A cytoplasmic NF-κB interacting long noncoding RNA blocks IκB phosphorylation and suppresses breast cancer metastasis

LINC02154 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR Signaling Pathway by Interacting With IGF2BP2

As important types of noncoding RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in the progression of various cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that LINC02154 plays a critical role in cancer progression, but the underlying mechanisms regulating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, we found that LINC02154 is significantly upregulated in ESCC cell lines and ESCC tissues. LINC02154 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells in vitro and suppressed the progression of ESCC in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC02154 can bind to IGF2BP2 and activate the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. High expression of LINC02154 is positively correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients. In conclusion, LINC02154 functions as an oncogenic factor to facilitate ESCC progression through the IG2BP2-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and has the potential to be a promising diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC patients.

The key regulator circPDE3B promotes arsenic-induced bladder carcinogenesis by affecting STAT3 and NF-κB stability

Long-term exposure to arsenic (As), which is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, significantly enhances the risk of multiple cancers, including bladder and lung cancers. In recent years, the important roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in tumorigenesis and development have attracted widespread attention. However, the specific molecular mechanisms by which circRNAs promote bladder cancer development following exposure to arsenic remain incompletely understood. This study is the first to demonstrate that circPDE3B is significantly upregulated in a cell model of transformation triggered by arsenic and that it promotes this transformation process. Our study elucidated the biological function of circPDE3B in vitro, in SV-HUC-1 cells, showing that it accelerates the malignant transformation from arsenic via increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Furthermore, we delineated a novel molecular mechanism whereby circPDE3B directly binds to NF-κB and STAT3, inhibiting their ubiquitination and increasing their stability. This, in turn, affects downstream HIF-1α expression, promoting the malignant transformation of SV-HUC-1 cells and eventually resulting in bladder carcinogenesis. Our research reveals the critical regulatory role of circPDE3B in the arsenic-triggered malignant transformation within SV-HUC-1 cells. This study offers broader perspectives on the molecular mechanisms driving bladder cancer progression, while also identifying potential targets for early diagnosis and treatment of bladder tumour.

Long Non-Coding RNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins in Pancreatic Cancer Development and Progression

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and is responsible for about 467,000 cancer deaths annually. An oftentimes asymptomatic early phase of this disease results in a delayed diagnosis, and patients often present with advanced disease. Current treatment options have limited survival benefits, and only a minor patient population carries actionable genomic alterations. Hence, innovative personalized treatment strategies that consider molecular, cellular and functional analyses are urgently needed for pancreatic cancer patients. However, the majority of the genetic alterations found in PDAC are currently undruggable, or patients' response is not as expected. Therefore, non-genomic biomarkers and alternative molecular targets should be considered in order to advance the clinical management of PDAC patients. In line with this, recent gene expression and single-cell transcriptome analyses have identified molecular subtypes and transcriptional cell states that affect disease progression and drug efficiency. In this review, we will introduce long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are able to modulate the transcriptome of a cell through diverse mechanisms, thereby contributing to disease progression. We will provide a brief overview about the general functions of lncRNAs and RBPs, respectively. Subsequently, we will highlight selected lncRNAs and RBPs that have been shown to play a role in PDAC development, progression and drug response. Finally, we will present strategies aiming to interfere with the expression and function of lncRNAs and RBPs.

The Glycosyltransferase XYLT1 Activates NF-κB Signaling to Promote Metastasis of Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma

Early-stage lung adenocarcinoma generally has a favorable prognosis. However, more than 30% of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma cases relapse within 5 years of initial treatment, even after complete removal of the primary tumor. Identification of the factors contributing to early-stage lung adenocarcinoma metastasis is needed to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. In this study, we found upregulation of xylosyltransferase 1 (XYLT1), a glycosyltransferase that initiates the biosynthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) chains, in metastatic recurrent lesions of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, which correlated with poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that XYLT1 promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell survival and metastasis by activating the NF-κB pathway. Mechanistically, XYLT1 interacted with IκBα and facilitated the biosynthesis of sGAG-conjugated IκBα, which enhanced the interaction between IκBα and IKKs to promote the proteasomal degradation of IκBα. These results illustrate that proteoglycan modification-mediated activation of NF-κB signaling is a driver of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma metastasis, providing a possibility for the detection and intervention of early lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. Significance: XYLT1 promotes metastatic recurrence of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma by facilitating sulfated glycosaminoglycan conjugation and proteasomal degradation of IκBα to activate NF-κB, providing potential biomarker and treatment strategies for lung cancer metastasis.

Genetic variant in LncRNA-NKILA associated with gastric cancer susceptibility and the binding with miR-6731-5p

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the association between lncRNA-NKILA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to gastric cancer in the Chinese Han population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Four functional SNPs (rs911157, rs16981280, rs2273534, and rs957313) were validated using bioinformatics analysis and genotyped in 490 patients and 490 controls. A case-control study was conducted to analyze the association between NKILA SNPs and gastric cancer risk. qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the NKILA expression in plasma of different rs911157 and rs16981280 genotypes. The effect of rs16981280 C>T mutation on the binding ability of NKILA and miR-6731-5p was verified by dual-luciferase experiment.

RESULTS

In this study, rs911157 CT genotype (OR:1.72, 95%CI:1.20-2.69) was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, whereas rs16981280 CG (OR:0.64, 95%CI:0.48-0.85) and GG genotypes (OR:0.56, 95%CI:0.36-0.87) were associated with a reduced risk. The population attributable risk percentage for rs911157 T-carriers was below 10%, while for the rs16981280 CC genotype was approximately 15%. Rs911157 C carried a binding site with miR-6731-5p while T allele might cause the target loss.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, NKILA polymorphism might be related to the susceptibility of gastric cancer. NKILA rs911157 C/T genotype probably affects the function of gastric cancer cells by modulating the interactions with of miR-6731-5p.

Long non-coding RNA LRTOR drives osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by boosting YAP positive feedback loop

The therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib (OSI) in EGFR-mutant lung cancer is ultimately limited by the onset of acquired resistance, of which the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a novel long non-coding RNA, LRTOR, as a key driver of OSI resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical data indicate that elevated LRTOR expression correlates with poor prognosis in OSI-resistant patients. Functionally, LRTOR promotes tumor growth and confers OSI resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LRTOR shields YAP from LATS-mediated phosphorylation at Ser127 and Ser381, preventing its proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, LRTOR facilitates the interaction between YAP and KCMF1, promoting K63-linked ubiquitination, nuclear translocation of YAP, and formation of the YAP/TEAD1 transcriptional complex, which in turn triggers the transcription of LRTOR, establishing a positive feedback loop that amplifies oncogenic signaling of YAP and consequently induces OSI resistance. LRTOR depletion by siRNA restores OSI sensitivity in resistant tumors, as demonstrated in patient-derived organoid xenograft models. Our findings unveil LRTOR as a central regulator of OSI resistance in NSCLC and propose it as a promising therapeutic and prognostic target for overcoming acquired OSI resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer.

Vitamin D3 mitigates aspirin-induced gastric injury by modulating gastrokines, E-cadherin, and inhibiting NLRP3 and NF-κB/MMP-9 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gastric ulcers has grown significantly in the modern era affecting 10 % of global population. Aspirin downregulates gastrokines 1(GKN1) expression in gastric mucosa and GKN1 down-regulation results in gastric cancer. Vitamin D3 (Vit.D3) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

AIM

Study the gastroprotective impact of Vit.D3 following aspirin-induced gastric injury in relation to gastrokines and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

24 rats were divided into 4 groups: control, Vit.D3 supplemented normal, aspirin-induced gastric injury, and Vit.D3 supplemented gastric injury groups. Some oxidative stress markers with gene expression of GKN1&2, mucin 5AC (Muc5ac) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in the gastric tissue were done. Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of E-Cadherin, nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the stomach mucosa were identified.

RESULTS

Vit.D3 supplementation significantly upregulated E-Cadherin, GSH, GKN1 and Muc5ac in the gastric tissue. Also, it improved the morphology, histology of gastric tissue, by alleviating oxidative stress and NFκB, MMP-9 and down regulation of inflammasome (NLRP3).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D3 has a potential protective effect against aspirin -induced gastric injury via upregulating gastrokine1 and E-cadherin and down regulation of NFKB/MMP-9 signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic role of lncRNA in carcinogenesis (Review)

Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key players in the regulation of gene expression by mediating epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modification. Dysregulation of lncRNAs is implicated in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. lncRNAs modulate chromatin structure and gene transcription by recruiting epigenetic regulators, including DNA‑ or histone‑modifying enzymes. Additionally, lncRNAs mediate chromatin remodeling and enhancer‑promoter long‑range chromatin interactions to control oncogene expression by recruiting chromatin organization‑associated proteins, thereby promoting carcinogenesis. Furthermore, lncRNAs aberrantly induce oncogene expression by mediating epitranscriptomic modifications, including RNA methylation and RNA editing. The present study aimed to summarize the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in cancer to unravel the complex interplay between lncRNAs and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic regulators in carcinogenesis. The present review aimed to provide a novel perspective on the epigenetic and epitranscriptomic roles of lncRNAs in carcinogenesis to facilitate identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Non-coding RNAs, a double-edged sword in breast cancer prognosis

Cancer is a rising issue worldwide, and numerous studies have focused on understanding the underlying reasons for its occurrence and finding proper ways to defeat it. By applying technological advances, researchers are continuously uncovering and updating treatments in cancer therapy. Their vast functions in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation and their significant role in the progression of diseases, including cancer. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ncRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on long non-coding RNAs such as HOTAIR, MALAT1, and NEAT1, as well as microRNAs such as miR-21, miR-221/222, and miR-155. These ncRNAs are pivotal in regulating cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and apoptosis. Additionally, we discuss experimental approaches that are useful for studying them and highlight the advantages and challenges of each method. We then explain the results of these clinical trials and offer insights for future studies by discussing major existing gaps. On the basis of an extensive number of studies, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of ncRNAs in cancer therapy. Key findings show that even though the functions of ncRNAs are vast and undeniable in cancer, there are still complications associated with their therapeutic use. Moreover, there is an absence of sufficient experiments regarding their application in mouse models, which is an area to work on. By emphasizing the crucial role of ncRNAs, this review underscores the need for innovative approaches and further studies to explore their potential in cancer therapy.

A novel lncRNA MSTRG.59348.1 regulates muscle cells proliferation and innate immunity of Megalobrama amblycephala

In mammals, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a regulatory role in gene expression, contribute to immune responses, and aid in pathogen elimination, primarily through interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). However, the role of lncRNAs in fish innate immunity and their interaction with RBPs remains uncertain. To investigate the immunomodulatory role of lncRNAs in Megalobrama amblycephala, we identified the novel lncRNA MSTRG.59348.1 and examined its function in the innate immune response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Localization studies in hepatocytes revealed that MSTRG.59348.1 is primarily located in the nucleus, suggesting its potential involvement in gene regulation, possibly through chromatin modification or other nuclear processes. The expression of MSTRG.59348.1 was significantly up-regulated after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in liver cells. RNA-seq analysis of muscle cells revealed that genes differentially expressed following MSTRG.59348.1 overexpression were enriched in immune pathways. MSTRG.59348.1 overexpression significantly inhibited the expression of sting and ifn, and significantly up-regulated muscle cell viability and promoted cell proliferation by targeting sting, ifn, nf-κb1, and bcl2. Screening by RNA pull-down and mass spectrometry identified 57 RBPs interacting with MSTRG.59348.1, with functions enriched in immune pathways. Our results suggest that MSTRG.59348.1 plays a crucial regulatory role in fish antibacterial response, marking it as a significant subject for future research in innate immunity.

Long non‑coding RNA signatures in breast cancer: Properties as biomarkers?

Breast cancer represents the most common type of cancer in females worldwide. The survival rates for breast cancer patients have been increasing since 1990. However, in 2023 breast cancer is still the second most common cause of malignancy-associated death in women. One decisive reason is the increase of treatment resistance and low therapy response. Therefore, new therapy targets and predictive markers for the response to treatment are needed. The present study analyzed the potential effects triggered by different breast cancer treatments on the transcriptional expression of 12 pre-selected long non-coding (lnc) RNAs and the proliferation markers Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in six different breast cancer cell lines (BT-474, MDA-MB-231, BT-20, T-47D, SKBR-3 and MCF-7). The results revealed that lncRNA cytoskeleton regulator RNA may be an appropriate biomarker for the response to treatment with both epirubicin and gemcitabine (P<0.001). NF-ĸB interacting lnc RNA may be a marker for therapy response (P<0.001), while HOX transcript antisense RNA overexpression suggested resistance to treatment (P<0.001) with epirubicin. The transcriptional expression of lncRNA BC4 increased during treatment with epirubicin and gemcitabine, which indicated therapy response. Overall, the present data suggested that the aforementioned lncRNAs have a promising potential as biomarkers to detect early therapy response or resistance in and therefore should be analyzed in more detail.

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal pre-metastatic subsets and therapeutic targets in penile carcinoma

Tumor heterogeneity, driven by branching evolution and genomic mutations, complicates cancer treatment. Understanding malignant cell evolution across various tumors aids in identifying pre-metastatic subpopulations for optimized therapies. Using bulk RNA sequencing (6 primary penile carcinomas, 6 metastatic lymph nodes, GSE196978), single-cell RNA sequencing (4 advanced penile carcinomas), spatial transcriptomics (Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]: GSE144239-GSM4565823 and SCC: GSE144239-GSM4565826), and cell assays with Silmitasertib, we mapped heterogeneity and pinpointed therapeutic targets. In penile carcinoma, we discovered an MMP3+SPP1+ pre-metastatic subset and casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CK2α) overexpression. The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway may drive metastasis. Pan-cancer analysis showed that MMP3 and SPP1 link to epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance, while CK2α activates oncogenes. Silmitasertib, a CK2α inhibitor, exhibited anti-tumor effects in penile carcinoma cells. Validated across 98 single-cell and 6 spatial datasets, our study advances the understanding of tumorigenesis and metastasis, highlighting Silmitasertib as a potential therapeutic agent.

5-hydroxymethylcytosine features of portal venous blood predict metachronous liver metastases of colorectal cancer and reveal phosphodiesterase 4 as a therapeutic target

Metachronous liver metastases (MLM) are characterised by high incidence and high mortality in clinical colorectal cancer treatment. Currently traditional clinical methods cannot effectively predict and prevent the occurrence of metachronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. Based on 5hmC-Seal analysis of blood and tissue samples, this study found that portal venous blood was more relevant to tumour gDNA than peripheral blood. We performed a novel epigenetic liquid biopsy strategy using the 10 5hmC epigenetic alterations, to accurately distinguish MLM patients from patients without metastases. Among these epigenetic alterations, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4D) was highly increased in MLM patients and correlated with poor survival. Moreover, our studies demonstrated that PDE4D was a key metastasis-driven target for drug development. Interfering with the function of PDE4D significantly repressed liver metastases. Similarly, roflumilast, a PDE4 inhibitor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy, also inhibits liver metastases. Further studies indicate that blocking the function of PDE4D can affect CRC invasion through the HIF-1α-CCN2 pathway. To develop a more efficient PDE4 inhibitor and reduce the occurrence of adverse events, we also designed several new compounds based on 2-arylbenzofurans and discovered lead L11 with potent affinity for PDE4D and significant suppression of liver metastases. In this work, our study provides a promising strategy for predicting metachronous liver metastasis and discovers L11 as a potential repurposed drug for inhibiting liver metastasis, which have the potential to benefit patients with CRC in the future. KEY POINTS: 5hmC epigenetic markers derived from portal venous blood could accurately predict metachronous metastasis of colorectal cancer. PDE4D was a key metastasis-driven target that promoted metachronous metastasis via the HIF-1α-CCN2 pathway. The newly synthesised compound L11 could specifically inhibit PDE4D and abolish metachronous metastasis of colorectal cancer without obvious toxic side effects.

Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNAs and BRCA1 in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis: Neighboring Companions or Nemeses?

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women, primarily due to its complex molecular landscape and heterogeneous nature. The tendency of breast cancer patients to develop metastases poses significant challenges in clinical management. Notably, mutations in the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) significantly elevate breast cancer risk. The current research endeavors employ diverse molecular approaches, including RNA, DNA, and protein studies, to explore avenues for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Recent attention has shifted towards long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in the multifaceted progression of breast cancer. Among these, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs), a specific class of lncRNAs, play critical roles in regulating various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, epigenetic modulation, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Their distinctive expression patterns in cellular and tissue contexts underscore their importance in breast cancer development and progression. Harnessing lincRNAs' sensitivity and precision as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic markers holds significant promise for the clinical management of breast cancer. However, the potential of lincRNAs remains relatively underexplored, particularly in the context of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer and other clinicopathological parameters such as receptor status and patient survival. Consequently, there is an urgent need for comprehensive investigations into novel diagnostic and prognostic breast cancer biomarkers. This review examines the roles of lincRNAs associated with BRCA1 in the landscape of breast cancer, highlighting the potential avenues for future research and clinical applications.

Dynamic Roles of RNA and RNA Epigenetics in HTLV-1 Biology

Since the discovery of RNA in the early 1900s, scientific understanding of RNA form and function has evolved beyond protein coding. Viruses, particularly retroviruses like human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), rely heavily on RNA and RNA post-transcriptional modifications to regulate the viral lifecycle, pathogenesis, and evasion of host immune responses. With the emergence of new sequencing technologies in the last decade, our ability to dissect the intricacies of RNA has flourished. The ability to study RNA epigenetic modifications and splice variants has become more feasible with the recent development of third-generation sequencing technologies, such as Oxford nanopore sequencing. This review will highlight the dynamic roles of known RNA and post-transcriptional RNA epigenetic modifications within HTLV-1 biology, including viral hbz, long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), R-loops, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications, and RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines.

Long non-coding RNAs and their role in breast cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance: Navigating the non-coding landscape review

Despite the progress made in the development of targeted therapies, breast cancer (BC) continues to pose a significant threat to the health of women. Transcriptomics has emerged due to the advancements in high-throughput sequencing technology. This provides crucial information about the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in human cells, particularly long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), in disease development and function. When the control of these ncRNAs is disrupted, various illnesses emerge, including cancer. Numerous studies have produced empirical data on the function of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and disease development. However, the roles and mechanisms of numerous lncRNAs remain unidentified at the molecular level because their regulatory role and the functional implications of abnormalities in cancer biology have yet to be thoroughly defined. The review gives an itemized summary of the most current developments in the role of lncRNA in BC, focusing on three main pathways, PI3K, MAPK, NF-kB, and hypoxia, and their resistance mechanisms.

Expression study of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway associated lncRNAs in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses affecting any age group. The mechanism and etiology of schizophrenia are extremely complex and multiple signaling pathways recruit genes implicated in the etiology of this disease. While the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in this disorder has been verified, the impact of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with this pathway has not been studied in schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to examine the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin-related lncRNAs, namely CCAT2, SNHG5, PTCSC3, and DANCR, as well as the CTNNB1 gene encoding beta-catenin protein in two groups of schizophrenia patients (drug-naïve and medicated) compared with healthy individuals. This study included 50 medicated patients in the remission phase of the disease, 25 drug-naive patients in the acute phase, and 50 control subjects. There was no significant difference in CTNNB1 gene expression in the medicated patients compared to controls (P value = 0.9754). However, the expression of this gene was significantly decreased in drug-naïve first-episode patients compared with controls (P value < 0.001). In contrast, expression of DANCR, PTCSC3, SNHG5, and CCAT2 genes was significantly higher in medicated (P values < 0.001, < 0.001, = 0.01, < 0.001, respectively) and drug-naive first-episode patients (P value < 0.001) compared to control subjects. ROC curve analysis revealed that DANCR, PTCSC3, SNHG5, and CCAT2 genes had diagnostic power with specificity and sensitivity of 80% and above in separation between study subgroups. In brief, our data demonstrated dysregulation of Wnt/β pathway related genes and lncRNAs in the peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia and their potential as biomarkers for this disorder.

New insights of LncRNAs fingerprints in breast cancer progression: Tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and therapeutic opportunities

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the common female cancers and it is characterized by considerable problems regarding its development and therapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as significant modulators in BC development, especially, in tumorigenicity and chemoresistance. We therefore endeavor to present an up-to-date understanding of lncRNAs and their impact on BC progression and treatment, concerning molecular processes, treatment options, and use as a therapeutic opportunity. LncRNAs are novel regulators of genes that cause therapeutic resistance and directly impact the functioning of both coding and non-coding genes in BC patients, but little is known about their mechanisms of actions. Thus, additional study is required to have a deeper understanding of their modes of action and possible roles in BC disease. This study aims to investigate the functions of lncRNAs in the development of BC, with particular attention to their role in tumorigenesis, drug resistance mechanisms, and therapeutic targets. This will help to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve the effectiveness of BC treatment.

Long non-coding RNA SUN2-AS1 acts as a negative regulator of ISGs transcription to promote flavivirus infection

Recent studies highlight the critical involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating viral replication and immune responses, yet their specific roles in flavivirus infections remain underexplored. Our study has identified lncRNA SUN2-AS1, which is significantly upregulated in response to flavivirus infection in A549, Huh7 cells, and monocyte-differentiated macrophages (MDMs). SUN2-AS1 interacts with the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT1, andits expression is induced by ZIKV RNA via the type I interferon (IFN) pathway. Notably, SUN2-AS1 enhances the infection of flaviviruses, including ZIKV, DENV2, and JEV, while showing no effect on VSV or HSV-1 infections. Mechanistically, SUN2-AS1 exerts a proviral effect by inhibiting the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). These findings uncover a novel mechanism by which lncRNAs facilitate flavivirus propagation and highlight SUN2-AS1 as a potential target for antiviral therapeutic strategies.

LINC01322 may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for advanced stage tumors in renal cell carcinoma patients eligible for total nephrectomy

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common urological cancer globally and shows a favorable prognosis in early stages of the tumor progression. Due to the poor prognosis for metastatic RCC patients, it is crucial to explore the molecular biology of RCC progression to establish efficient diagnostic and therapeutic markers for these patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles in regulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis during RCC progression. For the first time in the present study, we assessed the LINC01322 RNA expression levels in RCC patients to introduce that as a potential tumor marker among these patients.

Methods

we visualized LINC01322 expression data using the online tool Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2) across different cancers and normal tissues. Fifty fresh samples of RCC tumor tissues and their adjacent normal margins were collected to analyze the RNA expression of LINC01322 and its association with the clinicopathological features of RCC patients. The SYBR green method was used in real-time PCR to measure the LINC01322 RNA expression levels in RCC patients.

Results

Based on in-silico analysis, we hypothesized that LINC01322 could be involved in RCC progression by interacting with VHL, thereby influencing the tumor microenvironment. There were significant increased levels of LINC01322 RNA expressions in advanced stage compared with primary stage tumors that were located in left kidney (p = 0.048). Left kidney that were undergone the total nephrectomy had significant higher levels of LINC01322 RNA expressions compared with tumors in right kidney (p = 0.045). There was a direct correlation between the levels of LINC01322 RNA expression and RCC tumor size.

Conclusions

considering the substantial increase in LINC01322 RNA expression in advanced stage RCC tumors that are candidates for total nephrectomy; it could be suggested as a potential diagnostic indicator for high-risk patients. In-silico analysis also revealed that LINC01322 could be involved in regulation of tumor microenvironment during RCC progression by interacting with VHL. However, further investigations are needed to validate the potential link between LINC01322 and VHL during RCC progression. Evaluating the serum LINC01322 RNA levels in RCC patients is also necessary to use that as a diagnostic marker in clinical settings.

Long non-coding RNAs-sphingolipid metabolism nexus: Potential targets for cancer treatment

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of cancer pathogenesis, influencing various cellular processes and contributing to tumorigenesis. Sphingolipid metabolism has garnered interest as a potential target for cancer therapy owing to its considerable diagnostic and prognostic value. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs regulate tumor-associated metabolic reprogramming via sphingolipid metabolism. However, the precise nature of the interactions between lncRNAs and sphingolipid metabolism remains unclear. This review summarizes the key roles of lncRNAs and sphingolipid metabolism in tumorigenesis. We emphasize that the interaction between lncRNAs and sphingolipid metabolism influences their impact on both cancer prognosis and drug resistance. These findings suggest that lncRNA-sphingolipid metabolism interaction holds great potential as a newl target for cancer treatment.

Non-coding RNAs in oral cancer: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic frontier

Around the world, oral cancer (OC) is a major public health problem, resulting in a significant number of deaths each year. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Recent progress in DNA sequencing and transcriptome profiling has revealed extensive non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) transcription, underscoring their regulatory importance. NcRNAs influence genomic transcription and translation and molecular signaling pathways, making them valuable for various clinical applications. Combining spatial transcriptomics (ST) and spatial metabolomics (SM) with single-cell RNA sequencing provides deeper insights into tumor microenvironments, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic precision for OC. Additionally, the exploration of salivary biomarkers offers a non-invasive diagnostic avenue. This article explores the potential of ncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for OC.

lncRNA-WAL Promotes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Aggression by Inducing β-Catenin Nuclear Translocation

Because of its insensitivity to existing radiotherapy, namely, chemotherapy and targeted treatments, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a great challenge to overcome. Increasing evidence has indicated abnormal Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in TNBC but not luminal or HER2+ breast cancer, and lncRNAs play a key role in a variety of cancers. Through lncRNA microarray profiling between activated and inactivated Wnt/β-catenin pathway of TNBC tissues, lnc-WAL (Wnt/β-catenin-associated lncRNA; WAL) was selected as the top upregulated lncRNA in Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation compared with the inactivation group. RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing was used to compare the β-catenin and IgG groups, in which lnc-WAL could interact with β-catenin. Clinically, increased lnc-WAL in TNBC tumor tissue was associated with shorter survival. lnc-WAL promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer stem cells and TNBC cells. Mechanistically, lnc-WAL inhibited β-catenin protein degradation via AXIN-mediated phosphorylation at serine 45. Subsequently, β-catenin accumulated in the nucleus and activated the target genes. Importantly, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation stimulated the transcription of lnc-WAL. These results pointed to a master regulatory role of lnc-WAL/AXIN/β-catenin in the malignant progression of TNBC. Our findings provide important clinical translational evidence that lnc-WAL may be a potential therapeutic target against TNBC. Implications: The positive feedback between lnc-WAL and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway promotes TNBC progression, and lnc-WAL could be a potential prognostic marker for patients with TNBC.

Construction of machine learning models of lipid metabolism-related long non-coding RNA in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with microenvironmental heterogeneity and immunotherapy

Using various bioinformatics tools, we constructed a prognostic model integrating the expression profiles of lipid metabolization-related lncRNAs and clinical features. Our study discovered that various lipid metabolism-related lncRNAs were linked to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The link between immune cell infiltration in the tumour microenvironment and the expression level of lncRNAs involved with lipid metabolism was also investigated. Our findings suggest that there is a complex interplay between lipid metabolism, microenvironmental heterogeneity, and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the study has significant clinical implications for the development of effective therapies for patients with lung adenocarcinoma by investigating the potential of these lncRNAs as biomarkers for anticipating the response to immunotherapy. Finally, our study emphasises the significance of continued analysis of lncRNAs associated with lipid metabolism in tumours to better understand the mechanisms behind the incidence and progression of lung adenocarcinoma. Several of the strengths of our work are the extensive analysis of the relationship between lipid metabolism and lncRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and the utilization of a sizable sample size from the TCGA-LUAD cohort. However, there are also some limitations. Firstly, the mechanisms of how these lncRNAs interact with lipid metabolism pathways and immune response require further investigation. Secondly, our study was based on bioinformatics analysis and lacked experimental verification. Finally, our study was limited to the TCGA-LUAD cohort and further validation using other independent cohorts is required. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of lncRNAs associated with lipid metabolism in lung adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer patients may benefit from using identified lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers. Validating these findings and confirming the potential therapeutic applications of these lncRNAs will require more mechanistic research.

The long non-coding RNA GAS5 contributes to the suppression of inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB activity

INTRODUCTION

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses. Glucocorticoid drugs (GC) act through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) as immunosuppressant also in pediatric patients inhibiting NF-κB activity. The long non-coding RNA GAS5 interacts with the GR, influencing GC activity. No data on the role of GAS5 on GR-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activity have been published.

METHODS

This study investigated the impact of GAS5 on NF-κB activity in HeLa cells overexpressing GAS5, both under basal conditions and during GC treatment. The study used EMSA, RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP), Western blotting, and bioinformatic analyses to assess NF-κB DNA binding, GAS5-p65 interaction, and NF-κB signaling pathway modulation.

RESULTS

GAS5 overexpression increased NF-κB DNA binding activity in untreated cells. RNA-IP confirmed a direct interaction between GAS5 and the NF-κB subunit p65, suggesting a potential regulatory mechanism. GAS5 overexpression led to downregulation of NF-κB target genes, TNF-α, and NR3C1. GC treatment reduced NF-κB DNA binding activity in GAS5-overexpressing cells, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Furthermore, GAS5 overexpression increased IκB levels and reduced p-p65/pan-p65 levels during GC treatment.

DISCUSSION

GAS5 appears to modulate NF-κB activity in a complex manner, influencing both basal and GC-induced signaling. The interaction between GAS5, GCs, and NF-κB is multi-faceted, and further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms. These findings suggest that GAS5 could be a potential target for personalized therapy, particularly in pediatric patients with inflammatory conditions.

LncOCMRL1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis via the RRM2/EMT pathway

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely involved in cancer development and progression, but the functions of most lncRNAs have not yet been elucidated. Metastasis is the main factor restricting the therapeutic outcomes of various cancer types, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, exploring the key lncRNAs that regulate OSCC metastasis and elucidating their molecular mechanisms will facilitate the development of new strategies for effective OSCC therapy.

METHODS

We analyzed the lncRNA expression profiles of tumor tissues from OSCC patients with and without cervical lymph node metastasis, and OSCC cell lines. We revealed high expression of oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis-related lncRNA 1 (lncOCMRL1) in OSCC patient tumor tissues with lymph node metastasis and highly metastatic OSCC cell lines. The effects of lncOCMRL1 knockdown on the invasion, migration and proliferation abilities of OSCC cells were explored through qRT-PCR, Transwell, colony formation, and cell proliferation experiments. The mechanism by which lncOCMRL1 promotes OSCC metastasis and proliferation was explored through RNA pull-down, silver staining, mass spectrometry, RIP, and WB experiments. To increase its translational potential, we developed a reduction-responsive nanodelivery system to deliver siRNA for antitumor therapy.

RESULTS

We determined that lncOCMRL1 is highly expressed in OSCC metastatic tumor tissues and cells. Functional studies have shown that high lncOCMRL1 expression can promote the growth and metastasis of OSCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, lncOCMRL1 could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the suppression of RRM2 ubiquitination and thereby promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of OSCC cells. We further constructed reduction-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) for the systemic delivery of siRNAs targeting lncOCMRL1 and demonstrated their high efficacy in silencing lncOCMRL1 expression in vivo and significantly inhibited OSCC tumor growth and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that lncOCMRL1 is a reliable target for blocking lymph node metastasis in OSCC.

Exploring the Mechanism of Myrrh in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiments

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of myrrh in breast cancer (BC) treatment and identify its effective constituents. Data on the compounds and targets of myrrh were collected from the TCMSP, PubChem, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. BC-related targets were obtained from the Genecard database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on the intersecting targets of the disease and drug. The key targets of myrrh in BC treatment were identified based on the PPI network. The active constituents of myrrh were determined through reverse-screening using the top 20 KEGG pathways. Macromolecular docking studies, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and cell assays were utilized to validate the active constituents and critical targets. Network pharmacology indicated that VEGFA, TP53, ESR1, EGFR, and AKT1 are key targets of myrrh. Pelargonidin chloride, Quercetin, and Naringenin were identified as the active constituents of myrrh. Macromolecular docking showed that Quercetin and Naringenin have strong docking capabilities with ESR1. The results of MD simulation experiments align with those of molecular docking experiments. Cell and western blot assays demonstrated that Quercetin and Naringenin could inhibit MCF-7 cells and significantly reduce the expression of ESR1 protein. The findings reveal the active constituents, key targets, and molecular mechanisms of myrrh in BC treatment, providing scientific evidence that supports the role of myrrh in BC therapy. Furthermore, the results suggest that network pharmacology predictions require experimental validation for reliability.

Carbon Free Radical (R⋅) Inactivates NF-κB for Radical Capping Therapy

Inactivating hyperactivated transcription factors can overcome tumor therapy resistance, but their undruggable features limit the development of conventional inhibitors. Here, we report that carbon-centered free radicals (R⋅) can inactivate NF-κB transcription by capping the active sites in both NF-κB and DNA. We construct a type of thermosensitive R⋅ initiator loaded amphiphilic nano-micelles to facilitate intracellular delivery of R⋅. At a temperature of 43 °C, the generated R⋅ engage in electrophilic radical addition towards double bonds in nucleotide bases, and simultaneously cap the sulfhydryl residues in NF-κB through radical chain reaction. As a result, both NF-κB nuclear translocation and NF-κB-DNA binding are suppressed, leading to a remarkable NF-κB inhibition of up to 94.1 %. We have further applied R⋅ micelles in a clinical radiofrequency ablation tumor therapy model, showing remarkable NF-κB inactivation and consequently tumor metastasis inhibition. Radical capping strategy not only provides a method to solve the heat-sink effect in clinic tumor hyperthermia, but also suggests a new perspective for controllable modification of biomacromolecules in cancer therapy.

NKILA is a novel suppressor of local recurrence in women breast malignant phyllodes tumor patients via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway

The aim of the present study was to explore the functional mechanism of NF-Kappa B-interacting Long non-protein coding RNA (NKILA) in breast malignant phyllodes tumors (BMPTs). The expression and functional role of NKILA were investigated by performing qRT‒PCR, Transwell assays, and CCK‒8 assays in primary BMPT cells. A Kaplan‒Meier curve was used to assess overall survival (OS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The location and expression levels of NKILA and P65 were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence (IF), respectively. NKILA was downregulated in patients with BMPT, especially in patients with local recurrence. NKILA had an antitumor effect and promoted the chemosensitivity of cells to cisplatin by blocking P65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. In conclusion, NKILA may be a potential therapeutic target for BMPT, especially for BMPT patients with local recurrence.

Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets in cancer and its clinical application

Cancer genomics has led to the discovery of numerous oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play critical roles in cancer development and progression. Oncogenes promote cell growth and proliferation, whereas tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division. The dysregulation of these genes can lead to the development of cancer. Recent studies have focused on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNA (circRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), as therapeutic targets for cancer. In this article, we discuss the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes of ncRNAs associated with different types of cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight the mechanisms of action of these genes and their clinical applications in cancer treatment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying specific therapeutic targets are essential steps towards the development of effective cancer treatments.

Long non-coding RNAs as pathophysiological regulators, therapeutic targets and novel extracellular vesicle biomarkers for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) system that includes two groups, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). To cope with these two classes of IBD, the investigation of pathogenic mechanisms and the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are crucial. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which are non-coding RNAs with a length of longer than 200 nucleotides have indicated significant association with the pathology of IBD and strong potential to be used as accurate biomarkers in diagnosing and predicting responses to the IBD treatment. In the current review, we aim to investigate the role of lncRNAs in the pathology and development of IBD. We first describe recent advances in research on dysregulated lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of IBD from the perspective of epithelial barrier function, intestinal immunity, mitochondrial function, and intestinal autophagy. Then, we highlight the possible translational role of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets, diagnostic biomarkers, and predictors of therapeutic response in colon tissues and plasma samples. Finally, we discuss the potential of extracellular vesicles and their lncRNA cargo in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of IBD.

Long noncoding RNAs as versatile molecular regulators of cellular stress response and homeostasis

Normal cell and body functions need to be maintained and protected against endogenous and exogenous stress conditions. Different cellular stress response pathways have evolved that are utilized by mammalian cells to recognize, process and overcome numerous stress stimuli in order to maintain homeostasis and to prevent pathophysiological processes. Although these stress response pathways appear to be quite different on a molecular level, they all have in common that they integrate various stress inputs, translate them into an appropriate stress response and eventually resolve the stress by either restoring homeostasis or inducing cell death. It has become increasingly appreciated that non-protein-coding RNA species, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), can play critical roles in the mammalian stress response. However, the precise molecular functions and underlying modes of action for many of the stress-related lncRNAs remain poorly understood. In this review, we aim to provide a framework for the categorization of mammalian lncRNAs in stress response and homeostasis based on their experimentally validated modes of action. We describe the molecular functions and physiological roles of selected lncRNAs and develop a concept of how lncRNAs can contribute as versatile players in mammalian stress response and homeostasis. These concepts may be used as a starting point for the identification of novel lncRNAs and lncRNA functions not only in the context of stress, but also in normal physiology and disease.

NF-κB signaling in therapy resistance of breast cancer: Mechanisms, approaches, and challenges

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy are all effective in destroying tumor cells, but they also activate the defense and protection systems of cancer cells, leading to treatment resistance. Breast cancer is characterized by a highly inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The NF-κB pathway is essential for connecting inflammation and cancer, as well as for tumor growth and therapy resistance. An increase in NF-κB signaling boosts the growth potential of breast cancer cells and facilitates the spread of tumors to bone, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which chemotherapy, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy induce breast cancer resistance through NF-κB signaling. Additionally, we investigate therapeutic regimens, including single agents or in combination with target inhibitors, plant extracts, nanomedicines, and miRNAs, that have been reported in clinical trials, in vivo, and in vitro to reverse resistance. In particular, NF-κB inhibitors combined with tamoxifen were shown to significantly increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. Combination therapy of miRNA-34a with doxorubicin was also found to synergistically inhibit the progression of doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer by inhibiting Notch/NF-κB signaling.

Human disease-related long noncoding RNAs: Impact of ginsenosides

Ginsenosides in ginseng are known for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties and their potential to exhibit anticancer effects. Besides a various range of coding genes, ginsenosides impose their efficacy by targeting noncoding RNAs. Long noncoding RNA ( lncRNA) has gained significant attention from both basic and clinical oncology fields due to its involvement in various cancer cell activities such as proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and autophagy. These events can be achieved either by lncRNA alone or in association with microRNAs or proteins. This review aims to summarize the diverse activities of lncRNAs that are regulated by ginsenosides, focusing on their role in regulating target genes through signaling pathways in human diseases. We highlight the results of studies on the expression profiles of lncRNAs induced by ginsenosides in efforts to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Finally, we discuss the potential and challenges of utilizing lncRNAs as diagnostic markers for disease treatment.

Effect of Priming With Toll-Like Receptor 3 Agonist on Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stem cells are gaining attention in medicine because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Inflammatory conditions can modulate immune responses in mesenchymal stem cells.We investigated the expression of long noncoding RNAs (RMRP, MALT1, NKILA,THRIL, and Linc-MAF-4) in humanWharton jelly mesenchymal stem cells primed with polyinosinicpolycytidylic acid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human Wharton jelly by the explant method. To determine the stem nature of the cells, we performed a differentiation test on bone and fat cells. We used flow cytometry analysis to determine surface markers. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (1 × 105) were cultured in T75 culture flasks in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. After cells reached approximately 80% confluency, cells were exposed to 50 µg/mL of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, a Toll-like receptor 3 ligand, for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The control group were cells not exposed to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. Real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluated RMRP, MALAT1, NKILA, THRIL, and Linc-MAF-4 long noncoding RNAs.

RESULTS

We observed significantly increased expression of NKILA inWharton jelly mesenchymal stem cells stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid at 72 hours compared with expression level in the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that a potential mechanism by which the Toll-like receptor 3 ligand improves immunosuppression of mesenchymal stem cells can be attributed to the regulatory role of long noncoding RNAs, possibly through increased expression of anti-inflammatory long noncoding RNAs such as NKILA.

Pivotal functions and impact of long con-coding RNAs on cellular processes and genome integrity

Recent advances in uncovering the mysteries of the human genome suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulatory components. Although lncRNAs are known to affect gene transcription, their mechanisms and biological implications are still unclear. Experimental research has shown that lncRNA synthesis, subcellular localization, and interactions with macromolecules like DNA, other RNAs, or proteins can all have an impact on gene expression in various biological processes. In this review, we highlight and discuss the major mechanisms through which lncRNAs function as master regulators of the human genome. Specifically, the objective of our review is to examine how lncRNAs regulate different processes like cell division, cell cycle, and immune responses, and unravel their roles in maintaining genomic architecture and integrity.

Long non-coding RNAs H19 and NKILA are associated with the risk of death and lacunar stroke in the elderly population

INTRODUCTION

Differential expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is a hallmark of cardiovascular aging, cerebrovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. This research article investigates the association between a panel of lncRNAs and the risk of death and ischemic stroke in a cohort of non-institutionalized elderly subjects.

METHOD

A total of 361 healthy individuals aged 75 years old, prospectively recruited in the Vienna Transdanube Aging (VITA) cohort, were included. Expression of lncRNAs at baseline was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction PCR with pre-amplification reaction, using 18S for normalization. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality; the secondary endpoint was the incidence of new ischemic brain lesions. Death was assessed over a 14-year follow-up, and ischemic brain lesions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 90-month follow-up. Ischemic brain lesions were divided into large brain infarcts (Ø≥ 1.5 cm) or lacunes (Ø< 1.5 cm) RESULTS: The primary endpoint occurred in 53.5 % of the study population. The incidence of the secondary endpoint was 16 %, with a 3.3 % being large brain infarcts, and a 12.7 % lacunes. After adjustment for potential confounders, the lncRNA H19 predicted the incidence of the primary endpoint (HR 1.194, 95 % C.I. 1.012-1.409, p = 0.036), whereas the lncRNA NKILA was associated with lacunar stroke (HR 0.571, 95 % C.I. 0.375-0.868, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

In a prospective cohort of non-institutionalized elderly subjects, high levels of lncRNA H19 are associated with a higher risk of death, while low levels of lncRNA NKILA predict an increased risk of lacunar stroke.

Inhibition of NF-κB-Mediated Proinflammatory Transcription by Ru(II) Complexes of Anti-Angiogenic Ligands in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) plays a pivotal role in breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer, by promoting inflammation, proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance. Upregulation of NF-κB boosts vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, assisting angiogenesis. The Ru(II) complexes of methyl- and dimethylpyrazolyl-benzimidazole N,N donors inhibit phosphorylation of ser536 in p65 and translocation of the NF-κB heterodimer (p50/p65) to the nucleus, disabling transcription to upregulate inflammatory signaling. The methyl- and dimethylpyrazolyl-benzimidazole inhibit VEGFR2 phosphorylation at Y1175, disrupting downstream signaling through PLC-γ and ERK1/2, ultimately suppressing Ca(II)-signaling. Partial release of the antiangiogenic ligand in a reactive oxygen species-rich environment is possible as per our observation to inhibit both NF-κB and VEGFR2 by the complexes. The complexes are nontoxic to zebrafish embryos up to 50 μM, but the ligands show strong in vivo antiangiogenic activity at 3 μM during embryonic growth in Tg(fli1:GFP) zebrafish but no visible effect on the adult phase.

Loss of lncRNA LINC01056 leads to sorafenib resistance in HCC

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sorafenib is a major nonsurgical option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its clinical efficacy is largely undermined by the acquisition of resistance. The aim of this study was to identify the key lncRNA involved in the regulation of the sorafenib response in HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) single-guide RNA (sgRNA) synergistic activation mediator (SAM)-pooled lncRNA library was applied to screen for the key lncRNA regulated by sorafenib treatment. The role of the identified lncRNA in mediating the sorafenib response in HCC was examined in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism was delineated by proteomic analysis. The clinical significance of the expression of the identified lncRNA was evaluated by multiplex immunostaining on a human HCC microtissue array.

RESULTS

CRISPR/Cas9 lncRNA library screening revealed that Linc01056 was among the most downregulated lncRNAs in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Knockdown of Linc01056 reduced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, suppressing apoptosis in vitro and promoting tumour growth in mice in vivo. Proteomic analysis revealed that Linc01056 knockdown in sorafenib-treated HCC cells induced genes related to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) while repressing glycolysis-associated genes, leading to a metabolic switch favouring higher intracellular energy production. FAO inhibition in HCC cells with Linc01056 knockdown significantly restored sensitivity to sorafenib. Mechanistically, we determined that PPARα is the critical molecule governing the metabolic switch upon Linc01056 knockdown in HCC cells and indeed, PPARα inhibition restored the sorafenib response in HCC cells in vitro and HCC tumours in vivo. Clinically, Linc01056 expression predicted optimal overall and progression-free survival outcomes in HCC patients and predicted a better sorafenib response. Linc01056 expression indicated a low FAO level in HCC.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified Linc01056 as a critical epigenetic regulator and potential therapeutic target in the regulation of the sorafenib response in HCC.

Association of lncRNA ANRIL rs10757278 A>G Variant, Tumor Size, Grading, Tumor Site, and Tumor Stage in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a pressing global health challenge. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators. Among these, the lncRNA ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus) has a role in cancer progression. The aim of this study was to look into possible links between a certain genetic variant of lncRNA ANRIL, rs10757278 A/G, and OSCC risk and tumor features in the Iranian population.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 101 OSCC patients and 115 healthy controls. We took out the genomic DNA and used the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR (tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction) method to find the rs10757278 genotype. We evaluated the associations between genotypes and both OSCC susceptibility and various tumor characteristics.

Results

Although we did not observe significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls, we revealed compelling associations between genotypes and tumor characteristics. Genotypes AG and GG were linked to smaller tumor sizes, while genotypes with at least one wild-type allele (A) were linked to well differentiated OSCC. Specific genotypes exhibited significant associations with tumor sites, with the tongue demonstrating the strongest correlation.

Conclusions

The rs10757278 A/G variant did not show a direct link with OSCC risk, but its complex effect on tumor behavior suggests that it may play a bigger role in the development of OSCC. These findings open avenues for future investigations to uncover hidden genetic interactions, and potentially inform more targeted therapeutic strategies.

A novel long non-coding RNA LINC00524 facilitates invasion and metastasis through interaction with TDP43 in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health concern worldwide, with metastasis being a primary contributor to patient mortality. While advances in understanding the disease's progression continue, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are not fully deciphered. In this study, we examined the influence of the lncRNA LINC00524 on BC invasion and metastasis. Through meticulous analyses of TCGA and GEO data sets, we observed a conspicuous elevation of LINC00524 expression in BC tissues. This increased expression correlated strongly with a poorer prognosis for BC patients. A detailed Gene Ontology analysis suggested that LINC00524 likely exerts its effects through RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) mechanisms. Experimentally, LINC00524 was demonstrated to amplify BC cell migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro. Additionally, in vivo tests showed its potent role in promoting BC cell growth and metastasis. A pivotal discovery was LINC00524's interaction with TDP43, which leads to the stabilization of TDP43 protein expression, an element associated with unfavourable BC outcomes. In essence, our comprehensive study illuminates how LINC00524 accelerates BC invasion and metastasis by binding to TDP43, presenting potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

Insights into the defensive roles of lncRNAs during Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory tract infections, affecting both children and adults, with varying degrees of severity ranging from mild to life-threatening. In recent years, a new class of regulatory RNAs called long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been discovered to play crucial roles in regulating gene expression in the host. Research on lncRNAs has greatly expanded our understanding of cellular functions involving RNAs, and it has significantly increased the range of functions of lncRNAs. In lung cancer, transcripts associated with lncRNAs have been identified as regulators of airway and lung inflammation in a process involving protein complexes. An excessive immune response and antibacterial immunity are closely linked to the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae. The relationship between lncRNAs and M. pneumoniae infection largely involves lncRNAs that participate in antibacterial immunity. This comprehensive review aimed to examine the dysregulation of lncRNAs during M. pneumoniae infection, highlighting the latest advancements in our understanding of the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the context of M. pneumoniae infection and indicating avenues for investigating lncRNAs-related therapeutic targets.

Tumor-infiltrating macrophage associated lncRNA signature in cutaneous melanoma: implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy

Along with the increasing knowledge of long noncoding RNA, the interaction between the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and tumor immune infiltration is increasingly valued. However, there is a lack of understanding of correlation between regulation of specific lncRNAs and tumor-infiltrating macrophages within melanoma. In this research, a macrophage associated lncRNA signature was identified by multiple machine learning algorithms and the robust and effectiveness of signature also validated in other independent datasets. The signature contained six specific lncRNAs (PART1, LINC00968, LINC00954, LINC00944, LINC00518 and C20orf197) was constructed, which could diagnose melanoma and predict the prognosis of patients. Moreover, our signature achieves higher accuracy than the previous well-established markers and regarded as an independent prognostic indicator. The pathway enrichment revealed that these lncRNAs were closely correlated with many immune processes. In addition, the signature was associated with different immune microenvironment and applied to predict response of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (low risk of patients well respond to anti-PD-1 therapy and high risk is insensitive to anti-CTLA-4 therapy). Therefore, our finding supplies a more accuracy and effective lncRNA signature for tumor-infiltrating macrophages targeting treatment approaches and affords a new clinical application for predicting the response of immunotherapies in melanomas.

The biological role of lncRNAs in the acute lymphocytic leukemia: An updated review

The cause of leukemia, a common malignancy of the hematological system, is unknown. The structure of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is similar to mRNA but no ability to encode proteins. Numerous malignancies, including different forms of leukemia, are linked to Lnc-RNAs. It is verified that the carcinogenesis and growth of a variety of human malignancies are significantly influenced by aberrant lncRNA expression. The body of evidence linking various types of lncRNAs to the etiology of leukemia has dramatically increased during the past ten years. Some lncRNAs are therefore anticipated to function as novel therapeutic targets, diagnostic biomarkers, and clinical outcome predictions. Additionally, these lncRNAs may provide new therapeutic options and insight into the pathophysiology of diseases, particularly leukemia. Thus, this review outlines the present comprehension of leukemia-associated lncRNAs.

Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive and lethal malignant bone tumor that primarily afflicts children, adolescents, and young adults. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis remain obscure. Mounting evidence implicates dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and progression. These lncRNAs play a pivotal role in modulating gene expression at diverse epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. Uncovering the roles of aberrant lncRNAs would provide new insights into OS pathogenesis and novel tools for its early diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we summarize the significance of lncRNAs in controlling signaling pathways implicated in OS development, including the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, Notch, Hippo, and HIF-1α. Moreover, we discuss the multifaceted contributions of lncRNAs to drug resistance in OS, as well as their potential to serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review aims to encourage further research into lncRNA field and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with OS.

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA TSPAN12 promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through SENP1-depentent deSUMOylation of EIF3I

In a previous study, we discovered that the level of lnc-TSPAN12 was significantly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlated with a low survival rate. However, the function and mechanism of lnc-TSPAN12 in modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in HCC remains poorly understood. This study demonstrates that lnc-TSPAN12 positively influences migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells in vitro and promotes hepatic metastasis in vivo. The modification of N6-methyladenosine, driven by METTL3, is essential for the stability of lnc-TSPAN12, which may partially contribute to the upregulation of lnc-TSPAN12. Mechanistically, lnc-TSPAN12 exhibits direct interactions with EIF3I and SENP1, acting as a scaffold to enhance the SENP1-EIF3I interaction. As a result, the SUMOylation of EIF3I is inhibited, preventing its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Ultimately, this activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, stimulating EMT and metastasis in HCC. Our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanism of lnc-TSPAN12 in HCC metastasis and identify the lnc-TSPAN12-EIF3I/SENP1 axis as a novel therapeutic target for HCC.

MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during transcriptional regulation and latency of HIV and HTLV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have replicative and latent stages of infection. The status of the viruses is dependent on the cells that harbour them and on different events that change the transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Non-coding (nc)RNAs are key factors in the regulation of retrovirus replication cycles. Notably, micro (mi)RNAs and long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are important regulators that can induce switches between active transcription-replication and latency of retroviruses and have important impacts on their pathogenesis. Here, we review the functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the context of HIV and HTLV. We describe how specific miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the viruses' transcription, post-transcriptional regulation and latency. We further discuss treatment strategies using ncRNAs for HIV and HTLV long remission, reactivation or possible cure.

Non-coding RNAs mediated inflammation in breast cancers

Breast cancer is the major cancer that affects women all over the world. The awareness over past several decades has led to intensive screening and detection as well as successful treatments. Still, the breast cancer mortality is unacceptable and needs to be urgently addressed. Among many factors, inflammation has often been associated with tumorigenesis, including breast cancer. More than a third of all breast cancer deaths are marked by deregulated inflammation. The exact mechanisms are still not completely known but among the many putative factors, the epigenetic changes, particularly those mediated by non-coding RNAs are fascinating. microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs seem to impact the inflammation in breast cancer which further highlights their important regulatory role in breast cancer pathogenesis. Understanding inflammation in breast cancer and its regulation by non-coding RNAs is the primary objective of this review article. We attempt to provide the most complete information on the topic in hopes of opening new areas of research and discoveries.

Hypoxia-Derived Exosomes Promote Lung Adenocarcinoma by Regulating HS3ST1-GPC4-Mediated Glycolysis

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is often delayed due to the typically asymptomatic nature of the early-stage disease, causing advanced-stage LUAD diagnosis in most patients. Hypoxia is widely recognized as a driving force in cancer progression. Exosomes originating from hypoxic tumor cells promote tumorigenesis by influencing glycolysis, migration, invasion, and immune infiltration. Given these insights, our study aimed to explore the role of hypoxia-derived exosomal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 in LUAD cell lines and mouse models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exosomes were meticulously isolated and authenticated based on their morphology and biomarkers. The interaction between heparan sulfate (glucosamine) 3-O-sulfotransferase 1 (HS3ST1) and Glypican 4 (GPC4) was examined using immunoprecipitation. The influence of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 on glycolysis was assessed in LUAD cell lines. The effect of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 on cell proliferation and metastasis was evaluated using colony formation, cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis analyses. Its effects on tumor size were confirmed in xenograft animal models.

RESULTS

Our study revealed the mechanism of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LUAD progression. We discovered that GPC4 promotes HS3ST1-mediated glycolysis and that the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 enhances glycolysis by regulating miR-200c-3p in LUAD cells. Notably, this lncRNA stimulates LUAD cell proliferation and metastasis and fosters LUAD tumor size via miR-200c-3p. Our findings underscore the potential role of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LUAD progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes LUAD by regulating HS3ST1-GPC4-mediated glycolysis via miR-200c-3p.