miR-487b and TRAK2 that form an axis to regulate the aggressiveness of osteosarcoma, are potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers

CircSLC22A3 inhibits the invasion and metastasis of ESCC via the miR-19b-3p/TRAK2 axis and by reducing the stability of m6A-modified ACSBG1 mRNA

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths, driven by its invasive and metastatic nature. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized as regulators of cancer progression, primarily through miRNA sponging and interactions with RNA-binding proteins. Their dysregulation has been linked to the development of in various cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of circSLC22A3 in the pathogenesis of ESCC.

METHODS

CircSLC22A3 expression in ESCC tissues and cells was analyzed using transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR. Its circular structure was validated through Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis, RNase R digestion, and random priming assays. Subcellular localization was determined by nucleoplasmic separation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Clinical correlations were assessed via tissue microarrays. Functional roles of circSLC22A3 in ESCC progression were investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays. Downstream miR-19b-3p and target gene TRAK2 were screened by bioinformatics analysis and RT-qPCR, with binding confirmed via luciferase reporter assays. RNA pulldown combined with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) identified IGF2BP1 as a circSLC22A3-interacting protein. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR revealed ACSBG1 as a key downstream effector. IGF2BP1-mediated m6A modification of ACSBG1 was mapped by MeRIP-seq and RIP, with mRNA stability assessed via Actinomycin D assay. ACSBG1 expression and biological function in ESCC were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and functional assays.

RESULTS

Significant downregulation of circSLC22A3 was observed in both ESCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of circSLC22A3 significantly reduced ESCC cells' migration and invasion capabilities. Mechanistic investigation revealed that circSLC22A3 played a pivotal role in the invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer through distinct pathways. On one hand, circSLC22A3 functioned as a miR-19b-3p sponge to augment trafficking kinesin protein 2 (TRAK2) expression, while, on the other hand, circSLC22A3 formed a protein-RNA complex with IGF2BP1, resulting in the degradation of acyl-CoA synthetase bubblegum family member 1 (ACSBG1) mRNA through the recognition of m6A modification, thereby suppressing invasion and metastasis of ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified circSLC22A3 as a new tumor suppressor that inhibited ESCC progression through both the circSLC22A3/ miR-19b-3p/ TRAK2 and circSLC22A3/ IGF2BP1/ ACSBG1 axes.

Analysis of serum peptidome profiles of non-metastatic and metastatic feline mammary carcinoma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a common aggressive and highly metastatic cancer affecting female cats. Early detection is essential for preventing local and distant metastasis, thereby improving overall survival rates. While acquiring molecular data before surgery offers significant potential benefits, the current protein biomarkers for monitoring disease progression in non-metastatic FMC (NmFMC) and metastatic FMC (mFMC) are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum peptidome profiles of NmFMC and mFMC using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare serum peptidome profiles in 13 NmFMC, 23 mFMC and 18 healthy cats. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed on non-trypsinized samples.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 8284 expressed proteins observed, several proteins were found to be associated with human breast cancer. In NmFMC, distinctive protein expressions encompassed double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 2 (STAU2), associated with cell proliferation, along with bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger domain 2A (BAZ2A) and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit epsilon (GABRE), identified as potential treatment targets. Paradoxically, positive prognostic markers emerged, such as complement C1q like 3 (C1QL3) and erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 (EPB41 or 4.1R). Within the mFMC group, overexpressed proteins associated with poor prognosis were exhibited, including B-cell lymphoma 6 transcription repressor (BCL6), thioredoxin reductase 3 (TXNRD3) and ceruloplasmin (CP). Meanwhile, the presence of POU class 5 homeobox (POU5F1 or OCT4) and laminin subunit alpha 1 (LAMA1), reported as metastatic biomarkers, was noted.

CONCLUSION

The presence of both pro- and anti-proliferative proteins was observed, potentially indicating a distinctive characteristic of NmFMC. Conversely, proteins associated with poor prognosis and metastasis were noted in the mFMC group.

Role of microRNAs in tumor progression by regulation of kinesin motor proteins

Aberrant cell proliferation is one of the main characteristics of tumor cells that can be affected by many cellular processes and signaling pathways. Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are motor proteins that are involved in cytoplasmic transportations and chromosomal segregation during cell proliferation. Therefore, regulation of the KIF functions as vital factors in chromosomal stability is necessary to maintain normal cellular homeostasis and proliferation. KIF deregulations have been reported in various cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and signaling pathways are important regulators of KIF proteins. MiRNAs have key roles in regulation of the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in tumor biology through the regulation of KIF proteins. It has been shown that miRNAs have mainly a tumor suppressor function via the KIF targeting. This review can be an effective step to introduce the miRNAs/KIFs axis as a probable therapeutic target in tumor cells.

EBV and 1q Gains Affect Gene and miRNA Expression in Burkitt Lymphoma

Abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q) represent the most frequent secondary chromosomal aberrations in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and are observed almost exclusively in EBV-negative BL cell lines (BL-CLs). To verify chromosomal abnormalities, we cytogenetically investigated EBV-negative BL patient material, and to elucidate the 1q gain impact on gene expression, we performed qPCR with six 1q-resident genes and analyzed miRNA expression in BL-CLs. We observed 1q aberrations in the form of duplications, inverted duplications, isodicentric chromosome idic(1)(q10), and the accumulation of 1q12 breakpoints, and we assigned 1q21.2-q32 as a commonly gained region in EBV-negative BL patients. We detected MCL1, ARNT, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and FCRL5, and 64 miRNAs, showing EBV- and 1q-gain-dependent dysregulation in BL-CLs. We observed MCL1, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and 1q-resident miRNAs, hsa-miR-9, hsa-miR-9*, hsa-miR-92b, hsa-miR-181a, and hsa-miR-181b, showing copy-number-dependent upregulation in BL-CLs with 1q gains. MLLT11, hsa-miR-181a, hsa-miR-181b, and hsa-miR-183 showed exclusive 1q-gains-dependent and FCRL5, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-155*, hsa-miR-221, and hsa-miR-222 showed exclusive EBV-dependent upregulation. We confirmed previous data, e.g., regarding the EBV dependence of hsa-miR-17-92 cluster members, and obtained detailed information considering 1q gains in EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL-CLs. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a non-random involvement of 1q gains in BL and contribute to enlightening and understanding the EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL pathogenesis.

Clinical significance of serum miR-487b in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and its potential mechanism

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour with high mortality. In recent years, microRNA (miRNA) has been recognized in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. miR-487b has been found to play a role in a variety of cancers. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of miR-487b in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC, and its influence on the biological behaviour of HCC cells.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method was used to detect the expression level of miR-487b in the serum of HCC patients, HBV patients, and healthy people. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the role of miR-487b in the diagnosis of HCC. The prognostic significance of miR-487b in HCC was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression model. The effects of miR-487b on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were explored through MTT assay and transwell assays.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-487b in the serum of HBV-related HCC patients was significantly higher than that of CHB patients and normal healthy people. The expression level of miR-487b can distinguish HCC patients from CHB patients or normal healthy people. High expression of miR-487b was associated with poor prognosis, which could be used as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. The upregulation of miR-487b promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

CONCLUSION

miR-487b can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

Increased Expression of miR-487b Is Associated With Poor Prognosis and Tumor Progression of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to analyze whether miR-487b can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HBV-related HCC and to explore its effect on the biological function of HCC.

Methods

The expression levels of miR-487b in the serum of all subjects were measured by real-time quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of miR-487b in serum was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The relationship between miR-487b and the clinical data of patients was analyzed using the chi-square test. The prognostic value of miR-487b in HCC was assessed by Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival. Moreover, CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to investigate the effect of miR-487b on HBV-related HCC function.

Results

Our data indicated that miR-487b in HCC patients was significantly higher than in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, the ROC curve showed that miR-487b had high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC. MiR-487b can significantly distinguish between HCC patients and healthy controls and can differentiate HCC patients from CHB patients. Cox regression analysis showed that miR-487b was an independent risk factor. Overexpression of miR-487b was associated with Tumor Node Metastasis stage stage and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage in HCC patients. Cell function experiments demonstrated that upregulated miR-487b promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

Combined the results of the current study demonstrate that the upregulation of serum miR-487b may serve as a promising noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for HBV-related HCC.