MicroRNA-141-3p affected proliferation, chemosensitivity, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by targeting EGFR

Regulation of corneal epithelial differentiation: miR-141-3p promotes the arrest of cell proliferation and enhances the expression of terminal phenotype

In recent years, different laboratories have provided evidence on the role of miRNAs in regulation of corneal epithelial metabolism, permeability and wound healing, as well as their alteration after surgery and in some ocular pathologies. We searched the available databases reporting miRNA expression in the human eye, looking for miRNAs highly expressed in central cornea, which could be crucial for maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. Using the rabbit RCE1(5T5) cell line as a model of corneal epithelial differentiation, we describe the participation of miR-141-3p as a possible negative regulator of the proliferative/migratory phenotype in corneal epithelial cells. The expression of miR-141-3p followed a time course similar to the differentiation-linked KRT3 cytokeratin, being delayed 24-48 hours relative to PAX6 expression; such result suggested that miR-141-3p only regulates the expression of terminal phenotype. Inhibition of miR-141-3p led to increased cell proliferation and motility, and induced the expression of molecular makers characteristic of an Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Comparison between the transcriptional profile of cells in which miR-141-3p was knocked down, and the transcriptomes from proliferative non-differentiated and differentiated stratified epithelia suggest that miR-141-3p is involved in the expression of terminal differentiation mediating the arrest of cell proliferation and inhibiting the EMT in highly motile early differentiating cells.

HIF1A-AS2 promotes the metabolic reprogramming and progression of colorectal cancer via miR-141-3p/FOXC1 axis

lncRNA can regulate tumorigenesis development and distant metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Using RNA-sequencing data, RT-qPCR, and FISH assay, we found that HIF1A-AS2 was upregulated in CRC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. Functional experiments were performed to determine the roles of HIF1A-AS2 in tumor progression and we found that HIF1A-AS2 can promote the proliferation, metastasis, and aerobic glycolysis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, HIF1A-AS2 can promote FOXC1 expression by sponging miR-141-3p. SP1 can transcriptionally activate HIF1A-AS2. Further, HIF1A-AS2 can be packaged into exosomes and promote the malignant phenotype of recipient tumor cells. Taken together, we discovered that SP1-induced HIF1A-AS2 can promote the metabolic reprogramming and progression of CRC via miR-141-3p/FOXC1 axis. HIF1A-AS2 is a promising diagnostic marker and treatment target in CRC.

microRNA-141-3p Suppressed the Progression of the Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 Gene Expression

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor of kidney epithelial cells, one of the most common tumors in the world. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)1 is a crucial factor that induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. microRNA-141-3p (miR-141-3p) is a microRNA that is considered a tumor suppressor. However, the role and mechanism of miR-141-3p in TGFβ1-induced ccRCC cells are not fully understood. This study investigated the roles of miR-141-3p and its target gene in regulating EMT in ccRCC development. 786-0 and Caki-1cells were treated with TGFβ1 to induce EMT. The levels of miR-141-3p and TGFβ2 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The progression of EMT was evaluated by E-cadherin detection by immunofluorescence, and E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin detection by Western blotting. Furthermore, migration and invasion capacities were assessed using a Transwell system. The direct binding of miR-141-3p with the target gene TGFβ2 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Results indicated that TGFβ1 treatment decreased the protein abundance of E-cadherin while increasing the protein expression of N-cadherin and vimentin, indicating TGFβ1-induced EMT was constructed successfully. Moreover, TGFβ1 treatment repressed the expression of miR-141-3p. miR-141-3p mimics reversed the effect of TGFβ1 on the migration, invasion, and expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The miR-141-3p directly binds with the 3' untranslated region of TGFβ2 mRNA and suppresses its expression. Furthermore, TGFβ2 overexpression abrogated the above changes regulated by miR-141-3p mimics. Taken together, miR-141-3p inhibited TGFβ1-induced EMT by suppressing the migration and invasion of ccRCC cells via directly targeting TGFβ2 gene expression.

miR-497/195 Cluster Affects the Development of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting FRA1

The miR-497-195 cluster facilitates the occurrence and development of cancer. This study aims to investigate whether the miR-195-497 cluster could regulate the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating the common target gene, FOS-related antigen 1 (FRA1). Overexpression of the miR-195/497 vector was used to evaluate the effect of overexpression of miR-195-497 clusters on the biological behavior of colon cancer cells. In animal experiments, tumor growth and metastasis were recorded by constructing a nude mouse model of a subcutaneously implanted tumor. miR-195 and miR-497 were expressed to varying degrees in Caco-2, LoVo, and HT-29 cells. Overexpression of miR-195/497 and inhibition of FRA1 decreased HT-29 cell proliferation, inhibited cell invasion and migration, and promoted Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vivo experiments showed that the overexpression of miR-195/497 or inhibition of FRA1 inhibited tumor growth, affected EMT in tumor cells, and inhibited the expression of FRA1. Additionally, the aforementioned conditions had the best effect when used together. The miR-195-497 cluster can regulate the proliferation, EMT, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the common target gene FRA1, thereby affecting the development of colorectal cancer.

miR-141-3p Enhanced Radiosensitivity of CRC Cells

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the frequently diagnosed malignancies, and numerous microRNAs (miRs) are identified to be active in CRC.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to clarify the effect of miR-141-3p on the radiosensitivity of CRC cells.

METHODS

Firstly, CRC cell lines were cultured and applied to construct radiation-resistant CRC cells via X-ray treatment. The expression levels of miR-141-3p and long non-coding RNA DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA DLX6-AS1) in CRC cells were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After transfection with miR-141-3p mimics and 24 h treatment with 6- MV X-ray (0, 2, 4, 6 Gy), the survival fraction (SF) and the colony formation ability of CRC cells were determined using the cell counting kit-8 and colony formation methods. The interactions between miR-141-3p and DLX6-AS1 were analyzed using the dual-luciferase assay. The impact of miR-141-3p on DLX6-AS1 stability was detected after adding actinomycin-D. The role of DLX6- AS1 in the radiosensitivity of CRC cells was explored by transfecting oe-DLX6-AS1 into radiation- resistant CRC cells overexpressing miR-141-3p.

RESULTS

The relative expression levels of miR-141-3p were downregulated in CRC cells and further declined in radiation-resistant cells. Upregulation of miR-141-3p relative expression reduced SF and the colony formation ability while amplifying the radiosensitivity of radiation-resistant CRC cells. miR-141-3p directly bound to DLX6-AS1 to reduce DLX6-AS1 stability, and therefore downregulated DLX6-AS1 expression. DLX6-AS1 overexpression counteracted the role of miR- 141-3p overexpression in amplifying the radiosensitivity of radiation-resistant CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-141-3p binding to DLX6-AS1 significantly decreased DLX6-AS1 stability and expression, promoting the radiosensitivity of CRC cells.

Identifying Serum Small Extracellular Vesicle MicroRNA as a Noninvasive Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Ovarian Cancer

There remains a lack of effective and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Here, we investigated the possibility of serum-derived small extracellular vesicle (sEV) microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses and predicting the prognosis of EOC patients. A serum sEV miRNA model for identifying the EOC (sEVmiR-EOC) was successfully established in the training cohort. Furthermore, the sEVmiR-EOC model was confirmed in the testing cohort and validation cohort, demonstrating robust diagnostic accuracy. The sEVmiR-EOC model showed better performance than carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in discriminating patients with stage I EOC from benign patients. Using EOC samples and follow-up data, we identified miR-141-3p and miR-200c-3p as potential prognostic predictors. Finally, we confirmed the change of the sEVmiR-EOC RiskScore between the preoperative and postoperative samples and found that the sEVmiR-EOC model could predict the prognosis of EOC patients.

IGF2BP3 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer and mediates cetuximab resistance by stabilizing EGFR mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), an RNA-binding protein, is associated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of IGF2BP3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) oncogenesis, progression, and drug resistance remain unclear. This study found that IGF2BP3 was upregulated in CRC tissues. Clinically, the elevated IGF2BP3 level is predictive of a poor prognosis. Functionally, IGF2BP3 enhances CRC tumorigenesis and progression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 promotes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA stability and translation and further activates the EGFR pathway by serving as a reader in an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-dependent manner by cooperating with METTL14. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 increases the drug resistance of CRC cells to the EGFR-targeted antibody cetuximab. Taken together, our results demonstrated that IGF2BP3 was a functional and clinical oncogene of CRC. Targeting IGF2BP3 and m6A modification may therefore offer rational therapeutic targets for patients with CRC.

Interactions between circRNAs and miR-141 in Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis and Therapy

The function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathogenesis and development of cancer is indisputable. Molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis involve the aberrant expression of ncRNAs, including circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded, covalently closed RNAs responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through their diverse functions. As a part of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs) network, they play a central role in the regulation of accessibility of miRNAs to their mRNA targets. The interplay between these molecular players is based on the primary role of circRNAs that act as miRNAs sponges, and the circRNA/miRNA imbalance plays a central role in different pathologies including cancer. Herein, we present the latest state of knowledge about interactions between circRNAs and miR-141, a well-known member of the miR-200 family, in malignant transformation, with emphasis on the biological role of circRNA/miR-141/mRNA networks as a future target for novel anti-cancer therapies.

MicroRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy: A Narrative Literature Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and is associated with high mortality rates worldwide. The underlying mechanism of tumorigenesis in CRC is complex, involving genetic, lifestyle-related, and environmental factors. Although radical resection with adjuvant FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy have remained mainstays of treatment for patients with stage III CRC and locally advanced rectal cancer, respectively, the oncological outcomes of these treatments are often unsatisfactory. To improve patients' chances of survival, researchers are actively searching for new biomarkers to facilitate the development of more effective treatment strategies for CRC and metastatic CRC (mCRC). MicroRNAs (miRs), small, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs, can post-transcriptionally regulate mRNA translation and trigger mRNA degradation. Recent studies have documented aberrant miR levels in patients with CRC or mCRC, and some miRs are reportedly associated with chemoresistance or radioresistance in CRC. Herein, we present a narrative review of the literature on the roles of oncogenic miRs (oncomiRs) and tumor suppressor miRs (anti-oncomiRs), some of which can be used to predict the responses of patients with CRC to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, miRs may serve as potential therapeutic targets because their functions can be manipulated using synthetic antagonists and miR mimics.

Promotion or remission: a role of noncoding RNAs in colorectal cancer resistance to anti-EGFR therapy

Anti-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are of great significance for RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. However, the generation of primary and secondary resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs has become an important factor restricting its efficacy. Recent studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are implicated in anti-EGFR antibodies resistance, affecting the sensitivity of CRC cells to Cetuximab and Panitumumab. This paper briefly reviewed the research advance of the expression, signaling network and functional mechanism of ncRNAs related to anti-EGFR mAbs resistance in CRC, as well as their relationship with clinical prognosis and the possibility of therapeutic targets. In addition, some ncRNAs that are involved in the regulation of signaling pathways or genes related to anti-EGFR resistance, but need to be further verified by resistance experiments were also included in this review, thereby providing more ideas and basis for ncRNAs as CRC prognostic markers and anti-EGFR therapy sensitizers. Video Abstract.

The role of miR-200 family in the regulation of hallmarks of cancer

MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally contributing to the development of different diseases including cancer. The miR-200 family consists of five members, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-141, and miR-429. Their expression is dysregulated in cancer tissue and their level is altered in the body fluids of cancer patients. Moreover, the levels of miR-200 family members correlate with clinical parameters such as cancer patients' survival which makes them potentially useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. MiRNAs can act as either oncomiRs or tumor suppressor miRNAs depending on the target genes and their role in the regulation of key oncogenic signaling pathways. In most types of cancer, the miR-200 family acts as tumor suppressor miRNA and regulates all features of cancer. In this review, we summarized the expression pattern of the miR-200 family in different types of cancer and their potential utility as biomarkers. Moreover, we comprehensively described the role of miR-200 family members in the regulation of all hallmarks of cancer proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg with the focus on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumor cells.

Circ_0000527 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW620 cells by targeting miR-1253

BACKGROUND

The expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) may be up-regulated/down-regulated in colorectal cancer, and they act as sponge molecules of microRNAs (miRNAs), negatively regulate the expression of miRNAs, and participate in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. It is known that circ_0000527 is highly expressed in tumor tissues such as osteosarcoma, and circ_0000527 has a complementary sequence with miR-1253, which is down-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. However, it is unknown whether circ_0000527 can regulate the expression of miR-1253 and thus affect the biological behavior of colorectal cancer cells.

AIM

To investigate the effect of circ_0000527 targeting miR-1253 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW620 cells.

METHODS

Tumor and tumor-adjacent tissue samples were collected from 41 colorectal cancer patients treated at our hospital from March 2020 to August 2020, and the expression of circ_0000527 and miR-1253 was detected by qRT-PCR. Human colorectal cancer SW620 cells were divided into si-NC group, si-circ_0000527 group, miR-NC group, miR-1253 group, si-circ_0000527 + anti-miR-NC group, and si-circ_0000527 + anti-miR-1253 group. CCK-8 assay, plate clone formation assay, scratch assay, and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between circ_0000527 and miR-1253.

RESULTS

In colorectal cancer tissues, the expression of circ_0000527 was increased (P < 0.05), and the expression of miR-1253 was decreased (P < 0.05). After transfection of SW620 cells with si-circ_0000527 or miR-1253 mimic, cell viability and wound healing rate were decreased (P < 0.05), and the number of cell clones and invasive cells was decreased (P < 0.05). Circ_0000527 could target and bind miR-1253. Co-transfection of si-circ_0000527 and anti-miR-1253 could reverse the effect of si-circ_0000527 on the biological behavior of SW620 cells.

CONCLUSION

Interference with the expression of circ_0000527 attenuates the ability of colorectal cancer cells to proliferate, form closes, migrate, and invade by up-regulating the expression of miR-1253.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Mediated Tumor Therapeutic Resistance

Cancer is one of the world’s most burdensome diseases, with increasing prevalence and a high mortality rate threat. Tumor recurrence and metastasis due to treatment resistance are two of the primary reasons that cancers have been so difficult to treat. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is essential for tumor drug resistance. EMT causes tumor cells to produce mesenchymal stem cells and quickly adapt to various injuries, showing a treatment-resistant phenotype. In addition, multiple signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms are involved in the EMT, resulting in resistance to treatment and hard eradication of the tumors. The purpose of this study is to review the link between EMT, therapeutic resistance, and the molecular process, and to offer a theoretical framework for EMT-based tumor-sensitization therapy.

The Role and Interactions of Programmed Cell Death 4 and its Regulation by microRNA in Transformed Cells of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Data from GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates that there were 19.3 million new cases of cancer and 10.0 million cancer-related deaths in 2020 and that this is predicted to increase by 47% in 2040. The combined burden of cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including oesophageal-, gastric- and colorectal cancers, resulted in 22.6% of the cancer-related deaths in 2020 and 18.7% of new diagnosed cases. Understanding the aetiology of GI tract cancers should have a major impact on future therapies and lessen this substantial burden of disease. Many cancers of the GI tract have suppression of the tumour suppressor Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) and this has been linked to the expression of microRNAs which bind to the untranslated region of PDCD4 mRNA and either inhibit translation or target the mRNA for degradation. This review highlights the properties of PDCD4 and documents the evidence for the regulation of PDCD4 expression by microRNAs in cancers of the GI tract.

miRNAs as cornerstones in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and resistance to therapy: A spotlight on signaling pathways interplay - A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most prevalent cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality. A lot of work has been put into improving CRC patients' clinical care, including the development of more effective methods and wide biomarkers variety for prognostic, and diagnostic purposes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular processes and play a significant role in the CRC progression and spread via controlling their target gene expression by translation inhibition or mRNA degradation. Consequently, dysregulation and disruption in their function, miRNAs are linked to CRC malignant pathogenesis by controlling several cellular processes involved in the CRC. These cellular processes include increased proliferative and invasive capacity, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, enhanced EMT, promotion of angiogenesis and metastasis, and decreased sensitivity to major treatments. The miRNAs control cellular processes in CRC via regulation of pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis, KRAS, TGFb signaling, VEGFR, EGFR, and P53. Hence, the goal of this review was to review miRNA biogenesis and present an updated summary of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs and their potential implication in CRC pathogenesis and responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We also summarise the biological importance and clinical applications of miRNAs in the CRC.

Functional mechanism and clinical implications of miR-141 in human cancers

Cancer is caused by the abnormal proliferation of local tissue cells under the control of many oncogenic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of evolutionarily conserved, approximately 22-nucleotide noncoding small RNAs that influence transcriptional regulationby binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNA. As a member of the miRNA family, miR-141 acts as a suppressor or an oncomiR in various cancers and regulates cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis through a variety of signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and constitutive activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Target gene validation and pathway analysis have provided mechanistic insight into the role of this miRNA in different tissues. This review also outlines novel findings that suggest miR-141 may be useful as a noninvasive biomarker and as a therapeutic target in several cancers.

Research Progress of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Treatment and Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world that seriously affects human health. Activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological phenomenon during embryonic development that is essential for cell metastasis. EMT participates in various biological processes associated with trauma repair, organ fibrosis, migration, metastasis, and infiltration of tumor cells. EMT is a new therapeutic target for CRC; however, some patients with CRC develop resistance to some drugs due to EMT. This review focuses specifically on the status of treatments that target the EMT process and its role in the therapeutic resistance observed in patients with CRC.

An updated review of the pre-clinical role of microRNAs and their contribution to colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of malignancy-related mortality worldwide. It was well-identified that microRNAs (miRNAs) decisively participate in cellular biological pathways; in a way that their deregulated expression causes CRC progression. miRNAs can control the translation and degradation of mRNAs by binding to various molecular targets involved in different biological processes, including growth, apoptosis, cell cycle, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, etc. The functions of these dysregulated miRNAs may be either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive. Therefore, these miRNAs can be contributed to prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches in CRC. In this study, we reviewed the tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions of miRNAs in CRC and assessed their molecular activities in CRC development. However, further investigation for the involvement of dysregulated miRNAs in CRC progression is required.

LncRNA LINC01857 promotes cell growth and diminishes apoptosis via PI3K/mTOR pathway and EMT process by regulating miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 axis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

LINC01857 has been proven to be involved in glioma and breast cancer. However, the biological function of LINC01857 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is poorly investigated. By accessing to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTE_X), LINC01857 expression was found upregulated in both DLBCL tissues and cells. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays showed that LINC01857 promoted proliferation and cell cycle, but suppressed apoptosis in DLBCL cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LINC01857 may serve as a sponge for miR-141-3p and miR-141-3p may target MAP4K4. Mechanically, the regulatory action of miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 on DLBCL cellular behaviors was regulated by LINC01857. In addition, LINC01857 could increase the activity of PI3K/mTOR pathway and facilitate the EMT process in a miR-141-3p-mediated manner in DLBCL. Our data illustrated that the LINC01857/miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 might function as a promising therapeutic avenue for DLBCL treatment.

MicroRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers of Resistance to Targeted Therapies in Gastrointestinal Tumors

The advent of precision therapies against specific gene alterations characterizing different neoplasms is revolutionizing the oncology field, opening novel treatment scenarios. However, the onset of resistance mechanisms put in place by the tumor is increasingly emerging, making the use of these drugs ineffective over time. Therefore, the search for indicators that can monitor the development of resistance mechanisms and above all ways to overcome it, is increasingly important. In this scenario, microRNAs are ideal candidate biomarkers, being crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with a well-known role in mediating mechanisms of drug resistance. Moreover, as microRNAs are stable molecules, easily detectable in tissues and biofluids, they are the ideal candidate biomarker to identify patients with primary resistance to a specific targeted therapy and those who have developed acquired resistance. The aim of this review is to summarize the major studies that have investigated the role of microRNAs as mediators of resistance to targeted therapies currently in use in gastro-intestinal neoplasms, namely anti-EGFR, anti-HER2 and anti-VEGF antibodies, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. For every microRNA and microRNA signature analyzed, the putative mechanisms underlying drug resistance were outlined and the potential to be translated in clinical practice was evaluated.

lncRNA‑MALAT1 promotes high glucose‑induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by downregulating miR‑141‑3p expression

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is caused by diabetes and can result in heart failure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be closely associated with DCM development. The present study aimed to investigate whether lncRNA-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) altered high glucose (HG)-induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by targeting microRNA (miR)-141-3p. H9C2 cells were treated with normal glucose (NG) or HG. lncRNA-MALAT1 and miR-141-3p expression levels were determined via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). MALAT1 and miR-141-3p knockdown and overexpression were established and confirmed via RT-qPCR. The association between MALAT1 expression and miR-141-3p expression, as well as the induction of pyroptosis and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-N expression were evaluated by performing dual luciferase reporter, TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence staining assays, respectively. Western blotting was conducted to measure the expression levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins, including apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, GSDMD-N, caspase-1, nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 and GSDMD. MALAT1 mRNA expression levels were significantly increased, whereas miR-141-3p expression levels were significantly decreased in HG-treated H9C2 cells compared with the NG group. Compared with the HG group, MALAT1 overexpression significantly reduced miR-141-3p expression levels, increased the rate of TUNEL positive cells and upregulated the expression levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins. MALAT1 knockdown displayed the opposite effect on the rate of TUNEL positive cells and the expression levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins. Furthermore, the rate of TUNEL positive cells, and GSDMD-N and pyroptosis-associated protein expression levels were significantly reduced by miR-141-3p overexpression in MALAT1-overexpression H9C2 cells. The results indicated that compared with NG treatment, HG treatment increased MALAT1 expression levels and decreased miR-141-3p expression levels in H9C2 cells. Therefore, the present study suggested that lncRNA-MALAT1 targeted miR-141-3p to promote HG-induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte pyroptosis.

A Novel Prognostic Model of Endometrial Carcinoma Based on Clinical Variables and Oncogenomic Gene Signature

Due to the difficulty in predicting the prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC) patients by clinical variables alone, this study aims to build a new EC prognosis model integrating clinical and molecular information, so as to improve the accuracy of predicting the prognosis of EC. The clinical and gene expression data of 496 EC patients in the TCGA database were used to establish and validate this model. General Cox regression was applied to analyze clinical variables and RNAs. Elastic net-penalized Cox proportional hazard regression was employed to select the best EC prognosis-related RNAs, and ridge regression was used to construct the EC prognostic model. The predictive ability of the prognostic model was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). A clinical-RNA prognostic model integrating two clinical variables and 28 RNAs was established. The 5-year AUC of the clinical-RNA prognostic model was 0.932, which is higher than that of the clinical-alone (0.897) or RNA-alone prognostic model (0.836). This clinical-RNA prognostic model can better classify the prognosis risk of EC patients. In the training group (396 patients), the overall survival of EC patients was lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group [HR = 32.263, (95% CI, 7.707-135.058), P = 8e-14]. The same comparison result was also observed for the validation group. A novel EC prognosis model integrating clinical variables and RNAs was established, which can better predict the prognosis and help to improve the clinical management of EC patients.

MicroRNA-17-5p regulates EMT by targeting vimentin in colorectal cancer

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the most common cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we investigated the functional roles of miRNA-17-5p in EMT of CRC cells.

Methods

In order to determine if miRNA-17-5p regulated EMT, the precursors and inhibitors of miR-17-5p were transduced into four CRC cells. To evaluate the regulatory mechanism, we performed argonaute 2 (Ago2) immunoprecipitation (IP) and luciferase assay. In addition, we used an intra-splenic injection mouse model of BALB/c nude mice to investigate the metastatic potential of miRNA-17-5p in vivo.

Results

The miRNA-17-5p expression was lower in primary CRC tissues with metastasis than in primary CRC tissues without metastasis in our RNA sequencing data of patient tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that miRNA-17-5p was inversely correlated with that of vimentin in five CRC cell lines. Over-expression of miRNA-17-5p decreased vimentin expression and inhibited cell migration and invasion in both LoVo and HT29 cells. However, inhibition of miRNA-17-5p showed the opposite effect. Ago2 IP and luciferase assay revealed that miRNA-17-5p directly bound to the 3′UTR of VIM mRNA. Furthermore, miRNA-17-5p inhibited the metastasis of CRC into liver in vivo.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that miRNA-17-5p regulates vimentin expression, thereby regulating metastasis of CRC.

Association of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) with Cisplatin Resistance

Therapy resistance is a characteristic of cancer cells that significantly reduces the effectiveness of drugs. Despite the popularity of cisplatin (CP) as a chemotherapeutic agent, which is widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has been extensively observed. Among various reported mechanism(s), the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process can significantly contribute to chemoresistance by converting the motionless epithelial cells into mobile mesenchymal cells and altering cell-cell adhesion as well as the cellular extracellular matrix, leading to invasion of tumor cells. By analyzing the impact of the different molecular pathways such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt, which play an important role in resistance exhibited to CP therapy, we first give an introduction about the EMT mechanism and its role in drug resistance. We then focus specifically on the molecular pathways involved in drug resistance and the pharmacological strategies that can be used to mitigate this resistance. Overall, we highlight the various targeted signaling pathways that could be considered in future studies to pave the way for the inhibition of EMT-mediated resistance displayed by tumor cells in response to CP exposure.

Epidermal growth factor receptor conjugated fucoidan/alginates loaded hydrogel for activating EGFR/AKT signaling pathways in colon cancer cells during targeted photodynamic therapy

In the present study, we developed epidermal growth factor receptor conjugated fucoidan/alginate loaded hydrogels for targeting the delivery of hydrogel through the signaling pathway of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to treat colon cancer. We aim to develop a drug delivery system of chlorin e6 encapsulated in hydrogel and tag it with EFGR to target cancer cells with low toxicity and limited side effects by using photodynamic therapy (PDT). The characterization and in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the EGFR-hydrogel in colon cancer cells. Also, western blot analysis was used to assess protein expression levels. The in vitro results confirmed significant cell viability, proliferation, and migration of hydrogel in colon cancer. The cellular effects of the EFGR/AKT pathway were cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and cell survival and migration of colon cancer because of significant protein expression levels. The data suggested that hydrogel appears to be a promising targeting approach-PDT for treating colon cancer. Further in vivo studies are needed to conclude the overexpression level of EGFR on cancer cells. The study concluded that EGFR-H improved the targeting efficiency of hydrogel in colon cancer.

Long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 acts as a Sponge of miR-141-3p to Inhibit Cell Proliferation in Colorectal Cancer

Evidence shows that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in various cancers, including colorectal cancer. In this current study, we found that the expression of ZEB1-AS1 in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines was significantly upregulated, and positively correlated with advanced stage of colorectal cancer. Kaplan-Meier assays also indicated that the expression of ZEB1-AS1 was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Knocking down of ZEB1-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Subcellular fractionation analyses suggested that ZEB1-AS1 was majorly distributed in cytoplasm of SW480 and LOVO cells. Thus, ZEB1-AS1 might act as a competing endogenous RNA. MicroRNA array analysis suggested that miR-141-3p was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues, which was further verified by RT-qPCR. The results of luciferase reporter assay proved that miR-141-3p was a target of ZEB1-AS1. Functionally, miR-141-3p inhibitor reversed the anti-proliferation effect of sh-ZEB1-AS1 on colorectal cancer cells. Collectively, ZEB1-AS1 may contribute to colorectal cancer cell proliferation by sponging miR-141-3p.