MicroRNA-135a promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and induces chemoresistance of endometrial cancer cells

Molecular Genetic Factors of Risk Stratification of Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

According to epidemiological studies, endometrial carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies of the female reproductive system, with an increasing incidence. Currently, the risk stratification of this neoplasm takes into account the stage, degree of tumor differentiation, histological type and depth of myometrial invasion. Since the publication of the last International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for endometrial cancer in 2009, numerous reports have appeared on the molecular characteristics of different types of endometrial carcinoma. Taking this into account, the FIGO Committee determined in 2023 that changes and updates to the staging system are justified to reflect new information about this tumor. Due to the high prevalence of the disease and mortality from endometrial cancer, an in-depth study of the molecular genetic characteristics of tumor cells is relevant; the results of such studies can be used to improve the efficiency of diagnosis, assess the risk of metastasis and prognosis of the disease. Lymph node assessment is crucial for the choice of treatment strategy for endometrial cancer, since metastatic lymph node involvement is one of the main factors affecting prognosis. At the same time, the criteria for the appropriateness of lymphadenectomy in low-differentiated malignant tumors are not clearly defined. Various molecular methods have been proposed to assess the status of lymph nodes; candidate genes are being studied as potential diagnostic biomarkers, as well as microRNA. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature data on numerous studies of molecular risk factors for progression in endometrioid carcinoma, as well as to preserve the most important marker changes in relation to the prognostic development of this disease.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using data from the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Wiley Cochrane Library for the period from 2018 to 2023 using the specific keywords.

RESULTS

The current scientific genetic studies on metastasis and prognostic factors in uterine cancer were analyzed, and a systematization of the reviewed data from the modern literature was done.

CONCLUSIONS

To select the most effective treatment - intraoperative, adjuvant or combination therapy, minimize postoperative risks of lymphadenectomy and clearly predict the results - further study of the molecular genetic features of endometrial cancer is necessary.

Particles and Prejudice: Nanomedicine Approaches to Reducing Health Disparities in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide and unfortunately has a much higher mortality rate in Black women compared with White women. Many potential factors contribute to these mortality rates, including the underlying effects of systemic and interpersonal racism. Furthermore, other trends in medicine have potential links to these rates including participation in clinical trials, hormone therapy, and pre-existing health conditions. Addressing the high incidence and disparate mortality rates in endometrial cancer requires novel methods, such as nanoparticle-based therapeutics. These therapeutics have been growing in increasing prevalence in pre-clinical development and have far-reaching implications in cancer therapy. The rigor of pre-clinical studies is enhanced by the likeness of the model to the human body. In systems for 3D cell culture, for example, the extracellular matrix mimics the tumor more closely. The increasing emphasis on precision medicine can be applied to cancer using nanoparticle-based methods and applied to pre-clinical models by using patient-derived model data. This review highlights the intersections of nanomedicine, precision medicine, and racial disparities within endometrial cancer and provides insights into reducing health disparities using recent scientific advances on the nanoscale.

β-Sitosterol Inhibits The Proliferation of Endometrial Cells via Regulating Smad7-Mediated TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of β-sitosterol on endometrial cells to understand the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a laboratory-based experimental study conducted on animals and cells. Histological assays were performed to determine the effect of β-sitosterol on endometrial cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to assess the inhibitory effect of β-sitosterol on the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (hEM15A). Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the induction of apoptosis by β-sitosterol in hEM15A cells. The transwell invasion assay was conducted to measure the suppression of hEM15A cell migration by β-sitosterol. Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the effect of β-sitosterol on the expression of Smad family member 7 (Smad7) and the activity of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3.

RESULTS

Histological assays showed that β-sitosterol regulates histopathology and induces apoptosis of endometrial cells in vivo. The CCK-8 assay revealed that β-sitosterol could inhibit the proliferation of hEM15A in human endometriosis patients. Flow cytometry showed that apoptosis was triggered by β-sitosterol in hEM15A. The transwell invasion assay indicated that the hEM15A migration under the β-sitosterol treatment group was suppressed. Western blot analyses suggested that β-sitosterol increased the expression of Smad7, decreased the activity of TGF-β1, and reduced the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. The effect of β-sitosterol was weakened by the silence of Smad7.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that β-sitosterol can inhibit the proliferation of endometrial cells and relieve endometriosis by inhibiting TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smads through regulation of Smad7.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Development of Endometrial Cancer: A Literature Review

Endometrial cancer (EC) ranks as the second most common gynaecological cancer worldwide. EC patients are diagnosed at an early clinical stage and generally have a good prognosis. Therefore, there is a dire need for development of a specific marker for early detection of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The development of EC is conditioned by a multistep process of oncogenic upregulation and tumor suppressor downregulation as shown by molecular genetic evidence. In this setting, microRNAs appear as significant regulators of gene expression and several variations in the expression of microRNAs have been implicated in normal endometrium, endometrial tissue, metrorrhagia, and endometrial cancer. Furthermore, microRNAs act as highly precise, sensitive, and robust molecules, making them potential markers for diagnosing specific cancers and their progression. With the rising incidence of EC, its management remains a vexing challenge and diagnostic methods for the disease are limited to invasive, expensive, and inaccurate tools. Therefore, the prospect of exploiting the utility of microRNAs as potential candidates for diagnosis and therapeutic use in EC seems promising.

The interplay between noncoding RNAs and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: the big impact of little things

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in people, and a common primary liver cancer. Lacking early diagnosis and a high recurrence rate after surgical resection, systemic treatment is still an important treatment method for advanced HCC. Different drugs have distinct curative effects, side effects and drug resistance due to different properties. At present, conventional molecular drugs for HCC have displayed some limitations, such as adverse drug reactions, insensitivity to some medicines, and drug resistance. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been well documented to be involved in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as research into the molecular basis of drug resistance, are urgently needed for the management of HCC. We review current research on ncRNAs and consolidate the known roles regulating drug resistance in HCC and examine the potential clinical applications of ncRNAs in overcoming drug resistance barriers in HCC based on targeted therapy, cell cycle non-specific chemotherapy and cell cycle specific chemotherapy.

Circulating and Endometrial Tissue microRNA Markers Associated with Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Response to Treatment

In developed countries, endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common neoplasms of the female reproductive system. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a class of single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules with lengths of 19-25 nucleotides that bind to target messenger RNA (mRNA) to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Although there is a large amount of research focused on identifying miRs with a diagnostic, prognostic, or response to treatment capacity in EC, these studies differ in terms of experimental methodology, types of samples used, selection criteria, and results obtained. Hence, there is a large amount of heterogeneous information that makes it difficult to identify potential miR biomarkers. We aimed to summarize the current knowledge on miRs that have been shown to be the most suitable potential markers for EC. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar without date restrictions or filters. We described 138 miRs with potential diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment response potential in EC. Seven diagnostic panels showed higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of EC than individual miRs. We further identified miRs up- or downregulated depending on the FIGO stage, precursor lesions, and staging after surgery, which provides insight into which miRs are expressed chronologically depending on the disease stage and/or that are modulated depending on the tumor grade based on histopathological evaluation.

The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of endometrial cancer: a spotlight on the convergence of signaling pathways

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 2nd common cancer in females after breast cancer. Besides, it's the most common among gynecological cancers. Several epigenetic factors such as miRNAs have been reported to affect EC aspects including initiation, progression, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy. miRNAs could regulate the expression of various genes involved in EC pathogenesis. This effect is attributed to miRNAs' effects in proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. miRNAs also influence crucial EC-related mechanistic pathways such as JAK/STAT axis, EGFR, TGF-β signaling, and P53. Beside pathogenesis, miRNAs also have the potential to affect EC response to treatments including radio and chemotherapy. Thus, this review aims to illustrate the link between miRNAs and EC; focusing on the effects of miRNAs on EC signaling pathways.

The interplay of sex steroid hormones and microRNAs in endometrial cancer: current understanding and future directions

Introduction

Endometrial cancer is a hormone-dependent malignancy, and sex steroid hormones play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the expression of sex steroid hormone receptors and modulate hormone signaling pathways. Our aim is to provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in endometrial cancer regulated by sex steroid hormone pathways.

Methods

A thorough literature search was carried out in the PubMed database. The articles published from 2018 to the present were included. Keywords related to miRNAs, endometrial cancer, and sex steroid hormones were used in the search.

Results

Dysregulation of miRNAs has been linked to abnormal sex steroid hormone signaling and the development of endometrial cancer. Various miRNAs have been identified as modulators of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression, and the miRNA expression profile has been shown to be a predictor of response to hormone therapy. Additionally, specific miRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of genes involved in hormone-related signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways.

Conclusion

The regulation of sex steroid hormones by miRNAs is a promising area of research in endometrial cancer. Future studies should focus on elucidating the functional roles of specific miRNAs in sex steroid hormone signaling and identifying novel miRNA targets for hormone therapy in endometrial cancer management.

MicroRNA-641 Inhibits Endometrial Cancer Progression via Targeting AP1G1

MicroRNA-641 (miR-641) was significantly decreased in various cancers, but its roles in endometrial cancer (EC) remain unclear. We explored the influences of miR-641 on the EC cells. In our study, the miR-641 expression was reduced in EC cells. Overexpression of miR-641 inhibited viability and proliferation of HEC-1A and HECCL-1 cells by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Additionally, flow cytometry revealed that overexpression of miR-641 could remarkably promote apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at the G1 phase of HEC-1A and HECCL-1 cells. Besides, forced expression of miR-641 suppressed the migration and invasion of HEC-1A and HECCL-1 cells as evidenced by wound healing and transwell assay. Moreover, AP1G1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-641 by StarBase prediction and DLR assay and their expressions were negatively correlated. Overexpression of AP1G1 neutralized the roles of miR-641 mimic on the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of HEC-1A and HECCL-1 cells. Our findings illustrated that miR-641 was reduced in the EC cells and AP1G1 antagonized the miR-641 mimic-induced inhibition of the EC progression in vitro. Therefore, miR-641 may emerge as an effective molecule for EC treatment.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Co-Culture Inhibited the Proliferation of Endometrial Cancer Cells by Upregulating miR-141-3p/Death Associated Protein Kinase 1 (DAPK1) Axis

MicroRNAs are involved in the biological processes of a variety of cancers. Here, we intend to assess the effect of BMSC-derived exosomal miR-141-3p on endometrial cancer (EC) cells. EC tumor and normal tissues were collected to measure miR-141-3p and death associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) expression. EC cells transfected with miR-141-3p mimic were cultured with BMSCs followed by measuring cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. miR-141-3p and DAPK1 level was significantly decreased in EC tissues and cell lines. After miR-141-3p mimics transfection, miR-141-3p and DAPK1 expression was increased significantly, along with inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, co-culture with BMSC decreased EC cells in vitro activity, and upregulated miR-141-3p and DAPK1 expression. In conclusion, miR-141-3p and DAPK1 is reduced in EC and miR-141-3p overexpression inhibited EC cell biological behaviors, indicating that miR-141-3p might be a potential target for treatment of EC.

Bone Metastases of Endometrial Carcinoma Treated by Surgery: A Report on 13 Patients and a Review of the Medical Literature

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological features of endometrial cancer (EC) patients with bone metastases treated with surgery and to systematically review the literature.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study to include patients with bone metastases of EC at Peking University People's Hospital from 2000 to 2019. Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 1662 patients with EC, 14 (0.84%) were identified with bone metastases, and all were treated surgically. Thirteen cases were analyzed. Four had bone metastases when diagnosed, and the remaining nine cases had bone metastases when first relapsed, with a median time to recurrence of 13 months (range, 5-144). The median age of the 13 patients was 58 years old (range, 45-76). Twelve were endometrioid carcinoma. The majority of sites of bone metastases were the pelvis, followed by the spine. The median overall survival (OS) was 57 months. We further combined the 13 patients with another 24 cases identified from literature research. There was no significant difference in clinicopathological characteristics between the patients with bone metastases when diagnosed and when they first relapsed. The median OS was numerically longer for patients with bone metastases when diagnosed than when they first relapsed (57 vs. 36 months, p = 0.084).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bone metastases of EC might benefit from comprehensive treatment based on surgery, as symptoms can be palliated and survival can probably be extended.

Expression Profile of mRNAs and miRNAs Related to the Oxidative-Stress Phenomenon in the Ishikawa Cell Line Treated Either Cisplatin or Salinomycin

The oxidative stress phenomenon is a result of anticancer therapy. The aim of this study was the assessment of gene expression profile changes, and to determine the miRNAs regulating genes’ transcriptional activity in an Ishikawa endometrial cancer culture exposed to cisplatin or salinomycin, compared to a control culture. The molecular analysis comprised the microarray technique (mRNAs and micro RNA (miRNA), the real-time quantitative reverse transcription reaction (RTqPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reactions, and Western blot. NR4A2, MAP3K8, ICAM1, IL21, CXCL8, CCL7, and SLC7A11 were statistically significantly differentiated depending not only on time, but also on the drug used in the experiment. The conducted assessment indicated that the strongest links were between NR4A2 and hsa-miR-30a-5p and has-miR-302e, MAP3K8 and hsa-miR-144-3p, CXCL8 and hsa-miR-140-3p, and SLC7A11 and hsa-miR-144-3p. The obtained results suggest that four mRNAs—NR4A2, MAP3K8, CXCL8 and SLC7A11—and four miRNAs—hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-302e, hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-140-3—changed their expressions regardless of the chemotherapeutic agent used, which suggests the possibility of their use in monitoring the severity of oxidative stress in endometrial cancer. However, considering the results at both the mRNA and the protein level, it is most likely that the expressions of NR4A2, MAP3K8, CXCL8 and SLC7A11 are regulated by miRNA molecules as well as other epigenetic mechanisms.

Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells: Where Do We Stand and Where Should We Go?

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in women worldwide, with an incidence of 5.9%. Thus, it is the most frequent cancer of the female genital tract, with more than 34,000 women dying, in Europe and North America alone. Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) might be drivers of carcinogenesis as well as metastatic and recurrent disease. Therefore, targeting CSCs is of high interest to improve prognosis of patients suffering of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. This review describes the current evidence of molecular mechanisms in endometrial CSCs with special emphasis on MYC and NF-κB signaling as well as mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, the current status of immunotherapy targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 in endometrial cancer cells and CSCs is elucidated. The outlined findings encourage novel therapies that target signaling pathways in endometrial CSCs as well as immunotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of endometrial cancer to impede cancer progression and prevent recurrence.

The role of non-coding RNAs in ferroptosis regulation

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy in morphology, biochemistry, and heredity. The basic process of ferroptosis involves disordered permeability of plasma membrane, which is caused by abnormal accumulation of lipids and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis is important due to its involvement in tumor progression, neurotoxicity, neurodegenerative diseases, acute renal failure, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent studies have shown that in ferroptosis metabolism, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can interfere with multiple signaling pathways at both the pre-transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Despite great progress, current research on the mechanism of ncRNAs and ferroptosis remains insufficient. This review provides an overview of the main mechanisms and targets of ferroptosis and focuses on the mechanisms of non-coding RNA regulation. Analyzing the deficiencies in current research may provide ideas for future studies to investigate.

Hepatitis B core antigen modulates exosomal miR-135a to target vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 promoting chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. The association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with HCC is hitherto documented. Exosomal miRNAs contribute to cancer progression and chemoresistance. HBV X protein has been known to modulate miRNAs that facilitate cell proliferation and the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, there has been no report on hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) regulating exosomal miRNAs to induce drug resistance of HCC cells.

AIM

To elucidate the mechanism by which HBc promotes Doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) resistance in HCC.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The morphology and size of exosomes were evaluated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The miRNAs differentially expressed in HCC were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The level of miR-135a-5p in patient tissue samples was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. TargetScan and luciferase assay were used to predict and prove the target gene of miR-135a-5p. Finally, we identified the effects of miR-135a-5p on anti-apoptosis and the proliferation of HCC in the presence or absence of Dox using flow cytometry, Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and western blot.

RESULTS

We found that HBc increased the expression of exosomal miR-135a-5p. Integrated analysis of bioinformatics and patient samples found that miR-135a-5p was increased in HCC tissues in comparison with paracancerous tissues. Bioinformatic analysis and in vitro validation identified vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) as a novel target gene of miR-135a-5p. Functional assays showed that exosomal miR-135a-5p induced apoptosis protection, cell proliferation, and chemotherapy resistance in HCC. In addition, the rescue experiment demonstrated that VAMP2 reversed apoptosis protection, cell growth, and drug resistance by miR-135a-5p. Finally, HBc promoted HCC anti-apoptosis, proliferation, and drug resistance and prevented Dox-induced apoptosis via the miR-135a-5p/VAMP2 axis.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that HBc upregulated the expression of exosomal miR-135a-5p and promoted anti-apoptosis, cell proliferation, and chemical resistance through miR-135a-5p/VAMP2. Thus, our work indicated an essential role of the miR-135a-5p/VAMP2 regulatory axis in chemotherapy resistance of HCC and a potential molecular therapeutic target for HCC.

Human Aspartyl (Asparaginyl) Hydroxylase. A Multifaceted Enzyme with Broad Intra- and Extracellular Activity

Human aspartyl (asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase (HAAH), a unique iron and 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase, has shown increased importance as a suspected oncogenic protein. HAAH and its associated mRNA are upregulated in a wide variety of cancer types, however, the current role of HAAH in the malignant transformation of cells is unknown. HAAH is suspected to play an important role in NOTCH signaling via selective hydroxylation of aspartic acid and asparagine residues of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains. HAAH hydroxylation also potentially mediates calcium signaling and oxygen sensing. In this review we summarize the current state of understanding of the biochemistry and chemical biology of this enzyme, identify key differences from other family members, outline its broader intra- and extracellular roles, and identify the most promising areas for future research efforts.

The Role of miRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Cancer Invasiveness and Metastasis-A Systematic Review

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common genital cancer in women with increasing death rates. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional levels. Multiple studies demonstrated a fundamental role of miRNAs in the regulation of carcinogenesis. This systematic review is a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis in EC. The literature was searched for studies investigating the role of miRNAs in the regulation of invasiveness and metastasis in EC. We explored PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the following keywords: miRNA, metastasis, invasiveness, endometrial cancer. Data were collected from 163 articles that described the expression and role of 106 miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis out of which 63 were tumor suppressor miRNAs, and 38 were oncomiRNAs. Five miRNAs had a discordant role in different studies. Moreover, we identified 66 miRNAs whose expression in tumor tissue or concentration in serum correlated with at least one clinical parameter. These findings suggest a crucial role of miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis and present them as potential prognostic factors for patients with EC.

Transcriptomic analysis and competing endogenous RNA network in the human endometrium between proliferative and mid-secretory phases

Successful embryo implantation is the first step for establishing natural pregnancy and is dependent on the crosstalk between the embryo and a receptive endometrium. However, the molecular signaling events for successful embryo implantation are not entirely understood. To identify differentially expressed transcripts [long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs] and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks associated with endometrial receptivity, the current study analyzed gene expression profiles between proliferative and mid-secretory endometria in fertile women. A total of 247 lncRNAs, 67 miRNAs and 2,154 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between proliferative and mid-secretory endometria. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched for 'cell adhesion molecules.' Additionally, 98 common mRNAs were significantly involved in tryptophan metabolism, metabolic pathways and FoxO signaling. From the differentially expressed lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network, hub RNAs that formed three axes were identified: The DLX6-AS1/miR-141 or miR-200a/OLFM1 axis, the WDFY3-AS2/miR-135a or miR-183/STC1 axis, and the LINC00240/miR-182/NDRG1 axis. These may serve important roles in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. The hub network of the current study may be developed as a candidate marker for endometrial receptivity.

Molecular mechanism of cell ferroptosis and research progress in regulation of ferroptosis by noncoding RNAs in tumor cells

Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of nonapoptotic regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species. Morphologically and biochemically different from known types of cell death and apoptosis, ferroptosis promotes nervous system diseases, renal failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the treatment of tumors. It could be induced by several mechanisms, including inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4, lack of cysteine, and peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but could be inhibited by iron chelators, lipophilic antioxidants, and some specific inhibitors. Ferroptosis is found to be closely related to the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs, and circular RNAs, do not encode proteins. NcRNAs are found to be capable of regulating the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis in tumor cells post transcription. Ferroptosis provides a new method for cancer treatment. Although several studies have confirmed the important role of ferroptosis in cancer treatment, its specific affecting mechanism is unclear. Here we reviewed the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis in tumor cells and the relationship between ferroptosis and the three important ncRNAs.

miR-20a-5p inhibits endometrial cancer progression by targeting janus kinase 1

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a multi-factorial disease of which pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. The function and underlying mechanism of microRNA-20a-5p (miR-20a-5p) in EC remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyze the association between miR-20a-5p expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with EC. Whether miR-20a-5p could inhibit EC progression by targeting janus kinase 1 (Jak1) was subsequently investigated. To do so, human EC tissues and paracancerous tissues were collected from 47 patients with EC. miR-20a-5p and Jak1 mRNA and protein expression was determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation, invasive ability and adhesion were investigated by MTT, Matrigel invasion and cell adhesion assays, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify whether miR-20a-5p could directly target Jak1. The results demonstrated that miR-20a-5p was downregulated and that Jak1 was upregulated in EC tissues compared with paracancerous tissues. In addition, miR-20a-5p expression and Jak1 expression level were negatively correlated in EC tissues. miR-20a-5p expression was also significantly associated with the depth of myometrial invasion, FIGO stage, histologic grade and lymph node metastasis in patients with EC. Furthermore, Jak1 was identified as a new direct target of miR-20a-5p, and Jak1 overexpression was demonstrated to reverse the effects of miR-20a-5p-mimic on EC cell proliferation, invasive ability and adhesion. Taken together, the results from this study revealed for the first time that miR-20a-5p expression was significantly associated with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with EC. These findings suggested that miR-20a-5p may act as a tumor suppressor in EC, in part through decreasing Jak1 expression. miR-20a-5p and Jak1 may therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets in EC.

Identification of a MicroRNA Signature Associated With Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Endometrioid Cancer

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important prognostic factor in endometrial cancer. Anomalous microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with cell functions and are becoming a powerful tool to characterize malignant transformation and metastasis. The aim of this study was to construct a miRNA signature to predict LNM in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC).

Method

Candidate target miRNAs related to LNM in EEC were screened by three methods including differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and decision tree algorithms. Samples were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts. A miRNA signature was built using a logistic regression model and was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). We also conducted pathway enrichment analysis and miRNA-gene regulatory network to look for potential genes and pathways engaged in LNM progression. Survival analysis was performed, and the miRNAs were tested whether they expressed differently in another independent GEO database.

Result

Thirty-one candidate miRNAs were screened and a final 15-miRNA signature was constructed by logistic regression. The model showed good calibration in the training and validation cohorts, with AUC of 0.824 (95% CI, 0.739-0.912) and 0.821 (95% CI, 0.691-0.925), respectively. The DCA demonstrated the miRNA signature was clinically useful. Hub miRNAs in signature seemed to contribute to EEC progression via mitotic cell cycle, cellular protein modification process, and molecular function. MiR-34c was statistically significant in survival that a higher expression of miR-34c indicated a higher survival time. MiR-34c-3p, miR-34c-5p, and miR-34b-5p were expressed differentially in GSE75968.

Conclusion

The miRNA signature could work as a noninvasive method to detect LNM in EEC with a high prediction accuracy. In addition, miR-34c cluster may be a key biomarker referring LNM in endometrial cancer.

B3GNT3 acts as a carcinogenic factor in endometrial cancer via facilitating cell growth, invasion and migration through regulating RhoA/RAC1 pathway-associated markers

BACKGROUND

Aberrant expression of beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-3 (B3GNT3) has been frequently clarified in various cancers, however, its role in endometrial cancer (EC) has not been assessed in detail.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the biological role of B3GNT3 in EC and simply explored the detailed mechanism.

METHODS

The EC RNA-Seq dataset from TCGA database was applied to evaluate the expression of B3GNT3 and assess its role on prognostic value. HEC-1-A and KLE cell lines of EC were used to perform loss- and gain-of-function B3GNT3 assays respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of indicated molecules respectively. Cell counting kit-8, clone formation tests, and Transwell assay served to determine the changes of proliferative, invasive and migratory abilities of EC cells after altering the expression of B3GNT3.

RESULTS

B3GNT3 was found to be highly expressed in EC tissues compared to normal tissues according to the online public databases, which confirmed by the following qRT-PCR in 3 EC cell lines. Besides, high B3GNT3 expression presented a worse overall survival in EC patients as compared with low B3GNT3 expression group. Furthermore, functional experiments in vitro indicated that B3GNT3 could facilitate the cell growth, invasion and migration. Moreover, we found that downregulation of B3GNT3 significantly reduced the expression level of GTP-RhoA and GTP-RAC1, whereas upregulation of B3GNT3 presented the opposite results.

CONCLUSION

The results of current study demonstrate that B3GNT3 acts as an oncogene that promotes EC cells growth, invasion and migration possibly through regulating the RhoA/RAC1 signaling pathway-related markers, suggesting that B3GNT3 may be a candidate biomarker for EC therapeutic intervention.

MicroRNA as Epigenetic Modifiers in Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that contribute to epigenetic regulation. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize our current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the epigenetic deregulation of tumor-related genes in EC. It includes all miRNAs reported to be involved in EC including their roles in DNA methylation and RNA-associated silencing. This systematic review should be useful for development of novel strategies to improve diagnosis and risk assessment as well as for new treatments aimed at miRNAs, their target genes or DNA methylation.

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review is to summarize our current knowledge on the influence of miRNAs in the epigenetic deregulation of tumor-related genes in endometrial cancer (EC). We conducted a literature search on the role of miRNAs in the epigenetic regulation of EC applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following terms were used: microRNA, miRNA, miR, endometrial cancer, endometrium, epigenetic, epimutation, hypermethylation, lynch, deacetylase, DICER, novel biomarker, histone, chromatin. The miRNAs were classified and are presented according to their function (tumor suppressor or onco-miRNA), their targets (when known), their expression levels in EC tissue vs the normal surrounding tissue, and the degree of DNA methylation in miRNA loci and CpG sites. Data were collected from 201 articles, including 190 original articles, published between November 1, 2008 and September 30, 2020 identifying 313 different miRNAs implicated in epigenetic regulation of EC. Overall, we identified a total of 148 miRNAs with decreased expression in EC, 140 miRNAs with increased expression in EC, and 22 miRNAs with discordant expression levels. The literature implicated different epigenetic phenomena including altered miRNA expression levels (miR-182, -230), changes in the methylation of miRNA loci (miR-34b, -129-2, -130a/b, -152, -200b, -625) and increased/decreased methylation of target genes (miR-30d,-191). This work provides an overview of all miRNAs reported to be involved in epigenetic regulation in EC including DNA methylation and RNA-associated silencing. These findings may contribute to novel strategies in diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatments aimed at miRNAs, their target genes or DNA methylation.

LncRNAs and miRNAs participate in determination of sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin

Cisplatin is an extensively used chemotherapeutic substance for various types of human malignancies including sarcomas, carcinomas and lymphomas. Yet, the vast application of this drug is hampered by the emergence of chemoresistance in some treated patients. Several mechanisms such as degradation of the membrane transporters by cisplatin have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this event. Recent researches have also indicated the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as micoRNAs (miRNAs) in the emergence of resistance to cisplatin in several cancer types. For instance, up-regulation of miR-21 has been associated with resistance to this agent in ovarian cancer, oral squamous cell cancer, gastric malignancy and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). On the other hand, down-regulation of miR-218 has been implicated in emergence of chemoresistance in breast cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. MALAT1 is implicated in the chemoresistance of bladder cancer cells, NSCLC, gastric cancer and cervical cancer. Most notably, the expression profile of resistance-associated miRNAs and lncRNAs can predict overall survival of cancer patients. Mechanistic assays have revealed that interference with expression of some miRNAs and lncRNAs can reverse the resistance phenotype in cancer cells. In this paper, we review the scientific writings on the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the evolution of chemoresistance to cisplatin in cancer cells.

Broad-Spectrum Preclinical Antitumor Activity of Chrysin: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Pharmacological profile of phytochemicals has attracted much attention to their use in disease therapy. Since cancer is a major problem for public health with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, experiments have focused on revealing the anti-tumor activity of natural products. Flavonoids comprise a large family of natural products with different categories. Chrysin is a hydroxylated flavonoid belonging to the flavone category. Chrysin has demonstrated great potential in treating different disorders, due to possessing biological and therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, etc. Over recent years, the anti-tumor activity of chrysin has been investigated, and in the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of the inhibitory effect of chrysin on proliferation and invasion of different cancer cells. Molecular pathways, such as Notch1, microRNAs, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt, MAPK, etc., as targets of chrysin are discussed. The efficiency of chrysin in promoting anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents and suppressing drug resistance is described. Moreover, poor bioavailability, as one of the drawbacks of chrysin, is improved using various nanocarriers, such as micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. This updated review will provide a direction for further studies in evaluating the anti-tumor activity of chrysin.

PTEN and PHLPP crosstalk in cancer cells and in TGFβ-activated stem cells

Akt kinase regulates several cellular processes, among them growth, proliferation and survival, and has been correlated to neoplastic disease. We report here crosstalk between several Akt regulatory phosphatases that controls the level of the activated form (phosphorylated) of Akt and affects tumor cell aggressiveness. In prostate cancer cell lines, we observed that transient transfection of PTEN decreased the endogenous level of PHLPPs and in contrast, the transient transfection of PHLPPs decreased the endogenous level of PTEN. Furthermore, silencing of PTEN by siRNA resulted in increased PHLPP levels. This phenomenon was not seen in non-transformed cells or in prostate stem cells. This crosstalk promoted cancer cell invasion and was controlled by epigenetically regulated processes where activation of miRs (miR-190 and miR214), the polycomb group of proteins and DNA methylation were involved. The purinergic P2X4 receptor, which has been shown to have a role in wound healing, was identified to be the mediator of this crosstalk. We also studied prostate stem cells and found this crosstalk in the TGFβ1-activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The crosstalk seemed to be a natural part of EMT. In summary, we identify a crosstalk between Akt phosphatases which is not present in non-transformed prostate cells but occurs in cancer cells and stem cells transformed by TGFβ-1. This crosstalk is important for cellular invasion.

BACKGROUND

Phosphatases regulate the Akt oncogene.

RESULTS

Crosstalk between Akt phosphatases in prostate cancer cells and in TGF-β1 activated stem cells but not in non-transformed cells.

CONCLUSION

This back-up mechanism facilitates invasive migration of prostate stem and cancer cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Characterization of Akt regulation may lead to a better understanding of tumor development and to novel strategies for treatment.