LncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 regulates ovarian cancer progression by targeting miR-182-5p/FOXF2 signaling pathway

Ovarian cancer and the heart: pathophysiology, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and new therapeutic strategies

Ovarian Cancer (OC) is recognized as the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, characterized by numerous genetic mutations that trigger uncontrolled cellular growth and replication. Emerging evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs including miRNAs and lncRNAs significantly influence OC through their multiple roles including tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and chemoresistance, making them promising diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The primary approach to treating OC typically involves cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy. However, the chemotherapeutic agents, particularly the anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX), are known for their cardiotoxic effects, which can range from acute to chronic, potentially leading to heart failure and death. To enhance the overall treatment response and to minimize cardiotoxicity, alternative strategies have been explored. These include the use of liposomal doxorubicin (DOXIL) as a substitute for DOX, various radiotherapies, immunotherapies, and the co-administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or beta-blockers. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have also demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiotoxicity linked to cancer treatments and in promoting apoptosis in cancer cells across multiple cancer types. Although there is no current clinical trial directly examining the impact of PDE5i on reducing cardiotoxicity in OC, however emerging therapies such as Withaferin A, PARP inhibitors, and nanoparticle combination therapy show promise. Additional research is essential to develop treatments that are both effective against OC and less harmful to the heart.

The Association between the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Specific Long-Non Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Cancer; New Perspective and Summary of Recent Studies

In response to cellular perturbations, a multimeric cytosolic protein complex known as the NLRP3 inflammasome assembles. As a result of this assembly, caspase-1 is activated, which encourages inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) as well as the maturation and release of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Tumor etiology involves dysregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but because of conflicting results, its significance in the onset and spread of cancer is still up for debate. New research indicates that long-non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial part in controlling the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome in a number of disorders. Non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides are known as lncRNAs. Cancer development has been connected to its deregulation in the development of illnesses. Growing data suggests that controlling lncRNAs on the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in the emergence and progression of cancer-related challenges. Here, we discuss over how lncRNAs control the NLRP3 inflammasome and how it functions in different types of cancer cells, offering new perspectives on creating new cancer treatment strategies in the future.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ovarian Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Applications

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality worldwide, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague symptoms and the lack of effective early detection methods. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in cancer biology, influencing cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. This review explores the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the structural and functional characteristics of lncRNAs and their contributions to ovarian cancer biology. This includes their regulatory mechanisms, interactions with signaling pathways, and implications for therapeutic resistance. Advanced bioinformatics and omics approaches were also evaluated for their potential in lncRNA research. Results: The review highlights the dual role of lncRNAs as oncogenes and tumor suppressors, modulating processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Specific lncRNAs, such as HOTAIR and GAS5, demonstrate significant potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, provide valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment and the heterogeneity of lncRNA expression. Conclusions: LncRNAs hold transformative potential in advancing ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Targeting lncRNAs or their associated pathways offers promising strategies to overcome therapy resistance and enhance personalized medicine. Continued research integrating omics and bioinformatics will be essential to unlock the full clinical potential of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer management.

Role of the Forkhead box family protein FOXF2 in the progression of solid tumor: systematic review

BACKGROUND

FOXF2 was reported to involve in a variety of biological behaviors that include the development of the central nervous system, tissue homeostasis, epithelia-mesenchymal interactions, regulation of embryonic development, and organogenesis.

PURPOSE

Understanding how FOXF2 influences the growth and development of cancer could provide valuable insights for researchers to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

RESULTS

In this review, we investigate the underlying impact of FOXF2 on tumor cells, including the transformation of cellular phenotype, capacity for migration, invasion, and proliferation, colonization of circulating cells, and formation of metastatic nodules. In addition, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of FOXF2 in different cancers, including hepatocellular, esophageal, breast, colon, lung, prostate gland, as well as its role in embryonic development.

CONCLUSION

FOXF2 is a gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor belonging to the Forkhead Box family. The protein functions by recruiting activation transcription factors and basic components to activate the transcription of genes that interact with the complex. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the FOXF2's function and pleiotropic roles in cancer development and progression.

Emerging biologic and clinical implications of miR-182-5p in gynecologic cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression in various biological processes, including cancer. miR-182-5p has gained attention for its potential implications in gynecologic cancers, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. miR-182-5p dysregulation has been associated with multiple facets of tumor biology in gynecologic cancers, including tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. Studies have highlighted its involvement in key signaling pathways and cellular processes that contribute to cancer development and progression. In addition, miR-182-5p has shown potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, with studies demonstrating its correlation with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of miR-182-5p is being explored in gynecologic cancers. Strategies such as miRNA mimics or inhibitors targeting miR-182-5p have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies. These approaches aim to modulate miR-182-5p expression, restoring normal cellular functions and potentially enhancing treatment responses. Understanding the biologic and clinical implications of miR-182-5p in gynecologic cancers is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine approaches. Further investigations are needed to unravel the specific target genes and pathways regulated by miR-182-5p. It is important to consider the emerging biologic and clinical implications of miR-182-5p in gynecologic cancers.

Prognostic significance of non-coding RNAs related to the tumorigenic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process among ovarian cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most prevalent cancer among women. It has high mortality and morbidity and imposes a great burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Unraveling the mechanisms behind the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and finding a panel for predicting the prognosis of the disease may help find the appropriate treatment approaches for the management of the disease. The overarching aim of this systematic review was to define a panel of different types of EMT-associated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with significant prognostic value in all types of ovarian cancers.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase till Jun 2024 to retrieve relevant papers. Two independent reviewers screened papers, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Publications related to the dysregulation of different types of ncRNAs, including microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, only in patients with ovarian cancer were included. The participation of ncRNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation should be assessed via methods evaluating different EMT-related proteins. To assess the quality and risk of bias for the included case-control and cohort studies, refined Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Quadas-2 were recruited. A bivariate meta-analysis was performed to analyze extracted data.

Results

A total of 37 studies with overall 42 non-coding RNAs (15 microRNA, 24 long non-coding RNAs, and 3 circular RNAs) were entered into the analysis. Overall diagnostic odds ratio for ncRNAs in lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, TNM stage, and clinical stage were 4.19, 3.80, 6.52, and 3.97, respectively. Also, a hazard ratio of 1.39 (P = 0.32) for overall survival was observed. Bioinformatic analyses on the Pan-cancer database demonstrated a significant correlation between low expression of miRNA and high expression of lncRNAs with poor prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Based on the results, the defined panel of ncRNAs can properly predict prognostic factors related to EMT in ovarian cancer without involving potentially invasive methods.

CircRNA_102046 Affects the Occurrence and Development of Ischemic Stroke by Regulating the miR-493-5p/ROCK1 Signaling

In our previous studies, the results have revealed that circRNA_102046 is significantly upregulated in plasma of patients with ischemic stroke, which closely related to NIHSS score. Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) were used for characterization and subcellular localization of circRNA_102046, and hNSCs OGD/R model was generated. The proliferation of cells was examined by CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of associated molecules were evaluated using RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining or western blotting. The binding and co-localization of associated molecules were also evaluated by RIP and FISH assay. Furthermore, MCAO mouse model was established to examine the effects of circRNA_102046 on the progression of ischemic stroke. Expression of circRNA_102046 was detected in the cytoplasma of hNSCs. Then OGD/R cell model was established, where the levels of circRNA_102046 was significantly up-regulated. Furthermore, knockdown of circRNA_102046 was able to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of OGD/R hNSCs. In further downstream molecular studies, the results indicated that circRNA_102046 could participate in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke through targeting miR-493-5p. In addition, ROCK1 was identified as the putative target of miR-493-5p, and circRNA_102046 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hNSCs via the miR-493-5p/ROCK1 signaling. More importantly, the infarct volumes of MCAO mice were remarkably reduced after the treatment with sh-circRNA_102046, which also up- and down-regulate the expression of miR-493-5p and ROCK1, respectively. Elucidating this novel pathway provides a theoretical basis for the development of new diagnostic approach and targeted treatment for ischemic stroke.

LncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 regulates periodontal ligament cell migration under mechanical compression via ADAMTS9/fibronectin

BACKGROUND

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are key mechanosensory cells involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Mechanical force changes the ECM components, such as collagens and matrix metalloproteinases. However, the associations between the changes in ECM molecules and cellular dynamics during OTM remain largely uncharacterized.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of mechanical force on the morphology and migration of PDLCs and explore the interaction between ECM remodeling and cellular dynamics, including the detailed mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Human PDLCs (hPDLCs) were subjected to a static mechanical compression to mimic the compression state of OTM in vitro. A mouse OTM model was used to mimic the OTM procedure in vivo. The migration of hPDLCs was compared by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Moreover, expression levels of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9) and fibronectin (FN) in hPDLCs were determined via western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Expression levels of ADAMTS9 and FN in mice were assessed via immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, the relative expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ADAMTS9-antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9-AS2) was assessed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. ADAMTS9-AS2 knockdown was performed to confirm its function in hPDLCs.

RESULTS

Mechanical compression induced changes in the morphology of hPDLCs. It also promoted migration and simultaneous upregulation of FN and downregulation of ADAMTS9, a fibronectinase. The mouse OTM model showed the same expression patterns of the two proteins on the compression side of the periodontium of the moved teeth. RNA sequencing revealed that lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was significantly upregulated in hPDLCs under mechanical compression. After knocking down ADAMTS9-AS2, hPDLCs migration was significantly inhibited. ADAMTS9 expression was increased as FN expression decreased compared to that in the control group. Moreover, knockdown of ADAMTS9-AS2 reduced the effect of mechanical compression on hPDLCs migration and reversed the expression change of ADAMTS9 and FN. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed direct binding between ADAMTS9-AS2 and ADAMTS9 protein.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that mechanical compression induces the expression of ADAMTS9-AS2, which directly binds to ADAMTS9 and inhibits its function, leading to the promotion of downstream FN expression and ECM remodeling to facilitate hPDLCs migration and maintain the stability of the periodontium.

MiR-4492, a New Potential MicroRNA for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Mini Review

There is no doubt that the incidence of cancer sufferers is rising in the world, and it is estimated that in the next several decades, the number of people suffering from malignancies or the cancer rate will double. Diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represent an excellent approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as many other diseases. One of the latest miRNAs is miR-4492, upregulating some genes in tumor tissues including ROMO1, HLA-G, NKIRAS2, FOXK1, and UBE2C. It represents an attractant example of a miRNA acting at multiple levels to affect the same malignancy hallmark. Based on the studies, miR-4492 plays a key role in several cancers such as, breast cancer, bladder cancer, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer. Putting it all together, identifying the precise mechanisms of miR-4492 in the pathogenesis of cancer, could pave the way to find better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer sufferers. For this reason, it might be a novel potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for neoplasms.

Identification of long noncoding RNAs downregulated specifically in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma

Purpose

To investigate whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development or malignant behavior of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), we attempted to identify lncRNAs specific to HGSC.

Methods

Total RNAs were isolated from HGSC, normal ovarian, and fallopian tube tissue samples and were subjected to a PCR array that can analyze 84 cancer-associated lncRNAs. The lncRNAs that were upregulated and downregulated in HGSC in comparison to multiple samples of normal ovary and fallopian tube were validated by real-time RT-PCR. To infer the function, ovarian cancer cell lines that overexpress the identified lncRNAs were established, and the activation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was analyzed.

Results

Eleven lncRNAs (ACTA2-AS1, ADAMTS9-AS2, CBR3-AS1, HAND2-AS1, IPW, LINC00312, LINC00887, MEG3, NBR2, TSIX, and XIST) were downregulated in HGSC samples. We established the cell lines that overexpress ADAMTS9-AS2, CBR3-AS1, or NBR2. In cell lines overexpressing ADAMTS9-AS2, cell proliferation was suppressed, but migration and invasion were promoted. In cell lines overexpressing CBR3-AS1 or NBR2, cell migration tended to be promoted, although cell proliferation and invasion were unchanged.

Conclusion

We identified eleven lncRNAs that were specifically downregulated in HGSC. Of these, CBR3-AS1, NBR2, and ADAMTS9-AS2 had unique functions in the malignant behaviors of HGSC.

MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs and gynecological cancers: focus on metastasis

Gynecologic cancer is a significant cause of death in women worldwide, with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer being among the most well-known types. The initiation and progression of gynecologic cancers involve a variety of biological functions, including angiogenesis and metastasis-given that death mostly occurs from metastatic tumors that have invaded the surrounding tissues. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathways underlying gynecologic cancer metastasis is critical for enhancing patient survival and outcomes. Recent research has revealed the contribution of numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to metastasis and invasion of gynecologic cancer by affecting specific cellular pathways. This review focuses on three types of gynecologic cancer (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical) and three kinds of ncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs). We summarize the detailed role of non-coding RNAs in the different pathways and molecular interactions involved in the invasion and metastasis of these cancers.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of Forkhead box protein family during gynecological and breast tumor progression and metastasis

Gynecological and breast tumors are one of the main causes of cancer-related mortalities among women. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, tumor relapse is observed in a high percentage of these patients due to the treatment failure. Late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages is one of the main reasons for the treatment failure and recurrence in these tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in progression of these tumors to introduce the efficient early diagnostic markers. Fokhead Box (FOX) is a family of transcription factors with a key role in regulation of a wide variety of cellular mechanisms. Deregulation of FOX proteins has been observed in different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of non-coding RNAs have important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in cellular mechanisms. They are also the non-invasive diagnostic markers due to their high stability in body fluids. Considering the importance of FOX proteins in the progression of breast and gynecological tumors, we investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of the FOX proteins in these tumors. MicroRNAs were mainly involved in progression of these tumors through FOXM, FOXP, and FOXO. The present review paves the way to suggest a non-invasive diagnostic panel marker based on the miRNAs/FOX axis in breast and gynecological cancers.

Identification of lncRNAs Deregulated in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Based on a Gene Expression Profiling Meta-Analysis

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers worldwide, mainly because of its initially asymptomatic nature and consequently late diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are non-coding transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides, whose deregulation is involved in pathologies such as EOC, and are therefore envisaged as future biomarkers. We present a meta-analysis of available gene expression profiling (microarray and RNA sequencing) studies from EOC patients to identify lncRNA genes with diagnostic and prognostic value. In this meta-analysis, we include 46 independent cohorts, along with available expression profiling data from EOC cell lines. Differential expression analyses were conducted to identify those lncRNAs that are deregulated in (i) EOC versus healthy ovary tissue, (ii) unfavorable versus more favorable prognosis, (iii) metastatic versus primary tumors, (iv) chemoresistant versus chemosensitive EOC, and (v) correlation to specific histological subtypes of EOC. From the results of this meta-analysis, we established a panel of lncRNAs that are highly correlated with EOC. The panel includes several lncRNAs that are already known and even functionally characterized in EOC, but also lncRNAs that have not been previously correlated with this cancer, and which are discussed in relation to their putative role in EOC and their potential use as clinically relevant tools.

Identifying miRNA biomarkers for breast cancer and ovarian cancer: a text mining perspective

BACKGROUND

microRNA (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing. Numerous studies have demonstrated the critical role of miRNAs in the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. To reduce potential bias from individual studies, a more comprehensive approach of exploring miRNAs in cancer research is essential. This study aims to explore the role of miRNAs in the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Abstracts of the publications were tokenized and the biomedical terms (miRNA, gene, disease, species) were identified and extracted for vectorization. Predictive analyses were conducted with four machine learning models: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Naïve Bayes. Both holdout validation and cross-validation were utilized. Feature importance will be identified for miRNA-cancer networks construction.

RESULTS

We found that miR-182 is highly specific to female cancers. miR-182 targets different genes in regulating breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Naïve Bayes provided a promising prediction model for breast cancer and ovarian cancer with miRNAs and genes combination, with an accuracy score greater than 60%. Feature importance identified miR-155 and miR-199 are critical for breast cancer and ovarian cancer prediction, with miR-155 being highly related to breast cancer, whereas miR-199 being more associated with ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our approach effectively identified potential miRNA biomarkers associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer, providing a solid foundation for generating novel research hypotheses and guiding future experimental studies.

The Role of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide; late diagnosis and drug resistance are two major factors often responsible for high morbidity and treatment failure. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that has been closely linked with cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been also associated with several cancer-related mechanisms, including EMT. We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database in order to sum up and discuss the role of lncRNAs in regulating OC-related EMT and their underlying mechanisms. Seventy (70) original research articles were identified, as of 23 April 2023. Our review concluded that the dysregulation of lncRNAs is highly associated with EMT-mediated OC progression. A comprehensive understanding of lncRNAs' mechanisms in OC will help in identifying novel and sensitive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this malignancy.

Alterations of miRNA Expression in Diffuse Hyperplastic Perilobar Nephroblastomatosis: Mapping the Way to Understanding Wilms' Tumor Development and Differential Diagnosis

Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy in children. In diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (DHPLN), nephrogenic rests result in a bulky enlargement of the kidney, a condition considered as a premalignant state before WT. Despite relevant clinical differences between WT and DHPLN, they are often challenging to distinguish based on histology. Molecular markers would improve differential diagnosis, but none are available at present. In our study, we investigated the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as such biomarkers, also aiming to shed light on the chronological order of expression changes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from four DHPLN cases and adjacent healthy tissues were tested using a PCR array containing primers for 84 miRNAs implicated in genitourinary cancer. Expression in DHPLN was compared to WT data available in dbDEMC. Let-7, miR-135, miR-146a-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-20b-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-195-5p and miR-17-5p showed potential to be used as biomarkers to distinguish WT and DHPLN in cases when traditional differential diagnosis is inconclusive. Our study also revealed miRNAs which may play a role in the initial steps of the pathogenesis (at a precancerous stage) and ones which become deregulated later in WT. More experiments are needed to confirm our observations and find new candidate markers.

A review on the role of ADAMTS9-AS2 in different disorders

Recent decade has seen a tremendous progress in identification of the role of different long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human pathologies. ADAMTS9-AS2 is an example of lncRNAs with different roles in human disorders. It is mostly acknowledged as a tumor suppressor lncRNA in different types of cancers. However, it has been reported to be up-regulated in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and glioblastoma. Moreover, ADAMTS9-AS2 is possibly involved in the pathoetiology of pulpitis, acute ischemic stroke, type 2 diabetes and its complications. This lncRNA sponges miR-196b-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-130a-5p, miR-600, miR-223-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-32, miR-143-3p, miR-143-3p and miR-182-5p in order to regulate downstream mRNAs. This review aims at summarization of the role of ADAMTS9-AS2 in different disorders with a particular focus on its diagnostic and prognostic values.

Integration of bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell analysis reveals a global landscape of DNA damage response in the immune environment of Alzheimer's disease

Background

We developed a novel system for quantifying DNA damage response (DDR) to help diagnose and predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We thoroughly estimated the DDR patterns in AD patients Using 179 DDR regulators. Single-cell techniques were conducted to validate the DDR levels and intercellular communications in cognitively impaired patients. The consensus clustering algorithm was utilized to group 167 AD patients into diverse subgroups after a WGCNA approach was employed to discover DDR-related lncRNAs. The distinctions between the categories in terms of clinical characteristics, DDR levels, biological behaviors, and immunological characteristics were evaluated. For the purpose of choosing distinctive lncRNAs associated with DDR, four machine learning algorithms, including LASSO, SVM-RFE, RF, and XGBoost, were utilized. A risk model was established based on the characteristic lncRNAs.

Results

The progression of AD was highly correlated with DDR levels. Single-cell studies confirmed that DDR activity was lower in cognitively impaired patients and was mainly enriched in T cells and B cells. DDR-related lncRNAs were discovered based on gene expression, and two different heterogeneous subtypes (C1 and C2) were identified. DDR C1 belonged to the non-immune phenotype, while DDR C2 was regarded as the immune phenotype. Based on various machine learning techniques, four distinctive lncRNAs associated with DDR, including FBXO30-DT, TBX2-AS1, ADAMTS9-AS2, and MEG3 were discovered. The 4-lncRNA based riskScore demonstrated acceptable efficacy in the diagnosis of AD and offered significant clinical advantages to AD patients. The riskScore ultimately divided AD patients into low- and high-risk categories. In comparison to the low-risk group, high-risk patients showed lower DDR activity, accompanied by higher levels of immune infiltration and immunological score. The prospective medications for the treatment of AD patients with low and high risk also included arachidonyltrifluoromethane and TTNPB, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, immunological microenvironment and disease progression in AD patients were significantly predicted by DDR-associated genes and lncRNAs. A theoretical underpinning for the individualized treatment of AD patients was provided by the suggested genetic subtypes and risk model based on DDR.

ADAMTS9-AS2 regulates PPP1R12B by adsorbing miR-196b-5p and affects cell cycle-related signaling pathways inhibiting the malignant process of esophageal cancer

This study explored the mechanism that ADAMTS9-AS2/miR-196b-5p/PPP1R12B/cell cycle pathway axis in inhibiting the malignant progression of esophageal cancer (EC), providing a new idea for targeted molecular therapy of EC. The expression data of EC tissue were acquired from TCGA database. The target lncRNA, downstream miRNA and its target gene were determined by bioinformatics analysis. ADAMTS9-AS2, miR-196b-5p and PPP1R12B levels in EC tissue and cells were assayed through qRT-PCR. Western blot was applied to assess protein level of PPP1R12B in cells and tissues, as well as protein expression of CDK1, cyclin A2, cyclin B1 and Plk1 in EC cells. Cell proliferation was assayed via CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migratory and invasive abilities were measured through scratch healing and transwell assays. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to analyze relationship among ADAMTS9-AS2, miR-196b-5p and PPP1R12B. RIP was introduced to assess binding among the three. Dual-luciferase assay was utilized to verify targeted binding sites. The tumor formation in nude mice assay was utilized to detect tumorigenesis of EC cells in vivo. ADAMTS9-AS2 was significantly lowly expressed while miR-196b-5p was increased in EC tissue and cells. ADAMTS9-AS2 bound to miR-196b-5p and constrained its expression. Overexpressed ADAMTS9-AS2 inhibited EC cell malignant progression via downregulating miR-196b-5p, while overexpressed miR-196b-5p reversed this inhibitory effect. ADAMTS9-AS2 modulated PPP1R12B level by competitively inhibiting miR-196b-5p. PPP1R12B played a modulatory role in EC by inhibiting cell cycle pathway. Overexpressed ADAMTS9-AS2 regulated the tumor-forming ability of EC cells in vivo through miR-196b-5p/PPP1R12B/cell cycle signaling pathway axis. ADAMTS9-AS2 downregulated PPP1R12B by adsorbing miR-196b-5p, so as to regulate the cell cycle signaling pathway to inhibit EC malignant progression.

FOXF2 Regulates PRUNE2 Transcription in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer

Background: Forkhead box F2, a member of the Forkhead box transcription factor superfamily, plays an important role in several types of cancer. However, the mechanisms of Forkhead box F2 in the progression of colorectal cancer remain unclear. PRUNE2 is closely associated with prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, and melanoma. The relationship between Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 in colorectal cancer remains unknown. Method: We investigated the effects of Forkhead box F2 upregulation on colorectal cancer cell behavior in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Nude mouse xenografts were established to investigate the effect of Forkhead box F2 upregulation on the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the Forkhead box F2 regulation of PRUNE2 transcription. A series of in vitro assays was performed in cells with Forkhead box F2 upregulation and PRUNE2 knockdown to elucidate the function and regulatory effects of Forkhead box F2 on PRUNE2 transcription in colorectal cancer. Results: Forkhead box F2 was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Forkhead box F2 overexpression significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Forkhead box F2 directly targeted PRUNE2 to promote its transcription in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, PRUNE2 mediated the Forkhead box F2-regulated proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant positive correlation between Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 mRNA levels in colorectal cancer tissues. Conclusion: These results indicated that Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 in combination may serve as a prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer and that Forkhead box F2 upregulation inhibits the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by upregulating PRUNE2.

Role of Mitochondria in Interplay between NGF/TRKA, miR-145 and Possible Therapeutic Strategies for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological neoplasm, and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) accounts for 90% of ovarian malignancies. The 5-year survival is less than 45%, and, unlike other types of cancer, the proportion of women who die from this disease has not improved in recent decades. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and tropomyosin kinase A (TRKA), its high-affinity receptor, play a crucial role in pathogenesis through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. NGF/TRKA increase their expression during the progression of EOC by upregulation of oncogenic proteins as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and c-Myc. Otherwise, the expression of most oncoproteins is regulated by microRNAs (miRs). Our laboratory group reported that the tumoral effect of NGF/TRKA depends on the regulation of miR-145 levels in EOC. Currently, mitochondria have been proposed as new therapeutic targets to activate the apoptotic pathway in the cancer cell. The mitochondria are involved in a myriad of functions as energy production, redox control, homeostasis of Ca⁺², and cell death. We demonstrated that NGF stimulation produces an augment in the Bcl-2/BAX ratio, which supports the anti-apoptotic effects of NGF in EOC cells. The review aimed to discuss the role of mitochondria in the interplay between NGF/TRKA and miR-145 and possible therapeutic strategies that may decrease mortality due to EOC.

LncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background

The role of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) ADAMTS9 antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9-AS2) is unclear in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ADAMTS9-AS2 and LUAD, based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Various statistical methods, Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis, GSEA, and immune infiltration analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between clinical features and ADAMTS9-AS2 expression, prognostic factors, and the significant involvement of ADAMTS9-AS2 in function.

Results

In LUAD patients, low expression of ADAMTS9-AS2 was associated with N stage (P=0.011), gender (P=0.002), number of packs smoked (P=0.024) and smoker (P<0.001). Low ADAMTS9-AS2 expression predicted a poorer overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.51–0.91; P=0.01). And ADAMTS9-AS2 expression (HR: 0.626; 95% CI: 0.397–0.986; P=0.043) was independently correlated with OS in LUAD patients. Unwinding of DNA, extrinsic pathway, polo-like kinase-mediated events, cori cycle, MCM pathway, proteasome pathway, lagging strand synthesis and PCNA-dependent long patch base excision repair were differentially enriched in ADAMTS9-AS2 high expression phenotype. ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was correlated with certain immune infiltrating cells.

Conclusion

In LUAD patients, ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was significantly associated with poor survival and immune infiltration. ADAMTS9-AS2 may be a promising biomarker of prognosis and response to immunotherapy for LUAD.

DNA methylation-based profiling reveals distinct clusters with survival heterogeneity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common type of epigenetically heterogeneous ovarian cancer. Methylation typing has previously been used in many tumour types but not in HGSOC. Methylation typing in HGSOC may promote the development of personalized care. The present study used DNA methylation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and identified four unique methylation subtypes of HGSOC. With the poorest prognosis and high frequency of residual tumours, cluster 4 featured hypermethylation of a panel of genes, which indicates that demethylation agents may be tested in this group and that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be used to reduce the possibility of residual lesions. Cluster 1 and cluster 2 were significantly associated with metastasis genes and metabolic disorders, respectively. Two feature CpG sites, cg24673765 and cg25574024, were obtained through Cox proportional hazards model analysis of the CpG sites. Based on the methylation level of the two CpG sites, the samples were classified into high- and low-risk groups to identify the prognostic information. Similar results were obtained in the validation set. Taken together, these results explain the epigenetic heterogeneity of HGSOC and provide guidance to clinicians for the prognosis of HGSOC based on DNA methylation sites.

Ascites in ovarian cancer: MicroRNA deregulations and their potential roles in ovarian carcinogenesis

Ovarian cancer comprises the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and is accompanied by the high potential for the incidence of metastasis, recurrence and chemotherapy resistance, often associated with a formation of ascitic fluid. The differentially expressed ascites-derived microRNAs may be linked to ovarian carcinogenesis. The article focuses on a number of miRNAs that share a common expression pattern as determined by independent studies using ascites samples and with regard to their functions and outcomes in experimental and clinical investigations.Let-7b and miR-143 have featured as tumor suppressors in ovarian cancer, which is in line with data on other types of cancer. Although two miRNAs, i.e. miR-26a-5p and miR-145-5p, act principally as tumor suppressor miRNAs, they occasionally exhibit oncogenic roles. The performance of miR-95-3p, upregulated in ascites, is open to debate given the current lack of supportive data on ovarian cancer; however, data on other cancers indicates its probable oncogenic role. Different findings have been reported for miR-182-5p and miR-200c-3p; in addition to their presumed oncogenic roles, contrasting findings have indicated their ambivalent functions. Further research is required for the identification and evaluation of the potential of specific miRNAs in the diagnosis, prediction, treatment and outcomes of ovarian cancer patients.

The regulatory role of antisense lncRNAs in cancer

Antisense long non-coding RNAs (antisense lncRNAs), transcribed from the opposite strand of genes with either protein coding or non-coding function, were reported recently to play a crucial role in the process of tumor onset and development. Functionally, antisense lncRNAs either promote or suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoradiosensitivity. Mechanistically, they exert their regulatory functions through epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational modulations. Simultaneously, because of nucleotide sequence complementarity, antisense lncRNAs have a special role on its corresponding sense gene. We highlight the functions and molecular mechanisms of antisense lncRNAs in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. We also discuss the potential of antisense lncRNAs to become cancer diagnostic biomarkers and targets for tumor treatment.

The diagnostic significance of circulating lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 tumor biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer among the Egyptian population

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 9 antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9-AS2) was recognized as a novel tumor suppressor and plays an important role in the initiation and progression of malignant behavior in human cancers, although its plasma expression and clinical value in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unknown. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic role of ADAMTS9-AS2 and cytokeratin 19 fragmentation antigen (CYFRA 21-1) in NSCLC.

METHODS

The present study included 80 control subjects, 80 patients with benign lung lesion and 80 NSCLC patients. The expression of ADAMTS9-AS2 in the tissue and plasma was detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum CYFRA 21-1 was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In comparison with benign lung lesion and controls, tissue and plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC (p < 0.001). Decreased ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was associated with TNM stages in NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Up-regulation of CYFRA 21-1 was reported among NSCLC patients and it was associated with TNM staging. Tissue and plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression levels were the predicting factors for NSCLC and they both correlated negatively with CYFRA 21-1 levels. Plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 levels had a significant positive correlation with their tumor tissue levels. Plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 showed a higher sensitivity (95%) and specificity (99.1%) in the diagnosis of NSCLC than CYFRA 21-1 (61.3% sensitivity and 60% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that decreased plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression might act as a novel non-invasive tumor biomarker in NSCLC diagnosis. Furthermore, plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 might predict aggressive tumor behavior.

Long non-coding RNAs: A view to kill ovarian cancer

An emerging role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumor progression has been revealed in the last decade. Through interactions with nucleic acids and proteins, lncRNAs could act as enhancers, scaffolds or decoys for a number of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. The aberrant lncRNA expression or mutations are often associated with changes in a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, stress response and cell death. Here, we will focus on the tumor-associated lncRNAs in ovarian cancer according to their contribution to cancer hallmarks, such as intense proliferation, cell death resistance, altered energy metabolism, invasion and metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, the potential clinical implications of lncRNAs and their significance for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of ovarian cancer will be discussed.

The relationship between LncRNAs and lung adenocarcinoma as well as their ceRNA network

BACKGROUND

More and more studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) plays an important role in lung cancer. Therefore, we analyzed the RNA expression profiles of 82 lung cancer patients which were all from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO).

METHODS

Firstly, we used BLASTN (evalue = 1e-10) to annotate the gene sets, performed in-group correction and batched normalization of the three data sets with R. Secondly, we used the limma and sva packages to compare tumor tissues with normal tissues. Then through WGCNA, we obtained the 4 gene modules most related to the trait.

RESULTS

We intersected the genes of above 4 modules with the differential expression genes: 28 LncRNAs (up: 5, down: 23) and 265 mRNAs (up:11, down: 254). Based on these genes, we picked up 6 LncRNAs (CCDC39, FAM182A, SRGAP3-AS2, ADAMTS9-AS2, AC020907.2, SFTA1P), then set and visualized the LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network with 12 miRNAs related to 12 mRNAs. Finally, we performed downstream analysis of 265 mRNAs by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network.

CONCLUSION

After analyzing, we think this study provides a new direction for basic and clinical research related to LAD, and is expected to provide new targets for early diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and clinical treatment of lung cancer.

The lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 Regulates RPL22 to Modulate TNBC Progression via Controlling the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression, but further work is needed to fully understand the functional relevance of these non-coding RNAs in this cancer type. Herein, we explored the functional role of the lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 in TNBC.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing was conducted to compare the expression of different lncRNAs in TNBC tumor and paracancerous tissues, after which ADAMTS9-AS2differential expression in these tumor tissues was evaluated via qPCR. The functional role of this lncRNA was assessed by overexpressing it in vitro and in vivo. FISH and PCR were used to assess the localization of ADAMTS9-AS2within cells. Downstream targets of ADAMTS9-AS2 signaling were identified via RNA pulldown assays and transcriptomic sequencing.

Results

The expression ofADAMTS9-AS2 was decreased in TNBC tumor samples (P < 0.05), with such downregulation being correlated with TNM stage, age, and tumor size. Overexpressing ADAMTS9-AS2 promoted the apoptotic death and cell cycle arrest of tumor cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. From a mechanistic perspective, ADAMTS9-AS2 was found to control the expression of RPL22 and to thereby modulate TGF-β signaling to control TNBC progression.

Conclusion

ADAMTS9-AS2 controls the expression of RPL22 and thereby regulates TNBC malignancy via the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Deciphering the Long Non-Coding RNAs and MicroRNAs Coregulation Networks in Ovarian Cancer Development: An Overview

Non-coding RNAs are emergent elements from the genome, which do not encode for proteins but have relevant cellular functions impacting almost all the physiological processes occurring in eukaryotic cells. In particular, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of small RNAs transcribed from the genome, which modulate the expression of specific genes at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, thus adding a new regulatory layer in the flux of genetic information. In cancer cells, the miRNAs and lncRNAs interactions with its target genes and functional pathways are deregulated as a consequence of epigenetic and genetic alterations occurring during tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the actual knowledge on the interplay of lncRNAs with its cognate miRNAs and mRNAs pairs, which interact in coregulatory networks with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying its oncogenic behavior in ovarian cancer. Specifically, we reviewed here the evidences unraveling the relevant roles of lncRNAs/miRNAs pairs in altered regulation of cell migration, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and Warburg effect. Finally, we also discussed its potential clinical implications in ovarian cancer and related endocrine disease therapies.

Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Progression and Metastatic Spread in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

Despite advances in cancer research in recent years, efficient predictive biomarkers of tumor progression and metastatic spread for ovarian cancer are still missing. Therefore, we critically address recent findings in the field of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) and DNA methylation in ovarian cancer patients as promising novel biomarkers of ovarian cancer progression.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of death among gynecological malignancies. Molecular changes occurring in the primary tumor lead to metastatic spread into the peritoneum and the formation of distant metastases. Identification of these changes helps to reveal the nature of metastases development and decipher early biomarkers of prognosis and disease progression. Comparing differences in gene expression profiles between primary tumors and metastases, together with disclosing their epigenetic regulation, provides interesting associations with progression and metastasizing. Regulatory elements from the non-coding RNA families such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs seem to participate in these processes and represent potential molecular biomarkers of patient prognosis. Progress in therapy individualization and its proper targeting also rely upon a better understanding of interactions among the above-listed factors. This review aims to summarize currently available findings of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs linked with tumor progression and metastatic process in ovarian cancer. These biomolecules provide promising tools for monitoring the patient’s response to treatment, and further they serve as potential therapeutic targets of this deadly disease.

The regulatory roles and mechanisms of the transcription factor FOXF2 in human diseases

Many studies have focused on the relationship between transcription factors and a variety of common pathological conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and cancer. It has been found that abnormal transcription factor regulation can lead to aberrant expression of downstream genes, which contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family is encoded by the FOX gene, which mediates gene transcription and follow-up functions during physiological and pathological processes. FOXF2, a member of the FOX transcription family, is expressed in various organs and tissues while maintaining their normal structural and functional development during the embryonic and adult stages. Multiple regulatory pathways that regulate FOXF2 may also be controlled by FOXF2. Abnormal FOXF2 expression induced by uncontrollable regulatory signals mediate the progression of human diseases by interfering with the cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. FOXF2 manipulates downstream pathways and targets as both a pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic factor across different types of cancer, suggesting it may be a new potential clinical marker or therapeutic target for cancer. However, FOXF2’s biological functions and specific roles in cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we provide an overview of FOXF2’s structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms in the physiological and pathological conditions of human body. We also discussed the possible reasons why FOXF2 performs the opposite function in the same types of cancer.

Long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells via regulating the expression of miR-4492

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) forkhead box D2 antisense 1 (FOXD2-AS1) in the development of ovarian cancer, investigate the underlying mechanisms and provide a potential diagnostic biomarker for ovarian cancer. A total of 39 ovarian cancer patients were included, and the ovarian cancer tissues and paracancer tissues were obtained. The ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3 and the human ovarian normal epithelial cell line IOSE80 were cultured. The expression of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 and miR-4492 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Small interfering RNA targeting FOXD2-AS1 (si-FOXD2-AS1), microRNA (miR)-4492 mimics, miR-4492 inhibitor and their corresponding controls were transfected into cells. The proliferation was detected with a Cell-Couting-Kit-8 assay, and migration and invasion were determined using Transwell assays. The mutual binding site of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 and miR-4492 was predicted with the miRDB database and verified by a luciferase reporter assay. Finally, a rescue assay was performed. The results suggested that lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. si-FOXD2-AS1 was able to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was confirmed to directly target miR-4492. The expression of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 and miR-4492 exhibited a negative correlation. In a rescue experiment, miR-4492 inhibitor abrogated the effect of siFOXD2-AS1 in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cell lines. In conclusion, lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 promotes the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells via regulating the expression of miR-4492. It may be a novel potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Long-Chain Noncoding RNA ADAMTS9-AS2 Regulates Proliferation, Migration, and Apoptosis in Bladder Cancer Cells Through Regulating miR-182-5p

The long-chain noncoding RNA ADAMTS9-AS2 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in many cancers. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be fully elucidated in bladder cancer (BC). ADAMTS9-AS2 exhibited a lower expression level in BC samples and cell lines. In addition, overexpression of ADAMTS9-AS2 obviously suppressed proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis of T24 cells, while transfection with the ADAMTS9-AS2 inhibitor had opposite results in 5637 cells. Furthermore, miR-182-5p was the target microRNA of ADAMTS9-AS2 and was negatively correlated with ADAMTS9-AS2 expression. Upregulation of miR-182-5p reversed the effects of ADAMTS9-AS2 overexpression on biological function in T24 cells. ADAMTS9-AS2 was a tumor suppressor that inhibited BC cell proliferation and induced cellular apoptosis by targeting miR-182-5p, and it could be a promising target for BC treatment.

EZH2-mediated lncRNA ABHD11-AS1 promoter regulates the progression of ovarian cancer by targeting miR-133a-3p

Long-chain noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a wide range of biological and pathological processes in ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EZH2-mediated ABHD11-AS1 promoter on the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. The expression levels of EZH2, ABHD11-AS1 and miR-133a-3p were examined in ovarian cancer tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated using cell counting kit 8 assay, and cell invasion/migration was determined using a Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Dual luciferase assay was performed to confirm the interaction between ABHD11-AS1 and miR-133a-3p. The binding site of H3K27me3 on ABHD11-AS1 promoter was confirmed by ChIP. The expression of ABHD11-AS1 was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer samples, and its levels were closely associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and 3-year survival rate. Furthermore, interference of ABHD11-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while cell apoptosis was promoted. Additionally, miR-133a-3p could be a novel target of ABHD11-AS1, and EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 protein might bind to ABHD11-AS1 promoter directly. Moreover, rescue experiments indicated that the effects caused by ABHD11-AS1 knockdown on the malignant characteristics of ovarian cancer cells were notably enhanced by miR-133a-3p mimics, whereas the influences on cell growth and metastasis induced by overexpressed ABHD11-AS1 were abrogated by the restoration of miR-133a-3p expression. In summary, EZH2-mediated enrichment of H3K27me3 on ABHD11-AS1 promoter could regulate the progression of ovarian cancer via miR-133a-3p. Therefore, EZH2/ABHD11-AS1/miR-133a-3p axis might be a putative candidate for targeted treatment of ovarian cancer.

Exosome-derived long non-coding RNA ADAMTS9-AS2 suppresses progression of oral submucous fibrosis via AKT signalling pathway

Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is one of the pre‐cancerous lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its malignant rate is increasing, but the mechanism of malignancy is not clear. We previously have elucidated the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile during OSF progression at the genome‐wide level. However, the role of lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 in OSF progression via extracellular communication remains unclear. lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 is down‐regulated in OSCC tissues compared with OSF and normal mucous tissues. Low ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression is associated with poor overall survival. ADAMTS9‐AS2 is frequently methylated in OSCC tissues, but not in normal oral mucous and OSF tissues, suggesting tumour‐specific methylation. Functional studies reveal that exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 suppresses OSCC cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 inhibits AKT signalling pathway and regulates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers. Through profiling miRNA expression profile regulated by exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2, significantly enriched pathways include metabolic pathway, PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway and pathways in cancer, indicating that exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 exerts its functions through interacting with miRNAs during OSF progression. Thus, our findings highlight the crucial role of ADAMTS9‐AS2 in the cell microenvironment during OSF carcinogenesis, which is expected to become a marker for early diagnosis of OSCC.

Identification of long non-coding RNA signatures for squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas

Studies have demonstrated that both squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and adenocarcinomas (ACs) possess some common molecular characteristics. Evidence has accumulated to support the theory that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in complex diseases such as cancer.

In this study, we aimed to identify pan lncRNA signatures that are common to squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas with different tissues of origin. With the aid of elastic-net regularized regression models, a 35-lncRNA pan discriminative signature and an 11-lncRNA pan prognostic signature were identified for squamous cell carcinomas, whereas a 6-lncRNA pan discriminative signature and a 5-lncRNA pan prognostic signature were identified for adenocarcinomas. Among them, many well-known cancer relevant genes such as MALAT1 and PVT1 were included.

The identified pan lncRNA lists can help experimental biologists generate research hypotheses and adopt existing treatments for less prevalent cancers. Therefore, these signatures warrant further investigation.

A Competing Endogenous RNA Network and an 8-lncRNA Prognostic Signature Identify MYO16-AS1 as an Oncogenic lncRNA in Bladder Cancer

Recently, growing evidence has shed light on the competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) activity of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. To better elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), we identified aberrantly expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in tumor tissues by using RNA sequence profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The MIBC-specific ceRNA network, including 58 lncRNAs, 22 miRNAs, and 52 mRNAs, was constructed and visualized in Cytoscape. Further, using the univariate and multivariate Cox regression model, we screened 8 lncRNAs (AC078778.1, LINC00525, AC008676.1, AP000553.1, SACS-AS1, AC009065.1, AC127496.3, and MYO16-AS1) to construct an lncRNA signature for predicting the overall survival of MIBC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis and a receiver operating characteristic curve were applied to evaluate the performance of the signature. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was carried out to test expression levels of the 8 lncRNAs in MIBC patient tissues. Transwell assays demonstrated that overexpressing MYO16-AS1 can enhance UMUC2 migration and invasion. Our study offers a novel lncRNA-correlated ceRNA model to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in MIBC. In addition, we developed an independent 8-lncRNAs biomarker for prognostic prediction and identified MYO16-AS1 as an oncogenic lncRNA in bladder cancer.

LncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Main Pathways: ceRNA and Alternative Mechanisms

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) develops asymptomatically until it reaches the advanced stages with metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Our review focuses on the analysis of regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) competing with protein-coding mRNAs for binding to miRNAs according to the model of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in OvCa. Analysis of publications showed that most lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs participate in OvCa progression: migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. More than 30 lncRNAs turned out to be predictors of survival and/or response to therapy in patients with OvCa. For a number of oncogenic (CCAT1, HOTAIR, NEAT1, and TUG1 among others) and some suppressive lncRNAs, several lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axes were identified, which revealed various functions for each of them. Our review also considers examples of alternative mechanisms of actions for lncRNAs besides being ceRNAs, including binding directly to mRNA or protein, and some of them (DANCR, GAS5, MALAT1, and UCA1 among others) act by both mechanisms depending on the target protein. A systematic analysis based on the data from literature and Panther or KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) databases showed that a significant part of lncRNAs affects the key pathways involved in OvCa metastasis, EMT, and chemoresistance.

Integrated analysis of a competing endogenous RNA network reveals an 11-lncRNA prognostic signature in ovarian cancer

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) involved in tumor initiation and progression. However, the prognostic roles of lncRNAs in the integrated analysis of the ceRNA network in ovarian cancer (OVC) are still lacking. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs associated with the prognosis of OVC. Differential expression analysis and WGCNA were used to screen OVC-specific RNAs. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network consisting of 201 lncRNAs, 85 miRNA and 146 mRNAs was constructed, and functional enrichment and protein-protein network analyses were performed. Then, the OVC-specific RNAs were submitted to Cox regression analysis. Twelve differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified as significantly associated with OS of OVC patients. Meanwhile, 11 lncRNAs (including C4A-AS1, LINC02408, LINC00488) were established as prognostic risk formulas. The low-risk group had better OS and DFS than the high-risk group (P <0.01). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed the 11-lncRNA risk score as an independent prognostic factor. A prognostic nomogram was developed based on independent prognostic factors. Our data provide evidence that the 11-lncRNA signature could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. This study also suggests that these 11 lncRNAs potentially participate in the progression of OVC.

The Role of microRNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, and the major cause of death is mainly attributed to metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that exert important regulatory functions in many biological processes through their effects on regulating gene expression. In most cases, miRNAs interact with the 3′ UTRs of target mRNAs to induce their degradation and suppress their translation. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been detected in EOC tumors and/or the biological fluids of EOC patients. Such dysregulation occurs as the result of alterations in DNA copy numbers, epigenetic regulation, and miRNA biogenesis. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can promote or suppress events related to EOC metastasis, such as cell migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and highlight some key events and regulations related to EOC metastasis. We summarize current knowledge on how miRNAs are dysregulated, focusing on those that have been reported to regulate metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of miRNAs in promoting and inhibiting EOC metastasis. Finally, we point out some limitations of current findings and suggest future research directions in the field.

Hypoxic Cancer-Secreted Exosomal miR-182-5p Promotes Glioblastoma Angiogenesis by Targeting Kruppel-like Factor 2 and 4

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor and has a complex molecular profile. Hypoxia plays a critical role during tumor progression and in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exosomes released by tumor cells contain informative nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids involved in the interaction between cancer and stromal cells, thus leading to TME remodeling. Accumulating evidence indicates that exosomes play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. However, the mechanism by which hypoxia affects tumor angiogenesis via exosomes derived from tumor cells remains largely unknown. In our study, we found that, compared with the parental cells under normoxic conditions, the GBM cells produced more exosomes, and miR-182-5p was significantly upregulated in the exosomes from GBM cells under hypoxic conditions. Exosomal miR-182-5p directly suppressed its targets Kruppel-like factor 2 and 4, leading to the accumulation of VEGFR, thus promoting tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, exosome-mediated miR-182-5p also inhibited tight junction-related proteins (such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5), thus enhancing vascular permeability and tumor transendothelial migration. Knockdown of miR-182-5p reduced angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. Interestingly, we found elevated levels circulating miR-182-5p in patient blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples, and its expression level was inversely related to the prognosis. IMPLICATIONS: Overall, our data clarify the diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor-derived exosome-mediated miR-182-5p and reveal the distinctive cross-talk between tumor cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells mediated by tumor-derived exosomes that modulate tumor vasculature.

Long Noncoding RNA ADAMTS9-AS2 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Bladder Tumor Cells

BACKGROUND

Bladder tumor is the fifth most prevalent tumor in men, yet its pathogenesis remains to be fully identified. Albeit a host of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as new players involved in bladder tumor, the functions of many lncRNAs are still enigmatic. Reports on the deluge of studies on lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 have been convincingly associated with various tumors, but without mention of its roles in bladder tumor. Therefore, the roles of ADAMTS9-AS2 in bladder tumor cells were explored in our study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR assays and bioinformatic tools were applied in bladder tumor cells to identify the ADAMTS9-AS2 and ADAMTS9 expression. Western blot assays were performed to obtain the protein levels of bladder tumor related key molecules. CCK8, clonogenic assay, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays were separately applied to identify the functional roles of ADAMTS9-AS2 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells.

RESULTS

First, ADAMTS9-AS2 downregulation in bladder tumor cells was identified. Overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was positively related to ADAMTS9, which is in accordance with the results from GEO database. Second, ADAMTS9-AS2 contributed to the inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells. Third, ADAMTS9-AS2 was linked with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway related-molecules, several key autophagy, and apoptotic proteins.

CONCLUSION

Conjointly, our findings suggested that ADAMTS9-AS2 might function as a tumor suppressor to restrain the proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells. The potential mechanism of ADAMTS9-AS2 related to PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway was further identified. Of note, we found that ADAMTS9-AS2 has a significant effect on several key autophagy and apoptotic proteins. Therefore, these observations will provide supportive evidence to ADAMTS9-AS2 as a potential biomarker in patients with bladder tumor.

Identification of a 14-lncRNA Signature and Construction of a Prognostic Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival of Gastric Cancer

Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant long noncoding (lnc) RNA expression plays a vital role in gastric cancer (GC) initiation and progression. Thus, we aimed to develop a lncRNA-based risk signature and nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) for patients with GC. Our primary cohort was composed of 341 patients with clinical and lncRNA expression data in The Cancer Genome Atlas stomach adenocarcinoma (TCGA STAD), the internal validation cohort was composed of 172 randomly assigned patients, and the external validation cohort was composed of 300 patients from GSE62254 dataset. A risk signature and nomogram were developed for the primary cohort and validated on the validation cohorts. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate the pathway enrichment for the risk signature. The expression patterns of several lncRNAs were also investigated in clinical samples from 10 GC patients. We identified and validated a 14-lncRNA signature highly associated with the OS of patients with GC, which performed well on evaluation with C-index, area under the curve, and calibration curves. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the lncRNA signature was an independent predictive factor for GC patients. Therefore, a nomogram incorporating lncRNA signature and clinical factors was constructed to predict OS for patients with GC in primary cohort that suggested powerful predictive values for survival in the TCGA cohort and the other two validation cohorts. In addition, GSEA indicated that the identified lncRNAs may regulate the autophagy pathway, affecting tumorigenesis and prognosis of patients with GC. Experimental validation demonstrated that the expression of lncRNAs showed the same trend both in our clinical samples and STAD dataset. These results suggest that both risk signature and nomogram were effective prognostic indicators for patients with GC.

Identification of aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells

PURPOSE

To identify the aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC).

METHODS

Total RNA was isolated in HGSC cell lines, ovarian surface epithelial cells, and normal ovaries. Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in HGSC were identified by PCR array, which analyzes 84 kinds of lncRNAs. To infer their functions, HGSC cell lines with different levels of expression of the identified lncRNAs were established, and then, activities of proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were examined. Expression levels of the identified lncRNAs were also examined in multiple ovarian HGSC tissues.

RESULTS

Ten aberrantly expressed lncRNAs, six upregulated and four downregulated, were identified in the HGSC cell lines. The authors established four HGSC cell lines: in two of the cell lines, one of the upregulated lncRNAs was knocked down, and in two other cell lines, one of the downregulated lncRNAs (MEG3 and POU5F1P5) was overexpressed. Migration activities were inhibited in the HGSC cell lines overexpressing MEG3 or POU5F1P5 while there were no differences in proliferation and apoptosis between the established and control cell lines. The four lncRNAs downregulated in the HGSC cell lines were also observed to be downregulated in ovarian HGSC tissues.

CONCLUSION

The authors identified four downregulated lncRNAs in ovarian HGSC.

FOXF2 acts as a crucial molecule in tumours and embryonic development

As a key member of the forkhead box transcription factors, forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) serves as a transcriptional regulator and regulates downstream gene expression in embryonic development, metabolism and in some common diseases, such as stroke and gastroparesis. Recent studies have shown that aberrant expression of FOXF2 is associated with a variety of tumorigenic processes, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in the development of many different organs has been confirmed by studies and has been speculated about in case reports. We focus on the mechanisms and signal pathways of tumour development initiated by aberrant expression of FOXF2, and we summarize the diseases and signal pathways caused by aberrant expression of FOXF2 in embryogenesis. This article highlights the differences in the role of FOXF2 in different tumours and demonstrates that multiple factors can regulate FOXF2 levels. In addition, FOXF2 is considered a biomarker for the diagnosis or prognosis of various tumours. Therefore, regulating the level of FOXF2 is an ideal treatment for tumours. FOXF2 could also affect the expression of some organ-specific genes to modulate organogenesis and could serve as a biomarker for specific differentiated cells. Finally, we present prospects for the continued research focus of FOXF2.

Up-regulation of SNHG16 induced by CTCF accelerates cardiac hypertrophy by targeting miR-182-5p/IGF1 axis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG16 has been reported to be significant regulators in multiple cancers. However, never has the relationship between it and cardiac hypertrophy been studied until now. In this study, angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal mice were used as a model of cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of SNHG16, miR-182-5p, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The relationship between SNHG16 and its downstream genes were corroborated by RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter experiments. Western blot was conducted to detect the expression of markers of hypertrophy. The results disclosed that SNHG16 expression was in a high level in the cardiac hypertrophic model. Down-regulation of SNHG16 could decline the expression of hypertrophic markers and reduce cell surface area induced by Ang II. Moreover, SNHG16 was discovered to be activated by transcription factor CCCTC-binding factor. In addition, SNHG16 could enlarge cell surface area and increase the expression of hypertrophic markers by inhibiting miR-182-5p expression in Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes. Finally, overexpression of IGF1 could rescue the effects of silenced SNHG16 on cardiac hypertrophy cells. In brief, our study illustrated that silenced SNHG16 repressed Ang II-imposed cardiac hypertrophy via targeting miR-182-5p/IGF1 axis.

The Challenges and Opportunities of LncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Research and Clinical Use

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide because it tends to be detected late, when the disease has already spread, and prognosis is poor. In this review we aim to highlight the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment choice, to make progress towards increasingly personalized medicine in this malignancy. We review the effects of lncRNAs associated with ovarian cancer in the context of cancer hallmarks. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs become involved in cellular physiology; the onset, development and progression of ovarian cancer; and lncRNAs' regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational stages of gene expression. Finally, we compile a series of online resources useful for the study of lncRNAs, especially in the context of ovarian cancer. Future work required in the field is also discussed along with some concluding remarks.

LINC00667 promotes Wilms' tumor metastasis and stemness by sponging miR-200b/c/429 family to regulate IKK-β

Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a kind of pediatric renal cancer. Previous studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate various cancers progression. However, whether miR-200 family regulated Wilms' tumor progression remains to be elucidated. In our study, miR-200b/c/429 expression was downregulated in Wilms' tumor tissue samples from 25 patients. And data from three independent analyses of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression of miR-200b/c/429 was downregulated in Wilms' tumor cell lines. Functionally, Cell counting kit-8 assay revealed that cell viability was reduced by overexpressing miR-200b/c/429. Transwell assay manifested that cell migration and invasion was hindered by miR-200b/c/429 overexpression. Sphere-forming and western blot assays demonstrated that miR-200b/c/429 overexpression suppressed the sphere formation ability. Mechanically, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was confirmed to be associated with Wilms' tumor progression; miR-200b/c/429 overexpression inactivated NF-κB pathway as miR-200b/c/429 was identified to target IκB kinase β (IKK-β), an NF-κB pathway-related gene. Moreover, miR-200b/c/429 was sponged by LINC00667 in Wilms' tumor cells. LINC00667 competitively bound with miR-200b/c/429 to regulate IKK-β expression and then activated NF-κB pathway in Wilms' tumor. Subsequently, rescue assays illustrated that silencing of IKK-β could reverse the effect of miR-200b/c/429 inhibition on the progression of sh-LINC00667-transfected Wilms' tumor cells. In summary, LINC00667 promoted Wilms' tumor progression by sponging miR-200b/c/429 family to regulate IKK-β.