Exosomal circNFIX promotes angiogenesis in ovarian cancer via miR-518a-3p/TRIM44 axis

Aberrant expression of TRIM44, transcriptionally regulated by KLF9, contributes to the process of diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the common cause of diabetic vascular complications and it causes blindness. Until now, there are still some patients with DR who lack effective treatment. Tripartite motif containing 44 (TRIM44) has been shown to play a significant role in endothelial cells. However, the role of TRIM44 in DR remains unknown.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats through the administration of an intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were subjected to stimulation under high glucose (HG) conditions. A thorough proteomic investigation and bioinformatic analysis were performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in rat RMECs after blocking TRIM44. A dual luciferase reporter assay was employed to assess the luciferase activity of TRIM44.

RESULTS

TRIM44 was highly expressed in the retinal tissues of rats with diabetes and HG-induced RMECs. In vivo assays suggested that TRIM44 silencing improved the pathological alterations of DR rats as demonstrated by the downregulated expression of isolectin-B4 and VEGFA, along with a decrease in acellular capillaries within the retinal tissues. Knockdown of TRIM44 markedly reduced cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in HG-evoked RMECs. Mechanistically, TRIM44 was demonstrated to be activated transcriptionally by KLF transcription factor 9 (KLF9), a known facilitator of angiogenesis in DR. In HG-induced cells, the loss of TRIM44 resulted in the reverse of the endothelial cell function caused by KLF9 overexpression. After the comprehensive analysis, 64 upregulated and 38 downregulated DEPs were screened out for a series of functional enrichment analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, this study demonstrates that TRIM44 knockdown suppressed diabetes-induced retinal vascular dysfunction in DR.

Advances in small extracellular vesicles: roles in the tumor microenvironment and epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), one of the most prevalent subtypes of ovarian cancer, has a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%, highlighting the urgent need for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The tumor microenvironment (TME), a critical regulator of tumor progression, includes various components, among which small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) serve as important molecular carriers, having gained attention as significant contributors to cancer biology. These vesicles, released by cells into the extracellular space, are pivotal in the pathogenesis of EOC. In addition, sEVs show significant promise as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of this malignancy. This review explores recent advancements in the understanding of sEVs within the TME and their potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of EOC.

Exosome's role in ovarian disease pathogenesis and therapy; Focus on ovarian cancer and failure

In the eukaryotic system, exosomes are categorized as unique extracellular vesicles with dimensions ranging from 30 to 150 nm. These vesicles contain a variety of endogenous molecules, such as proteins, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and circular RNA. They are essential for a wide range of metabolic events and have the potential to be used as therapeutic or diagnostic targets for a number of diseases, including ovarian diseases. By inducing changes in the surrounding environment, the donor exosomes transfer their contents to the receiving cells, so demonstrating the biological implications of major interactions between cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have produced exosomes have shown promise as a treatment for premature organ failure (POF or POI). Furthermore, exosomal transport has many complexities, and contributes to the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer by affecting cell growth, migration, metastastsis and etc. Owing to these facts, in this paper, we present the progress developed in the understanding of exosomes as a viable therapeutic avenue and indisputable prognostic targets in ovarian disorders.

Exosomal signaling in gynecologic cancer development: The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Gynecologic cancer, a prevalent and debilitating disease affecting women worldwide, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the reproductive organs. The complex etiology of gynecologic cancer encompasses multiple subtypes, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Despite optimal treatment strategies, which typically involve cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, gynecologic cancer frequently exhibits recalcitrant relapse and poor prognosis. Recent studies have underscored the significance of the tumor microenvironment in ovarian carcinogenesis, particularly with regards to the discovery of aberrant genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles. Within this context, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as a crucial component of the stromal cell population, playing a pivotal role in oncogenesis and cancer progression. CAF-derived exosomes, small extracellular vesicles capable of conveying biological information between cells, have been implicated in a range of tumor-related processes, including tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune responses. Furthermore, aberrant expression of CAF-derived exosomal noncoding RNAs and proteins has been found to strongly correlate with clinical and pathological characteristics of gynecologic cancer patients. Our review provides a novel perspective on the role of CAF-derived exosomes in gynecologic cancer, highlighting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in tumor angiogenesis

Tumor angiogenesis is a characteristics of malignant cancer progression that facilitates cancer cell growth, diffusion and metastasis, and has an indispensable role in cancer development. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most prevalent internal modifications in eukaryotic RNAs, and has considerable influence on RNA metabolism, including its transcription, splicing, localization, translation, recognition, and degradation. The m6A modification is generated by m6A methyltransferases ("writers"), removed by m6A demethylases ("erasers"), and recognized by m6A-binding proteins ("readers"). There is accumulating evidence that abnormal m6A modification is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including cancers, and promotes cancer occurrence, development, and progression through its considerable impact on oncoprotein expression. Furthermore, increasing studies have demonstrated that m6A modification can influence angiogenesis in cancers through multiple pathways to regulate malignant processes. In this review, we elaborate the role of m6A modification in tumor angiogenesis-related molecules and pathways in detail, providing insights into the interactions between m6A and tumor angiogenesis. Moreover, we describe how targeting m6A modification in combination with anti-angiogenesis drugs is expected to be a promising anti-tumor treatment strategy, with potential value for addressing the challenge of drug resistance.

Interplay between JAK/STAT pathway and non-coding RNAs in different cancers

Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within JAK/STAT pathway has enabled researchers to develop a better understanding of the linchpin role of deregulated signaling cascade in carcinogenesis and metastasis. More excitingly, complex interplay between JAK/STAT pathway and non-coding RNAs has been shown to reprogramme the outcome of signaling cascade and modulate immunological responses within tumor microenvironment. Wealth of information has comprehensively illustrated that most of this complexity regulates the re-shaping of the immunological responses. Increasingly sophisticated mechanistic insights have illuminated fundamental role of STAT-signaling in polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype that promotes disease aggressiveness. Overall, JAK/STAT signaling drives different stages of cancer ranging from cancer metastasis to the reshaping of the tumor microenvironment. JAK/STAT signaling has also been found to play role in the regulation of infiltration and activity of natural killer cells and CD4/CD8 cells by PD-L1/PD-1 signaling. In this review, we have attempted to set spotlight on regulation of JAK/STAT pathway by microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in primary tumors and metastasizing tumors. Therefore, existing knowledge gaps need to be addressed to propel this fledgling field of research to the forefront and bring lncRNAs and circRNAs to the frontline of clinical practice. Leveraging the growing momentum will enable interdisciplinary researchers to gain transition from segmented view to a fairly detailed conceptual continuum.

Interplay of microRNAs and circRNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with its high death incidence rate is generally detected at advanced stages. During its progression, EOC often develops peritoneal metastasis aggravating the outcomes of EOC patients. Studies on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have analyzed the impact of miRNAs and circRNAs, along with their interaction among each other, on cancer cells. MiRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors modulating post-transcriptional gene expression. There is accumulating evidence that circRNAs apply their stable, covalently closed, continuous circular structures to competitively inhibit miRNA function, and so act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). This interplay between both ncRNAs participates in the malignity of a variety of cancer types, including EOC. In the current review, I describe the characteristics of miRNAs and circRNAs, and discuss their interplay with each other in the development, progression, and drug resistance of EOC. Sponging of miRNAs by circRNAs may be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target in EOC.

The Role of Circular RNA Variants Generated from the NFIX Gene in Different Diseases

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as important regulators in different developmental processes and disease pathogenesis. The loop structure of circRNAs makes them very stable in different conditions and microenvironments. circRNAs can affect microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) activity, encode functional proteins and regulate gene transcription. Recently, two circNFIX variants derived from the same gene, the Nuclear Factor I X (NFIX) gene, were determined as participants in the pathological processes of various diseases such as heart diseases and cancers. Both circNFIX variants are exonic circular RNAs and mainly function by sponging miRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on circRNAs, elucidate the origins and properties of two circNFIX variants, explore the roles of two circNFIX variants in different diseases, and present clinical perspectives.

The N6-methyladenosine modification in pathologic angiogenesis

The vascular system is a vital circulatory network in the human body that plays a critical role in almost all physiological processes. The production of blood vessels in the body is a significant area of interest for researchers seeking to improve their understanding of vascular function and maintain normal vascular operation. However, an excessive or insufficient vascular regeneration process may lead to the development of various ailments such as cancer, eye diseases, and ischemic diseases. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have revealed new molecular targets and principles that may enhance the therapeutic effect of anti-angiogenic strategies. A thorough comprehension of the mechanism responsible for the abnormal vascular growth in disease processes can enable researchers to better target and effectively suppress or treat the disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a common RNA methylation modification method, has emerged as a crucial regulator of various diseases by modulating vascular development. In this review, we will cover how m6A regulates various vascular-related diseases, such as cancer, ocular diseases, neurological diseases, ischemic diseases, emphasizing the mechanism of m6A methylation regulators on angiogenesis during pathological process.

Regulation of Angiogenesis by Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been identified as crucial regulators of various biological processes through epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation and activation of non-coding RNAs are closely associated with tumor angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis is of utmost importance. Numerous studies have documented the involvement of different types of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of how non-coding RNAs regulate tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies that exploit non-coding RNAs for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer treatment. Ultimately, this review underscores the crucial role played by non-coding RNAs in tumor angiogenesis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for anti-angiogenic interventions against cancer.

Exosomal Cargo in Ovarian Cancer Dissemination

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among all gynecologic cancers and is characterized by early peritoneal spread. The growth and development of OC are associated with the formation of ascitic fluid, creating a unique tumor microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression is crucial in identifying new diagnostic biomarkers and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Exosomes, lipid bilayer vesicles measuring 30-150 nm in size, are known to establish a crucial link between malignant cells and their microenvironment. Additionally, the confirmed involvement of exosomes in carcinogenesis enables them to mediate the invasion, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. Functionally active non-coding RNAs (such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circRNAs), proteins, and lipid rafts transported within exosomes can activate numerous signaling pathways and modify gene expression. This review aims to expand our understanding of the role of exosomes and their contents in OC carcinogenesis processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, tumor cell proliferation, and peritoneal spread. It also discusses the potential for utilizing exosomal cargo to develop novel "liquid biopsy" biomarkers for early OC diagnosis.

Circular RNAs-mediated angiogenesis in human cancers

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as small non-coding RNAs with cell, tissue, or organ-specific expression accomplish a broad array of functions in physiological and pathological processes such as cancer development. Angiogenesis, a complicated multistep process driving a formation of new blood vessels, speeds up tumor progression by supplying nutrients as well as energy. Abnormal expression of circRNAs reported to affect tumor development through impressing angiogenesis. Such impacts are introduced as constant with different tumorigenic features known as "hallmarks of cancer". In addition, deregulated circRNAs show possibilities to prognosis and diagnosis both in the prophecy of prognosis in malignancies and also their prejudice from healthy individuals. In the present review article, we have evaluated the angiogenic impacts and anti-angiogenic managements of circRNAs in human cancers.

Recent advances of exosomal circRNAs in cancer and their potential clinical applications

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA that forms a covalently closed, uninterrupted loop. The expression of circRNA differs among cell types and tissues, and various circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in a variety of diseases, including cancer. Aberrantly expressed circRNAs contribute to disease progression by acting as microRNA sponges, functional protein sponges, or novel templates for protein translation. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs are enriched in exosomes. Exosomes are spherical bilayer vesicles released by cells into extracellular spaces that mediate intercellular communication by delivering cargoes. These cargoes include metabolites, proteins, lipids, and RNA molecules. Exosome-mediated cell-cell or cell-microenvironment communications influence the progression of carcinogenesis by regulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis as well as immune escape. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about exosomal circRNAs in cancers and discuss their specific functions in tumorigenesis. Additionally, we discuss the potential value of exosomal circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and the potential applications of exosomal circRNA-based cancer therapy.

New Possible Ways to Use Exosomes in Diagnostics and Therapy via JAK/STAT Pathways

Exosomes have the potential to be the future of personalized diagnostics and therapy. They are nano-sized particles between 30 and 100 nm flowing in the extracellular milieu, where they mediate cell-cell communication and participate in immune system regulation. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) secreted from different types of cancer cells are the key regulators of the tumor microenvironment. With their immune suppressive cargo, TDEs prevent the antitumor immune response, leading to reduced effectiveness of cancer treatment by promoting a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Involved signaling pathways take part in the regulation of tumor proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription factors (STATs) and Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathways are crucial in malignancies and autoimmune diseases alike, and their potential to be manipulated is currently the focus of interest. In this review, we aim to discuss exosomes, TDEs, and the JAK/STAT pathways, along with mediators like interleukins, tripartite motif proteins, and interferons.

The Role and Applications of Exosomes in Gynecological Cancer: A Review

Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer vesicles that are released by all types of cells, containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids such as DNAs and RNAs. Exosomes can be transferred between cells and play a variety of physiological and pathological regulatory functions. Noncoding RNAs, including micro RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are the most studied biomolecules from exosomes and more and more studies found that noncoding RNAs play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases, including various types of cancer. Gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer seriously threaten women's life. Therefore, this article reviews the roles and applications of exosomes in gynecological malignancies, including the promotion or inhibition of tumor progression and regulation of tumor microenvironments, and as potential therapeutic targets for treating gynecological cancers.