miR-433 suppresses tumor progression via Smad2 in non-small cell lung cancer

MiR-433 inhibits cell invasion of glioblastoma via direct targeting TRPM8 based on bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation

Understanding the essential role of miRNA in regulating cell invasion in glioblastoma opens up new avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions in the future. By screening out eligible miRNA expression data sets from the GEO database, the WGCNA package based on the R language is further used to construct a co-expression network model of the chip data set, to identify modules related to disease states and perform pivotal miRNA screening on the related modules. The target relationship between miRNA and TRPM8 was verified by bioinformatics and luciferase gene report, and the effect of miRNA overexpression on TRPM8 protein level was analyzed by Western blot. The result of miR-433 overexpression on the invasion ability of glioblastoma cells in vitro was examined by scratch test and Transwell invasion test. The results of this study indicate that the selected target miR-433 has a strong binding relationship with TRPM8 and can effectively regulate its expression. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-433 was found to inhibit the invasion ability of glioblastoma cells by targeting TRPM8. These data demonstrate that miR-433 can target TRPM8 to inhibit glioblastoma cell invasion.

TMED3 stabilizes SMAD2 by counteracting NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination to promote ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among cancer patients. Recent research has shown that the transmembrane emp24 domain (TMED) protein family plays a role in the progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression of TMED3 in ovarian cancer tumors compared to nontumor tissues using immunohistochemical staining. We found that TMED3 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer tumors, and its high expression was associated with poor disease-free and overall survival. To understand the functional implications of TMED3 overexpression in ovarian cancer, we conducted experiments to knockdown TMED3 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We observed that TMED3 knockdown resulted in reduced cell viability and migration, as well as increased cell apoptosis. Additionally, in subcutaneous xenograft models in BALB-c nude mice, TMED3 knockdown inhibited tumor growth. Further investigation revealed that SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) was a downstream target of TMED3, driving ovarian cancer progression. TMED3 stabilized SMAD2 by inhibiting the E3 ligase NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination of SMAD2. To confirm the importance of SMAD2 in TMED3-mediated ovarian cancer, we performed functional rescue experiments and found that SMAD2 played a critical role in this process. Moreover, we discovered that the PI3K-AKT pathway was involved in the promoting effects of TMED3 overexpression on ovarian cancer cells. Overall, our study identifies TMED3 as a prognostic indicator and tumor promoter in ovarian cancer. Its function is likely mediated through the regulation of the SMAD2 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer progression and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Sex differences in the tumor promoting effects of tobacco smoke in a cRaf transgenic lung cancer disease model

Tobacco smoke (TS) is the leading cause for lung cancer (LC), and female smokers are at a greater risk for LC. Yet, the underlying causes are unknown. We performed whole genome scans in TS exposed wild type and histologically characterized tumor lesions of cRaf transgenic mice. We constructed miRNA-gene and transcription factor-miRNA/gene regulatory networks and determined sex-specific gene regulations by evaluating hormone receptor activities. We validated the findings from TS exposed cRaf mice in a large cohort of smoking and never-smoking LC patients. When compared to males, TS prompted a sevenfold increase in tumor multiplicity in cRaf females. Genome-wide scans of tumor lesions identified 161 and 53 genes and miRNAs, which code for EGFR/MAPK signaling, cell proliferation, oncomirs and oncogenes, and 50% of DEGs code for immune response and tumor evasion. Outstandingly, in transgenic males, TS elicited upregulation of 20 tumor suppressors, some of which are the targets of the androgen and estrogen receptor. Conversely, in females, 18 tumor suppressors were downregulated, and five were specifically repressed by the estrogen receptor. We found TS to perturb the circadian clock in a sex-specific manner and identified a female-specific regulatory loop that consisted of the estrogen receptor, miR-22-3p and circadian genes to support LC growth. Finally, we confirmed sex-dependent tumor promoting effects of TS in a large cohort of LC patients. Our study highlights the sex-dependent genomic responses to TS and the interplay of circadian clock genes and hormone receptors in the regulation of oncogenes and oncomirs in LC growth.

Regulation and therapeutic potentials of microRNAs to non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80%-85% of total cases and leading to millions of deaths worldwide. Drug resistance is the primary cause of treatment failure in NSCLC, which urges scientists to develop advanced approaches for NSCLC treatment. Among novel approaches, the miRNA-based method has emerged as a potential approach as it allows researchers to modulate target gene expression. Subsequently, cell behaviors are altered, which leads to the death and the depletion of cancer cells. It has been reported that miRNAs possess the capacity to regulate multiple genes that are involved in various signaling pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase, receptor tyrosine kinase/rat sarcoma virus/mitogen-activated protein kinase, wingless/integrated, retinoblastoma, p53, transforming growth factor β, and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. Dysregulation of these signaling pathways in NSCLC results in abnormal cell proliferation, tissue invasion, and drug resistance while inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, understanding the roles of miRNAs in regulating these signaling pathways may enable the development of novel NSCLC treatment therapies. However, a comprehensive review of potential miRNAs in NSCLC treatment has been lacking. Therefore, this review aims to fill the gap by summarizing the up-to-date information on miRNAs regarding their targets, impact on cancer-associated pathways, and prospective outcomes in treating NSCLC. We also discuss current technologies for delivering miRNAs to the target cells, including virus-based, non-viral, and emerging extracellular vesicle-based delivery systems. This knowledge will support future studies to develop an innovative miRNA-based therapy and select a suitable carrier to treat NSCLC effectively.

The multifaceted roles of matrix metalloproteinases in lung cancer

Background

Though the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are widely investigated in lung cancer (LC), however, almost no review systematically clarify their multi-faced roles in LC.

Methods

We investigated the expression of MMPs and their effects on survival of patients with LC, the resistance mechanisms of MMPs in anti-tumor therapy, the regulatory networks of MMPs involved, the function of MMPs inducing CSCLs, MMPs-related tumor immunity, and effects of MMP polymorphisms on risk of LC.

Results

High expression of MMPs was mainly related to poor survival, high clinical stages and cancer metastasis. Role of MMPs in LC are multi-faced. MMPs are involved in drug resistance, induced CSCLs, participated in tumor immunity. Besides, MMPs polymorphisms may increase risk of LC.

Conclusions

MMPs might be promising targets to restore the anti-tumor immune response and enhance the killing function of nature immune cells in LC.

Sex disparities in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanistic insights from a cRaf transgenic disease model

BACKGROUND

Women are at greater risk of developing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet the underlying causes remain unclear.

METHODS

We performed whole genome scans in lung tumours of cRaf transgenic mice and identified miRNA, transcription factor and hormone receptor dependent gene regulations. We confirmed hormone receptors by immunohistochemistry and constructed regulatory gene networks by considering experimentally validated miRNA-gene and transcription factor-miRNA/gene targets. Bioinformatics, genomic foot-printing and gene enrichment analysis established sex-specific circuits of lung tumour growth. Translational research involved a large cohort of NSCLC patients. We evaluated commonalities in sex-specific NSCLC gene regulations between mice and humans and determined their prognostic value in Kaplan-Meier survival statistics and COX proportional hazard regression analysis.

FINDINGS

Overexpression of the cRaf kinase elicited an extraordinary 8-fold increase in tumour growth among females, and nearly 70% of the 112 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were female specific. We identified oncogenes, oncomirs, tumour suppressors, cell cycle regulators and MAPK/EGFR signalling molecules, which prompted sex-based differences in NSCLC, and we deciphered a regulatory gene-network, which protected males from accelerated tumour growth. Strikingly, 41% of DEGs are targets of hormone receptors, and the majority (85%) are oestrogen receptor (ER) dependent. We confirmed the role of ER in a large cohort of NSCLC patients and validated 40% of DEGs induced by cRaf in clinical tumour samples.

INTERPRETATION

We report the molecular wiring that prompted sex disparities in tumour growth. This allowed us to propose the development of molecular targeted therapies by jointly blocking ER, CDK1 and arginase 2 in NSCLC.

FUNDING

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Culture and Sciences and Volkswagen Foundation, Germany to JB (25A.5-7251-99-3/00) and of the Chinese Scholarship Council to SZ (202008080022). This publication is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) as part of the "Open Access Publikationskosten" program.

CircRNA B cell linker regulates cisplatin sensitivity in nonsmall cell lung cancer via microRNA-25-3p/BarH‑like homeobox 2 axis

Cisplatin (DDP) was a commonly used drug in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the current resistance of patients to DDP seriously affected its therapeutic effect. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to regulate drug resistance in cells. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of circRNA B cell linker (circ_BLNK) in DDP resistance of NSCLC. The abundances of circ_BLNK, microRNA-25-3p (miR-25-3p) and BarH‑like homeobox 2 (BARX2) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry. Transwell assay was applied to assess cell migration and invasion. Protein levels were quantified by western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was enforced to confirm the links among circ_BLNK, miR-25-3p and BARX2. The mice models were enforced to evaluate tumorigenicity. Herein, circ_BLNK and BARX2 were lower-expressed, whereas miR-25-3p was higher-expressed in A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells than their homologous parental NSCLC cells. Circ_BLNK increases improved DDP sensitivity of NSCLC cells by promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, we confirmed that circ_BLNK regulated BARX2 by inhibiting miR-25-3p. Accordingly, overexpression of circ_BLNK improved DDP sensitivity of NSCLC cells via miR-25-3p/BARX2 axis. Besides, circ_BLNK reduced cell resistance to DDP, thereby inhibiting tumor development in mice. Circ_BLNK promoted the DDP sensitivity of NSCLC via regulating miR-25-3p/BARX2 axis.

Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power

The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.

MicroRNA-433-3p enhances chemosensitivity of glioma to cisplatin by downregulating NR5A2

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to investigate influence of microRNA-433-3p on malignant progression of glioma and identify its molecular mechanism, thus laying groundwork for glioma management.

METHODS

Expression data along with clinical data of glioma were accessed from the TCGA database for differential and survival analyses to look for the target differentially expressed genes. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were utilized to assess NR5A2 mRNA and protein expression in different glioma cell lines, respectively. MTT, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were carried out to assay the impact of NR5A2 on behaviors of glioma cells in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the upstream microRNA of NR5A2 in glioma, while dual-luciferase and western blot assays were used to detect binding of microRNA and NR5A2. Chemosensitivity of glioma cells was evaluated by cisplatin cytotoxicity test.

RESULTS

NR5A2 was upregulated in both glioma tissues and cell lines. Dual-luciferase assay result showed binding site of microRNA-433-3p on NR5A2 mRNA 3'UTR, and microRNA-433-3p reduced NR5A2 expression. Cell assays revealed that silencing NR5A2 could hamper proliferation, invasion, and migration and enhance chemosensitivity to cisplatin while promoting glioma cell apoptosis and blocking glioma cells in G0/G1 phase. Rescue experiments also indicated that microRNA-433-3p suppressed glioma malignant progression via inhibiting NR5A2.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNA-433-3p which is significantly poorly expressed in glioma targets NR5A2 to suppress glioma malignant progression and enhance chemosensitivity to cisplatin.

The role of MiRNA ‐433 in malignant tumors of digestive tract as tumor suppressor

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non‐coding RNAs with a length of approximate 22 nuclei acids that can be expressed both as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in human cancers. MiRNAs can participate in the post‐ transcriptional regulation of gene expression, and regulate the several cancer‐related processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, etc.

Recent findings

Expression of miRNA‐433 has been reported to vary in different tumors and affected by various factors. We have summarized the different previous studies and found that miRNA‐433 can significantly inhibit the growth of the cancer cells not only in malignant tumors of the digestive tract, but also in lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, renal carcinoma, glioma, retinoblastoma and osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

When the expression of miRNA‐433 was up‐regulated, the proliferation, metastasis and invasion abilities of the malignant tumor cells were significantly inhibited. At the same time, the potential mechanisms through which miRNA‐433 can suppress the growth and metastasis of the cancer cells were found to be basically the same, and involved modulation of the specific signaling pathways or target genes in the malignant tumors. Overall, it can be concluded that miRNA‐433 can serve as potential and valuable therapeutic target.

MALAT1-miRNAs network regulate thymidylate synthase and affect 5FU-based chemotherapy

Background

The active metabolite of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), used in the treatment of several types of cancer, acts by inhibiting the thymidylate synthase encoded by the TYMS gene, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in DNA replication. The major failure of 5FU-based cancer therapy is the development of drug resistance. High levels of TYMS-encoded protein in cancerous tissues are predictive of poor response to 5FU treatment. Expression of TYMS is regulated by various mechanisms, including involving non-coding RNAs, both miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).

Aim

To delineate the miRNAs and lncRNAs network regulating the level of TYMS-encoded protein.

Main body

Several miRNAs targeting TYMS mRNA have been identified in colon cancers, the levels of which can be regulated to varying degrees by lncRNAs. Due to their regulation by the MALAT1 lncRNA, these miRNAs can be divided into three groups: (1) miR-197-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-375-3p which are downregulated by MALAT1 as confirmed experimentally and the levels of these miRNAs are actually reduced in colon and gastric cancers; (2) miR-140-3p, miR-330-3p that could potentially interact with MALAT1, but not yet supported by experimental results; (3) miR-192-5p, miR-215-5p whose seed sequences do not recognize complementary response elements within MALAT1. Considering the putative MALAT1-miRNAs interaction network, attention is drawn to the potential positive feedback loop causing increased expression of MALAT1 in colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, where YAP1 acts as a transcriptional co-factor which, by binding to the TCF4 transcription factor/ β-catenin complex, may increase the activation of the MALAT1 gene whereas the MALAT1 lncRNA can inhibit miR-375-3p which in turn targets YAP1 mRNA.

Conclusion

The network of non-coding RNAs may reduce the sensitivity of cancer cells to 5FU treatment by upregulating the level of thymidylate synthase.

Circ_0011292 knockdown mitigates progression and drug resistance in PTX-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer cells by regulating miR-433-3p/CHEK1 axis

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors on earth. Circular RNAs have been disclosed to be vital regulators in the chemoresistance and development of diverse cancers, including NSCLC. Here, we attempted to explore the function of circ_0011292 in paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant NSCLC cells.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot was performed to detect the expression of circ_0011292, microRNA-433-3p (miR-433-3p), and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1). Ribonuclease R (RNase R) assay was performed to assess the stability of circ_0011292. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was conducted to evaluate the half maximal inhibitory concentration of PTX and cell viability. Cell proliferation was monitored by Edu incorporation and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Transwell assay was implemented to assess cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was utilized to determine the protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to verify the targeted interaction between miR-433-3p and circ_0011292 or CHEK1. Xenograft tumor model was constructed for determining the effect of circ_0011292 in NSCLC growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Circ_0011292 was upregulated in PTX-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_0011292 or CHEK1 knockdown enhanced PTX sensitivity and cell apoptosis, and repressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PTX-resistant NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0011292 was a sponge of miR-433-3p and miR-433-3p directly targeted CHEK1. Meanwhile, silencing miR-433-3p or overexpressing CHEK1 respectively abrogated the impacts of circ_0011292 deletion or miR-433-3p introduction on PTX resistance and cell progression in PTX-resistant NSCLC cells in vitro. Moreover, circ_0011292 could positively modulate CHEK1 expression through sponging miR-433-3p. In addition, circ_0011292 knockdown retarded tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0011292 could accelerate PTX resistance and cell malignant progression of NSCLC cells partially through the regulation of circ_0011292/miR-433-3p/CHEK1 axis.

Use of miRNA Sequencing to Reveal Hub miRNAs and the Effect of miR-582-3p/SMAD2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common tumor with a high fatality rate worldwide, and exploring its pathogenesis and deterioration mechanism is a focus for many researchers. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and progression of a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, this study mainly aimed identify key miRNAs related to hepatocellular carcinoma and explore their potential functions and clinical significance. In this study, we performed miRNA sequencing on three pairs of hepatocellular carcinoma tissue samples and screened 26 differentially expressed miRNAs. Then 2 key miRNAs (miR-139-5p and miR-582-3p) were screened by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, Cox multivariate analysis and qPCR methods. The expression of miR-582-3p was positively correlated with clinicopathological parameters in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently, miRwalk and starbase were used to predict the target genes of key miRNAs, and then the key pairs miR-582-3p/SMAD2 identified by WGCNA, PPI, qPCR and Pearson correlation analysis. Finally, a dual luciferase experiment, the rescue-of-function experiment and qPCR confirmed that miR-582-3p directly targets SMAD2 and regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells by targeting SMAD2. At the same time, interference with SMAD2 can influence the effect of miR-582-3p on HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our findings confirm that miR-582-3p is an independent factor for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and can regulate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SMAD2.

Bioinformatics Analysis Predicts hsa_circ_0026337/miR-197-3p as a Potential Oncogenic ceRNA Network for Non-small Cell Lung Cancers

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in developing tumors, but their role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Thus, the present study explored the possible molecular mechanism of circRNAs in NSCLC.

METHODS

Three circular RNA (circRNA) microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expressions of circRNAs (DECs) were identified in NSCLC tissue and compared to adjacent healthy tissue. The online cancer-specific circRNA database (CSCD) was used for the analysis of the DECs function. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), Cytoscape, and UALCAN were used to predict the critical nodes and perform patient survival analysis, respectively. The interaction between the DECs, the predicted miRNAs, and hub genes was also determined. Finally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established.

RESULTS

The expression of hsa_circ_0049271, hsa_circ_0026337, hsa_circ_0043256, and hsa_circ_0008234 was decreased in NSCLC tissues. The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) and CSCD database results showed that hsa_circ_0026337 was found to sponge with miR-1193, miR-197-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-433-3p, and miR-652-3p, and hsa_circ_0043256 to sponge with miR-1252-5p, miR-494-3p, and miR-558, respectively. Subsequently, 100 mRNAs were predicted to bind with these seven miRNA response elements (MREs). The GO analysis and KEGG pathway revealed that these 100 MREs might be involved in "histone deacetylase binding" and "cellular senescence". PPI network and Cytoscape identified the top ten hub genes. Survival analysis data showed that the low expression of hsa_circ_0026337 was significantly associated with shortened survival time in NSCLC (P=0.037), which increased the expression level of hsa-miR-197-3p, thereby inhibiting the translation of specific proteins.

CONCLUSION

This study examined the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with NSCLC and explored the potential functions of DECs in the network to elucidate the mechanisms underlying disease progression in NSCLC.

Relationship between miRNA-433 and SPP1 in the presence of fracture and traumatic brain injury

Limb fracture combined with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common multiple injuries and patients often suffer from severe craniocerebral injury combined with long bone fracture of the limbs. The present study examined the expression of osteopontin (SPP1) in the tibial fracture callus and heterotopic ossification tissues in craniocerebral injury and investigated its relationship with miR-433. A total of 26 patients with tibial fracture combined with brain injury were included in the TBI group, and 26 patients with simple tibial fracture were included in the control group. The patients received immobilization treatment and callus was collected during the operation. At the time of steel plate removal tissue ossification samples from patients with heterotopic ossification were collected. Peripheral blood was collected from all patients on the morning of the operation day. Expression of miR-433 and SPP1 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and SPP1 protein expression was measured by western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct interaction between miR-433 and SPP1 mRNA. The human osteoblast line hFOB1.19 was transfected with agomiR-433 to overexpress miR-433 and expression of SPP1 was also examined. TBI enhanced the incidence of callus formation and heterotopic ossification in patients with fracture but did not alter fracture healing time. SPP1 mRNA and protein expression was elevated in patients who had tibial fracture in combination with craniocerebral injury in comparison with controls By contrast, expression of miR-433 was decreased in patients who had tibial fracture in combination with craniocerebral injury in comparison with controls. miR-433 regulated the expression of SPP1 mRNA and protein by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated region of SPP1 mRNA. The present study suggests that SPP1 mRNA and protein levels are increased in the callus, heterotopic ossification tissues and plasma from patients with tibial fracture combined with brain injury in comparison with controls. This elevation may be due to the reduced expression of miR-433.

Exosome-derived microRNA-433 inhibits tumorigenesis through incremental infiltration of CD4 and CD8 cells in non-small cell lung cancer

Tumor-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) serve a vital biological role in tumorigenesis and development, but the effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To explore the impact of exosomal miR-433 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and understand its mechanism of action in NSCLC progression, the present study isolated the exosomes from the plasma of patients with NSCLC after chemotherapy and found that miR-433 expression was lower in plasma of patients with resistant NSCLC compared with in plasma of patients with sensitive NSCLC and in normal serum. Additionally, miR-433 expression was markedly negatively associated with a large tumor size, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage and a poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. miR-433 inhibited tumor growth by blocking the cell cycle in vitro and in vivo, as well as by promoting apoptosis and T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, miR-433 inhibited chemoresistance to cisplatin by regulating DNA damage. Moreover, miR-433 inactivated the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 5 in NSCLC. Overall, the current findings may provide a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.

Reactivation of Multiple Fetal miRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of normal developmental pathways. However, cancer cells can co-opt these miRNAs, and the pathways that they regulate, to drive pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. Characterization of the miRNA transcriptomes of fetal organs is essential for identifying these oncofetal miRNAs, but it has been limited by fetal sample availability. As oncofetal miRNAs are absent from healthy adult lungs, they represent ideal targets for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We conducted small RNA sequencing of a rare collection of 25 human fetal lung (FL) samples and compared them to two independent cohorts (n = 140, n = 427), each comprised of adult non-neoplastic lung (ANL) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples. We identified 13 oncofetal miRNAs that were expressed in FL and LUAD but not in ANL. These oncofetal miRNAs are potential biomarkers for LUAD detection (AUC = 0.963). Five of these miRNAs are derived from the imprinted C14MC miRNA cluster at the 14q32 locus, which has been associated with cancer development and abnormal fetal and placental development. Additionally, we observed the pulmonary expression of 44 previously unannotated miRNAs. The sequencing of these fetal lung samples also provides a baseline resource against which aberrant samples can be compared.

KDM5A silencing transcriptionally suppresses the FXYD3-PI3K/AKT axis to inhibit angiogenesis in hepatocellular cancer via miR-433 up-regulation

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has been reported to belong to one of the highly vascularized solid tumours accompanied with angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). KDM5A, an attractive drug target, plays a critical role in diverse physiological processes. Thus, this study aims to investigate its role in angiogenesis and underlying mechanisms in HCC. ChIP‐qPCR was utilized to validate enrichment of H3K4me3 and KDM5A on the promotor region of miR‐433, while dual luciferase assay was carried out to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐433 and FXYD3. Scratch assay, transwell assay, Edu assay, pseudo‐tube formation assay and mice with xenografted tumours were conducted to investigate the physiological function of KDM5A‐miR‐433‐FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis in the progression of HCC after loss‐ and gain‐function assays. KDM5A p‐p85 and p‐AKT were highly expressed but miR‐433 was down‐regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Depletion of KDM5A led to reduced migrative, invasive and proliferative capacities in HCC cells, including growth and a lowered HUVEC angiogenic capacity in vitro. Furthermore, KDM5A suppressed the expression of miR‐433 by demethylating H3K4me3 on its promoterregion. miR‐433 negatively targeted FXYD3. Depleting miR‐433 or re‐expressing FXYD3 restores the reduced migrative, invasive and proliferative capacities, and lowers the HUVEC angiogenic capacity caused by silencing KDM5A. Therefore, KDM5A silencing significantly suppresses HCC tumorigenesis in vivo, accompanied with down‐regulated miR‐433 and up‐regulated FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis in tumour tissues. Lastly, KDM5A activates the FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis to enhance angiogenesis in HCC by suppressing miR‐433.

Hsa_circ_0010235 functions as an oncogenic drive in non-small cell lung cancer by modulating miR-433-3p/TIPRL axis

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a threat to human health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proved to function in NSCLC development. In this study, the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0010235 in NSCLC progression and the possible molecular mechanism were explored.

METHODS

Expression of hsa_circ_0010235, miRNA (miR)-433-3p and TOR signaling pathway regulator-like (TIPRL) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and clonogenicity were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to monitor cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Western blot assay was employed to evaluate the protein levels of TIPRL, light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I and p62. Cell metastasis was assessed by Transwell and wound healing assays. The targeted relationship between miR-433-3p and hsa_circ_0010235 or TIPRL was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Furthermore, the role of hsa_circ_0010235 in vivo was investigated by xenograft assay.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0010235 and TIPRL were highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells, while miR-433-3p was downregulated. Depletion of hsa_circ_0010235 or gain of miR-433-3p repressed proliferation and autophagy but promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Hsa_circ_0010235 sponged miR-433-3p to upregulate TIPRL expression, so as to affect NSCLC development. Hsa_circ_0010235 knockdown also blocked tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0010235 knockdown suppressed NSCLC progression by regulating miR-433-3p/TIPRL axis, affording a novel mechanism of NSCLC progression.

Circular RNA circ_0020123 Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression Through miR-384/TRIM44 Axis

Background

It was reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. However, the detailed mechanisms of circ_0020123 and miR-384 in NSCLC are elusive.

Methods

QRT-PCR and Western blot assay were performed to detect the transcription and protein levels of genes, respectively. Then, the functional experiments, including MTT assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, were employed. Besides, the interaction between miR-384 and circ_0020123 or tripartite motif‑containing protein 44 (TRIM44) was predicted by starbase or targetscan, and then verified by the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP). Mouse xenograft assay was performed to evaluate the effect of circ_0020123 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Levels of circ_0020123 and TRIM44 were enhanced, and the miR-384 level was attenuated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_0020123 depletion attenuated the abilities of NSCLC cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis. Besides, circ_0020123 interacted with miR-384, and miR-384 targeted TRIM44. Circ_0020123 regulated cell progression by regulating miR-384 and subsequently mediated TRIM44 expression. Besides, circ_0020123 depletion repressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that circ_0020123 knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell progression by regulating the miR-384/TRIM44 axis, providing the theoretical basis for the therapy of NSCLC.

NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 axis promotes progression of melanoma

Melanoma is a skin malignancy with a high mutation frequency of genetic alterations. MicroRNA (miR)-200b-3p is involved in various cancers, while in melanoma its bio-function remains unknown. In this study, we found that miR-200b-3p was down-regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines compared to benign nevus cells. Overexpression of miR-200b-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. According to bioinformatics analysis and sequencing data, we supposed that SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) was the target gene and nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was the upstream long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) of miR-200b-3p. These predictions were verified by western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Luciferase reporter assays revealed that NEAT1 up-regulated SMAD2 by directly sponging miR-200b-3p. In vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that both NEAT1 and SMAD2 could promote the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells, and these effects were reversed by up-regulating miR-200b-3p. In addition, NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 axis promoted melanoma progression by activating EMT signaling pathway and immune responses. Taken together, the NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 signaling pathway promotes melanoma via activation of EMT, cell invasion and is related with immune responses, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for melanoma.

Overexpression of miR-27a predicts poor prognosis and promotes the progression in cholangiocarcinoma

The function of microRNA-27a (miR-27a) expression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains largely unclear; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and functional role of miR-27a in CCA. This study included 117 paired CCA tissues and adjacent normal tissues from CCA patients who received surgical resection. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression levels of miR-27a in CCA tissues and cell lines. A Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were used to determine overall prognostic performance. The effects of miR-27a on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The expression levels of miR-27a in patients with CCA and cell lines were higher than those in adjacent normal tissues and normal cells, respectively. Additionally, miR-27a levels were found to be associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stages. The overall survival time of CCA patients with high miR-27a expression was poorer than that of those with low miR-27a expression. Furthermore, miR-27a overexpression promoted CCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas knockdown of miR-27a suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, these results suggest the potential usefulness of miR-27a in the prognosis and progression of CCA.

Circular RNA circLPAR3 Facilitates Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression Through Upregulating HMGB1 via Sponging miR-375/miR-433

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are critical regulators of many diseases, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A recent study has shown that circLPAR3 is highly expressed in ESCC, but its role and mechanism in ESCC are still unclear.

Methods

The expression levels of circLPAR3, microRNA-375 (miR-375), miR-433, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The circular characteristic and localization of circLPAR3 were identified by Ribonuclease R (RNase R) and nuclear-cytoplasmic separation assay. Also, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were tested by transwell assay. Moreover, Western blot (WB) analysis was used to test the levels of proliferation and metastasis-related protein, as well as the HMGB1 protein. Besides, mice xenograft models were constructed to assess the effect of circLPAR3 on ESCC tumor growth in vivo. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were used to identify the mechanism of circLPAR3.

Results

CircLPAR3 was upregulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and its high expression was related to the poor prognosis of ESCC patients. CircLPAR3 was a stable cyclic transcript, mainly located in the cytoplasm, and its knockdown hindered the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells and inhibited ESCC tumor growth in vivo. MiR-375/miR-433 could be sponged by circLPAR3, and their inhibitors could reverse the suppression effect of silenced circLPAR3 on ESCC progression. HMGB1 could be targeted by miR-375/miR-433, and its overexpression also could invert the inhibition effect of circLPAR3 knockdown on ESCC progression.

Conclusion

CircLPAR3 might play an oncogenic role in ESCC through sponging miR-375/miR-433 to promote HMGB1 expression, which might provide a theoretical basis for circLPAR3 to become a biomarker for ESCC therapy.

Circular RNA circ-CPA4/ let-7 miRNA/PD-L1 axis regulates cell growth, stemness, drug resistance and immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells derived intracellular and extracellular programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) promoted cancer progression and drug resistance, and facilitated tumor immune evasion. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of circular RNA circ-CPA4/let-7 miRNA/PD-L1 axis in the regulation of NSCLC progression, drug resistance and tumor immune microenvironment.

METHODS

Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis were conducted to examine gene expressions at transcriptional and translated levels, respectively. The regulatory mechanisms of circ-CPA4, let-7 miRNA and PD-L1 were validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene system and RNA pull-down assay. Cell growth and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay. Cell mobility was evaluated by transwell assay.

RESULTS

Circ-CPA4 and PD-L1 were high-expressed, while let-7 miRNA was low-expressed in NSCLC cells and cancer tissues compared to the human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells and their paired clinical normal adjacent tissues, respectively. Besides, knock-down of circ-CPA4 inhibited cell growth, mobility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted cell death in NSCLC cells by downregulating PD-L1 through serving as a RNA sponge for let-7 miRNA. In addition, the NSCLC cells derived PD-L1-containing exosomes promoted cell stemness and increased resistance of NSCLC cells to cisplatin. Notably, by co-culturing the NSCLC cells with CD8+ T cells isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) in a transwell co-culturing system, we found that NSCLC cells inactivated CD8+ T cells in a secreted PD-L1-dependent manner. Further results suggested that circ-CPA4 also positively regulated exosomal PD-L1, and the NSCLC cells with circ-CPA4 ablation re-activated CD8+ T cells in the co-culturing system.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, circ-CPA4 regulated cell growth, mobility, stemness and drug resistance in NSCLC cells and inactivated CD8+ T cells in the tumor immune microenvironment through let-7 miRNA/PD-L1 axis.

Long noncoding RNA OSER1‑AS1 promotes the malignant properties of non‑small cell lung cancer by sponging microRNA‑433‑3p and thereby increasing Smad2 expression

OSER1 antisense RNA 1 (OSER1-AS1), a long noncoding RNA, has been well studied in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its expression status, specific functions, and tumorigenic mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain uninvestigated. Hence, this study aimed to assess OSER1-AS1 expression, test the malignancy-related biological functions of OSER1-AS1, and illustrate how they affect NSCLC progression. OSER1-AS1 expression in NSCLC was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion assay, and tumor xenograft assay were performed to analyze the effects of OSER1-AS1 on the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells. Bioinformatics prediction with luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to determine the interaction between OSER1-AS1 and microRNA-433-3p (miR-433-3p). OSER1-AS1 was strongly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Enhanced OSER1-AS1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis in patients with NSCLC. Patients with NSCLC exhibiting high OSER1-AS1 expression had shorter overall survival than those exhibiting low OSER1-AS1 expression. Functionally, a reduction in OSER1-AS1 expression led to significant decreases in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as an increase in cell apoptosis in vivo. OSER1-AS1 knockdown suppressed the tumorigenic ability of NSCLC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, OSER1-AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in NSCLC cells by sponging miR-433-3p and thereby increasing the expression of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2). Finally, restoration experiments revealed that the suppression of miR-433-3p and restoration of Smad2 both counteracted the suppressive effects of OSER1-AS1 depletion in NSCLC cells. Our findings illustrate the biological importance of the OSER1-AS1/miR-433-3p/Smad2 pathway in NSCLC progression and offer a novel perspective regarding the identification of effective therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

The long non-coding RNA ILF3-AS1 increases the proliferation and invasion of retinoblastoma through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis

A great deal of evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in the tumorigenesis of retinoblastoma (RB). However, the roles of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 in RB are still unclear. In the present study, our work revealed that the lncRNA ILF3-AS1 was increased in both RB tissues and cell lines. Repression of ILF3-AS1 suppressed both RB cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. ILF3-AS1 also promoted tumor growth in vivo. While exploring the mechanisms behind ILF3-AS1 in RB, we identified that ILF3-AS1 sponges with miR-132-3p that is expressed at low levels in RB tissues as well as attenuates RB progression. Furthermore, SMAD2 was confirmed to be a miR-132-3p target. Finally, we found that SMAD2 overexpression or miR-132-3p inhibitors recover the inhibitory effects of ILF3-AS1 suppression on RB progression. Collectively, these data indicate that ILF3-AS1 is involved in RB progression through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis, providing a novel and promising biomarker that can be used for the treatment of RB.

MiR-433 Regulates Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Targeting NDRG4 Via the PI3K/Akt Pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a serious issue in the treatment of myocardial infarction. MiR-433 is upregulated in myocardial IR injury, but its specific effects remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of miR-433 in myocardial IR injury.

METHODS

The expression of miR-433 was measured by qRT-PCR. H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-433 mimic and inhibitor after exposure to HR, respectively. Cell viability was detected by MTT. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Protein expression was assessed by western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the target reaction between miR-433 and NDRG4. In vivo rat model of IR was used, and antagomiR-433 was injected to IR rats.

RESULTS

The qRT-PCR results showed that miR-433 expression increased in H9c2 cardiomyocytes after exposure to HR. Transfection with miR-433 inhibitor significantly increased cell viability, reduced LDH and apoptosis, downregulated Bax level, and upregulated Bcl-2 level. In contrast, the miR-433 mimic significantly augmented the HR-induced effects. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis suggested that miR-433 directly targeted NDRG4. NDRG4 silencing abrogated the protection of miR-433 inhibition on HR injury in H9c2 cells. It also reversed PI3K/Akt pathway activation that was induced by miR-433 inhibition. MiR-433 inhibition significantly decreased CK-MB and LDH serum level in IR rats. And NDRG4, p-PI3K, and p-Akt protein expression was elevated by antagomiR-433 injection in vivo.

CONCLUSION

MiR-433 regulated myocardial IR injury by targeting NDRG4 and modulating PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00657 enhances the malignancy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by acting as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-433 to increase PAK4 expression

A long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) called LINC00657 is dysregulated and contributes to tumor progression in a number of human cancer types. However, there is limited information on the expression profile and functions of LINC00657 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The expression profile of LINC00657 in PDAC was estimated by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effects of LINC00657 upregulation on PDAC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo were explored using CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and a xenograft tumor formation experiment, respectively. The results revealed that LINC00657 was evidently upregulated in the PDAC tumors and cell lines. High LINC00657 expression significantly correlated with the pathological T stage, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival. Functional analysis demonstrated that LINC00657 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoted the apoptosis of PDAC cells. In addition, LINC00657 knockdown markedly suppressed tumor growth of these cells in vivo. In terms of the mechanism, LINC00657 could directly interact with microRNA-433 (miR-433) and effectively worked as an miR-433 sponge, thus decreasing the competitive binding of miR-433 to PAK4 mRNA and ultimately increasing PAK4 expression. The actions of LINC00657 knockdown on malignant phenotype of PDAC cells were strongly attenuated by miR-433 inhibition and PAK4 restoration. These results indicate that LINC00657 promotes PDAC progression by increasing the output of the miR-433-PAK4 regulatory loop, thus highlighting the importance of the LINC00657-miR-433-PAK4 network in PDAC pathogenesis.

MicroRNA-937 is overexpressed and predicts poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer

Background

Colon cancer is a heterogeneous tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. MicroRNA (miRNA) has been proposed as the biomarker in cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and potential functional role of miR-937 in colon cancer.

Methods

In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to examine the expression levels of miR-937 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic impact of miR-937 on survival. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively.

Results

miR-937 was significantly upregulated in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Clinical analysis results showed that miR-937 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Patients with high miR-937 expression predicted a shorter overall survival rate. Functionally, overexpression of miR-937 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibition of miR-937 inhibited these cellular behaviors in vitro.

Conclusions

These results suggested that miR-937 may act as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for therapeutic strategy, as well as promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer.