LINC01016 promotes the malignant phenotype of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the miR-302a-3p/miR-3130-3p/NFYA/SATB1 axis

Differential gene expression in uterine endometrioid cancer cells and adjusted normal tissue

Endometrial cancer is a significant public health concern with rising incidence rates globally. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Our study aimed to characterize transcriptional changes in endometrial cancer tissues compared to adjusted healthy tissue. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 2483 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including protein-coding genes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). Notably, several known cancer-related genes were differentially expressed, such as MYC, AKT3, CCND1, and CDKN2A. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in cell cycle regulation, several signaling pathways, and metabolic processes. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular pathways dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Our results may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for this disease.

Building a Hand-Curated ceRNET for Endometrial Cancer, Striving for Clinical as Well as Medicolegal Soundness: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) are molecules that compete for the binding to a microRNA (miR). Usually, there are two ceRNA, one of which is a protein-coding RNA (mRNA), with the other being a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). The miR role is to inhibit mRNA expression, either promoting its degradation or impairing its translation. The lncRNA can "sponge" the miR, thus impeding its inhibitory action on the mRNA. In their easier configuration, these three molecules constitute a regulatory axis for protein expression. However, each RNA can interact with multiple targets, creating branched and intersected axes that, all together, constitute what is known as a competing endogenous RNA network (ceRNET). Methods: In this systematic review, we collected all available data from PubMed about experimentally verified (by luciferase assay) regulatory axes in endometrial cancer (EC), excluding works not using this test; Results: This search allowed the selection of 172 bibliographic sources, and manually building a series of ceRNETs of variable complexity showed the known axes and the deduced intersections. The main limitation of this search is the highly stringent selection criteria, possibly leading to an underestimation of the complexity of the networks identified. However, this work allows us not only to hypothesize possible gap fillings but also to set the basis to instruct artificial intelligence, using adequate prompts, to expand the EC ceRNET by comparing it with ceRNETs of other cancers. Moreover, these networks can be used to inform and guide research toward specific, though still unidentified, axes in EC, to complete parts of the network that are only partially described, or even to integrate low complexity subnetworks into larger more complex ones. Filling the gaps among the existing EC ceRNET will allow physicians to hypothesize new therapeutic strategies that may either potentiate or substitute existing ones. Conclusions: These ceRNETs allow us to easily visualize long-distance interactions, thus helping to select the best treatment, depending on the molecular profile of each patient, for personalized medicine. This would yield higher efficiency rates and lower toxicity levels, both of which are extremely relevant factors not only for patients' wellbeing, but also for the legal, regulatory, and ethical aspects of miR-based innovative treatments and personalized medicine as a whole. This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (ID: PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251035222).

SATB1 in cancer progression and metastasis: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer accounting for nearly half of all diagnoses. Despite advancements in cancer treatment, metastasis to distant organs continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The progression of cancer involves the alteration of numerous genes, with dynamic changes in chromatin organization and histone modifications playing a critical role in regulating cancer-associated genes. Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1), a critical chromatin organizer, plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by regulating gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and cell signaling pathways. SATB1 binds to AT-rich DNA sequences, acting as a scaffold for chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcription factors, thus coordinating the regulation of extensive gene networks. Its overexpression has been implicated in a wide range of cancers and is associated with poor prognosis, aggressive tumor phenotypes, and enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, SATB1's activity is modulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and post-translational modifications, further contributing to its complex regulatory functions. Given its crucial involvement in cancer progression and metastasis, SATB1 has emerged as a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms of SATB1 in cancer and explores potential therapeutic approaches for targeting this key regulator in cancer treatment.

SP-1-activated LINC01016 overexpression promotes gastric cancer invasion and metastasis through inhibiting EIF4A3-mediated MMP9 mRNA decay

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators during gastric cancer (GC) development and may be viable treatment targets. In the present study, we showed that the expression of the long intergenic noncoding RNA 01016 (LINC01016) is significantly higher in GC tissues with lymph node metastasis (LNM) than those without LNM. LINC01016 overexpression predicts a poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, we found that LINC01016 is activated by transcriptional factor SP-1 and contributes to the overt promotion of cell migratory ability. EIF4A3 was identified as a binding partner of LINC01016 by RNA pull-down assay, mass spectrometry and western blot. We determined that LINC01016 can blocks the binding of EIF4A3 to MMP9 mRNA, thereby inhibiting EIF4A3-mediated nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), increasing MMP9 mRNA level and protein expression levels to promote tumor progression. LINC01016 or LINC01016-mediated EIF4A3/MMP9 may be potential therapeutic targets for patients with GC.

Advances in MiRNAs Involved in Endometrial Carcinoma

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Existing evidence has revealed that EC could be associated with abnormal gene expression. Meantime, evidence supports that miRNAs act as critical regulators in gene expression through the binding to the 3'- untranslated region (3'-UTR). Accordingly, this review concludes some recent studies focusing on miRNAs that influence EC, aiming at understanding the association between miRNAs and EC more clearly and providing a reference for further studies on miRNA-related drugs treating EC.

Effects of Co-Exposure to Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, Polymorphisms of microRNA Genes, and Their Interactions on Genetic Damage in Chinese Petrochemical Workers

Benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) co-exist in human environments, yet their individual and combined effects on genetic damage at low exposure levels are not fully understood. Additionally, single nucleotide polymorphisms in microRNAs (mirSNPs) might be involved in cancer etiology by affecting the related early health damage. To investigate the influence of BTX exposure, mirSNPs, and their interactions on genetic damage, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 1083 Chinese petrochemical workers, quantifying the BTX cumulative exposure levels and multiple genetic damage biomarkers. Additionally, we genotyped multiple common mirSNPs. Benzene and a BTX mixture were positive associated with the olive tail moment (OTM) and tail DNA% (p < 0.05). Higher levels of toluene and xylene enhanced the association of benzene with genetic damage levels. Genotypes and/or mutant allele counts of miR-4482-related rs11191980, miR-4433-related rs136547, miR-27a-related rs2594716, miR-3130-related rs725980, and miR-3928-related rs878718 might significantly influence genetic damage levels. Stronger effect estimates of benzene/BTX exposure were found in carriers of miR-196a-2-related rs11614913 heterozygotes and of wild homozygotes of miR-1269b-related rs12451747, miR-612-related rs12803915, and miR-4804-related rs266437. Our findings provide further support of the involvement of BTX co-exposure, mirSNPs, and their gene-environment interactions in determining the severity of DNA strand break in a complex manner.

Participation of Long Noncoding RNA FOXP4-AS1 in the Development and Progression of Endometrioid Carcinoma with Epigenetically Silencing DUSP5

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), as emerging regulators of a wide variety of biological processes via diverse mechanisms, have been demonstrated to be of increasing importance in biology. Genome-wide association studies of tumor samples have identified several lncRNAs as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in various types of cancers. In recent years, the importance of lncRNAs, especially in endometrioid cancer (EEC), has become increasingly well understood. The lncRNA Forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4-AS1) has been reported to fulfill roles in several types of cancers; however, the main biological function and associated underlying molecular mechanism of FOXP4-AS1 in EEC have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study therefore aimed to investigate how RNA FOXP4-AS1 may participate in the development and progression of endometrioid carcinoma tissues. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the expression level of FOXP4-AS1 was investigated in endometrioid carcinoma tissues and matching nearby normal endometrial tissues collected from patients receiving surgery at the hospital. A series of molecular biological assays were performed to investigate the effect of FOXP4-AS1 on cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion. Results: An increased concentration of FOXP4-AS1 was identified in endometrioid carcinoma samples and cell lines compared with the corresponding controls, and this lncRNA was found to be positively correlated with advanced FIGO stages in patients with endometrial cancer. Furthermore, knocking down endogenous FOXP4-AS1 led to a significant reduction in the colony formation number and a significant inhibition of cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion in endometrioid carcinoma cells. Moreover, dual-specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5), which is lowly expressed in endometrioid carcinoma tissues cells and negatively modulated by FOXP4-AS1, was identified as the downstream target molecule of FOXP4-AS1. Subsequently, the mechanistic experiments confirmed that, through binding to enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2; one of the catalytic subunits of polycomb repressive complex 2 [PRC2]), FOXP4-AS1 could epigenetically suppress the expression of DUSP5. Finally, the oncogenic function of the FOXP4-AS1/EZH2/DUSP5 axis in endometrioid carcinoma was confirmed via rescue assays. Conclusions: The findings of the present study have highlighted how FOXP4-AS1 fulfills an oncogenic role in endometrioid carcinoma, and targeting FOXP4-AS1 and its pathway may provide new biomarkers for patients with endometrioid carcinoma.

The Promotive and Inhibitory Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Endometrial Cancer Course-A Review

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours in women. The development of this tumour is associated with several genetic disorders, many of which are still unknown. One type of RNA molecules currently being intensively studied in many types of cancer are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNA-coding genes occupy a large fraction of the human genome. LncRNAs regulate many aspects of cell development, metabolism, and other physiological processes. Diverse types of lncRNA can function as a tumour suppressor or an oncogene that can alter migration, invasion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune system response. Recent studies suggest that selected lncRNAs are important in an endometrial cancer course. Our article describes over 70 lncRNAs involved in the development of endometrial cancer, which were studied via in vivo and in vitro research. It was proved that lncRNAs could both promote and inhibit the development of endometrial cancer. In the future, lncRNAs may become an important therapeutic target. The aim of this study is to review the role of lncRNAs in the development of carcinoma of uterine body.

Silencing lncRNA-DARS-AS1 suppresses nonsmall cell lung cancer progression by stimulating miR-302a-3p to inhibit ACAT1 expression

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been gaining attention as potential therapeutic targets for lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression and biological behavior of lncRNA DARS-AS1, its predicted interacting partner miR-302a-3p, and ACAT1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The transcript level of DARS-AS1, miR-302a-3p, and ACAT1 was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Endogenous expression of ACAT1 and the expression of-and changes in-AKT/ERK pathway-related proteins were determined using western blotting. MTS, Transwell, and apoptosis experiments were used to investigate the behavior of cells. The subcellular localization of DARS-AS1 was verified using FISH, and its binding site was verified using dual-luciferase reporter experiments. The binding of DARS-AS1 to miR-302a-3p was verified using RNA co-immunoprecipitation. In vivo experiments were performed using a xenograft model to determine the effect of DARS-AS1 knockout on ACAT1 and NSCLC. lncRNA DARS-AS1 was upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues and the expression of lncRNA DARS-AS1 was negatively correlated with survival of patients with NSCLC. Knockdown of DARS-AS1 inhibited the malignant behaviors of NSCLC via upregulating miR-302a-3p. miR-302a-3p induced suppression of malignancy through regulating oncogene ACAT1. This study demonstrates that the DARS-AS1-miR-302a-3p-ACAT1 pathway plays a key role in NSCLC.

Expression and function of NF-Y subunits in cancer

NF-Y is a Transcription Factor (TF) targeting the CCAAT box regulatory element. It consists of the NF-YB/NF-YC heterodimer, each containing an Histone Fold Domain (HFD), and the sequence-specific subunit NF-YA. NF-YA expression is associated with cell proliferation and absent in some post-mitotic cells. The review summarizes recent findings impacting on cancer development. The logic of the NF-Y regulome points to pro-growth, oncogenic genes in the cell-cycle, metabolism and transcriptional regulation routes. NF-YA is involved in growth/differentiation decisions upon cell-cycle re-entry after mitosis and it is widely overexpressed in tumors, the HFD subunits in some tumor types or subtypes. Overexpression of NF-Y -mostly NF-YA- is oncogenic and decreases sensitivity to anti-neoplastic drugs. The specific roles of NF-YA and NF-YC isoforms generated by alternative splicing -AS- are discussed, including the prognostic value of their levels, although the specific molecular mechanisms of activity are still to be deciphered.

ETS-1-activated LINC01016 over-expression promotes tumor progression via suppression of RFFL-mediated DHX9 ubiquitination degradation in breast cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators during the development of breast cancer (BC) and thus may be viable treatment targets. In this study, we found that the expression of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 01016 (LINC01016) was significantly higher in BC tissue samples with positive lymph node metastasis. LINC01016, which is activated by the transcription factor ETS-1, contributes to the overt promotion of cell proliferation activity, enhanced cell migratory ability, S phase cell cycle arrest, and decreased apoptosis rate. By RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analyses, we determined that LINC01016 competitively bound and stabilized DHX9 protein by preventing the E3 ubiquitin ligase RFFL from binding to DHX9, thereby inhibiting DHX9 proteasomal degradation. This ultimately led to an increase in intracellular DHX9 expression and activated PI3K/AKT signaling, with p-AKT, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 involvement. This is the first study to reveal that the LINC01016/DHX9/PI3K/AKT axis plays a critical role in the progression of BC, and thus, LINC01016 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with BC.

A prognostic signature associated with cell senescence predicts survival outcomes and strongly associates with immunotherapy and chemotherapy response in breast cancer

The objective of this study is to assess the predictive potency of cell senescence-related genes (CSRGs) in breast cancer (BC) and establish a risk signature. Trascriptome data of CSRGs were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. Consensus clustering was used to generate CSRGs-based molecular clusters for BC patients. A CSRGs-derived risk signature was built using multiple Cox regression analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between clusters. The prognosis, immune infiltration, chemotherapy and immunotherapy response between different risk groups were analyzed and compared. Two molecular clusters of BC patients were generated on the basis of 79 differentially expressed CSRGs, which showed distinct prognosis and immune infiltration. A total of 1403 DEGs between the CSRGs-derived clusters were found, and 10 of them were independent prognostic genes that used to construct a risk signature. The results demonstrated that patients with older age and advanced stage presented with a higher risk scores. In addition, the risk signature was found to be associated with outcomes, immune infiltration, chemotherapy and immunotherapy response. Patients in the low-risk group showed a favorable prognosis and higher immunotherapy response than those in the high-risk group. Finally, we developed a highly stable nomogram that incorporates risk signature, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stage variables, enabling accurate prediction of the overall survival (OS) of individual patients. To conclude, the signature derived from CSRGs holds great promise as a biomarker for prognostic assessment of BC and may serve as a valuable tool in guiding immunotherapy.

Functional Relationships between Long Non-Coding RNAs and Estrogen Receptor Alpha: A New Frontier in Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer Management

In the complex and articulated machinery of the human genome, less than 2% of the transcriptome encodes for proteins, while at least 75% is actively transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Among the non-coding transcripts, those ≥200 nucleotides long (lncRNAs) are receiving growing attention for their involvement in human diseases, particularly cancer. Genomic studies have revealed the multiplicity of processes, including neoplastic transformation and tumor progression, in which lncRNAs are involved by regulating gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels by mechanism(s) that still need to be clarified. In breast cancer, several lncRNAs were identified and demonstrated to have either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles. The functional understanding of the mechanisms of lncRNA action in this disease could represent a potential for translational applications, as these molecules may serve as novel biomarkers of clinical use and potential therapeutic targets. This review highlights the relationship between lncRNAs and the principal hallmark of the luminal breast cancer phenotype, estrogen receptor α (ERα), providing an overview of new potential ways to inhibit estrogenic signaling via this nuclear receptor toward escaping resistance to endocrine therapy.

Mechanism of Exosomal LncRNA PART1 in Esophageal Cancer Angiogenesis by Targeting miR-302a-3p/CDC25A Axis

OBJECTIVE

LncRNA PART1 has been confirmed related to multiple cancer bioactivities mediated with vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Nevertheless, the role of LncRNA PART1 in esophageal cancer induced angiogenesis remains unclear. The present work focused on assessing LncRNA PART1 effects on esophageal cancer-induced angiogenesis and exploring possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Western blot and immunofluorescence were conducted for identifying EC9706 exosomes. MiR-302a-3p and LncRNA PART1 levels were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU, wound healing, transwell, and tubule information were adopted for detecting human umbilical vein endothelial cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tubule information, respectively. Starbase software and dual-luciferase reporter were conducted for predicting and judging the expression interrelation of LncRNA PART1 and its potential target-miR-302a-3p. The same methods were carried out for verifying the inhibiting influences of miR-302a-3p upregulation and its potential target-cell division cycle 25 A.

RESULTS

LncRNA PART1 levels were upregulated and related to the overall survival of patients in esophageal cancer. EC9706-Exos accelerated human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tubule formation via LncRNA PART1. LncRNA PART1 served as a sponge of miR-302a-3p, then miR-302a-3p targeted cell division cycle 25 A, and EC9706-Exos accelerated human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis via LncRNA PART1/ miR-302a-3p/cell division cycle 25 A axis.

CONCLUSION

EC9706-Exos accelerates human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis via LncRNA PART1/miR-302a-3p/ cell division cycle 25 A axis, indicating EC9706-Exos may act as a promoter of angiogenesis. Our research will contribute to clarify the mechanism of tumor angiogenesis.

Construction of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes Risk Model Predicts the Prognosis of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Cancer Patients

Oxidative stress contributes significantly to cancer development. Recent studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress could alter the epigenome and, in particular, DNA methylation. This study aimed to explore the potential link between oxidative stress and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). An analysis of RNA-seq data and relevant clinical information was conducted with data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and oxidative stress genes were obtained from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in normal and tumor groups of UCEC were analyzed using GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. As a result of survival analysis, Lasso regression analysis of DEGs, a risk score model of oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) was constructed. Moreover, this study demonstrated that OSRGs are associated with immune cell infiltration in UCEC, suggesting oxidative stress may play a role in UCEC development by activating immune cells. We discovered 136 oxidative stress-related DEGs in UCEC, from which we screened 25 prognostic genes significantly related to the overall survival of UCEC patients. BCL2A1, CASP6, GPX2, HIC1, IL19, MSX1, RNF183, SFN, TRPM2 and HIST1H3C are associated with a good prognosis while CDKN2A, CHAC1, E2F1, GSDME, HMGA1, ITGA7, MCM4, MYBL2, PPIF, S100A1, S100A9, STK26 and TRIB3 are involved in a poor prognosis in UCEC. A 7-OSRGs-based risk score (H3C1, CDKN2A, STK26, TRPM2, E2F1, CHAC1, MSX1) was generated by Lasso regression. Further, an association was found between H3C1, CDKN2A, STK26, TRPM2, E2F1, CHAC1 and MSX1 expression levels and the immune infiltrating cells, including CD8 T cells, NK cells, and mast cells in UCEC. NFYA and RFX5 were speculated as common transcription factors of CDKN2A, TRPM2, E2F1, CHAC1, and MSX1 in UCEC.

miR-302a-3p Promotes Radiotherapy Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating Cell Cycle via MCL1

Background. The relationship between tumor suppressor gene miR-302a-3p and radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study intended to illustrate the molecular mechanism how miR-302a-3p regulated radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC. Methods. miR-302a-3p expression in HCC tissues and cells was examined by qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-302a-3p on HCC radiotherapy sensitivity were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins were detected by Western blot. The influence of miR-302a-3p on radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC was further investigated via cell cycle inhibitor (Caudatin) treatment. The target gene (MCL1) of miR-302a-3p was obtained by bioinformatics analysis, and their binding relationship was confirmed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The mechanisms of miR-302a-3p regulating cell cycle and affecting radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells through MCL1 were further explored through the rescue experiments. Results. miR-302a-3p expression was remarkably reduced in radiotherapy-resistant tissues and cells of HCC. miR-302a-3p overexpression restored sensitivity of radiotherapy-resistant HCC cells to radiotherapy. Treatment with cell cycle inhibitor Caudatin could reverse suppressive effect of miR-302a-3p downregulation on sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy. Additionally, miR-302a-3p could restrain MCL1 expression. In vitro cell assays further revealed that miR-302a-3p/MCL1 axis could enhance radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells by inducing G0/G1 arrest. Conclusions. miR-302a-3p facilitated radiotherapy sensitivity of HCC cells by regulating cell cycle via MCL1, which provided a new underlying target for radiotherapy resistance of HCC patients.

c-Myc-Regulated lncRNA-IGFBP4 Suppresses Autophagy in Cervical Cancer-Originated HeLa Cells

LncRNAs are known to regulate a plethora of key events of cellular processes; however, little is known about the function of lncRNAs in autophagy. Here in the current study, we report lncRNA-IGFBP4 which has previously been known to regulate the proliferation and reprogramming of cancer cells, but its role in autophagy is not yet known. We found that serum starvation provokes autophagy-induced downregulation of lncRNA-IGFBP4 levels. Next, we determined that c-Myc can negatively regulate lncRNA-IGFBP4 in HeLa cells. Phenotypically, we found that upon depletion of lncRNA-IGFBP4, the HeLa cells undergo autophagy through ULK1/Beclin1 signaling. Furthermore, through TCGA data analysis, we found lncRNA-IGFB4 overexpressed in most cancers including cervical cancer. Based on these findings, we conclude that c-Myc maintains cellular homeostasis through negatively regulating lncRNA-IGFBP4 in cervical cancer cells.

lncRNA NBAT1 Inhibits Cell Metastasis and Promotes Apoptosis in Endometrial Cancer by Sponging miR-21-5p to Regulate PTEN

Objective

Long noncoding RNA neuroblastoma-associated transcript 1 (NBAT1) is implicated in the progression of various cancers. Nevertheless, its biological function in endometrial cancer (EC) remains unknown.

Methods

The levels of NBAT1, miR-21-5p, and PTEN in EC cells and EC tissues were examined by RT-qPCR. Western blot was carried out to assess the protein expression of PTEN. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to explore the interactions among NBAT1, miR-21-5p, and PTEN. The effect of NBAT1 on EC proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis was evaluated by CCK-8, transwell assays, wound healing, and flow cytometry. miR-21-5p mimics or NBAT1+miR-21-5p were transfected into HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells to investigate whether NBAT1 regulated EC tumorigenesis via sponging miR-21-5p.

Results

NBAT1 is downregulated, and miR-21-5p is upregulated in EC cells and tumor tissues. Overexpression of NBAT1 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of EC cells and facilitated apoptosis. NBAT1 directly binds and negatively regulates miR-21-5p in EC. miR-21-5p mimics reverses the effect of lncRNA NBAT1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of EC cells. PTEN is a downstream gene of miR-21-5p. lncRNA NBTA1 elevates PTEN expression via sponging miR-21-5p.

Conclusions

lncRNA NBAT1 acts as a tumor suppressor in EC via regulating PTEN through sponging miR-21-5p.

Circ_0001665 Contributes to the Occurrence of Vestibular Schwannoma via Targeting miR-302a-3p/Adam9/EGFR Signaling Pathway

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign, slow-growing neoplasm, which is an important cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely reported to be dysregulated and participate in multiple biological processes of human diseases. However, roles of most circRNAs still remain explored. In the present study, the main aim was to uncover the impacts of circ_0001665, a cricRNA derived from ADAM metallopeptidase domain 9 (Adam9), on the biological behaviors of VS cells. Firstly, RT-qPCR was done to analyze circ_0001665 expression in VS cells and it was suggested that circ_001665 was distinctly up-regulated in rat VS cells. Supported by western blot analysis, circ_0001665 inhibition was validated to impede the proliferation while inducing the apoptosis of VS cells via functional assays. Additionally, results of mechanism assays demonstrated that circ_0001665 could function as a sponge of microRNA-302a-3p (miR-302a-3p) to enhance Adam9 expression and to activate EGFR signaling pathway in VS cells. Eventually, it was indicated in rescue assays that circ_0001665 expedited proliferation and restrained apoptosis of VS cells via modulation on miR-302a-3p/Adam9. Collectively, our study identified a novel perspective for exploration into molecular mechanisms in VS.

Characterization of the Testis-specific LINC01016 Gene Reveals Isoform-specific Roles in Controlling Biological Processes

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of biological processes. However, the aberrant expression of an isoform from the same lncRNA gene could lead to RNA with altered functions due to changes in their conformations, leading to diseases. Here, we describe a detailed characterization of the gene that encodes long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 01016 (LINC01016, also known as LncRNA1195) with a focus on its structure, exon usage, and expression in human and macaque tissues. In this study we show that it is among the highly expressed lncRNAs in the testis, exclusively conserved among nonhuman primates, suggesting its recent evolution and is processed into 12 distinct RNAs in testis, cervix, and uterus tissues. Further, we integrate de novo annotation of expressed LINC01016 transcripts and isoform-dependent gene expression analyses to show that human LINC01016 is a multiexon gene, processed through differential exon usage with isoform-specific roles. Furthermore, in cervical, testicular, and uterine cancers, LINC01016 isoforms are differentially expressed, and their expression is predictive of survival in these cancers. This study has revealed an essential aspect of lncRNA biology, rarely associated with coding RNAs, that lncRNA genes are precisely processed to generate isoforms with distinct biological roles in specific tissues.

Coexistence of cervical endometriosis with premalignant and malignant gynecological pathologies: report on a series of 27 cases

Although cervical endometriosis represents a rare condition, there is evidence that implicates a complex interaction with other gynecological pathologies. This study aims to highlight this entity and further to explore the impact of oncological pathology of female genital tract on patients with cervical endometriosis. We retrospectively investigated the medical and pathological reports of 27 cases with cervical endometriosis, which were diagnosed by tissue biopsy. The results of the study show a relationship between CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) cases 19/27 (70percent) and cervical endometriosis. CIN I was more frequently found compared to patients with CIN II and CIN III. Furthermore, a high prevalence of HPV (human papilloma virus) was confirmed. Out of 27 patients, 2 cases with cervical (7.4percent), 2 with endometrial (7.4percent) and 3 with ovarian cancer (11.1percent) were detected. We confirmed the coexistence of more than one malignant gynecological pathology with cervical endometriosis in four cases (14.8percent). To conclude, cervical endometriosis is a rare disease co-existing considerably with premalignant and malignant gynecological conditions according to our data. Although the pathophysiology and genetics of cervical dysplasia is well delineated, further research is needed to establish the association between cervical endometriosis and gynecological premalignant and malignant pathology.

MicroRNA-302a-3p induces ferroptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via targeting ferroportin

Ferroptosis is a newly described regulated form of cell death that contributes to the progression of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). MicroRNA-302a-3p (miR-302a-3p) plays critical roles in the tumorigenicity of different cancers; however, its function and underlying mechanism in ferroptosis and NSCLCs remain unclear. Human NSCLCs cells were incubated with miR-302a-3pmimic or inhibitor in the presence or absence of erastin or RSL3. Cell viability, colony numbers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) releases, lipid peroxidation and intracellular iron level were measured. Besides, the synergistic effects of cisplatin and paclitaxel with miR-302a-3p were determined. miR-302a-3p level was reduced in human NSCLCs cells and tissues. ThemiR-302a-3p mimic induced lipid peroxidation, iron overload and ferroptosis, thereby inhibiting cell growth and colony formation of NSCLCs cells. Conversely, the miR-302a-3p inhibitor block ederastin- or RSL3-related ferroptosis and tumor suppression. Additionally, we found that miR-302a-3p directly bound to the 3'-untranslational region of ferroportin to decrease its protein expression, and that ferroportin overexpression significantly prevented miR-302a-3p mimic-induced ferroptosis and tumor inhibition. Moreover, the miR-302a-3p mimic sensitized NSCLCs cells to cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. miR-302a-3p functions as a tumor inhibitor, at least partly, via targeting ferroportin to induce ferroptosis of NSCLCs.

Towards Personalized Medicine: Non-Coding RNAs and Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most frequent female cancer associated with excellent prognosis if diagnosed at an early stage. The risk factors on which clinical staging is based are constantly updated and genetic and epigenetic characteristics have recently been emerging as prognostic markers. The evidence shows that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a fundamental role in various biological processes associated with the pathogenesis of EC and many of them also have a prognosis prediction function, of remarkable importance in defining the therapeutic and surveillance path of EC patients. Personalized medicine focuses on the continuous updating of risk factors that are identifiable early during the EC staging to tailor treatments to patients. This review aims to show a summary of the current classification systems and to encourage the integration of various risk factors, introducing the prognostic role of non-coding RNAs, to avoid aggressive therapies where not necessary and to treat and strictly monitor subjects at greater risk of relapse.

LncRNA MSC-AS1 motivates the development of melanoma by binding to miR-302a-3p and recruiting IGF2BP2 to elevate LEF1 expression

Melanoma is considered as the most common malignancy among skin cancers. The roles of many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been clearly identified in multiple tumors. Nevertheless, lncRNA MSC antisense RNA 1 (MSC-AS1) has not been deeply investigated melanoma. In the present study, RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression of RNAs and proteins. Functional and in vivo assays were implemented to detect the function of genes in melanoma. RNA pull-down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied for determining interactions between RNA and protein molecules. It was observed that MSC-AS1 and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) were remarkably up-regulated while microRNA-302a-3p (miR-302a-3p) down-regulated in melanoma cell lines. The silencing of MSC-AS1 hindered cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, MSC-AS1 regulated LEF1 expression through sponging miR-302a-3p and recruiting insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Eventually, LEF1 overexpression rescued cell progression impaired by MSC-AS1 knock-down. In summary, our research identified the MSC-AS1/miR-302a-3p/IGF2BP2/LEF1 axis in melanoma development, which indicated that MSC-AS1 is a potential biomarker in the treatment of melanoma.

LncRNA MONC suppresses the malignant phenotype of Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells and Endometrial Carcinoma Cells by regulating the MiR-636/GLCE axis

Background

Emerging evidence shows that abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors. LncRNA MONC is abnormally expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and acute megakaryocytic leukemia, but the biological function and potential regulatory mechanism of MONC in endometrial cancer stem cells (ECSCs) and endometrial cancer cells (ECCs) have not been studied. In this study, we aimed to explore the tumor suppressive effect and mechanism of MONC in regulating ECSCs and ECCs.

Methods

We used qRT-PCR to detect the expression of MONC, miR-636 and GLCE in normal human endometrial tissues and endometrial carcinoma (EC) tissues. Luciferase assay was used to verify the binding sites between MONC and miR-636 and between miR-636 and GLCE. Double fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to locate MONC and miR-636 in cells. ECSCs were obtained by flow cytometry sorting assay. Sphere formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assay were used to detect the effects of MONC/miR-636/GLCE axis on the malignant biological behavior of ECSCs and ECCs. The effect of MONC on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot. Finally, we conducted in vivo verification through Tumor xenografts in BALB/C nude mice.

Results

In this study, we found MONC is low expression in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and patients in the MONC high-expression group had a better prognosis. MONC and miR-636 are relatively co-localized in the cytoplasm. MONC directly inhibits the malignant biological behavior of ECSCs and ECCs by directly inhibiting miR-636. Simultaneously, miR-636 may indirectly reduce the expression of MONC. Down-regulation of miR-636 may promote GLCE expression by targeting the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the downstream gene GLCE, thereby inhibiting the progression of ECSCs. MONC combined with miR-636 inhibited tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we verified the tumor suppressive effect of MONC in nude mice, miR-636 can rescue the tumor suppressive effect of overexpressing MONC.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study showed that MONC inhibits the malignant phenotypes of ECSCs and ECCs by regulating the miR-636/GLCE axis. Thus the MONC/miR-636/GLCE axis may provide novel treatment avenues for human EC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01911-1.

Identifying Critical States of Complex Diseases by Single-Sample Jensen-Shannon Divergence

MOTIVATION

The evolution of complex diseases can be modeled as a time-dependent nonlinear dynamic system, and its progression can be divided into three states, i.e., the normal state, the pre-disease state and the disease state. The sudden deterioration of the disease can be regarded as the state transition of the dynamic system at the critical state or pre-disease state. How to detect the critical state of an individual before the disease state based on single-sample data has attracted many researchers' attention.

METHODS

In this study, we proposed a novel approach, i.e., single-sample-based Jensen-Shannon Divergence (sJSD) method to detect the early-warning signals of complex diseases before critical transitions based on individual single-sample data. The method aims to construct score index based on sJSD, namely, inconsistency index (ICI).

RESULTS

This method is applied to five real datasets, including prostate cancer, bladder urothelial carcinoma, influenza virus infection, cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The critical states of 5 datasets with their corresponding sJSD signal biomarkers are successfully identified to diagnose and predict each individual sample, and some "dark genes" that without differential expressions but are sensitive to ICI score were revealed. This method is a data-driven and model-free method, which can be applied to not only disease prediction on individuals but also targeted drug design of each disease. At the same time, the identification of sJSD signal biomarkers is also of great significance for studying the molecular mechanism of disease progression from a dynamic perspective.

SATB1 protein is associated with the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition process in non‑small cell lung cancers

Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Its predominant subtype is non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for over 80% of the cases. Surprisingly, the majority of lung cancer‑related deaths are caused not by a primary tumour itself, but by its metastasis to distant organs. Therefore, it becomes especially important to identify the factors involved in lung cancer metastatic spread. Special AT‑rich binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a nuclear matrix protein that mediates chromatin looping and plays the role of global transcriptional regulator. During the past decade, it has received much attention as a factor promoting tumour invasion. In breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, SATB1 has been shown to influence the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which is thought to be crucial for cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible correlations between the expression of SATB1 and major EMT‑associated proteins in NSCLC clinical samples. Additionally, the impact of EMT induction in NSCLC cell lines on SATB1 mRNA expression was also investigated. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of SATB1, SNAIL, SLUG, Twist1, E‑cadherin, and N‑cadherin in 242 lung cancer clinical samples. EMT was induced by TGF‑β1 treatment in the A549 and NCI‑H1703 lung cancer cell lines. Changes in gene expression profiles were analyzed using real‑time PCR and Droplet Digital PCR. SATB1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of SNAIL (R=0.129; P=0.045), SLUG (R=0.449; P<0.0001), and Twist1 (R=0.264; P<0.0001). Moreover, SATB1 expression significantly increased after in vitro EMT induction in A549 and NCI‑H1703 cell lines. The results obtained may point to the role of SATB1 as one of the regulators of EMT in NSCLC.

Non-Coding RNAs as Prognostic Markers for Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) has been classified over the years, for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, classification systems have been emerging not only based on EC clinical and pathological characteristics but also on its genetic and epigenetic features. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as promising markers in several cancer types, including EC, for which their prognostic value is currently under investigation and will likely integrate the present prognostic tools based on protein coding genes. This review aims to underline the importance of the genetic and epigenetic events in the EC tumorigenesis, by expounding upon the prognostic role of ncRNAs.

LINC00467 knockdown repressed cell proliferation but stimulated cell apoptosis in glioblastoma via miR-339-3p/IP6K2 axis

BACKGROUND

Glioma is considered to be one of the most common and lethal malignant brain tumors, accounting for 40% to 50% of brain tumors. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely proved to play an irreplaceable role in the tumorigenesis and progression. Nevertheless, the role of LINC00467 in glioblastoma remained unclear.

AIM

The current study was aimed to explore the functional mechanism of LINC00467 in glioblastoma.

METHODS

The expression of LINC00467/miR-339-3p/IP6K2 glioblastoma tissues and cells was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of genes (cleaved PARP, PARP, cleaved caspase 3, caspase 3, Bax, Bcl-2 and IP6K2) was measured by western blot assay. Then role of LINC00467 was demonstrated by EdU, colony formation, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. The relationship between miR-339-3p and LINC00467/IP6K2 was validated by RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

The expression of LINC00467 was upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and cells. LINC00467 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation but activated cell apoptosis. Further, LINC00467 high expression was associated with shorter overall survival rate in glioblastoma patients. Further, LINC00467 could bind with miR-339-3p, and IP6K2 was targeted by miR-339-3p. IP6K2 expression was regulated by LINC00467/miR-339-3p in a ceRNA pattern. Moreover, LINC00467 could regulate the development of glioblastoma via miR-339-3p/IP6K2 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00467 knockdown repressed cell proliferation but stimulated cell apoptosis in glioblastoma via miR-339-3p/IP6K2 axis, which may enlighten to find a novel therapeutic tactic for glioblastoma patients.

Downregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibits the hallmarks of thyroid carcinoma via the regulation of miR‑302‑3p on cyclin&nbsp;D1

At present, treatment options for thyroid carcinoma remain limited. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ZFAS1 in various major hallmarks of cancer and the underlying mechanisms in thyroid carcinoma cells. The interactions between long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRs) and target genes were predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed by performing dual‑luciferase assays. The mRNA and protein expressions were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell invasion, migration, and viability were evaluated via Transwell, wound‑healing and Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays, respectively. The results demonstrated that lncRNA ZFAS1 expression was upregulated in thyroid carcinoma tissues, TT and SW579 cells, and was associated with the proliferation of these two cell lines. Notably, downregulation ZFAS1 reduced migration and invasion, and reversed the promotive effects of miR‑302a‑3p inhibitor on the proliferation, migration and invasion of TT and SW579 cells. Moreover, cyclin D1 (CCND1) is targeted by miR‑302a‑3p, and was regulated by ZFAS1. In addition, the downregulation of ZFAS1 not only reversed the promotive effects of miR‑302a‑3p inhibitor on CCND1 expression and the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TT and SW579 cells, but also targeted and increased the expression of miR‑302a‑3p, and further reduced the expression of CCND1, resulting in suppression of the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of thyroid carcinoma cells.

Gynecologic cancers and non-coding RNAs: Epigenetic regulators with emerging roles

Gynecologic cancers involve the female genital organs, such as the vulva, vagina, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The occurrence and frequency of gynecologic cancer depends on personal lifestyle, history of exposure to viruses or carcinogens, genetics, body shape, and geographical habitat. For a long time, research into the molecular biology of cancer was broadly restricted to protein-coding genes. Recently it has been realized that non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), including long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), microRNAs, circular RNAs and piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs), can all play a role in the regulation of cellular function within gynecological cancer. It is now known that ncRNAs are able to play dual roles, i.e. can exert both oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions in gynecological cancer. Moreover, several clinical trials are underway looking at the biomarker and therapeutic roles of ncRNAs. These efforts may provide a new horizon for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer. Herein, we summarize some of the ncRNAs that have been shown to be important in gynecological cancers.

A novel autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic risk model for breast cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known as crucial regulators to breast cancer development and are implicated in controlling autophagy. LncRNAs are also emerging as valuable prognostic factors for breast cancer patients. It is critical to identify autophagy-related lncRNAs with prognostic value in breast cancer. In this study, we identified autophagy-related lncRNAs in breast cancer by constructing a co-expression network of autophagy-related mRNAs-lncRNAs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We evaluated the prognostic value of these autophagy-related lncRNAs by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses and eventually obtained a prognostic risk model consisting of 11 autophagy-related lncRNAs (U62317.4, LINC01016, LINC02166, C6orf99, LINC00992, BAIAP2-DT, AC245297.3, AC090912.1, Z68871.1, LINC00578 and LINC01871). The risk model was further validated as a novel independent prognostic factor for breast cancer patients based on the calculated risk score by Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Moreover, based on the risk model, the low-risk and high-risk groups displayed different autophagy and oncogenic statues by principal component analysis (PCA) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) functional annotation. Taken together, these findings suggested that the risk model of the 11 autophagy-related lncRNAs has significant prognostic value for breast cancer and might be autophagy-related therapeutic targets in clinical practice.

Integrated analysis of immune-related genes in endometrial carcinoma

Background

Exploring novel and sensitive targets is urgent due to the high morbidity of endometrial cancer (EC). The purpose of our study was to explore the transcription factors and immune-related genes in EC and further identify immune-based lncRNA signature as biomarker for predicting survival prognosis.

Methods

Transcription factors, aberrantly expressed immune-related genes and immune-related lncRNAs were explored through bioinformatics analysis. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were conducted to identify the immune and overall survival (OS) related lncRNAs. The accuracy of model was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the independent prognostic indicator was identified with Cox analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to detect the accuracy of our results.

Results

A network of 29 transcription factors and 17 immune-related genes was constructed. Furthermore, four immune-prognosis-related lncRNAs were screened out. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis revealed a satisfactory predictive potential of the 4-lncRNA model. Consistency was achieved among the results from the training set, testing set and entire cohort. The distributed patterns between the high- and low-risk groups could be distinguished in principal component analysis. Comparisons of the risk score and clinical factors confirmed the four-lncRNA-based signature as an independent prognostic indicator. Last, the reliability of the results was verified by qRT-PCR in 29 cases of endometrial carcinoma and in cells.

Conclusions

Overall, our study constructed a network of transcription factors and immune-related genes and explored a four immune-related lncRNA signature that could serve as a novel potential biomarker of EC.

BTG1 inhibits malignancy as a novel prognosis signature in endometrial carcinoma

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of EC have increased. B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) is an anti-proliferation gene that regulates the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, but there is no research regarding this gene in EC.

Methods

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used a variety of bioinformatics tools and databases to explore the expression and prognosis of BTG1. We verified expression and prognosis of BTG1 in EC using qRT-PCR and analyzed the relevant clinicopathological parameters. We functionally enriched BTG1 and related genes in EC patients through the bioinformatics website and analyzed miRNA targets of BTG1 and interacting protein networks. Cell proliferation, wound healing, transwell invasion, and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the effects of BTG1 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial carcinoma cells (ECCs). The effect of BTG1 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot.

Results

We analyzed the expression and prognosis of BTG1 based on TCGA and found that low expression of BTG1 was associated with poor EC prognosis. The qRT-PCR suggested that BTG1 had low expression in EC. BTG1 expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) shortening. Clinicopathological analysis suggested that expression of BTG1 was related to invasion depth and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. EC pathological tissue type, fertility history, lymphatic metastasis, menopause, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and age of diagnosis were not related. Functional enrichment analysis showed that BTG1 plays an important role in regulating embryonic development, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Biological behavior experiments suggest that BTG1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of ECCs, and promotes apoptosis of ECCs. Western blot indicated that BTG1 inhibited the EMT process of ECCs.

Conclusions

BTG1, as a tumor suppressor gene, plays an important role in the occurrence and development of EC. We believe that BTG1 can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for EC.

Long non-coding RNA PSMA3-AS1 enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating miR-302a-3p/RAB22A in glioma

Glioma is the most prevalent solid tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, it has been indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) substantially adjust the development of a variety of human cancers. In the present study, it was found and verified via microarray analysis that lncRNA PSMA3-AS1 exhibited a high expression in glioma tissues and cell lines. Then CCK-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, plate clone assay, Transwell assay, Western blotting and nude mouse model were adopted to verify PSMA3-AS1's effects on glioma. Knockdown of PSMA3-AS1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Besides, PSMA3-AS1 bound to miR-302a-3p directly reduced the expression of miR-302a-3p, thus functioning as an endogenous sponge confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics analysis. PSMA3-AS1 knockdown remarkably enhanced the role of miR-302a-3p overexpression in cell behaviors in glioma. Moreover, these assays also confirmed that RAB22A was a target of miR-302a-3p. In this research, therefore, the PSMA3-AS1/miR-302a-3p/RAB22A pathway regulatory axis may be revealed in the pathogenesis of glioma, and PSMA3-AS1 can be used as an underlying target for the treatment and prognosis of glioma.

Silencing of Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01106 Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Endometrial Cancer Cells Through Regulating the miR-449a/MET Axis

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer (EC) is an aggressive tumor in females and the development of EC is considered to regulate by some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA LINC01106 on EC.

METHODS

The expression of lncRNA LINC01106, miR-449a and MET in EC tissues and cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Through MTT, wound healing and transwell invasion assays, the proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells were detected, respectively. The xenograft tumor model was constructed in nude mice to confirm the inhibiting effect of LINC01106 knockdown on EC in vivo. The interactions between miR-449a and LINC01106/MET were predicted by Starbase/Targetscan software and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Western blot assay was performed to determine the protein level of MET.

RESULTS

LncRNA LINC01106 expression was highly up-regulated in EC tissues and cells. The proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells in vitro were inhibited by the transfection of sh-LINC01106. The growth of tumor xenograft was suppressed by injection of sh-LINC01106. MiR-449a was a target of LINC01106and was negatively modulated by LINC01106. MiR-449a overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells. In addition, MET was identified as a target gene of miR-449a. Both the high expression of miR-449a and low expression of MET reversed the inhibiting effects of LINC01106 knockdown on Ishikawa cells.

CONCLUSION

Silencing of LINC01106 inhibits the occurrence and development of EC via regulating the miR-449a/MET axis. This study provides a possible therapeutic strategy for EC.

LINC01133 and LINC01243 are positively correlated with endometrial carcinoma pathogenesis

PURPOSE

To characterize the role of two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), LINC01133 and LINC01243, in endometrial carcinoma (EC) pathogenesis. LINC01133 is an lncRNA that has been implicated in many cancers, and LINC01243 is a newly identified lncRNA identified from the NCBI GEO database.

METHODS

We studied the effect of LINC01133 and LINC01243 on EC malignancy using siRNA knockdown and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), flow cytometry, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining, Transwell, and scratch invasion assays in two EC cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells).

RESULTS

We first confirmed the partial knockdown of both LINC01133 and LINC01243 expression in Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells using RT-qPCR. Following confirmation of lncRNA knockdown, we assessed the effect of knockdown on EC malignancy. We observed reduced EC cell proliferation using the CCK-8 assay, as well as cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in both EC cell lines. Furthermore, Transwell and scratch invasion assays revealed decreased migration and invasion of the two EC cell lines, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that LINC01133 and LINC01243 expression are associated with EC development and progression. Our findings suggest a potential role for these lncRNAs as novel EC biomarkers.

ELK1/lncRNA-SNHG7/miR-2682-5p feedback loop enhances bladder cancer cell growth

AIMS

The purpose of this paper is to unearth the ceRNA regulatory mechanism of SNHG7 in bladder cancer (BCa).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of SNHG7 in BCa cells was uncovered by qRT-PCR. The biological functions of SNHG7 in BCa cells were explored by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were applied to analyze the interaction of ELK1 with SNHG7 or miR-2682-5p.

KEY FINDINGS

SNHG7 was conspicuously highly expressed in BCa tissues and cells. The upregulated expression of SNHG7 was related with poor prognosis in BCa patients. Moreover, SNHG7 exerted oncogenic functions in BCa through enhancing cell growth, migration and invasion. ELK1 increased the level of SNHG7 by binding with the promoter region of SNHG7. SNHG7 strengthened the expression of ELK1 via acting as a sponge of miR-2682-5p. Both ELK1 and miR-2682-5p involved in the SNHG7-mediated BCa progression.

SIGNIFICANCE

ELK1/SNHG7/miR-2682-5p feedback loop enhances cell growth, migration and invasion in BCa.

Progesterone receptor inhibits the proliferation and invasion of endometrial cancer cells by up regulating Krüppel-like factor 9

Background

Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) is one of the most important members of the KLF family, and is abnormally expressed in many tumors. However, the detailed function of KLF9 in endometrial cancer (EC) was barely investigated.

Methods

In this study, a total of 52 paired EC tissues were recruited to detect the KLF9 expression. Then a serial of phenotypic experiments and mechanism researches were performed.

Results

The results showed that KLF9 expression was decreased in EC tissues, and the reduced expression of KLF9 is associated with highly metastatic capacity of EC cells. KLF9 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of EC cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Progesterone receptor (PR) could bind to KLF9 promoter and a positive correlation between KLF9 and PR expression was witnessed.

Conclusions

Taken together, the reduction of KLF9 induced by PR might participate in the development of EC and targeting KLF9 may provide a novel strategy for EC management.

Identification and Function Analysis of a Five-Long Noncoding RNA Prognostic Signature for Endometrial Cancer Patients

This study aimed to construct a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-based prognostic signature to improve the survival prediction for endometrial cancer (EC) patients and guide individualized treatments. mRNA and miRNA sequencing and clinical data of 526 patients with EC (randomized to training or validation set, n = 263) were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified between 263 EC samples and 33 normal controls. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified five DELs (LINC00475, LINC01352, MIR503HG, KCNMB2-AS1, and LINC01143) that were overall survival related. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the risk score model established by these five DELs can significantly distinguish the survival ratio of patients at high risk from those at low risk. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that this risk score exhibited good survival prediction performance, with the area under the curve of 0.978. In addition, this risk score was independent of other clinical factors. Stratification analysis based on two independent prognostic clinical factors (histologic grade and recurrence status) demonstrated that the high-risk score was still a poor prognostic factor for patients with histologic grade 3, recurrence or nonrecurrence status. In nomogram model, the risk score was one of the main contributions to survival rates, and its Harrell's concordance index was higher than the other two independent clinical factors, although all lower than the combined. Furthermore, mechanism analyses showed that these lncRNAs functioned by coexpressing with DEGs (i.e., LINC00475-PTGDR, LINC01352/MIR503HG-BACH2, KCNMB2-AS1-PCSK9, LINC01143-NUF2/PTTG1) or as a competing endogenous RNA of DEMs to regulate DEGs (LINC00475-miR-4728-PTGDR, MIR503HG-miR-3170-BACH2). In conclusion, our novel risk score system may be a promising prognostic biomarker to guide personalized treatment for EC patients and it can add prognostic value for current clinical system.

Identifying functions and prognostic biomarkers of network motifs marked by diverse chromatin states in human cell lines

Epigenetic modifications play critical roles in modulating gene expression, yet their roles in regulatory networks in human cell lines remain poorly characterized. We integrated multiomics data to construct directed regulatory networks with nodes and edges labeled with chromatin states in human cell lines. We observed extensive association of diverse chromatin states and network motifs. The gene expression analysis showed that diverse chromatin states of coherent type-1 feedforward loop (C1-FFL) and incoherent type-1 feedforward loops (I1-FFL) contributed to the dynamic expression patterns of targets. Notably, diverse chromatin state compositions could help C1- or I1-FFL to control a large number of distinct biological functions in human cell lines, such as four different types of chromatin state compositions cooperating with K562-associated C1-FFLs controlling “regulation of cytokinesis,” “G1/S transition of mitotic cell cycle,” “DNA recombination,” and “telomere maintenance,” respectively. Remarkably, we identified six chromatin state-marked C1-FFL instances (HCFC1-NFYA-ABL1, THAP1-USF1-BRCA2, ZNF263-USF1-UBA52, MYC-ATF1-UBA52, ELK1-EGR1-CCT4, and YY1-EGR1-INO80C) could act as prognostic biomarkers of acute myelogenous leukemia though influencing cancer-related biological functions, such as cell proliferation, telomere maintenance, and DNA recombination. Our results will provide novel insight for better understanding of chromatin state-mediated gene regulation and facilitate the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of human cancers.

The Role of SATB1 in Tumour Progression and Metastasis

Carcinogenesis is a long-drawn, multistep process, in which metastatic spread is an unequivocal hallmark of a poor prognosis. The progression and dissemination of epithelial cancers is commonly thought to rely on the epidermal-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. During EMT, epithelial cells lose their junctions and apical-basal polarity, and they acquire a mesenchymal phenotype with its migratory and invasive capabilities. One of the proteins involved in cancer progression and EMT may be SATB1 (Special AT-Rich Binding Protein 1)-a chromatin organiser and a global transcriptional regulator. SATB1 organizes chromatin into spatial loops, providing a "docking site" necessary for the binding of further transcription factors and chromatin modifying enzymes. SATB1 has the ability to regulate whole sets of genes, even those located on distant chromosomes. SATB1 was found to be overexpressed in numerous malignancies, including lymphomas, breast, colorectal, prostate, liver, bladder and ovarian cancers. In the solid tumours, an elevated SATB1 level was observed to be associated with an aggressive phenotype, presence of lymph node, distant metastases, and a poor prognosis. In this review, we briefly describe the prognostic significance of SATB1 expression in most common human cancers, and analyse its impact on EMT and metastasis.

The prognostic value of JUNB-positive CTCs in metastatic breast cancer: from bioinformatics to phenotypic characterization

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important for metastatic dissemination of cancer. They can provide useful information, regarding biological features and tumor heterogeneity; however, their detection and characterization are difficult due to their limited number in the bloodstream and their mesenchymal characteristics. Therefore, new biomarkers are needed to address these questions.

Methods

Bioinformatics functional enrichment analysis revealed a subgroup of 24 genes, potentially overexpressed in CTCs. Among these genes, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a central role. After prioritization according to the CXCR4 corresponding pathways, five molecules (JUNB, YWHAB, TYROBP, NFYA, and PRDX1) were selected for further analysis in biological samples. The SKBR3, MDA-MB231, and MCF7 cell lines, as well as PBMCs from normal (n = 10) blood donors, were used as controls to define the expression pattern of all the examined molecules. Consequently, 100 previously untreated metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients (n = 100) were analyzed using the following combinations of antibodies: CK (cytokeratin)/CXCR4/JUNB, CK/NFYA/ΥWHΑΒ (14-3-3), and CK/TYROBP/PRDX1. A threshold value for every molecule was considered the mean expression in normal PBMCs.

Results

Quantification of CXCR4 revealed overexpression of the receptor in SKBR3 and in CTCs, following the subsequent scale (SKBR3>CTCs>Hela>MCF7>MDA-MB231). JUNB was also overexpressed in CTCs (SKBR3>CTCs>MCF7>MDA-MB231>Hela). According to the defined threshold for each molecule, CXCR4-positive CTCs were identified in 90% of the patients with detectable tumor cells in their blood. In addition, 65%, 75%, 14.3%, and 12.5% of the patients harbored JUNB-, TYROBP-, NFYA-, and PRDX-positive CTCs, respectively. Conversely, none of the patients revealed YWHAB-positive CTCs. Interestingly, JUNB expression in CTCs was phenotypically and statistically enhanced compared to patients’ blood cells (p = 0.002) providing a possible new biomarker for CTCs. Furthermore, the detection of JUNB-positive CTCs in patients was associated with poorer PFS (p = 0.015) and OS (p = 0.002). Moreover, JUNB staining of 11 primary and 4 metastatic tumors from the same cohort of patients revealed a dramatic increase of JUNB expression in metastasis.

Conclusions

CXCR4, JUNB, and TYROBP were overexpressed in CTCs, but only the expression of JUNB was associated with poor prognosis, providing a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for the elimination of CTCs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1166-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating the miR-181a-5p/MMP14 axis

Cervical cancer is a serious threat to women's health and is the third most common malignancy in women worldwide. Recent studies indicate that the long non-coding RNA CCAT1 plays a role in the malignant behavior of many tumors. However, the role of CCAT1 in cervical cancer is still unknown. Our aim is to evaluate the expression and investigate the regulatory role and potential mechanism of CCAT1 in cervical cancer. CCAT1 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. In addition, CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, qRT-PCR assays, Transwell assays and xenograft experiments were performed to determine the role of CCAT1 in the proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer cells. The expression of CCAT1 in the cervical cancer tissues was higher than in the adjacent normal tissues. Overexpressing CCAT1 promoted cervical cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in vitro. Elevated CCAT1 suppressed miR-181a expression, which was accompanied by an increased expression of MMP14 and HB-EGF. In contrast, knocking down CCAT1 resulted in increased expression of miR-181a, along with decreased expression of MMP14 and HB-EGF. Thus, CCAT1 is a key oncogenic lncRNA associated with cervical cancer and plays a role in promoting cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating the miR-181a-5p/MMP14 axis.

MicroRNA-132 Plays an Independent Prognostic Role in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Acts as a Tumor Suppressor

The role of microRNA-132 in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas is still ambiguous. We explored the association between microRNA-132 and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma prognosis. The expression of microRNA-132 in 50 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue samples and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines was examined, and the association between its expression and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma prognosis was assessed. Functional analysis and factors downstream of microRNA-132 were investigated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that high expression of microRNA-132 was a significant prognostic factor for 1-year survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (P = .028). Multivariate analysis for overall survival indicated that high expression of microRNA-132 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (P = .044). Low expression of microRNA-132 was associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Ectopic expression of microRNA-132 significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of 2 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that microRNA-132 may exert its effects on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 and nuclear transcription factor Y subunit α. The results of this study further our understanding of the relationship between microRNA-132 and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by showing that microRNA-132 might inhibit the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear transcription factor Y subunit alpha.

Genes' Interactions: A Major Contributor to the Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis

The genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis are still under investigation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic link between endometriosis and cancer by examining and correlating the latest clinical observations with biological experimental data. We collected updated evidence about the genetic relationship between endometriosis and cancers by conducting a comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus databases, focusing on the papers published between January 2018 and January 2019. New insights into the mechanism of the malignant transformation of endometriosis have been published recently. The use of state-of-the-art techniques and methods, such as the genome-wide association study analysis and the weighted gene co-expression analysis, have significantly altered our understanding of the association between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated cancer development. Interestingly, the interactions formed between genes seem to play a pivotal role in the phenotypic expression of mutations. Therefore, the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the function of the expression quantitative trait loci on genes' expression have been the subject of many recent works. In addition, it has been discovered that genes, the mutations of which have been related to the development of endometriosis, play a role as hub genes. This may lead to new areas of research for understanding the mechanism of malignant transformation of the disease. Significant steps forward have been made towards the identification of factors that control the malignant transformation of endometriosis. Still, due to rarity of the event, a better-organized scheme for sampling on a global level should be adopted.

LINC01433/miR-2116-3p/MYC Feedback Loop Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer

Background: It is reported that long noncoding RNAs play an important role in human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). However, the effect of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1433 (LINC01433) on BC development remains elusive. Materials and Methods: The expression level of LINC01433 in BC cells and a normal breast epithelial cell (MCF-10A) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A series of functional assays was applied to measure the bio-function of LINC01433 in BC. Bioinformatics analysis and mechanistic assays were utilized to disclose the underlying mechanism involved in the LINC01433-mediated BC cellular process. Results: qRT-PCR revealed that LINC01433 was highly expressed in BC cells. In function, LINC01433 depletion suppressed BC cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, but induced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays suggested that LINC01433 was activated by its upstream transcription factor MYC proto-oncogene (MYC). The interaction between LINC01433 and miR-2116-3p was verified in BC. Additionally, MYC was validated as a target gene of miR-2116-3p. Rescue assays demonstrated that LINC01433 promoted BC cellular process via regulating miR-2116-3p/MYC axis. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a novel positive feedback loop (LINC01433/miR-2116-3p/MYC) in BC progression and discovered the novel functional genes in this BC cellular process.

MicroRNA-302a-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting proliferation and invasion

Background

Involvement of microRNAs in tumor development and their potential as prognostic biomarkers had been well acknowledged. However, the expression, clinical significance, and functional mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-302a-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been reported.

Patients and methods

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-302a-3p in 111 HCC tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues. Its association with clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed by the chi-square test. The Kaplan–Meier univariate survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify the clinical significance of miR-302a-3p in the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. Transfection of miR-302a-3p mimics into HepG2 and Huh7 HCC cell lines was conducted to reveal its underlying mechanism in regulating HCC progression.

Results

miR-302a-3p expression was significantly decreased in HCC tissues compared with that in paired adjacent normal liver tissues (P=0.005). miR-302a-3p expression was correlated with tumor number (P=0.003), tumor size (P<0.001), and tumor TNM stage (P=0.028). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients in the high miR-302a-3p expression group had a better OS than those in the low miR-302a-3p expression group (P=0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed that miR-302a-3p expression can be used as an independent predictor for HCC prognosis (HR=0.480, 95% CI=0.249–0.894, P=0.039). Proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were all decreased in cells transfected with miR-302a-3p mimics. Moreover, our data showed a direct effect of miR302a-3p on inhibiting the expression and signaling of PRKACB in HCC cells.

Conclusions

miR-302a-3p serves as a tumor suppressor in HCC progression by directly inhibiting tumor proliferation and invasion, and its low expression is a potential biomarker for predicting a poor prognosis of HCC patients.

Non-Coding RNAs in Endometrial Physiopathology

The Human Genome Project led to the discovery that about 80% of our DNA is transcribed in RNA molecules. Only 2% of the human genome is translated into proteins, the rest mostly produces molecules called non-coding RNAs, which are a heterogeneous class of RNAs involved in different steps of gene regulation. They have been classified, according to their length, into small non-coding RNAs and long non-coding RNAs, or to their function, into housekeeping non-coding RNAs and regulatory non-coding RNAs. Their involvement has been widely demonstrated in all cellular processes, as well as their dysregulation in human pathologies. In this review, we discuss the function of non-coding RNAs in endometrial physiology, analysing their involvement in embryo implantation. Moreover, we explore their role in endometrial pathologies such as endometrial cancer, endometriosis and chronic endometritis.