Long non-coding RNA LBX2-AS1 predicts poor survival of colon cancer patients and promotes its progression via regulating miR-627-5p/RAC1/PI3K/AKT pathway

miR-627-5p inhibits malignant progression of cervical cancer by targeting ANGPTL4

In recent years, accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of miR-627-5p in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. However, its specific role and mechanism in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-627-5p inhibits the malignant progression of CC and assess its potential clinical implications. In C33A cells, the mRNA expression levels of ANGPTL4 and miR-627-5p were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The miR-627-5p mimics and their control (miR-NC) were transfected into C33A cells to determine whether miR-627-5p directly regulates ANGPTL4 expression. A comprehensive suite of assays, including CCK-8, migration, transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, was conducted to evaluate how miR-627-5p modulates the malignant biological behavior of CC cells. Rescue experiments were performed by overexpressing ANGPTL4. In C33A cells, miR-627-5p expression was reduced, whereas ANGPTL4 expression was elevated. Further analysis confirmed that miR-627-5p negatively regulates ANGPTL4 by directly targeting its 3'-UTR. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-627-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while promoting apoptosis and S-phase arrest in C33A cells, effects that were reversed by ANGPTL4 overexpression. These findings highlight the potential of miR-627-5p as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CC. By inhibiting EMT and regulating ANGPTL4 expression, miR-627-5p may provide a novel avenue for improving therapeutic strategies, particularly in advanced or metastatic CC. Moreover, miRNA-based therapies, supported by advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticle carriers, could enhance the stability and precision of miR-627-5p applications. This study lays the groundwork for future research integrating miR-627-5p into precision medicine approaches for CC treatment.

Interplay between lncRNAs and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the progression of digestive system neoplasms (Review)

Long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of non‑coding RNA molecules located in the cytoplasm or nucleus, which can regulate chromosome structure and function by interacting with DNA, RNA, proteins and other molecules; binding to mRNA bases in a complementary manner, affecting the splicing, stabilization, translation and degradation of mRNA; acting as competing endogenous RNA competitively binds to microRNAs to regulate gene expression and participate in the regulation of various vital activities of the body. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway plays a key role in numerous biological and cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. It has been found that the lncRNA/PI3K/AKT axis regulates the expression of cancer‑related genes and thus tumour progression. The abnormal regulation of lncRNA expression in the lncRNA/PI3K/AKT axis is clearly associated with clinicopathological features and plays an important role in regulating biological functions. In the present review, the expression and biological functions of PI3K/AKT‑related lncRNAs both in vitro and in vivo over recent years, were comprehensively summarized and analyzed. Their correlation with clinicopathological features was also evaluated, with the objective of furnishing a solid theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis and the monitoring of efficacy in digestive system neoplasms. The present review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the expression and biological functions of PI3K/AKT‑related lncRNAs in digestive system neoplasms and to assess their correlation with clinicopathological features. This endeavor seeks to establish a solid theoretical foundation for the clinical diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of digestive system tumors.

Long non‑coding RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (Review)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the 3rd most common cancer globally and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death. Owing to the lack of specific early symptoms and the limitations of existing early diagnostic methods, most patients with CRC are diagnosed at advanced stages. To overcome these challenges, researchers have increasingly focused on molecular biomarkers, with particular interest in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These non-protein-coding RNAs, which exceed 200 nucleotides in length, play critical roles in the development and progression of CRC. The stability and detectability of lncRNAs in the circulatory system make them promising candidate biomarkers. The analysis of circulating lncRNAs in peripheral blood represents a potential option for minimally invasive diagnostic tests based on liquid biopsy samples. The present review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lncRNAs with altered expression levels in peripheral blood as diagnostic markers for CRC. Additionally, the clinical significance of lncRNAs as prognostic markers for this disease were summarized.

Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis Expands lncRNA Functional Profiles in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that arises as a multi-stage process involving multiple cell types. Patients diagnosed with the same clinical stage and pathological classification may have different prognoses and therapeutic responses due to alterations in molecular genetics. As an essential marker for the molecular subtyping of breast cancer, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in gene expression regulation, cell differentiation, and the maintenance of genomic stability. Here, we developed a modular framework for lncRNA identification and applied it to a breast cancer cohort to identify novel lncRNAs not previously annotated. To investigate the potential biological function, regulatory mechanisms, and clinical relevance of the novel lncRNAs, we elucidated the genomic and chromatin features of these lncRNAs, along with the associated protein-coding genes and putative enhancers involved in the breast cancer regulatory networks. Furthermore, we uncovered that the expression patterns of novel and annotated lncRNAs identified in breast cancer were related to the hormone response in the PAM50 subtyping criterion, as well as the immune response and progression states of breast cancer across different immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Collectively, the comprehensive identification and functional analysis of lncRNAs revealed that these lncRNAs play an essential role in breast cancer by altering gene expression and participating in the regulatory networks, contributing to a better insight into breast cancer heterogeneity and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

The functions and mechanisms of long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer

CRC poses a significant challenge in the global health domain, with a high number of deaths attributed to this disease annually. If CRC is detected only in its advanced stages, the difficulty of treatment increases significantly. Therefore, biomarkers for the early detection of CRC play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and increasing survival rates. The development of a reliable biomarker for early detection of CRC is particularly important for timely diagnosis and treatment. However, current methods for CRC detection, such as endoscopic examination, blood, and stool tests, have certain limitations and often only detect cases in the late stages. To overcome these constraints, researchers have turned their attention to molecular biomarkers, which are considered a promising approach to improving CRC detection. Non-invasive methods using biomarkers such as mRNA, circulating cell-free DNA, microRNA, LncRNA, and proteins can provide more reliable diagnostic information. These biomarkers can be found in blood, tissue, stool, and volatile organic compounds. Identifying molecular biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for the early and safe, economic, and easily measurable detection of CRC remains a significant challenge for researchers.

Based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs, a novel prognostic signature for colon adenocarcinoma prognosis, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy response

Introduction: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a special pathological subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with highly heterogeneous solid tumors with poor prognosis, and novel biomarkers are urgently required to guide its prognosis. Material and methods: RNA-Seq data of COAD were downloaded through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to determine cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The scores of the pathways were calculated by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). CRLs that affected prognoses were determined via the univariate COX regression analysis to develop a prognostic model using multivariate COX regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis. The model was assessed by applying Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves and validated in GSE39582 and GSE17538. The tumor microenvironment (TME), single nucleotide variants (SNV), and immunotherapy response/chemotherapy sensitivity were assessed in high- and low-score subgroups. Finally, the construction of a nomogram was adopted to predict survival rates of COAD patients during years 1, 3, and 5. Results: We found that a high cuproptosis score reduced the survival rates of COAD significantly. A total of five CRLs affecting prognosis were identified, containing AC008494.3, EIF3J-DT, AC016027.1, AL731533.2, and ZEB1-AS1. The ROC curve showed that RiskScore could perform well in predicting the prognosis of COAD. Meanwhile, we found that RiskScore showed good ability in assessing immunotherapy and chemotherapy sensitivity. Finally, the nomogram and decision curves showed that RiskScore would be a powerful predictor for COAD. Conclusion: A novel prognostic model was constructed using CRLs in COAD, and the CRLs in the model were probably a potential therapeutic target. Based on this study, RiskScore was an independent predictor factor, immunotherapy response, and chemotherapy sensitivity for COAD, providing a new scientific basis for COAD prognosis management.

The role of LncRNA LBX2-AS1 in cancers: functions, mechanisms and potential clinical utility

Increasingly advanced biology technique has revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) as critical factors that exert significant regulatory effects on biological functions by modulating gene transcription, epigenetic modifications and protein translation. A newly emerging lncRNA, ladybird homeobox 2 (LBX2)-antisense RNA 1 (LBX2-AS1), was found to be highly expressed in various tumors. Moreover, it is functionally linked to the regulation of essential tumor-related biological processes, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, through interactions with multiple signaling molecules/pathways. The important roles played by LBX2-AS1 in cancer initiation and progression suggest that this lncRNA has enormous clinical potential for use as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target. In this article, we retrospectively review the latest advances in research exploring the roles of the lncRNA LBX2-AS1 in oncology field, highlighting its involvement in a comprehensive network of molecular mechanisms underlying diverse cancers and examining its potential applications in clinical practice.

LncRNA LBX2-AS1 impacts osteosarcoma sensitivity to JQ-1 by sequestering miR-597-3p away from BRD4

Objective

Recent knowledge concerning the significance of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated ceRNA networks provides new insight into their possible roles as specific biomarkers for the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). Thus, this study aims to clarify the functional relevance and mechanistic actions of lncRNA LBX2-AS1 in OS.

Methods

Differential analysis was performed by integrating the TCGA and GTEx databases. Cox regression analysis was then employed to assess the prognostic value of the model. The expression of lncRNA LBX2-AS1 and miR-597-3p was quantified in OS cell lines by qRT-PCR. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of OS cell lines in response to manipulated lncRNA LBX2-AS1 were evaluated by MTT, colony formation, transwell, Western blot, and flow cytometry assays. Luciferase activity was assayed to validate the reciprocal regulation between lncRNA LBX2-AS1 and miR-597-3p. The protein levels of BRD4 and EMT-related factors were examined by Western blot assay. Finally, tumor growth in response to LBX2-AS1 knockdown was evaluated in xenograft-bearing nude mice.

Results

By integrating the GTEx and TCGA databases, we identified 153 differentially expressed lncRNAs. Among them, 5 lncRNAs, RP11-535M15.1, AC002398.12, RP3-355L5.4, LBX2-AS1, and RP11.47A8.5, were selected to establish a model, which predicted the prognosis of OS. Higher lncRNA LBX2-AS1 expression was noted in OS tissues relative to that in normal tissues. Silencing lncRNA LBX2-AS1 facilitated apoptosis and curtailed proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of OS cells. Mechanistically, lncRNA LBX2-AS1 could elevate the expression of BRD4, an oncogene, by competitively binding to miR-597-3p. More importantly, knockdown of lncRNA LBX2-AS1 increased the sensitivity of OS cells to the BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1. Finally, the tumor growth of OS cell xenografts was constrained in vivo in the presence of lncRNA LBX2-AS1 knockdown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lncRNA LBX2-AS1 promotes the growth of OS and represses the sensitivity to JQ-1 by sponging miR-597-3p to elevate the expression of BRD4.