miR-1273g silences MAGEA3/6 to inhibit human colorectal cancer cell growth via activation of AMPK signaling

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

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

Therapeutic combinations of exosomes alongside cancer stem cells (CSCs) and of CSC-derived exosomes (CSCEXs) in cancer therapy

Exosomes which are membrane vesicles released by cells have gained significant interest in the field of cancer therapy as a novel means of intercellular communication. Their role in immune activation and their pathophysiological functions in cancer therapy have been recognized. Exosomes carry diverse bioactive components including proteins, mRNA, microRNAs, and bioactive lipids. These molecules have therapeutic potential in promoting tissue regeneration, supporting stem cell activity, preventing cell death, modulating immune responses, and promoting the growth of new blood vessels. However, the precise roles of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of various cancers are still not fully understood. Consequently, cancer stem cells (CSCs) can self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Understanding the mechanisms that sustain their persistence is crucial for developing effective therapies. Exosomes have recently gained interest as vehicles for intercellular communication between CSCs and non-CSCs, influencing cancer progression and the microenvironment. Research is ongoing on the utilization of exosomes derived from cancer stem cells (CSC-Exosome) for cancer treatment. The composition of extracellular vesicles is influenced by the specific type and condition of the cells from which they are secreted. Circulating exosomes contain stable RNA molecules such as mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In this review, we will explore the significance of exosomes and their diverse cellular combinations in the context of cancer therapy.

A novel nanoplatform-based circCSNK1G3 affects CBX7 protein and promotes glioma cell growth

Bioenvironmental and biological factors have the potential to contribute to the development of glioma, a type of brain tumor. Recent studies have suggested that a unique circular RNA called circCSNK1G3 could play a role in promoting the growth of glioma cells. It does this by stabilizing a specific microRNA called miR-181 and reducing the expression of a tumor-suppressor gene known as chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7). To further investigate circCSNK1G3 and its effects on glioma, we utilized a nanoplatform called adeno-associated virus (AAV)-RNAi.To explore the functional implications of circCSNK1G3, we employed siRNA to silence its expression. Along with these effects, the silencing of circCSNK1G3 led to a depletion of miR-181d and an upregulation of CBX7. When we introduced miR-181d mimics, which artificially increase the levels of miR-181d, the anti-glioma cell activity induced by circCSNK1G3 siRNA was almost completely reversed. Conversely, inhibiting miR-181d mimicked the effects of circCSNK1G3 silencing. Moreover, when we overexpressed circCSNK1G3 in glioma cells, we observed an elevation of miR-181d and a depletion of CBX7. We found that the growth of A172 xenografts (tumors) carrying circCSNK1G3 shRNA was significantly inhibited. In these xenograft tissues, we detected a depletion of circCSNK1G3 and miR-181d, as well as an upregulation of CBX7.

MicroRNAs and colorectal cancer: clinical potential and regulatory networks

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious global health concern, with a high incidence and mortality rate. Although there have been advancements in the early detection and treatment of CRC, therapy resistance is common. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression, are key players in the initiation and progression of CRC. Recently, there has been growing attention to the complex interplay of miRNAs in cancer development. miRNAs are powerful RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including carcinogenesis. By identifying current challenges and limitations of treatment strategies and suggesting future research directions, this review aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance CRC diagnosis and treatment. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the role miRNAs play in CRC carcinogenesis and explores the potential of miRNA-based therapies as a treatment option. Importantly, this review highlights the exciting potential of targeted modulation of miRNA function as a therapeutic approach for CRC.

The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous RNAs that control gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that circRNAs act as novel diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for numerous cancer types by interacting with other non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs are presented as crucial risk factors and regulatory elements in cancer by regulating the expression of their target genes. Some miRNAs are derived from transposable elements (MDTEs) that can transfer their location to another region of the genome. Genetic interactions between miRNAs and circular RNAs can form complex regulatory networks with various carcinogenic processes that play critical roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This review focuses on the biological regulation of the correlative axis among circular RNAs, miRNAs, and their target genes in various cancer types and suggests the biological importance of MDTEs interacting with oncogenic or tumor-suppressive circRNAs in tumor progression.

ADCK1 is a potential therapeutic target of osteosarcoma

We here showed that ADCK1 (AarF domain-containing kinase 1), a mitochondrial protein, is upregulated in human osteosarcoma (OS) tissues and OS cells. In primary and established OS cells, ADCK1 shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9-induced ADCK1 knockout (KO) remarkably inhibited cell viability, proliferation and migration, and provoked apoptosis activation. Conversely, ectopic ADCK1 overexpression exerted pro-cancerous activity by promoting OS cell proliferation and migration. ADCK1 depletion disrupted mitochondrial functions in OS cells and induced mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, ATP depletion, reactive oxygen species production. Significantly, ADCK1 silencing augmented doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in primary OS cells. mTOR activation is important for ADCK1 expression in OS cells. The mTOR inhibitors, rapamycin and AZD2014, as well as mTOR shRNA, potently decreased ADCK1 expression in primary OS cells. In nude mice, the growth of subcutaneous pOS-1 xenografts was largely inhibited when bearing ADCK1 shRNA or ADCK1 KO construct. Moreover, ADCK1 KO largely inhibited pOS-1 xenograft in situ growth in proximal tibia of nude mice. ADCK1 depletion, apoptosis activation and ATP reduction were detected in pOS-1 xenografts bearing ADCK1 shRNA or ADCK1 KO construct. Together, the mitochondrial protein ADCK1 is required for OS cell growth and is a novel therapeutic target of OS.

A novel cuproptosis-related prognostic signature and potential value in HCC immunotherapy

Background: Copper metabolism plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment, and cuproptosis is the last discovered programmed cell death process. However, the potential mechanism of cuproptosis in regulating the immune microenvironment of HCC remains unclear.

Methods: A total of 716 HCC patients with complete mRNA expression and survival information were collected from three public HCC cohorts (TCGA-LIHC cohort, n = 370; GSE76427 cohort, n = 115; ICGC-LIRI cohort, n = 231). The unsupervised clustering analysis (NMF) was performed to identify three different cuproptosis-related subtypes. The univariate-Cox, lasso-Cox and multivariate-Cox regression analyses were performed to screen the cuproptosis related and construct the cuproptosis-related prognosis signature (Cu-PS). The immune cell infiltration was estimated by both CIBERSORT and MCPcounter algorithms.

Results: This study identified three distinct cuproptosis-related metabolic patterns, which presented different pathway enrichment and immune cell infiltration. The Cu-PS, a 5-genes (C7, MAGEA6, HK2, CYP26B1 and EPO) signature, was significantly associated with TNM stage, tumor mutational burden (TMB), drugs sensitivity, and immunotherapies response.

Conclusion: This study performed a multi-genetic analysis of cuproptosis-related genes and further explored the regulatory mechanism of cuproptosis in HCC. The Cu-PS might be a useful biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response and enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Integration of TE Induces Cancer Specific Alternative Splicing Events

Alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors contributes to genetic diversity by generating structurally and functionally distinct transcripts. In a disease state, alternative splicing promotes incidence and development of several cancer types through regulation of cancer-related biological processes. Transposable elements (TEs), having the genetic ability to jump to other regions of the genome, can bring about alternative splicing events in cancer. TEs can integrate into the genome, mostly in the intronic regions, and induce cancer-specific alternative splicing by adjusting various mechanisms, such as exonization, providing splicing donor/acceptor sites, alternative regulatory sequences or stop codons, and driving exon disruption or epigenetic regulation. Moreover, TEs can produce microRNAs (miRNAs) that control the proportion of transcripts by repressing translation or stimulating the degradation of transcripts at the post-transcriptional level. Notably, TE insertion creates a cancer-friendly environment by controlling the overall process of gene expression before and after transcription in cancer cells. This review emphasizes the correlative interaction between alternative splicing by TE integration and cancer-associated biological processes, suggesting a macroscopic mechanism controlling alternative splicing by TE insertion in cancer.

Knockdown of MAGE-A6 enhanced the irradiation sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by activating the AMPK pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer is a common respiratory tumor. The mortality rate of lung cancer patients has continued to rise in recent years. Several studies revealed that the expression of melanoma antigen 6 (MAGE-A6) promoted the development of multiple types of cancer. In addition, the suppression of AMPK pathway could restrict the radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells. Inhibition of MAGE-A6 activated the AMPK pathway in colorectal cancer cells. However, whether the MAGE-A6 could regulate the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by regulating of the AMPK pathway is unclear. In this study, we established the MAGE-A6 knockdown in A549 and H1299 cells. Next, the apoptosis and proliferation of these cells were detected by the flow cytometry analysis and colony formation assay after the irradiation, respectively. Then, the expression of p-AMPKα1 and p-S6K1 in these cells was explored by the western blotting. After that, we inhibited the expression of AMPKα1 in MAGE-A6 knockdown cells. The proliferation and apoptosis of these cells were detected with colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, the tumor formation of these cells was detected in nude mice. Our results showed that inhibition of MAGE-A6 suppressed the proliferation and aggravated the apoptosis of A549 and H1299 cells after the irradiation. Knockdown of MAGE-A6 activated the expression of p-AMPKα1 and repressed the expression of p-S6K1 in these cells. Suppression of AMPKα1 in MAGE-A6 knockdown cells abolished these effects. Knockdown of MAGE-A6 also enhanced the radiosensitivity of these cells in vivo. These results suggested that inhibition of MAGE-A6 promoted the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by activating AMPK pathway. Therefore, MAGE-6 has the potential to be explored as the therapeutic target for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in clinical.

Four-Octyl Itaconate Protects Chondrocytes against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injury and Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression by Activating Nrf2 Signaling

Nrf2 is a critical regulator of the antioxidant defense systems in cellular protection. Emerging evidence has shown that four-octyl itaconate (OI) activates Nrf2 cascade. In this study, the chondroprotective effects of OI on H₂O₂-stimulated chondrocytes and DMM-induced osteoarthritis (OA) progression were investigated. In primary murine chondrocytes, OI interrupted the binding of Keap1 and Nrf2, leading to accumulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein, as well as transcription and expression of Nrf2-dependent genes, such as HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC. Furthermore, OI inhibited cell death and apoptosis, as well as H₂O₂-stimulated ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, superoxide accumulation, and mitochondrial depolarization in chondrocytes, which were abolished by the silence or depletion of Nrf2. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed the therapeutic effects of OI on OA progression in a DMM mouse model. Collectively, these results suggested that OI might serve as a potential treatment for OA progression.

The Relationship Between the Network of Non-coding RNAs-Molecular Targets and N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Colorectal Cancer

Recent accumulating researches implicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and development. Notably, N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) methylation, the critical posttranscriptional modulators, exerts various functions in ncRNA metabolism such as stability and degradation. However, the interaction regulation network among ncRNAs and the interplay with m⁶A-related regulators has not been well documented, particularly in CRC. Here, we summarize the interaction networks and sub-networks of ncRNAs in CRC based on a data-driven approach from the publications (IF > 6) in the last quinquennium (2016–2021). Further, we extend the regulatory pattern between the core m⁶A regulators and m⁶A-related ncRNAs in the context of CRC metastasis and progression. Thus, our review will highlight the clinical potential of ncRNAs and m⁶A modifiers as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the diagnostic precision and treatment of CRC.

TMEM176B Regulates AKT/mTOR Signaling and Tumor Growth in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

TMEM176B is a member of the membrane spanning 4-domains (MS4) family of transmembrane proteins, and a putative ion channel that is expressed in immune cells and certain cancers. We aimed to understand the role of TMEM176B in cancer cell signaling, gene expression, cell proliferation, and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. We generated breast cancer cell lines with overexpressed and silenced TMEM176B, and a therapeutic antibody targeting TMEM176B. Proliferation and migration assays were performed in vitro, and tumor growth was evaluated in vivo. We performed gene expression and Western blot analyses to identify the most differentially regulated genes and signaling pathways in cells with TMEM176B overexpression and silencing. Silencing TMEM176B or inhibiting it with a therapeutic antibody impaired cell proliferation, while overexpression increased proliferation in vitro. Syngeneic and xenograft tumor studies revealed the attenuated growth of tumors with TMEM176B gene silencing compared with controls. We found that the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was activated or repressed in cells overexpressing or silenced for TMEM176B, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that TMEM176B expression in breast cancer cells regulates key signaling pathways and genes that contribute to cancer cell growth and progression, and is a potential target for therapeutic antibodies.

Identification of histone methyltransferase NSD2 as an important oncogenic gene in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second common cause of cancer-related human mortalities. Dysregulation of histone 3 (H3) methylation could lead to transcriptional activation of multiple oncogenes, which is closely associated with CRC tumorigenesis and progression. Nuclear receptor-binding SET Domain protein 2 (NSD2) is a key histone methyltransferase catalyzing histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2). Its expression, the potential functions, and molecular mechanisms in CRC are studied here. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) bioinformatics results showed that the NSD2 mRNA expression is elevated in both colon cancers and rectal cancers. Furthermore, NSD2 mRNA and protein expression levels in local colon cancer tissues are significantly higher than those in matched surrounding normal tissues. In primary human colon cancer cells and established CRC cell lines, shRNA-induced silencing or CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout of NSD2 inhibited cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, NSD2 shRNA or knockout induced mitochondrial depolarization, DNA damage, and apoptosis in the primary and established CRC cells. Contrarily, ectopic NSD2 overexpression in primary colon cancer cells further enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. H3K36me2, expressions of multiple oncogenes (ADAM9, EGFR, Sox2, Bcl-2, SYK, and MET) and Akt activation were significantly decreased after NSD2 silencing or knockout in primary colon cancer cells. Their levels were however increased after ectopic NSD2 overexpression. A catalytic inactive NSD2 (Y1179A) also inhibited H3K36me2, multiple oncogenes expression, and Akt activation, as well as cell proliferation and migration in primary colon cancer cells. In vivo, intratumoral injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-packed NSD2 shRNA largely inhibited primary colon cancer cell xenograft growth in nude mice. Together, NSD2 exerted oncogenic functions in CRC and could be a promising therapeutic target.

Exosomal miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of transforming growth factor β2-mediated retinal pigment epithelial cells by targeting ATP-binding cassette A4

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the regulation of many disease progression, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). However, the roles of exosomal miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p in PVR progression have not been demonstrated. Transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2)-induced ARPE-19 cells were used to stimulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cells. Exosomes derived from TGF-β2-induced ARPE-19 cells were identified by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The expression levels of miR-4488, miR-1273g-5p and ATP-binding cassette A4 (ABCA4) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The promotion levels of exosomes markers, EMT markers, apoptosis markers and ABCA4 were determined by western blot analysis. The migration, invasion and apoptosis of cells were determined by transwell assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry. Our data showed that miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p were lowly expressed in TGF-β2-induced ARPE-19 cells. Overexpressed exosomal miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p could inhibit the EMT, migration, invasion, and promote apoptosis in TGF-β2-induced ARPE-19 cells. In addition, ABCA4 was a target of miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p. Overexpressed ABCA4 also could reverse the negatively regulation of exosomal miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p on the EMT, migration, and invasion of TGF-β2-induced ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, our data showed that exosomal miR-4488 and miR-1273g-5p could inhibit TGF-β2-stimulated EMT in ARPE-19 cells through targeting ABCA4.

Intravascular emboli relates to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and predicts prognosis in stage III colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience varying degrees of prognosis even if receiving standard therapeutic regimes. Intravascular emboli (IVE), a type of vascular invasion, impacts the clinical outcome in CRC. In this study, we confirmed the role of IVE in predicting the prognosis of stage III CRC patients and characterized the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC with IVE.

METHODS

Data from 220 consecutive patients (cohort 1) with stage III CRC undergoing radical surgery was collected retrospectively between January 2009 to December 2014. According to the presence of IVE, which was confirmed by two independent pathologists, patients were classified into two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation of IVE presence to patients' prognosis. The association between IVE and clinicopathological factors was also analyzed. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) were performed to describe features of the TME based on microarray data consisting of 6 patients. Tumor tissues from a separate cohort of 73 patients with stage III CRC (cohort 2) collected between June 2014 and December 2015 were used to analyze tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

RESULTS

IVE was observed in 126 (57.3%) patients and could serve as an unfavorable independent prognostic predictor (P < 0.001) as well as lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) and tumor location (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients with IVE had a higher neutrophil percentage (P = 0.002) and lower lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.002) relative to those without IVE. CRC with IVE had a significantly different profile of DEGs compared to CRC without IVE, and GSEA showed chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME may promote IVE development. In cohort 2, tumors with IVE had fewer CD3⁺ TILs in the stromal region, as well as fewer CD8⁺ TILs in both stromal and tumoral regions relative to those without IVE.

CONCLUSION

IVE, which was related closely to a chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME, forecasted a worse prognosis of stage III CRC patients and may be taken into consideration when a therapeutic strategy is decided upon.

MiR-1273 g-3p Promotes Malignant Progression and has Prognostic Implications in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most popular cancer of mankind. Our study aimed to provide the expression and the predictive significance of miR-1273 g-3p in PCa. Moreover, the effects on cell biological activities were also investigated. The relative expression of miR-1273 g-3p in PCa tissues and cell lines was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were performed to indicate the prognostic value. The implications of miR-1273 g-3p on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were validated using the CCK-8 and Transwell assay. Our results provided that the expression of miR-1273 g-3p was increased in PCa tissues and cell lines. The levels of miR-1273 g-3p were associated with Gleason score, TNM stage, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of miR-1273 g-3p indicated a promising overall survival rate. Cox regression results indicated miR-1273 g-3p might be an independent marker for PCa patients. Silenced miR-1273 g-3p inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In total, miR-1273 g-3p was increased in PCa and identified as a therapeutic target and a prognostic factor for PCa patients. Overexpression of miR-1273 g-3p might be an oncogene via accelerating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Oncogenic activity and cellular functionality of melanoma associated antigen A3

Cancer testis antigen Melanoma associated antigen A3 (MAGE-A3) has been subject of research for many years. Being expressed in various tumor types and influencing proliferation, metastasis, and tumor pathogenicity, MAGE-A3 is an attractive target for cancer therapy, particularly because in healthy tissues, MAGE-A3 is only expressed in testes and placenta. MAGE-A3 acts as a cellular master regulator by stimulating E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (TRIM28), resulting in regulation of various cellular targets. These include tumor suppressor protein p53 and cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The restricted expression of MAGE-A3 in tumor cells makes MAGE-A3 an attractive target for vaccine-based immune therapy. However, although phase I and phase II clinical trials involving MAGE-A3-specific immunotherapeutic interventions were promising, large phase III studies failed. This article gives an overview about the role of MAGE-A3 as a cellular master switch and discusses approaches to improve MAGE-A3-based immunotherapies.

PF-06409577 Activates AMPK Signaling and Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cell Growth

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary bone malignancy. We here investigated the potential activity of PF-06409577, a novel, potent, and direct activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), against human OS cells. In established (U2OS, MG-63, and SaOs-2 lines) and primary human OS cells, PF-06409577 inhibited cell viability and proliferation, while inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. PF-06409577 induced AMPK activation, mTORC1 inhibition, autophagy induction, and downregulation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inOS cells. AMPK inactivation by AMPKα1 shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, or dominant negative mutation (T172A) was able to abolish PF-06409577-induced activity in OS cells. In vivo, PF-06409577 oral administration at well-tolerated doses potently inhibited growth of U2OS cells and primary human OS cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice. AMPK activation, mTORC1 inhibition, autophagy induction, as well as RTK degradation and apoptosis activation were detected in PF-06409577-treated xenografts. In conclusion, activation of AMPK by PF-06409577 inhibits OS cell growth.

Exopolysaccharides isolated from Rhizopus nigricans induced colon cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo via activating the AMPK pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related human deaths. The exopolysaccharide (EPS1-1), isolated from Rhizopus nigricans, has been described as exhibiting anti-tumor and pro-apoptotic activity against CRC, although the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, we investigate how EPS1-1 induces apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that, in vitro, EPS1-1 suppressed cell growth and facilitated apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in mouse colon cancer CT26 cells. However, treatment with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting AMPKα or with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, interfered with the pro-apoptosis effects of EPS1-1. We also show that EPS1-1 initiated the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1), both of which are necessary signals for AMPK activation. Furthermore, EPS1-1-mediated apoptosis is regulated by inactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and activation of the jun-NH₂ kinase (JNK)-p53 signaling axis dependent on AMPK activation. In vivo, azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-treated CRC mice, when administered EPS1-1, exhibited activation of the AMPK pathway, inhibition of mTORC1, and accumulation of p53 in tumor tissues. Collectively, these findings suggest that EPS1-1-induced apoptosis relies on the activation of the AMPK pathway. The present study provides evidence suggesting that EPS1-1 may be an effective target for development of novel CRC therapeutic agents.

The LncRNA RP11-279C4.1 Enhances the Malignant Behaviour of Glioma Cells and Glioma Stem-Like Cells by Regulating the miR-1273g-3p/CBX3 Axis

Glioma is the most common type of solid tumour affecting the central nervous system, and the survival rate of patients with glioma is low. However, the mechanism associated with glioma progression remains unclear. Growing evidence suggests that lncRNAs play essential roles in the initiation and progression of tumours, including gliomas. In the present study, we identified and verified the expression of the novel lncRNA RP11-279C4.1 by analyzing the TANRIC database and performing qRT-PCR assays, the results of which revealed its upregulation in glioma tissues and cell lines. The results of multiple functional experiments demonstrated that RP11-279C4.1 knockdown inhibited glioma malignant phenotypes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell self-renew ability in vitro. In addition, RP11-279C4.1 downregulation suppressed tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, RP11-279C4.1 induced CBX3 activation via competitively sponging miR-1273g-3p, and rescue assay results confirmed the importance of the RP11-279C4.1/miR-1273g-3p/CBX3 axis. Overall, the results of our present study demonstrated that RP11-279C4.1 functions as an oncogene that promotes tumour progression by modulating the miR-1273g-3p/CBX3 axis in glioma, suggesting that RP11-279C4.1 may be a novel therapeutic target for glioma.

The histone acetyltransferase HBO1 functions as a novel oncogenic gene in osteosarcoma

HBO1 (KAT7 or MYST2) is a histone acetyltransferase that acetylates H3 and H4 histones.

Methods: HBO1 expression was tested in human OS tissues and cells. Genetic strategies, including shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 and overexpression constructs, were applied to exogenously alter HBO1 expression in OS cells. The HBO1 inhibitor WM-3835 was utilized to block HBO1 activation.

Results:HBO1 mRNA and protein expression is significantly elevated in OS tissues and cells. In established (MG63/U2OS lines) and primary human OS cells, shRNA-mediated HBO1 silencing and CRISPR/Cas9-induced HBO1 knockout were able to potently inhibit cell viability, growth, proliferation, as well as cell migration and invasion. Significant increase of apoptosis was detected in HBO1-silenced/knockout OS cells. Conversely, ectopic HBO1 overexpression promoted OS cell proliferation and migration. We identified ZNF384 (zinc finger protein 384) as a potential transcription factor of HBO1. Increased binding between ZNF384 and HBO1 promoter was detected in OS cell and tissues, whereas ZNF384 silencing via shRNA downregulated HBO1 and produced significant anti-OS cell activity. In vivo, intratumoral injection of HBO1 shRNA lentivirus silenced HBO1 and inhibited OS xenograft growth in mice. Furthermore, growth of HBO1-knockout OS xenografts was significantly slower than the control xenografts. WM-3835, a novel and high-specific small molecule HBO1 inhibitor, was able to potently suppressed OS cell proliferation and migration, and led to apoptosis activation. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of WM-3835 potently inhibited OS xenograft growth in SCID mice.

Conclusion: HBO1 overexpression promotes OS cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Silencing SIX1 by miR-7160 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell growth

The homeoprotein SIX1 is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and associated with NSCLC tumorigenesis and progression. We identified microRNA-7160 (miR-7160) as a SIX1-targeting miRNA. RNA immunoprecipitation results confirmed a direct binding between miR-7160 and SIX1 mRNA in NSCLC cells. In the primary and established NSCLC cells, forced overexpression of miR-7160 downregulated SIX1 and inhibited cancer cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, miR-7160 overexpression induced apoptosis activation in NSCLC cells. Conversely, miR-7160 inhibition elevated SIX1 expression and enhanced NSCLC cell progression in vitro. Restoring SIX1 expression, by an untranslated region-depleted SIX1 expression construct, reversed miR-7160-induced anti-NSCLC cell activity. CRISPR/Cas9-inudced knockout of SIX1 mimicked miR-7160-induced actions and produced anti-NSCLC cell activity. In vivo, intratumoral injection of miR-7160-expressing lentivirus downregulated SIX1 mRNA and inhibited NSCLC xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Significantly, miR-7160 expression is downregulated in human NSCLC tissues and is correlated with SIX1 mRNA upregulation. Collectively, miR-7160 silenced SIX1 and inhibited NSCLC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Emerging roles of the MAGE protein family in stress response pathways

The melanoma antigen (MAGE) proteins all contain a MAGE homology domain. MAGE genes are conserved in all eukaryotes and have expanded from a single gene in lower eukaryotes to ∼40 genes in humans and mice. Whereas some MAGEs are ubiquitously expressed in tissues, others are expressed in only germ cells with aberrant reactivation in multiple cancers. Much of the initial research on MAGEs focused on exploiting their antigenicity and restricted expression pattern to target them with cancer immunotherapy. Beyond their potential clinical application and role in tumorigenesis, recent studies have shown that MAGE proteins regulate diverse cellular and developmental pathways, implicating them in many diseases besides cancer, including lung, renal, and neurodevelopmental disorders. At the molecular level, many MAGEs bind to E3 RING ubiquitin ligases and, thus, regulate their substrate specificity, ligase activity, and subcellular localization. On a broader scale, the MAGE genes likely expanded in eutherian mammals to protect the germline from environmental stress and aid in stress adaptation, and this stress tolerance may explain why many cancers aberrantly express MAGEs Here, we present an updated, comprehensive review on the MAGE family that highlights general characteristics, emphasizes recent comparative studies in mice, and describes the diverse functions exerted by individual MAGEs.

GDC-0349 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell growth

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related human mortality with a clear need for new therapeutic intervention. GDC-0349 is a potent and selective ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor. In A549 cells and primary human NSCLC cells, GDC-0349 inhibited cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, while inducing significant apoptosis activation. Although GDC-0349 blocked Akt-mTORC1/2 activation in NSCLC cells, it also exerted cytotoxicity in Akt1-knockout A549 cells. Furthermore, restoring Akt-mTOR activation by a constitutively-active Akt1 only partially attenuated GDC-0349-induced A549 cell apoptosis, indicating the existence of Akt-mTOR-independent mechanisms. In NSCLC cells GDC-0349 induced sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibition, ceramide accumulation, JNK activation and oxidative injury. Conversely, N-acetylcysteine, the JNK inhibitor and sphingosine 1-phosphate alleviated GDC-0349-induced NSCLC cell apoptosis. In vivo, daily oral administration of GDC-0349 potently inhibited NSCLC xenograft growth in mice. Akt-mTOR in-activation, SphK1 inhibition, JNK activation and oxidative stress were detected in NSCLC xenograft tissues with GDC-0349 administration. In summary, GDC-0349 inhibits NSCLC cell growth via Akt-mTOR-dependent and Akt-mTOR-independent mechanisms.

Dual inhibition of DNA-PKcs and mTOR by CC-115 potently inhibits human renal cell carcinoma cell growth

CC-115 is a dual inhibitor of DNA-PKcs and mTOR, both are valuable therapeutic targets for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our results showed that CC-115 inhibited survival and proliferation of established RCC cell lines (786-O and A489) and primary human RCC cells. The dual inhibitor induced selective apoptosis activation in RCC cells, as compared to no cytotoxicity nor apoptotic effects toward normal renal epithelial cells. CC-115 inhibited DNA-PKcs and mTORC1/2 activation in RCC cells. It was however ineffective in DNA-PKcs-mTOR double knockout (DKO) 786-O cells. CC-115 induced feedback autophagy activation in RCC cells. Autophagy inhibitors or Beclin-1/Light chain 3 (LC3) silencing potentiated CC-115-induced anti-RCC cell activity. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of Beclin-1 inhibited CC-115-induced cytotoxicity. At last CC-115 oral administration inhibited 786-O subcutaneous xenograft growth in nude mice. Taken together, dual inhibition of DNA-PKcs and mTOR by CC-115 potently inhibited RCC cell growth.

LncRNA ST8SIA6-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating MAGEA3 and DCAF4L2 expression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of liver cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNA ST8SIA6-AS1 in HCC. We found that ST8SIA6-AS1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with poorer overall survival of HCC patients from TCGA. Moreover, ST8SIA6-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC in-house tissues and cells, and ST8SIA6-AS1 upregulation was related to aggressive tumor phenotypes and the poor overall survival of HCC patients. Downregulation of ST8SIA6-AS1 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and restrained HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. In terms of mechanism, ST8SIA6-AS1 regulated melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE)-A3 (MAGEA3) and DDB1-and Cul4-associated factor 4-like 2 (DCAF4L2) expression, and rescue experiments verified that ST8SIA6-AS1 played a protumorigenic role in HCC via the regulation of MAGEA3 and DCAF4L2. ST8SIA6-AS1 partly directly bound to miR-129-5p and functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), subsequently facilitating the expression of the miR-129-5p target gene DCAF4L2 to play its role in HCC. In summary, our results identified ST8SIA6-AS1 as an oncogenic lncRNA predicting poor clinical outcomes of patients with HCC. These findings suggest that ST8SIA6-AS1 is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Immunological and functional aspects of MAGEA3 cancer/testis antigen

Identification of ectopic gene activation in cancer cells serves as a basis for both gene signature-guided tumor targeting and unearthing of oncogenic mechanisms to expand the understanding of tumor biology/oncogenic process. Proteins expressed only in germ cells of testis and/or placenta (immunoprivileged organs) and in malignancies are called cancer testis antigens; they are antigenic because of the lack of antigen presentation by those specific cell types (germ cells), which limits the exposure of the proteins to the immune cells. Since the Cancer Testis Antigens (CTAs) are immunogenic and expressed in a wide variety of cancer types, CT antigens have become interesting target for immunotherapy against cancer. Among CT antigens MAGEA family is reported to have 12 members (MAGEA1 to MAGEA12). The current review highlights the studies on MAGEA3 which is a CT antigen and reported in almost all types of cancer. MAGEA3 is well tried for cancer immunotherapy. Recent advances on its functional and immunological aspect warranted much deliberation on effective therapeutic approach, thus making it a more interesting target for cancer therapy.

Construction of circRNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Novel Biomarkers for Esophageal Cancer

Objective

Esophageal cancer (ESCC) is reported to be the eighth most common malignant tumors worldwide with high mortality. However, the functions of majority circRNAs in ESCC requires to be further explored.

Methods

This study identified differently expressed circRNAs in 3 paired ESCC using RNA-sequencing method. The interactions among circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics analysis.

Results

In this study, using RNA-sequencing method and integrated bioinformatics analysis, 418 overexpressed circRNAs and 637 reduced circRNAs in ESCC sample were identified. Based on the mechanism that circRNAs could play as ceRNAs to modulate targets expression, circRNA-miRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed in this study. Based on the network analysis, 7 circRNAs, including circ_0002255, circ_0000530, circ_0001904, circ_0001005, circ_0000513, circ_0000075, and circ_0001121, were identified as key circRNAs in ESCC. We found that circ_0002255 was related to the regulation of substrate adhesion-dependent cell spreading. circ_0001121 was involved in regulating nucleocytoplasmic transport. circ_0000513 played a key role in regulating Adherens junction, B cell receptor signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we observed circ_0000075 was involved in regulating zinc II ion transport, transition metal ion homeostasis, and angiogenesis.

Conclusion

We thought this study could provide novel biomarkers for the prognosis of ESCC.

Prognostic Implications of Novel Gene Signatures in Gastric Cancer Microenvironment

Background

Increasing studies have shown the important clinical role of immune and stromal cells in gastric cancer microenvironment. Based on information of immune and stromal cells in The Cancer Genome Atlas, this study aimed to construct a prognostic risk assessment model for gastric cancer.

Material/Methods

Based on the immune/structural scores, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered and analyzed. Afterwards, DEGs associated with prognosis were screened and the risk assessment model was constructed in the training set. Moreover, the validity of the model was verified both in the testing set and the overall sample.

Results

In this study, patients were divided into high-score and low-score groups based on immune/stromal score, and 919 DEGs were identified. By applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox analysis, 10 mRNAs were selected to form a prognostic risk assessment model, risk score=(0.294*SLC17A9) + (−0.477*FERMT3) + (0.866*NRP1) + (0.350*MMRN1) + (0.381*RNASE1) + (0.189*TRIB3) + (0.230*PGAP3) + (0.087*MAGEA3) + (0.182*TACR2) + (0.368*CYP51A1). In the training set, the low-risk group divided by the model was found to have better overall survival, and the prediction efficiency of the model was demonstrated to be good. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that the model could work as a prognostic factor independently. Similar results were shown in the testing group and overall patients cohort group. Finally, the risk assessment model and other clinical variables were integrated to construct a nomogram.

Conclusions

In general, this study constructs a prognostic risk assessment model for gastric cancer, which could improve the prognosis stratification of patients combined with other clinical indicators.

The therapeutic value of SC66 in human renal cell carcinoma cells

The PI3K-AKT-mTOR cascade is required for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression. SC66 is novel AKT inhibitor. We found that SC66 inhibited viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC cell lines (786-O and A498) and patient-derived primary RCC cells. Although SC66blocked AKT-mTORC1/2 activation in RCC cells, it remained cytotoxic in AKT-inhibited/-silenced RCC cells. In RCC cells, SC66 cytotoxicity appears to occur via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, sphingosine kinase 1inhibition, ceramide accumulation and JNK activation, independent of AKT inhibition. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine, the JNK inhibitor (JNKi) and the anti-ceramide sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate all attenuated SC66-induced cytotoxicity in 786-O cells. In vivo, oral administration of SC66 potently inhibited subcutaneous 786-O xenograft growth in SCID mice. AKT-mTOR inhibition, SphK1 inhibition, ceramide accumulation and JNK activation were detected in SC66-treated 786-O xenograft tumors, indicating that SC66 inhibits RCC cell progression through AKT-dependent and AKT-independent mechanisms.

CircRNA BIRC6 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell progression by sponging microRNA-145

PURPOSE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality world-wide. Recently, a number of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been found to be differentially expressed in human NSCLCs, correlating with clinico-pathological features. As yet, the expression and potential role of circRNA BIRC6 (circBIRC6) in NSCLC have not been studied.

METHODS

Expression of circBIRC6 and its target microRNA-145 (miR-145) in human NSCLC cells and tissues was assessed using qRT-PCR. In vitro genetic strategies were used to exogenously alter circBIRC6 and miR-145 expression. Their impact on in vitro and in vivo NSCLC cell behavior was studied.

RESULTS

We found that circBIRC6 was upregulated in primary human NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells, whereas its potential target, miR-145, was downregulated. In A549 NSCLC cells and primary human NSCLC cells, shRNA-induced silencing of circBIRC6 potently inhibited their growth, proliferation, migration and invasion. Conversely, we found that exogenous overexpression of circBIRC6 promoted these characteristics. Using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) in A549 cells, we found that Argonaute 2 (Ago2) immunoprecipitated together with both circBIRC6 and miR-145. Additional studies revealed that the miR-145 level increased after circBIRC6 silencing in A549 cells, but decreased after circBIRC6 overexpression. Of note, we found that the circBIRC6 silencing-induced anti-A549 activity could be attenuated by a miR-145 inhibitor. Lastly, we found that circBIRC6 silencing inhibited the growth of NSCLC xenografts in severe combined immunodeficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data we conclude that circBIRC6 overexpression promotes NSCLC cell progression, possibly by sponging miR-145.

A transcriptomic analysis of malignant transformation of human embryonic esophageal epithelial cells by HPV18 E6E7

Background

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours in humans. A series of esophageal cancer cell lines are accompanied by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, but the mechanism behind HPV in cancer malignancy is not clear.

Methods

This research was conducted in different generations of HPV E6E7 gene-induced human foetal esophageal epithelial immortalised cells (Shantou Human Embryonic Esophageal Epithelial cell line; SHEE); the RNA sequencing transcriptomic analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of HPV infection in these cell lines.

Results

The results showed that there are 9,990 differential genes in late-stage cells compared with HPV18 E6E7-infected early foetal esophageal epithelial immortalised cells. Among these, 4,882 genes are upregulated, and 5,108 genes are downregulated. We used bioinformatics to analyze the expression and function of aberrantly expressed lncRNA, miRNA, mRNA and construct the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and protein protein interaction (PPI) network.

Conclusions

we predicted TP53TG1 promotes to malignant transformation of SHEEs by acting as a ceRNA to competitively bind to miR-6835 and regulate IGF2 expression. We also predicted IL6 serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapy target. With these results maybe provides new insights into the mechanisms of HPV carcinogenesis in esophageal cancer.

PGK1 depletion activates Nrf2 signaling to protect human osteoblasts from dexamethasone

Activation of nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) cascade can alleviate dexamethasone (DEX)-induced oxidative injury and death of human osteoblasts. A recent study has shown that phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) inhibition/depletion will lead to Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) methylglyoxal modification, thereby activating Nrf2 signaling cascade. Here, in OB-6 osteoblastic cells and primary human osteoblasts, PGK1 silencing, by targeted shRNA, induced Nrf2 signaling cascade activation, causing Nrf2 protein stabilization and nuclear translocation, as well as increased expression of ARE-dependent genes (HO1, NQO1, and GCLC). Functional studies demonstrated that PGK1 shRNA largely attenuated DEX-induced oxidative injury and following death of OB-6 cells and primary osteoblasts. Furthermore, PGK1 knockout, by the CRISPR/Cas9 method, similarly induced Nrf2 signaling activation and protected osteoblasts from DEX. Importantly, PGK1 depletion-induced osteoblast cytoprotection against DEX was almost abolished by Nrf2 shRNA. In addition, Keap1 shRNA mimicked and nullified PGK1 shRNA-induced anti-DEX osteoblast cytoprotection. At last we show that PGK1 expression is downregulated in human necrotic femoral head tissues of DEX-taking patients, correlating with HO1 depletion. Collectively, these results show that PGK1 depletion protects human osteoblasts from DEX via activation of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling cascade.

Inhibition of PTP1B blocks pancreatic cancer progression by targeting the PKM2/AMPK/mTOC1 pathway

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant cancer and lacks effective therapeutic targets. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a validated therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity, also plays a critical positive or negative role in tumorigenesis. However, the role of PTP1B in pancreatic cancer remains elusive. Here, we initially demonstrated that PTP1B was highly expressed in pancreatic tumors, and was positively correlated with distant metastasis and tumor staging, and indicated poor survival. Then, inhibition of PTP1B either by shRNA or by a specific small-molecule inhibitor significantly suppressed pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration and colony formation with cell cycle arrest in vitro and inhibited pancreatic cancer progression in vivo. Mechanism studies revealed that PTP1B targeted the PKM2/AMPK/mTOC1 signaling pathway to regulate cell growth. PTP1B inhibition directly increased PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation to further result in significant activation of AMPK, which decreased mTOC1 activity and led to inhibition of p70S6K. Meanwhile, the decreased phosphorylation of PRAS40 caused by decreased PKM2 activity also helped to inhibit mTOC1. Collectively, these findings support the notion of PTP1B as an oncogene and a promising therapeutic target for PDAC.

Lnc-THOR silencing inhibits human glioma cell survival by activating MAGEA6-AMPK signaling

Long non-coding RNA THOR (Lnc-THOR) binds to IGF2BP1, essential for its function. We here show that Lnc-THOR is expressed in human glioma tissues and cells. Its expression is extremely low or even undetected in normal brain tissues, as well as in human neuronal cells and astrocytes. We show that Lnc-THOR directly binds to IGF2BP1 in established and primary human glioma cells. shRNA-mediated Lnc-THOR knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9-induced Lnc-THOR knockout potently inhibited cell survival and proliferation, while provoking glioma cell apoptosis. Contrarily, forced overexpression of Lnc-THOR promoted glioma cell growth and migration. Importantly, Lnc-THOR shRNA or knockout activated MAGEA6-AMPK signaling in glioma cells. AMPK inactivation, by AMPKα1 shRNA, knockout, or dominant-negative mutation (T172A), attenuated Lnc-THOR shRNA-induced A172 glioma cell apoptosis. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9-induced IGF2BP1 knockout activated MAGEA6-AMPK signaling as well, causing A172 glioma cell apoptosis. Significantly, Lnc-THOR shRNA was ineffective in IGF2BP1 KO A172 cells. In vivo, Lnc-THOR silencing or knockout potently inhibited subcutaneous A172 xenograft tumor growth in mice. MAGEA6 downregulation and AMPK activation were detected in Lnc-THOR-silenced/-KO A172 tumor tissues. Taken together, Lnc-THOR depletion inhibits human glioma cell survival possibly by activating MAGEA6-AMPK signaling.

Ninjurin 2 overexpression promotes human colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo

Ninjurin 2 (NINJ2) is a novel adhesion molecule. Its expression and potential function in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are studied. We show that NINJ2 is overexpressed in established (HT-29) and primary CRC cells and in human colon cancer tissues. Its expression level is low in colon epithelial cells and normal colon tissues. NINJ2 shRNA or knockout (by CRSIPR/Cas9) potently inhibited human CRC cell survival and proliferation, while significantly inducing cell apoptosis. Conversely, lentivirus-mediated NINJ2 overexpression promoted CRC cell proliferation. NINJ2 co-immunoprecipitated with multiple RTKs (EGFR, PDGFRα/β and FGFR) in CRC cells and human colon cancer tissues. In HT-29 cells, RTKs’ downstream signalings, Akt and Erk, were significantly inhibited by NINJ2 shRNA or knockout, but augmented following ectopic NINJ2 overexpression. In vivo, NINJ2-silenced or NINJ2-knockout CRC xenografts grew significantly slower than the control xenografts. Akt-Erk activation was largely inhibited in CRC xenografts with NINJ2 silencing or knockout. Taken together, NINJ2 overexpression promotes CRC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Long noncoding RNA LINC02418 regulates MELK expression by acting as a ceRNA and may serve as a diagnostic marker for colorectal cancer

Some types of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in human diseases, including cancer. However, the overall biological roles and clinical significances of most lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) are not fully understood. First, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was analyzed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs between CRC tissues and noncancerous tissues. We identified that LINC02418 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Next, we evaluated the effect of LINC02418 on CRC tumorigenesis and its regulatory functions of absorbing microRNA and indirectly stimulating protein expression by acting as a ceRNA. Mechanistically, LINC02418 acted as a ceRNA to upregulate MELK expression by absorbing miR-1273g-3p. In addition, the diagnostic performance of cell-free LINC02418 and exosomal LINC02418 were both evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Exosomal LINC02418 could distinguish the patients with CRC from the healthy controls (AUC = 0.8978, 95% confidence interval = 0.8644–0.9351) better than cell-free LINC02418 (AUC = 0.6784, 95% confidence interval = 0.6116–0.7452). Collectively, we determined that LINC02418 was significantly overexpressed in CRC and that the LINC02418–miR-1273g-3p–MELK axis played a critical role in CRC tumorigenesis. Finally, exosomal LINC02418 is a promising, novel biomarker that can be used for the clinical diagnosis of CRC.

Targeting p38γ to inhibit human colorectal cancer cell progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy globally causing significant cancer-related mortality. Recent studies have proposed p38gamma (p38γ) as a novel cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-like kinase, promoting tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The current study evaluates p38γ expression and potential role in CRC. In HT-29 cells and primary human colon cancer cells, shRNA-induced p38γ silencing or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated p38γ knockout inhibited cell growth, proliferation, and migration, and induced significant apoptosis. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of p38γ further promoted the growth, proliferation, and migration of HT-29 cells and primary colon cancer cells. Retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation and cyclins (E1/A) expression were decreased by p38γ silencing or KO, but increased with p38γ overexpression. p38γ mRNA and protein levels are significantly upregulated in human colon cancer tissues, when compared to levels in surrounding colon epithelial tissues. These results demonstrate that overexpression of p38γ can promote human CRC cell progression, and identify p38γ as a novel therapeutic target.

Regulation of MAGE-A3/6 by the CRL4-DCAF12 ubiquitin ligase and nutrient availability

Melanoma antigen genes (MAGEs) are emerging as important oncogenic drivers that are normally restricted to expression in male germ cells but are aberrantly expressed in cancers and promote tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, MAGEs function as substrate specifying subunits of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Thus, the activation of germline-specific genes in cancer can drive metabolic and signaling pathways through altered ubiquitination to promote tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms regulating MAGE expression and activity are unclear. Here, we describe how the MAGE-A3/6 proteins that function as repressors of autophagy are downregulated in response to nutrient deprivation. Short-term cellular starvation promotes rapid MAGE-A3/6 degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner. Proteomic analysis reveals that degradation of MAGE-A3/6 is controlled by the CRL4-DCAF12 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Importantly, the degradation of MAGE-A3/6 by CRL4-DCAF12 is required for starvation-induced autophagy. These findings suggest that oncogenic MAGEs can be dynamically controlled in response to stress to allow cellular adaptation, autophagy regulation, and tumor growth and that CRL4-DCAF12 activity is responsive to nutrient status.

Identification of microRNA-92a and the related combination biomarkers as promising substrates in predicting risk, recurrence and poor survival of colorectal cancer

Background: Previous studies demonstrated that microRNA-92a (miR-92a) may serve as a novel promising biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, a comprehensive analysis of the contribution of miR-92a in CRC is lacking. We aimed to systematically summarize the diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-92a in CRC.

Methods: The diagnostic and prognostic roles of individual miR-92a and the combination biomarkers based on miR-92a were evaluated through comprehensive meta-analyses. Meanwhile, the function and potential mechanisms of miR-92a were assessed by an integrative bioinformatics analysis.

Results: According to the results, we found that miR-92a yielded a pooled area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.82 (sensitivity: 76%, specificity: 75%) in discriminating CRC from controls. Notably, the combination biomarkers based on miR-92a increased the diagnostic performance, yielding an AUC of 0.91, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 87%. For the prognostic meta-analysis, patients with higher expression of miR-92a had significant shorter overall survival (pooled HR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.03-5.12). In addition, the regulated genes of miR-92a were retrieved and enriched through gene ontology and pathway analysis, indicating their correlations with the initiation and progression of CRC. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction network was set up with miR-92a targets and screened for hub nodes and significant modules, which were confirmed strongly involved in the occurrence and development of CRC again.

Conclusions: Current evidences suggest miR-92a is a promising biomarker for early detection and prognosis of CRC while miRNA combination biomarkers may be considered as the right way for clinical practice. However, more prospective studies are required to highlight the theoretical strengths.

MiR-449b-5p regulates cell proliferation, migration and radioresistance in cervical cancer by interacting with the transcription suppressor FOXP1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been acknowledged as crucial regulators for the malignant progression of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism associated with the malignant progression of cervical cancer (CC) is still largely unmarked. The focus of this study is to explore the potential functional mechanism of miR-449b-5p in CC. Using qRT-PCR analysis, we detected a relative lower expression level of miR-449b-5p in CC tissues and cell lines by comparing with the normal tissues and cells. Low level of miR-449b-5p in CC cell lines was further demonstrated by northern blot. Subsequently, downregulation of miR-449b-5p was closely correlated with the low overall survival rate of patients with cervical cancer. Gain-of-function assays demonstrated that upregulation of miR-449b-5p had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, FOXP1 was found to be a transcription suppressor and downstream target of miR-449b-5p. Rescue assays and in vivo experiment were applied to demonstrate the biological function of miR-449b-5p-FOXP1 feedback loop. In summary, miR-449b-5p interacted with FOXP1 to regulate cell proliferation, migration, invasion and radiosensitivity in CC.