between miR-193a-3p and CCND1 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results: MiR-193a-3p expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue was significantly lower than in non-cancerous tissue. After overexpressing miR-193a-3p in PDAC cells, their multiplication ability was significantly inhibited, apoptosis was accelerated, and the cell cycle was blocked in the G1 and G2/M phases. CCND1 was confirmed to have a targeted relationship with miR-193a-3p. Moreover, CCND1 expression was significantly lower in PDAC cells with an overexpression of miR-193a-3p. Conclusions: MiR-193a-3p targeted CCND1 to suppress tumor growth in PDAC cells. MiR-193a-3p may function as a tumor inhibitor in PDAC development, which could offer a promising therapeutic and prognostic strategy for PDAC treatment.

MiR-193a regulates chemoresistance of human osteosarcoma cells via repression of IRS2

Chemoresistance prevents curative potential of chemotherapy in most cases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in regulating chemoresistance in osteosarcoma, which is the most common primary bone cancer. Bisulfite sequencing and quantitative real time PCR analyses showed that miR-193a expression is downregulated by DNA hypermethylation at its promoter region in a chemoresistant cell line, SJSA-1, compared to a chemosensitive cell line G-292. Introduction of a miR-193a mimic in SJSA-1 cells or an antagomir into G-292 cells confirmed the role of miR-193a in osteosarcoma chemoresistance. Bioinformatics together with biochemical assays showed that insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) is a target of miR-193a. Our data concludes that miR-193a plays a role in the osteosarcoma chemoresistance and thus might serve as a useful biomarker for osteosarcoma prognosis.

miR-193a/b-3p relieves hepatic fibrosis and restrains proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been confirmed to participate in liver fibrosis progression and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, the role of miR‐193a/b‐3p in concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated. According to the results, the expression of miR‐193a/b‐3p was down‐regulated in liver tissues after exposure to ConA. Lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of miR‐193a/b‐3p reduced ConA‐induced liver injury as demonstrated by decreasing ALT and AST levels. Moreover, ConA‐induced liver fibrosis was restrained by the up‐regulation of miR‐193a/b‐3 through inhibiting collagen deposition, decreasing desmin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and lessening the content of hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and activin A in liver tissues. Furthermore, miR‐193a/b‐3p mimics suppressed the proliferation of human HSCs LX‐2 via inducing the apoptosis of LX‐2 cells and lowering the levels of cell cycle‐related proteins Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, p‐Rb and CAPRIN1. Finally, TGF‐β1 and activin A‐mediated activation of LX‐2 cells was reversed by miR‐193a/b‐3p mimics via repressing COL1A1 and α‐SMA expression, and restraining the activation of TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. CAPRIN1 and TGF‐β2 were demonstrated to be the direct target genes of miR‐193a/b‐3p. We conclude that miR‐193a/b‐3p overexpression attenuates liver fibrosis through suppressing the proliferation and activation of HSCs. Our data suggest that miR‐193a‐3p and miR‐193b‐3p may be new therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.

Circular RNA circHIPK3 promotes cell proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer by sponging miR-193a-3p and regulating MCL1 expression

Background

While emerging evidence indicates that circHIPK3 is critically involved in tumorigenesis and the development of several cancers, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is not clearly understood.

Materials and methods

Human PCa samples and their matched normal adjacent tissues were obtained from 26 patients to assess the expression of circHIPK3 and its relationship with PCa prognosis. A series of in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were carried out to elucidate the role of circHIPK3 in PCa progression and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

In this study, we found that circHIPK3 was overexpressed in PCa tissues and that higher circHIPK3 expression was associated with tumor stage. Moreover, circHIPK3 knockdown markedly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells in vitro and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that circHIPK3 could promote MCL1 expression by interacting with miR-193a-3p in PCa. Finally, rescue assays illustrated that circHIPK3 knockdown could partially reverse the effects of MCL1 overexpression.

Conclusion

In summary, our study illustrated, for the first time, that circHIPK3-mediated miR-193a-3p-MCL1 signaling promotes PCa development and progression, providing a novel therapeutic target for PCa.

Upregulated microRNA-193a-3p is responsible for cisplatin resistance in CD44(+) gastric cancer cells

Cisplatin is a well‐known anticancer drug used to treat various cancers. However, development of cisplatin resistance has hindered the efficiency of this drug in cancer treatment. Development of chemoresistance is known to involve many signaling pathways. Recent attention has focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) as potentially important upstream regulators in the development of chemoresistance. CD44 is one of the gastric cancer stem cell markers and plays a role in regulating self‐renewal, tumor initiation, metastasis and chemoresistance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the mechanism of miRNA‐mediated chemoresistance to cisplatin in CD44‐positive gastric cancer stem cells. We sorted gastric cancer cells according to level of CD44 expression by FACS and analyzed their miRNA expression profiles by microarray analysis. We found that miR‐193a‐3p was significantly upregulated in CD44(+) cells compared with CD44(−) cells. Moreover, SRSF2 of miR‐193a‐3p target gene was downregulated in CD44(+) cells. We studied the modulation of Bcl‐X and caspase 9 mRNA splicing by SRSF2 and found that more pro‐apoptotic variants of these genes were generated. We also found that downstream anti‐apoptotic genes such as Bcl‐2 were upregulated, whereas pro‐apoptotic genes such as Bax and cytochrome C were downregulated in CD44(+) cells compared to CD44(−) cells. In addition, we found that an elevated level of miR‐193a‐3p triggered the development of cisplatin resistance in CD44(+) cells. Inhibition of miR‐193a‐3p in CD44(+) cells increased SRSF2 expression and also altered the levels of multiple apoptotic genes. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐193a‐3p reduced cell viability and increased the number of apoptotic cells. Therefore, miR‐193a‐3p may be implicated in the development of cisplatin resistance through regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. miR‐193a‐3p could be a promising target for cancer therapy in cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer.

PTP1B markedly promotes breast cancer progression and is regulated by miR-193a-3p

The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B, which is encoded by PTPN1, is a ubiquitously expressed nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase. PTP1B has long been known to negatively regulate insulin and leptin receptor signalling. Recently, it was reported to be aberrantly expressed in cancer cells and to function as an important oncogene. In this study, we found that PTP1B protein levels are dramatically increased in breast cancer (BC) tissues and that PTP1B promotes the proliferation, and suppresses the apoptosis, of both HER2-positive and triple-negative BC cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis identified that the miRNA, miR-193a-3p, might potentially target PTP1B. We demonstrate that miR-193a-3p regulates PTP1B in BC cells and that it regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of BC cells by targeting PTP1B, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, this study confirms that PTP1B acts as an oncogene in BC and demonstrates that miR-193a-3p can serve as a tumour suppressor gene in BC by targeting PTP1B.

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by sponging miR-193a-3p

Objectives

LncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) participates in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the molecular mechanism by which NEAT1 contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

Methods

The association between lncRNA NEAT1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with CRC was analysed by TCGA RNA‐sequencing data. MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell assays and a xenograft tumour model were used to assess the functions of NEAT1. Bioinformatics and spearman correlation analysis were used to identify the NEAT1‐specific binding with miRNAs, and luciferase gene report and RIP assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR‐193a‐3p (miR‐193a) and NEAT1 in CRC cells.

Results

Upregulation of NEAT1 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage, poor survival and tumour recurrence in patients with CRC, and acted as an independent prognostic factor for tumour recurrence. Knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation abilities and invasive potential and induced cell apoptosis, but overexpression of NEAT1 reversed these effects. Furthermore, NEAT1 was confirmed to act as a sponge of miR‐193a, and knockdown of NEAT1 attenuated miR‐193a inhibitor‐induced tumour promoting effects and L17RD expression in CRC cells. miR‐193a harboured negative correlation with NEAT1 and IL17RD expression in CRC specimens. In vivo experiment further validated the inhibitory effects of NEAT1 knockdown on xenograft tumour growth.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that lncRNA NEAT1 acts as an oncogenic role in CRC cells by sponging miR‐193a and may represent a potential marker for CRC patients.

The LncRNA H19/miR-193a-3p axis modifies the radio-resistance and chemotherapeutic tolerance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting PSEN1

This study was designated to verify if the lncRNA H19/miR-193a-3p axis would play a regulatory role in the radio-/chemo-resistances of HCC cells through targeting PSEN1. Within the study, five human HCC cell lines were prepared, including Bel-7402, HepG2, Hep3b, QGY-7703, and SMMC-7721. Moreover, docetaxel (DT), paclitaxel (Pt), vinorelbine (Vb), and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) were managed as the chemo-therapeutics, and single-dose X-rays were performed as radio-therapies. Besides, lncRNA H19 and miR-193a-3p were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot were implemented to quantify the expressional levels of PSEN1, Ku80, γ-H2AX, and RAD51. Luciferase reporter gene assay was advanced to verify the targeted relationship between lncRNA H19 and miR-193a-3p. As a consequence, QGY-7703 and Bel-7402 were, respectively, the most radiation-sensitive and radiation-proof cell lines, and Bel-7402 was associated with the highest resistances to DT, Pt, Vb, and 5-FU. The restrained lncRNA H19 and over-expressed miR-193a-3p expressions tended to significantly elevate the survival rate and proliferation of Bel-7402 cells, when they were exposed to radiation and subject to chemo-therapies. The lncRNA H19 was also found to directly target miR-193a-3p in inducing the HCC development. PSEN1 appeared to be subject to the modification of lncRNA H19 and miR-193a-3p in its acting on the survival rates and proliferative abilities of HCC cells. The lncRNA H19/miR-193a-3p/PSEN1 axis could be regarded as the treatment targets for HCC, so as to further improve the treatment efficacy of chemo- and radio-therapies for HCC.

LINC00152 down-regulated miR-193a-3p to enhance MCL1 expression and promote gastric cancer cells proliferation

The present work aimed to probe into the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00152 on gastric cancer (GC) cells proliferation by regulating miR-193a-3p and its target gene MCL1 Transfected si-LINC00152 was used to down-regulate LINC00152, and cells proliferation was measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Besides, we also detected the potential functional effects of differential expression of LINC00152 in vivo using nude mouse xenograft model. We overexpressed and downexpressed miR-193a-3p to study the in vitro effect of miR-193a-3p on GC cells proliferation and vitality. And MCL1 was silenced by shRNA to investigate the effect of MCL1 on proliferation of GC cells. In this research, LINC00152 was proven to have a higher expression level in GC tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues. GC cells proliferation was inhibited after LINC00152 was down-regulated. LINC00152 inhibited the expression of miR-193a-3p, which negatively regulated MCL1 In addition, GC cells proliferation was inhibited by cell transfection with shRNA-MCL1, and enhanced by transfection with miR-193a-3p mimics. Our study suggested that LINC00152 was overexpressed in GC tissues, and it down-regulated miR-193a-3p to enhance MCL1 expression thereby promoting GC cells proliferation.

MiR-193a-3p functions as a tumour suppressor in human aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma by down-regulating CYP11B2

The mechanism of aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma (APA) pathogenesis and the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in APA pathogenesis have not been completely clarified. We examined the expression and function of miR-140-3p, miR-193a-3p and miR-22-3p, which have binding sites in CYP11B2. Expression of miRNAs and CYP11B2 mRNA was measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was monitored by colorimetric analysis, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analysed by flow cytometry. ELISA was carried out to detect aldosterone levels in cell culture supernatants. Luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to identify CYP11B2 as a target of miR-193a-3p. Of the three miRNAs examined, miR-193a-3p exhibited a significant decrease and CYP11B2 mRNA exhibited a significant increase in expression in APA compared with adjacent normal adrenal gland tissue. Transfection of miR-193a-3p mimic into the human adrenocortical cell line H295R showed that elevated miR-193a-3p expression inhibits proliferation and aldosterone secretion, induces G1-phase arrest and promotes apoptosis in H295R cells. Furthermore, in luciferase reporter assays, overexpression of miR-193a-3p in H295R cells significantly reduced the luciferase activity of the wild-type CYP11B2 3'-UTR construct, which could be reversed by mutation of the miR-193a-3p-binding site. Moreover, miR-193a-3p overexpression downregulated CYP11B2 mRNA and protein expression. Finally, overexpression of CYP11B2 diminished the effects of miR-193a-3p on H295R cells. Taken together, our results suggest that CYP11B2 levels may be modulated by miR-193a-3p in APA, which could explain, at least partially, why downregulation of miR-193a-3p during APA formation may promote cell growth and suppress apoptosis.

The polymorphisms of miRNA-binding site in MLH3 and ERCC1 were linked to the risk of colorectal cancer in a case-control study

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as a malignant tumor of lower digestive tract, has been found to have an increasing morbidity and mortality in China. It was particularly important to find some earlier biomarkers to predict the risk and prognosis. In this study, several polymorphisms on 3′UTR of three DNA repair genes including MLH3 rs10862, ERCC1 rs3212986, ERCC1 rs735482, ERCC1 rs2336219, and OGG1 rs1052133 were chosen by bioinformatics exploration, and then, a case–control study of 200 CRC cases and controls was performed. Furthermore, a dual‐luciferase assay was also carried out to certify whether the candidate miRNA can regulate its target gene and the selected SNPs have a valid effect on the target miRNA. Finally, both of ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 were shown to be associated with the risk of CRC. Comparing with rs3212986 CC genotype, AA was at a higher risk (OR = 3.079, 95% CI: 1.192–7.952). For MLH3 rs108621, comparing with TT genotype, CC and TC were at a higher risk of CRC in male (OR = 5.171, 95% CI: 1.009–26.494; OR = 1.904, 95% CI: 1.049–3.455). Interestingly, an analysis combining both ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 also showed an increased risk of CRC. In addition, a dual‐luciferase assay showed that miR‐193a‐3p could regulate MLH3, and the polymorphism rs108621 could alter the miR‐193a‐3p binding to MLH3. Therefore, MLH3 rs108621 may be associated with the risk of CRC due to the effect of miR‐193a‐3p on MLH3, which reminded the possibility as potential susceptibility biomarkers to predict the risk of CRC.

Methylation-associated silencing of miR-193a-3p promotes ovarian cancer aggressiveness by targeting GRB7 and MAPK/ERK pathways

Human growth factor receptor-bound protein-7 (GRB7) is a pivotal mediator involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and governing diverse cellular processes. Aberrant upregulation of GRB7 is frequently associated with the progression of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the upregulation of GRB7 remain largely unknown. Here, we propose that the epigenetic modification of GRB7 at the post-transcriptional level may be a crucial factor leading to GRB7 upregulation in ovarian cancers. Methods: The upstream miRNA regulators were predicted by in silico analysis. Expression of GRB7 was examined by qPCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses, while miR-193a-3p levels were evaluated by qPCR and in situ hybridization in ovarian cancer cell lines and clinical tissue arrays. MS-PCR and pyrosequencing analyses were used to assess the methylation status of miR-193a-3p. Stable overexpression or gene knockdown and Tet-on inducible approaches, in combination with in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic assays, were employed to investigate the functions of GRB7 and miR-193a-3p in ovarian cancer cells. Results: Both miR-193a-3p and its isoform, miR-193b-3p, directly targeted the 3' UTR of GRB7. However, only miR-193a-3p showed a significantly inverse correlation with GRB7-upregulated ovarian cancers. Epigenetic studies revealed that methylation-mediated silencing of miR-193a-3p led to a stepwise decrease in miR-193a-3p expression from low to high-grade ovarian cancers. Intriguingly, miR-193a-3p not only modulated GRB7 but also ERBB4, SOS2 and KRAS in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway to enhance the oncogenic properties of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: These findings suggest that epigenetic silencing of miR-193a-3p by DNA hypermethylation is a dynamic process in ovarian cancer progression, and miR-193a-3p may be explored as a promising miRNA replacement therapy in this disease.

MiR-193a-3p is an Important Tumour Suppressor in Lung Cancer and Directly Targets KRAS

BACKGROUND/AIMS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as major regulators of tumour development and progression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of miR-193a-3p in NSCLC is still unclear.

METHODS

Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect miR-193a-3p expression levels in NSCLC tumour tissues. CCK8, EdU and cell migration assays were performed to analyse the biological functions of miR-193a-3p in NSCLC cells. Luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the bioinformatics-predicted target genes of miR-193a-3p. Western blotting and RNA/DNA interference carried out to evaluate the association between miR-193a-3p and KRAS.

RESULTS

miR-193a-3p expression was decreased in the NSCLC tumour tissues. We investigated the biological effects of miR-193a-3p both in vivo and in vitro and found that enforced expression of miR-193a-3p inhibited tumour formation and suppressed cell proliferation and cell migration. KRAS was found to be a potential target of miR-193a-3p, and dual luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-193a-3p directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of KRAS mRNA. In addition, we found that changing the expression of KRAS had the opposite results to those induced by miR-193a-3p in the NSCLC cells. Importantly, simultaneous overexpression of miR-193a-3p and KRAS could counteract the effects of both on cellular functions.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight an important role for miR-193a-3p as a tumour suppressor in NSCLC pathogenesis via the regulation of KRAS expression.

microRNA-193a-3p is specifically down-regulated and acts as a tumor suppressor in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs specifically dysregulated in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer, which could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying oncogenesis of this malignant subtype of colorectal cancer.

Methods

Candidate dysregulated miRNAs were selected in genome-wide miRNA expression array analysis using a screening set composed of 15 BRAF-mutated and 15 non-KRAS/BRAF-mutated colorectal cancers. The miRNA expressions were validated in another set of patients. The functional roles of the miRNAs were analyzed by cell growth and invasion assays. The association between miRNA expression status and the clinical outcome of patients treated with various chemotherapies was analyzed.

Results

Within the top five of the miRNAs screened, we validated miRNA-31 (miR-31) and miR-135b as up-regulated, while miR-193a-3p was down-regulated in BRAF-mutated cancer. Moreover, miR-193a-3p inhibited cell growth, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. Low miR-193a-3p expression was associated with shorter progression-free survival in patients who received anti-EGFR therapy.

Conclusions

Our results disclose a novel tumor suppressive role of miR-193a-3p in colorectal cancer. These results could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, particularly in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-017-3739-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long non-coding RNA PTENP1 interacts with miR-193a-3p to suppress cell migration and invasion through the PTEN pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Long non-coding RNA PTENP1, the pseudogene of PTEN tumor suppressor, was previously reported to be a tumour suppressor in some cancer types. However, the precise effects mediated by PTENP1 transcripts within intricate regulatory networks involving molecular interactions with PTEN and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. Here, we identify the critical biological functions of PTENP1 and discuss whether PTENP1 could directly interact with miR-193a-3p to affect the progression of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that PTENP1 level in the HCC tissues was significantly lower compared with those in the adjacent normal tissues. And PTENP1 was able to repress cell invasion, metastasis, and proliferation capacity in HCC cell lines. The overexpression of PTENP1 inhibited HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. There were a binding sequence and direct interaction between PTENP1 and miR-193a-3p. PTENP1 as an endogenous sponge interacted with miR-193a-3p, leading to regulate the downstream PTEN/Akt pathway. These results suggested that PTENP1 with its suppression effect might serve as novel biomarkers and potent therapeutic strategies in HCC.

Clinical and biological significance of miR-193a-3p targeted KRAS in colorectal cancer pathogenesis

This study was to investigate the expression pattern, mechanisms and clinicopathological implications of miR-193a-3p in colorectal cancer. Fresh-frozen tissues from 70 matched colorectal adenocarciomas and the adjacent non-neoplastic mucosae were prospectively collected. Two colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW48) and a non-neoplastic colon cell line (FHC) were also used. The expression levels of miR193a-3p in the cells and tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of KRAS protein as a predicted downstream target for miR-193a was studied by immunohistochemistry. Restoration of the miR-193a level in the cell lines by permanent transfection was achieved and multiple functional and immunological assays were performed to analyze the functions of miR-193a in vitro. Down-regulation of miR-193a-3p was noted in 70% of the colorectal cancer tissues when compared to non-neoplastic colorectal tissues. In addition, down-regulation of miR-193a was significantly correlated with carcinoma of early stages (P<.05). Significant inverse correlation between miR-193a-3p and its target KRAS protein was determined (P<.05). Overexpression of miR-193a in colon cancer cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, induced significant changes in cell cycle events and decreased the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker TWIST. This study confirms the tumor suppressor roles of miR-193a-3p, its downstream target affinity to KRAS and clinical significance in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

RSF1 functions as an oncogene in osteosarcoma and is regulated by XIST/miR-193a-3p axis

RSF1 (HBXAP), is a member of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor. Dysregulated RSF1 has been reported to be related to tumor progression. However, the function of RSF1 in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. In this study, we showed that RSF1 expression was upregulated in OS cells. RSF1 inhibition suppressed OS cell proliferation and invasion. We further showed that MAPK/Erk signaling pathway was inactivated by RSF1 suppression. In addition, RSF1 was identified as a direct target of miR-193a-3p. Clinically, RSF1 was increased and associated with advanced clinical features and poor overall survival of OS patients. MiR-193a-3p expression was decreased and associated with advanced clinical features and poor overall survival of OS patients. In addition, we found that miR-193a-3p was negatively correlated with RSF1 expression in OS tissues. Moreover, our data showed that XIST could function as competing endogenous RNA to repress miR-193a-3p, which regulated its downstream target RSF1. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the XIST/miR-193a-3p/RSF1 axis might contribute to the progression and act as a therapeutic target of OS patients.

Downregulation of miR-193a-3p inhibits cell growth and migration in renal cell carcinoma by targeting PTEN

Although miR-193a-3p has been found to be dysregulated in variety of human tumors, little is known about its role in renal cell carcinoma. This study was designed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of miR-193a-3p in human renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-193-3p was increased in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. In addition, knockdown of miR-193a-3p significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation and induced cells into G1 phase arrest. Meanwhile, the migration potential of 786-O cells was also decreased compared to control group. Furthermore, we identified PTEN as a direct and functional target of miR-193a-3p, at least partly responsible for promoting tumor effect of miR-193a-3p in renal cell carcinoma. Taken together, the findings indicated for the first time that miR-193a-3p functions as a tumor-promoting microRNA by directly targeting PTEN in renal cell carcinoma.

Upregulated miR-193a-3p as an oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma regulating cellular proliferation, migration and apoptosis

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that play a vital role in carcinogenesis. miR-193a-3p has been described in multiple cancers. However, the function of miR-193a-3p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still unclear. To explore the role of miR-193a-3p in ESCC, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-193a-3p in 48 paired ESCC and adjacent normal tissues. In addition, the impact of miR-193a-3p on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, wound scratch assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The results revealed that miR-193a-3p was upregulated in ESCC, compared with adjacent normal tissues. Downregulation of miR-193a-3p expression using a synthesized inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and migration, and induced cell apoptosis, indicating that miR-193a-3p could be characterized as an oncogene in ESCC. In summary, the present study demonstrated that miR-193a-3p was upregulated in ESCC, where it plays a significant role by affecting cellular proliferation, migration and apoptosis.

Downregulation of microRNA-193a-3p is involved in invertebral disc degeneration by targeting MMP14

Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the precise role of specific miRNAs involved in this disease remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to identify IDD-specific miRNAs, followed by functional validation of results. MiRNA expression profile was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with IDD and controls, employing Solexa sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Biological functions of differential expression miRNAs were further investigated in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting were performed to determine miRNA targets. We identified 28 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. Following qRT-PCR confirmation, miR-193a-3p was significantly down-regulated in degenerative NP tissues. Moreover, its level was correlated with grade of disc degeneration. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, miR-193a-3p was demonstrated to significantly promote type II collagen expression in NP cells. Knockdown of MMP14 induced effects on NP cells similar to those induced by miR-193a-3p. Bioinformatics target prediction identified MMP14 as a putative target of miR-193a-3p. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting demonstrated that miR-193a-3p directly targets MMP14. MiR-193a-3p inhibited IDD in vitro and in vivo. The downregulation of miR-193a-3p induces the expression of MMP14, which promotes loss of type II collagen and thereby contributes to the development of human IDD. Our findings extend the role of miR-193a-3p in the pathogenesis of IDD and provide a potential novel therapeutic target for degenerative disc disease.

KEY MESSAGES

Intervertebral disc degeneration (ICC)-specific miRNA profile generated by next generation sequencing. Downregulation of miR-193a-3p promoted loss of type II collagen by directly targeting MMP14 in IDD. miR-193a-3p inhibited IDD in vitro and in vivo. miR-193a-3p may be a promising candidate for prevention of degenerative disc disease.

The miR-193a-3p-regulated ING5 gene activates the DNA damage response pathway and inhibits multi-chemoresistance in bladder cancer

As the major barrier to curative cancer chemotherapy, chemoresistance presents a formidable challenge to both cancer researchers and clinicians. We have previously shown that the bladder cancer (BCa) cell line 5637 is significantly more sensitive to the cytoxicity of five chemotherapeutic agents than H-bc cells. Using an RNA-seq-based omic analysis and validation at both the mRNA and protein levels, we found that the inhibitor of growth 5 (ING5) gene was upregulated in 5637 cells compared with H-bc cells, indicating that it has an inhibitory role in BCa chemoresistance. siRNA-mediated inhibition of ING5 increased the chemoresistance and inhibited the DNA damage response pathway in 5637 cells. Conversely, forced expression of EGFP-ING5 decreased the chemoresistance of and activated the DNA damage response pathway in H-bc cells. We also showed that ING5 gene expression is inhibited by miR-193a-3p and is instrumental in miR-193a-3p's role in activating BCa chemoresistance. Our results demonstrate both the role and mechanism of inhibition of BCa chemoresistance by ING5.

LncRNA-UCA1 exerts oncogenic functions in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting miR-193a-3p

Recently, the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) has been identified as an oncogenic gene in multiple human tumor entitles, and dysregulation of UCA1 was tightly linked to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, whether the aberrant expression of UCA1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with malignancy, metastasis or prognosis has not been characterized. In this study, we found that UCA1 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues. Higher expression of UCA1 led to a significantly poorer survival time, and multivariate analysis revealed that UCA1 was an independent risk factor of prognosis. UCA1 overexpression enhanced, whereas UCA1 silencing impaired the proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells. Moreover, mechanistic investigations showed that UCA1 upregulated the expression of miR-193a-3p target gene ERBB4 through competitively 'spongeing' miR-193a-3p. Overall, we concluded that UCA1 functions as an oncogene in NSCLC, acting mechanistically by upregulating ERBB4 in part through 'spongeing' miR-193a-3p.

MiR-193a-3p promotes the multi-chemoresistance of bladder cancer by targeting the HOXC9 gene

Chemoresistance prevents the curative cancer chemotherapy and presents a formidable challenge for both cancer researchers and clinicians. We have previously shown that miR-193a-3p promotes the multi-chemoresistance of bladder cancer cells via repressing its three target genes: SRSF2, PLAU and HIC2. Here, we showed that as a new direct target, the homeobox C9 (HOXC9) gene also executes the promoting effect of miR-193a-3p on the bladder cancer chemoresistance from a systematic study of multi-chemosensitive (5637) and resistant (H-bc) bladder cancer cell lines in both cell culture and tumor-xenograft/nude mice system. Paralleled with the changes in the drug-triggered cell death, the activities of both DNA damage response and oxidative stress pathways were drastically altered by a forced reversal of miR-193a-3p or HOXC9 levels in bladder cancer cells. In addition to a new mechanistic insight, our results provide a set of the essential genes in the miR-193a-3p/HOXC9/DNA damage response/oxidative stress pathway axis as the diagnostic targets for the guided anti-bladder cancer chemotherapy.