Long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2: role and function in human cancers

The dysregulated autophagy in osteoarthritis: Revisiting molecular profile

The risk factors of osteoarthritis (OA) are different and obesity, lifestyle, inflammation, cell death mechanisms and diabetes mellitus are among them. The changes in the biological mechanisms are considered as main regulators of OA pathogenesis. The dysregulation of autophagy is observed in different human diseases. During the pathogenesis of OA, the autophagy levels (induction or inhibition) change. The supportive and pro-survival function of autophagy can retard the progression of OA. The protective autophagy prevents the cartilage degeneration. Moreover, autophagy demonstrates interactions with cell death mechanisms and through inhibition of apoptosis and necroptosis, it improves OA. The non-coding RNA molecules can regulate autophagy and through direct and indirect control of autophagy, they dually delay/increase OA pathogenesis. The mitochondrial integrity can be regulated by autophagy to alleviate OA. Furthermore, therapeutic compounds, especially phytochemicals, stimulate protective autophagy in chondrocytes to prevent cell death. The protective autophagy has ability of reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, as two key players in the pathogenesis of OA.

Unlocking the potential of exosomes in cancer research: A paradigm shift in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Exosomes, which are tiny particles released by cells, have the ability to transport various molecules, including proteins, lipids, and genetic material containing non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). They are associated with processes like cancer metastasis, immunity, and tissue repair. Clinical trials have shown exosomes to be effective in treating cancer, inflammation, and chronic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and dendritic cells (DCs) are common sources of exosome production. Exosomes have therapeutic potential due to their ability to deliver cargo, modulate the immune system, and promote tissue regeneration. Bioengineered exosomes could revolutionize disease treatment. However, more research is needed to understand exosomes in tumor growth and develop new therapies. This paper provides an overview of exosome research, focusing on cancer and exosome-based therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and vaccines. It explores exosomes as a drug delivery system for cancer therapy, highlighting their advantages. The article discusses using exosomes for various therapeutic agents, including drugs, antigens, and RNAs. It also examines challenges with engineered exosomes. Analyzing exosomes for clinical purposes faces limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and purification. On the other hand, Nanotechnology offers solutions to overcome these challenges and unlock exosome potential in healthcare. Overall, the article emphasizes the potential of exosomes for personalized and targeted cancer therapy, while acknowledging the need for further research.

Interplay between lncRNA/miRNA and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in brain cancer tumorigenesis

Brain cancers are among the most aggressive malignancies with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis of brain cancers is a very complicated process involving various genetic mutations affecting several oncogenic signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin axis. Uncontrolled activation of this oncogenic signaling is associated with decreased survival rate and poor prognosis in cancer patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to play important roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by regulating the expression of their target genes. Aberrant expression of these non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) was reported in many human cancers, including glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma. Multiple lncRNAs were shown to participate in brain tumor pathogenesis by targeting Wnt signaling regulatory miRNAs. SNHG7/miR-5095, PCAT6/miR-139-3p, SNHG6/miR-944, SNHG1/ miR-556-5p, SNHG17/ miR-506-3p, LINC00702/miR-4652-3p, DLGAP1-AS1/miR-515-5p, HOTAIR/miR-1, HOTAIR/miR-206, CRNDE/miR-29c-3p, AGAP2-AS1/ miR-15a/b-5p, CLRN1-AS1/miR-217, MEG3/miR-23b-3p, and GAS5/miR-27a-5p are identified lncRNA/miRNA pairs that are involved in this process. Therefore, recognition of the expression profile and regulatory role of ncRNAs on the Wnt signaling may offer a novel approach to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of human cancers. This review summarizes previous data on the modulatory role of lncRNAs/miRNAs on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway implicated in tumor growth, EMT, metastasis, and chemoresistance in brain cancers.