LINC01133 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-199a-5p and activating annexin A2

LincRNA-miR interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma: comprehensive review and in silico analysis: a step toward ncRNA precision

The most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and one of the chief drivers of cancer-related mortality globally is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imminent evidence has indicated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an integral part in the development and propagation of HCC. RNA stabilization, transcription regulation, chromatin and genomic architecture remodeling, enhancer-associated activity, and other varied properties set long intergenic ncRNA (lincRNA) genes apart from messenger RNA (mRNA)-encoding genes. Through a variety of processes, lincRNAs may generally be used to fine-tune the transcription of nearby genes with exceptional tissue specificity, underscoring our quickly developing knowledge of the non-coding genome. Through their binding with divergent cell targets, some HCC-related ncRNAs have been demonstrated to exhibit abnormal expression, contribute to malignant growth, evade apoptosis, and have invasive potential. Therefore, a better comprehension of lincRNA dysregulation might offer novel perspectives on the pathophysiology of HCC as well as innovative instruments for the early detection and management of HCC. In the present review, we provide an overview of the increasing relevance of lincRNAs as a major contributor to the pathophysiology of HCC, emphasizing their influence on signaling pathways implicated in the development, progression, and response to treatment of tumors. In addition, we go over the new approaches that target lincRNAs for HCC treatment as well as the possible therapeutic uses of lincRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for HCC.

Identification of a PANoptosis-related long noncoding rna risk signature for prognosis and immunology in colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

PANoptosis, a complex programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that includes apoptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, is significantly involved in the progression of cancers. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in PCD. However, the predictive value of PANoptosis-related lncRNAs (PRlncRNAs) for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) has not been established.

METHODS

Gene expression data and clinical characteristics of patients with COAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differential expression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to identify PRlncRNAs. In addition to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to obtain PRlncRNAs for constructing a risk signature. Patients with COAD in the training set, testing set and entire set were stratified into high- and low-risk groups for further comparison of survival prognosis, using the median risk score as the cut-off point. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, a nomogram and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to validate the risk signature in the testing set and the entire set. In addition, critical pathways, immune infiltration cells, immune checkpoint-related genes, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores and antitumour drugs were compared between the two risk groups in the entire set. Correlations between ferroptosis, cuproptosis, disulfidptosis and the PRlncRNA risk score were evaluated. Finally, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established, and enrichment analysis of the predicted mRNAs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The Kaplan-Meier plotter database was used as an external database to confirm the accuracy of the risk signature in predicting patient prognosis. Additionally, small interfering RNA (siRNA), a cell counting kit- 8 assay, a cell colony formation assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and an apoptosis assay were further employed to investigate the roles of AP003555.1 in colon cancer.

RESULTS

A risk signature comprising four PRlncRNAs (LINC01133, FOXD3-AS1, AP001066.1, and AP003555.1) was developed to predict the prognosis of patients with COAD. Kaplan‒Meier curves demonstrated significant differences in prognosis between the high- and low-risk groups across the three sets. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that the risk signature was an independent prognostic factor across the three sets. A nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves indicated strong confidence in the risk signature. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm and gene set enrichment analysis, variations in infiltrating immune cells and immune processes were observed between the two risk groups. Furthermore, TIDE algorithm suggested that the high-risk group exhibited a lower risk of immunotherapy escape and better immunotherapy outcomes than the low-risk group. Distinct responses to various antitumour drugs were observed between the two risk groups. Additionally, we constructed a ceRNA network based on PRlncRNAs, and GO enrichment analysis of the predicted mRNAs revealed different functions. In addition, the results of the Kaplan‒Meier plotter database revealed that patients who exhibited high levels of LINC01133 and FOXD3-AS1 experienced significantly shorter overall survival than those with low levels of these lncRNAs. Specifically, in terms of functionality, AP003555.1 was found to be highly expressed in colon cancer tissue and promoted viability and proliferation while suppressing the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

We identified a novel risk signature consisting of four PRlncRNAs, which is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with COAD. This PRlncRNA risk signature is potentially relevant for immunotherapy and could serve as a therapeutic target for COAD.

Dysregulated LINC01133 expression in laryngeal carcinoma: Prognostic implications and predicted ceRNA interactome

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive pathways in human cancers. LINC01133 is a lncRNA that has exhibited dichotomous roles in various malignancies but to the best of our knowledge, the role of LINC01133 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to investigate the expression, clinical significance, and potential functions of the LINC01133 in LSCC. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets revealed LINC01133 as a differentially expressed lncRNA in head and neck/laryngeal cancers. Experimental validation via quantitative real-time PCR in 41 pairs of stage III and IV LSCC tissues and normal tissues adjacent to the tumor (NAT) demonstrated significant downregulation of LINC01133 in tumors (p<0.0001). Decreased LINC01133 expression associated with advanced tumor stage (p=0.0206) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.0203). The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated potential diagnostic utility (AUC=0.7115, p=0.001). Bioinformatic predictions and literature mining suggested two potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms whereby LINC01133 may act as a tumor suppressor by sponging miR-205-5p to derepress the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and androgen receptor, leading to dysregulation of cancer-related signaling cascades. This study provides initial evidence that loss of lncRNA LINC01133 expression may promote LSCC tumorigenesis, possibly by dysregulating microRNA interactions. Further verification of its regulatory mechanisms and diagnostic value is warranted.

m6A Modification of Profilin-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Drives Phenotype Switching and Neointimal Hyperplasia via Activation of the p-ANXA2/STAT3 Pathway

BACKGROUND

In-stent restenosis is characterized by a significant reduction in lumen diameter within the stented segment, primarily attributed to excessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and neointimal hyperplasia. PFN1 (profilin-1), an actin-sequestering protein extensively studied in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, remains less explored in neointimal hyperplasia.

METHODS

Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing alongside data from in-stent restenosis patients and various experimental in-stent restenosis models (swine, rats, and mice), we investigated the role of PFN1 in promoting VSMC phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia.

RESULTS

Single-cell RNA sequencing of stenotic rat carotid arteries revealed a critical role for PFN1 in neointimal hyperplasia, a finding corroborated in stented swine coronary arteries, in-stent restenosis patients, PFN1SMC-IKO (SMC-specific PFN1 knockout) mice, and PFN1 overexpressed mice. PFN1 deletion was shown to suppress VSMC phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia in PFN1SMC-IKO mice subjected to a wire-injured model. To elucidate the observed discordance in PFN1 mRNA and protein levels, we identified that METTL3 (N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase) and YTHDF3 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F3; N6-methyladenosine-specific reader) enhance PFN1 translation efficiency in an N6-methyladenosine-dependent manner, confirmed through experiments involving METTL3 knockout and YTHDF3 knockout mice. Furthermore, PFN1 was mechanistically found to interact with the phosphorylation of ANXA2 (annexin A2) by recruiting Src (SRC proto-oncogene, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase), promoting the phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), a typical transcription factor known to induce VSMC phenotype switching.

CONCLUSIONS

This study unveils the significance of PFN1 N6-methyladenosine modification in VSMCs, demonstrating its role in promoting phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia through the activation of the p-ANXA2 (phospho-ANXA2)/STAT3 pathway.

Baicalin target protein, Annexin A2, is a target of new antitumor drugs

Baicalin is a flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. As it has significant antitumor and apoptosis-inducing effects, baicalin may be useful as a lead compound in new antitumor drug development. However, as the pharmacological actions of baicalin have yet to be elucidated, we isolated its target protein, which was successfully identified as Annexin A2. Annexin A2 forms a heterotetramer with S100A10 protein, which plays an important role in the plasminogen activator system. The heterotetramer bound to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activates the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin and promotes the expression of STAT-3 and NF-κB, which are target genes involved in the development of cancer. Moreover, NF-κB and STAT-3 induce the expression of cell inhibitors of apoptotic proteins and inhibit apoptosis. To examine whether these antitumor and apoptosis-inducing effects of baicalin are mediated by Annexin A2, we prepared Annexin A2 knockdown HepG2 cells. We compared mRNA expression by RT-qPCR and apoptosis by caspase-3 activity assays in Annexin A2 knockdown HepG2 cells. The results showed that the antitumor and apoptosis-inducing effects of baicalin are mediated by Annexin A2. The results of this study suggest that agents capable of inhibiting Annexin A2 may be useful candidates for the development of novel antitumor agents.

Deciphering the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 pathway: Implications for breast cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the predominant malignancy with a significant death rate due to metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental initiator for metastatic progression. Through advanced computational strategies, TCF19 was identified as a critical EMT-associated gene with diagnostic and prognostic significance in BC, based on a novel EMT score. Molecular details and the pro-EMT impact of the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 axis were explored in BC cell lines through in vitro validations, and the oncogenic and metastatic potential of TCF19 and LOXL2 were investigated using subcutaneous and tail-vein models. Additionally, BC-specific enrichment of TCF19 and LOXL2 was measured using a distribution landscape driven by diverse genomic analysis techniques. Molecular pathways revealed that TCF19-induced LOXL2 amplification facilitated migratory, invasive, and EMT activities of BC cells in vitro, and promoted the growth and metastatic establishment of xenografts in vivo. TCF19 decreases the expression of miR-199a-5p and alters the nuclear dynamics of SP1, modulating SP1's affinity for the LOXL2 promoter, leading to increased LOXL2 expression and more malignant characteristics in BC cells. These findings unveil a novel EMT-inducing pathway, the TCF19/miR-199a-5P/SP1/LOXL2 axis, highlighting the pivotal role of TCF19 and suggesting potential for novel therapeutic approaches for more focused BC interventions.

A Novel tsRNA, m7G-3' tiRNA LysTTT, Promotes Bladder Cancer Malignancy Via Regulating ANXA2 Phosphorylation

Emerging evidence indicates that transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), originated from tRNA with high abundance RNA modifications, play an important role in many complex physiological and pathological processes. However, the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of modified tsRNAs in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, it is screened for and confirmed the presence of a novel m7G-modified tsRNA, m7G-3'-tiRNA LysTTT (mtiRL), in a variety of chemical carcinogenesis models by combining small RNA sequencing with an m7G small RNA-modified chip. Moreover, it is found that mtiRL, catalyzed by the tRNA m7G-modifying enzyme mettl1, promotes bladder cancer (BC) malignancy in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, mtiRL is found to specifically bind the oncoprotein Annexin A2 (ANXA2) to promote its Tyr24 phosphorylation by enhancing the interactions between ANXA2 and Yes proto-oncogene 1 (Yes1), leading to ANXA2 activation and increased p-ANXA2-Y24 nuclear localization in BC cells. Together, these findings define a critical role for mtiRL and suggest that targeting this novel m7G-modified tsRNA can be an efficient way for to treat BC.

Promoter Hypomethylation Upregulates ANXA2 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer and is Associated with Poor Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the world's most aggressive and deadly cancers, owing to non-specific early clinical symptoms, late-stage diagnosis, and poor survival. Therefore, it is critical to identify specific biomarkers for its early diagnosis. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that has been reported to be upregulated in several cancer types, making it an emerging biomarker and potential cancer therapeutic target. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of ANXA2 overexpression is still unclear. It is well established that genetic and epigenetic alterations may lead to widespread dysregulation of gene expression. Hence, in this study, we focused on exploring the regulatory mechanism of ANXA2 by investigating the transcriptional profile, methylation pattern, somatic mutation, and prognostic value of ANXA2 in PC using several bioinformatics databases. Our results revealed that the expression levels of ANXA2 were remarkably increased in PC tissues comparing to normal tissues. Furthermore, the high expression of ANXA2 was significantly related to the poor prognosis of PC patients. More importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that the ANXA2 promoter is hypomethylated in PC tissues compared to normal tissues which may result in ANXA2 overexpression in PC. However, more experimental research is required to corroborate our findings.

LINC01133 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by SPP1 through binding to Arp3

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment methods. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found involved in tumorigenic and progression. The present study revealed that LINC01133, a fewly reported lncRNA, was one of 16 hub genes that could predict PDAC patients' prognosis. LINC01133 was over-expressed in PDAC tumors compared to adjacent pancreas and could promote PDAC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, as well as inhibit PDAC apoptosis. LINC01133 expression positively correlated to secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression, leading to an enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. LINC01133 bound with actin-related protein 3 (Arp3), the complex reduced SPP1 mRNA degradation which increased SPP1 mRNA level, ultimately leading to PDAC proliferation. This research revealed a novel mechanism of PDAC development and provided a potential prognosis indicator that may benefit PDAC patients.

LINC01133 regulates MARCKS expression via sponging miR-30d-5p to promote the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma

LncRNAs are vital regulators for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). However, the detailed role that LINC01133 plays in LUSC is unclear. This work sought to explore the potential function of LINC01133.Levels of LINC01133, miR-30d-5p, and MARCKS were separately tested in both tissues and cells using qRT-PCR. Proliferation was assessed through MTT experiment and apoptosis was detected upon flow cytometry. Transwell experiments were implemented to evaluate migratory and invasive abilities. The interaction between two genes was affirmed through luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down experiment. Western blotting measured the protein level of MARCKS. Animal models were established and tissues were taken for IHC analysis of MARCKS and Ki67.LINC01133 was elevated in LUSC and its downregulation could suppress proliferation, migration and invasion but induced apoptosis. LINC01133 interacted with and regulated the binding of miR-30d-5p to MARCKS. LINC01133/miR-30d-5p axis mediated proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in LUSC cells, as well as modulated tumor growth in animal models. LINC01133 interacted with miR-30d-5p to modulate MARCKS expression, contributes to promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. These findings could provide possible therapeutic targets in view of LUSC treatment in the future.

Epigenetic regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: MicroRNAs as therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant challenge for public healthcare systems in developed Western countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, is influenced by different risk factors including hepatitis virus infections, alcoholism, and smoking. The disruption in the balance of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a vital function in tumorigenesis, given their function as regulators in numerous signaling networks. These miRNAs, which are mature and active in the cytoplasm, work by reducing the expression of target genes through their impact on mRNAs. MiRNAs are particularly significant in HCC as they regulate key aspects of the tumor, like proliferation and invasion. Additionally, during treatment phases such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the levels of miRNAs are key determinants. Pre-clinical experiments have demonstrated that altered miRNA expression contributes to HCC development, metastasis, drug resistance, and radio-resistance, highlighting related molecular pathways and processes like MMPs, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the regulatory role of miRNAs in HCC extends beyond their immediate function, as they are also influenced by other epigenetic factors like lncRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as discussed in recent reviews. Applying these discoveries in predicting the prognosis of HCC could mark a significant advancement in the therapy of this disease.

Annexin A2 combined with TTK accelerates esophageal cancer progression via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a widely reported oncogene. However, the mechanism of ANXA2 in esophageal cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we provided evidence that ANXA2 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) through the downstream target threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK). These results are consistent with the up-regulation of ANXA2 and TTK in ESCC. In vitro experiments by knockdown and overexpression of ANXA2 revealed that ANXA2 promotes the progression of ESCC by enhancing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, animal models also confirmed the role of ANXA2 in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. Mechanistically, the ANXA2/TTK complex activates the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Furthermore, we identified that TTK overexpression can reverse the inhibition of ESCC invasion after ANXA2 knockdown. Overall, these data indicate that the combination of ANXA2 and TTK regulates the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and accelerates the progression of ESCC. Therefore, the ANXA2/TTK/Akt/mTOR axis is a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Circ_0070934 promotes MGAT3 expression and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bronchial epithelial cells by sponging miR-199a-5p

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNA) has the potential to serve as a crucial regulator in the progression of bronchial asthma. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the functional dynamics of the circ_0070934/miR-199a-5p/Mannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (MGAT3) axis in the development of asthma.

METHODS

Circ_0070934, miR-199a-5p and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of 38 asthmatic patients and 43 healthy controls were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of MGAT3 protein was examined by ELISA. The GSE148000 dataset was analyzed for differences in MGAT3. The BEAS-2B cells were transfected with circ_0070934 plasmid and small interfering RNA, miR-199a-5p mimics and inhibitors. The apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry and MGAT3 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin was examined by Western blot. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 were used to co-stimulate BEAS-2B cells as an asthmatic airway epithelial cell model. BEAS-2B cells exposed to type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) were treated with circ_0070934 plasmid, and the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin was detected by Western blot. The binding relationships were verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA pull-down assay.

RESULTS

The expression of circ_0070934 and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of asthmatic patients was down-regulated, and the expression of miR-199a-5p was up-regulated. And the expression of MGAT3 was reduced in sputum of asthma patients. Down-regulating the expression of circ_0070934 could promote apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells and increase epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and this effect can be partially reversed by down-regulating miR-199a-5p. Circ_0070934 could inhibit the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in BEAS-2B cells. In addition, miR-199a-5p could respectively bind to circ_0070934 and MGAT3.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that circ_0070934 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-199a-5p, thereby modulating the expression of MGAT3 and impacting the process of EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. These results contribute to the establishment of a theoretical framework for advancing the prevention and treatment strategies for asthma.

Noncoding RNA mutations in cancer

Cancer is driven by both germline and somatic genetic changes. Efforts have been devoted to characterizing essential genetic variations in cancer initiation and development. Most attention has been given to mutations in protein-coding genes and associated regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers. The development of sequencing technologies and in silico and experimental methods has allowed further exploration of cancer predisposition variants and important somatic mutations in noncoding RNAs, mainly for long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs. Association studies including GWAS have revealed hereditary variations including SNPs and indels in lncRNA or miRNA genes and regulatory regions. These mutations altered RNA secondary structures, expression levels, and target recognition and then conferred cancer predisposition to carriers. Whole-exome/genome sequencing comparing cancer and normal tissues has revealed important somatic mutations in noncoding RNA genes. Mutation hotspots and somatic copy number alterations have been identified in various tumor-associated noncoding RNAs. Increasing focus and effort have been devoted to studying the noncoding region of the genome. The complex genetic network of cancer initiation is being unveiled. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.

The pivotal role of EMT-related noncoding RNAs regulatory axes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major health problem worldwide, being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with limited treatment options, especially in its advanced stages. Tumor resistance is closely associated with the activation of the EMT phenomenon and its reversal, being modulated by different molecules, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Noncoding RNAs have the potential to function as both tumor suppressors and oncogenic molecules, controlling the malignant potential of HCC cells. Basically, these molecules circulate in the tumor microenvironment, encapsulated in exosomes. Their impact on cell biology is more significant than originally expected, which makes related research rather complex. The temporal and spatial expression patterns, precise roles and mechanisms of specific ncRNAs encapsulated in exosomes remain primarily unknown in different stages of the disease. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in ncRNAs related to EMT and classifies the described mechanism as direct and indirect, for a better summarization. Moreover, we provide an overview of current research on the role of ncRNAs in several drug resistance-related pathways, including the emergence of resistance to sorafenib, doxorubicin, cisplatin and paclitaxel therapy. Nevertheless, we comprehensively discuss the underlying regulatory mechanisms of exosomal ncRNAs in EMT-HCC via intercellular communication pathways.

FBXW10-S6K1 promotes ANXA2 polyubiquitination and KRAS activation to drive hepatocellular carcinoma development in males

The incidence rate of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is approximately three times higher in males than in females. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying HCC development in males could lead to more effective therapies for HCC. Our previous study found that FBXW10 played a critical role in promoting HCC development in male mice and patients, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we found that FBXW10 promoted K63-linked ANXA2 polyubiquitination and activation in HCC tissues from males, and this process was required for S6K1-mediated phosphorylation. Activated ANXA2 further translocated from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane to bind KRAS and then activated the MEK/ERK pathway, leading to HCC proliferation and lung metastasis. Interfering with ANXA2 significantly blocked FBXW10-driven HCC growth and lung metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Notably, membrane ANXA2 was upregulated and positively correlated with FBXW10 expression in male HCC patients. These findings offer new insights into the regulation and function of FBXW10 signaling in HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis and suggest that the FBXW10-S6K1-ANXA2-KRAS-ERK axis may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in male HCC patients with high FBXW10 expression.

Deciphering STAT3 signaling potential in hepatocellular carcinoma: tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological significance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the greatest challenges to human life and is the most common form of liver cancer. Treatment of HCC depends on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, all of which have their own drawbacks, and patients may develop resistance to these therapies due to the aggressive behavior of HCC cells. New and effective therapies for HCC can be developed by targeting molecular signaling pathways. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in human cancer cells changes, and during cancer progression, the expression tends to increase. After induction of STAT3 signaling by growth factors and cytokines, STAT3 is phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus to regulate cancer progression. The concept of the current review revolves around the expression and phosphorylation status of STAT3 in HCC, and studies show that the expression of STAT3 is high during the progression of HCC. This review addresses the function of STAT3 as an oncogenic factor in HCC, as STAT3 is able to prevent apoptosis and thus promote the progression of HCC. Moreover, STAT3 regulates both survival- and death-inducing autophagy in HCC and promotes cancer metastasis by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, upregulation of STAT3 is associated with the occurrence of chemoresistance and radioresistance in HCC. Specifically, non-protein-coding transcripts regulate STAT3 signaling in HCC, and their inhibition by antitumor agents may affect tumor progression. In this review, all these topics are discussed in detail to provide further insight into the role of STAT3 in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological regulation of HCC.

Isoliquiritigenin alleviates the development of alcoholic liver fibrosis by inhibiting ANXA2

The study aimed to investigate the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on model of alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). C57BL/6 mice were used to establish animal model of ALF, HSC-T6 cells were used to establish alcohol-activated cell model, and tandem mass tag (TMT) assays were used to analyze the proteome. The results showed that ISL obviously alleviated hepatic fibrosis in model mice. ISL visually improved the area of liver pathological stasis and deposition of fibrillar collagen (Sirius Red staining, Masson staining), inhibited the mRNA expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in liver tissues. ISL down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). And ISL significantly reduced annexin A2 (ANXA2) in vitro detected by TMT proteomics technology. Interestingly, it was found for the first time that ISL could inhibit ANXA2 expression both in vivo and in vitro, block the sphingosine kinases (SPHKs)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling pathway and regulate the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at the downstream signal to finally reverse HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis. Thus, we demonstrated that ISL is a drug monomer with notable anti-hepatic fibrosis activity.

LINC00543 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by driving EMT and inducing the M2 polarization of tumor associated macrophages

BACKGROUND

The interaction between the tumor-microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells has emerged as a key player in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. A small proportion of CRC cells which undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) facilitate the reshaping of the TME by regulating various cellular ingredients.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA Antisense Purification (RAP), dual luciferase assays were conducted to investigate the biological function and regulation of LINC00543 in CRC. A series in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to clarify the role of LINC00543 in CRC metastasis.

RESULTS

Here we found that the long non-coding RNA LINC00543, was overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues, which correlated with advanced TNM stage and poorer prognosis of CRC patients. The overexpression of LINC00543 promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC cells by enhancing EMT and remodeling the TME. Mechanistically, LINC00543 blocked the transport of pre-miR-506-3p across the nuclear-cytoplasmic transporter XPO5, thereby reducing the production of mature miR-506-3p, resulting in the increase in the expression of FOXQ1 and induction of EMT. In addition, upregulation of FOXQ1 induced the expression of CCL2 that accelerated the recruitment of macrophages and their M2 polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that LINC00543 enhanced EMT of CRC cells through the pre-miR-506-3p/FOXQ1 axis. This resulted in the upregulation of CCL2, leading to macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization, and ultimately stimulating the progression of CRC.

Updating the Clinical Application of Blood Biomarkers and Their Algorithms in the Diagnosis and Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Critical Review

The most common primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its mortality rate is increasing globally. The overall 5-year survival of patients with liver cancer is currently 10-20%. Moreover, because early diagnosis can significantly improve prognosis, which is highly correlated with tumor stage, early detection of HCC is critical. International guidelines advise using α-FP biomarker with/without ultrasonography for HCC surveillance in patients with advanced liver disease. However, traditional biomarkers are sub-optimal for risk stratification of HCC development in high-risk populations, early diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment response prediction. Since about 20% of HCCs do not produce α-FP due to its biological diversity, combining α-FP with novel biomarkers can enhance HCC detection sensitivity. There is a chance to offer promising cancer management methods in high-risk populations by utilizing HCC screening strategies derived from new tumor biomarkers and prognostic scores created by combining biomarkers with distinct clinical parameters. Despite numerous efforts to identify molecules as potential biomarkers, there is no single ideal marker in HCC. When combined with other clinical parameters, the detection of some biomarkers has higher sensitivity and specificity in comparison with a single biomarker. Therefore, newer biomarkers and models, such as the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of Alpha-fetoprotein (α-FP), α-FP-L3, Des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP or PIVKA-II), and the GALAD score, are being used more frequently in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Notably, the GALAD algorithm was effective in HCC prevention, particularly for cirrhotic patients, regardless of the cause of their liver disease. Although the role of these biomarkers in surveillance is still being researched, they may provide a more practical alternative to traditional imaging-based surveillance. Finally, looking for new diagnostic/surveillance tools may help improve patients' survival. This review discusses the current roles of the most used biomarkers and prognostic scores that may aid in the clinical management of HCC patients.

The roles of lncRNA functions and regulatory mechanisms in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and deadly type of liver cancer. While the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood, it is documented that lncRNAs may play key roles. Many HCC-associated lncRNAs have been linked to HBV and HCV infection, mediating gene expression, cell growth, development, and death. Studying the regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of HCC-related lncRNAs will assist our understanding of HCC pathogenesis as well as its diagnosis and management. Here, we address the potential of dysregulated lncRNAs in HCC as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers, and we evaluate the oncogenic or tumor-suppressive properties of these lncRNAs.

H19 may regulate the immune cell infiltration in carcinogenesis of gastric cancer through miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1 signaling

Background

Increasing studies have indicated that noncoding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network serves as a significant role in cancer progression, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms of which in gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unclear.

Methods

Based on Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets, potential biomarkers for GC were screened and validated by machine learning. Then, upstream regulatory ncRNA of potential biomarkers was identified to construct a novel ceRNA network in GC through means of stepwise reverse prediction and validation. Ultimately, tumor immune cell infiltration analysis was performed based on the EPIC algorithm.

Results

A total of 188 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and three candidate diagnostic biomarkers (FAP, PSAPL1, and SERPINH1) for GC were identified and validated. Subsequently, H19 and miR-378a-5p were identified as upstream regulatory ncRNAs that could potentially bind SERPINH1 in GC. Moreover, Immune infiltration analysis revealed that each component in the ceRNA network (H19/miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1) was significantly correlated with the infiltration abundances of diverse tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

Conclusions

H19 may regulate the immune cell infiltration in carcinogenesis of GC through miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1 signaling.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02760-6.

The Role of N6-Methyladenosine-Associated lncRNAs in the Immune Microenvironment and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer

Background

The role of N6-methyladenosine long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is elusive.

Materials and Methods

We identified m6A-associated lncRNAs by using the data gathered from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and stratified CRC patients into different subgroups. Cox regression analysis was performed to construct an m6A-associated lncRNA signature. The role of this signature in the immune microenvironment and prognosis was dissected subsequently. Finally, a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to predict the possible mechanisms based on the signature.

Results

Three m6A-associated clusters were constructed from 866 differentially expressed lncRNAs. Cluster 2 had poor prognosis and low immune cell infiltration. An m6A-associated lncRNA signature consisting of 14 lncRNAs was constructed and recognized as an independent prognostic indicator of CRC by using survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The clinical features and immune cell infiltration status were significantly different in patients stratified by the risk score. Furthermore, GSEA showed that the P53 pathway and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity were more enriched in the low-risk group.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that m6A-associated lncRNAs could be potential prognostic indicators of immunogenicity in CRC.

A review on the role of LINC01133 in cancers

Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 1133 (LINC01133) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which interacts with miR-106a-3p, miR-576-5p, miR-495-3p, miR-205, miR-199a-5p, miR-4784, miR-30a-5p, miR-199a, miR-30b-5p, miR-216a -5p and miR-422a, thus increasing expression of mRNA targets of these miRNAs. LINC01133 can affect cancer metastasis through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition program. Dysregulation of this lncRNA has been repeatedly detected in the process of tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the results of various studies that reported dysregulation of LINC01133 in different samples and described the role of this lncRNA as a marker for these disorders.

miR-199a: A Tumor Suppressor with Noncoding RNA Network and Therapeutic Candidate in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. miR-199a, which has two mature molecules: miR-199a-3p and miR-199a-5p, plays an important biological role in the genesis and development of tumors. We collected recent research results on lung cancer and miR-199a from Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The biological functions of miR-199a in lung cancer are reviewed in detail, and its potential roles in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are discussed. With miR-199a as the core point and a divergence outward, the interplay between miR-199a and other ncRNAs is reviewed, and a regulatory network covering various cancers is depicted, which can help us to better understand the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide a means for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are reviewed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn: miR-199a inhibits the development of lung cancer, especially by inhibiting the proliferation, infiltration, and migration of lung cancer cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, increasing the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, and affecting the drug resistance of lung cancer cells. This review aims to provide new insights into lung cancer therapy and prevention.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Pyroptosis-Related lncRNAs Signature Associated With Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Background: Globally, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a common and highly devastating gastrointestinal malignancy that seriously threatens human health. Pyroptosis refers to an emerging form of programmed cell death that has been discovered in recent years, and studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may act as a moderator in the pyroptosis process of cancer cells. However, relevant explorations about lncRNAs and pyroptosis are still insufficient in PAAD. Therefore, our research is designed to make a comprehensive analysis of the potential values of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in PAAD.

Methods: By integrating the RNA-sequencing, somatic mutation, and copy number variation (CNV) datasets, as well as the clinicopathological features, we established and validated a risk signature based on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs, and comprehensively analyzed its clinical significance and the potential connection with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).

Consequences: The genetic variation landscape displayed that the somatic mutations were rare while CNV changes were general and mainly concentrated on copy number amplification of these 52 pyroptosis-related genes. Subsequently, a risk signature consisting of 10 lncRNAs (TRAF3IP2-AS1, LINC00519, LINC01133, LINC02251, AC005332.6, AL590787.1, AC090114.2, TRPC7-AS1, MIR223HG, and MIR3142HG) was constructed and patients were divided into different subgroups according to the median risk score; patients with high-risk scores presented worse outcomes compared to those with low-risk scores in the training, testing, and entire cohorts. Furthermore, patients at low-risk scores possessed a higher infiltration abundance of immune cells compared with high-risk patients, which was consistent with the expression levels of lncRNAs between the high/low-risk groups. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that low-risk scores were related to anti-cancer agents like AICAR and Axitinib, whereas high-risk scores were connected with certain drugs such as AUY922. These results demonstrated that our risk signature could be used for prognosis prediction; additionally, it was also related to the TIME that might act as a potential indicator to instruct immunotherapeutic strategies.

Conclusion: This work explored the significance of the risk model constructed by pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in prognosis prediction and its internal link with the immune microenvironment of PAAD. The results are expected to assist in the diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and management of patients with PAAD.

LncRNA-IMAT1 Promotes Invasion of Meningiomas by Suppressing KLF4/hsa-miR22-3p/Snai1 Pathway

Malignant meningiomas often show invasive growth that makes complete tumor resection challenging, and they are more prone to recur after radical resection. Invasive meningioma associated transcript 1 (IMAT1) is a long noncoding RNA located on Homo sapiens chromosome 17 that was identified by our team based on absolute expression differences in invasive and non-invasive meningiomas. Our studies indicated that IMAT1 was highly expressed in invasive meningiomas compared with non-invasive meningiomas. In vitro studies showed that IMAT1 promoted meningioma cell invasion through the inactivation of the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)/hsa-miR22-3p/Snai1 pathway by acting as a sponge for hsa-miR22-3p, and IMAT1 knockdown effectively restored the tumor suppressive properties of KLF4 by preserving its tumor suppressor pathway. In vivo experiments confirmed that IMAT1 silencing could significantly inhibit the growth of subcutaneous tumors and prolong the survival period of tumor-bearing mice. Our findings demonstrated that the high expression of IMAT1 is the inherent reason for the loss of the tumor suppressive properties of KLF4 during meningioma progression. Therefore, we believe that IMAT1 may be a potential biological marker and treatment target for meningiomas.

New Sights Into Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01133 in Cancer

LINC01133 is a long intergenic non-coding RNA that regulates malignancy in several cancers, including those of the digestive, female reproductive, respiratory, and urinary system. LINC01133 is an extensively studied lncRNA that is highly conserved, and its relatively stable expression is essential for its robust biological function. Its expression is highly tissue-specific with a distinct subcellular localization. It functions as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene in different cancers via multiple mechanisms, such as those that involve competing with endogenous RNA and binding to RNA-binding proteins or DNA. Moreover, the secretion and transportation of LINC01133 by extracellular vesicles in the tumor micro-environment is regulated by other cells in the tumor micro-environment. To date, two mechanisms, an increase in copy number and regulation of transcription elements, have been found to regulate LINC01133 expression. Clinically, LINC01133 is an ideal marker for cancer prognosis and a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment regimes. In this review, we aimed to summarize the aforementioned information as well as posit future directions for LINC01133 research.

The Mechanism Underlying the ncRNA Dysregulation Pattern in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment

HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors and has an extremely poor prognosis. Accumulating studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, the details of the related mechanisms remain unclear. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) calls for ample research with deep molecular characterization, with the hope of developing novel biomarkers to improve prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been found to be correlated with HCC neogenesis and progression. In this review, we summarized the aberrant epigenetic and genetic alterations caused by dysregulated ncRNAs and the functional mechanism of classical ncRNAs in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, we focused on the role of ncRNAs in the TME in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, immune cell infiltration and functional activation. This may provide a foundation for the development of promising potential prognostic/predictive biomarkers and novel therapies for HCC patients.

LncRNA LINC00281/Annexin A2 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Switching via the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway

Abnormal phenotype switch in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in the initiation and progression of vascular proliferative diseases. Annexin A2 (ANXA2), related to the pro-inflammatory response, contributes to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. This study explored the mechanisms involved in the regulation of VSMC phenotype modulation via ANXA2. The results revealed that ANXA2 promotes the phosphorylation of p65 and co-translocates with p65 into the nucleus, resulting in VSMC proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation. Based on bioinformatics predictions and RNA immunoprecipitation assays, LINC00281 was confirmed to be an upstream regulator of ANXA2. Taken together, ANXA2, which is negatively regulated by the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00281, has significant importance in the regulation of VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotype switching via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) p65 signaling pathway. This indicates that the lncRNA LINC00281/ANXA2/NF-кB p65 signaling pathway might be a new therapeutic target for vascular proliferative diseases.

A novel prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on 5 microRNAs related to vascular invasion

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is prevalent worldwide with a high mortality rate. Prognosis prediction is crucial for improving HCC patient outcomes, but effective tools are still lacking. Characteristics related to vascular invasion (VI), an important process involved in HCC recurrence and metastasis, may provide ideas on prognosis prediction.

METHODS

Tools, including R 4.0.3, Funrich version 3, Cytoscape 3.8.2, STRING 11.5, Venny 2.1.0, and GEPIA 2, were used to perform bioinformatic analyses. The VI-related microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified using Gene Expression Omnibus HCC miRNA dataset GSE67140, containing 81 samples of HCC with VI and 91 samples of HCC without VI. After further evaluated the identified miRNAs based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, a prognostic model was constructed via Cox regression analysis. The miRNAs in this model were also verified in HCC patients. Moreover, a nomogram was developed by integrating risk score from the prognostic model with clinicopathological parameters. Finally, a potential miRNA-mRNA network related to VI was established through weighted gene co-expression network analysis of HCC mRNA dataset GSE20017, containing 40 samples of HCC with VI and 95 samples of HCC without VI.

RESULTS

A prognostic model of 5 VI-related miRNAs (hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-199a-5p) was constructed. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.709 in predicting 5-year survival rate, with a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.63. The nomogram containing risk score could also predict prognosis. Moreover, a VI-related miRNA-mRNA network covering 4 miRNAs and 15 mRNAs was established.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic model and nomogram might be potential tools in HCC management, and the VI-related miRNA-mRNA network gave insights into how VI was developed.

Oncogenic Role of Exosomal Circular and Long Noncoding RNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in gastrointestinal cancers. These noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular activities by physically interacting with microRNAs and proteins and altering their activity. It has also been suggested that exosomes encapsulate circRNAs and lncRNAs in cancer cells. Exosomes are then discharged into the extracellular environment, where they are taken up by other cells. As a result, exosomal ncRNA cargo is critical for cell-cell communication within the cancer microenvironment. Exosomal ncRNAs can regulate a range of events, such as angiogenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, drug resistance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. To set the groundwork for developing novel therapeutic strategies against gastrointestinal malignancies, a thorough understanding of circRNAs and lncRNAs is required. In this review, we discuss the function and intrinsic features of oncogenic circRNAs and lncRNAs that are enriched within exosomes.

Expression changes of serum LINC00941 and LINC00514 in HBV infection-related liver diseases and their potential application values

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are considered as potential diagnostic markers for a variety of tumors. Here, we aimed to explore the changes of LINC00941 and LINC00514 expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-related liver disease and evaluate their application value in disease diagnosis.

METHODS

Serum levels of LINC00941 and LINC00514 were detected by qRT-PCR. Potential diagnostic values were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Serum LINC00941 and LINC00514 levels were elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with controls. When distinguishing HCC from controls, serum LINC00941 and LINC00514 had diagnostic parameters of an AUC of 0.919 and 0.808, sensitivity of 85% and 90%, and specificity of 86.67% and 56.67%, which were higher than parameters for alpha fetal protein (AFP) (all p < 0.0001). When distinguishing HCC from LC, CHB, or LC from controls, the combined detection of LINC00941 or LINC00514 can significantly improve the accuracy of AFP test alone (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00941 and LINC00514 were increased in the serum of HBV infection-associated liver diseases and might be independent markers for the detection of liver diseases.