The role of Connexin26 regulated by MiR-2114-3p in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer

Regulatory mechanisms of connexin26

Connexins are essential for cellular communication and play a critical role in various physiological processes, including hearing. Connexin26 (Cx26), encoded by the GJB2 gene, is a key component of cochlear gap junctions and is vital for potassium recycling and ATP release-both of which are vital for auditory function. Mutations in GJB2 are the primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss. However, the phenotypic variability observed in individuals with the same mutation suggests the involvement of other complex regulatory factors. While the regulatory mechanisms of Connexin43 have been extensively studied, research on the mechanisms of Cx26 remains limited. This review summarizes the reported regulatory mechanisms of GJB2 from multiple perspectives, both pre- and post-transcription, in an effort to explore ways to regulate connexin expression and provide new insights into gene therapy for diseases caused by alterations in connexin levels.

Molecular Interplay Between Non-Coding RNAs and Connexins and Its Possible Role in Cancer

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are sequences that do not encode for proteins and play key roles in different cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that principally allow intercellular communication. In pathological conditions such as cancer, there is a deregulation in the expression and/or function of ncRNAs and Cxs, which in turn leads to an enhancement in the aggressive phenotype, such as a greater proliferative and invasive capacity. This suggests a plausible interplay between ncRNAs and Cxs. Based on that, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding this relationship and to analyze how it may influence the development of aggressive traits in cancer cells and the clinicopathological features of cancer patients. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs and Cxs as promising clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting.

Perspective and Therapeutic Potential of the Noncoding RNA-Connexin Axis

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of nucleotide sequences that cannot be translated into peptides. ncRNAs can function post-transcriptionally by splicing complementary sequences of mRNAs or other ncRNAs or by directly engaging in protein interactions. Over the past few decades, the pervasiveness of ncRNAs in cell physiology and their pivotal roles in various diseases have been identified. One target regulated by ncRNAs is connexin (Cx), a protein that forms gap junctions and hemichannels and facilitates intercellular molecule exchange. The aberrant expression and misdistribution of connexins have been implicated in central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and cancer. Current databases and technologies have enabled researchers to identify the direct or indirect relationships between ncRNAs and connexins, thereby elucidating their correlation with diseases. In this review, we selected the literature published in the past five years concerning disorders regulated by ncRNAs via corresponding connexins. Among it, microRNAs that regulate the expression of Cx43 play a crucial role in disease development and are predominantly reviewed. The distinctive perspective of the ncRNA-Cx axis interprets pathology in an epigenetic manner and is expected to motivate research for the development of biomarkers and therapeutics.

A miRNA-7704/IL2RB/AKT feedback loop regulates tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological tumors worldwide. Despite the availability of multiple treatments for ovarian cancer, its resistance to chemotherapy remains a significant challenge. miRNAs play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of cancer by affecting processes such as differentiation, proliferation, and chemoresistance. According to microarray and qPCR analyses, miR-7704 is significantly downregulated in cisplatin-resistant cells compared to parental cells. In this study, we found that miR-7704 inhibited the proliferation and promoted cisplatin sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-7704 had the same effect as IL2RB knockdown. Further mechanistic studies revealed that miR-7704 played an inhibitory role by regulating IL2RB expression to inactivate the AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, IL2RB reversed the miR-7704 mediated resistance to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Based on these findings, miR-7704 and IL2RB show the potential as novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.