LncRNA SNHG3 regulates the BMSC osteogenic differentiation in bone metastasis of breast cancer by modulating the miR-1273g-3p/BMP3 axis

SNHG family lncRNAs: Key players in the breast cancer progression and immune cell's modulation

Breast cancer, a highly prevalent form of cancer worldwide, has observed a steady increase in its prevalence over the past few decades. This rise can be attributed to the complex nature of the disease, characterized by its heterogeneity, ability to metastasize, and resistance to various treatment. In the field of cancer research, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are of special interest, which play an important role in the development and progression of various tumors, including breast cancer. LncRNAs affect the tumor microenvironment by attracting diverse immunosuppressive factors and controlling the differentiation of immune cells, often referred to as myeloid and lymphoid cells, which contributes to immune escape of tumor cells. Among the lncRNA families, the small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) family has been found to be dysregulated in breast cancer. These SNHGs have been implicated in crucial cellular processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration, resistance to therapies, apoptosis, as well as immune cell regulation and differentiation. Consequently, they have great potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize the recent advances in the study of SNHGs in breast cancer pathogenesis and their role in regulating the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment through affecting SNHGs/miRNA/mRNA pathways, with the aim of providing new insights into the treatment of breast cancer.

New insights of LncRNAs fingerprints in breast cancer progression: Tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and therapeutic opportunities

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the common female cancers and it is characterized by considerable problems regarding its development and therapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as significant modulators in BC development, especially, in tumorigenicity and chemoresistance. We therefore endeavor to present an up-to-date understanding of lncRNAs and their impact on BC progression and treatment, concerning molecular processes, treatment options, and use as a therapeutic opportunity. LncRNAs are novel regulators of genes that cause therapeutic resistance and directly impact the functioning of both coding and non-coding genes in BC patients, but little is known about their mechanisms of actions. Thus, additional study is required to have a deeper understanding of their modes of action and possible roles in BC disease. This study aims to investigate the functions of lncRNAs in the development of BC, with particular attention to their role in tumorigenesis, drug resistance mechanisms, and therapeutic targets. This will help to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve the effectiveness of BC treatment.

LINC02257 regulates malignant phenotypes of colorectal cancer via interacting with miR-1273g-3p and YB1

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Emerging evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify potential causal lncRNAs in CRC through comprehensive multilevel bioinformatics analyses, coupled with functional validation. Our bioinformatics analyses identified LINC02257 as being highly expressed in CRC, and associated with poor survival and advanced tumor stages among patients with CRC. Genome-wide association analysis revealed significant associations between variants near LINC02257 and CRC, suggesting a causal role for LINC02257 in CRC. Network analysis identified LINC02257 as playing a key role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that elevated expression of LINC02257 was associated with a reduced proportion of epithelial cells. In vitro experiments showed that LINC02257 positively regulated the metastatic and proliferative potential of CRC cells. Mechanistically, LINC02257 affected CRC malignancy by functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA of microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. LINC02257 upregulated SERPINE1 by sequestering tumor suppressive miR-1273g-3p, thereby increasing metastatic and proliferative abilities of CRC cells. Additionally, LINC02257 directly interacted with YB1 and induced its phosphorylation, thereby facilitating YB1 nuclear translocation. The transcriptional activation of YB1 target genes was associated with the oncogenic functions of LINC02257. Taken together, our results demonstrate LINC02257 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

RUNX2 regulation in osteoblast differentiation: A possible therapeutic function of the lncRNA and miRNA-mediated network

Osteogenic differentiation is a crucial process in the formation of the skeleton and the remodeling of bones. It relies on a complex system of signaling pathways and transcription factors, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) control the bone-specific transcription factor RUNX2 through post-transcriptional mechanisms to regulate osteogenic differentiation. The most research has focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) in studying how they regulate RUNX2 for osteogenesis in both normal and pathological situations. This article provides a concise overview of the recent advancements in understanding the critical roles of lncRNA/miRNA/axes in controlling the expression of RUNX2 during bone formation. The possible application of miRNAs and lncRNAs as therapeutic agents for the treatment of disorders involving the bones and bones itself is also covered.

The role of the ceRNA network mediated by lncRNA SNHG3 in the progression of cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct class of RNAs with longer than 200 base pairs that are not translated into proteins. Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 3 (SNHG3) is a lncRNA and frequently dysregulated in various human cancers.

OBJECTIVE

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current research on lncRNA SNHG3, focusing on its role within the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and its implications in cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed up to October 2023. The search strategy included keywords such as "lncRNA SNHG3", "competitive endogenous RNA", "cancer", and related terms. Studies were selected based on relevance to SNHG3's involvement in cancer pathogenesis and progression.

RESULTS

Disruptions in the ceRNA network involving lncRNA SNHG3 can impair normal cell growth and differentiation, significantly contributing to disease pathogenesis, particularly cancer. This review highlights SNHG3's substantial impact on various cancer processes and its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for aggressive cancers.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore SNHG3's pivotal role in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, laying a foundation for future research in cancer management. Insights from this review emphasize the necessity for further exploration and development of SNHG3-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Exosomal lncRNAs as regulators of breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis and their potential use as biomarkers

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of female deaths by cancer in the world worldwide. Hence, understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with breast cancer development and progression, including drug resistance and breast cancer metastasis, is essential for achieving the best management of breast cancer patients. Cancer-related long noncoding RNAs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of each stage of breast cancer progression. Additionally, exosomes are extracellular microvesicles that are central to intercellular communication and play an important role in tumorigenesis. Exosomes can be released from primary tumor cells into the bloodstream and transmit cellular signals to distant body sites. In this work, we review the findings regarding the cellular mechanisms regulated by exosomal lncRNAs that are essentials to chemoresistance development and metastasis of breast cancer. Likewise, we evaluate the outcomes of the potential clinical use of exosomal lncRNAs as breast cancer biomarkers to achieve personalized management of the patients. This finding highlights the importance of transcriptomic analysis of exosomal lncRNAs to understand the breast cancer tumorigenesis as well as to improve the clinical tests available for this disease.

[miRNA Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Diseases by Targeting Osteoprotegerin]

As a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, osteoprotegerin (OPG) is highly expressed in adults in the lung, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, thymus, prostate, ovary, small intestines, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, trachea, adrenal gland, the testis, and bone marrow. Together with the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), it forms the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway, which plays an important role in the molecular mechanism of the development of various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs performing regulatory functions in eukaryotes, with a size of about 20-25 nucleotides. miRNA genes are transcribed into primary transcripts by RNA polymerase, bind to RNA-induced silencing complexes, identify target mRNAs through complementary base pairing, with a single miRNA being capable of targeting hundreds of mRNAs, and influence the expression of many genes through pathways involved in functional interactions. In recent years, a large number of studies have been done to explore the mechanism of action of miRNA in diseases through miRNA isolation, miRNA quantification, miRNA spectrum analysis, miRNA target detection, in vitro and in vivo regulation of miRNA levels, and other technologies. It was found that miRNA can play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases by targeting OPG. The purpose of this review is to explore the interaction between miRNA and OPG in various diseases, and to propose new ideas for studying the mechanism of action of OPG in diseases.

Regulatory and therapeutic implications of competing endogenous RNA network in breast cancer progression and metastasis: A review

Breast cancer (BC) is a global health concern, and development of diagnostic tools and targeted treatments for BC remains challenging. Therapeutic approaches for BC often involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), in BC and their therapeutic implications. Various biological processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis rely on the activities of these ncRNAs, and their dysregulation has been implicated in BC progression. The regulatory function of the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, which comprises lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, has been the subject of extensive pathophysiological research. Most lncRNAs serve as molecular sponges for miRNAs and sequester their activities, thereby regulating the expression of target mRNAs and contributing to the promotion or inhibition of BC progression. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of ceRNA networks in BC progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance, and highlights the association of ceRNA networks with transcription factors and signaling pathways. Understanding the ceRNA network can lead to the discovery of biomarkers and targeted treatment methods to prevent the spread and metastasis of BC.

Dancr-BRG1 regulates Nfatc1 transcription and Pgc1β-dependent metabolic shifts in osteoclastogenesis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) serves as a vital regulator of bone metabolism, but its role in pathologically overactive osteoclast differentiation remains elusive. Here, we identify lncRNA Dancr (Differentiation Antagonizing Non-protein Coding RNA) as a critical suppressor of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, which is down-regulated in response to estrogen deficiency. Global or osteoclast-specific Dancr Knockout mice display significant trabecular bone deterioration and enhanced osteoclast activity, but minimal alteration of bone formation. Moreover, the bone-targeted delivery of Dancr by Adeno-associated viral remarkably attenuates ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in mice. Mechanistically, Dancr establishes a direct interaction with Brahma-related gene 1 to prevent its binding and preserve H3K27me3 enrichment at the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-beta promoters, thereby maintaining appropriate expression of osteoclastic genes and metabolic programs during osteoclastogenesis. These results demonstrate that Dancr is a key molecule maintaining proper osteoclast differentiation and bone homeostasis under physiological conditions, and Dancr overexpression constitutes a potential strategy for treating osteoporosis.

The role of non-coding RNAs in extracellular vesicles in breast cancer and their diagnostic implications

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common form of cancer worldwide, responsible for 25% of cancers in women. Whilst treatment is effective and often curative in early BC, metastatic disease is incurable, highlighting the need for early detection. Currently, early detection relies on invasive procedures, however recent studies have shown extracellular vesicles (EVs) obtained from liquid biopsies may have clinical utility. EVs transport diverse bioactive cargos throughout the body, play major roles in intercellular communication and, importantly, mirror their cell of origin. In cancer cells, EVs alter the behaviour of the tumour microenvironment (TME), forming a bridge of communication between cancerous and non-cancerous cells to alter all aspects of cancer progression, including the formation of a pre-metastatic niche. Through gene regulatory frameworks, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) modulate vital molecular and cellular processes and can act as both tumour suppressors and oncogenic drivers in various cancer types. EVs transport and protect ncRNAs, facilitating their use clinically as liquid biopsies for early BC detection. This review summarises current research surrounding ncRNAs and EVs within BC, focusing on their roles in cancer progression through bi-directional communication with the microenvironment and their diagnostic implications. The role of EV ncRNAs in breast cancer. A representation of the different EV ncRNAs involved in tumourigenic processes in breast cancer. Pro-tumourigenic ncRNAs displayed in green and ncRNAs which inhibit oncogenic processes are shown in red.

Post-Transcriptional Regulatory Crosstalk between MicroRNAs and Canonical TGF-β/BMP Signalling Cascades on Osteoblast Lineage: A Comprehensive Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, single-stranded, and non-protein coding RNAs about 19 to 22 nucleotides in length, that have been reported to have important roles in the control of bone development. MiRNAs have a strong influence on osteoblast differentiation through stages of lineage commitment and maturation, as well as via controlling the activities of osteogenic signal transduction pathways. Generally, miRNAs may modulate cell stemness, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by binding the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of the target genes, which then can subsequently undergo messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or protein translational repression. MiRNAs manage the gene expression in osteogenic differentiation by regulating multiple signalling cascades and essential transcription factors, including the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP), Wingless/Int-1(Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog signalling pathways; the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2); and osterix (Osx). This shows that miRNAs are essential in regulating diverse osteoblast cell functions. TGF-βs and BMPs transduce signals and exert diverse functions in osteoblastogenesis, skeletal development and bone formation, bone homeostasis, and diseases. Herein, we highlighted the current state of in vitro and in vivo research describing miRNA regulation on the canonical TGF-β/BMP signalling, their effects on osteoblast linage, and understand their mechanism of action for the development of possible therapeutics. In this review, particular attention and comprehensive database searches are focused on related works published between the years 2000 to 2022, using the resources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Long non-coding RNAs in bone metastasis: progresses and perspectives as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

In a precision medicine perspective, among the biomarkers potentially useful for early diagnosis of cancers, as well as to define their prognosis and eventually to identify novel and more effective therapeutic targets, there are the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The term lncRNA identifies a class of non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression that intervene at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic level. Metastasis is a natural evolution of some malignant tumours, frequently encountered in patients with advanced cancers. Onset and development of metastasis represents a detrimental event that worsen the patient's prognosis by profoundly influencing the quality of life and is responsible for the ominous progression of the disease. Due to the peculiar environment and the biomechanical properties, bone is a preferential site for the secondary growth of breast, prostate and lung cancers. Unfortunately, only palliative and pain therapies are currently available for patients with bone metastases, while no effective and definitive treatments are available. The understanding of pathophysiological basis of bone metastasis formation and progression, as well as the improvement in the clinical management of the patient, are central but challenging topics in basic research and clinical practice. The identification of new molecular species that may have a role as early hallmarks of the metastatic process could open the door to the definition of new, and more effective, therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Non-coding RNAs species and, particularly, lncRNAs are promising compounds in this setting, and their study may bring to the identification of relevant processes. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNAs as emerging molecules in mediating the formation and development of bone metastases, as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and as therapeutic targets to counteract cancer spread.

The impacts of exosomes on bone metastatic progression and their potential clinical utility

Bone is one of the most common sites of cancer metastasis. Once cancer metastasizes to the bone, the mortality rate of cancer patients dramatically increases. Although the exact mechanisms for this observation remain elusive, recent studies have revealed that the complex crosstalk between bone marrow microenvironment and bone metastatic cancer cells is responsible for the induction of treatment resistance. Consequently, bone metastasis is currently considered incurable. Bone metastasis not only impairs the patients' survival, but also negatively affects their quality of life by causing painful complications. It has recently been implicated the regulatory role of exosomes in cancer development and/or progression as a delivery biomaterial between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. However, little is known as to how exosomes contribute to the progression of bone metastasis by impaction on the crosstalk between bone metastatic cancer cells and bone marrow microenvironment. Here, we highlighted the emerging roles of cancer-derived exosomes in (i) the process of dissemination and bone colonization of bone metastatic cancer cells, (ii) the enhancement of crosstalk between bone marrow microenvironment and bone metastatic cancer cells, (iii) the development of its resultant painful complications, and (iv) the clinical applications of exosomes in the bone metastatic setting.

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Cancer-derived exosomes facilitate cancer dissemination and colonization to bone.

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Cancer-derived exosomes are crucial for controlling bone metastatic phenotype.

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Cancer-derived exosomes prime bone marrow microenvironment for further metastasis.

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Cancer-derived exosomes are involved in development of cancer-induced bone pain.

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Exosomes can be used as therapies and/or diagnostic tools for bone metastasis.

Muscle and Bone Defects in Metastatic Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review addresses most recently identified mechanisms implicated in metastasis-induced bone resorption and muscle-wasting syndrome, known as cachexia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Metastatic disease in bone and soft tissues is often associated with skeletal muscle defects. Recent studies have identified a number of secreted molecules and extracellular vesicles that contribute to cancer cell growth and metastasis leading to bone destruction and muscle atrophy. In addition, alterations in muscle microenvironment including dysfunctions in hepatic and mitochondrial metabolism have been implicated in cancer-induced regeneration defect and muscle loss. Moreover, we review novel in vitro and animal models including promising new drug candidates for bone metastases and cancer cachexia. Preservation of bone health could be highly beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and function. Therefore, a better understanding of molecular pathways implicated in bone and muscle crosstalk in metastatic disease may provide new insights and identify new strategies to improve current anticancer therapeutics.

LncRNA BC083743 Silencing Exacerbated Osteoporosis by Regulating the miR-103-3p/SATB2 Axis to Inhibit Osteogenic Differentiation

Objective

The target of the present paper was to reveal the influence of LncRNA BC083743 on osteogenesis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).

Methods

Serum specimens from osteoporotic patients and normal subjects were collected to isolate hBMSCs from femoral head tissue. The levels of BC083743 and miR-103-3p in serum and hBMSCs were measured by QRT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test and alizarin red dyeing were used to identify ALP activity and mineralization forming ability of hBMSCs after transfection with si-BC083743 (siRNA-targeting BC083743). In addition, QRT-PCR and immunoblotting were conducted to identify the expressing levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in hBMSCs. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA pull-down assays were employed to substantiate the binding of BC083743 to miR-103-3p and miR-103-3p to SATB2.

Results

BC083743 expression was significantly downregulated in sera from patients with osteoporosis, and osteogenic differentiation-related genes and BC083743 expression were obviously upregulated as the time to osteogenic differentiation increased. BC083743 knockdown hindered the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. BC083743 was aimed at miR-103-3p and miR-103-3p inhibitors partially reversed the inhibitory effect of BC083743 downregulation on hBMSCs osteogenesis. BC083743 silencing downregulated SATB2 through uptake of miR-103-3p, thereby inhibiting hBMSCs osteogenesis to exacerbate osteoporosis.

Conclusion

BC083743/miR-103-3p/SATB2 axis inhibited osteogenic differentiation and exacerbated osteoporosis, which may offer brand-new molecular aims for the treatment of clinical osteoporosis.

LncRNA ENST869 Targeting Nestin Transcriptional Region to Affect the Pharmacological Effects of Chidamide in Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is one of the leading threats to the health of women. It has the highest incidence and mortality in women worldwide. Although progress has been made in the development and application of anti-breast cancer drugs such as Chidamide and others, the occurrence of drug resistance limits the effective application of chemotherapies. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of LncRNA in the pharmacological effect of Chidamide in breast cancer therapy. The human breast cancer MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells were used as the research cell models. The RNA library screening and high-throughput sequencing comparative analysis was conducted. The binding of LncRNA and its downstream target genes in RNA and protein levels was tested. The results showed that the expression of LncRNA ENST869 in cells treated with Chidamide increased significantly, as demonstrated by real-time PCR and cell viability assay. RNAplex analysis showed that LncRNA ENST869 and Nestin mRNA may interact. RNA interference and Western blot analysis indicated that LncRNA ENST869 could target and regulate the expression of Nestin. Luciferase assay and RNA-protein pulldown showed that LncRNA ENST869 affected Nestin transcription. There might be a highly active binding region of LncRNA ENST869 in regulating Nestin transcriptional activity within the site of 250 bp upstream of the transcription starting point of Nestin. In addition, LncRNA ENST869 did not directly interact with Nestin protein to affect its activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that LncRNA ENST869 could affect the function of Nestin in breast cancer cells treated with Chidamide. Nestin is a key player in influencing the pharmacological activity of Chidamide and an essential factor in drug resistance of breast cancer cells.