Long non-coding RNA ASB16-AS1 enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion via functioning as a ceRNA through miR-1305/Wnt/β-catenin axis in cervical cancer

Clinical value of BRE-AS1 in myocardial infarction and its role in myocardial infarction-induced cardiac muscle cell apoptosis

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) brain and reproductive organ-expressed protein (BRE) antisense RNA 1 (BRE-AS1) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its effect on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Methods. Serum BRE-AS1 levels in patients with AMI was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic and prognostic values of BRE-AS1 were evaluated. H9c2 cells were treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation to establish an in vitro myocardial infarction cell model. The levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined by commercial kits. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the cell viability and cell apoptosis. Results. The expression of BRE-AS1 in serum of patients with AMI is upregulated, which shows the clinical diagnostic value for AMI. In the I/R injury cell model, the knockout of BRE-AS1 can significantly alleviate the increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, inhibit the production of LDH and MDA, increase the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, promote the cell viability and suppress cell apoptosis. Conclusions. Abnormally elevated BRE-AS1 has a high diagnostic value for AMI as well as a prognostic value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). The elevation of BRE-AS1 promoted oxidative stress injury and cell apoptosis in vitro.

Crosstalk between lncRNAs and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in lung cancers: From cancer progression to therapeutic response

Lung cancer (LC) is considered to have the highest mortality rate around the world. Because there are no early diagnostic signs or efficient clinical alternatives, distal metastasis and increasing numbers of recurrences are a challenge in the clinical management of LC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been recognized as a critical regulator involved in the progression and treatment response to LC. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been shown to influence LC occurrence and progress. Therefore, discovering connections between Wnt signaling pathway and lncRNAs may offer new therapeutic targets for improving LC treatment and management. In this review, the purpose of this article is to present possible therapeutic approaches by reviewing particular relationships, key processes, and molecules associated to the beginning and development of LC.

Development and assessment of an RNA editing-based risk model for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients

RNA editing, as an epigenetic mechanism, exhibits a strong correlation with the occurrence and development of cancers. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of RNA editing on cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). In order to study the connection between RNA editing and CESC patients' prognoses, we obtained CESC-related information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and randomly allocated the patients into the training group or testing group. An RNA editing-based risk model for CESC patients was established by Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). According to the median score generated by this RNA editing-based risk model, patients were categorized into subgroups with high and low risks. We further constructed the nomogram by risk scores and clinical characteristics and analyzed the impact of RNA editing levels on host gene expression levels and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA. Finally, we also compared the biological functions and pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different subgroups by enrichment analysis. In this risk model, we screened out 6 RNA editing sites with significant prognostic value. The constructed nomogram performed well in forecasting patients' prognoses. Furthermore, the level of RNA editing at the prognostic site exhibited a strong correlation with host gene expression. In the high-risk subgroup, we observed multiple biological functions and pathways associated with immune response, cell proliferation, and tumor progression. This study establishes an RNA editing-based risk model that helps forecast patients' prognoses and offers a new understanding of the underlying mechanism of RNA editing in CESC.

CircSFMBT2 Plays an Oncogenic Role in Lung Adenocarcinoma Depending on the miR-1305/SALL4 Axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit significant functions in diverse malignant tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of circRNA scm like with four mbt domains 2 (circSFMBT2) in LUAD. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot assay or immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was performed for quantification of circSFMBT2, microRNA-1305 (miR-1305), spalt like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) or Ki-67. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis were applied to analyze cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, respectively. Mouse xenograft model was established to explore the function of circSFMBT2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to estimate the relationship between miR-1305 and circSFMBT2 or SALL4. CircSFMBT2 was upregulated in LUAD and related to advanced TNM stage and poor prognosis. CircSFMBT2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis, glycolysis and induced apoptosis in LUAD cells in vitro as well as tumor formation in vivo. CircSFMBT2 directly targeted miR-1305, and miR-1305 inhibition reversed circSFMBT2 knockdown-mediated inhibitory effects on LUAD malignant behaviors. SALL4 was the target gene of miR-1305. MiR-1305 overexpression repressed the malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells, while SALL4 enhancement abated the effects. CircSFMBT2 aggravated the progression of LUAD by the miR-1305/SALL4 axis, which might provide a diagnostic and prognostic marker for LUAD.

Defining new biomarkers for overcoming therapeutical resistance in cervical cancer using lncRNA

Despite improvements in cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for cervical cancer patients remains dismal due to the development of drug resistance, metastasis, and invasion resulting leading to treatment failure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of RNA transcripts have been reported in mediating carcinogenesis as well as drug, and radio-resistance in tumor cells. These lncRNAs regulate various cancer hallmarks and contribute to the development of therapeutic resistance. They regulates multiple signalling pathways, recruits polycomb group, function as miRNA sponge and scaffolds. Additionally, lncRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cervical cancer. This comprehensive review outlines the biogenesis of lncRNA and its role in cancer development. It delves into the mechanisms through which various lncRNAs mediate chemoresistance and radioresistance in cervical cancer. By shedding into the light of mechanism, this review will also aids researchers in understanding lncRNAs as biomarkers and latest advancements in clinically targeting them with the help of Artificial Intelligence for overcoming chemoresistance and radioresistance, thereby improving cervical cancer treatment.

LncRNA ASB16-AS1 accelerates cellular process and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells by regulating GOLM1 expression via targeting miR-3918

BACKGROUND

Reportedly, ovarian cancer (OC) is a major threat to women's health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ASB16-AS1 has been uncovered to participate in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the role of ASB16-AS1 in OC remains to be revealed.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to unveil the biological function of ASB16-AS1 and its underlying mechanisms in OC cells.

METHODS

QRT-PCR was done to test ASB16-AS1 expression in OC cells. Functional assays were performed to evaluate the malignant behaviors and cisplatin resistance of OC cells. Mechanistic analyses were done to investigate the regulatory molecular mechanism in OC cells.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 was found to be highly expressed in OC cells. ASB16-AS1 knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells, while facilitating cell apoptosis. ASB16-AS1 was further validated to up-regulate GOLM1 through competitively binding with miR-3918. Moreover, miR-3918 overexpression was corroborated to suppress OC cell growth. Rescue assays further uncovered that ASB16-AS1 modulated the malignant processes of OC cells via targeting miR-3918/GOLM1 axis.

CONCLUSION

ASB16-AS1 facilitates the malignant processes and chemoresistance of OC cells via serving as miR-3918 sponge and positively modulating GOLM1 expression.

Non-coding RNA-based therapeutics in cancer therapy: An emphasis on Wnt/β-catenin control

Non-coding RNA transcripts are RNA molecules that have mainly regulatory functions and they do not encode proteins. microRNAs (miRNAs), lncRNAs and circRNAs are major types of this family and these epigenetic factors participate in disease pathogenesis, especially cancer that their abnormal expression may lead to cancer progression. miRNAs and lncRNAs possess a linear structure, whereas circRNAs possess ring structures and high stability. Wnt/β-catenin is an important factor in cancer with oncogenic function and it can increase growth, invasion and therapy resistance in tumors. Wnt upregulation occurs upon transfer of β-catenin to nucleus. Interaction of ncRNAs with Wnt/β-catenin signaling can determine tumorigenesis. Wnt upregulation is observed in cancers and miRNAs are able to bind to 3'-UTR of Wnt to reduce its level. LncRNAs can directly/indirectly regulate Wnt and in indirect manner, lncRNAs sponge miRNAs. CircRNAs are new emerging regulators of Wnt and by its stimulation, they increase tumor progression. CircRNA/miRNA axis can affect Wnt and carcinogenesis. Overall, interaction of ncRNAs with Wnt can determine proliferation rate, migration ability and therapy response of cancers. Furthermore, ncRNA/Wnt/β-catenin axis can be utilized as biomarker in cancer and for prognostic applications in patients.

Identification of potential regulatory long non-coding RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA axes in periplaque regions in multiple sclerosis

Slow-burning inflammation at the lesion rim is connected to the expansion of chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. However, the underlying processes causing expansion are not clearly realized. In this context, the current study used a bioinformatics approach to identify the expression profiles and related lncRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory axes in the periplaque region in MS patients. Expression data (GSE52139) from periplaque regions in the secondary progressive MS spinal cord and controls were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), which has details on mRNAs and lncRNAs. Using the R software’s limma package, the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were found. The RNA interactions were also found using the DIANA-LncBase, miRTarBase, and HMDD databases. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether there were any positive correlations between DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs in the ceRNA network. Finally, lncRNA-associated ceRNA axes were created based on co-expression and connections between DElncRNA, miRNA, and DEmRNA. We used the Enrichr tool to enrich the biological process, molecular function, and pathways for DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs. A network of DEmRNAs’ protein-protein interactions was developed, and the top five hub genes were found using Cytoscape and STRING. The current study indicates that 15 DEmRNAs, including FOS, GJA1, NTRK2, CTNND1, and SP3, are connected to the MS ceRNA network. Additionally, four DElncRNAs (such as TUG1, ASB16-AS1, and LINC01094) that regulated the aforementioned mRNAs by sponging 14 MS-related miRNAs (e.g., hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-29c-3p, hsa-miR-34a-5p) were found. In addition, the analysis of pathway enrichment revealed that DEmRNAs were enriched in the pathways for the “MAPK signaling pathway”, “Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection”, “Human immunodeficiency virus one infection”, “Lipid and atherosclerosis”, and “Amphetamine addiction”. Even though the function of these ceRNA axes needs to be investigated further, this study provides research targets for studying ceRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms related to periplaque demyelination in MS.

Downregulation of miRNA miR-1305 and upregulation of miRNA miR-6785-5p may be associated with psoriasis

Background: The role of serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) is less known in psoriasis.

Objectives: To explore the transcriptomic profile of serum EVs and the potential biomarkers in psoriasis.

Methods: EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscope. The diameters of EVs were detected using nanoparticle tracking analysis. Serum EVs-keratinocyte interaction was observed through confocal fluorescence microscopy. miRNA microarray and mRNA microarray were performed in serum EVs (n = 4) and skin lesions (n = 3), respectively. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of miRNAs in serum EVs and skin lesions (n = 15). Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the potential target genes and functions of miR-1305 and miR-6785-5p. Western blot, CCK-8 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the EVs’ biomarkers, keratinocytes proliferation and cytokines secretion.

Results: A total of 16 miRNAs and 1,725 mRNAs were significantly dysregulated in serum EVs and skin lesions, respectively. miR-1305 was down-regulated and miR-6785-5p was upregulated in both serum EVs and skin lesions. Serum EVs could be taken up by keratinocytes. miR-1305 was downregulated and miR-6785-5p were upregulated in keratinocytes after co-cultured with psoriasis serum EVs compared with controls. Psoriasis serum EVs promoted keratinocyte proliferation and the secretion of CCL20 and IL-8. Serum EVs miR-1305 and miR-6785-5p were associated with disease severity.

Conclusion: Serum EVs might be involved in the activation of keratinocytes through loaded miRNAs in psoriasis. Serum EVs miR-1305 and miR-6785-5p may be associated with psoriasis.

Identification of potential core genes and miRNAs in pediatric ACC via bioinformatics analysis

Pediatric adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are rare aggressive neoplasms with heterogeneous prognosis, and often produce a most lethal malignant tumor, whereas its aetiology is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify the factors responsible for the development of pediatric ACC, a better understanding of the disease, and investigate new molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. To identify the key genes and miRNAs linked to pediatric ACC, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms, the GSEGSE75415 and GSE169253 microarray datasets were analyzed. A total of 329 differentially produced genes (DEGs) and 187 differentially produced miRNAs (DEMs) were obtained after analyzing the GSEGSE75415 and GSE169253 datasets, respectively. Next, 3,359 genes were obtained by overlapping the target mRNAs of DEMs. Following protein-protein interaction network and Gene Ontology analysis, the ten nodes with the highest degrees were screened as hub genes. Among them, the highly expressed hub genes, MAPK1 and EP300, were associated with a worse overall survival. Additionally, hsa-miR-376, hsa-miR-148, hsa-miR-139, and hsa-miR-1305 were strongly associated with poorer survival. We proposed that the hub genes (MAPK1, EP300, hsa-miR-376, hsa-miR-148, hsa-miR-139, and hsa-miR-1305) may have a definite impact on cellular proliferation and migration in adrenocortical tumors. The roles of these hub genes in adrenocortical tumors may provide novel insight to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pediatric ACC.

Long Non-Coding RNAs ASB16-AS1 and AFAP1-AS1: Diagnostic, Prognostic Impact and Survival Analysis in Colorectal Cancer

Background

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic roles of AFAP1-AS1 and ASB16-AS1 in colorectal cancer and highlight their roles in predicting colorectal cancer patients’ prognosis.

Methods

In this case–control study, 146 participants were involved. Group I included 47 patients with CRC. Group II composed of 49 patients with benign lesions in the colon, and Group III included 50 apparently normal subjects of coincided age and gender as controls. All participants were subjected to clinical and endoscopic evaluations, CA19-9, CEA, and quantification of relative expression of lncRNAs ASB16-AS1 and AFAP1-AS1.

Results

CRC patients had significantly elevated expression levels of both lncRNAs in tissue and plasma samples versus benign and control groups (p < 0.001). Despite the higher sensitivity of tissue samples results, the relative expression of both lncRNAs in plasma samples was very encouraging in the discrimination between patients with CRC versus control and benign groups. Furthermore, both lncRNAs could discriminate patients with early-stage CRC (stage I&II) from being colonic lesion and control groups with better sensitivity and specificity presented by ASB16-AS1 in tissue and plasma than results detailed by AFAP1-AS1. High expression levels of ASB16-AS1 in tissue and plasma and tissue lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 are significantly correlated with decreased overall survival (p < 0.001) and reduced progression-free (p < 0.001) compared to low expression in CRC patients.

Conclusion

We propose the utilization of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 and lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 as biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis estimation for CRC patients. Moreover, their value in early CRC patients may affect the assortment of target therapy and treatment protocols.

Resveratrol Contrasts IL-6 Pro-Growth Effects and Promotes Autophagy-Mediated Cancer Cell Dormancy in 3D Ovarian Cancer: Role of miR-1305 and of Its Target ARH-I

Tumor dormancy is the extended period during which patients are asymptomatic before recurrence, and it represents a difficult phenomenon to target pharmacologically. The relapse of tumors, for instance arising from the interruption of dormant metastases, is frequently observed in ovarian cancer patients and determines poor survival. Inflammatory cytokines present in the tumor microenvironment likely contribute to such events. Cancer cell dormancy and autophagy are interconnected at the molecular level through ARH-I (DIRAS3) and BECLIN-1, two tumor suppressors often dysregulated in ovarian cancers. IL-6 disrupts autophagy in ovarian cancer cells via miRNAs downregulation of ARH-I, an effect contrasted by the nutraceutical protein restriction mimetic resveratrol (RV). By using three ovarian cancer cell lines with different genetic background in 2D and 3D models, the latter mimicking the growth of peritoneal metastases, we show that RV keeps the cancer cells in a dormant-like quiescent state contrasting the IL-6 growth-promoting activity. Mechanistically, this effect is mediated by BECLIN-1-dependent autophagy and relies on the availability of ARH-I. We also show that ARH-I (DIRAS3) is a bona fide target of miR-1305, a novel oncomiRNA upregulated by IL-6 and downregulated by RV. Clinically relevant, bioinformatic analysis of a transcriptomic database showed that the high expression of DIRAS3 and MAP1LC3B mRNAs together with that of CDKN1A, directing a cellular dormant phenotype, predicts better overall survival in ovarian cancer patients, and this correlates with MIR1305 downregulation. The possibility of maintaining a permanent cell dormancy in ovarian cancer by the chronic administration of RV should be considered as a therapeutic option to prevent the "awakening" of cancer cells in response to a permissive microenvironment, thus limiting the risk of tumor relapse and metastasis.

Circ_0005576 Exerts an Oncogenic Role in Cervical Cancer via miR-1305-Dependent Regulation of PAIP1

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of high morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered to be essential regulators of various cancers, including CC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0005576 in CC progression. The levels of circ_0005576, miR-1305, and poly(A)-binding protein-interacting protein 1 (PAIP1) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot assay. The stability and location of circ_0005576 were determined by ribonuclease R (RNase R) assay and subcellular fractionation distribution assay, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay, EDU incorporation assay, and colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. The interactions between miR-1305 and circ_0005576 or PAIP1 were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The protein expression of cyclin D1, vimentin, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) was tested by western blot. Moreover, mice xenograft models were constructed to analyze tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0005576 and PAIP1 were upregulated, while miR-1305 was downregulated in CC tissues and cells. Circ_0005576 was a stable circRNA that was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of cells. Knockdown of circ_0005576 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells, while the silence of miR-1305 facilitated the development of CC cells. Meanwhile, circ_0005576 could sponge miR-1305 to promote PAIP1 expression. Furthermore, PAIP1 overexpression relieved the influence of circ_0005576 silence on the growth of CC cells. Additionally, circ_0005576 silence hindered CC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0005576 depletion suppressed tumor development in CC by regulating the miR-1305/PAIP1 axis, suggesting that circ_0005576 might be a potential biomarker for CC treatment.

Hsa_circ_0072008 regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in cervical squamous cell carcinoma via miR-1305/helicase, lymphoid specific (HELLS) axis

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) is one of the most common cancers in women. Recent studies have proved that circular RNAs (circRNAs) could regulate the progress of CESC, but the mechanism is still indistinct. In this work, we explored the roles of circ_0072008 in CESC. The expression levels of circ_0072008, microRNA-1305 (miR-1305) and mRNA of HELLS (helicase, lymphoid specific) were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in CESC tissues. Meanwhile, the level of HELLS was quantified by western blot analysis. Besides, the cell functions were examined by colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometry assay and western blot. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-1305 and circ_0072008 or HELLS was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The function of circ_0072008 in CESC has also been further verified in vivo by xenograft model experiments. The levels of circ_0072008 and HELLS were upregulated, and the miR-1305 level was decreased in CESC tissues in contrast to that in normal tissues. For functional analysis, silencing circ_0072008 inhibited cell proliferation and cell migration, whereas enhanced cell apoptosis in CESC cells. In mechanism, circ_0072008 acted as a miR-1305 sponge to regulate the level of HELLS. Moreover, miR-1305 was confirmed to repress the progression of CESC cells by suppressing HELLS. Meanwhile, knockdown of circ_0072008 inhibited CESC cells growth in vivo. In conclusion, circ_0072008 facilitated CESC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through increasing HELLS expression by regulating miR-1305, which also offered an underlying targeted therapy for CESC treatment.

Effects of IncRNA PROX1-AS1 on Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells by Regulating MiR-1305

This paper aims to explore the lncRNA PROX1-AS1 effect on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of lung cancer cells together with its targeted regulation on miR-1305. To adopt qRT-PCR to test PROX1-AS1 and miR-1305 expression levels in lung cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. Lung cancer cells A549 were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into several groups, which are si-NC, si-PROX1-AS1, miR-NC, miR-1305, si-PROX1-AS1 plus anti-miR-NC, and si-PROX1-AS1 plus anti-miR-1305. To adopt the CCK-8 method to test cell proliferation and to adopt the Transwell chamber experiment to test cell migration and invasion. To adopt the flow cytometry method to test the apoptosis rate. Through a dual luciferase experiment, we decided to find out the targeting relationship between PROX1-AS1 and miR-1305. Then we adopted the western blot method to test CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, p21, and Bax expression levels. Compared with adjacent tissues (P < 0.05), the expression of PROX1-AS1 in lung cancer tissue was remarkably higher, while the expression of miR-1305 was remarkably lower (P < 0.05). After PROX1-AS1 knockdown expression or miR-1305 overexpression, cell activity, migration, and invasion ability were outstandingly lowered (P < 0.05), but the apoptosis rate was obviously raised (P < 0.05), CyclinD1, MMP-2, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 protein data were remarkably reduced (P < 0.05), but p21 and Bax protein conditions were outstandingly enhanced (P < 0.05). The dual luciferase experiment confirmed that PROX1-AS1 had a targeting relationship with miR-1305. After cotransfection with si-PROX1-AS1 and anti-miR-1305, the cell viability, migration and invasion ability were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.05), the apoptosis rate was remarkably reduced (P < 0.05), CyclinD1, MMP-2, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 protein were increased remarkably (P < 0.05), and p21 or Bax protein was lowered remarkably (P < 0.05). On the one hand, PROX1-AS1 can promote lung cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion. On the other hand, it may restrain apoptosis, possibly through inhibiting miR-1305 expression.

Development of a Prognostic Model Based on the Identification of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most incurable subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options. It is generally acknowledged that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key step in tumor metastasis.

Methods

With the application of TCGA and GEO databases, we identified EMT-related lncRNAs by the Cox univariate regression analysis. Optimum risk scores were calculated and used to divide TNBC patients into high-/low-risk subgroups by the median value using the Lasso regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses were applied for model validation. Then, we assessed the risk model from multi-omic aspects including immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, mutability spectrum, signaling pathways, and clinical indicators. We also analyzed the expression pattern of lncRNAs involved in the model using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines and constructed the ceRNA network.

Results

The risk model was composed of EMT-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which seemed to be valuable in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients. The model could act as an independent prognostic factor of TNBC and showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that the expression of lncRNAs was different between high aggressive and low aggressive TNBC cell lines, as well as TNBC patients.

Conclusions

Together, our study successfully established a risk model with great accuracy and efficacy in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients.

LncRNA ASB16-AS1 drives proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells through regulating miR-185-5p/TEAD1 axis

As a common malignant tumor, colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence. Recent investigations have suggested that although great improvement has been achieved in the survival rate of early-stage CRC patients, the overall survival rate remains low. Mounting reports have proved that lncRNAs take part in the development of various cancers and possess the regulatory functions in cancers. For example, ASB16 antisense RNA 1 (ASB16-AS1) is a poorly researched novel lncRNA whose specific functions in CRC are still unknown. In our research, we discovered that ASB16-AS1 was with high expression in CRC cells. In addition, ASB16-AS1 silencing restrained the proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness while accelerating cell apoptosis of CRC cells. Mechanism experiments were applied to explore the regulatory mechanism of ASB16-AS1. It turned out that miR-185-5p could interact with ASB16-AS1 and inhibited the progression of CRC cells. TEAD1 (TEA domain transcription factor1) - a major effector of the Hippo signaling was proved to serve as the target of miR-185-5p and promote CRC development. In short, ASB16-AS1 drove the progression of CRC through the regulation of miR-185-5p/TEAD1 axis.

Expression, prognosis value, and immune infiltration of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 identified by pan-cancer analysis

Long non-coding RNA known as ASB16 antisense RNA1 (ASB16-AS1) has been proven to be an oncogene, and the relationship between ASB16-AS1 and immunity is still under studied. This study aims to explore the expression and prognostic potential of ASB16-AS1, and to visualize the relationship between ASB16-AS1 expression and immune infiltration in pan-cancer analysis. We clarified ASB16-AS1 expression patterns and its relationship with prognosis through multi-platform and multi-database sources. We also verified the function of ASB16-AS1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). A  variety of immune cell content evaluation methods were used to mutually verify the correlation between ASB16-AS1 and immune infiltration. Finally, the relationships between ASB16-AS1 and molecular characteristics were further explored. In terms of comprehensive analysis, compared with non-tumor tissues, ASB16-AS1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues, and indicated the value of poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. Functional assays, such as counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay and scratch-wound assay verified that high ASB16-AS1 expression promoted tumor progression in LIHC. ASB16-AS1 was positively correlated with B cells, T cells CD4+ and T cells CD8+ in most cancer types, and negatively correlated with macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils in some cancer types. In addition, there were different interaction modes between ASB16-AS1 and molecular features, such as the relationship with oncogenic signaling pathways, showing that the high ASB16-AS1 expression was related to alterations in oncogenic signaling pathways. Our study emphasizes that ASB16-AS1 is a potential pan-cancer prognostic marker, whichs is associated with the immune infiltration in multiple cancer types.

Overexpression of UBE2C in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor and its 5-year survival rate is much lower than 30% due to its invasiveness and pronounced metastasis ability, as well as the difficulty in early diagnosis. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the UBE2C expression in ESCC by collecting the protein and mRNA expression data (including in-house RNA-seq, in-hosue immunohistochemistry, TCGA-GTEx RNA-seq and tissue microarray) to calculate a combined standardized mean difference (SMD) and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (sROC). Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method was used for survival analysis. We also explored the mechanism of UBE2C in ESCC by combing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ESCC, related-genes of UBE2C in ESCC and the putative miRNAs and lncRNAs which may regulate UBE2C.

RESULTS

UBE2C protein and mRNA were highly expressed in ESCC tissues (including 772 ESCC tissue samples and 1837 non-cancerous tissue control samples). The pooled SMD of UBE2C expression values was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.51-2.45, p < 0.001), and the the area under the curve (AUC) of the sROC was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.95). The results of survival analysis suggested that UBE2C is likely to play different roles in different stages of the ESCC. Pathway anaylsis showed that UBE2C mainly influenced the biological function of esophageal cancer by synergistic effects with CDK1, PTTG1 and SKP2. We also constructed a potential UBE2C-related ceRNA network for ESCC (HCP5/has-miR-139-5p/UBE2C).

CONCLUSION

UBE2C mRNA and protein level were highly expressed in ESCC and UBE2C was likely to play different roles in different stages of the ESCC.

The Biological Significance of Long noncoding RNAs Dysregulation and their Mechanism of Regulating Signaling Pathways in Cervical Cancer

Despite the remarkable decrease in cervical cancer incidence due to the availability of the HPV vaccine and implementation of screening programs for early detection in developed countries, this cancer remains a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries where most of the cases and mortality occur. Therefore, more understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer development might lead to the discovery of more effective diagnosis and treatment options. Research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) demonstrates the important roles of these molecules in many physiological processes and diseases, especially cancer. In the present review, we discussed the significance of lncRNAs altered expression in cervical cancer, highlighting their roles in regulating highly conserved signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways and their association with the progression of cervical cancer in order to bring more insight and understanding of this disease and their potential implications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

LINC00184 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cells Proliferation and Cisplatin Resistance by Elevating CNTN1 Expression via Sponging miR-1305

Objective

Cisplatin resistance is one of the main reasons for treatment failure in ovarian cancer (OC). Here, the effects of LINC00184 on cisplatin-resistant OC were studied.

Patients and Methods

LINC00184, miR-1305 and CNTN1 expression in tissues from 70 OC patients was determined by qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization and Western blot. OC cell lines and OC cisplatin-resistant cell lines were cultured. Cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 and treated with 100 nM cisplatin. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were researched by the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down were performed to explore the relationship between two genes. LINC00184, miR-1305 and CNTN1 expression in cells was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. An in vivo experiment was conducted using nude mice. Ki67 and CNTN1 expression and apoptosis of xenograft tumors were investigated using immunohistochemistry and a TUNEL assay.

Results

LINC00184 was up-regulated in OC clinical tissues and OC cells, especially in cisplatin-resistant OC patients and cells (p<0.01 or p<0.0001). LINC00184 overexpression significantly enhanced OC cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance, and inhibited OC cell apoptosis (p<0.05 or p<0.01). LINC00184 elevated CNTN1 expression via sponging miR-1305. LINC00184 overexpression markedly exacerbated the malignant phenotype of OC cells and cisplatin-resistant OC cells via the miR-1305/CNTN1 axis (p<0.01). Silencing of LINC00184 significantly suppressed OC cell growth and cisplatin resistance in vivo (p<0.01). LINC00184 silencing inhibited Ki67 and CNTN1 expression and promoted apoptosis of xenograft tumors. CNTN1 overexpression promoted proliferation and cisplatin resistance, and reduced apoptosis of OC cells (p<0.05 or p<0.01).

Conclusion

LINC00184 promoted OC cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance by elevating CNTN1 expression via sponging miR-1305.

Downregulation of the lncRNA ASB16-AS1 Decreases LARP1 Expression and Promotes Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression via miR-185-5p/miR-214-3p

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) comprises approximately 75% of renal cell carcinomas, which is one of the most common and lethal urologic cancers, with poor quality of life for patients and is a huge economic burden to health care systems. It is imperative we find novel prognostic and therapeutic targets for ccRCC clinical intervention. In this study, we found that the expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ASB16-AS1 was downregulated in ccRCC tissues compared with non-diseased tissues and was also associated with advanced tumor stage and larger tumors. By constructing cell and mouse models, it was found that downregulated lncRNA ASB16-AS1 enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, by performing bioinformatics analysis, biotinylated RNA pull-downs, AGO2-RIP, and luciferase reporter assays, our findings showed that downregulated ASB16-AS1 decreased La-related protein 1 (LARP1) expression by inhibiting miR-185-5p and miR-214-3p. Furthermore, it was found that overexpression of LARP1 reversed the promotive effects of downregulated ASB16-AS1 on ccRCC cellular progression. Our results revealed that downregulated ASB16-AS1 promotes ccRCC progression via a miR-185-5p-miR-214-3p-LARP1 pathway. We suggest that this pathway could be used to monitor prognosis and presents therapeutic targets for ccRCC clinical management.

Construction of Circular RNA-MicroRNA-Messenger RNA Regulatory Network of Recurrent Implantation Failure to Explore Its Potential Pathogenesis

Background: Many studies on circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been published. However, the function of circRNAs in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is unknown and remains to be explored. This study aims to determine the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in RIF.

Methods: Microarray data of RIF circRNA (GSE147442), microRNA (miRNA; GSE71332), and messenger RNA (mRNA; GSE103465) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.0 software, then the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database, and the hub genes were identified by cytoHubba plug-in. The circRNA–miRNA–hub gene regulatory subnetwork was formed to understand the regulatory axis of hub genes in RIF. Finally, the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the hub genes were performed by clusterProfiler package of Rstudio software, and Reactome Functional Interaction (FI) plug-in was used for reactome analysis to comprehensively analyze the mechanism of hub genes in RIF.

Results: A total of eight upregulated differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), five downregulated DECs, 56 downregulated differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs), 104 upregulated DEmiRs, 429 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 1,067 downregulated DEGs were identified regarding RIF. The miRNA response elements of 13 DECs were then predicted. Seven overlapping miRNAs were obtained by intersecting the predicted miRNA and DEmiRs. Then, 56 overlapping mRNAs were obtained by intersecting the predicted target mRNAs of seven miRNAs with 1,496 DEGs. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network and PPI network were constructed through six circRNAs, seven miRNAs, and 56 mRNAs; and four hub genes (YWHAZ, JAK2, MYH9, and RAP2C) were identified. The circRNA–miRNA–hub gene regulatory subnetwork with nine regulatory axes was formed in RIF. Functional enrichment analysis and reactome analysis showed that these four hub genes were closely related to the biological functions and pathways of RIF.

Conclusion: The results of this study provide further understanding of the potential pathogenesis from the perspective of circRNA-related competitive endogenous RNA network in RIF.

Long noncoding RNA ASB16-AS1 inhibits adrenocortical carcinoma cell growth by promoting ubiquitination of RNA-binding protein HuR

Adrenocortical carcinoma is one of the aggressive malignancies and it originates from the cortex of adrenal gland. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA plays important roles in the development of adrenocortical carcinoma. Here, we found that lncRNA ASB16-AS1 was down-regulated in adrenocortical carcinoma and ASB16-AS1 functions as tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo. We then found that IGF1R and CDK6 are regulated by ASB16-AS1 in adrenocortical carcinoma cells by transcriptome RNA sequencing. ASB16-AS1 associates with RNA-binding protein HuR (ELAVL1) as revealed by RNA pull-down following mass spectrometry. Also, ASB16-AS1 inhibits HuR expression post-translationally by promoting its ubiquitination. ASB16-AS1 regulates IGF1R and CDK6 mRNA expression through RNA-binding protein HuR. We then found that inhibition of ASB16-AS1 attenuates the binding of ubiquitin E3 ligase BTRC to HuR and subsequently inhibits HuR protein unbiquitination and degradation. BTRC knock-down could reverse the effect of AB16-AS1 on HuR, CDK6, and IGF1R levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ASB16-AS1 regulates adrenocortical carcinoma cell proliferation and tackling the level of ASB16-AS1 may be developed to treat adrenocortical carcinoma.

Circ0120816 acts as an oncogene of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting miR-1305 and releasing TXNRD1

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered to participate in the carcinogenesis of multiple cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression is yet to be properly understood. This research aimed to investigate and understand the mechanism used by circRNAs to regulate ESCC progression.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was first performed to screen dysregulated circRNAs and differentially expressed genes in ESCC. The ESCC tissue samples and adjacent normal tissue samples utilized in this study were obtained from 36 ESCC patients. All the samples were subjected to qRT-PCR analysis to identify the expression of TXNRD1, circRNAs, and miR-1305. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assay were later conducted to verify the existing relationship among circ0120816, miR-1305 and TXNRD1. CCK-8, BrdU, cell adhesion, cell cycle, western blot and caspase 3 activity assays were also employed to evaluate the regulation of these three biological molecules in ESCC carcinogenesis. To evaluate the effect of circ0120816 on ESCC tumor growth and metastasis, the xenograft mice model was constructed.

RESULTS

Experimental investigations revealed that circ0120816 was the highest upregulated circRNA in ESCC tissues and that this non-coding RNA acted as a miR-1305 sponge in enhancing cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion as well as repressing cell apoptosis in ESCC cell lines. Moreover, miR-1305 was observed to exert a tumor-suppressive effect in ESCC cells by directly targeting and repressing TXNRD1. It was also noticed that TXNRD1 could regulate cyclin, cell adhesion molecule, and apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, silencing circ0120816 was found to repress ESCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This research confirmed that circ0120816 played an active role in promoting ESCC development by targeting miR-1305 and upregulating oncogene TXNRD1.

Long non-coding RNA ASB16-AS1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by regulating miR-670-3p/ATXN7L3 axis

BACKGROUND

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a role in suppressing or promoting the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, there are still a large number of lncRNAs whose roles in the progression of GC are still unclear. Therefore, it is still necessary to identify lncRNAs that affect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells to provide potential targets for the prevention and treatment of GC.

AIM

To investigate the effect of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The expression levels of ASB16-AS1, miR-670-3p, and ATXN7L3 in human gastric mucosal cell line GES-1 and GC cell lines HGC-27, AGS, and NUGC-4 were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. HGC-27 cells were divided into si-NC, si-ASB16-AS1, miR-NC, miR-670-3p, si-ATXN7L3, si-ASB16-AS1 + anti-miR-NC, si-ASB16 -AS1 + anti-miR-670-3p, si-ASB16-AS1 + pcDNA-NC, and si-ASB16-AS1 + pcDNA-ATXN7L3 groups. Cell counting kit-8 and transwell assay were used to detect cell viability and migration invasion , respectively. Dual luciferase reportor assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to determine the interaction between ASB16-AS1 and miR-670-3p and between miR-670-3p and ATXN7L3.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 and ATXN7L3 were highly expressed in GC cells, while miR-670-3p was lowly expressed (P < 0.05). After inhibiting the expression of ASB16-AS1, overexpressing miR-670-3p, or inhibiting the expression of ATXN7L3, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). ASB16-AS1 targets and negatively regulates miR-670-3p expression. MiR-670-3p targets and negatively regulates ATXN7L3 expression. Inhibiting miR-670-3p partially reversed the effects of inhibiting ASB16-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells (P < 0.05). Overexpressing ATXN7L3 partially reversed the effect of inhibiting ASB16-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Inhibiting ASB16-AS1 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells by regulating the miR-670-3p/ATXN7L3 axis.

lncRNA expression profiles related to apoptosis and autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are >200-bp molecules that do not generally code for proteins. Human lncRNAs have well-characterized roles in gene expression regulation, particularly with regard to protein-coding genes, and their dysregulation has been linked to disease. Here, we set out to investigate changes in the expression of lncRNAs related to apoptosis and autophagy in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, we aimed to correlate lncRNA expression profiles with clinical indexes and self-perception of patients (SPP). To this end, we employed RNA sequencing of lncRNAs in PBMCs from three patients with RA and three healthy controls. We used bioinformatics to screen several dysregulated lncRNAs related to apoptosis and autophagy. To validate key lncRNA candidates, we performed quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR on 20 patients with RA and 20 healthy controls. We found the expression of seven lncRNAs (MAPKAPK5-AS1, ENST00000619282, C5orf17, LINC01189, LINC01006, DSCR9 and MIR22HG) was significantly altered in PBMCs of patients with RA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that MIR22HG [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.846, P = 0.000], DSCR9 (AUC = 0.783, P = 0.005), LINC01189 (AUC = 0.677, P = 0.034), MAPKAPK5-AS1 (AUC = 0.644, P = 0.025) and ENST00000619282 (AUC = 0.636, P = 0.043) are potential biomarkers of RA. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed selected lncRNAs correlated with clinical indexes and SPP. Therefore, we highlight that some lncRNAs related to apoptosis and autophagy may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of RA progression, which also correlate with several clinical indexes and SPP.

Long non-coding RNA366.2 controls endometrial epithelial cell proliferation and migration by upregulating WNT6 as a ceRNA of miR-1576 in sheep uterus

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important regulatory role in mammalian fecundity. Currently, most studies are primarily concentrated on ovarian lncRNAs, ignoring the influence of uterine lncRNAs on the fecundity of female sheep. In this study, we found a higher density of uterine glands and endometrial microvessel density (MVD) in high prolificacy group of Hu sheep compared to low prolificacy groups (p < 0.05) as well as an increased level of serum placental growth factor (PLGF). Hundreds of differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified in Hu sheep with different fecundity by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and their targets were enriched in some signaling pathways involved in endometrial functions, such as the estrogen signaling pathway, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of lncRNA366.2-miR-1576- WNT6 were determined by bioinformatics analysis. Functionally, our results indicated that lncRNA366.2 promoted endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) proliferation, migration, and growth factor expression by sponging miR-1576 to upregulate WNT6 expression and activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, our research indicated the regulatory mechanism of the lncRNA366.2-miR-1576-WNT6 in EEC proliferation and migration. Furthermore, this study provides a new theoretical reference for the identification of candidate genes related to fecundity.