miR-320a promotes p53-dependent apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by negatively regulating TP73-AS1 invitro

Long Non-Coding TP73-AS1: A Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Tumor protein 73 antisense RNA 1 (TP73-AS1), a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), the dysregulated expression of which is closely related to the occurrence, drug resistance, and prognosis of various cancers. Exploring the regulatory mechanism of TP73-AS1 provides a new research direction for cancer diagnosis and treatment. On this basis, we briefly review the molecular structural and dual regulatory roles of TP73-AS1 in cancer. In addition, we outline its three molecular mechanisms in cancer: binding to proteins, regulating signaling pathways, and serving as molecular sponges. Subsequently, we introduce the role of TP73-AS1 in common malignant tumors such as gastric cancer (GC), lung cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), etc. Last, emphasis is given to the potential clinical value of TP73-AS1, especially as single nucleotide polymorphisms of this lncRNA are associated with the risk of GC and CRC. Therefore, this review highlights the significance of TP73-AS1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target.

MicroRNA 320a-3p up-regulation reduces PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells: an experimental and bioinformatic study

Growing evidence suggests that dysregulated microRNAs were critical in the development of tumors and the progression number of malignancies. This research aimed to check the effect of microRNA 320a-3p transfection on gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. Following transfection, the efficacy was determined by the RT-PCR method. After that, MTT, scratch assay, DAPI staining, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry were used respectively. The results demonstrated that the viability of GC cells considerably decreased following transfection. Moreover, microRNA 320a-3p transfection significantly suppressed cell migration and induced apoptosis in these cells. We found that transfection of microRNA 320a-3p remarkably decreased PD-L1 gene expression and influenced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and apoptotic gene expressions. The findings propose that microRNA 320a-3p could decrease cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis by increasing TP53 and CASP3 expression levels in GC cells. Notably, microRNA 320a-3p might be a potential target in GC immunotherapy by suppressing the PD-L1 gene expression.

Increasing prostate cancer radiosensitivity by miR-7-5p knockdown of anti-apoptotic genes

Despite the success of radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment, the recent discovery of radiation resistance prevents it from reaching its full potential. This study aims to use hsa-miR-7-5p for the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. The search for anti-apoptotic genes was carried out through databases. The selected genes included XIAP, MCL1, REL, and BIRC3. Our selection was based on the best miRNA because it has a greater impact on genes. The second step involved transfecting the miRNA into a prostate cancer cell line. Subsequently, radiosensitivity was tested using real-time PCR, clonogenic assay, and annexin V flow cytometry. The highest apoptosis rate in the transfected cells was at 0 Gy in hsa-miR-7-5p (28.88 ± 0.80), plenti III (18.81 ± 0.59), and the control group (4.10 ± 1.52) (P<0.001). Also, its rate was at 4 Gy in hsa-miR-7-5p (36.11 ± 1.93), plenti III (26.42 ± 0.42), and the control group (8.79 ± 2.29) (P<0.001). This study showed a decreasing trend in survival with increasing doses. Suppression of anti-apoptotic genes, including XIAP, MCL1, Birc3, and REL, enhanced radiosensitivity by increasing the expression of hsa-miR-7-5p in the PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. Hsa-miR-7-5p is a miRNA that can suppress the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and thus plays an essential role in the process of cell apoptosis. Targeting genes that are associated with apoptosis could potentially enhance the efficacy of treatments for patients with prostate cancer.

The miRNA and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis: an arsenal of immunotherapeutic targets against lung cancer

Lung cancer is a severe challenge to the health care system with intrinsic resistance to first and second-line chemo/radiotherapies. In view of the sterile environment of lung cancer, several immunotherapeutic drugs including nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab are currently being used in clinics globally with the intention of releasing exhausted T-cells back against refractory tumor cells. Immunotherapies have a limited response rate and may cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in some patients. Hence, a deeper understanding of regulating immune checkpoint interactions could significantly enhance lung cancer treatments. In this review, we explore the role of miRNAs in modulating immunogenic responses against tumors. We discuss various aspects of how manipulating these checkpoints can bias the immune system's response against lung cancer. Specifically, we examine how altering the miRNA profile can impact the activity of various immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway within the complex landscape of lung cancer. We believe that a clear understanding of the host's miRNA profile can influence the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors and significantly contribute to existing immunotherapies for lung cancer patients. Additionally, we discuss ongoing clinical trials involving immunotherapeutic drugs, both as standalone treatments and in combination with other therapies, intending to advance the development of immunotherapy for lung cancer.

Molecular panorama of therapy resistance in prostate cancer: a pre-clinical and bioinformatics analysis for clinical translation

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant disorder of prostate gland being asymptomatic in early stages and high metastatic potential in advanced stages. The chemotherapy and surgical resection have provided favourable prognosis of PCa patients, but advanced and aggressive forms of PCa including CRPC and AVPC lack response to therapy properly, and therefore, prognosis of patients is deteriorated. At the advanced stages, PCa cells do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a satisfactory level, and therefore, therapy resistance is emerged. Molecular profile analysis of PCa cells reveals the apoptosis suppression, pro-survival autophagy induction, and EMT induction as factors in escalating malignant of cancer cells and development of therapy resistance. The dysregulation in molecular profile of PCa including upregulation of STAT3 and PI3K/Akt, downregulation of STAT3, and aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs are determining factor for response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Because of prevalence of drug resistance in PCa, combination therapy including co-utilization of anti-cancer drugs and nanotherapeutic approaches has been suggested in PCa therapy. As a result of increase in DNA damage repair, PCa cells induce radioresistance and RelB overexpression prevents irradiation-mediated cell death. Similar to chemotherapy, nanomaterials are promising for promoting radiosensitivity through delivery of cargo, improving accumulation in PCa cells, and targeting survival-related pathways. In respect to emergence of immunotherapy as a new tool in PCa suppression, tumour cells are able to increase PD-L1 expression and inactivate NK cells in mediating immune evasion. The bioinformatics analysis for evaluation of drug resistance-related genes has been performed.