miR-485-5p suppresses breast cancer progression and chemosensitivity by targeting survivin

Modulation of RASD2 by miRNA-485-5p Drives Thyroid Cancer Progression and Metastasis

This study investigates the role of RASD2 (Ras Homolog Enriched In Striatum) in thyroid carcinoma progression and its modulation by microRNA-485-5p. Differential RASD2 expression patterns were initially identified through bioinformatic analysis of public databases. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) validated these findings in clinical specimens and cell lines. Functional characterization of RASD2 was performed through loss-of-function studies, examining cellular proliferation, invasion, and glycolytic parameters. The prognostic significance of RASD2 was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Using integrated bioinformatic approaches, we identified miRNA-485-5p as a potential RASD2 regulator and confirmed this interaction through molecular studies. The therapeutic potential of targeting RASD2 was assessed using xenograft and pulmonary metastasis models. RASD2 showed significant upregulation in thyroid cancer tissues, with elevated expression correlating with adverse clinicopathological parameters including lymphatic metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion, and advanced TNM stage. Genetic silencing of RASD2 in IHH4 and TPC-1 cells substantially impaired their malignant phenotypes, manifesting as decreased proliferation, invasion, and glycolytic activity. Mechanistically, we identified miRNA-485-5p as a crucial negative regulator of RASD2, whose overexpression recapitulated the tumor-suppressive effects of RASD2 knockdown. In vivo studies further validated the therapeutic potential of RASD2 inhibition, demonstrating reduced tumor growth and metastatic burden. Our findings establish the miRNA-485-5p/RASD2 axis as a critical regulatory pathway in thyroid cancer progression, offering new insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.

Circulating miR-485-5p as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the predominant viral cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early detection and use of reliable biological markers can improve survival for HCC patients. MiR-485-5p was identified as a tumor-suppressing microribonucleic acid (miRNA) in some human cancers and was recently found to be downregulated in HCC tissues, signifying its utility as a promising biomarker. We aimed to investigate the potential role of circulating miR-485-5p as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCV-related HCC. This case-control study included 50 patients with HCC associated with HCV, 50 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis, and 50 healthy controls. History gathering, physical examination, laboratory, and imaging assessments were performed. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure miR-485-5p levels. Serum miR-485-5p values demonstrated a stepwise decline pattern from the control group to cirrhotic patients, with the HCC group exhibiting the lowest levels (p < 0.001). HCC patients with early BCLC stages had significantly lower miR-485-5p levels than those with late stages (p = 0.004). The miR-485-5p displayed a better performance in predicting HCV-related HCC with a greater area under the ROC curve (AUC) than alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (AUC and sensitivity 0.921 and 92.0 versus 0.704 and 64.0, respectively) (p < 0.001). Also, its performance in predicting HCC prognosis surpassed that of AFP (AUC and sensitivity 0.872 and 85.19 versus 0.695 and 62.96, respectively) (p < 0.001). Circulating miR-485-5p is a promising, accurate, and noninvasive biomarker for the early detection and prediction of prognosis in patients with HCV-linked HCC.

Modulatory effects of miRNAs in doxorubicin resistance: A mechanistic view

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs and play an important role in controlling vital biological processes, including cell cycle control, apoptosis, metabolism, and development and differentiation, which lead to various diseases such as neurological, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Chemotherapy consider as gold treatment approaches for cancer patients. However, chemotherapeutic is one of the main challenges in cancer management. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-cancer drug that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells. DOX is used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, nervous tissue, bladder, stomach, ovary, thyroid, lung, bone, muscle, joint and soft tissue cancers. Also recently, miRNAs have been identified as master regulators of specific genes responsible for the mechanisms that initiate chemical resistance. miRNAs have a regulatory effect on chemotherapy resistance through the regulation of apoptosis process. Also, the effect of miRNAs p53 gene as a key tumor suppressor was confirmed via studies. miRNAs can affect main biological pathways include PI3K pathway. This review aimed to present the current understanding of the mechanisms and effects of miRNAs on apoptosis, p53 and PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway related to DOX resistance.

Exploring the impact of circRNAs on cancer glycolysis: Insights into tumor progression and therapeutic strategies

Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways, prominently featuring enhanced glycolytic activity to sustain their rapid growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of glycolysis is a well-established hallmark of cancer and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Increased glycolysis supplies the energy necessary for increased proliferation and creates an acidic milieu, which in turn encourages tumor cells' infiltration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in diverse biological processes, including cancer development and metabolic reprogramming. The interplay between circRNAs and glycolysis is explored, illuminating how circRNAs regulate key glycolysis-associated genes and enzymes, thereby influencing tumor metabolic profiles. In this overview, we highlight the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate glycolytic enzymes and modulate glycolysis. In addition, we discuss the clinical implications of dysregulated circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, including their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. All in all, in this overview, we provide the most recent findings on how circRNAs operate at the molecular level to control glycolysis in various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prostate cancer (PCa), colorectal cancer (CRC), cervical cancer (CC), glioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and gastric cancer (GC). In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, shedding light on their intricate roles in tumor development and presenting innovative therapeutic avenues.

Extracellular Vesicles-A Source of RNA Biomarkers for the Detection of Breast Cancer in Liquid Biopsies

Over the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising source of cancer-derived RNAs for liquid biopsies. However, blood contains a pool of heterogeneous EVs released by a variety of cell types, making the identification of cancer RNA biomarkers challenging. Here, we performed deep sequencing of plasma EV RNA cargo in 32 patients with locally advanced breast cancer (BC) at diagnosis and 7 days after breast surgery and in 30 cancer-free healthy controls (HCs). To identify BC-derived RNA biomarkers, we searched for RNAs that had higher levels in BC EVs at the time of diagnosis compared with HCs and decreased after surgery. Data analysis showed that the fractions of miRNAs, snRNAs, snoRNAs, and tRFs were increased, but the fraction of lncRNAs was decreased in BC EVs as compared to HCs. BC-derived biomarker candidates were identified across various RNA biotypes. Considered individually, they had very high specificity but moderate sensitivity for the detection of BC, whereas a biomarker model composed of eight RNAs: SNORD3H, SNORD1C, SNORA74D, miR-224-5p, piR-32949, lnc-IFT-122-2, lnc-C9orf50-4, and lnc-FAM122C-3 was able to distinguish BC from HC EVs with an AUC of 0.902 (95% CI = 0.872-0.931, p = 3.4 × 10-9) in leave-one-out cross-validation. Furthermore, a number of RNA biomarkers were correlated with the ER and HER2 expression and additional biomarker models were created to predict hormone receptor and HER2 status. Overall, this study demonstrated that the RNA composition of plasma EVs is altered in BC patients and that they contain cancer-derived RNA biomarkers that can be used for BC detection and monitoring using liquid biopsies.

Downregulation of TCL6 protected human trophoblast cells from LPS-induced inflammation and ferroptosis

Dysregulation of noncoding RNAs has been reported to have a close correlation with preeclampsia(PE)development. TCL6 was upregulated in patients with PE. In this study, we examined the impacts of TCL6 on modulating HTR-8/SVneo cells induced by LPS. LPS (100 and 200 ng/ml) was applied to induce inflammation in trophoblast cells HTR-8/SVneo. Cell viability, apoptosis, and transwell experiments were conducted. The ELISA methods were used for pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. MDA, GSH, and GPX kits were employed. Transfection was performed for expression regulation of TCL6, miR-485-5p, and TFRC in cells. Bioinformatic online tools were used to predict the targeting sites. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR were done to verify the interactions of TCL6, miR-485-5p, and TFRC. RNA expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR, and protein expression of TFRC and GPX4 was detected using a western blot. The free Fe (II) contents were measured. LPS decreased viability, invasion, and migration but enhanced apoptosis, ferroptosis, and inflammation. TCL6 expression was enhanced by LPS induction. The knockdown of TCL6 increased HTR-8/SVneo cell viability and invasion but inhibited cell apoptosis, inflammation, and ferroptosis while inhibition of miR-485-5p could reverse this through TFRC regulation. Moreover, miR-485-5p was sponged by TCL6 and bound to TFRC. TCL6 protected trophoblast cells from LPS-induced injury through the TFRC pathway.

Functional impact of non-coding RNAs in high-grade breast carcinoma: Moving from resistance to clinical applications: A comprehensive review

Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are the most relapsing cancer sub-type. It is partly due to their propensity to develop resistance against the available therapies. An intricate network of regulatory molecules in cellular mechanisms leads to the development of resistance in tumors. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained widespread attention as critical regulators of cancer hallmarks. Existing research suggests that aberrant expression of ncRNAs modulates the oncogenic or tumor suppressive signaling. This can mitigate the responsiveness of efficacious anti-tumor interventions. This review presents a systematic overview of biogenesis and down streaming molecular mechanism of the subgroups of ncRNAs. Furthermore, it explains ncRNA-based strategies and challenges to target the chemo-, radio-, and immunoresistance in TNBCs from a clinical standpoint.

ABERRANT EXPRESSION OF COL14A1, CELRS3, and CTHRC1 IN BREAST CANCER СELLS

BACKGROUND

Collagens, which are the major components of the extracellular matrix involved in the regulation of tumor microenvironment, could be differentially expressed in breast cancer (BC) with different transcriptome profiling.

AIM

To analyze the transcript level expression of COL1A1, COL5A1, COL10A1, COL11A1, COL12A1, COL14A1, CTHRC1, and CELRS3 genes and the clinical relevance of their differential expression in BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The transcript level expression of the genes was analyzed using the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in tumor tissue of 60 BC patients.

RESULTS

Overexpression of COL1A1, COL5A1, COL10A1, COL11A1, COL12A1, CTHRC, and CELRS3 anddown-regulated expression of COL14A1 were observed. COL14A1 down-regulation was associated with aggressive, basal, and Her-2/neu BC subtypes (p = 0.031). Overexpression of CELSR3 was found to be associated with the older age of the patients (> 55 years, p = 0.049). Further analysis with the TCGA BC data set has shown a concordance in the differential expression of the above genes. Furthermore, overexpression of CTHRC1 was associated with poor overall survival (OS), particularly with poor prognosis (p = 0.00042) for the luminal BC subtype. On the other hand, CELSR3 overexpression was associated with mucinous tumors and poor prognosis in post-menopausal women. In silicotarget prediction identified several BC-associated miRNAs and members of miR-154, -515, and -10 families to perform a likely regulatory role in the above ECM genes.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that the expression of COL14A1 and CTHRC1 may serve as potential biological markers for the detection of basal BC and the prognosis of survival for patients with the luminal subtype of BC.

lncSNHG3 drives breast cancer progression by epigenetically increasing CSNK2A1 expression level

Mounting evidence demonstrates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. Here, we report that small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) is a key regulator of breast cancer progression. We analyzed RNA sequencing data to explore abnormally expressed lncRNAs in breast cancer. The effects of SNHG3 on breast cancer were investigated via in vitro and in vivo assays (CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, EdU assay, xenograft model, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot). The mechanism of SNHG3 action was explored through bioinformatics, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. We found that SNHG3 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and that its high expression level was associated with poor survival. We also found that high SNHG3 expression was partly induced by STAT3. Moreover, SNHG3 knockdown significantly repressed breast cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. In the cytoplasm, SNHG3 facilitated the expression of Casein kinase II-A1 (CSNK2A1) by absorbing miR-485-5p and recruiting the HuR protein, participating in the malignant progression of breast cancer. Taken together, our study reveals a SNHG3-based regulatory network, which plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer and suggests that SNHG3 may serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

MicroRNA-dependent mechanisms of taxane resistance in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) has a leading position in the statistics of oncological morbidity and mortality among women. Taxan-based polychemotherapy regimens are an essential component of the complex therapy of the BC. However, currently used algorithms of taxan-based regimens application do not always provide with desire effect. It indicates the need to identify new prognostic markers and to develop new approaches to modify response of BC cells to standard therapeutic regimens. MicroRNAs, small RNA molecules regulating protein synthesis, are considered as promising markers and potential modulators of the BC cells sensitivity to taxanes.

The review includes a brief summary of the molecular mechanisms of action of the taxanes and the mechanism BC resistance to the process of microtubules depolymerization, provides with analysis of recent experimental and observational studies of the role of microRNAs in control of these mechanisms, and evaluates prospects for the development of new approaches to predict and to improve the cytostatic effects of taxanes through the analysis and modification of cellular microRNAs.

LncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 Sponging miR-520a-5p Contributes to the Development of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma by Enhancing BIRC5 Expression

The pattern of VPS9D1-AS1 expression and its effects on uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) remained unclear. VPS9D1-AS1, miR-520a-5p, and BIRC5 mRNA levels were quantified by qRT-PCR. Bax, Bcl-2, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and BIRC5 protein levels were analyzed through western blotting. Cell migration, invasion, proliferation, as well as apoptosis of cells were checked after performing assay for wound-healing, Transwell, cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and western blotting. VPS9D1-AS1 effects on UCEC were observed in nude mice. Through bioinformatics tools, we analyzed the association present among miR-520a-5p, BIRC5, and VPS9D1-AS1 along with RNA immunoprecipitation, and Dual-Luciferase verification reporter analysis. Our findings suggested VPS9D1-AS1 gene expression was up-regulated in both tissues as well as cells of UCEC. VPS9D1-AS1 knockdown suppressed migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) along with proliferation of UCEC cells, caused in vitro cell apoptosis initiation, and in vivo reduction of tumor growth. Mechanistically, it was verified that VPS9D1-AS1 targeted BIRC5 and caused miR-520a-5p sponging. Inhibitor of miR-520-5p markedly reversed the anti-tumor effects of VPS9D1-AS1 knockdown or BIRC5 knockdown on UCEC progression. Our studies revealed that VPS9D1-AS1 contributed to the UCEC development and progression by binding to miR-520a-5p competitively and inducing BIRC5 expression, indicating that VPS9D1-AS1 might act as a therapeutic target to develop new therapies for UCEC patients.

Circulating miR-1246 and miR-485-3p as Promising Biomarkers of Clinical Response and Outcome in Melanoma Patients Treated with Targeted Therapy

Despite the significant improvements in advanced melanoma therapy, there is still a pressing need for biomarkers that can predict patient response and prognosis, and therefore support rational treatment decisions. Here, we investigated whether circulating miRNAs could be biomarkers of clinical outcomes in patients treated with targeted therapy. Using next-generation sequencing, we profiled plasma miRNAs at baseline and at progression in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) or BRAFi + MEKi. Selected miRNAs associated with response to therapy were subjected to validation by real-time quantitative RT-PCR . Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), Kaplan–Meier and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on the validated miR-1246 and miR-485-3p baseline levels. The median baseline levels of miR-1246 and miR-485-3p were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the group of patients not responding to therapy (NRs) as compared with the group of responding patients (Rs). In Rs, a trend toward an increase in miR-1246 and a decrease in miR-485-3p was observed at progression. Baseline miR-1246 level and the miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio showed a good ability to discriminate between Rs and NRs. Poorer PFS and OS were observed in patients with unfavorable levels of at least one miRNA. In multivariate analysis, a low level of miR-485-3p and a high miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio remained independent negative prognostic factors for PFS, while a high miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio was associated with an increased risk of mortality, although statistical significance was not reached. Evaluation of miR-1246 and miR-485-3p baseline plasma levels might help clinicians to identify melanoma patients most likely to be unresponsive to targeted therapy or at higher risk for short-term PFS and mortality, thus improving their management.

MicroRNA-485-5p targets keratin 17 to regulate oral cancer stemness and chemoresistance via the integrin/FAK/Src/ERK/β-catenin pathway

Background

The development of drug resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that frequently leads to recurrence and metastasis after initial treatment remains an unresolved challenge. Presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been increasingly reported to be a critical contributing factor in drug resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis. Thus, unveiling of mechanisms regulating CSCs and potential targets for developing their inhibitors will be instrumental for improving OSCC therapy.

Methods

siRNA, shRNA and miRNA that specifically target keratin 17 (KRT17) were used for modulation of gene expression and functional analyses. Sphere-formation and invasion/migration assays were utilized to assess cancer cell stemness and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties, respectively. Duolink proximity ligation assay (PLA) was used to examine molecular proximity between KRT17 and plectin, which is a large protein that binds cytoskeleton components. Cell proliferation assay was employed to evaluate growth rates and viability of oral cancer cells treated with cisplatin, carboplatin or dasatinib. Xenograft mouse tumor model was used to evaluate the effect of KRT17- knockdown in OSCC cells on tumor growth and drug sensitization.

Results

Significantly elevated expression of KRT17 in highly invasive OSCC cell lines and advanced tumor specimens were observed and high KRT17 expression was correlated with poor overall survival. KRT17 gene silencing in OSCC cells attenuated their stemness properties including markedly reduced sphere forming ability and expression of stemness and EMT markers. We identified a novel signaling cascade orchestrated by KRT17 where its association with plectin resulted in activation of integrin β4/α6, increased phosphorylation of FAK, Src and ERK, as well as stabilization and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The activation of this signaling cascade was correlated with enhanced OSCC cancer stemness and elevated expression of CD44 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We identified and demonstrated KRT17 to be a direct target of miRNA-485-5p. Ectopic expression of miRNA-485-5p inhibited OSCC sphere formation and caused sensitization of cancer cells towards cisplatin and carboplatin, which could be significantly rescued by KRT17 overexpression. Dasatinib treatment that inhibited KRT17-mediated Src activation also resulted in OSCC drug sensitization. In OSCC xenograft mouse model, KRT17 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth, and combinatorial treatment with cisplatin elicited a greater tumor inhibitory effect. Consistently, markedly reduced levels of integrin β4, active β-catenin, CD44 and EGFR were observed in the tumors induced by KRT17 knockdown OSCC cells.

Conclusions

A novel miRNA-485-5p/KRT17/integrin/FAK/Src/ERK/β-catenin signaling pathway is unveiled to modulate OSCC cancer stemness and drug resistance to the common first-line chemotherapeutics. This provides a potential new therapeutic strategy to inhibit OSCC stem cells and counter chemoresistance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00824-z.

MiR ‐200c‐3p and miR ‐485‐5p overexpression elevates cisplatin sensitivity and suppresses the malignant phenotypes of non–small cell lung cancer cells through targeting RRM2

Background

This study intended to investigate the potential mechanism of microRNA‐200c‐3p (miR‐200c‐3p) and miR‐485‐5p in mediating the cisplatin (DDP) resistance in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was applied to measure the expression of miR‐200c‐3p, miR‐485‐5p, and ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2) messenger RNA (mRNA). 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to analyze the DDP resistance and the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Colony formation assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. The target relationship between RRM2 and miR‐200c‐3p or miR‐485‐5p was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The protein level of RRM2 was measured using Western blot assay. Animal experiments were conducted to analyze the roles of miR‐200c‐3p and miR‐485‐5p in the DDP resistance of xenograft tumors in vivo.

Results

MiR‐200c‐3p and miR‐485‐5p were both downregulated in DDP‐resistant NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpressing miR‐200c‐3p or miR‐485‐5p suppressed the DDP resistance and malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells. MiR‐200c‐3p played a synergistic role with miR‐485‐5p in regulating the chemo‐resistance and biological behaviors NSCLC cells. RRM2 was confirmed as a target of miR‐200c‐3p and miR‐485‐5p. RRM2 silencing restrained the DDP resistance and progression of NSCLC. RRM2 overexpression partly reversed miR‐200c‐3p or miR‐485‐5p‐induced influences in NSCLC cells. The overexpression of miR‐200c‐3p or miR‐485‐5p aggravated DDP‐mediated suppressive effect on tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

MiR‐200c‐3p or miR‐485‐5p enhanced the DDP sensitivity and suppressed the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells partly through targeting RRM2.

Dysregulation of Survivin-Targeting microRNAs in Autoimmune Diseases: New Perspectives for Novel Therapies

It has been well established that the etiopathogenesis of diverse autoimmune diseases is rooted in the autoreactive immune cells' excessively proliferative state and impaired apoptotic machinery. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic and mitotic factor that has sparked a considerable research interest in this field. Survivin overexpression has been shown to contribute significantly to the development of autoimmune diseases via autoreactive immune cell overproliferation and apoptotic dysregulation. Several microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been discovered to be involved in survivin regulation, rendering the survivin-miRNA axis a perspective target for autoimmune disease therapy. In this review, we discuss the role of survivin as an immune regulator and a highly implicated protein in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, the significance of survivin-targeting miRNAs in autoimmunity, and the feasibility of targeting the survivin-miRNA axis as a promising therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases.

The functional significance and cross-talk of non-coding RNAs in triple negative and quadruple negative breast cancer

One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide is breast cancer, among which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant and lethal subtype. This cancer accounts for 10-20% of all breast cancer deaths. Proliferation, tumorigenesis, and prognosis of TNBC are affected when the androgen receptor (AR) is not expressed, and it is classified as quadruple negative breast cancer (QNBC). Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a significant role in tumorigenesis by virtue of their oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. To regulate tumorigenesis, miRNAs interact with their target mRNAs and modulate their expression, whereas lncRNAs can either act alone or interact with miRNAs or other molecules through various signaling pathways. Conversely, circRNAs regulate tumorigenesis by acting as miRNA sponges predominantly. Recently, non-coding RNAs were studied comprehensively for their roles in tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. As a result of existing studies and research progress, non-coding RNAs have been implicated in TNBC, necessitating their use as biomarkers for future diagnostic applications. In this review, the non-coding RNAs are explicitly implicated in the regulation of breast cancer, and their cross-talk between TNBC and QNBC is also discussed.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01296 promotes progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via the miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis

INTRODUCTION

Long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1296 (LINC01296), a newly identified lncRNA, can function as an oncogenic driver to promote the development of multiple carcinomas. However, the effect of LINC01296 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We determined the expression and role of LINC01296 in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The cell viability, migration and invasion were determined by MTT, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used for detecting cell cycle and apoptosis. The interaction and association between LINC01296, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) and p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 4 (PAK4) were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. The xenograft mouse model was established to detect the effect of LINC01296 on OSCC tumor growth.

RESULTS

Our study showed that LINC01296 was over-expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The level of LINC01296 was positively correlated with the patient's tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and nodal invasion. Knockdown of LINC01296 effectively inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion but promotes cell apoptosis in vitro. The in vivo experiment showed that LINC01296 knockdown inhibited OSCC tumor growth. The following analysis indicated that LINC01296 acted as a ceRNA for miR-485-5p, and PAK4 was identified as a direct target of miR-485-5p. Furthermore, we found that the effects of LINC01296 on OSCC progression were through regulating the expression of PAK4/p-MEK/p-ERK via sponging miR-485-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC01296 promote the cell cycle, proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibit apoptosis of OSCC cells through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via sponging miR-485-5p to regulate PAK4 expression. These results suggested that the LINC01296/miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis was closely associated with OSCC progression. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular pathogenesis of OSCC, and may supply novel biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of OSCC.

Noncoding RNAs in triple negative breast cancer: Mechanisms for chemoresistance

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype among breast cancers with high recurrence and this condition is partly due to chemoresistance. Therefore, fully understanding the mechanism of TNBC-resistance is the key to overcoming chemoresistance, which will be an effective strategy for TNBC therapy. Various potential mechanisms involved in the chemoresistance of TNBC have been investigated and indicated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) especially microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) take part in most TNBC resistance. The ncRNA-induced chemoresistance process is involved in the alteration of many activities. here, we mainly summarize the mechanisms of ncRNAs in the chemoresistance of TNBC and discuss the potential clinical application of ncRNAs in the treatment of TNBC, indicating that targeting ncRNAs might be a promising strategy for resensitization to chemotherapies.

LncRNA SNHG7 Regulates Gastric Cancer Progression by miR-485-5p

Background

Long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) were closely related to the development of gastric cancer. This study investigated the effect of SNHG7 on gastric cancer progression and its potential molecular mechanism.

Methods

SNHG7 and microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) expressions in gastric cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, and transwell experiments were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to confirm the relationship between SNHG7 and miR-485-5p.

Results

SNHG7 expression was increased in human gastric cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of SNHG7 could notably inhibit the gastric cancer cells proliferation, migration, and invasion. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP experiments proved that miR-485-5p was a direct target of SNHG7. At the same time, further experiments demonstrated that miR-485-5p inhibition reversed the suppression of SNHG7 knockdown on gastric cancer cells proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

SNHG7 knockdown could hamper gastric cancer progression via inhibiting miR-485-5p expression, providing a novel understanding for gastric cancer development.

Long non-coding RNA A1BG-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis in breast cancer by sponging microRNA-485-5p and consequently increasing expression of FLOT1 expression

The dysregulated long non-coding RNA A1BG antisense RNA 1 (A1BG-AS1) has been implicated in the oncogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in this study, we detected A1BG-AS1 expression in breast cancer and elucidated the regulatory functions and exact mechanisms of A1BG-AS1 in breast cancer cells. The regulatory functions of A1BG-AS1 were examined in vitro using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometric, and Transwell migration and invasion assays and in vivo through tumor xenograft experiments. In addition, we performed bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments to verify the interaction among A1BG-AS1, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p), and flotillin-1 (FLOT1) in breast cancer. We found A1BG-AS1 to be highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. In terms of function, depleted A1BG-AS1 markedly suppressed cell proliferation, accelerated cell apoptosis, and hindered cell migration and invasion in breast cancer. Furthermore, A1BG-AS1 interference reduced tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that A1BG-AS1 directly interacted with miR-485-5p as a molecular sponge. We demonstrated that FLOT1 is a direct target of miR-485-5p, which could be positively regulated by A1BG-AS1 by competing for miR-485-5p. Rescue experiments clearly showed that the downregulation of miR-485-5p and upregulation of FLOT1 were capable of reversing the anticancer activities of A1BG-AS1 deficiency in terms of breast cancer cell malignancy. A1BG-AS1 acts as a miR-485-5p sponge and subsequently increases FLOT1 expression in breast cancer cells, ultimately facilitating cancer progression. Hence, the A1BG-AS1/miR-485-5p/FLOT1 pathway might offer a novel therapeutic perspective for breast cancer.

Emerging Importance of Survivin in Stem Cells and Cancer: the Development of New Cancer Therapeutics

Survivin is one of the rare proteins that is differentially expressed in normal and cancer cells and is directly or indirectly involved in numerous pathways required for tumor maintenance. It is expressed in almost all cancers and its expression has been detected at early stages of cancer. These traits make survivin an exceptionally attractive target for cancer therapeutics. Even with these promising features to be an oncotherapeutic target, there has been limited success in the clinical trials targeting survivin. Only recently it has emerged that survivin was not being specifically targeted which could have resulted in the negative clinical outcome. Also, focus of research has now shifted from survivin expression in the overall heterogeneous tumor cell populations to survivin expression in cancer stem cells as these cells have proved to be the major drivers of tumors. Therefore, in this review we have analyzed the expression of survivin in normal and cancer cells with a particular focus on its expression in cancer stem cell compartment. We have discussed the major signaling pathways involved in regulation of survivin. We have explored the current development status of various types of interventions for inhibition of survivin. Furthermore, we have discussed the challenges involving the development of potent and specific survivin inhibitors for cancer therapeutics. Finally we have given insights for some of the promising future anticancer treatments.

Blockage of miR-485-5p on Cortical Neuronal Apoptosis Induced by Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation Through Inactivating MAPK Pathway

This study is designed to explore the role of miR-485-5p in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced neuronal injury in primary rat cortical neurons. Hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established through oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). RN-c cells were transfected with miR-485-5p mimics, miR-485-5p inhibitors, si-SOX6, pCNDA3.1-SOX6 or miR-485-5p + pCDNA3.1-SOX6, in which cell viability, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rate were assessed. Western blot detected the protein expressions of apoptotic-related proteins (caspase3, Bcl-2, Bax) and the phosphorylated level of ERK1/2. The potential binding sites between miR-485-5p and SOX6 were predicted by STARBASE and identified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay. OGD/R-treated RN-c cell presented increases in apoptosis and LDH release rate as well as a decrease in cell viability. miR-485-5p was downregulated while SOX6 was upregulated in OGD/R-treated RN-c cells. Overexpression of miR-485-5p or SOX6 knockdown rescued cell viability and Bcl-2 expression, while attenuated apoptosis, LDH release rate, expression of SOX6 and the phosphorylated level of ERK1/2. Consistently, miR-485-5p inhibition led to the reverse pattern. Co-transfection of miR-485-5p and SOX6 reversed the protective effect of miR-485-5p on OGD/R-induced neuronal apoptosis. miR-485-5p can directly target SOX6. Together, miR-485-5p inhibited SOX6 to alleviate OGD/R-induced apoptosis. Collectively, miR-485-5p protects primary cortical neurons against hypoxia injury through downregulating SOX6 and inhibiting MAPK pathway.

CircHECTD1 up-regulates mucin 1 expression to accelerate hepatocellular carcinoma development by targeting microRNA-485-5p via a competing endogenous RNA mechanism

Background:

Non-coding RNAs have attracted considerable attention for their vital role in cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of non-coding RNAs on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and reveal their regulatory mechanism in the pathophysiological process.

Methods:

We measured the expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) and miR-485-5p in tissues from 15 HCC patients and in liver cancer cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, screened for aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) by miRNA microarrays. Bioinformatics tools were used to find the miRNA and circular RNA that regulated MUC1, which were validated by RNA immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay. Cell counting kit-8, Transwell assays, and flow cytometry were used to conduct functional experiments. Proteins were examined by western blot and immunohistochemical staining assays. Significant differences between groups were estimated using the one-way analysis of variance. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

MUC1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with that in paratumor tissues (normal vs. tumor, 1.007 ± 0.215 vs. 75.213 ± 18.403, t = 18.401, P < 0.001) while miR-485-5p was down-regulated (normal vs. tumor, 4.894 ± 0.684 vs. 1.586 ± 0.398, t = 16.191, P < 0.001). Inhibition of miR-485-5p promoted cell proliferation (73.33% ± 5.13% vs. 41.33% ± 3.51%, t = 8.913, P < 0.001), migration (102 ± 8 cells vs. 46 ± 8 cells, t = 8.681, P < 0.001), invasion (59 ± 7 cells vs. 28 ± 2 cells, t = 8.034, P < 0.01), and suppressed apoptosis (22.64% ± 6.97% vs. 36.33% ± 3.96%, t = 2.958, P < 0.05) of HepG2 cells with which MUC1 is knocked down. Mechanically, miR-485-5p binds to MUC1, while circHECTD1 binds to miR-485-5p, resulting in the indirect up-regulation of the MUC1 level.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal that circHECTD1 facilitates HCC progression by sponging miR-485-5p to up-regulate MUC1.

E74-like factor 3 suppresses microRNA-485-5p transcription to trigger growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells with the involvement of CLDN4/Wnt/β-catenin axis

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most prevailing gynecological malignancies with high mortality rate, while E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) is reported to be associated with tumorigenesis. This work aims to analyze the role of ELF3 on the suppression of miR-485-5p transcription in OC. Expression of ELF3 in OC and its correlation with overall survival were predicted on a bioinformation system GEPIA. Then, the level of ELF3 in OC tissues and cells and in normal ones was evaluated. Binding relationships between ELF3 and microRNA (miR)-485-5p, and between miR-485-5p and claudin-4 (CLND4) were predicted through Bioinformatics tools. Altered expression of ELF3, miR-485-5p and CLND4 was introduced alone or jointly to probe their influences on OC cell growth. ELF3 was suggested to be highly expressed in OC, which was linked to poor prognosis in patients. Abundant expression of ELF3 was identified in OC tissues and cell lines as relative to the normal ones. ELF3 inhibition suppressed growth and metastasis of OC cells. ELF3 transcriptionally suppressed miR-485-5p expression to further enhance CLDN4 expression. Overexpression of miR-485-5p led to similar trends as ELF3 inhibition did. Importantly, upregulation of CLDN4 was found to block the roles of ELF3 inhibition in OC cells. In addition, the Wnt/signaling pathway suppressed by miR-485-5p mimic was reactivated following CLDN4 overexpression. This study evidenced that ELF3 suppresses miR-485-5p transcription to enhance CLDN4 expression, leading to Wnt/β-catenin activation and promoting OC cell growth and metastasis. This work may provide new ideas for gene-based therapies for OC.

MicroRNA‑485‑5p suppresses the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting flotillin‑1 and inhibits the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition

As esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Asia, it is crucial to uncover its underlying molecular mechanisms that support its development and progression. Several articles have reported that microRNA (miR)-485-5p inhibits the malignant phenotype in a number of cancer types, such as lung, gastric and breast cancer, but to the best of our knowledge, its function in ESCC has not been studied in depth until the present study. It is of great significance to probe the regulatory action and underlying mechanism of miR-485-5p in ESCC. In brief, this study identified that miR-485-5p expression in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. The decrease in miR-485-5p expression was associated with a larger tumour size and poor histology and stage. The expression of miR-485-5p was relatively high in Eca 109 and TE-1 cells, but relatively low in KYSE 30. The overexpression of miR-485-5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, whereas miR-485-5p knockdown did the opposite. Flotillin-1 (FLOT-1) can facilitate the malignant phenotype in various cancer types. The present study found that in ESCC tissue, the protein expression of FLOT-1 was negatively correlated with miR-485-5p expression. Further experiments showed that miR-485-5p directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region of FLOT-1. The overexpression of miR-485-5p significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of FLOT-1, whereas knockdown had the reverse effects. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-485-5p restrained epithelial-mesenchymal metastasis (EMT)-related factors at both the mRNA and protein levels. At the same time, it also inhibited the growth of ESCC and restrained the EMT in vivo. In summary, miR-485-5p was found to be an inhibitor of ESCC and may have potential as a novel target candidate for ESCC treatment.

CircANKRD52 Promotes the Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Sponging miR-497-5p and Upregulating BIRC5 Expression

CircRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of a variety of cancers. Previous studies showed that baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) can promote tumor progression. But, the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate BIRC5 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. The clinical prognosis of BIRC5 or miR-497-5p expression in patients with HCC was assessed by TCGA RNA-seq dataset. hsa_circ_0026939 (circANKRD52) or BIRC5 was identified to bind with miR-497-5p by luciferase gene report, RIP and circRIP assays. MTT, colony formation, Transwell assays and a xenograft tumor model were used to estimate the role of miR-497-5p or circANKRD52 in HCC cells. As a result, we found that elevated expression of BIRC5 or decreased expression of miR-497-5p was linked to poor survival in HCC. Restored expression of miR-497-5p repressed cell proliferation, colony formation and invasiveness by targeting BIRC5, but its inhibitor showed the opposite results. Furthermore, circANKRD52 possessed a tumor-promoting effect by acting as a sponge of miR-497-5p and thereby upregulated BIRC5 in HCC cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that circANKRD52 enhances the tumorigenesis of HCC by sponging miR-497-5p and upregulating BIRC5 expression.

MiR-485 targets the DTX4 gene to regulate milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are mRNA suppressors that regulate a variety of cellular and physiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, triglyceride synthesis, fat formation, and lipolysis, by post-transcriptional processing. In previous studies, we isolated and sequenced miRNAs from mammary epithelial cells from Chinese Holstein cows with high and low milk fat percentages. MiR-485 was one of the significantly differentially expressed miRNAs that were identified. In the present study, the relationship between the candidate target gene DTX4 and miR-485 was validated by bioinformatics and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analyses in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). The results indicated that miR-485 negatively regulated the mRNA expression of the target gene DTX4. Furthermore, an shRNA interference vector for the target gene DTX4 was constructed successfully, and it increased the triglyceride content and reduced the cholesterol content of transfected cells. These results suggest that miR-485 may affect the contents of triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (CHOL) by targeting the DTX4 gene. This study indicates that miR-485 has a role in regulating milk fat synthesis and that miR-485 targets the DTX4 gene to regulate lipid metabolism in bMECs. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional significance of miR-485 in milk fat synthesis.

The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies

Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000554 promotes progression and elevates radioresistance through the miR-485-5p/fermitin family members 1 axis in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant cancers in the world. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000554 (circ_0000554) and Fermitin family members 1 (FERMT1) are rated to the advancement of esophageal cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms between circ_0000554 and FERMT1 in the radioresistance of esophageal cancer are unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to examine the expression of circ_0000554, FERMT1 mRNA, and miR-485-5p. Western blot analysis was employed to assess the protein expression levels of FERMT1, Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2. Cell colony formation, migration, invasion, radiosensitivity and apoptosis were evaluated by cell colony formation, transwell or flow cytometry assays. The relationship between circ_0000554 or FERMT1 and miR-485-5p was verified with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Circ_0000554 and FERMT1 expression was enhanced in esophageal cancer tissues and radioresistant esophageal cancer tissues. Both circ_0000554 and FERMT1 repression blocked cell colony formation, migration, invasion and elevated cell radiosensitivity and apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Importantly, circ_0000554 served as a sponge for miR-485-5p in esophageal cancer cells. And FERMT1 acted as a downstream target for miR-485-5p. Additionally, circ_0000554 modulated FERMT1 expression via miR-485-5p. Furthermore, FERMT1 enhancement reversed circ_0000554 inhibition-mediated effects on the colony formation, migration, invasion, radiosensitivity and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. Circ_0000554 silencing repressed EC progression and enhanced cell radiosensitivity through downregulating FERMT1 via sponging miR-485-5p, which provided a possible method for improving the radioresistence of esophageal cancer.

circ_0082375 promotes the progression of glioma by regulating Wnt7B

Circular RNAs contribute to the progression of glioma. However, the biological role and underlying mechanism of circ_0082375 in glioma remain unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to evaluate the expression levels of circ_0082375, microRNA-485-5p, and Wnt family member 7B (Wnt7B). The overall survival of glioma patients was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were detected by cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2 -deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. Glucose level and lactate production were determined using glucose and lactate assay kits. In vitro angiogenesis assay was used to evaluate the angiogenesis of glioma cells. The interaction between microRNA (miR)-485-5p and circ_0082375 or Wnt family member 7B (Wnt7B) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. A xenograft model was used to verify the function of circ_0082375 in vivo. circ_0082375 was upregulated in glioma tissues, and it was closely related to the prognosis of glioma patients. circ_0082375 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, glycolysis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted cell apoptosis in glioma cells. irc_0082375 was a sponge of miR-485-5p, which directly targeted Wnt7B. Knockdown of circ_0082375 inhibited the malignancy, angiogenesis, and glycolysis of glioma cells in vitro by sponging miR-485-5p. Besides, circ_0082375 knockdown hampered the growth of glioma growth by regulating the miR-485-5p/Wnt7B axis in vivo. Altogether, circ_0082375 regulated miR-485-5p/Wnt7B axis to promote the malignancy, angiogenesis, and glycolysis of glioma cells, thereby contributing to the progression of glioma.

Role of non-coding RNAs in modulating the response of cancer cells to paclitaxel treatment

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic substance that is administered for treatment of an extensive spectrum of human malignancies. In spite of its potent short-term effects against tumor cells, resistance to paclitaxel occurs in a number of patients precluding its long-term application in these patients. Non-coding RNAs have been shown to influence response of cancer cells to this chemotherapeutic agent via different mechanisms. Mechanistically, these transcripts regulate expression of several genes particularly those being involved in the apoptotic processes. Lots of in vivo and in vitro assays have demonstrated the efficacy of oligonucleotide-mediated microRNAs (miRNA)/ long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) silencing in enhancement of response of cancer cells to paclitaxel. Therefore, targeted therapies against non-coding RNAs have been suggested as applicable modalities for combatting resistance to this agent. In the present review, we provide a summary of studies which assessed the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in conferring resistance to paclitaxel.

LncRNA RHPN1-AS1 accelerates proliferation, migration, and invasion via regulating miR-485-5p/BSG axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

It is reported that long noncoding RNA RHPN1-AS1 (lncRNA RHPN1-AS1) functions as an oncogene among multiple types of cancers; however, the effect of lncRNA RHPN1-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is left to be investigated. The main purpose of this work was to study the effects of lncRNA RHPN1-AS1/miR-485-5p system on proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC and future investigate the latent mechanisms. Our work found that lncRNA RHPN1-AS1 was observably up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, especially HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721 cells. LncRNA RHPN1-AS1 knockdown decreased the capacity of proliferation, invasion, and migration in HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721 cells, which could be crippled by miR-485-5p inhibitor. Besides, the expression of basigin (BSG) was decreased after lncRNA RHPN1-AS1 silence, indicating the function of lncRNA RHPN1-AS1/miR-485-5p/BSG axis in HCC progression. Our study opens novel insights to help understand the mechanisms of lncRNA RHPN1-AS1/miR-485-5p/BSG axis in HCC progression, which may provide a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Circular RNA NOX4 promotes the development of colorectal cancer via the microRNA‑485‑5p/CKS1B axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy globally. The aim of the present study was to explore the role and the working mechanism of circular RNA NADPH oxidase 4 (circNOX4; circBase ID, hsa_circ_0023990) in CRC. Reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q)PCR was used to examine the expression of circNOX4, NOX4 mRNA and microRNA (miR)‑485‑5p in CRC tissues and cell lines. 3‑(4,5‑Dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Transwell assays were performed to analyze CRC cell viability and motility. The glycolytic ability of CRC cells was assessed by measuring glucose consumption, lactate production, extracellular acidification and O2 consumption rates using commercial kits. The starBase database was used to predict the targets of circNOX4 and miR‑485‑5p, and the interaction was confirmed by dual‑luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. A murine xenograft model was established to verify the role of circNOX4 in CRC in vivo. The results demonstrated that the expression of circNOX4 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and a normal colon epithelial cell line, respectively. The expression of circNOX4 was negatively associated with the prognosis of patients with CRC. CircNOX4 silencing suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis of CRC cells. miR‑485‑5p was identified as a target of circNOX4. CircNOX4 promoted CRC progression by sponging miR‑485‑5p. miR‑485‑5p was demonstrated to bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 1B (CKS1B). miR‑485‑5p overexpression‑mediated malignant properties of CRC cells were partly reversed by the transfection with the CKS1B overexpression plasmid. CircNOX4 silencing restrained the CRC xenograft growth in vivo. Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that circNOX4 may serve an oncogenic role in CRC by promoting the proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis of CRC cells via the miR‑485‑5p/CKS1B axis.

SNHG17 upregulates WLS expression to accelerate lung adenocarcinoma progression by sponging miR-485-5p

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been uncovered to be essential regulators in the biological processes of human cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Recently, small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) has been identified as one novel oncogenic lncRNA in gastric cancer. However, it remains unclear whether SNHG7 exert functions in LUAD progression.

METHODS

The expression levels of SNHG17, miR-485-5p and Wnt ligand secretion mediator (WLS) in LUAD cells was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The effect of SNHG7 silencing on LUAD cell proliferation was assessed by colony formation and EdU assays. The apoptosis of LUAD cells was measured by flow cytometry analysis. Transwell assays were applied to detect cell migration and invasion. The relationship between SNHG17 and miR-485-5p was validated by RIP, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

SNHG17 and WLS were up-regulated in LUAD cell lines. Down-regulation of SNHG17 curbed LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion but facilitated apoptosis. SNHG17 acted as miR-485-5p sponge to upregulate WLS expression.

CONCLUSION

SNHG17 triggers the progression of LUAD via sponging miR-485-5p to upregulate WLS expression.

lncRNA DUXAP8 Facilitates Multiple Malignant Phenotypes and Resistance to PARP Inhibitor in HCC via Upregulating FOXM1

In this study, we examined the clinical significance and molecular mechanisms of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DUXAP8 expression was compared using quantitative real-time PCR in HCC versus adjacent tissues and in HCC cell lines versus normal hepatic epithelial cells. The correlations between DUXAP8 level and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Assays including MTT, colony-forming analysis, Transwell assay, western blot, xenograft formation, experimental metastasis, luciferase assay, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to examine DUXAP8-induced malignant phenotypes, its regulation on forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1), and the importance of FOXM1 in mediating DUXAP8 phenotypes. Our results showed that DUXAP8 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues or cell lines associated with tumors of advanced grades, tumors that were positive for lymph node metastasis, and patients with poor overall survival. DUAXP8 was essential in maintaining multiple malignant phenotypes (including resistance to olaparib) both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DUXAP8 upregulated FOXM1 expression by sponging miR-485-5p and interacting with the RNA-binding protein Fused in Sarcoma (FUS). Functionally, FOXM1 essentially mediated the oncogenic phenotypes of DUXAP8. Collectively, DUXAP8 acts through two distinct mechanisms to upregulate FOXM1 and becomes a pleotropic oncogenic lncRNA in HCC.

Long non‑coding RNA NR2F1‑AS1 facilitates the osteosarcoma cell malignant phenotype via the miR‑485‑5p/miR‑218‑5p/BIRC5 axis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NR2F1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) has been reported to be an oncogene in several cancer types, including osteosarcoma (OS). However, the underlying fundamental molecular mechanism of NR2F1-AS1 in OS remains largely unknown, which the present study aimed to elucidate. The present study demonstrated that NR2F1-AS1 expression is markedly increased in OS, and NR2F1-AS1 was shown to exert oncogenic functions in OS. Further molecular mechanistic studies revealed that microRNA (miR)-485-5p and miR-218-5p were direct targets of NR2F1-AS1. More importantly, miR-485-5p and miR-218-5p exhibited low expression levels and were negatively correlated with NR2F1-AS1 expression in OS tissues. It was then identified that baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) was a direct target of miR-485-5p and miR-218-5p in OS cells. Furthermore, a series of experiments suggested that NR2F1-AS1 affects the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of OS cells by regulating BIRC5. Finally, it was revealed that silencing of NR2F1-AS1 repressed the OS cell malignant phenotype by binding with miR-485-5p and miR-218-5p, and then downregulating BIRC5 expression, which suggests that the NR2F1-AS1/miR-485-5p/miR-218-5p/BIRC5 axis could be a potential target for treating OS.

Lnc-PICSAR contributes to cisplatin resistance by miR-485-5p/REV3L axis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with drug resistance in multiple cancers. We explored the roles of lncRNA p38 inhibited cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma-associated lincRNA (PICSAR) in cisplatin (DDP) resistance of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the expression of lnc-PICSAR, miR-485-5p and reversionless 3-like (REV3L) mRNA. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted to evaluate DDP resistance and cell viability. The transwell assay was performed to determine cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining assay were carried out to measure protein levels. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to investigate the association between miR-485-5p and lnc-PICSAR or REV3L. Murine xenograft model was constructed to explore the function of lnc-PICSAR in vivo. The morphology of exosomes was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).

Results

Lnc-PICSAR was elevated in DDP-resistant CSCC cells. Lnc-PICSAR silencing suppressed cell viability, DDP resistance, migration and invasion in DDP-resistant CSCC cells. MiR-485-5p acted as a target of lnc-PICSAR, and miR-485-5p inhibition reversed the impacts of lnc-PICSAR silencing on DDP resistance and cell progression in DDP-resistant CSCC cells. Lnc-PICSAR promoted REV3L expression via sponging miR-485-5p. Moreover, REV3L overexpression overturned the effects of lnc-PICSAR on cell progression and DDP resistance. Lnc-PICSAR knockdown suppressed DDP resistance in vivo. In addition, lnc-PICSAR was increased in the exosomes derived from CSCC patients’ serum and CSCC cells.

Conclusion

Lnc-PICSAR enhanced DDP resistance via miR-485-5p/REV3L axis in DDP-resistant CSCC cells. Besides, exosome-mediated lnc-PICSAR might be involved in the regulation of drug resistance in CSCC.

SNHG11 contributes to NSCLC cell growth and migration by targeting miR-485-5p/BSG axis

Accumulating studies implied that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as essential factors in regulating diverse biological behaviors of cancers. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11) has been reported as for its oncogenic properties in several cancer types. However, it is unclear whether SNHG11 exerts functions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to inspect the role and regulatory mechanism of SNHG11 in NSCLC. The expression of SNHG11 in NSCLC cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Functional experiments were carried out to determine the effects of SNHG11 silence on the biological behaviors of NSCLC cells, including growth, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The inhibition of above functions was observed after SNHG11 was silenced. Subcellular fractionation and FISH assays were performed to detect the cellular distribution of SNHG11. Moreover, SNHG11 was found to be a sponge of miR-485-5p that could directly target to Basigin (BSG) mRNA. The interaction between SNHG11 and miR-485-5p as well as between miR-485-5p and BSG was proven by RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays. Restoration assay confirmed the involvement of miR-485-5p and BSG in SNHG11-mediated NSCLC cellular functions. Conclusively, SNHG11 was overexpressed in NSCLC and functioned as a miR-485-5p sponge to up-regulate BSG.

[Long-chain non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates paclitaxel resistance of breast cancer cells by targeting miR-485-3p]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of long-chain non-coding RNA MALAT1 in modulating paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells were treated with gradient concentrations of paclitaxel to induce paclitaxel resistance of the cells. The resistant cells were transfected with si-NC, si-MALAT1, pcDNA, pcDNA-MALAT1, miRNC, miR-485-3p mimics, si-MALAT1+anti-miR-NC, or si-MALAT1+anti-miR-485-3p via liposomes. Following the transfections, the cells were examined for changes in IC50 of paclitaxel using MTT assay; the protein expression of P-gp, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected with Western blotting, and a dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the binding of MALAT1 to miR-485-3p.

RESULTS

Compared with paclitaxel-sensitive SK-BR-3 cells, paclitaxel-resistant SK-BR-3 cells showed significantly increased the IC50 of paclitaxel with up-regulated MALAT1 expression and down-regulated miR-485-3p expression (P < 0.05). Silencing MALAT1 or overexpressing miR-485-3p obviously lowered the IC50 of paclitaxel and the expression of P-gp and Bcl-2 and increased the expression of Bax in SK-BR-3/PR cells (P < 0.05). miR-485-3p was identified as the target of MALAT1, and inhibiting miR-485-3p significantly reverse the effect of MALAT1 silencing on IC50 of paclitaxel and the expressions of P-gp, Bcl-2 and Bax in SK-BR-3/PR cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MALAT1 can modulate paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer cells possibly by targeting miR-485-3p to down-regulate P-gp and Bcl-2 and up-regulate Bax.

LINC00665 promotes breast cancer progression through regulation of the miR-379-5p/LIN28B axis

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. Although increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles during breast tumorigenesis and progression, the involvement of most lncRNAs in breast cancer remains largely unknown. In the current study, we demonstrated that LINC00665 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Accumulating evidence indicates that many lncRNAs can function as endogenous miRNA sponges by competitively binding common miRNAs. In this study, we demonstrated that LINC00665 functions as a sponge for miR-379-5p, reducing the ability of miR-379-5p to repress LIN28B. LINC00665 promoted breast cancer progression and induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like phenotype via the upregulation of LIN28B expression. Clinically, LINC00665 expression was increased but miR-379-5p expression was decreased in breast cancer tissues compared with that in normal breast tissues in the TCGA database. Furthermore, the expression of LINC00665 was negatively related with miR-379-5p expression. Collectively, our results reveal the LINC00665-miR-379-5p-LIN28B axis and shed light on breast cancer therapy.

MATN1-AS1 promotes glioma progression by functioning as ceRNA of miR-200b/c/429 to regulate CHD1 expression

OBJECTIVES

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MATN1-AS1 is a newfound lncRNA that has been rarely explored in cancers. Herein, we would like to investigate its role in glioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was conducted to examine gene expression in glioma. Then, MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis were applied to evaluate the function of MATN1-AS1 on glioma cells. Western blot was performed to measure the protein levels of genes. Besides, the luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, RIP assay and Spearman's correlation analysis were also performed as needed.

RESULTS

Firstly, a data from TCGA showed that MATN1-AS1 might be largely implicated in glioma. Meanwhile, MATN1-AS1 upregulation confirmed in glioma predicted poor clinical outcomes. Functionally, MATN1-AS1 knockdown restrained cell proliferation but stimulated apoptosis in vitro and repressed tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations validated that MATN1-AS1 functioned as a ceRNA for miR-200b/c/429 to upregulate CHD1 which was also verified to exert a growth-promoting role in glioma cells here. Importantly, both CHD1 overexpression and miR-200b/c/429 inhibition could rescue the obstructive role of MATN1-AS1 silence in glioma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MATN1-AS1 promotes glioma progression through regulating miR-200b/c/429-CHD1 axis, suggesting MATN1-AS1 as a probable target for glioma treatment.

LncRNA LINC00460 promotes the papillary thyroid cancer progression by regulating the LINC00460/miR-485-5p/Raf1 axis

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common malignancy of all thyroid cancers. LncRNA LINC00460 has been proved to play roles in the oncogenesis and progression of various tumors, including papillary thyroid cancer. However, the potential molecular mechanism of LINC00460 in PTC is poorly investigated.

Results

LINC00460 was upregulated in PTC tissues and cells. Raf1 was upregulated in PTC tissues, but miR-485-5p was down-regulated. High LINC00460 expression was associated with poor prognosis. LINC00460 knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration, invation and EMT of PTC cells. Bioinformatics prediction revealed that LINC00460 had binding sites with miR-485-5p, which was validated by luciferase reporter assay. In addition, miR-485-5p was confirmed to directly target Raf1 3′-UTR. Moreover, LINC00460 promoted PTC progression by sponging miR-485-5p to elevate the expression of Raf1. Knockdown of LINC00460 restrained tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

LINC00460 induced proliferation, migration, invation and EMT of PTC cells by regulating the LINC00460/miR-485-5p/Raf1 axis, which indicated that LINC00460 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC.

MiR-485-3p modulates neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation via regulating TRIP6 expression

Recent references have showed crucial roles of several miRNAs in neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation. However, the expression and role of miR‐485‐3p remains unknown. In our reference, we indicated that miR‐485‐3p expression was down‐regulated during NSCs differentiation to neural and astrocytes cell. In addition, the TRIP6 expression was up‐regulated during NSCs differentiation to neural and astrocytes cell. We carried out the dual‐luciferase reporter and found that overexpression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the luciferase activity of pmirGLO‐TRIP6‐wt but not the pmirGLO‐TRIP6‐mut. Ectopic expression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the expression of TRIP6 in NSC. Ectopic miR‐485‐3p expression suppressed the cell growth of NSCs and inhibited nestin expression of NSCs. Moreover, elevated expression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the ki‐67 and cyclin D1 expression in NSCs. Furthermore, we indicated that miR‐485‐3p reduced proliferation and induced differentiation of NSCs via targeting TRIP6 expression. These data suggested that a crucial role of miR‐485‐3p in self‐proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. Thus, altering miR‐485‐3p and TRIP6 modulation may be one promising therapy for treating with neurodegenerative and neurogenesis diseases.

miR-3622b-5p regulates cisplatin resistance of human gastric cancer cell line by targeting BIRC5

Many evidences showed that drug resistance of gastric cancer cells could be regulated by the abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. Thus, we investigated the role of miR-3622b-5p in the development of cisplatin (DDP) resistance in human gastric cancer cell lines. A set of biochemical assays were used to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-3622b-5p regulates drug resistance in cancer cells. The expression of miR-3622b-5p was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and showed that miR-3622b-5p was significantly downregulated in the plasma of patients with acquired drug resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy for gastric cancer. miR-3622b-5p was also found significantly downregulated in DDP-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/DDP, compared with the parental SGC7901 cells. An in vitro drug sensitivity assay showed that overexpression of miR-3622b-5p sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to DDP. The luciferase activity of reporters constructed by BIRC5 3′-untranslated regions in SGC7901/DDP cells suggested that BIRC5 was target gene of miR-3622b-5p. Ecpotic miR-3622b-5p expression in SGC7901/DDP cells significantly repressed the expression of the BIRC5 and sensitized the cells to DDP-induced apoptosis. By contrast, treatment with miR-3622b-5p inhibitor increased the protein expression of BIRC5 and led to a lower proportion of apoptotic cells in the SGC7901 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that miR-3622b-5p regulates DDP resistance of human gastric cancer cells at least in part by repressing the expression of BIRC5. Altering miR-3622b-5p expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chemoresistance in gastric cancer in the future.

MicroRNA biogenesis, gene silencing mechanisms and role in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer

Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are important class of short regulatory RNA molecules involved in regulation of several essential biological processes. In addition to Dicer and Drosha, over the past few years several other gene products are discovered that regulates miRNA biogenesis pathways. Similarly, various models of molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA mediated gene silencing have been uncovered through which miRNA contribute in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been reported in many cancers manifesting tumor suppressive or oncogenic role. In this review, critical overview of recent findings in miRNA biogenesis, silencing mechanisms and specifically the role of miRNA in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer will be described. Recent advancements in miRNA research summarized in this review will enhance the molecular understanding of miRNA biogenesis and mechanism of action. Also, role of miRNAs in pathogenesis of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer will provide the insights for the use of miRNAs as biomarker or therapeutic agents for the cancers.

Cancer therapeutics using survivin BIRC5 as a target: what can we do after over two decades of study?

Survivin (also named BIRC5) is a well-known cancer therapeutic target. Since its discovery more than two decades ago, the use of survivin as a target for cancer therapeutics has remained a central goal of survivin studies in the cancer field. Many studies have provided intriguing insight into survivin's functional role in cancers, thus providing promise for survivin as a cancer therapeutic target. Despite this, moving survivin-targeting agents into and through the clinic remains a challenge. In order to address this challenge, we may need to rethink current strategies in order to develop a new mindset for targeting survivin. In this Review, we will first summarize the current survivin mechanistic studies, and then review the status of survivin cancer therapeutics, which is classified into five categories: (i) survivin-partner protein interaction inhibitors, (ii) survivin homodimerization inhibitors, (iii) survivin gene transcription inhibitors, (iv) survivin mRNA inhibitors and (v) survivin immunotherapy. We will then provide our opinions on cancer therapeutics using survivin as a target, with the goal of stimulating discussion that might facilitate translational research for discovering improved strategies and/or more effective anticancer agents that target survivin for cancer therapy.

lncRNA FLVCR1-AS1 regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging miR-485-5p in human cholangiocarcinoma

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FLVCR1 antisense RNA 1 (FLVCR1-AS1) serves a crucial role in many types of cancer; however, to the best of our knowledge, the biological effect of FLVCR1-AS1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the involvement of FLVCR1-AS1 in the regulation of human CCA cell growth, migration and invasion, as well as the mechanisms underlying its effect. The expression levels of FLVCR1-AS1 in CCA tumor tissues, adjacent normal tissues, CCA cell lines and a cholangiocyte cell line were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A significantly higher expression level of FLVCR1-AS1 was identified in CCA tumor tissues and the CCA cell lines HuCCT1 and CCLP1 compared with the normal controls. Short hairpin RNA targeting FLVCR1-AS1 (shFLVCR1-AS1) and a control plasmid (shNC) were transfected into CCA cell lines. Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of CCA cells transfected with shFLVCR1-AS1 were significantly suppressed compared with the shNC groups. The expression levels of migration and invasion-associated proteins, including Twist, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, were also significantly suppressed by shFLVCR1-AS1-treatment. Furthermore, FLVCR1-AS1 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, FLVCR1-AS1 was demonstrated to sponge microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) in human CCA. The expression of miR-458-5p was significantly decreased in CCA tissue compared with normal tissue, and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that FLVCR1-AS1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-485-5p expression in CCA tissues. These results suggested that lncRNA FLVCR1-AS1 may be used as a novel therapeutic target and a potential diagnostic marker for CCA.

Role of SNHG7-miR-653-5p-STAT2 feedback loop in regulating neuroblastoma progression

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to be involved in the pathology of numerous cancers, including neuroblastoma (NB). lncRNA SNHG7 has been recognized as a carcinogen in several cancers, but its role in NB progression remains unknown. Our study revealed that SNHG7 expression was markedly higher in NB tissues than that in nontumor tissues. Besides, upregulated SNHG7 was greatly correlated with poor overall survival of NB patients. Functionally, the loss-of-function assays demonstrated that knockdown of SNHG7 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NB cells. Mechanically, the bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR-653-5p was the shared partner of SNHG7 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2). Unsurprisingly, we further confirmed that SNHG7 could interact with miR-653-5p and therefore functioned as the ceRNA of STAT2 so as to regulate STAT2 expression in NB cells. Moreover, STAT2 expression was in inverse proportion to miR-653-5p level but in positive proportion to SNHG7 level in NB tissues. Importantly, the repressed NB progression induced by silenced SNHG7 was reversed by STAT2 overexpression or miR-653-5p inhibitors. Jointly, our findings elucidated SNHG7 facilitated NB progression through the miR-653-5p/STAT2 pathway, providing a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for this disease.

Modulation in the microRNA repertoire is responsible for the stage-specific effects of Akt suppression on murine neuroendocrine prostate cancer

Recent studies indicate a stage-specific, differential role for the oncogene Akt on various cancers. In prostate cancer (PCa), suppression of Akt activity in the advanced stages promoted transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) pathway-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis to the lungs. In the current study, we performed Affymetrix analysis to compare the expression profile of microRNAs in the mouse prostate tissues collected at the prostatic inter-epithelial neoplasia (PIN) stage from Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse (TRAMP)/Akt1^+/+ versus TRAMP/Akt1^–/– mice, and at the advanced stage from TRAMP/Akt1^+/+ mice treated with triciribine (Akt inhibitor) versus DMSO-treated control. Our analysis demonstrates that in the early stage, Akt1 in the TRAMP prostate tumors express a set of miRNAs responsible for regulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, and tumor growth, whereas, in the advanced stages, a different set of miRNAs that promote EMT and cancer metastasis is expressed. Our study has identified novel Akt-regulated signature microRNAs in the early and advanced PCa and demonstrates their differential effects on PCa growth and metastasis.

MiR-1284 enhances sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via downregulating HMGB1

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is one of the commonest therapeutic method for cervical cancer. There are some common chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel and selenium nanoparticle. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been verified to be regulators in various human cancers. This study aims to investigate the effects of miR-1284 on the cisplatin sensitivity of cervical cancer cells.

METHODS

The levels of miR-1284 in different tissues and cell lines were detected through using qRT-PCR analysis. Kaplan Meier analysis was utilized to analyze the influence of miR-1284 expression on the overall survival rate of cervical cancer patients. The biological effects of miR-1284 on the progression and chemosensitivity of cervical cancer were tested through conducting functional assays. Mechanism investigations were used to prove the binding relation between miR-1284 and HMGB1. Rescue assays were applied to demonstrate the effects of miR-1284-HMGB1 axis on chemosensitivity of cervical cancer cells.

RESULTS

miR-1284 was down-expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Patients with low level of miR-1284 had low overall survival rate. Upregulation of miR-1284 suppressed proliferation and invasion, while promoted apoptosis. Moreover, upregulated miR-1284 enhanced sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin. HMGB1 was a target gene of miR-1284. HMGB1 reversed the effects of miR-1284 on the progression and chemosensitivity of cervical cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-1284 enhances sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via targeting HMGB1.