Inhibiting CDK4/6 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via microRNA-21

Biomarkers, omics and artificial intelligence for early detection of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently diagnosed in its late stages when treatment options are limited. Unlike other common cancers, there are no population-wide screening programmes for PDAC. Thus, early disease detection, although urgently needed, remains elusive. Individuals in certain high-risk groups are, however, offered screening or surveillance. Here we explore advances in understanding high-risk groups for PDAC and efforts to implement biomarker-driven detection of PDAC in these groups. We review current approaches to early detection biomarker development and the use of artificial intelligence as applied to electronic health records (EHRs) and social media. Finally, we address the cost-effectiveness of applying biomarker strategies for early detection of PDAC.

miR-210 Mediated Hypoxic Responses in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one among the most lethal malignancies due to its aggressive behavior and resistance to conventional therapies. Hypoxia significantly contributes to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance of PDAC. microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have emerged as critical regulators of various biological processes. miR-210 is known as the "hypoxamir" due to its prominent role in cellular responses to hypoxia. In this study, we investigated the multifaceted role of miR-210 in PDAC using miR-210 knockout (KO) cellular models to elucidate its functions under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1-α), a key transcription factor activated in response to low oxygen levels, upregulates miR-210. miR-210 maintains cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is essential for tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Our findings demonstrate that miR-210 regulates the expression of CSC markers, such as CD24, CD44, and CD133, and EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail. Specifically, depletion of miR-210 reversed EMT and CSC marker expression levels in hypoxic Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 PDAC cells. These regulatory actions facilitate a more invasive and treatment-resistant PDAC phenotype. Understanding the regulatory network involving miR-210 under hypoxic conditions may reveal new therapeutic targets for combating PDAC and improving patient outcomes. Our data suggest that miR-210 is a critical regulator of HIF1-α expression, EMT, and the stemness of PDAC cells in hypoxic environments.

Non-coding RNAs: Key regulators of CDK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become important modulators of gene expression and biological processes, contributing significantly to the initiation and spread of cancer. This study focuses on the complex interactions between ncRNAs and two major signaling pathways-Wnt/β-catenin signaling and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-linked to cancer. We provide an overview of current research on the modulation of these pathways in many cancer types by distinct classes of ncRNAs, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The review focuses on the processes by which ncRNAs regulate cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. These mechanical processes include CDK activity, the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin cascade and cell cycle advancement. We also discuss the importance of ncRNAs in drug resistance and treatment outcomes, as well as prognosis markers (diagnostic) and therapeutic targets for cancer. Understanding these complex regulatory networks may help in a large way to improve cancer research and diagnosis - but also perhaps treat patients more effectively.

MicroRNA-based interventions in aberrant cell cycle diseases: Therapeutic strategies for cancers, central nervous system disorders and comorbidities

Malignant tumors and central nervous system (CNS) disorders are intricately linked to a process known as "aberrant cell cycle re-entry," which plays a critical role in the progression of these diseases. Addressing the dysregulation in cell cycles offers a promising therapeutic approach for cancers and CNS disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role as regulators of gene expression in cell cycle transitions, presenting a promising therapeutic avenue for treating these disorders and their comorbidities. This review consolidates the progress made in the last three years regarding miRNA-based treatments for diseases associated with aberrant cell cycle re-entry. It encompasses exploring fundamental mechanisms and signaling pathways influenced by miRNAs in cancers and CNS disorders, particularly focusing on the therapeutic effects of exosome-derived miRNAs. The review also identifies specific miRNAs implicated in comorbidity of cancers and CNS disorders, discusses the future potential of miRNA reagents in managing cell cycle-related diseases.

The Multifaceted Role of miR-21 in Pancreatic Cancers

With the lack of specific signs and symptoms, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed at late metastatic stages, resulting in poor survival outcomes. Among various biomarkers, microRNA-21 (miR-21), a small non-coding RNA, is highly expressed in PDAC. By inhibiting regulatory proteins at the 3' untranslated regions (UTR), miR-21 holds significant roles in PDAC cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, as well as cancer invasion, metastasis, and resistance therapy. We conducted a systematic search across major databases for articles on miR-21 and pancreatic cancer mainly published within the last decade, focusing on their diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and biological roles. This rigorous approach ensured a comprehensive review of miR-21's multifaceted role in pancreatic cancers. In this review, we explore the current understandings and future directions regarding the regulation, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of targeting miR-21 in PDAC. This exhaustive review discusses the involvement of miR-21 in proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis modulation, angiogenesis, and its role in therapy resistance. Also discussed in the review is the interplay between various molecular pathways that contribute to tumor progression, with specific reference to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BRCA Mutations and MicroRNA Expression Patterns in the Peripheral Blood of Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer (BC) persists as the predominant malignancy globally, standing as the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Despite notable advancements in prevention and treatment, encompassing the incorporation of targeted immunotherapies, a continued imperative exists for the development of innovative methodologies. These methodologies would facilitate the identification of women at heightened risk, enhance the optimization of therapeutic approaches, and enable the vigilant monitoring of emergent treatment resistance. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), found either freely circulating in the bloodstream or encapsulated within extracellular vesicles, have exhibited substantial promise for diverse clinical applications. These applications range from diagnostic and prognostic assessments to predictive purposes. This study aimed to explore the potential associations between BRCA mutations and specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-155, miR-126, and miR-200c) expression that are known to be dysregulated in BC patient samples. Our findings indicate a robust correlation between miRNA expression status and disease subtypes. We found a correlation between the expression status of miRNAs and distinct disease subtypes. Intriguingly, however, no significant associations were discerned between disease status, subtypes, or miRNA expression levels and the presence of BRCA mutations. To advance the validation of miRNAs as clinically relevant biomarkers, additional investigations within larger and meticulously selected patient cohorts are deemed imperative. These microRNA entities hold the potential to emerge as groundbreaking and readily accessible tools, poised for seamless integration into the landscape of clinical practice.

Construction of a hepatocytes-related and protein kinase-related gene signature in HCC based on ScRNA-Seq analysis and machine learning algorithm

With recent advancements in single-cell sequencing and machine learning methods, new insights into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression have been provided. Protein kinase-related genes (PKRGs) affect cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and signaling during HCC progression, making the predictive relevance of PKRGs in HCC highly necessary for personalized medicine. In this study, we analyzed single-cell data of HCC and used the machine learning method of LASSO regression to construct PKRG prediction models in six major cell types. CDK4 and AURKB were found to be the best PKRG prognostic signature for predicting the overall survival of HCC patients (including TCGA, ICGC, and GEO datasets) in hepatocytes. Independent clinical factors were further screened out using the COX regression method, and a nomogram combining PKRGs and cancer status was created. Treatment with Palbociclib (CDK4 Inhibitor) and Barasertib (AURKB Inhibitor) inhibited HCC cell migration. Patients classified as PKRG high- or low-risk groups showed different tumor mutation burdens, immune infiltrations, and gene enrichment. The PKRG high-risk group showed higher tumor mutation burdens and gene set enrichment analysis indicated that cell cycle, base excision repair, and RNA degradation pathways were more enriched in these patients. Additionally, the PKRG high-risk group demonstrated higher infiltration levels of Naïve CD8+ T cells, Endothelial cells, M2 macrophage, and Tregs than the low-risk group. In summary, this study established the hepatocytes-related PKRG signature for prognostic stratification at the single-cell level by using machine learning algorithms in HCC and identified potential HCC treatment targets based on the PKRG signature.

miR-34a-FOXP1 Loop in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the main cause of gynecological cancer mortality in most developed countries. microRNA (miR) expression dysregulation has been highlighted in human cancers, and miR-34a is found to be downregulated and associated with inhibition of tumor growth and invasion in several malignancies, including OC. The winged helix transcription factor forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) is reported as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various cancers. This study aimed to elucidate potential clinical and biological associations of miR-34a and transcription factor FOXP1 in OC. We investigated nine OC patients' blood samples and two OC cell lines (SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to determine both miR-34a and FOXP1 expressions. We have found that miR-34a and FOXP1 are reversely correlated in both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of miR-34a transiently led to upregulation of FOXP1 mRNA expression and increased cellular invasion in vitro. Our data indicate that miR-34a could be a potential biomarker for improving the diagnostic efficiency of OC, and miR-34a overexpression may reduce OC pathogenesis by targeting FOXP1.