LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 regulates the tumorigenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma through sponging miR-423-5p and targeting MYBL2

Long non-coding RNA LOXL1-AS1: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in human malignant tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides. Despite their inability to code proteins, multiple studies have identified their important role in human cancer through different mechanisms. LncRNA lysyl oxidase like 1 antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1-AS1), a newly discovered lncRNA located on human chromosome 15q24.1, has recently been shown to be involved in the occurrence and progression of various malignancies, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, glioma, thymic carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma. LOXL1-AS1 acts as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and via sponging various miRNAs, including miR-374b-5p, miR-21, miR-423-5p, miR-589-5p, miR-28-5p, miR-324-3p, miR-708-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-18b-5p, miR-761, miR-525-5p, miR-541-3p, miR-let-7a-5p, miR-3128, miR-3614-5p, miR-377-3p and miR-1224-5p to promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). In addition, LOXL1-AS1 is involved in the regulation of P13K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. This article reviews the current understanding of the biological function and clinical significance of LOXL1-AS1 in human cancers. These findings suggest that LOXL1-AS1 may be both a reliable biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for cancers.

Potential role of lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 in human cancer development: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs consisting of more than 200 nucleotides that are widely involved in various physiological and pathobiological processes in the body. LncRNA plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development with its unique functions, such as playing a role in a variety of biological processes of malignant tumors as a cancer-promoting factor or a cancer-suppressor factor. Lysyl oxidase-like protein 1-antisense RNA1 (LOXL1-AS1) is a novel functional lncRNA recently reported. This article reviews the current findings on the role of LOXL1-AS1 in cancer, and discusses the potential clinical significance and application prospects, in order to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the clinical diagnosis, treatment and screening of prognostic markers for malignant tumors.

Methods

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the keywords "cancer" or "tumor" or "neoplasm" and "LOXL1-AS1" for publications from 2018 to the present. The English literature was searched, with a focus on relevant articles. These articles validated the role and mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in different cancers.

Key Content and Findings

LOXL1-AS1 is a recently reported novel lncRNA, which is abnormally expressed and upregulated in more than ten cancers, and is positively correlated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis in cancer patients. LOXL1-AS1 competently binds to a variety of microRNAs to regulate the expression of downstream target genes and regulate related signaling pathways, including proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibition of malignant biological behaviors such as apoptosis.

Conclusions

LOXL1-AS1 is expected to become a novel biomarker for cancer diagnosis and treatment, with great potential as an independent prognostic indicator.

Soft Tissue Ewing Sarcoma Cell Drug Resistance Revisited: A Systems Biology Approach

Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues. Drug therapy represents an extensively used modality for the treatment of sarcomas. However, cancer cells tend to develop resistance to antineoplastic agents, thereby posing a major barrier in treatment effectiveness. Thus, there is a need to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in sarcomas and, hence, to enhance the anticancer treatment outcome. In this study, a differential gene expression analysis was conducted on high-throughput transcriptomic data of chemoresistant versus chemoresponsive Ewing sarcoma cells. By applying functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions on the differentially expressed genes and their corresponding products, we uncovered genes with a hub role in drug resistance. Granted that non-coding RNA epigenetic regulators play a pivotal role in chemotherapy by targeting genes associated with drug response, we investigated the non-coding RNA molecules that potentially regulate the expression of the detected chemoresistance genes. Of particular importance, some chemoresistance-relevant genes were associated with the autonomic nervous system, suggesting the involvement of the latter in the drug response. The findings of this study could be taken into consideration in the clinical setting for the accurate assessment of drug response in sarcoma patients and the application of tailored therapeutic strategies.

Long Non-coding RNA LINC01224 Promotes the Malignant Behaviors of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells via Regulating the miR-193a-5p/NUP210 Axis

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a prevalent malignant tumor in women and is characterized by high incidence and mortality. Current evidence has suggested that multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play regulatory roles in TNBC, while the specific mechanism of LINC01224 in TNBC remains unclear. In this study, LINC01224 was highly expressed in TNBC cells. Moreover, LINC01224 downregulation inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Additionally, LINC01224 stabilized NUP210 mRNA through interaction with miR-193a-5p, thereby aggravating the malignant phenotypes of TNBC. Overall, LINC01224 functions as a tumor promoter for TNBC.

LncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 sponges miR-210-3p and regulates cervical cancer progression

AIM

Cervical cancer has attracted increasing attention in recent years, and the incidence has shown a trend of younger age. Therefore, it is an effective method to regulate the progression of cervical cancer through new prognostic biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 (LAMTOR5-AS1) as a prognostic biomarker and reveal its regulatory role in cervical cancer.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with cervical cancer were selected as research subjects to verify the prognostic effect of LAMTOR5-AS1 in a series of experiments. The expression of LAMTOR5-AS1 in cervical cancer tissues and cells was determined by polymerase chain reaction assay. The proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of cervical cancer cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay. Luciferase reporter gene detection was used to determine the mechanism of LAMTOR5-AS1 targeting miR-210-3p, and to reflect the prognostic value of LAMTOR5-AS1 according to statistical methods.

RESULTS

LAMTOR5-AS1 decreased in cervical cancer tissues, while miR-210-3p expression increased. In the study of cervical cancer cells, it was found that the LAMTOR5-AS1 sponge miR-210-3p was associated with the malignant progression of cervical cancer. Overexpression of LAMTOR5-AS1 could effectively inhibit the development of cervical cancer cells and might be chosen as a prognostic biomarker of cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

LAMTOR5-AS1 sponges miR-210-3p and modulates the progression of cervical cancer, which predict the prognosis of cervical cancer patients.

LINC01426 Triggers Growth and Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma as a Prognostic Indicator

The vital regulation of abnormally expressed lncRNAs in human cancers has been identified. This study is aimed at illustrating the role of LINC01426 in influencing malignant behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the possible mechanism. Differential expressions of LINC01426 in a downloaded profile containing LUAD and normal tissues were analyzed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database and were reconfirmed in clinical samples collected in our hospital. In addition, LINC01426 level in lung carcinoma cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as well. The relationship between LINC01426 expression and the age, tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, lymphatic metastasis, tumor differentiation, and overall survival of LUAD was analyzed. After intervening LINC01426 level in H1299 and PC9 cells, proliferative and metastatic changes were assessed by functional experiments. LINC01426 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Its level was closely linked to TNM staging, lymphatic metastasis, tumor differentiation, and overall survival of LUAD. Knockdown of LINC01426 suppressed proliferative and metastatic abilities in H1299 and PC9 cells. LINC01246 is upregulated in LUAD samples and predicts a poor prognosis. It drives malignant process of LUAD via stimulating proliferative and metastatic abilities.

CircFAM64A enhances cellular processes in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting the miR-149-5p/CDT1 axis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer subtype without targeted treatment options. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the roles of circular RNAs in cancer. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of circFAM64A in TNBC. The GSE101124 dataset from the GEO database was examined to identify the differentially expressed circular RNAs in TNBC. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were performed to measure gene expression. TNBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle were assessed using cell counting kit-8, EdU, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell invasion experiments. Bioinformatics analysis, RIP, RNA pulldown, and luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of circFAM64A. In this study, CircFAM64A expression was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Overexpression of circFAM64A increased the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of TNBC cells and promoted cell cycle progression. Mechanistically, circFAM64A acted as a molecular sponge for miR-149-5p, and miR-149-5p directly targeted the Cdc10-dependent transcript 1 (CDT1) 3'UTR. Moreover, the high expression of CDT1 is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Rescue experiments demonstrated that circFAM64A sponged miR-149-5p to increase CDT1 expression, thereby promoting cellular processes in TNBC. Overall, CircFAM64A plays an oncogenic role in TNBC by interacting with miR-149-5p to increase CDT1 expression.

Long Non-coding RNA LOXL1-AS1 Facilitates Colorectal Cancer Progression via Regulating miR-1224-5p/miR-761/HK2 Axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of malignant tumors. The present study aimed to explore the function and potential mechanism of lncRNA LOXL1 antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1-AS1) in CRC. The abundance of LOXL1-AS1, miR-1224-5p, miR-761, and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR or western blot assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis, invasion, and migration were examined by flow cytometry, transwell assay, and wound healing assay. Glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP/ADP ratios. Xenograft assay was used for in vivo tumor growth analysis. LOXL1-AS1 and HK2 levels were increased, while miR-1224-5p and miR-761 levels were reduced in CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 suppressed CRC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis, and induced cell apoptosis. Silencing of LOXL1-AS1 blocked tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, LOXL1-AS1 accelerated CRC cell progression by absorbing miR-1224-5p/miR-761. Besides, miR-1224-5p and miR-761 inhibited CRC cell progression via targeting HK2. LOXL1-AS1 contributed to CRC progression via modulating miR-1224-5p/miR-761/HK2 pathway.

LncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting miRNA-30a-5p/KIF11 Axis

Objective: This research probed into the molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) VPS9D1 Antisense RNA 1 (VPS9D1-AS1) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods: lncRNA expression level was evaluated bioinformatically, and its downstream miRNA/mRNA regulatory axis was predicted by bioinformatics methods as well. qRT-PCR was used to measure VPS9D1-AS1, miRNA-30a-5p, and kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) expression. Western blot was performed to measure KIF11 protein expression. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells were all observed by cell biological function experiments. Dual-luciferase assay detected binding between miRNA-30a-5p and VPS9D1-AS1 or KIF11, respectively. RIP experiment detected interaction between VPS9D1-AS1 and miRNA-30a-5p.

Results: VPS9D1-AS1 and KIF11 were increased in LUAD, whereas miRNA-30a-5p was decreased. VPS9D1-AS1 promoted the malignant progression of LUAD cells and could sponge miRNA-30a-5p. MiRNA-30a-5p could restore the impact of VPS9D1-AS1 on LUAD cells. KIF11 was a target downstream of miRNA-30a-5p. VPS9D1-AS1 could upregulate KIF11 expression through competitively sponging miRNA-30a-5p, and KIF11 could restore the impact of miRNA-30a-5p on LUAD cells.

Conclusion: VPS9D1-AS1 could foster malignant progression of LUAD via regulating miRNA-30a-5p/KIF11 axis, suggesting that VPS9D1-AS1 is key to regulating the malignant progression of LUAD.

LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 Facilitates the Oncogenic Character in Cervical Cancer by the miR-526b-5p /LYPLA1 Axis

Increasing reports demonstrate that long noncoding RNAs participate in the regulation of numerous malignancies, cervical cancer included. Although lncRNA LOXL1 antisense RNA 1 has been commonly accepted to be an oncogene in many cancers. Here, the role of LOXL1-AS1 in CC still need to be explored. In this study, LOXL1-AS1 was found elevated in CC tissues and cells. LOXL1-AS1 depletion restrained CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in vivo. Furthermore, we found that LOXL1-AS1 upregulated Lysophospholipase 1 expression via sequestering miR-526b-5p. Rescue assays revealed that overexpression of LYPLA1 reversed the LOXL1-AS1 silencing-induced inhibitory effects on the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. To conclude, this study showed that LOXL1-AS1 facilitates cellular process in CC via functioning as a miR-526b-5p sponge.

Long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS1 enhances breast cancer cell aggressiveness by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA of microRNA-215-5p to enhance SOX9 expression

Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs play crucial functions in human cancer. However, until recently, the involvement of the lncRNA GAS6-AS1 in breast cancer (BCa) malignancy has not been studied exhaustively. The roles and underlying mode of action of GAS6-AS1 action in BCa progression were examined through functional experiments. A decline in GAS6-AS1 level led to a significant decrease in BCa cell proliferation, and the ability for colony formation. Here, GAS6-AS1 competed as endogenous RNA by sequestering microRNA-215-5p (miR-215-5p) causing an enhanced expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). The effects of silencing GAS6-AS1 on BCa malignant phenotypes could be ameliorated by inhibiting miR-215-5p or restoring SOX9. Thus, GAS6-AS1 acted as a lncRNA that drives tumor in BCa, and enabled progression of BCa through miR-215-5p /SOX9 axis regulation. These outcomes show that the GAS6-AS1/miR-215-5p/SOX9 axis is a potentially effective target for cancer treatment and management.

MicroRNA-106a-5p promotes the proliferation, autophagy and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting LKB1/AMPK

It has previously been reported that lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality rate worldwide; however, the pathogenesis underlying lung cancer has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present was primarily to assess the influence of microRNA (miR)-106a-5p on the biological behaviors of lung cancer cells. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the expression characteristics of miR-106a-5p and its relationship with the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in The Cancer Genome Atlas. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the binding of miR-106a-5p and liver kinase B1 (LKB1). The Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Transwell assays were utilized to detect cell viability, proliferation and migration, respectively. Protein and RNA expression levels were examined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis, respectively. It was observed that miR-106a-5p was highly expressed in LUAD and associated with poor prognosis. miR-106a-5p promoted the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells, and inhibited autophagy. By contrast, LKB1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration, promoted autophagy and blocked the cancer-promoting effects of miR-106a-5p. Overexpression of miR-106a-5p inhibited the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and tuberin (TSC2), and promoted the phosphorylation of mTOR. By contrast, overexpression of LKB1 blocked the promotion of mTOR phosphorylation, and the inhibition of AMPK and TSC2 phosphorylation caused by miR-106a-5p. In summary, the results of the present study indicated that miR-106a-5p regulated the phosphorylation of the AMPK pathway by targeting LKB1, and was involved in the proliferation, migration and autophagy of LUAD cells.

MiR-133b suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting SKA3

Spindle and Kinetochore Associated Complex Subunit 3 (SKA3) is crucial for anaphase mitosis. However, the relationship between SKA3 and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been fully clarified. Differentially expressed genes were first identified by analyzing data from TCGA. It was found that miR-133b was significantly lowly expressed in LUAD, while SKA3 was remarkably highly expressed. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing assay and Transwell assay uncovered that overexpressing miR-133b could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of LUAD cells. In addition, the targeting relationship between miR-133b and SKA3 was also verified by dual-luciferase analysis. Moreover, it was proved by the rescue assay that the overexpression of miR-133b significantly downregulated SKA3 in LUAD cells. All in all, these findings revealed the role of miR-133b and SKA3 in regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. This study could yield new information about the mechanisms of LUAD.

LINC00346 Sponges miR-30c-2-3p to Promote the Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting MYBL2 and Regulating CELL CYCLE Signaling Pathway

Background

LINC00346 has recently been reported to regulate the development of several cancer types, but its biological functions and underlying mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of LINC00346 in the progression of LUAD.

Methods

Bioinformatics was performed to find the target lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA, and the binding relationship between the target genes was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to detect the location of LINC00346 in LUAD tissues. The expressions of LINC00346, miR-30c-2-3p and MYBL2 in each group were detected by qRT-PCR, and western blot was performed to detect expressions of MYBL2 and CELL CYCLE related proteins. Proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis and cell cycle of LUAD cells were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Mouse xenograft models were established to further determine the effects of LINC00346 on LUAD tumor growth in vivo.

Results

LINC00346 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells and was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Knockdown of LINC00346 inhibited tumor growth in vivo, proliferation, metastasis and cell cycle progression, while induced apoptosis. LINC00346 sponged miR-30c-2-3 by targeting MYBL2 and regulating CELL CYCLE signaling pathway. Inhibiting miR-30c-2-3p or overexpressing MYBL2 could reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC00346 knockdown on LUAD process.

Conclusions

LINC00346 as a ceRNA played a carcinogenic role in the development of LUAD via miR-30c-2-3p/MYBL2 axis regulating the CELL CYCLE signaling pathway. The study generally elucidated the mechanism by which LINC00346 regulated the development of LUAD, providing new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD guided by lncRNA.

Long non-coding RNA UCA1 enhances cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating microRNA-299-3p expression

The long non-coding RNA, urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1) is an important regulator in several tumors. However, to the best of our knowledge, the clinical roles of UCA1 in cervical cancer remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of UCA1 in cervical cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect UCA1 and microRNA (miR)-299-3p expression in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the association between UCA1 and miR-299-3p. Rescue experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of the UCA1/miR-299-3p axis. The results demonstrated that UCA1 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of UCA1 enhanced the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, the effects of which were reversed following UCA1 knockdown. Notably, UCA1 interacted with miR-299-3p and negatively regulated miR-299-3p expression. In addition, miR-299-3p expression was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-299-3p suppressed the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, reversing the effects of UCA1 knockdown on cervical cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that UCA1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR-299-3p expression in cervical cancer.

lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 promotes liver cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating the miR-377-3p/NFIB axis

Liver cancer is becoming one of the most lethal malignancies due to its high incidence and mortality. Accumulating studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of the tumorigenesis and development of various types of cancer, including liver cancer. LncRNA LOXL1-antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1-AS1) has been identified as an oncogene in some types of human cancer; however, its role in liver cancer remains obscure. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to measure LOXL1-AS1 expression in liver cancer tissues and cells. Western blot, MTT, colony formation, glucose uptake and wound healing assays were used to explore the biological function of LOXL1-AS1 in liver cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis and RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the molecular mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in liver cancer cells. Statistical analysis was used to compare the experimental results of different groups. In the present study, LOXL1-AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in liver cancer tissues and cells compared with in normal liver tissues and cells, respectively. High LOXL1-AS1 expression was associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with liver cancer. Furthermore, LOXL1-AS1-knockdown suppressed glucose metabolism, proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of liver cancer cells. Subsequently, LOXL1-AS1 acted as a microRNA (miR)-377-3p sponge, and nuclear factor I B (NFIB) was confirmed as the downstream target of miR-377-3p in liver cancer cells. Additionally, rescue assays suggested that NFIB overexpression countervailed the inhibitory influence of LOXL1-AS1 silencing on liver cancer cellular processes. The present study demonstrated that LOXL1-AS1 promoted glucose metabolism, proliferation, migration and EMT of liver cancer cells by sponging miR-377-3p and modulating NFIB, which may provide a novel insight for the treatment of liver cancer.

TCF-3-mediated transcription of lncRNA HNF1A-AS1 targeting oncostatin M expression inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition via TGFβ signaling in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Long noncoding RNAs play key roles in several cancers, but their potential functions in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms remain to be investigated. We performed GeneChip assay to explore differentiated lncRNAs in gastric NENs and peri-cancerous tissues. The regulation of HNF1A-AS1 on biological behavior of GEP-NENs cells and in vivo xenograft model was confirmed by CCK8, colony formation assay, transwell, western blot and qRT-PCR. We next detected the potential transcription factors and the binding sites between them with bioinformatic analysis. qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the exact relationship between them. HNF1A-AS1 expression was decreased in gastric NENs tissues (p < 0.01). Over-expression of HNF1A-AS1 suppressed cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Knockdown of transcription factor 3 inhibited the expression of HNF1A-AS1 and promoted cellular migration and invasion. Oncostatin M was identified as the downstream target of HNF1A-AS1. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β activity inhibited HNF1A-AS1/Oncostatin M-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our data suggest that transcription factor 3/HNF1A-AS1/Oncostatin M axis inhibits the tumorigenesis and metastasis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms via transforming growth factor-β signaling.

Long Non-coding RNA LINC00847 Induced by E2F1 Accelerates Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Progression Through Targeting miR-147a/IFITM1 Axis

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can remarkably regulate human malignancies in terms of the development and the progression. Previously, lncRNA LINC00847 (LINC00847) has been reported to present dysregulation in several tumors. However, the expression and function of LINC00847 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been investigated.

Methods: RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expressions of LINC00847 in collected tissue samples and cell lines. The clinical significance of LINC00847 was statistically analyzed. CCK-8 test, cell scratch test and trans-well test were used to evaluate the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of NSCLC cells, respectively. The xenograft tumor model was constructed to confirm the effects of LINC00847 knockdown on NSCLC in vivo. Further, luciferase reporter assays and Western blot were performed to explore molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of LINC00847.

Results: Increased expressions of LINC00847 were observed in NSCLC samples as well as cell lines. Additionally, E2F1 could be capable of directly binding to the LINC00847 promoter region, followed by promoting its expression. Clinically, LINC00847 high-expression could lead to poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Functionally, LINC00847 knockdown noticeably repressed NSCLC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanically, miR-147a/IFITM1 axis was a downstream target of LINC00847, and silencing of miR-147a could rescue the anti-cancer effects of LINC00847 knockdown on NSCLC cell behaviors.

Conclusion: Overall, up regulation of LINC00847 induced by E2F1 promoted the progression of NSCLC by modulating miR-147a/IFITM1 axis, representing a novel regulatory mechanism for NSCLC progression.

LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting DESC1

Recently, ample evidence indicated that numerous aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participated in the development of multiple malignancies. However, the expression and function of lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 in mediating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) carcinogenesis remains largely elusive. Here we validated that LOXL1-AS1 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with the corresponding adjacent non-neoplastic tissues, and LOXL1-AS1 expression was positively correlated with ESCC patients' lymph node metastasis. Besides, LOXL1-AS1 knockdown impaired ESCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities in vitro. Furthermore, inhibiting LOXL1-AS1 in ESCC cells increased the percentage of cells at the G1 phase, accompanied by reducing in S phase in contrast to scramble control, and silencing of LOXL1-AS1 evoked ESCC cell apoptosis. From high throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we identified that differentially expressed in squamous cell carcinoma 1 (DESC1) was a critical downstream target of LOXL1-AS1. Taken together, we demonstrated the function and mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in contributing ESCC progression for the first time, and indicated LOXL1-AS1 may be a novel therapeutic biomarker of ESCC.

MiR-423-5p aggravates lung adenocarcinoma via targeting CADM1

Background

At present, microRNAs and its downstream genes have been regarded as influential indicators in various malignancies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship and molecular mechanism of the miR‐423‐5p and its downstream gene CADM1 in the LUAD.

Methods

The pcDNA‐CADM1 was used to construct the CADM1 overexpressed cell model. The cell proliferation was determined by CCK‐8 and EdU assays and the cell metastasis was performed by wound scratch and transwell chamber assays. The relationship between miR‐423‐5p and CADM1 were determined by bioinformatics, luciferase reporter and western blot assays.

Results

The results revealed that the CADM1 was downregulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. CADM1 overexpression markedly repressed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, the results of bioinformatics, luciferase reporter and WB assays showed that CADM1 was a target gene of miR‐423‐5p and the miR‐423‐5p expression was negatively associated with CADM1 in LUAD cell lines. Finally, rescue experiments revealed that downregulation of CADM1 could antagonize the functions of miR‐423‐5p inhibitor on cell proliferation and metastasis. These results indicated that miR‐423‐5p aggravated lung adenocarcinoma via downregulation of CADM1 expression.

Conclusions

Downregulation of CADM1 could antagonize the functions of miR‐423‐5p inhibitor on cell proliferation and metastasis. miR‐423‐5p aggravated lung adenocarcinoma via downregulation of CADM1 expression.

Functional mechanism and clinical implications of MicroRNA-423 in human cancers

MicroRNAs play a vital role in the regulatory mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Current research indicates that microRNA-423 (miR-423) is abnormally expressed in various human tumors and participates in multiple signaling pathways of cancer progression. In most studies, miR-423 was confirmed as oncomiR, while a few contradictory reports considered miR-423 as an anticancer miRNA. The paradoxical role in cancer may hinder the application of miR-423 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Simultaneously, the interaction mechanism between miR-423 and lncRNA also needs attention. In this review, we have summarized the dual role of aberrant miR-423 expression and its mechanisms in tumorigenesis, and the therapeutic potential of miR-423 in human tumors.

linc00968 inhibits the tumorigenesis and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via serving as a ceRNA against miR-9-5p and increasing CPEB3

Increasing evidence confirms that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert vital functions in multiple biological process among malignant cancers. In the current study, we uncovered that linc00968 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Furthermore, the low level of linc00968 was correlated with worse prognosis in patients with LUAD. Upregulation of linc00968 restrained the growth and metastatic phenotypes of LUAD cell in vitro and in vivo. Using bioinformation methods and luciferase reporter assay, we identified that linc00968 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via sponging miR-9-5p to modulate the level of Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein 3 (CPEB3) in LUAD. In addition, LUAD cell migration, colony formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were suppressed by linc00968 while these aggressive traits were reversed by miR-142-5p or CPEB3 silencing. Altogether, our work disclosed that linc00968 played a critical role in LUAD and linc00968/miR-9-5p/CPEB3 regulatory axis might be a potential treatment target in LUAD.

B-MYB-p53-related relevant regulator for the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the mRNA expression of B-MYB and MDM2 together with their p53 relatedness in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

METHODS

Genes were screened for their mRNA expression from 529 patients in a publicly available ccRCC cohort (TCGA). A cohort of 101 patients with ccRCC served as validation by qRT-PCR mRNA tissue expression analysis.

RESULTS

Expression: B-MYB expression was significantly higher in high-grade tumours (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.048) and in advanced stages (p = 0.005 and p = 0.037) in both cohorts. Correlation: p53-B-MYB as well as MDM2-B-MYB showed significant correlations in local and low-grade ccRCCs, but not in high grade tumours or advanced stages (r < 0.3 and/or p > 0.05). Survival: Multivariable Cox regression of the TCGA cohort revealed B-MYB upregulation and low MDM2 expression as predictors for an impaired overall survival (OS) (HR 1.97; p = 0.0003; HR 2.94, p < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 2.86; p = 0.0005; HR 1.58, p = 0.046). In the validation cohort, the results were confirmed for OS by univariable, but not multivariable regression: high B-MYB expression (HR = 3.05, p = 0.035) and low MDM2 expression (HR 3.81, p value 0.036).

CONCLUSION

In ccRCC patients with high-grade tumours and advanced stages, high B-MYB expression is common and is associated with poorer OS and PFS. These patients show a loss of their physiological B-MYB-p53 network correlation, suggesting an additional, alternative regulatory, oncogenic mechanism. Assuming further characterization of its signalling pathways, B-MYB could be a potential therapy target for ccRCC.

TUSC8 inhibits the development of osteosarcoma by sponging miR‑197‑3p and targeting EHD2

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumours and generally occurs in children and adolescents. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the progression of various human neoplasms. Among these, tumour suppressor candidate 8 (TUSC8) is a novel lncRNA and has been reported to function as a tumour suppressor in cervical cancer. However, the exact role of TUSC8 in OS remains largely unknown. In the present study, it was observed that TUSC8 was markedly downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments demonstrated that the overexpression of TUSC8 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas it accelerated the apoptosis of OS cells. Mechanistically, TUSC8 served as a sponge for miR-197-3p, and EH-domain containing 2 (EHD2) was identified as a downstream target molecule of miR-197-3p. Further investigations indicated that EHD2 knockdown significantly reversed the effects on OS cellular processes induced by TUSC8 overexpression. On the whole, these findings indicate that TUSC8 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to suppress OS cell growth and EMT via the miR-197-3p/EHD2 axis. TUSC8 may thus function as a potential therapeutic target in OS treatment.

LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 regulates the tumorigenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma through sponging miR-423-5p and targeting MYBL2

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of malignant tumor and closely correlated with high risk of death worldwide. Accumulating researches have manifested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deeply involved in the progression of multiple cancers. LncRNA LOXL1 antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1‐AS1) was identified as an oncogene in several cancers, nonetheless, its biological effect and regulatory mechanism have not been explained in LUAD. Our present study suggested that LOXL1‐AS1 expression was considerably increased in LUAD tissues and cells. Moreover, LOXL1‐AS1 deficiency notably hampered cell proliferation and migration as well as dramatically facilitated cell apoptosis. Through molecular mechanism assays, LOXL1‐AS1 was identified as a cytoplasmic RNA and acted as a sponge of miR‐423‐5p. Furthermore, MYBL2 was targeted and negatively modified by miR‐423‐5p. Rescue experiments revealed that MYBL2 knockdown could counteract miR‐423‐5p repression‐mediated enhancement on the progression of LOXL1‐AS1 downregulated LUAD cells. More importantly, MYBL2 was discovered to interact with LOXL1‐AS1 promoter, indicating a positive feedback loop of LOXL1‐AS1/miR‐423‐5p/MYBL2 in LUAD. These findings manifested the carcinogenic role of LOXL1‐AS1 and LOXL1‐AS1/miR‐423‐5p/MYBL2 feedback loop in LUAD, which could be helpful to explore effective therapeutic strategy for LUAD patients.