LINC00152 down-regulated miR-193a-3p to enhance MCL1 expression and promote gastric cancer cells proliferation

FBXW7 affects autophagy through MCL1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer is associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. However, effective treatment for oral cancer is urgently required in clinics. In this study, we aimed to determine whether F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7), an essential tumor suppressor gene, can regulate autophagy and improve the prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

mRNA levels of FBXW7 and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) in OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were measured by qRT-PCR. FBXW7 and MCL-1 were overexpressed in OSCC cell line using lentivirus containing FBXW7 and MCL-1, respectively. Protein expression was determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein levels of FBXW7 were decreased in patients with OSCC, whereas the mRNA and protein levels of MCL-1 were increased. Moreover, the mRNA coding for autophagy proteins was reduced in patients with OSCC. Additionally, it was found that overexpression of FBXW7 significantly reduced MCL-1 expression and upregulated autophagy-related proteins, including Beclin1, autophagy related 7, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that FBXW7 affects autophagy through MCL1 in OSCC.

Therapeutic advancements in targeting BCL-2 family proteins by epigenetic regulators, natural, and synthetic agents in cancer

Cancer is amongst the deadliest and most disruptive disorders, having a much higher death rate than other diseases worldwide. Human cancer rates continue to rise, thereby posing the most significant concerns for medical health professionals. In the last two decades, researchers have gone past several milestones in tackling cancer while gaining insight into the role of apoptosis in cancer or targeting various biomarker tools for prognosis and diagnosis. Apoptosis which is still a topic full of complexities, can be controlled considerably by B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and its family members. Therefore, targeting proteins of this family to prevent tumorigenesis, is essential to focus on the pharmacological features of the anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members, which will help to develop and manage this disorder. This review deals with the advancements of various epigenetic regulators to target BCL-2 family proteins, including the mechanism of several microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Similarly, a rise in natural and synthetic molecules' research over the last two decades has allowed us to acquire insights into understanding and managing the transcriptional alterations that have led to apoptosis and treating various neoplastic diseases. Furthermore, several inhibitors targeting anti-apoptotic proteins and inducers or activators targeting pro-apoptotic proteins in preclinical and clinical stages have been summarized. Overall, agonistic and antagonistic mechanisms of BCL-2 family proteins conciliated by epigenetic regulators, natural and synthetic agents have proven to be an excellent choice in developing cancer therapeutics.

A review on the role of LINC00152 in different disorders

LINC00152 is an important lncRNA in human disorders. It is mainly regarded as a tumor-promoting lncRNA. Mechanistically, LINC00152 serves as a molecular sponge for miR-143a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-139, miR-215, miR-193a/b-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-206, miR-195, miR-138, miR-185-5p, miR-103, miR-612, miR-150, miR-107, miR-205-5p and miR-153-3p. In addition, it can regulate activity of mTOR, EGFR/PI3K/AKT, ERK/MAPK, Wnt/β-Catenin, EGFR, NF-κB, HIF-1 and PTEN. In this review, we provide a concise but comprehensive explanation about the role of LINC00152 in tumor development and progression as well as its role in the pathology of non-malignant conditions with the aim of facilitating the clinical implementation of this lncRNA as a diagnostic or prognostic tumor marker and therapeutic target.

Understanding MCL1: from cellular function and regulation to pharmacological inhibition

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), an antiapoptotic member of the BCL2 family characterized by a short half-life, functions as a rapid sensor that regulates cell death and other relevant processes that include cell cycle progression and mitochondrial homeostasis. In cancer, MCL1 overexpression contributes to cell survival and resistance to diverse chemotherapeutic agents; for this reason, several MCL1 inhibitors are currently under preclinical and clinical development for cancer treatment. However, the nonapoptotic functions of MCL1 may influence their therapeutic potential. Overall, the complexity of MCL1 regulation and function represent challenges to the clinical application of MCL1 inhibitors. We now summarize the current knowledge regarding MCL1 structure, regulation, and function that could impact the clinical success of MCL1 inhibitors.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 in cancer: Roles, mechanisms, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance

Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 (cytoskeleton regulator, or LINC00152) is an 828-bp lncRNA located on chromosome 2p11.2. LINC00152 was originally discovered during research on hepatocarcinogenesis and has since been regarded as a crucial oncogene that regulates gene expression in many cancer types. LINC00152 is aberrantly expressed in various cancers, including gastric, breast, ovarian, colorectal, hepatocellular, and lung cancer, and glioma. Several studies have indicated that LINC00152 is correlated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance, and tumor growth and metastasis. High LINC00152 expression in most tumors is significantly associated with poor patient prognosis. Mechanistic analysis has demonstrated that LINC00152 can serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miRNA, regulating the abundance of the protein encoded by a particular gene, or modulating gene expression at the epigenetic level. LINC00152 can serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target for most cancer types. In the present review, we discuss the roles and mechanisms of LINC00152 in human cancer, focusing on its functions in chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance.

LINC00152 Drives a Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Genomic and epigenomic studies revealed dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs in many cancer entities, including liver cancer. We identified an epigenetic mechanism leading to upregulation of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 152 (LINC00152) expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to characterize a potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, in which LINC00152 exerts oncogenic functions by sponging miRNAs, thereby affecting their target gene expression. Database and gene expression data of human HCC were integrated to develop a potential LINC00152-driven ceRNA in silico. RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assay were used to identify miRNA binding to LINC00152 in human HCC cells. Functionally active players in the ceRNA network were analyzed using gene editing, siRNA or miRNA mimic transfection, and expression vectors in vitro. RNA expression in human HCC in vivo was validated by RNA in situ hybridization. Let-7c-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143a-3p, miR-193-3p, and miR-195-5p were detected as new components of the potential LINC00152 ceRNA network in human HCC. LINC00152 was confirmed to sponge miR143a-3p in human HCC cell lines, thereby limiting its binding to their respective target genes, like KLC2. KLC2 was identified as a central mediator promoting pro-tumorigenic effects of LINC00152 overexpression in HCC cells. Furthermore, co-expression of LINC00152 and KLC2 was observed in human HCC cohorts and high KLC2 expression was associated with shorter patient survival. Functional assays demonstrated that KLC2 promoted cell proliferation, clonogenicity and migration in vitro. The LINC00152-miR-143a-3p-KLC2 axis may represent a therapeutic target in human HCC.

The LINC00152/miR-138 Axis Facilitates Gastric Cancer Progression by Mediating SIRT2

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the main cause of tumor-related death. Exploring markers for early diagnosis and new therapeutic targets is always on the way. In the last 10 years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely proved to be involved in the progress of many tumors and are regarded as potential targets for tumor therapy. We found that LINC00152, a newly identified lncRNA, was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and affected clinicopathological characteristics in GC patients. Furthermore, we observed that LINC00152 knockdown can significantly reduce cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. Further bioinformatic analysis indicated that LINC00152 competitively bound with miR-138 and regulated the expression of miR-138. Moreover, SIRT2 was further proved to be a downstream target of miR-138. Overall, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism of LINC00152 underlying the malignant phenotype of GC cells by mediating miR-138/SIRT2 axis, which provides a new understanding of the role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA in GC and also provides a new way for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Fibroma of tendon sheath is defined by a USP6 gene fusion-morphologic and molecular reappraisal of the entity

Fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS) is an uncommon benign myofibroblastic neoplasm that arises in association with tenosynovial tissue. Fusions of the USP6 gene have been recently documented in a proportion of so-called "cellular FTS" but not in "classic FTS". It remains unknown whether FTS can be defined by a USP6 fusion, regardless of cellularity, and what are USP6 fusion-negative "cellular FTS". Furthermore, FTS with low cellularity seems to be frequently confused with desmoplastic fibroblastoma. We performed a comprehensive analysis, including targeted RNA sequencing, of 58 consecutive cases originally diagnosed as FTS (n = 49), desmoplastic fibroblastoma (n = 6), or nodular fasciitis (n = 3); the latter two at the predilection sites for FTS. After review of the original slides, 28 lesions were morphologically classified as FTS (13 "classic" and 15 "cellular") and 23 as desmoplastic fibroblastoma. Among originally diagnosed FTS at the more cellular end of the spectrum, we identified seven lesions that shared many morphologic features of FTS but, in addition, showed several distinct morphologic features consistent with myofibroma, such as myoid appearance, branching thin-walled vessels, and perivascular growth. Targeted RNA sequencing showed a USP6 fusion in 17 of 18 analyzed FTS, regardless of cellularity, 0 of 5 desmoplastic fibroblastomas and 0 of 4 myofibromas. MYH9, COL1A1, and ASPN were identified as fusion partners in three cases each, and MIR22HG, CTNNB1, SPARC, CAP1, EMP1, LINC00152, NR1D1, and RAB1A in a single case each. FTS, regardless of cellularity, can be defined by a USP6 fusion with a variety of fusion partners. More cellular lesions exhibiting some morphologic features of FTS but lacking a USP6 fusion tend to be myofibromas.

Research updates on the clinical implication of long noncoding RNA in digestive system cancers and chemoresistance

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. They are also key players in various biological pathways. LncRNA was considered as 'translational noise' before 1980s. It has been reported that lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in different cancers, either as oncogene or tumor suppressor gene. Therefore, more and more lncRNAs are recognized as potential diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. As competitive endogenous RNA, lncRNAs can interact with microRNA to alter the expression of target genes, which may have extensive clinical implications in cancers, including diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and chemoresistance. This review comprehensively summarizes the functions and clinical relevance of lncRNAs in digestive system cancers, especially as a potential tool to overcome chemoresistance.

The Biological Significance of Long noncoding RNAs Dysregulation and their Mechanism of Regulating Signaling Pathways in Cervical Cancer

Despite the remarkable decrease in cervical cancer incidence due to the availability of the HPV vaccine and implementation of screening programs for early detection in developed countries, this cancer remains a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries where most of the cases and mortality occur. Therefore, more understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer development might lead to the discovery of more effective diagnosis and treatment options. Research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) demonstrates the important roles of these molecules in many physiological processes and diseases, especially cancer. In the present review, we discussed the significance of lncRNAs altered expression in cervical cancer, highlighting their roles in regulating highly conserved signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways and their association with the progression of cervical cancer in order to bring more insight and understanding of this disease and their potential implications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1): Structural characteristics and application in cancer therapy

Apoptosis, a major hallmark of cancer cells, regulates cellular fate and homeostasis. BCL-2 (B-cell CLL/Lymphoma 2) protein family is popularly known to mediate the intrinsic mode of apoptosis, of which MCL-1 is a crucial member. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an anti-apoptotic oncoprotein and one of the most investigated members of the BCL-2 family. It is commonly known to be genetically altered, aberrantly overexpressed, and primarily associated with drug resistance in various human cancers. Recent advancements in the development of selective MCL-1 inhibitors and evaluating their effectiveness in cancer treatment establish its popularity as a molecular target. The overall aim is the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by using a single or combination of BCL-2 family inhibitors. Delineating the precise molecular mechanisms associated with MCL-1-mediated cancer progression will certainly improve the efficacy of clinical interventions aimed at MCL-1 and hence patient survival. This review is structured to highlight the structural characteristics of MCL-1, its specific interactions with NOXA, MCL-1-regulatory microRNAs, and at the same time focus on the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting our protein of interest (MCL-1), alone or in combination with other treatments.

Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 exerts a protective role to alleviate oxygen and glucose deprivation-mediated injury in ischemic stroke cell model through targeting miR-186-5p/MCL1 axis

In recent years, accumulating articles have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ischemic stroke (IS). A previous study found that lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) was down-regulated in IS patients compared with healthy controls. However, the precise function of ZFAS1 in IS and its associated mechanism remain unclear. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to measure protein and RNA expression. The interaction between microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p) and ZFAS1 or MCL1 apoptosis regulator, BCL2 family member (MCL1) was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA-pull down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. IS cell model was established through exposing N2a cells to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). OGD exposure restrained the viability and induced the apoptosis of N2a cells. OGD exposure down-regulated the expression of ZFAS1 and up-regulated the level of miR-186-5p in a time-dependent manner. ZFAS1 overexpression alleviated OGD-mediated injury in IS cell model. MiR-186-5p was identified as a direct target of ZFAS1, and OGD-induced injury in IS cell model was attenuated by the silence of miR-186-5p. MiR-186-5p interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of MCL1 messenger RNA (mRNA). ZFAS1 positively regulated MCL1 mRNA expression by sequestering miR-186-5p in N2a cells. ZFAS1 overexpression-mediated protective effects in IS cell model were partly overturned by the overexpression of miR-186-5p. MCL1 silencing partly counteracted the protective effects mediated by miR-186-5p silencing in IS cell model. In conclusion, ZFAS1 overexpression exerted a protective role in IS cell model to attenuate OGD-induced injury through targeting miR-186-5p/MCL1 axis. ZFAS1/miR-186-5p/MCL1 signaling might be a novel diagnostic marker and promising treatment target for IS patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-021-00481-4.

MiR-193a-3p Promotes Fracture Healing via Targeting PTEN Gene

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of miR-193a-3p in fracture healing. The 70 fragility fracture patients and 45 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for the measurement of the expression levels of miR-193a-3p and PTEN. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis in the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the correlation of miR-193a-3p with PTEN. The serum expression level of miR-193a-3p showed no significant change in fracture patients 7 days after fixation treatment, but over time, there was a significant decrease in the expression at 14 days and 21 days after treatment (P < 0.01). Overexpression of miR-193a-3p significantly enhanced cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.001). Serum PTEN level in fracture patients was increased gradually during the fracture healing process (P < 0.01). PTEN was demonstrated to be a target gene of miR-9-5p and reversed the effect of miR-193a-3p on cell viability and apoptosis (P < 0.001). miR-193a-3p promoted fracture healing via regulating PTEN and may serve as a novel potential target for enhancing bone repair of fragility fracture.

Epigenetic Silencing of STAT3-Targeted miR-193a, by Constitutive Activation of JAK/STAT Signaling, Leads to Tumor Progression Through Overexpression of YWHAZ in Gastric Cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify genes that were epigenetically silenced by STAT3 in gastric cancer.

Methods

MBDcap-Seq and expression microarray were performed to identify genes that were epigenetically silenced in AGS gastric cancer cell lines depleted of STAT3. Cell lines and animal experiments were performed to investigate proliferation and metastasis of miR-193a and YWHAZ in gastric cancer cell lines. Bisulfite pyrosequencing and tissue microarray were performed to investigate the promoter methylation of miR-193a and expression of STAT3, YWHAZ in patients with gastritis (n = 8) and gastric cancer (n = 71). Quantitative methylation-specific PCR was performed to examine miR-193a promoter methylation in cell-free DNA of serum samples in gastric cancer patients (n = 19).

Results

As compared with parental cells, depletion of STAT3 resulted in demethylation of a putative STAT3 target, miR-193a, in AGS gastric cancer cells. Although bisulfite pyrosequencing and epigenetic treatment confirmed that miR-193a was epigenetically silenced in gastric cancer cell lines, ChIP-PCR found that it may be indirectly affected by STAT3. Ectopic expression of miR-193a in AGS cells inhibited proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. Further expression microarray and bioinformatics analysis identified YWHAZ as one of the target of miR-193a in AGS gastric cancer cells, such that depletion of YWHAZ reduced migration in AGS cells, while its overexpression increased invasion in MKN45 cells in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, bisulfite pyrosequencing revealed that promoter methylation of miR-193a was significantly higher in human gastric cancer tissues (n = 11) as compared to gastritis (n = 8, p < 0.05). Patients infected with H. pylori showed a significantly higher miR-193a methylation than those without H. pylori infection (p < 0.05). Tissue microarray also showed a positive trend between STAT3 and YWHAZ expression in gastric cancer patients (n = 60). Patients with serum miR-193a methylation was associated with shorter overall survival than those without methylation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Constitutive activation of JAK/STAT signaling may confer epigenetic silencing of the STAT3 indirect target and tumor suppressor microRNA, miR-193a in gastric cancer. Transcriptional suppression of miR-193a may led to overexpression of YWHAZ resulting in tumor progression. Targeted inhibition of STAT3 may be a novel therapeutic strategy against gastric cancer.

Role of LINC00152 in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. The pathogenesis of NSCLC involves complex gene networks that include different types of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The role of lncRNAs in NSCLC is gaining an increasing interest as their function is being explored in various human cancers. Recently, a new oncogenic lncRNA, LINC00152 (cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR)), has been identified in different tumor types. In NSCLC, the high expression of LINC00152 in tumor tissue and peripheral blood samples has been shown to be associated with worse prognoses of NSCLC patients. Overexpression of LINC00152 has been confirmed to promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of NSCLC cells in vitro, as well as increase tumor growth in vivo. This review discusses the role of LINC00152 in NSCLC.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG20 promotes ovarian cancer development by targeting microRNA-338-3p to regulate MCL1 expression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) were reported to be associated with the development of ovarian cancer (OC). Increasing evidence demonstrated that lncRNA SNHG20 and miR-338-3p were involved in OC. However, the functional mechanism of lncRNA SNHG20 and miR-338-3p in OC development remains unknown. The expression of SNHG20, miR-338-3p and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. MTT assay, flow cytometry and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. The relative protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. The interaction between miR-338-3p and SNHG20 or MCL1 was predicted by starBase v3.0, and subsequently confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Besides, mouse xenograft assay was carried out to explore the effect of SNHG20 on tumor growth in vivo. The levels of SNHG20 and MCL1 were upregulated, while miR-338-3p level was downregulated in OC tissues and cells. SNHG20 knockdown repressed OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and induced apoptosis. Interestingly, SNHG20 targeted miR-338-3p to regulate MCL1 expression. miR-338-3p depletion or MCL1 overexpression could reverse the effects of SNHG20 knockdown on OC cells. Besides, SNHG20 knockdown impeded tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SNHG20 regulates OC development via modulation of the miR-338-3p/MCL1 axis, providing the theoretical basis for the treatment of OC.

The Analysis of Differentially Expressed circRNAs Under the Antiproliferative Effect From 5-Fluorouracil on Osteosarcoma Cells

BACKGROUND

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used drug for cancer treatment, but its effect and underlying mechanisms on osteosarcoma (OS) cells remain unclear.

METHODS

U2OS and MG63 cells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 500 μM 5-FU. MTS and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of 5-FU on cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Circular RNA (circRNA) expression was detected using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Differentially expressed circRNAs were further subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis to predict their functions. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was generated to analyze the regulatory networks of 5-FU-induced differentially expressed circRNAs. Western blotting (WB) was used to verify the protein in the downstream of circRNAs.

RESULTS

5-FU inhibited the cell viability of the MG63 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The most significant effect was observed in the cells treated with 500 μM 5-FU. Apoptosis was also increased in the MG63 cells after 500 μM 5-FU treatment for 3 days. RNA sequencing results showed that 183 differentially expressed circRNAs (172 upregulated and 11 downregulated) in 5-FU-treated cells. KEGG and GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed circRNAs were primarily enriched in proliferation-, apoptosis-, and metabolism-related functions. qPCR was used to verify the most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network showed that these 8 circRNAs had a sizable regulatory network that links a series of genes involved in tumor suppression.

CONCLUSION

5-FU treatment resulted in the differentially expressed circRNAs that were proliferation- and apoptosis-associated and were involved in the 5-FU-induced inhibition of tumor proliferation in OS cells.

Downregulation of miR‑193a‑3p via targeting cyclin D1 in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer (TC) is a frequently occurring malignant tumor with a rising steadily incidence. microRNA (miRNA/miR)‑193a‑3p is an miRNA that is associated with tumors, playing a crucial role in the genesis and progression of various cancers. However, the expression levels of miR‑193a‑3p and its molecular mechanisms in TC remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to probe the expression of miR‑193a‑3p and its clinical significance in TC, including its underlying molecular mechanisms. Microarray and RNA sequencing data gathered from three major databases, specifically Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), ArrayExpress and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, and the relevant data from the literature were used to examine miR‑193a‑3p expression. Meta‑analysis was also conducted to evaluate the association between clinicopathological parameters and miR‑193a‑3p in 510 TC and 59 normal samples from the TCGA database. miRWalk 3.0, and the TCGA and GEO databases were used to predict the candidate target genes of miR‑193a‑3p. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and protein‑protein interaction network enrichment analyses were conducted by using the predicted candidate target genes to investigate the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms. A dual luciferase assay was performed to validate the targeting regulatory association between the most important hub gene cyclin D1 (CCND1) and miR‑193a‑3p. miR‑193a‑3p expression was considerably downregulated in TC compared with in the non‑cancer controls (P<0.001). The area under the curve of the summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.80. Downregulation of miR‑193a‑3p was also significantly associated with age, sex and metastasis (P=0.020, 0.044 and 0.048, respectively). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that a low miR‑193a‑3p expression may augment CCND1 expression to affect the biological processes of TC. In addition, CCND1, as a straightforward target, was validated through a dual luciferase assay. miR‑193a‑3p and CCND1 may serve as prognostic biomarkers of TC. Finally, miR‑193a‑3p may possess a crucial role in the genesis and progression of TC by altering the CCND1 expression.

LncRNA LINC00152 Promotes Laryngeal Cancer Progression by Sponging MiR-613

Background

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00152 (CYTOR) has been reported to be upregulated and to serve as a diagnostic biomarker in multiple types of cancers, including laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). However, the functional role and molecular mechanisms of LINC00152 in LSCC progression need to be further investigated.

Methods

LINC00152 levels in LSCC and adjacent normal tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Gene knockdown of LINC00152 was achieved in LSCC cells by use of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were examined by a series of methods. The micoRNA (miRNA) interaction with LINC00152 was screened by starBase v2.0 and confirmed by luciferase reporter activity.

Results

LINC00152 levels in LSCC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissue, and patients with lymph node metastasis or an advanced clinical stage displayed higher LINC00152 expression. Moreover, siRNA-mediated LINC00152 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LSCC cells and induced apoptosis in those cells. Mechanistically, LINC00152 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) sponging miR-613. The inhibitory effect of LINC00152 knockdown on malignant behavior was abrogated by inhibiting miR-613.

Conclusion

LINC00152 exerts an oncogenic effect on the tumorigenesis of LSCC by sponging miR-613 and may serve as a potential target for treating LSCC.

Saga of Mcl-1: regulation from transcription to degradation

The members of the Bcl-2 family are the central regulators of various cell death modalities. Some of these proteins contribute to apoptosis, while others counteract this type of programmed cell death, thus balancing cell demise and survival. A disruption of this balance leads to the development of various diseases, including cancer. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of proteins of the Bcl-2 family is of great importance for biomedical research. Among the members of the Bcl-2 family, antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 is characterized by a short half-life, which renders this protein highly sensitive to changes in its synthesis or degradation. Hence, the regulation of Mcl-1 is of particular scientific interest, and the study of Mcl-1 modulators could aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of disease development and the ways of their treatment. Here, we summarize the present knowledge regarding the regulation of Mcl-1, from transcription to degradation, focusing on aspects that have not yet been described in detail.

Long non-coding RNA signature in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer as a common human malignancy has been associated with aberrant expressions of several coding and non-coding genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as regulators of gene expressions at different genomic, transcriptomic and post-transcriptomic levels are among putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. In the present study, we have searched available literature and listed lncRNAs that are involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. In addition, we discuss associations between expressions of these lncRNAs and tumoral features or risk factors for gastric cancer. Based on the established role of lncRNAs in regulation of genomic stability, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis and other aspects of cell physiology, the potential of these transcripts as therapeutic targets in gastric cancer should be evaluated in future studies.

Long non-coding RNA linc00152 acting as a promising oncogene in cancer progression

The incidence and mortality rate of cancer continues to gradually increase, although considerable research effort has been directed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying biomarkers responsible for tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence indicates that the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcribed but not translated into functional proteins, contribute to cancer development. Recently, linc00152 (an lncRNA) was identified as a potent oncogene in various cancer types, and shown to be involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and motility by sponging tumor-suppressive microRNAs acting as a competing endogenous RNA, binding to gene promoters acting as a transcriptional regulator, and binding to functional proteins. In this review, we focus on the oncogenic role of linc00152 in tumorigenesis and provided an overview of recent clinical studies on the effects of linc00152 expression in human cancers.

LncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer: A novel approach to personalized medicine

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death with 5-year survival rate of about 30-35%. Since early detection is associated with decreased mortality, identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and proper management of patients with the best response to therapy is urgently needed. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) due to their high specificity, easy accessibility in a noninvasive manner, as well as their aberrant expression under different pathological and physiological conditions, have received a great attention as potential diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers. They may also serve as targets for treating gastric cancer. In this review, we highlighted the role of lncRNAs as tumor suppressors or oncogenes that make them potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Relatively, lncRNAs such as H19, HOTAIR, UCA1, PVT1, tissue differentiation-inducing nonprotein coding, and LINC00152 could be potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with gastric cancer. Also, the impact of lncRNAs such as ecCEBPA, MLK7-AS1, TUG1, HOXA11-AS, GAPLINC, LEIGC, multidrug resistance-related and upregulated lncRNA, PVT1 on gastric cancer epigenetic and drug resistance as well as their potential as therapeutic targets for personalized medicine was discussed.

Profiling the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network to reveal potential crosstalk between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer

Background

Because of the increasing dysplasia rate in the lifelong course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, it is imperative to characterize the crosstalk between IBD and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there have been no reports revealing the occurrence of the ceRNA network in IBD-related CRC.

Methods

In this study, we conducted gene expression profile studies of databases and performed an integrated analysis to detect the potential of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA in regulating disease transformation. R packages were used to screen differentially expressed mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA among CRC, IBD and normal tissue. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed based on predicted miRNA-targeted lncRNAs and miRNA-targeted mRNAs. Functional analyses were then conducted to identify genes involved in the ceRNA network, and key lncRNAs were evaluated based on several clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of three lncRNAs, 15 miRNAs, and 138 mRNAs were identified as potential mediators in the pathophysiological processes of IBD-related CRC. Gene Ontology annotation enrichment analysis confirmed that the dysplasia process was strongly associated with immune response, response to lipopolysaccharide, and inflammatory response. Survival analysis showed that LINC01106 (HR = 1.7; p < 0.05) were strongly associated with overall survival of colorectal cancer patients. The current study identified a series of IBD-related mRNAs, miRNA, and lncRNAs, and highlighted the important role of ceRNAs in the pathogenesis of IBD-related CRC. Among them, the LINC01106-miRNA-mRNA axis was identified as vital targets for further research.

S100A6/miR193a regulates the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells through the P53 acetylation

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is accounted for 80% to 85% of the total lung cancer cases and still a difficult problem to solve at present. The present study was aimed to explore the effect of S100A6 on the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis in lung cancer cell lines with the change of miR-193a expression and P53 acetylation. The expression of S100A6, CDK2, cyclinD1, VEGF, ANGII, anti-acetylp53 (K373), K-AC, P21 and Noxa were analyzed by western blot analysis. RT-qPCR analysis was used to confirm the transfection effects. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were reflecting the cell proliferation. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were evaluating the cell invasion and migration. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was to confirm the S100A6 as a target of miR-193a. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analysis were analyzing the S100A6 expression in cells and tumor tissues, respectively. As a result, S100A6 expression was increased in lung cancer cell lines and S100A6 expressed the highest in A549 cells which was chosen for the subsequent experiment. S100A6 overexpression promoted the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells with the promotion of degradation of P53 acetylation. In addition, S100A6 was demonstrated to be a target of miR193a. Moreover, miR193a expression was decreased in lung cancer cell lines and miR193a expressed the lowest in A549 cells which was chosen for the subsequent experiment. And, miR193a overexpression inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells with the enhancement of P53 acetylation. The effects of S100A6 overexpression and miR193a overexpression on tumor growth in vivo experiments were the same with that in the cell experiments. In conclusion, this study indicated that S100A6 overexpression could promote the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the P53 acetylation and miR193a overexpression could reversed the above effects by decreasing the S100A6 expression in both vitro and vivo experiments.

Improved characterization of the relationship between long intergenic non-coding RNA Linc00152 and the occurrence and development of malignancies

Linc00152, located on chromosome 2p11.2, is a long intergenic non-coding RNA molecule with 828 nucleotides that is highly expressed in many types of human tumor tissues, especially in malignant tumors of the digestive system. Linc00152 promotes the occurrence and development of tumors by increasing tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. Additionally, linc00152 contributes to the carcinogenesis of several cancers, including gastric cancer, liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer, by disturbing various signaling pathways (eg PI3K/AKT, mTOR, IL-1, and NOTCH 1 signaling pathways). High linc00152 expression levels are associated with chemoresistance as well as poor prognosis and shorter survival. Continual advances made in the relevant research have indicated that linc00152 may be useful as a new tumor molecular biomarker, applicable for tumor diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis assessment. This review summarizes the progress in the research into the relationship between linc00152 and the occurrence and development of malignancies based on molecular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and clinical applications.

MiR-193a-3p inhibits pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation by targeting CCND1

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could modulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by promoting mRNA degradation or blocking mRNA translation, thus affecting the occurrence and development of cancer. Methods: In this work, qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of miR-193a-3p and CCND1. The ability of cell proliferation was evaluated via CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry. Bioinformatic techniques were employed to research the regulatory relationship between miR-193a-3p and target genes. The relationship between miR-193a-3p and CCND1 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results: MiR-193a-3p expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue was significantly lower than in non-cancerous tissue. After overexpressing miR-193a-3p in PDAC cells, their multiplication ability was significantly inhibited, apoptosis was accelerated, and the cell cycle was blocked in the G1 and G2/M phases. CCND1 was confirmed to have a targeted relationship with miR-193a-3p. Moreover, CCND1 expression was significantly lower in PDAC cells with an overexpression of miR-193a-3p. Conclusions: MiR-193a-3p targeted CCND1 to suppress tumor growth in PDAC cells. MiR-193a-3p may function as a tumor inhibitor in PDAC development, which could offer a promising therapeutic and prognostic strategy for PDAC treatment.

Exosomes: from carcinogenesis and metastasis to diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer

Exosomes represent an important group of extracellular vesicles with a defined size between 40 and 150 nm and cup-shaped construction which have a pivotal role in elimination of intracellular debris and intercellular signaling networks. A line of evidence revealed the impact of different types of exosomes in initiation, progression, and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). These bioactive vesicles mediate tumor and stromal communication network through modulation of cell signaling for carcinogenesis and pre-metastatic niche formation in distant organs. Exosomes contain various cargos including DNAs (mitochondrial and genomic), proteins, transposable elements, and RNAs (coding and noncoding) with different compositions related to functional status of origin cells. In this review, we summarize the main roles of key exosomal cargos in induction of exosome-mediated signaling in cancer cells. Body fluids are employed frequently as the source of exosomes released by tumor cells with a potential role in early diagnosis of GC and chemoresistance. These vesicles as non-toxic and non-immunogenic carriers are also found to be applied for novel drug delivery systems.

Circular RNA circHIPK3 promotes cell proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer by sponging miR-193a-3p and regulating MCL1 expression

Background

While emerging evidence indicates that circHIPK3 is critically involved in tumorigenesis and the development of several cancers, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is not clearly understood.

Materials and methods

Human PCa samples and their matched normal adjacent tissues were obtained from 26 patients to assess the expression of circHIPK3 and its relationship with PCa prognosis. A series of in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were carried out to elucidate the role of circHIPK3 in PCa progression and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

In this study, we found that circHIPK3 was overexpressed in PCa tissues and that higher circHIPK3 expression was associated with tumor stage. Moreover, circHIPK3 knockdown markedly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells in vitro and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that circHIPK3 could promote MCL1 expression by interacting with miR-193a-3p in PCa. Finally, rescue assays illustrated that circHIPK3 knockdown could partially reverse the effects of MCL1 overexpression.

Conclusion

In summary, our study illustrated, for the first time, that circHIPK3-mediated miR-193a-3p-MCL1 signaling promotes PCa development and progression, providing a novel therapeutic target for PCa.

LONG-NONCODING RNAs in gastroesophageal cancers

Despite continuing improvements in multimodal therapies, gastro-esophageal malignances remain widely prevalent in the population and is characterized by poor overall and disease-free survival rates. Due to the lack of understanding about the pathogenesis and absence of reliable markers, gastro-esophageal cancers are associated with delayed diagnosis. The increasing understanding about cancer's molecular landscape in the recent years, offers the possibility of identifying 'targetable' molecular events and in particular facilitates novel treatment strategies and development of biomarkers for early stage diagnosis. At least 98% of our genome is actively transcribed into non-coding RNAs encompassing long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constituted of transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with no protein-coding capacity. Many studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are functional genomic elements playing pivotal roles in main oncogenic processes. LncRNA can act at multiple levels developing a complex molecular network that can modulate directly or indirectly the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis. In this review, we focus on lncRNAs as emerging players in gastro-esophageal carcinogenesis and critically assess their potential as reliable noninvasive biomarkers and in next generation targeted therapies.

Knockdown of linc00152 inhibits the progression of gastric cancer by regulating microRNA-193b-3p/ETS1 axis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious threat for public health worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) linc00152 has been well reported to be an oncogene and a potential biomarker in multiple cancers including GC. However, the molecular mechanisms of linc00152 in GC development need to be further investigated.

METHODS

RT-qPCR assay was employed to detect the levels of linc00152, microRNA-193b-3p (miR-193b-3p) and ETS1 mRNA. ETS1 protein level was measured by western blot assay. Cell proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities were assessed by colony formation together with CCK-8 assays, transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore whether miR-193b-3p could interact with linc00152 or ETS1 3'UTR. The roles and molecular basis of linc00152 silence on the growth of GC xenograft tumors were tested in vivo.

RESULTS

Linc00152 expression was notably upregulated in GC tissues and cells. The proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of GC cells were weakened by linc00152 depletion, miR-193b-3p overexpression or ETS1 knockdown. Linc00152 upregulation inhibited miR-193b-3p expression by direct interaction and abolished miR-193b-3p-mediated anti-proliferation, anti-migration and anti-invasion effects in GC cells. ETS1 was a target of miR-193b-3p and linc00152 could promote ETS1 expression by downregulating miR-193b-3p. In vivo experiments further validated that linc00152 knockdown inhibited the growth of GC xenograft tumors by upregulating miR-193b-3p and downregulating ETS1.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of linc00152 inhibited GC progression by sequestering miR-193b-3p from ETS1 in vitro and in vivo, elucidating a novel molecular mechanism of linc00152 in promoting GC carcinogenesis.

Emerging role of long non-coding RNA in the development of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is a common, worldwide malignancy and has a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a significant subtype of RNA molecules with a length longer than 200 nucleotides (nt) that rarely encode proteins. In recent decades, deregulation of lncRNAs has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in various human carcinomas, including gastric cancer. Accumulating evidence has shown that some lncRNAs may function as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for gastric cancer. Thus, exploring the specific functions of lncRNAs will help both gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis and develop novel treatments for gastric cancer. In this review, we highlight the expression and functional roles of lncRNAs in gastric cancer, and analyze the potential applications of lncRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 promotes cell growth and invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating the miR-497/BDNF axis

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 152 (LINC00152) was reported to be tightly linked to tumorigenesis and progression in multiple cancers. However, its biological role and modulatory mechanism in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been elucidated. In this study, we determined the expression levels of LINC00152 in PTC tissues and cell lines by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion were measured by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation analysis, wound healing, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay and qRT-PCR were used to determine whether LINC00152 interacts with miR-497 directly. We established a xenograft mouse model to examine the underlying molecular mechanism and effect of LINC00152 on tumor growth in vivo. We found that LINC00152 expression was significantly increased in PTC tissues and derived cell lines. LINC00152 knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and impaired tumor growth in vivo. We revealed that LINC00152 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to the miR-497 sponge, downregulating its downstream target brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is an oncogene in thyroid cancer. These findings suggest that LINC00152 is responsible for PTC cell proliferation and invasion and exerts its function by regulating the miR-497/BDNF axis.