Hsa_circ_0023984 Regulates Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Esophageal Squamous Cancer via Regulating miR-1294/PI3K/Akt/c-Myc Pathway

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway in cancer

Cancer progression results from the dysregulation of molecular pathways, each with unique features that can either promote or inhibit tumor growth. The complexity of carcinogenesis makes it challenging for researchers to target all pathways in cancer therapy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific pathways for targeted treatment. One such pathway is the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is often overexpressed in cancer. As tumor cells progress, the expression of PI3K/Akt increases, further driving cancer advancement. This study aims to explore how ncRNAs regulate the expression of PI3K/Akt. NcRNAs are found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and their functions vary depending on their location. They can bind to the promoters of PI3K or Akt, either reducing or increasing their expression, thus influencing tumorigenesis. The ncRNA/PI3K/Akt axis plays a crucial role in determining cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even chemoresistance and radioresistance in human cancers. Anti-tumor compounds can target ncRNAs to modulate the PI3K/Akt axis. Moreover, ncRNAs can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway both directly and indirectly.

Circ_0096710 facilitates tumor growth via controlling ADAM10 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a global cancer related to the sixth largest cause of death. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have affected the progress of ESCC during recent years, but the mechanism is not completely clear. So here we probed the effects of hsa_circ_0096710 (circ_0096710) in ESCC.

METHODS

Relative levels of circ_0096710, miR-1294, and ADAM10 were quantified by the quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in ESCC tissues. Western blot assessed ADAM10, PCNA, MMP2, VEGFA, and OCT4 protein levels. Cell proliferative capacity was assessed by cell counting and cell colony-forming assays. Transwell assays assessed cell migration and invasion. Angiogenesis was detected by tube formation assays. Stemness of cancer cells was estimated by sphere formation assays. Dual-luciferin reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays determined the targeting relationship between miR-1294 and circ_0096710 or ADAM10.

RESULTS

Relative levels of circ_0096710 and ADAM10 mRNA were upregulated in ESCC cells, yet miR-1294 was downregulated. Circ_0096710 silencing repressed ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and stem-like properties. Moreover, circ_0096710 was an upstream target of miR-1294, and miR-1294 inhibition reversed the role of circ_0096710 downregulation in ESCC cells. Furthermore, ADAM10 was a downstream target of miR-1294, and miR-1294 overexpression suppressed ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and stem-like properties by targeting ADAM10. Meanwhile, circ_0096710 upgraded ADAM10 expression through sponging miR-1294. Also, circ_0096710 downregulation restrained tumor growth in mouse models.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0096710 upregulates ADAM10 via mediating miR-1294 expression so as to accelerate the occurrence of ESCC, suggesting that circ_0096710 may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Non‑coding RNA: A promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common form of malignant tumor in the digestive system that is classified into two types: Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma. ESCC is known for its early onset of symptoms, which can be difficult to identify, as well as its rapid progression and tendency to develop drug resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These factors contribute to the high incidence of disease and low cure rate. Therefore, a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target need to be identified for ESCC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of molecules that are transcribed from DNA but do not encode proteins. Initially, ncRNAs were considered to be non-functional segments generated during transcription. However, with advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies in recent years, ncRNAs have been associated with poor prognosis, drug resistance and progression of ESCC. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis, characteristics and functions of ncRNAs, particularly focusing on microRNA, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs. Furthermore, the ncRNAs that could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC are summarized to highlight their application value and prospects in ESCC.

Exploring the dual role of circRNA and PI3K/AKT pathway in tumors of the digestive system

The interactions among circRNAs, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and their downstream effectors are intricately linked to their functional roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis has been significantly implicated in the context of digestive system tumors. This axis is frequently abnormally activated in digestive cancers, including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. Moreover, the overactivation of the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis promotes tumor cell proliferation, suppresses apoptosis, enhances invasive and metastatic capabilities, and contributes to drug resistance. In this regard, gaining crucial insights into the complex interaction between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway holds great potential for elucidating disease mechanisms, identifying diagnostic biomarkers, and designing targeted therapeutic interventions.

Critical Roles of Circular RNA in Tumor Metastasis via Acting as a Sponge of miRNA/isomiR

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of new endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are closely related to the carcinogenic process and play a critical role in tumor metastasis. CircRNAs can lay the foundation for tumor metastasis via promoting tumor angiogenesis, make tumor cells gain the ability of migration and invasion by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), interact with immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and other non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, damage the normal immune function or escape the immunosuppressive network, and further promote cell survival and metastasis. Herein, based on the characteristics and biological functions of circRNA, we elaborated on the effect of circRNA via circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by acting as miRNA/isomiR sponges on tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell migration and invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), then explored the potential interactions across different RNAs, and finally discussed the potential clinical value and application as a promising biomarker. These results provide a theoretical basis for the further application of metastasis-related circRNAs in cancer treatment. In summary, we briefly summarize the diverse roles of a circRNA-associated ceRNA network in cancer metastasis and the potential clinical application, especially the interaction of circRNA and miRNA/isomiR, which may complicate the RNA regulatory network and which will contribute to a novel insight into circRNA in the future.