LINC00467 enhances head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process via miR-299-5p/ubiquitin specific protease-48 axis

A review on the role of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis

LINC00467 is an example of long intergenic non-coding RNAs whose roles in human disorders are being identified. This gene coding LINC00467 is located on chromosome 1: 211,382,736 - 211,435,570 forward strand. This lncRNA has been firstly recognized through a microarray-based lncRNA profiling as an N-Myc target in neuroblastoma cells. Further studies have shown up-regulation of LINC00467 in different cancer including those originated from brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung and breast. It acts as a molecular sponge for miR-339, miR-138-5p, miR-107, miR-133b, miR-451a, miR-485-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-485-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-200a, miR-1285-3p, miR-299-5p, miR-509-3p, miR-18a-5p, miR-9-5p and miR-20b-5p. LINC00467 can regulate activity of NF-κB, STAT1, Wnt/b-catenin, Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Accumulating evidence indicates oncogenic role of LINC00467. The current review article aims at providing an overview of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis.

LINC00467: an oncogenic long noncoding RNA

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play essential roles in the cell proliferation, fission and differentiation, involving various processes in humans. Recently, there is more and more interest in exploring the relationship between lncRNAs and tumors. Many latest evidences revealed that LINC00467, an oncogenic lncRNA, is highly expressed in lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and other malignant tumors. Besides, LINC00467 expression was linked with proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis via the regulation of target genes and multiple potential pathways. We reviewed the existing data on the expression, downstream targets, molecular mechanisms, functions, relevant signaling pathways, and clinical implications of LINC00467 in various cancers. LINC00467 may serve as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of various human tumors.

Long Noncoding RNA LINC00467: Role in Various Human Cancers

Intricate genetic mutations promote the progression of different cancer types. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely demonstrated to participate in the genomic activities of various human cancers. Long intergenic non-coding RNA 467 (LINC00467) is an upregulated lncRNA in diverse diseases, especially in several types of cancers. Functional experiments of LINC00467 revealed that LINC00467 overexpression enhanced cell chemoresistance, proliferation, migration, and invasion in several types of cancers. Moreover, overexpressed LINC00467 was associated with a poor clinical prognosis. The present evidence suggests that LINC00467 may serve as a promising prognostic indicator and become a novel cancer therapeutic target. In this review, we introduce the biologic functions of lncRNAs and describe the molecular mechanism and clinical significance of LINC00467 in detail.

miR-489-3p promotes malignant progression of non-small cell lung cancer through the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via regulating USP48

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer globally, with average age of cancer patients becoming younger gradually. It is of significance to gain a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanism underlying NSCLC.

Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot were applied to measure RNA and protein levels separately. Functional assays and western blot were performed to determine the effects of miR-489-3p and USP48 on cell growth, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC. TOP/FOP flash luciferase reporter assay was carried out to detect the activity of Wnt pathway. Besides, qPCR, RNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to probe into the target gene of miR-489-3p. Immunoprecipitation-western blot (IP-western blot) analysis was implemented to assess the effect of USP48 on the ubiquitination of β-catenin.

Results

miR-489-3p hampers NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and EMT in vitro and NSCLC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, miR-489-3p inactivates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and regulates USP48 to inhibit the ubiquitination of β-catenin. Moreover, USP48 propels the development of NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that miR-489-3p promotes the malignant progression of NSCLC cells via targeting USP48, which might offer a new perspective into NSCLC treatment.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01988-w.

Eugenol inhibits the biological activities of an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCC9 via targeting MIF

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a rampant cancer type in head and neck cancers with a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Eugenol shows anticancer effect in a variety of cancers, but it has been rarely studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of Eugenol in OSCC and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

After different concentrations of Eugenol (0, 200, 400 and 800 μM) treatment, the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cell line SCC9 was measured by CCK-8, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. TUNEL staining was employed to detect the apoptosis. Western blotting was used to evaluate gene expression at protein level. Molecular docking was used to identify the target of Eugenol.

RESULTS

Eugenol decreased the proliferation, reduced the abilities of invasion and migration along with the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and MMP9 in SCC9 cells. On the contrary, the ratio of apoptotic cells was increased by Eugenol. In addition, Eugenol down-regulated B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, but up-regulated BCL-2 associated X (Bax), cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) expression. Meanwhile, Eugenol exerted its effect on SCC9 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Eugenol could bind to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), the expression of which was down-regulated after Eugenol treatment. Besides, overexpression of MIF reversed all the effects of Eugenol on OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, Eugenol suppressed the malignant processes of OSCC cells by targeting MIF, which could guide the clinical application of Eugenol in OSCC.

The role of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous collection of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, salivary glands, and thyroid. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) remain poorly understood. Over the past decades, overwhelming evidence has demonstrated the regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis, including HNSCC. Notably, these lncRNAs have vital roles in gene regulation and affect various aspects of cellular homeostasis, including proliferation, survival, and metastasis. They exert regulating functions by interacting with nucleic acids or proteins and affecting cancer cell signaling. LncRNAs represent a burgeoning field of cancer research, and we are only beginning to understand the importance and complicity of lncRNAs in HNSCC. In this review, we summarize the deregulation and function of lncRNAs in human HNSCC. We also review the working mechanism of lncRNAs in HNSCC pathogenesis and discuss the potential application of lncRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic targets in human HNSCC.

Overexpressed LINC00467 promotes the viability and proliferation yet inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via raising ITGB3 level

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00467 plays a proto-oncogenic role in non-small cell lung cancer. However, its effect and modulatory mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) are unknown. Thereby, we elucidated the mechanism of LINC00467 in GC. LINC00467 level in GC tissues was assessed by bioinformatic analysis, and clinicopathological parameters from GC patients were collected. The levels of LINC00467, integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in tissue samples or treated GC cells were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), or Western blot. The viability, proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Levels of LINC00467 and ITGB3 were up-regulated in GC, and highly expressed LINC00467 was positively associated with tumor size, differentiation, N stage, and T stage in GC patients. LINC00467 was enriched in cytoplasm of GC cells, and overexpressed LINC00467 promoted the viability and proliferation as well as levels of ITGB3 and PCNA, while suppressing the apoptosis and levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP1 in GC cells. Besides, the effects of shLINC00467 on inhibiting cell viability, proliferation of GC cells and PCNA level and promoting apoptosis as well as levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP1 were all partially reversed by overexpressed ITGB3. Overexpressed LINC00467 enhanced the viability and proliferation but inhibited apoptosis of GC cells via increasing ITGB3 level.

USP48 Governs Cell Cycle Progression by Regulating the Protein Level of Aurora B

Deubiquitinating enzymes play key roles in the precise modulation of Aurora B—an essential cell cycle regulator. The expression of Aurora B increases before the onset of mitosis and decreases during mitotic exit; an imbalance in these levels has a severe impact on the fate of the cell cycle. Dysregulation of Aurora B can lead to aberrant chromosomal segregation and accumulation of errors during mitosis, eventually resulting in cytokinesis failure. Thus, it is essential to identify the precise regulatory mechanisms that modulate Aurora B levels during the cell division cycle. Using a deubiquitinase knockout strategy, we identified USP48 as an important candidate that can regulate Aurora B protein levels during the normal cell cycle. Here, we report that USP48 interacts with and stabilizes the Aurora B protein. Furthermore, we showed that the deubiquitinating activity of USP48 helps to maintain the steady-state levels of Aurora B protein by regulating its half-life. Finally, USP48 knockout resulted in delayed progression of cell cycle due to accumulation of mitotic defects and ultimately cytokinesis failure, suggesting the role of USP48 in cell cycle regulation.

Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00467 Correlates to Poor Prognosis and Aggressiveness of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of female cancer-related mortalities worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been increasingly reported to play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Herein, we focused on LINC00467, which has never been studied in breast cancer. Silence of LINC00467 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells in vitro, whereas forced expression of LINC00467 exhibited the opposite effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated overexpression of LINC00467 promoted tumor growth, while knockdown of LINC00467 inhibited pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00467 down-regulated miR-138-5p by acting as a miRNA “sponge”. Besides, LINC00467 also up-regulated the protein level of lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) via a direct interaction. A higher expression level of LINC00467 was observed in breast cancer tissues as compared to the adjacent normal counterparts and elevated LINC00467 predicted poor overall survival. Our findings suggest LINC00467 promotes progression of breast cancer through interacting with miR-138-5p and LIN28B directly. LINC00467 may serve as a potential candidate for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

LINC00467 Is Upregulated by DNA Copy Number Amplification and Hypomethylation and Shows ceRNA Potential in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological lung cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis. LINC00467 is a novel lncRNA that is abnormally expressed in several cancer types including LUAD. However, its function and regulatory mechanism in LUAD progression remain unclear. In this study, based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data mining, we demonstrated that DNA copy number amplification and hypomethylation was positively correlated with LINC00467 expression in LUAD. In addition, DNA copy number amplification was significantly associated with distant metastasis, immune infiltration and poor survival. Microarray analysis demonstrated that LINC00467 knockdown in the LUAD A549 cell line led to a distinct microRNA expression profile that impacted various target genes involved in multiple biological processes. This finding suggests that LINC00467 may regulate LUAD progression by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Finally, we constructed a ceRNA network that included two microRNAs (hsa-miR-1225-5p, hsa-miR-575) and five mRNAs (BARX2, BCL9, KCNK1, KIAA1324, TMEM182) specific to LINC00467 in LUAD. Subsequent Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in both The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases revealed that two genes, BARX2 and BCL9, were potential prognostic biomarkers for LUAD patients. In conclusion, our data provide possible mechanisms underlying the abnormal upregulation of LINC00467 as well as a comprehensive view of the LINC00467-mediated ceRNA network in LUAD, thereby highlighting its potential role in diagnosis and therapy.

LINC00467, Driven by Copy Number Amplification and DNA Demethylation, Is Associated with Oxidative Lipid Metabolism and Immune Infiltration in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis in females. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, based on bioinformatic analysis, we found that LINC00467 was highly expressed in BRCA and was associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. The genomic and epigenetic analysis showed that LINC00467 may also be regulated by copy number amplification (CNA), chromatin openness, and DNA methylation. In vitro experiments showed that it could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BRCA cells. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) suggested that LINC00467 may play a role in signaling pathways of peroxisomal lipid metabolism, immunity, and others through microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2). In addition, copy number amplification and high expression of LINC00467 were associated with the low infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, we found that LINC00467, driven by copy number amplification and DNA demethylation, may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of BRCA and a tumor promoter acting as a potential therapeutic target for BRCA as well.

The Role of lncRNA Crosstalk in Leading Cancer Metastasis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common type of human malignancy. For decades, research into HNSCC invasion and metastasis has been dedicated to the study of protein-coding genes. Along with whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing development, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has attracted greater attention. Compelling evidence has proven the critical role of lncRNAs in the occurrence and development of HNSCC by means of epigenetic modifications, regulation of gene transcription, and post-transcription level. More importantly, crosstalk between lncRNAs and microRNAs was recently proven to regulate HNSCC metastasis through EMT modification. Based on these, this review summarizes the critical roles of lncRNAs in HNSCC metastasis and the crosstalk between lncRNAs and microRNAs as well as the detailed regulatory mechanism of the interaction. Thus, a deeper understanding of the lncRNA network in cancer metastasis is finally uncovered in order to provide a rationale and innovative concepts toward new therapeutic strategies for the highly metastatic HNSCC.

Rotenone restrains colon cancer cell viability, motility and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis in nude mice via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Rotenone, a natural hydrophobic pesticide, has been reported to display anticancer activity in a variety of cancer cells. However, the mechanism of rotenone on colon cancer (CC) cell migration, invasion and metastasis is still unknown. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of rotenone on CC cells were detected by the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and confirmed by clone formation assay. The effects of rotenone on CC cell invasion and migration activity were determined in vitro by Transwell invasion and wound healing assays, respectively. In addition, to reveal whether rotenone affected the epithelial‑mesenchymal‑transition (EMT) process, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect the expression of EMT markers. The expression levels of the key markers of the PI3K/AKT pathway after rotenone treatment alone or in combination with a PI3K/AKT signaling activator in CC were also detected by western blotting. Finally, the in vivo antitumor effects of rotenone were evaluated in a subcutaneous xenotransplant tumor model treated with an intraperitoneal injection of rotenone. The results of the present study demonstrated that rotenone treatment induced CC cell cytotoxicity and greater effects were observed with increasing concentrations and inhibited cell proliferation compared with untreated cells. In vitro cell function assays revealed that rotenone inhibited CC cell migration, invasion and EMT compared with untreated cells. Mechanically, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR were downregulated in rotenone‑treated CC cells compared with untreated cells. Additionally, AKT and mTOR phosphorylation levels were increased by the PI3K/AKT signaling activator insulin‑like growth factor 1 (IGF‑1), which was reversed by rotenone treatment. The cell function assays confirmed that the IGF‑1‑activated cell proliferation, migration and invasion were decreased by rotenone treatment. These results indicated that rotenone affected CC cell proliferation and metastatic capabilities by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, rotenone inhibited tumor growth and metastatic capability of CC, which was confirmed in a xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, the present study revealed that rotenone inhibited CC cell viability, motility, EMT and metastasis in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Regulatory Mechanisms of lncRNAs and Their Target Gene Signaling Pathways in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor that occurs in the head and neck. People living in areas with serious air pollution and those who smoke and drink for a long time belong to high-risk groups. Although great progress has been made in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy in recent years, the prognosis of patients is still not good. The proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of LSCC are controlled by many factors, which are the key factors influencing the prognosis of patients. Previous researches have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in the occurrence and development of cancer and regulate cancer through various ways including epigenetic regulation and post-transcriptional regulation. The characteristics and roles of lncRNAs in LSCC, however, are not clear. In this review, we will discuss the role and function of lncRNAs in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of LSCC and analyze the relationship between lncRNAs and lncRNA-regulated signaling pathways in LSCC pathological process. The difficulties faced by the related research of LSCC are discussed. It provides reference ideas for the molecular mechanism research of LSCC targeting lncRNA and its signaling pathways, the development of clinical prevention and therapeutic drug and individualized treatment, thereby improving the quality of life of patients.