MiR-194-5p inhibited metastasis and EMT of nephroblastoma cells through targeting Crk

Tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 accelerated ovarian cancer via modulating integrin/ E-Cadherin/ ZEB1 induced EMT

This article focusing on examining the function and further, molecular function of SHP2 in ovarian cancer (OC). For the molecular mechanism, bioinformatics was applied to study the specifically expressed genes in ovarian cancer ; the western blotting was applied to identify the EGF, p-SHP2, ZEB1, and E-Cadherin expressions in ovarian cancer tissue and pair adjacent tissue; then SKOV3 cells were treated with EGF and infected with E-Cadherin overexpression lentivirus, and then cells were treated with benzyl butyl phthalate and IRS-1 respectively. Detection of expression of p-SHP2, ZEB1, E-Cadherin, α3-integrin, p-Src, p-SMAD2, Snail, Slug and SKOV3 cells of migration and invasion abilities were detected using Western blot method and cell scratch assay and Transwell assay; Progression of ovarian cancer was detected using subcutaneous tumor transplantation assay in nude mice and HE staining method and immunocyto. The bioinformatics analysis results suggested that SHP2 is highly specifically expressed and E-Cadherin, which is low specifically expressed in ovarian cancer tissues, while EGF, p-SHP2 or ZEB1 are highly expressed and E-Cadherin is low expressed in ovarian cancer tissues; Overexpression of E-Cadherin could reduce the expressions of p-SHP2, ZEB1, α3-integrin, p-Src, p-SMAD2, Snail and Slug might has roles in alleviating the ovarian cancer development and decreasing the levels of p-SHP2 and ZEB1 in tumor samples. And E-Cadherin overexpression reduced the migration and invasion ability of SKOV3 cells. SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase enhances the ovarian cancer cells' motility and invasiveness by upregulation of the integrin/E-Cadherin switch through ZEB1 signal.

The synergistic effects of anoikis-related genes and EMT-related genes in the prognostic prediction of Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common type of malignant abdominal tumor in children; it exhibits a high degree of malignancy, grow rapidly, and is prone to metastasis. This study aimed to construct a prognosis model based on anoikis-related genes (ARGs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes (ERGs) for WT patients; we assessed the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and treatment efficacy, as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets. To this end, we downloaded transcriptome sequencing data and clinical data for WT and normal renal cortices and used R to construct and validate the prognostic model based on ARGs and ERGs. Additionally, we performed clinical feature analysis, nomogram construction, mutation analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, Connectivity Map (cMAP) analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis. Finally, we screened the hub gene using the STRING database and validated it via experiments. In this way, we constructed a model with good accuracy and robustness, which was composed of seven anoikis- and EMT-related genes. Paclitaxel and mesna were selected as potential chemotherapeutic drugs and adjuvant chemotherapeutic drugs for the WT high-risk group by using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and cMAP compound libraries, respectively. We proved the existence of a strong correlation between invasive immune cells and prognostic genes and risk scores. Next, we selected NTRK2 as the hub gene, and in vitro experiments confirmed that its inhibition can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumor cells and promote late apoptosis. In summary, we screened out the potential biomarkers and chemotherapeutic drugs that can improve the prognosis of patients with WT.

Inhibition of miR-194-5p avoids DUSP9 downregulation thus limiting sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is described as a reversible myocardial depression that occurs in patients with septic shock. Increasing evidence shows that microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p) participates in the regulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis and its expression is associated with the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease; however, the effects of miR-194-5p in SIC are still unclear. This study explores whether miR-194-5p could modulate SIC by affecting oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis. Experimental septic mice were induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in C57BL/6J mice. The biological role of miR-194-5p in SIC in vivo was investigated using cardiac echocardiography, ELISA, western blot, qRT-PCR, transmission electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, bioinformatics analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Our major finding is that miR-194-5p antagomir mitigates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hearts of septic mice, while miR-194-5p agomir triggers the opposite effects. Furthermore, dual-specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9) is a direct target of miR-194-5p and the cardioprotective effects of miR-194-5p antagomir on cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are abolished through inhibiting DUSP9. Therefore, miR-194-5p inhibition could mitigate SIC via DUSP9 in vivo and the novel miR-194-5p/DUSP9 axis might be the potential treatment targets for SIC patients.

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals spatial distribution of IL34+ cancer-associated fibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma tumor microenvironment

We utilized scRNA-seq, a well-established technology, to uncover the gene expression characteristics of IL34+ CAFs within HCC. We analyzed the related mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo assays. To begin, we acquired scRNA-seq datasets about HCC, which enabled us to identify distinct cell subpopulations within HCC tissues. We conducted a differential analysis to pinpoint DEGs associated with normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs. Subsequently, we isolated NFs and CAFs, followed by the sorting of IL34+ CAFs. These IL34+ CAFs were then co-cultured with T cells and HCC cells to investigate their potential role in Tregs infiltration, CD8+ T cell toxicity, and the biological processes of HCC cells. We validated our findings in vivo using a well-established mouse model. Our analysis of HCC tissues revealed the presence of seven primary cell subpopulations, with the most significant disparities observed within fibroblast subpopulations. Notably, high IL34 expression was linked to increased expression of receptor proteins and enhanced proliferative activity within CAFs, with specific expression in CAFs. Furthermore, we identified a substantial positive correlation between IL34 expression and the abundance of Tregs. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that IL34+ CAFs promoted Tregs infiltration while suppressing CD8+ T cell toxicity. Consequently, this promoted the growth and metastasis of HCC. In summary, our study affirms that IL34+ CAFs play a pivotal role in augmenting the proliferative activity of CAFs, facilitating Tregs infiltration, and inhibiting CD8+ T cell toxicity, ultimately fostering the growth and metastasis of HCC.

Extracellular vesicles in the breast cancer brain metastasis: physiological functions and clinical applications

Breast cancer, which exhibits an increasing incidence and high mortality rate among cancers, is predominantly attributed to metastatic malignancies. Brain metastasis, in particular, significantly contributes to the elevated mortality in breast cancer patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid bilayer vesicles secreted by various cells that contain biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. They deliver these bioactive molecules to recipient cells, thereby regulating signal transduction and protein expression levels. The relationship between breast cancer metastasis and EVs has been extensively investigated. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms by which EVs promote brain metastasis in breast cancer. Additionally, we discuss the potential of EV-associated molecules as therapeutic targets and their relevance as early diagnostic markers for breast cancer brain metastasis.

MEF2C and miR-194-5p: New Players in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis

Among breast cancer (BC) subtypes, the most aggressive is triple negative BC (TNBC), which is prone to metastasis. We previously found that microRNA (miR)-194-5p is downregulated at the early stages of TNBC brain metastasis development. Additionally, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)C, a bioinformatically predicted miR-194-5p target, was increasingly expressed throughout TNBC brain metastasis formation and disease severity. However, the contributions of these two players to malignant cells' features remain undetermined. This study aimed at disclosing the role of miR-194-5p and MEF2C in TNBC tumorigenesis. The transfection of 4T1 cells with a silencer for MEF2C or with a pre-miRNA for miR-194-5p was employed to study TNBC cells' phenotypic alterations regarding epithelial and mesenchymal markers, as well as migratory capability alterations. MEF2C-silenced cells presented a decline in both vimentin and cytokeratin expression, whereas the overexpression of miR-194-5p promoted an increase in cytokeratin and a reduction in vimentin, reflecting the acquisition of an epithelial phenotype. Both treatments reduced TNBC cells' migration. These results suggest that MEF2C may determine TNBC cells' invasive properties by partially determining the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while the overexpression of miR-194-5p promotes a decline in TNBC cells' aggressive behavior and reinforces this miRNA's role as a tumor suppressor in TNBC.

Dysregulation of non-coding RNAs in Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor (WT) as the most frequent pediatric tumor of kidney has been shown to be associated with dysregulation of non-coding RNAs. miR-200c, miR-155-5p, miR-1180, miR-22-3p, miR-483-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-483-3p, miR-572, miR-539 and miR-613 are among dysregulated miRNAs in this tumor. Moreover, a number of long non-coding RNAs such as CRNDE, XIST, SNHG6, MEG3, LINC00667, MEG8, DLGAP1-AS2 and SOX21-AS1 have been shown to be dysregulated in WT. Finally, distinct studies have reported down-regulation of circCDYL and up-regulation of circ0093740 and circSLC7A6 in this tumor. Dysregulation of these transcripts represents a new avenue for identification of the pathetiology of this pediatric tumor as well as design of targeted therapies.

miRNA Profiling of Hungarian Regressive Wilms' Tumor Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Samples by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

BACKGROUND Wilms' tumor is a common renal malignancy of early childhood with a generally favorable prognosis depending upon histological subtype. It is becoming increasingly clear that differences in miRNA (microRNA) expression signature represent important clues helping us predict a tumor's response to chemotherapy. In our study, we aimed to reveal miRNAs deregulated in regressive Wilms' tumors from FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) samples, also showing whether such samples are reliable miRNA sources in Wilms' tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS Samples from 8 Hungarian patients (3 males, 5 females, aged 1 to 7 years) were analyzed by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR). A PCR array was used in a pilot experiment, and selected miRNAs (miR-128-3p, miR-184, miR-194-5p, miR-203a) were studied in the rest of the samples using individual primers. RESULTS miR-194-5p was underexpressed in all tumor samples. miR-184 and miR-203a were underexpressed in 7 cases, the exception being a case with a high ratio of necrotic blastemal tissue. Results obtained with miR-128-3p are difficult to interpret due to varying directions of expression changes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a downregulation of miR-184, miR-194-5p, and miR-203a expression is observed in both regressive and blastemal tumors, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm whether the degree of their underexpression correlates with the number of blastemal elements in a sample. In most of our FFPE samples aged up to 9 years, RNA extraction provided miRNA with quantity and quality sufficient for qRT-PCR-based analysis, emphasizing the relevance of pathological archives as miRNA sources in future studies.

MicroRNAs regulating SOX2 in cancer progression and therapy response

The proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of tumour cells are tightly regulated by interaction among various signalling networks. The microRNAs (miRNAs) can bind to 3'-UTR of mRNA and down-regulate expression of target gene. The miRNAs target various molecular pathways in regulating biological events such as apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis and migration. The aberrant expression of miRNAs occurs in cancers and they have both tumour-suppressor and tumour-promoting functions. On the contrary, SOX proteins are capable of binding to DNA and regulating gene expression. SOX2 is a well-known member of SOX family that its overexpression in different cancers to ensure progression and stemness. The present review focuses on modulatory impact of miRNAs on SOX2 in affecting growth, migration and therapy response of cancers. The lncRNAs and circRNAs can function as upstream mediators of miRNA/SOX2 axis in cancers. In addition, NF-κB, TNF-α and SOX17 are among other molecular pathways regulating miRNA/SOX2 axis in cancer. Noteworthy, anti-cancer compounds including bufalin and ovatodiolide are suggested to regulate miRNA/SOX2 axis in cancers. The translation of current findings to clinical course can pave the way to effective treatment of cancer patients and improve their prognosis.

FOXO3a inhibits nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induces apoptosis through downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Forkhead transcription factor O subfamily 3A (FOXO3a) is an important tumor suppressor gene that is expressed in renal tissue and has been reported to be downregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Notably, the overexpression of FOXO3a was previously discovered to inhibit the progression of CCRCC. However, the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines and to determine the mechanism of action of the biological functions of FOXO3a. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used to analyze the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of the overexpression of FOXO3a and the genetic knockdown of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling protein Axin‑2 on the biological functions were determined through Cell Counting Kit‑8, cell colony formation assays, scratch and Transwell assay and flow cytometric analysis experiments. The expression levels of FOXO3a were discovered to be downregulated in nephroblastoma cell lines. The overexpression of FOXO3a inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of nephroblastoma cells, while inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXO3a downregulated the expression levels of β‑catenin and Cyclin‑D1 proteins involved in the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Cell proliferation and the migration and invasion ability of 17‑94 cells in shRNA‑Axin2‑2 group were promoted. Cell apoptosis was predominantly increased by overexpressed FOXO3a, which was reversed by shRNA‑Axin2‑1. The biological effects of overexpressing FOXO3a on nephroblastoma were reversed after activation of Wnt/β‑catenin. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that FOXO3a may inhibit nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while inducing apoptosis, by downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. These results may provide a novel method for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of nephroblastoma.

Silencing of lncRNA MEG8 Represses the Viability, Migration, and Invasion of Wilms' Tumor Cells through Mediating miR-23a-3p/CRK Axis

PURPOSE

Compelling evidence has unveiled the importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in malignant behavior of Wilms' tumor (WT). Hereon, we intend to assess the function and associated molecular mechanism of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 8 (MEG8) in WT cells.

METHODS

Expression levels of MEG8, miR-23a-3p, and CT10 regulator of kinase (CRK) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Besides, wound healing assay and transwell assay were applied to examine abilities of cell migration and invasion, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to test the interplay among MEG8, miR-23a-3p, and CRK. Western blot was used to detect relative protein expression of CRK.

RESULTS

MEG8 and CRK expression was elevated, while miR-23a-3p expression was decreased in WT tissues and cells. The histologic type, lymphatic metastasis, and National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) stage were associated with the expression of MEG8, miR-23a-3p, and CRK in WT patients. MEG8 knockdown or miR-23a-3p overexpression restrained WT cells in cell viability, migration, and invasiveness in vitro. As to mechanism exploration, MEG8 could directly bind to miR-23a-3p and then miR-23a-3p targeted CRK. MEG8 was inversely correlated with miR-23a-3p and positively correlated with CRK in WT tissues. Meantime, miR-23a-3p was inversely correlated with CRK in WT tissues. Additionally, MEG8 knockdown-mediated suppressive impacts on cell viability, migration, and invasiveness were reversed by overexpression of CRK or repression of miR-23a-3p in WT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The cell viability, migration, and invasiveness of WT cells were repressed by MEG8 knockdown via targeting the miR-23a-3p/CRK axis.

MicroRNA-215-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Wilm's Tumor Cells by Targeting CRK

Objective:

Wilm’s tumor is a common renal malignancy in childhood with unsatisfactory prognosis. microRNA-215-5p (miR-215-5p) has been reported as a tumor-suppressive miRNA in different types of human cancers, but rarely in the Wilm’s tumor. In light of this, we tried to investigate the regulatory role and underlying mechanism of miR-215-5p in the Wilm’s tumor.

Methods:

After sample collection and cell culture, the expression of miR-215-5p and CT10 Regulator of Kinase (CRK) was detected. Then rhabdoid tumor cell lines (formerly classified as Wilms’ tumor cell lines), G401 and WT-CLS1 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1, pcDNA3.1-CRK, sh-NC, sh-CRK, agomir NC, miR-215-5p agomir, antagomir NC or miR-215-5p antagomir to explore the function of miR-215-5p and CRK in the Wilm’s tumor cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the relationship between miR-215-5p and CRK was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results:

Lowly-expressed miR-215-5p and highly-expressed CRK were observed in the Wilm’s tumor tissues and cells. Transfection of pcDNA3.1-CRK or miR-215-5p antagomir could promote G401 and WT-CLS1 cell proliferation and enhance migration ability, while transfection of sh-CRK or miR-215-5p agomir led to opposite results. Additionally, miR-215-5p may bind to CRK. Moreover, transfection of pcDNA3.1-CRK in G401 and WT-CLS1 cells could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-215-5p agomir on the proliferation and migration of Wilm’s tumor cells.

Conclusion:

Our study highlighted that miR-215-5p could suppress the proliferation and migration of Wilm’s tumor cells by regulating the expression of CRK, providing new ideas for molecular targeted therapy for Wilm’s tumor.

Long noncoding RNA DARS-AS1 regulates TP53 ubiquitination and affects ovarian cancer progression by modulation miR-194-5p/RBX1 axis

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, its underlying mechanism is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, long noncoding RNA DARS-AS1 was studied to identify its function in the development of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Perform functional experiments to detect the effects of DARS-AS1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of ovarian cancer cells A2780. The luciferase report, immunoprecipitation (IP) experiment, and ubiquitination level determination verify that RBX1 ubiquitination and mediate the degradation of tumor suppressor gene TP53.

RESULTS

Knockdown of DARS-AS1 can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, and the application of miR-194-5p inhibitors can prevent this process. Luciferase and IP experiments showed that DARS-AS1 regulates the expression of RBX1 by binding to miR-194-5p, and RBX1 mediates its degradation through ubiquitination of TP53.

Molecular mechanism involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that plays an important role during embryonic development. During this process, the epithelial cells lose their polarity and acquire mesenchymal properties. In addition to embryonic development, EMT is also well-known to participate in tissue repair, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor metastasis. In the present review, we address the basics of epithelial to mesenchymal transition during both development and disease conditions and emphasize the role of various transcription factors and miRNAs involved in the process.

lncRNA MIR155HG Accelerates the Progression of Sepsis via Upregulating MEF2A by Sponging miR-194-5p

Long noncoding RNA MIR155HG exerts important effects in the progression of multiple diseases. This study investigated the functions of MIR155HG in sepsis development. Blood samples were collected from 28 patients with sepsis and 28 without sepsis. The murine cardiac muscle cell line (HL-1) and macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as the in vitro sepsis models. The levels of MIR155HG, miR-194-5p, and MEF2A were determined using real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The association between miR-194-5p and MIR155HG or MEF2A was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this study, we demonstrated that MIR155HG expression was significantly increased in sepsis blood samples, RAW 264.7, and HL-1 cells treated with LPS. Silencing of MIR155HG promoted cell viability and obstructed cell apoptosis and inflammation of RAW 264.7 and HL-1 cells treated with LPS. MiR-194-5p depletion abrogated cell viability promotion and suppressive effect on cell apoptosis and inflammation caused by MIR155HG knockdown. In addition, MIR155HG upregulated MEF2A through interaction with miR-194-5p. Finally, rescue assays indicated that MEF2A overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect on sepsis progression induced by MIR155HG deletion. In conclusion, MIR155HG promotes sepsis progression in an in vitro sepsis model by modulating the miR-194-5p/MEF2A axis. This discovery provides a promising biomarker for sepsis therapy.

MicroRNAs and Extracellular Vesicles as Distinctive Biomarkers of Precocious and Advanced Stages of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Development

Triple negative breast cancer presents higher mortality and poorer survival rates than other breast cancer (BC) types, due to the proneness to brain metastases formation, which are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, the discovery of BC brain metastases (BCBM) biomarkers appears pivotal for a timely intervention. With this work, we aimed to disclose microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the circulation as biomarkers of BCBM formation. Using a BCBM animal model, we analyzed EVs in plasma by nanoparticle tracking analysis and ascertained their blood-brain barrier (BBB) origin by flow cytometry. We further evaluated circulating miRNAs by RT-qPCR and their brain expression by in situ hybridization. In parallel, a cellular model of BCBM formation, combining triple negative BC cells and BBB endothelial cells, was used to differentiate the origin of biomarkers. Established metastases were associated with an increased content of circulating EVs, particularly of BBB origin. Interestingly, deregulated miRNAs in the circulation were observed prior to BCBM detection, and their brain origin was suggested by matching alterations in brain parenchyma. In vitro studies indicated that miR-194-5p and miR-205-5p are expressed and released by BC cells, endothelial cells and during their interaction. These results highlight miRNAs and EVs as biomarkers of BCBM in early and advanced stages, respectively.

Long Non-Coding RNA XIST Promotes Wilms Tumor Progression Through the miR-194-5p/YAP Axis

Purpose

Although the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) has been reported to have an anti-tumor effect in multiple malignant tumors, its role in Wilms tumor (WT) progression has not been characterized. Thus, we investigated the underlying mechanism by which XIST regulates WT progression.

Patients and Methods

We performed microarray analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect the expression levels of XIST lncRNA, microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p), and YAP (yes-associated protein in Hippo pathway) in tumor and matched adjacent normal tissues and blood collected from 49 WT patients. We also conducted bioinformatics analyses to identify differentially expressed genes. We measured the effects of XIST overexpression and knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, and its association with the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway in the rhabdoid G401cell line using flow cytometry, transwell assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

We found that XIST lncRNA levels were increased in blood and tissue samples of WT patients, and this upregulation was significantly correlated with TNM staging and shorter survival time. Notably, we found that XIST upregulation correlated with miR-194-5p downregulation and YAP upregulation in WT tissues, suggesting that XIST regulates the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway. Conversely, XIST downregulation inhibited WT cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis. Our study revealed the oncogenic role of the lncRNA XIST in WT and demonstrated its role as a competitive endogenous RNA that regulates the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates XIST’s potential as a clinical prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for WT.

Elevated TEFM expression promotes growth and metastasis through activation of ROS/ERK signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

TEFM (transcription elongation factor of mitochondria) has been identified as a novel nuclear-encoded transcription elongation factor in the transcription of mitochondrial genome. Our bioinformatics analysis of TCGA data revealed an aberrant over-expression of TEFM in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed its biological effects and clinical significance in this malignancy. TEFM expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis in HCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of TEFM on HCC cell growth and metastasis were determined by cell proliferation, colony formation, flow cytometric cell cycle and apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. TEFM expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues mainly caused by down-regulation of miR-194-5p. Its increased expression is correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. TEFM promoted HCC growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo by promoting G1–S cell transition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and suppressing cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, TEFM exerts its tumor growth and metastasis promoting effects at least partly through increasing ROS production and subsequently by activation of ERK signaling. Our study suggests that TEFM functions as a vital oncogene in promoting growth and metastasis in HCC and may contribute to the targeted therapy of HCC.

Circ_0061012 contributes to IL-22-induced proliferation, migration and invasion in keratinocytes through miR-194-5p/GAB1 axis in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation-associated skin disorder featured by excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Here, we intended to investigate the role of circular RNA 0061012 (circ_0061012) in psoriasis progression. The expression of circ_0061012, SLMO2-ATP5E readthrough (SLMO2-ATP5E) messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p) and GRB2 associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation and metastasis were analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and transwell assays. Western blot assay was used to measure the protein levels of Ki67, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and GAB1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immune co-precipitation (RIP) assay were used to verify the interaction between miR-194-5p and circ_0061012 or GAB1. Circ_0061012 abundance was significantly enhanced in lesional skin samples from psoriasis patients than that in normal skin specimens from healthy volunteers. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) treatment increased the expression of circ_0061012 in a dose-dependent manner. Circ_0061012 silencing alleviated IL-22-induced promoting effects in the proliferation, migration and invasion of HaCaT cells. Circ_0061012 interacted with miR-194-5p, and miR-194-5p knockdown counteracted circ_0061012 silencing-mediated influences in IL-22-induced HaCaT cells. GAB1 was a target of miR-194-5p in HaCaT cells, and miR-194-5p hampered proliferation and metastasis which were induced by IL-22 partly through targeting GAB1. Circ_0061012 elevated the expression of GAB1 through sponging miR-194-5p in HaCaT cells. Circ_0061012 accelerated IL-22-induced proliferation and metastasis in HaCaT cells through enhancing GAB1 expression via sponging miR-194-5p in psoriasis.

[MicroRNA-200c-3p inhibits proliferation of nephroblastoma cells by targeting CCNE2]

OBJECTIVE

To predict and verify the target gene of miR-200c-3p and evaluate the inhibitory effect of miR-200c-3p on the proliferation of nephroblastoma cells.

METHODS

The putative target genes of miR-200c-3p were predicted by bioinformatics approach. Nephroblastoma cell models with miR-200c-3p overexpression or knockdown were established in SK-NEP-1 and G401 cells with corresponding control groups. The expressions of CCNE2 in SK-NEP-1 and G401 cells in different groups were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between miR-200c-3p and CCNE2. The effects of miR-200c-3p overexpression or knockdown on cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and soft agarose assay.

RESULTS

CCNE2 was one of the target genes of miR-200c-3p as predicted by bioinformatics methods. Transfection of the two nephroblastoma cell lines with miR-200c-3p mimic resulted in significantly lowered CCNE2 mRNA and protein expressions (P < 0.05). The results of dual-luciferase assay confirmed that miR-200c-3p bound to the 3'UTR of CCNE2. CCK-8 assay and soft agarose assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR-200c-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation of the nephroblastoma cells (P < 0.01), and knocking down miR-200c-3p in the cells produced the opposite effects.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-200c-3p overexpression inhibits the proliferation of nephroblastoma cells by down-regulating its target gene CCNE2.

LncRNA PVT1 accelerates malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cells by modulating miR-194-5p/BCLAF1 axis as a ceRNA

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies proved that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the progression of multifarious diseases, especially in some carcinomas. As a potential tumor biomarker, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 gene (PVT1) is involved in the development and progression of multifarious cancers. Nevertheless, the intrinsic and concrete molecular mechanism of PVT1 in bladder cancer still remained unclear, which is also the dilemma faced in many non-coding RNA studies.

RESULTS

Our research revealed that PVT1 was significantly higher expression in bladder carcinoma specimens and cell lines. Further experiments indicated that knockdown or overexpression of PVT1 restrained or promoted the malignant phenotype and WNT/β-catenin signaling in bladder cancer cells. Meanwhile miR-194-5p was in contrast and miR-194-5p could partially reverse the function of PVT1 in malignant bladder tumor cells. As a microRNA sponge, PVT1 actively promotes the expression of b-cells lymphoma-2-associated transcription factor 1 (BCLAF1) to sponge miR-194-5p and subsequently increases malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cells. Therefore, it performs a carcinogenic effect and miR-194-5p as the opposite function, and serves as an antioncogene in the bladder carcinomas pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

PVT1-miR-194-5p-BCLAF1 axis is involved in the malignant progression and development of bladder carcinomas. Experiments revealed that PVT1 has a significant regulatory effect on bladder cancer (BC) and can be used as a clinical diagnostic marker and a therapeutic molecular marker for patients suffering from BC.

METHODS

In urothelial bladder carcinoma specimens and cell lines, the relative expression levels of PVT1 and miR-194-5p were detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Through experiments such as loss-function and over-expression, the biological effects of PVT1 and miR-194-5p on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis and tumorigenicity were explored in bladder cancer cells. Co-immunoprecipitation, proteomics experiments, dual luciferase reporter gene analysis, western blot and other methods were adopted to investigate the PVT1 potential mechanism in bladder carcinomas.

Protective role of mesenchymal stem cells transfected with miRNA-378a-5p in phosgene inhalation lung injury

Phosgene-induced lung injury is an important type of acute lung injury (ALI). Currently, no effective clinical treatment has been developed yet. Our previous study revealed that expressions of 6 miRNAs were significantly increased in phosgene-induced lung injury. The screened miRNA with the most significant effect on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was transfected into MSCs. This study aimed to investigate whether the transfected MSCs had better therapeutic effects than MSCs alone. MSCs were co-cultured with miRNA mimics for 24h and 48h. HGF expression in culture supernatant was detected by ELISA. HGF expression in MSCs was detected by Western blot after being co-cultured with the selected miRNA inhibitor. The transfected MSCs were given to rats suffering from phosgene-induced lung injury. Expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10, were assayed by ELISA. SP-C mRNA level was tested by RT-PCR. VE-CAD expression was tested by Western blot. We found that miRNA-378a-5p most increased HGF expression among the six miRNAs. After transfection of MSCs with miRNA-378a-5p inhibitor, HGF expression was decreased. Compared with untreated MSCs, MSCs transfected with miRNA-378a-5p exhibited more significant decreases in lung injury score, white blood cell count and protein content while restoring respiratory indexes. Meanwhile, expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β were decreased while those of IL-10, SP-C and VE-cadherin were increased. In conclusion, MSCs transfected with miRNA-378a-5p were more effective in treating phosgene-induced lung injury by repairing the secretion of alveolar epithelial cells and improving the permeability of vascular endothelial cells compared with MSCs alone.