Revealing the role of serum exosomal novel long non-coding RNA NAMPT-AS as a promising diagnostic/prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer patients

Targeting ferroptosis: the role of non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and therapy

One of the most common tumors is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the prognosis for late-stage HCC is still not good. It is anticipated that improved outcomes would result from a deeper comprehension of the pathophysiology of HCC. Ferroptosis as a new discovered cell death type is linked to the progression of HCC and may be crucial for its detection, prevention, therapy, and prognosis. Numerous studies suggest that epigenetic alterations mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) might influence cancer cell susceptibility to ferroptosis. This study elucidates the processes of ferroptosis and delineates the paths by which ncRNAs influence HCC by modulating ferroptosis. Furthermore, it offers significant insights into ferroptosis-associated ncRNAs, intending to discover novel therapeutic approaches for HCC. It also explores innovative concepts for the future use of ncRNA-based ferroptosis-targeted therapeutics.

MicroRNAs involved in colorectal cancer, a rapid mini-systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) involves the uncontrolled proliferation of glandular epithelial cells in the colon or rectum. The high mortality rate associated with CRC has driven extensive research into innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Among these, microRNAs (miRNA) have gained attention for their crucial role in regulating various cellular processes that contribute to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of CRC.

METHOD

This systematic review aimed to assess the roles of various miRNAs in CRC by analyzing multiple studies. The PICO framework was followed to structure the study regarding miRNA involved in CRC development and progression compared to normal cases. The outcomes were measured according miRNAs impact on CRC progression, survival rates, and treatment response. Systematic review of studies published from 2000 to November 2023 were included. Data were collected from prominent databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Irandoc, SID, and Magiran, covering studies from 2000 to November 2023. Studies were managed using EndNote for citation management, and duplicates were removed. The remaining studies were evaluated based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

In our review, we categorized 28 miRNAs based on their potential tumor suppressor or oncogenic effects in CRC progression. Among them, 14 miRNAs were highlighted as important based on the assessment using TCGA data, with miR-200a also showing a significant effect on patient survival.

CONCLUSION

This study compiled and analyzed validated miRNAs associated with CRC progression. The findings suggest the potential of these miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers, which may be used alone or in combination with traditional tumor markers for improved diagnostic and prognostic applications in CRC. This review contributes novel insights by updating the current understanding and offering a comprehensive evaluation of miRNAs in CRC.

LincRNA-miR interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma: comprehensive review and in silico analysis: a step toward ncRNA precision

The most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and one of the chief drivers of cancer-related mortality globally is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imminent evidence has indicated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an integral part in the development and propagation of HCC. RNA stabilization, transcription regulation, chromatin and genomic architecture remodeling, enhancer-associated activity, and other varied properties set long intergenic ncRNA (lincRNA) genes apart from messenger RNA (mRNA)-encoding genes. Through a variety of processes, lincRNAs may generally be used to fine-tune the transcription of nearby genes with exceptional tissue specificity, underscoring our quickly developing knowledge of the non-coding genome. Through their binding with divergent cell targets, some HCC-related ncRNAs have been demonstrated to exhibit abnormal expression, contribute to malignant growth, evade apoptosis, and have invasive potential. Therefore, a better comprehension of lincRNA dysregulation might offer novel perspectives on the pathophysiology of HCC as well as innovative instruments for the early detection and management of HCC. In the present review, we provide an overview of the increasing relevance of lincRNAs as a major contributor to the pathophysiology of HCC, emphasizing their influence on signaling pathways implicated in the development, progression, and response to treatment of tumors. In addition, we go over the new approaches that target lincRNAs for HCC treatment as well as the possible therapeutic uses of lincRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for HCC.

Identification of dysregulated competitive endogenous RNA network driven by copy number variation in colon adenocarcinoma

Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network modulation plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). This study analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) data to identify 151 copy number variation (CNV)-driven lncRNAs in COAD, constructing a ceRNA network (6 lncRNAs-14 miRNAs-68 mRNAs). Functional enrichment revealed their roles in muscle system processes , blood vessel development and extracellular matrix organization. Survival analysis linked LINC00941 amplification to poor prognosis. Two CNV-driven lncRNA-targeting drugs were identified, offering insights into COAD mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

Comprehensive review and in silico analysis of the role of noncoding RNAs in retinoblastoma: A step-toward ncRNA precision

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have greatly revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation and its main role in oncogenesis, particularly in retinoblastoma (RB), the most prevalent type of intraocular malignancy in children. Despite recent significant therapeutic advances, the prognosis for RB remains unclear owing to late diagnosis and resistance to conventional treatments. This review comprehensively explores the multiple roles of ncRNAs-microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs)-in RB pathogenesis. miRNA dysregulation serves as the initial cascade for modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Similarly, lncRNAs demonstrate dual behavior, functioning either as oncogenic drivers or tumor suppressors by interacting with several molecular targets and interacting with different signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Additionally, circRNAs, owing to their persistent stability and unique ability to act as miRNA sponge main binding sites, affect various normal physiological processes, influencing tumor progression and chemoresistance. Emerging data also highlight the intricate crosstalk between piRNAs and other ncRNAs in retinal homeostasis and oncogenesis, with promising future implications for their utility as diagnostic biomarkers in liquid biopsy types. This comprehensive review consolidates the latest knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in retinoblastoma (RB), along with in silico analysis of ncRNA-gene interactions, providing a guide for precision medical approaches. However, future research should aim to utilize ncRNAs as a vital clinical tool to improve the early diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment of RB.

The immunosuppressive role of VSIG4 in colorectal cancer and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

The tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly influences disease progression and immune responses, particularly the role of macrophages in regulating immune evasion requires further investigation.

METHODS

This study integrated data from the TCGA-COAD dataset with the GEO database, along with single-cell RNA sequencing data, to systematically analyze key genes in colorectal cancer. R software was utilized for data normalization and differential analysis, with criteria set at ∣log2FoldChange ∣ > 1 and adjusted p-value < 0.05 for gene selection. The Seurat package was employed for clustering single-cell data, while the "Monocle2" algorithm was used to perform pseudo-time analysis on the differentiation trajectory of macrophages. Additionally, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied for subtype classification of CRC patients, and various machine learning algorithms (such as LASSO and random forest models) were utilized to identify key pathogenic genes. Finally, PCR was employed to validate the expression of these key genes, and immune analysis software was used to assess their impact on immune cells, alongside pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

Through the integration of multi-omics data, we identified significant differential expression of VSIG4, CYBBC3AR1, and FCGR1A in CRC patients. LASSO and random forest models selected these three genes as critical pathogenic factors for CRC, with AUC values exceeding 0.8 across multiple machine learning models, demonstrating their high diagnostic efficacy. PCR validation further supported the differential expression of VSIG4 and other genes in CRC. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that VSIG4 was highly enriched in specific macrophage subpopulations and significantly influenced the tumor microenvironment by regulating CD8 + T cell immune exhaustion. Pseudo-time analysis indicated that the differentiation trajectory of macrophages during tumor progression was closely associated with VSIG4 expression. Additionally, cell communication analysis. highlighted the important role of VSIG4 in the interactions between macrophages and endothelial cells. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that VSIG4 expression was closely linked to the regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway and metabolic pathways such as the TCA cycle.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first evidence that VSIG4, CYBBC3AR1, and FCGR1A play critical roles in the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer, particularly emphasizing the immunoregulatory function of VSIG4 in macrophage activity and CD8 + T cell immune exhaustion. PCR validation further confirmed the differential expression of these genes. These findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CRC and provide a potential theoretical basis for targeting VSIG4 in immunotherapy.

Circulating Exosomal Proteins as New Diagnostic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer (EXOSCOL01): A Pilot Case-Controlled Study Focusing on MMP14 Potential

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The French CRC screening campaign is based on fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), confirmed by colonoscopy, an invasive procedure with a poor participation rate. This study aimed to compare the expression of circulating exosomal proteins (MMP14, β1-Integrin subunit, β3-Integrin subunit, and α1(I) Collagen chain) in patients with CRC or adenomas.

METHODS

A total of 71 patients were recruited, including 24 controls (normal colonoscopy), 11 patients with adenoma, and 36 with CRC. Plasmatic exosomal protein expression was measured by western blot analysis and reported to either protein or exosome content.

RESULTS

The three groups were comparable regarding clinical characteristics. A significant difference was observed for MMP14 relative expression (p = 0.0007), MMP14 expression reported to exosomal protein content (p = 0.0003), and MMP14 expression reported to exosome content (p = 0.0005). These three parameters were significantly higher in patients with adenoma vs. control patients (p = 0.0013, p = 0.0004, and p = 0.0003, respectively). Only MMP14 relative intensity was significantly higher in the CRC group vs. the control group (p = 0.0018).

CONCLUSIONS

Exosomal MMP14 is a promising early diagnostic biomarker for CRC and adenoma. These preliminary results warrant confirmation in larger studies using quantitative measurements such as ELISA or flow cytometry.

Screening colorectal cancer associated autoantigens through multi-omics analysis and diagnostic performance evaluation of corresponding autoantibodies

BACKGROUND

This study aims to screen, validate novel biomarkers and develop a user-friendly online tool for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Multi-omics approach, comprising proteomic analysis and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, was utilized to discover candidate tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). The presence of tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) in serum was subsequently assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 300 CRC patients and 300 healthy controls. Ten machine learning algorithms were utilized to develop diagnostic models, with the optimal one selected and integrated into an R Shiny-based GUI to enhance usability and accessibility.

RESULTS

We identified twelve potential TAAs: HMGA1, NPM1, EIF1AX, CKS1B, HSP90AB1, ACTG1, S100A11, maspin, ANXA3, eEF2, P4HB, and HKDC1. ELISA results showed that five TAAbs including anti-CKS1B, anti-S100A11, anti-maspin, anti-ANXA3, and anti-eEF2 were potential diagnostic biomarkers during the diagnostic evaluation phase (all P < 0.05). The Random Forest model yielded an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.88) on the training set and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68-0.82) on the test set, demonstrating the robustness of the results. Web-based implementations of CRC diagnostic tools are publicly accessible via weblink https://qzan.shinyapps.io/CRCPred/ .

CONCLUSIONS

A five biomarker panel can server as complementary biomarker to CEA and CA19-9 in CRC detection.

Regulatory interplay between lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 and miR-17-5p in non-small cell lung cancer progression: Implications for novel therapeutic strategies

BackgroundMicroRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by regulating its target genes. Advances in molecular biology highlight the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer, yet the mechanistic interactions between miR-17-5p and lncRNAs in NSCLC remain underexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigated the regulatory interplay between miR-17-5p and lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 and evaluated their potential as targets for NSCLC therapy.MethodsA comprehensive set of technologies, including cell transfection, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), bioinformatics analysis, and functional assays (proliferation, migration, apoptosis), was employed to examine the role of miR-17-5p and lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 in NSCLC.ResultsElevated lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 expression was observed in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Functional assays revealed that miR-17-5p directly downregulates lncRNA-FGD5-AS1, thereby modulating key oncogenic processes. Overexpression of miR-17-5p reduced tumor cell proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-17-5p inhibition elevated lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 levels and reversed these effects.ConclusionThe findings identify the miR-17-5p/lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 regulatory axis as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC. By integrating molecular and technological approaches, this study offers insights into precision oncology and highlights the potential for advanced RNA-based interventions.

A bioinformatics analysis of the target role of miRNA-431-5p on KLK6 in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Although increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play different roles in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), investigations on miRNA-targeted regulation in CRC are sparse. However, the high morbidity and mortality of CRC necessitates exploring this area of research for potential alternative therapeutic approaches to CRC.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was used to obtain the key Hub genes related to CRC, and survival analysis was performed to screen out the core genes. Meanwhile, verification was performed using CCK-8, Transwell, qPCR, WB, immunohistochemistry and dual luciferase assays at a cellular level.

RESULTS

This study identified the hub gene KLK6 associated with CRC based on the GEO and TCGA databases. Survival analysis revealed a significant decrease in the survival rate of CRC patients with increasing expression levels of KLK6. Target gene prediction confirmed that miR-431-5p can target KLK6. Cell experimental results demonstrated that the miR-431-5p inhibitor enhanced cell viability and promoted cell migration and invasion while miR-431-5p mimics reduced cell viability and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Both the inhibitor and mimics of miR-431-5p suppressed and promoted the expression of miR-431-5p, as well as promoted and inhibited the KLK6 mRNA and protein expression. Dual luciferase results showed that miR-431-5p targeted KLK6, and cell recovery experiments further verified that miR-431-5p regulated cell viability, migration and invasion by targeting KLK6.

CONCLUSIONS

Through target gene prediction, miR-431-5p was found to target KLK6, suggesting its therapeutic potential in CRC. As such, therapies that can inhibit KLK6 via miR-431-5p offer a promising approach to CRC.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Recent Exploration of Solid Cancer Biomarkers Hidden Within Urine or Blood Exosomes That Provide Fundamental Information for Future Cancer Diagnostics

Cancer cells exhibit abnormal behavior compared to normal cells. They ignore growth arrest signals such as contact inhibition, a mechanism that stops their proliferation when they collide with surrounding cells, and proliferate in an uncontrolled manner, destroying tissue. Early detection and treatment of cancer are therefore important for healthy longevity. Cancer cells differ from normal cells in their characteristic gene expression due to their abnormalities. Cancer markers that reflect these characteristics have been searched for and applied to diagnosis. Although analysis of blood antigens has been the main method, further development of a diagnostic system is needed for early detection of cancer. Next-generation sequencers have improved gene expression analysis technology, making it possible to analyze detailed gene expression in cancer cells and nucleic acid molecules in blood or urine. In addition, cancer cells release extracellular vesicles, exosomes, which are known to contain molecules that may serve as cancer markers. This review summarizes the latest findings on exosomal cancer markers.

Metformin modulates FJX1 via upregulation of Hsa-miR-1306-3p to suppress colon adenocarcinoma viability

Metformin, widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has recently gained attention for its potential anticancer properties. Several studies have shown that metformin treatment inhibits cell viability in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD); however, the research related to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage is limited. As COAD is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, understanding the genetic factors that regulate the pathogenesis of COAD at each TNM stage and the effects of metformin for potential treatment. Therefore, we identified differentially expressed factors at the TNM stage in metformin-treated COAD cells and investigated their regulatory mechanisms using microRNAs (miRNAs). Through bioinformatics analyses, four-jointed box kinase 1 (FJX1) and hsa-miR-1306-3p were identified as differentially expressed in COAD upon metformin treatment. Metformin treatment significantly reduced cell viability, with an observed decrease of approximately 50%. Analysis using quantitative real-time PCR showed an increase in hsa-miR-1306-3p and a decrease in FJX1 expression upon metformin treatment compared to untreated cells. Luciferase assay confirmed the sequence-specific binding of hsa-miR-1306-3p to FJX1. These findings highlight the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent for COAD by modulating FJX1 expression via upregulation of hsa-miR-1306-3p, revealing novel avenues for COAD treatment.

Integrating transcriptomics and scPagwas analysis predicts naïve CD4 T cell-related gene DRAM2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

The interaction between T cells, particularly naïve CD4 T cells (CD4Tn), and colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly complex. CD4Tn play a crucial role in modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, yet the precise mechanisms by which they influence tumor progression remain elusive. This study aims to explore the relationship between CRC and CD4Tn, identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and focus on the role of CD4Tn in shaping the immune environment of CRC.

METHODS

Single-cell transcriptomics, alongside the scPagwas algorithm, were employed to identify pivotal T cell subsets involved in CRC progression. Bulk transcriptomic data were further analyzed using deconvolution algorithms to elucidate the roles of these key T cell subsets. The abundance of naïve CD4 T cells (CD4Tn) was specifically assessed to gauge patient responses to immunotherapy, alterations in the immune microenvironment, and correlations with genetic mutations. Key genes linked to CD4Tn were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and Pearson correlation scores. The SMR algorithm was subsequently used for validation, with experimental verification following.

RESULTS

Through single-cell transcriptomics and the scPagwas algorithm, CD4Tn was confirmed as a critical cell type in CRC progression. High infiltration of CD4Tn cells in CRC patients was correlated with poorer prognosis and suboptimal responses to immunotherapy. SMR analysis suggested a potential causal link between DRAM2 gene expression and CRC progression. Experimental knockdown of DRAM2 in colorectal cancer cells significantly inhibited tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

The DRAM2 gene, associated with CD4Tn cells, appears to play a pivotal role in the advancement of CRC and may represent a promising therapeutic target for treatment.

Serum-derived exosomal miR-7977 combined with miR-451a as a potential biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To explore the potential of serum exosomal miRNAs as novel biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

Serum exosomal miRNAs were screened and verified by microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in patients with PDAC and healthy controls. The correlation between the clinical characteristics of PDAC and candidate exosomal miRNAs was analyzed, and the diagnostic performance of the candidate biomarkers was evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum exosomal miR-7977 and miR-451a were significantly upregulated in PDAC patients compared with healthy controls, and the levels of miR-7977 and miR-451a in serum exosomes were closely associated with the clinical stage and metastasis of PDAC patients. The area under curve (AUC) values of serum exosomal miR-7977 and miR-451a for PDAC were 0.825 and 0.804 in the training set and 0.796 and 0.830 in the validation set, respectively. A biomarker panel consisting of these two miRNAs resulted in a diagnostic power with an AUC of 0.901 in the training set and 0.918 in the validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum exosomal miR-7977 and miR-451a might be diagnostic biomarkers for PDAC. These two miRNAs, when combined, exhibit optimal diagnostic performance.

Extracellular vesicles: from intracellular trafficking molecules to fully fortified delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as viable tools in cancer treatment due to their ability to carry a wide range of theranostic activities. This review summarizes different forms of EVs such as exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and oncosomes. It also sheds the light onto isolation methodologies, characterization techniques and therapeutic applications of all discussed EVs. Evidence indicates that EVs are particularly effective in delivering chemotherapeutic medications, and immunomodulatory agents. However, the advancement of EV-based therapies into clinical practice is hindered by challenges including EVs heterogeneity, cargo loading efficiency, and in vivo stability. Overall, EVs have the potential to change cancer therapeutic paradigms. Continued research and development activities are critical for improving EV-based medications and increasing their therapeutic impact.

Tendomodulin in pan-cancer analysis: exploring its impact on immune modulation and uncovering functional insights in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Tendomodulin (TNMD) is pivotal in various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its comprehensive impact across cancers, particularly its immunomodulatory function in CRC, remains underexplored. This study explored the role of TNMD in CRC by focusing on its immunomodulatory functions through comprehensive molecular and clinical analyses.

METHODS

Multiple bioinformatics databases and analytical tools were utilized for the TNMD in pan-cancer analysis. To validate the role of TNMD in CRC, we performed experiments, including immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR), western blotting, and cell migration assays.

RESULTS

TNMD expression and gene mutation vary across cancers and offer high diagnostic value. Survival analysis found that TNMD is associated with prognosis in multiple cancers. Notably, in patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) CRC, TNMD expression correlated positively with various immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, whereas it was inversely correlated with regulatory T cells (Tregs). Crucially, in patients with microsatellite stability (MSS) CRC, high TNMD expression was associated with better immunotherapy outcomes, indicating its potential as a biomarker for patient stratification and tailored treatment approaches. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing data revealed stronger interactions between TNMD-positive tumor cells and fibroblasts or macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, TNMD was overexpressed in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines, thereby promoting invasion and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal a critical immunomodulatory role of TNMD in CRC, particularly in influencing tumor-immune interactions. Beyond its potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, TNMD promotes CRC metastasis and invasion, thus emerging as a promising therapeutic target. These findings highlight TNMD's significance in CRC and potentially other malignancies.

The significance of exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the metastasis of colorectal cancer and development of therapy resistance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a common type of carcinoma with significant mortality rates globally. A primary factor contributing to the unfavorable treatment outcomes and reduced survival rates in CRC patients is the occurrence of metastasis. Various intricate molecular mechanisms are implicated in the metastatic process, leading to mortality among individuals with CRC. In the realm of intercellular communication, exosomes, which are a form of extracellular vesicle (EV), play an essential role. These vesicles act as conduits for information exchange between cells and originate from multiple sources. By fostering a microenvironment conducive to CRC progression, exosomes and EVs significantly influence the advancement of the disease. They contain a diverse array of molecules, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), proteins, lipids, and transcription factors. Notably, ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are prominently featured within exosomes. These ncRNAs have the capacity to regulate various critical molecules or signaling pathways, particularly those associated with tumor metastasis, thereby playing a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Their presence indicates a substantial potential to affect vital aspects of tumor progression, including proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. This research aims to categorize exosomal ncRNAs and examine their functions in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, it investigates the clinical applicability of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in CRC. Abbreviations: ncRNAs, non-coding RNAs; CRC, Colorectal cancer; EV, extracellular vesicle; mRNAs, messenger RNAs; miRNAs, microRNAs; lncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs; circRNAs, circular RNAs; HOTTIP, HOXA transcript at the distal tip; NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer; 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil; OX, Oxaliplatin; PDCD4, programmed cell death factor 4; Tregs, regulatory T cells; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; PFKFB3, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3; USP2, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 2; TNM, tumor node metastasis; TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; RASA1, RAS p21 protein activator 1; PDCD4, programmed cell death 4; ZBTB2, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 2; SOCS1, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1; TUBB3, β-III tubulin; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells.

Comprehensive insights and In silico analysis into the emerging role of LincRNAs in lung diseases pathogenesis; a step toward ncRNA precision

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as essential regulators of gene expression, significantly influencing various biological processes. Approximately half of all lncRNAs are classified as long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs), which are situated among coding genes. Recent studies have documented the role of lincRNAs in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, including lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. These lincRNAs can modulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. By functioning as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), lincRNAs can affect the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their corresponding target genes. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which lincRNAs contribute to the development and progression of various lung diseases. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of lincRNAs as therapeutic targets.

Upregulation of LncRNAs G2E3-AS1 and BACE1-AS as prognostic biomarkers in metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the current diagnostic and therapeutic methods for colorectal cancer (CRC), patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages of colorectal cancer. Recently, numerous investigations have highlighted the role of lncRNAs in cancer development and progression. This study investigated less well-characterized genes in the colorectal cancer metastasis process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genes expression profiles from CRC patients were downloaded from the TCGA database by the TCGAbiolinks R package. Differential gene expression analysis of miRNA, lncRNAs, and mRNAs was conducted for the M1 and M0 compared to control samples. Then, the DIANA lncbase3 tool was used to find M1-specific miRNA-LncRNA interactions. In addition, the expression of selected genes was evaluated by Real-time RT-PCR in forty-one CRC tissues.

RESULTS

Our analysis showed that the expression levels of 77 lncRNAs, 12 miRNAs, and 627 mRNA were significantly changed only in metastatic tumors. In experimental study, significant overexpression of LncRNAs LINC00839, LINC01006, BACE1-AS and G2E3-AS1 was confirmed in metastatic tumors. Also, ROC analysis showed that these lncRNAs, especially lncRNAs G2E3-AS1 and BACE1-AS, are good prognostic biomarkers for metastatic colorectal tumors.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the lncRNAs G2E3-AS1 and BACE1-AS expression upregulated in CRC tissues can be good potential biomarkers for metastatic colorectal cancer.

WTAP/IGF2BP3 Mediated m6A Modification of SOD2 mRNA Aggravates the Tumourigenesis of Colorectal Cancer

Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) has been validated to be a crucial regulator in the tumorigenesis and advancement of diverse malignancies. This study intended to probe the impacts of WTAP on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression from the perspective of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. The differential expression patterns of WTAP in clinical CRC samples and cultured cell lines were validated via qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell function tests were conducted with colony formation, transwell, and CCK-8. MeRIP-qPCR was conducted to identify the WTAP-mediated SOD2 (Superoxide dismutase 2) mRNA modification in CRC cells. Animal experiments were adopted to evaluate the function of WTAP in vivo. WTAP exhibited high expression pattern in CRC samples along with cells. Silencing of WTAP potently restrained the growth of CRC tumorigenesis in virto and in vivo. Mechanically, SOD2 was identified as an m6A target of WTAP. WTAP-mediated m6A modification of SOD2 mRNA elevated its stability in an IGF2BP3-dependent manner. Meanwhile, SOD2 overexpression could reverse the tumor suppressive effect induced by WTAP silencing. Molecular therapy targeting WTAP-SOD2 may offer novel insights and perspectives for the treatment of CRC.

piR-823 tale as emerging cancer-hallmark molecular marker in different cancer types: a step-toward ncRNA-precision

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have received a lot of attention for their functions in cancer research. This class of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) has roles in genomic stability, chromatin remodeling, messenger RNA (mRNA) integrity, and genome structure. We summarized the mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and regulatory molecular functions of piRNAs. Among all piRNAs studied in cancer, this review offers a comprehensive analysis of the emerging roles of piR-823 in various types of cancer, including colorectal, gastric, liver, breast, and renal cancers, as well as multiple myeloma. piR-823 has emerged as a crucial modulator of various cancer hallmarks through regulating multiple pathways. In the current review, we analyzed several databases and conducted an extensive literature search to explore the influence of piR-823 in carcinogenesis in addition to describing the potential application of piR-823 as prognostic and diagnostic markers as well as the therapeutic potential toward ncRNA precision.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Exosomes and Their Components in Patients With Cancers

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the second leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from liquid biopsy samples are used in early cancer detection, characterization, and surveillance. Exosomes are a subset of EVs produced by all cells and present in all body fluids. They play an important role in the development of cancer because they are active transporters capable of carrying the contents of any type of cell. The objective of this review was to provide a brief overview of the clinical implication of exosomes or exosomal components in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

METHODS

An extensive review of the current literature of exosomes and their components in cancer diagnosis and prognosis were carried out in the current study.

RESULTS

Tumor cells release exosomes that contribute to the formation of the pre-metastatic microenvironment, angiogenesis, invasion, and treatment resistance. On the contrary, tumor cells release more exosomes than normal cells, and these tumor-specific exosomes can carry the genomic and proteomic signature contents of the tumor cells, which can act as tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with cancers.

CONCLUSION

This information may help clinicians to improve the management of cancer patients in clinical settings in the future.