Delphinidin suppresses breast carcinogenesis through the HOTAIR/microRNA-34a axis

Soufeng Sanjie formula alleviates the progression of lupus and joint injury by regulating the ALKBH5-FoxO1-PFKFB3 axis in M-MDSCs

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases present with impaired immune function and injured organs, with joint injury being one of the most common complications. Soufeng Sanjie formula (SF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that alleviates rheumatoid arthritis and has a significant regulatory effect on T cells. Recently, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been considered an essential factor contributing to SLE pathogenesis, as they can mediate the abnormal amplification of Th17 cells. However, it remains unclear whether SF targets MDSCs to alleviate SLE and joint injury.

PURPOSE

We aim to examine SF for therapeutic effects in lupus mice and the potential molecular mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We developed an IMQ-induced lupus mouse model for assessing the high and low doses of SF for their effects. The manifestations of joint injury were also examined. Changes in immune cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry and in vitro co-culture experiments. The key targets and active components of the SF were identified through network pharmacological analysis. Moreover, SF-containing serum was prepared to stimulate TLR7 against R848-induced-MDSCs in vitro. We also developed a pristane-induced lupus model in myeloid FoxO1-deficient mice. ECAR and OCR detection, measurements of glucose and lactic acid levels, luciferase reporter gene assays and ChIP-qPCR were employed to assess the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of FoxO1. Dot blot analysis in conjunction with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to assess post-transcriptional regulation.

RESULTS

SF significantly alleviated the symptoms of IMQ-induced lupus in mice, including joint damage. SF decreased the proportion of monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), with no significant effects on granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs), in both blood and spleen. Network pharmacological analysis indicated that FoxO1 was a key target of SF in M-MDSCs. Expectedly, SF-containing serum enhanced the immunosuppressive effect of M-MDSCs on Th17 cells by increasing FoxO1. The therapeutic efficacy of SF was diminished in the pristane-induced lupus model with myeloid FoxO1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, FoxO1 impaired the glycolytic process in M-MDSCs by inhibiting PFKFB3 transcription, thereby enhancing their immunosuppressive effect on Th17 cells. Additionally, delphinidin chloride (DP), an important constituent of SF, increased FoxO1 mRNA stability by downregulating ALKBH5-m6A modification in M-MDSCs.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that SF enhanced glycolysis in M-MDSCs by regulating the ALKBH5-FoxO1-PFKFB3 axis, which decreased Th17 cells and alleviated lupus and joint injury. These data firstly indicate SF may represent a potential treatment option for SLE and joint damage, revealing regulatory effects of DP, the key active component of SF, at the post-transcriptional level.

TRIM16 and PRC1 Are Involved in Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Targeted by Delphinidin

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and candidate drugs are needed. In this work, three PC-related microarray datasets (GSE183795, GSE28735, and GSE62452) were analyzed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PC were obtained with the limma package in R. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning approaches were used to screen the hub genes. Kaplan-Meier plotter and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were utilized to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the hub genes. The binding ability between natural bioactive ingredients and hub proteins was evaluated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell, and western blot assays were used to analyze the viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, invasion, and pathway change of PC cells. Additionally, a nude mice model was used to evaluate the aggressive properties of PC cells in vivo. In this study, a total of 988 DEGs were identified, which were mainly enriched in cell adhesion and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and two core genes TRIM16 and PRC1 were further identified. The overall survival of patients with high expression of TRIM16 and PRC1 was shorter. Delphinidin (Del) had good binding affinity with both TRIM16 and PRC1, and Del could inhibit the viability, invasion, and metastasis of PC cells and induce cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest. In addition, Del could promote the activation of p53 and inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in PC cells. In summary, TRIM16 and PRC1 are identified as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PC, and Del has good binding affinity with them and may be a potential therapeutic agent for PC.

Deciphering the code: the pivotal role of lncRNAs in advancing TNBC therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most formidable subtype of breast cancer, characterized by a notable dearth in targeted therapeutic options. Deciphering the underlying molecular mechanisms of TNBC is pivotal for improving patient outcomes. Recent scientific advancements have spotlighted long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key players in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancers. This review delineates the significant influence of lncRNAs on the advancement, detection, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy in TNBC, detailing the diverse expression patterns of aberrant lncRNAs. The paper explores the specific mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate gene expression in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, with a special focus on their involvement in TNBC's post-transcriptional landscape. Thorough investigations into TNBC-associated lncRNAs not only forge new avenues for early diagnosis and potent treatment strategies but also highlight these molecules as promising therapeutic targets, heralding an era of personalized and precision medicine in TNBC management.

The role of flavonoids in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: A review on targeting signaling pathways and metastasis

One of the hallmarks of cancer is metastasis, a process that entails the spread of cancer cells to distant regions in the body, culminating in tumor formation in secondary organs. Importantly, the proinflammatory environment surrounding cancer cells further contributes to cancer cell transformation and extracellular matrix destruction. During metastasis, front-rear polarity and emergence of migratory and invasive features are manifestations of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A variety of transcription factors (TFs) are implicated in the execution of EMT, the most prominent belonging to the Snail Family Transcriptional Repressor (SNAI) and Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox (ZEB) families of TFs. These TFs are regulated by interaction with specific microRNAs (miRNAs), as miR34 and miR200. Among the several secondary metabolites produced in plants, flavonoids constitute a major group of bioactive molecules, with several described effects including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, and anticancer effects. This review scrutinizes the modulatory role of flavonoids on the activity of SNAI/ZEB TFs and on their regulatory miRNAs, miR-34, and miR-200. The modulatory role of flavonoids can attenuate mesenchymal features and stimulate epithelial features, thereby inhibiting and reversing EMT. Moreover, this modulation is concomitant with the attenuation of signaling pathways involved in diverse processes as cell proliferation, cell growth, cell cycle progression, apoptosis inhibition, morphogenesis, cell fate, cell migration, cell polarity, and wound healing. The antimetastatic potential of these versatile compounds is emerging and represents an opportunity for the synthesis of more specific and potent agents.

Unveiling the connection: Long-chain non-coding RNAs and critical signaling pathways in breast cancer

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse condition that disrupts multiple signaling pathways essential for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Recently, the significant involvement of long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in controlling key signaling pathways associated with breast cancer development has been discovered. This review aims to explore the interaction between lncRNAs and various pathways, including the AKT/PI3K/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, DNA damage response, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and NF-κB signaling pathways, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their roles in breast cancer. The AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway regulates cell growth, survival, and metabolic function. Recent data suggests that specific lncRNAs can influence the functioning of this pathway, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Dysregulation of this pathway is commonly observed in breast cancer cases. Moreover, breast cancer development has been associated with other pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and NF-κB. Emerging studies have identified lncRNAs that modulate breast cancer's growth, progression, and metastasis by interacting with these pathways. To advance the development of innovative diagnostic tools and targeted treatment options, it is crucial to comprehend the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and vital signaling pathways in breast cancer. By fully harnessing the therapeutic potential of lncRNAs, there is a possibility of developing more effective and personalized therapy choices for breast cancer patients. Further investigation is necessary to comprehensively understand the role of lncRNAs within breast cancer signaling pathways and fully exploit their therapeutic potential.

HOTAIR: a potential metastatic, drug-resistant and prognostic regulator of breast cancer

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is an oncogenic non-coding RNA whose expression is strongly correlated with the tumor grade and prognosis of a variety of carcinomas including breast cancer (BC). HOTAIR regulates various target genes via sponging and epigenetic mechanisms and controls various oncogenic cellular and signaling mechanisms including metastasis and drug resistance. In BC cells, HOTAIR expression is regulated by a variety of transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that govern HOTAIR expression during cancer development and explore how HOTAIR drives BC development, metastasis, and drug resistance. In the final section of this review, we focus on the role of HOTAIR in BC management, therapeutic treatment, and prognosis, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.

Natural flavonoids alleviate glioblastoma multiforme by regulating long non-coding RNA

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Due to the poor prognosis of patients, the median survival time of GBM is often less than 1 year. Therefore, it is very necessary to find novel treatment options with a good prognosis for the treatment or prevention of GBM. In recent years, flavonoids are frequently used to treat cancer. It is a new attractive molecule that may achieve this promising treatment option. Flavonoids have been proved to have many biological functions, such as antioxidation, prevention of angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and protection of nerve cells. It has also shown the ability to regulate long non-coding RNA (LncRNA). Studies have confirmed that flavonoids can regulate epigenetic modification, transcription, and change microRNA (miRNA) expression of GBM through lncRNA at the gene level. It also found that flavonoids can induce apoptosis and autophagy of GBM cells by regulating lncRNA. Moreover, it can improve the metabolic abnormalities of GBM, interfere with the tumor microenvironment and related signaling pathways, and inhibit the angiogenesis of GBM cells. Eventually, flavonoids can block the tumor initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNA in GBM cancer progression and the influence of flavonoids on lncRNA regulation. And emphasize their expected role in the prevention and treatment of GBM.

Screening of honey bee pollen constituents against COVID-19: an emerging hot spot in targeting SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 interaction

The attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) leads the cell fusion process, so spike blockade may be a promising therapy combating COVID-19. Bee pollen bioflavonoids with intrinsic bioactivities are of outmost importance to block SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 interaction. Herein, we conducted a molecular docking assessment through natural phenolics/non-phenolics of pollen to investigate their affinity against SARS-CoV-2 spike. Finally, kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside 7-O-rhamnoside (compound a), quercetin 7-rhamnoside (compound b), delphinidin-3-O-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside (compound c), and luteolin-7-O-6″-malonylglucoside (compound d) showed the lowest binding affinity of -8.1, -7.7, -7.3 and -6.7 kcal/mol. The docking procedure was validated using protein-protein interactions between ACE-2 and SARS-CoV-2 RBD via HADDOCK webserver. MD simulations were fulfilled to investigate different ligands' effects on protein movements. Collectively, compound a may possess the potency to disturb the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE-2, which can be on the call for further in vitro and in vivo study to investigate its antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2.

Crosstalk between Methylation and ncRNAs in Breast Cancer: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications

Breast cancer, as a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor, is one of the primary causes of death among females worldwide. The etiology of breast cancer involves aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and abnormal expression of certain non-coding RNA (ncRNAs). DNA methylation, N6-methyladenosine(m6A), and histone methylation are widely explored epigenetic regulation types in breast cancer. ncRNAs are a group of unique RNA transcripts, mainly including microRNA (miRNAs), long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs), circular RNA (circRNAs), small interfering RNA (siRNAs), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNAs), etc. Different types of methylation and ncRNAs mutually regulate and interact to form intricate networks to mediate precisely breast cancer genesis. In this review, we elaborate on the crosstalk between major methylation modifications and ncRNAs and discuss the role of their interaction in promoting breast cancer oncogenesis. This review can provide novel insights into establishing a new diagnostic marker system on methylation patterns of ncRNAs and therapeutic perspectives of combining ncRNA oligonucleotides and phytochemical drugs for breast cancer therapy.

Behind the Scenes of Anthocyanins-From the Health Benefits to Potential Applications in Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Fields

Anthocyanins are widespread and biologically active water-soluble phenolic pigments responsible for a wide range of vivid colours, from red (acidic conditions) to purplish blue (basic conditions), present in fruits, vegetables, and coloured grains. The pigments' stability and colours are influenced mainly by pH but also by structure, temperature, and light. The colour-stabilizing mechanisms of plants are determined by inter- and intramolecular co-pigmentation and metal complexation, driven by van der Waals, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and metal-ligand interactions. This group of flavonoids is well-known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which explains the biological effects associated with them. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the role of anthocyanins as natural colorants, showing they are less harmful than conventional colorants, with several technological potential applications in different industrial fields, namely in the textile and food industries, as well as in the development of photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, as new photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, pharmaceuticals, and in the cosmetic industry, mainly on the formulation of skin care formulations, sunscreen filters, nail colorants, skin & hair cleansing products, amongst others. In addition, we will unveil some of the latest studies about the health benefits of anthocyanins, mainly focusing on the protection against the most prevalent human diseases mediated by oxidative stress, namely cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The contribution of anthocyanins to visual health is also very relevant and will be briefly explored.

Circulating miRNA profiles in mice plasma following flavonoid intake

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols, including flavonoids, have been the focus of numerous studies that have revealed diverse health benefits. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding RNAs that function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNAs can be detected in the blood and these so-called circulating miRNAs are potential biomarkers of various diseases. This study aimed to explore circulating miRNAs in plasma as a means to predict the biological effects of functional food ingredients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used miRNA microarray analysis to compare plasma miRNA levels in mice orally administered three flavonoids (daidzein, quercetin, and delphinidin). Several miRNAs were differentially expressed in plasma from mice in each treatment group compared with the vehicle-treated group. The plasma levels of miR-25-5p, miR-146b-5p, and miR-501-3p were increased in the flavonoid-treated and the plasma levels of miR-148b-3p, miR-669e-5p, and miR-3962 were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that flavonoids alter miRNA expression in plasma and identified promising plasma miRNAs for assessing the functionality of flavonoids.

Chemistry and Pharmacological Actions of Delphinidin, a Dietary Purple Pigment in Anthocyanidin and Anthocyanin Forms

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring water-soluble flavonoids abundantly present in fruits and vegetables. They are polymethoxyderivatives of 2-phenyl-benzopyrylium or flavylium salts. Delphinidin (Dp) is a purple-colored plant pigment, which occurs in a variety of berries, eggplant, roselle, and wine. It is found in a variety of glycosidic forms ranging from glucoside to arabinoside. Dp is highly active in its aglycone form, but the presence of a sugar moiety is vital for its bioavailability. Several animal and human clinical studies have shown that it exerts beneficial effects on gut microbiota. Dp exhibits a variety of useful biological activities by distinct and complex mechanisms. This manuscript highlights the basic characteristics, chemistry, biosynthesis, stability profiling, chemical synthesis, physicochemical parameters along with various analytical methods developed for extraction, isolation and characterization, diverse biological activities and granted patents to this lead anthocyanin molecule, Dp. This review aims to open pathways for further exploration and research investigation on the true potential of the naturally occurring purple pigment (Dp) in its anthocyanidin and anthocyanin forms beyond nutrition.

Progress of HOTAIR-microRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma

The Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) has been identified as a tumor gene, and its expression in HCC is significantly increased. HOTAIR is associated with the proliferation, invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. In addition, HOTAIR can also regulate the expression and function of microRNA by recruiting the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and competitive adsorption, thus promoting the occurrence and development of HCC. In this review, we discussed the two mechanisms of HOTAIR regulating miRNA through direct binding miRNA and indirect regulation, and emphasized the role of HOTAIR in HCC through miRNA, explained the regulatory pathway of HOTAIR-miRNA-mRNA and introduced the role of this pathway in HCC proliferation, drug resistance, invasion and metastasis.

Role of Flavonoids as Epigenetic Modulators in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Epigenetic regulation involves reversible changes in histones and DNA modifications that can be inherited without any changes in the DNA sequence. Dysregulation of normal epigenetic processes can lead to aberrant gene expression as observed in many diseases, notably cancer. Recent insights into the mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs involved in altered gene expression profiles of tumor cells have caused a paradigm shift in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches towards cancer. There has been a surge in search for compounds that could modulate the altered epigenetic landscape of tumor cells, and to exploit their therapeutic potential against cancers. Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenol compounds which are abundantly found among phytochemicals and have potentials to modulate epigenetic processes. Knowledge of the precise flavonoid-mediated epigenetic alterations is needed for the development of epigenetics drugs and combinatorial therapeutic approaches against cancers. This review is aimed to comprehensively explore the epigenetic modulations of flavonoids and their anti-tumor activities.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Delphinidin and Its Glycosides' War on Cancer: Preclinical Perspectives

Until now, several studies have looked at the issue of anthocyanin and cancer, namely the preventive and inhibitory effects of anthocyanins, as well as the underlying molecular processes. However, no targeted review is available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of delphinidin and its glycosides on various cancers and their plausible molecular mechanisms. Considerable evidence shows significant anticancer properties of delphinidin-rich preparations and delphinidin alone both in vitro and in vivo. This review covers the in vitro and preclinical implications of delphinidin-mediated cell protection and cancer prevention; thus, we strongly recommend that delphinidin-rich preparations be further investigated as potential functional food, dietary antioxidant supplements, and natural health products targeting specific chronic diseases, including cancer. In addition to in vitro investigations, future research should focus on more animal and human studies to determine the true potential of delphinidin.

The Role of lncRNAs in Rare Tumors with a Focus on HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (HOTAIR)

Rare cancers are identified as those with an annual incidence of fewer than 6 per 100,000 persons and includes both epithelial and stromal tumors from different anatomical areas. The advancement of analytical methods has produced an accurate molecular characterization of most human cancers, suggesting a “molecular classification” that has allowed the establishment of increasingly personalized therapeutic strategies. However, the limited availability of rare cancer samples has resulted in very few therapeutic options for these tumors, often leading to poor prognosis. Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs mostly involved in tumor progression and drug response. In particular, the lncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) represents an emergent diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarker in many human cancers. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of HOTAIR in rare cancers, proposing it as a new biomarker usable in the management of these tumors.

Polyphenols as adjunctive treatments in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders: Efficacy, mechanisms of action, and factors influencing inter-individual response

The pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is complex and multifactorial. Polyphenols possess a range of potentially beneficial mechanisms of action that relate to the implicated pathways in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the emerging clinical trial and preclinical efficacy data regarding the role of polyphenols in mental and brain health, elucidate novel mechanisms of action including the gut microbiome and gene expression, and discuss the factors that may be responsible for the mixed clinical results; namely, the role of interindividual differences in treatment response and the potentially pro-oxidant effects of some polyphenols. Further clarification as part of larger, well conducted randomized controlled trials that incorporate precision medicine methods are required to inform clinical efficacy and optimal dosing regimens.

Current Knowledge of Long Non-Coding RNA HOTAIR in Breast Cancer Progression and Its Application

Breast cancer is one of the most devastating cancers with high morbidity and mortality in females worldwide. Breast tumorigenesis and further development present great uncertainty and complexity, and efficient therapeutic approaches still lack. Accumulating evidence indicates HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is dysregulated in cancers and has emerged as a novel hotspot in the field. In breast cancer, aberrant HOTAIR expression is responsible for advanced tumor progression by regulating multifarious signaling pathways. Besides, HOTAIR may act as competitive endogenous RNA to bind to several microRNAs and suppress their expressions, which can subsequently upregulate the levels of targeted downstream messenger RNAs, thereby leading to further cancer progression. In addition, HOTAIR works as a promising biomarker and predictor for breast cancer patients’ diagnosis or outcome prediction. Recently, HOTAIR is potentially considered to be a drug target. Here, we have summarized the induction of HOTAIR in breast cancer and its impacts on cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance, as well as elucidating the underlying mechanisms. This review aims to provide new insights into investigations between HOTAIR and breast cancer development and inspire new methods for studying the association in depth.

Functional Interaction among lncRNA HOTAIR and MicroRNAs in Cancer and Other Human Diseases

Simple Summary

This review aimed to describe the contribution of functional interaction between the lncRNA HOTAIR and microRNAs in human diseases, including cancer. HOTAIR/miRNAs complexes interfere with different cellular processes during carcinogenesis, mainly deregulating a series of oncogenic signaling pathways. A great number of ncRNAs-related databases have been established, supported by bioinformatics technologies, to identify the ncRNA-mediated sponge regulatory network. These approaches need experimental validation through cells and animal models studies. The optimization of systems to interfere with HOTAIR/miRNAs interplay could represent a new tool for the definition of diagnostic therapeutics in cancer patients.

Abstract

LncRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs mostly involved in regulation of cancer initiation, metastatic progression, and drug resistance, through participation in post-transcription regulatory processes by interacting with different miRNAs. LncRNAs are able to compete with endogenous RNAs by binding and sequestering miRNAs and thereby regulating the expression of their target genes, often represented by oncogenes. The lncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) represents a diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker in many human cancers, and its functional interaction with miRNAs has been described as crucial in the modulation of different cellular processes during cancer development. The aim of this review is to highlight the relation between lncRNA HOTAIR and different microRNAs in human diseases, discussing the contribution of these functional interactions, especially in cancer development and progression.

Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe suppresses hepatocellular carcinogenesis through the miR-200b-3p /Notch1 axis

Purpose

Xiaoai Jiedu recipe (XJR), a formula long used by Chinese National Medical Professor Zhou Zhongying, has potent antitumor properties, but the molecular mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the antitumor mechanism of XJR on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by focusing on miRNA.

Methods

Three concentrations of XJR (low, middle, and high) were used to treat tumor xenograft mice models. Microarray technology was used to identify the differential expressed genes after XJR treatment, and bioinformatic tools and luciferase reporter assay to predict the potential pathways. HepG2 cells were transfected with inhibitor of miR-200b-3p to detect the effect of miR-200b-3p and Notch1 on tumor growth.

Results

XJR effectively exerted anti-HCC effect both in vitro and in vivo. MiRNA chip analysis results showed that the expression of 75 miRNAs was upregulated and 158 miRNAs was downregulated in blood from XJR-treated mice. Further validation by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay showed that the expression of five miRNAs (miR-453, miR-200b-3p, miR-135a-1-3p, miR-1960, miR-378a-5p, and miR-466f) was consistent with the results of miRNA chip analysis. Among them, miR-200b-3p was selected as candidate for further research. Results of the MTT, migration, and wound healing assays showed that down-expression of miR-200b-3p abrogated the effect of XJR on cell growth and metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Notch1 was the direct target of miR-200b-3p. XJR significantly decreased Notch1 expression in HepG2 cells, whereas miR-200B-3p inhibitor abrogated the XJR-induced decrease in Notch1 expression.

Conclusion

This study indicated that XJR could effectively inhibit HCC and might exert its antitumor effect through the miR‐200b-3p/Notch1 axis. These findings provided new avenues for the use of XJR for prevention and treatment of HCC.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by upregulating KLF4

Background

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are capable of suppressing breast cancer growth; however, investigation on the effect and mechanism of ACNs on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells is limited. A complete understanding of those properties may provide useful information on of how to use these natural compounds for cancer prevention and treatment.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), one of the most widely distributed ACNs in edible fruits, in the EMT process, and cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and its underlying molecular mechanisms of how Cy3G establishes these functional roles in these cells.

Methods

MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells were treated with Cy3G (20 μM) for 24 h, and then the cells were used for cell migration and invasion assay. Western blotting, luciferase assay, ubiquitination assay, gene knockdown, and cycloheximide chase assay were performed to analyze the molecular mechanisms of Cy3G in suppressing EMT, and cell migration and invasion.

Results

Cy3G inhibited the EMT process in these cells and significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells (P ≤ 0.05) by upregulating Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression at protein level. KLF4 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells did not reveal any change in EMT marker expression, and cell migration and invasion upon treatment with Cy3G (P ≥ 0.05), which strongly indicated that the effects of Cy3G were mediated by KLF4. Furthermore, we determined that Cy3G indirectly upregulated KLF4 expression by downregulating FBXO32, which is the E3 ligase of KLF4.

Conclusion

Cy3G is a potential anticancer reagent as it can inhibit EMT and breast cancer cell migration and invasion by upregulating KLF4.

Long Non-Coding RNA HOTAIR in Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type among women, and morbidity and mortality rates are still very high. Despite new innovative therapeutic approaches for all BC molecular subtypes, the discovery of new molecular biomarkers involved in tumor progression has been fundamental for the implementation of personalized treatment strategies and improvement of patient management. Many experimental studies indicate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are strongly involved in BC initiation, metastatic progression, and drug resistance. In particular, aberrant expression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) lncRNA plays an important role in BC contributing to its progression and represents a predictor of BC metastasis. For its proven prognostic value, HOTAIR could represent a potential therapeutic target in BC. In the present review, we summarize the role of HOTAIR in cancer progression and drug resistance, in particular in BC, and we illustrate the main approaches for silencing it.

Delphinidin suppresses breast carcinogenesis through the HOTAIR/microRNA-34a axis

Delphinidin, one of the main anthocyanidins, has potent anti-cancer properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of delphinidin on 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast carcinogenesis on rats and the mechanism of delphinidin via negative regulation of the HOTAIR/microRNA-34a axis. We found administration of delphinidin could effectively suppress MNU-induced mammal breast carcinogenesis. Delphinidin downregulated the level of HOTAIR and upregulated miR-34a in breast carcinogenesis. Western blot analysis confirmed that delphinidin treatment can significantly decrease the expression of β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Gsk3β), c-Myc, cyclin-D1, and matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) expression in breast cancer cells, and inhibition of miR-34a significantly reduced the effect of delphinidin on c-Myc, cyclin-D1, and MMP-7. HOTAIR overexpression also blocked the effect of delphinidin on miR-34a and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay results showed that delphinidin upregulated miR-34a by inhibiting HOTAIR, coupled with enhancement of the zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and histone H3 Lys27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). This study indicated that delphinidin may potentially suppress breast carcinogenesis and exert its anti-cancer effect through the HOTAIR/miR-34a axis. These findings provided new evidence for the use of delphinidin in preventing breast carcinogenesis.