KCNQ1OT1 promotes migration and inhibits apoptosis by modulating miR-185-5p/Rab14 axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

miR-185-5p rewires cisplatin resistance by restoring miR-203a-3p expression via downregulation of SOX9

Chemotherapeutic drug resistance is a challenge for the effective treatment of OSCC. There are a couple of studies on the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chemoresistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the exact molecular events in many cases are not clearly understood. In this work, we intend to track down key miRNA(s) and unveil their regulatory molecular mechanisms in imparting chemoresistance in this lethal cancer. We analyzed gene and miRNA array profiles of drug-resistant OSCC cells, predicted miRNA targets, performed enrichment analysis, and validated our findings in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant SCC9 and H357 OSCC cells. We evaluated the anticancer and chemosensitivity roles of selected miRNA by adopting several molecular assays like qRT-PCR, MTT assay, wound healing assay, fluorescence imaging by DCFHDA, AO/EB staining, DAPI, and γ-H2AX accumulation assay. We also validated the miRNA-target binding by qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay. Among the enriched miRNAs, we found miR-185-5p downregulated in cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells as a signature miRNA modulating chemoresistance. The upregulation of miR-185-5p by mimic transfection restores cisplatin sensitivity by decreasing cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and increasing ROS-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. miR-185-5p overexpression increases miR-203a-3p expression through negative regulation of SOX9. siRNA-mediated silencing of the SOX9 also shows similar results. Mechanistically, miR-185-5p dependent miR-203a-3p expression decreases cisplatin efflux and cisplatin-induced DNA damage repair by regulating ABCC1, ABCB1, RRM2, and RAN. This study will pave the way for employing this miR-185-5p as a combination therapeutic strategy to combat cisplatin resistance in oral cancer.

A review on the role of KCNQ1OT1 lncRNA in human disorders

KCNQ1OT1 is an lncRNA located within KCNQ1 gene on chromosome 11p15.5. This lncRNAs participates in the pathogenesis of a diversity of cancers as well as non-cancerous conditions. In most types of cancers, KCNQ1OT1 is regarded as an oncogene. In a wide array of cancers, high level of KCNQ1OT1 is associated with lower overall survival time. This lncRNA has been found to adsorb a variety of miRNAs, namely miR-15a, miR-211-5p, hsa-miR-107, miR-145, miR-34a, miR-204-5p, miR-129-5p, miR-372-3p, miR-491-5p, miR-153, miR-185-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-211-5p, miR-149, miR-148a-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-9, miR-329-3p, miR-760, miR-296-5p, miR-3666 and miR-129-5p, thus regulating the downstream targets of these miRNAs. In this manuscript, our attention is on this lncRNA and its biomolecular roles in human cancers and other disorders. KCNQ1OT1 plays significant roles in the tumorigenesis and may function as a prospective target for cancer therapy.

Biological role of long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 in cancer progression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a type of RNAs that are more than 200 nucleotides without protein-coding potential. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the role of lncRNAs in cancer pathogenesis. LncRNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) is located on chromosome 11p15.5 with a total length of 91 kb and is highly expressed in various malignancies, which is closely related to tumor growth, lymph node metastasis, survival cycle and recurrence rate. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 is involved in the regulation of PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In this review, the mechanism and related progress of KCNQ1OT1 in different cancers were reviewed. It was found that KCNQ1OT1 can stabilize mRNA expression through sponging miRNA, which not only induced tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, but also promoted tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Therefore, as a new biomarker and therapeutic target, KCNQ1OT1 has broad prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of different cancers.

A snapshot of miRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Difference between cancer cells and corresponding normal cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes the most aggressive tumors of the oral cavity and is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Although recent clinical treatment strategies have improved the survival rate, the outcome of OSCC patients still remains dismal because of the lack of efficient diagnostic and treatment tools. As one of the main actors of OSCC scenario, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in triggering, progression and metastasis through the regulation of various cancer-related signaling pathways. Identification followed by precise study of the biology and mechanism of action of miRNAs will greatly help to provide valuable insights regarding OSCC development and can be considered as an anti-OSCC target. In the current review, we have provided a focused summary of the latest published papers on the role of miRNAs in apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, EMT and metastasis of OSCC as well as the role of long noncoding RNAs in the modulation of miRNAs in OSCC.

The role of microRNA-185 in the pathogenesis of human diseases: A focus on cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a widely-studied class of non-coding RNAs characterized by their short length (18-25 nucleotides). The precise functions of miRNAs are not well-elucidated; however, an increasing number of studies suggest their involvement in various physiologic processes and deregulation in pathologic conditions. miRNA-185 (miR-185) is among the mostly-studied miRNAs in human diseases, which is found to play putative roles in conditions like metabolic disorders, asthma, frailty, schizophrenia, and hepatitis. Notably, many cancer studies report the downregulation of miR-185 in cell lines, tumor tissues, and plasma specimens of patients, while it demonstrates a suppressing role on the malignant properties of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, miR-185 can be considered a tumor suppressor miRNA in human malignancies, while a few studies also report inconsistent findings. Being suggested as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker, mi-185 is also found to offer clinical potentials, particularly for early diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we have outlined the studies that have evaluated the functions and clinical significance of miR-185 in different human diseases with a particular focus on cancer.

Noncoding RNAs in oral cancer

Oral cancer (OC) is the most prevalent subtype of cancer arising in the head and neck region. OC risk is mainly attributed to behavioral risk factors such as exposure to tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and a lesser extent to viral infections such as human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses. In addition to these acquired risk factors, heritable genetic factors have shown to be associated with OC risk. Despite the high incidence, biomarkers for OC diagnosis are lacking and consequently, patients are often diagnosed in advanced stages. This delay in diagnosis is reflected by poor overall outcomes of OC patients, where 5-year overall survival is around 50%. Among the biomarkers proposed for cancer detection, noncoding RNA (ncRNA) can be considered as one of the most promising categories of biomarkers due to their role in virtually all cellular processes. Similar to other cancer types, changes in expressions of ncRNAs have been reported in OC and a number of ncRNAs have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Moreover, some ncRNAs are capable of regulating gene expression by various mechanisms. Therefore, elucidating the current literature on the four main types of ncRNAs namely, microRNA, lncRNA, snoRNA, piwi-RNA, and circular RNA in the context of OC pathogenesis is timely and would enable further improvements and innovations in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OC. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

YY1 accelerates oral squamous cell carcinoma progression through long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1/microRNA-506-3p/SYPL1 axis

OBJECTIVE

Ying Yang1 (YY1) has already been discussed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the knowledge about its mediation on long non-coding RNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1/microRNA-506-3p/synaptophysin like 1 (Kcnq1ot/miR-506-3p/SYPL1) axis in OSCC is still in its infancy. Hence, this article aims to explain the mechanism of YY1/Kcnq1ot1/miR-506-3p/SYPL1 axis in OSCC development.

METHODS

YY1, Kcnq1ot1, miR-506-3p and SYPL1 expression levels were determined in OSCC tissues. The potential relation among YY1, Kcnq1ot1, miR-506-3p and SYPL1 was explored. Cell progression was observed to figure out the actions of depleted YY1, Kcnq1ot1 and SYPL1 and restored miR-506-3p in OSCC. OSCC tumorigenic ability in mice was examined.

RESULTS

Elevated YY1, Kcnq1ot1 and SYPL1 and reduced miR-506-3p were manifested in OSCC. YY1 promoted Kcnq1ot1 transcription and up-regulated Kcnq1ot1 expression, thereby promoting OSCC cell procession. Silencing Kcnq1ot1 or elevating miR-506-3p delayed OSCC cell progression and silencing Kcnq1ot1 impeded tumorigenic ability of OSCC cells in mice. YY1-mediated Kcnq1ot1 sponged miR-506-3p to target SYPL1.

CONCLUSION

YY1 promotes OSCC cell progression via up-regulating Kcnq1ot1 to sponge miR-506-3p to elevate SYPL1, guiding a novel way to treat OSCC.

The role of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous collection of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, salivary glands, and thyroid. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) remain poorly understood. Over the past decades, overwhelming evidence has demonstrated the regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis, including HNSCC. Notably, these lncRNAs have vital roles in gene regulation and affect various aspects of cellular homeostasis, including proliferation, survival, and metastasis. They exert regulating functions by interacting with nucleic acids or proteins and affecting cancer cell signaling. LncRNAs represent a burgeoning field of cancer research, and we are only beginning to understand the importance and complicity of lncRNAs in HNSCC. In this review, we summarize the deregulation and function of lncRNAs in human HNSCC. We also review the working mechanism of lncRNAs in HNSCC pathogenesis and discuss the potential application of lncRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic targets in human HNSCC.

miR-664b-3p inhibits colon cell carcinoma via negatively regulating Budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 3

MiR-664b-3p has been reported to play a crucial role in cancer progression. This research explores the biological effect and molecular mechanisms of miR-664b-3p in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of colon cancer. The expression level of miR-664b-3p and Budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 3 (Bub3) in colon cancer cell lines and tissues were detected and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and bioinformatics method. The Western blot measured the expression level of proliferation-related, migration-related, and apoptosis-related proteins. CCK-8 assessed cell viability, and the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by the Edu assay, wound-healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. Annexin/propidium iodide (PI) assays detected apoptosis of cells. The target of miR-664b-3p was predicted by bioinformatics methods and then validated by gene engineering technology. MiR-664b-3p was downregulated in colon cancer tissues and cells. The cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were inhibited after transfecting by miR-664b-3p mimics, whereas apoptosis was promoted. Over-expression of miR-664b-3p could reduce the expression of proliferation-promoted proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), proliferation marker protein Ki-67 (Ki-67), migration-promoted Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Matrix Metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and apoptosis-inhibited protein (Bcl-2) while increasing the expression of apoptosis-promoted BCL2-Associated X Protein (Bax), caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins. The study indicated that miR-664b-3p plays a significant role in colon cancer and could regulate the progression of colon cancer tumor growth by suppressing the expression of BUB3 protein. These findings provide a novel strategy to screen and treat colon cancer.

Impact of Non-Coding RNAs on Chemotherapeutic Resistance in Oral Cancer

Drug resistance in oral cancer is one of the major problems in oral cancer therapy because therapeutic failure directly results in tumor recurrence and eventually in metastasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in processes related to the development of drug resistance. A number of studies have shown that ncRNAs modulate gene expression at the transcriptional or translational level and regulate biological processes, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, DNA repair and drug efflux, which are tightly associated with drug resistance acquisition in many types of cancer. Interestingly, these ncRNAs are commonly detected in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are known to be delivered into surrounding cells. This intercellular communication via EVs is currently considered to be important for acquired drug resistance. Here, we review the recent advances in the study of drug resistance in oral cancer by mainly focusing on the function of ncRNAs, since an increasing number of studies have suggested that ncRNAs could be therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.

Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Predicting Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on ceRNA Network and Immune Infiltration Analysis

Objectives

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have poor prognosis and show poor responses to immune checkpoint (IC) inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), and ICIs may influence tumor prognosis and response rates to ICI therapy. This study is aimed at identifying prognostic and IC-related biomarkers and key TIIC signatures to improve prognosis and ICI therapy response in HNSCC patients.

Methods and Results

Ninety-five long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and 1746 mRNAs were identified using three independent methods. We constructed a ceRNA network and estimated the proportions of 22 immune cell subtypes. Ten ceRNAs were related to prognosis according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. Two risk signatures based, respectively, on nine ceRNAs (ANLN, CFL2, ITGA5, KDELC1, KIF23, NFIA, PTX3, RELT, and TMC7) and three immune cell types (naïve B cells, neutrophils, and regulatory T cells) via univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses could accurately and independently predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Key mRNAs in the ceRNA network were significantly correlated with naïve B cells and regulatory T cells and with stage, grade, and immune and molecular subtype. Eight IC genes exhibited higher expression in tumor tissues and were correlated with eight key mRNAs in the ceRNA network in HNSCC patients with different HPV statuses according to coexpression and TIMER 2.0 analyses. Most drugs were effective in association with expression of these key signatures (ANLN, CFL2, ITGA5, KIF23, NFIA, PTX3, RELT, and TMC7) based on GSCALite analysis. The prognostic value of key biomarkers and associations between key ceRNAs and IC genes were validated using online databases. Eight key ceRNAs were confirmed to predict response to ICI in other cancers based on TIDE analysis.

Conclusions

We constructed two risk signatures to accurately predict prognosis in HNSCC. Key IC-related signatures may be associated with response to ICI therapy. Combinations of ICIs with inhibitors of eight key mRNAs may improve survival outcomes of HNSCC patients.

KCNQ1OT1: An Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNA

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins but regulate gene expression. Recent studies indicate that lncRNAs are involved in the modulation of biological functions in human disease. KCNQ1 Opposite Strand/Antisense Transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) encodes a lncRNA from the opposite strand of KCNQ1 in the CDKN1C/KCNQ1OT1 cluster that is reported to play a vital role in the development and progression of cancer. KCNQ1OT1 regulates cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration and invasion, metastasis, glucose metabolism, and immune evasion. The aberrant expression of KCNQ1OT1 in cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis and decreased survival. This review summarizes recent literature related to the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of KCNQ1OT1 in various human cancers, including colorectal, bladder, breast, oral, melanoma, osteosarcoma, lung, glioma, ovarian, liver, acute myeloid leukemia, prostate, and gastric. We also discuss the role of KCNQ1OT1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in human cancers.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes hydrogen peroxide-induced lens epithelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress by regulating miR-223-3p/BCL2L2 axis

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can exert crucial roles in the pathogenesis of cataract, including lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1). We aimed to further elucidate the biological role and regulatory molecular mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in cataract. The expression of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-223-3p and BCL2 like 2 (BCL2L2) was examined by qRT-PCR. Cataract cell model was constructed by treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04). SRA01/04 cell viability and cell apoptosis were tested using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot (WB) was performed to measure the levels of apoptosis-related proteins and BCL2L2 protein. The oxidative stress factors were analyzed by corresponding kits. The interaction between miR-223-3p and KCNQ1OT1 or BCL2L2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. We found that KCNQ1OT1 was upregulated in cataract anterior lens capsule samples and H₂O₂-induced SRA01/04 cells. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 suppressed H₂O₂-induced SRA01/04 cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. KCNQ1OT1 acted as a sponge of miR-223-3p. Inhibition of miR-223-3p could abate the function of KCNQ1OT1 silence in H₂O₂-treated SRA01/04 cells. Additionally, BCL2L2 was a direct target of miR-223-3p, and miR-223-3p weakened H₂O₂-induced SRA01/04 cell apoptosis and oxidative stress by targeting BCL2L2. Collectively, the data suggest a role for the KCNQ1OT1/miR-223-3p/BCL2L2 axis in cataract formation but the data was generated using an epithelial cell line.

Identification novel prognostic signatures for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma based on ceRNA network construction and immune infiltration analysis

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignancy with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, but the underlying biological mechanisms of molecules and tumor infiltrating-immune cells (TIICs) are still unknown. Methods and Results: We obtained mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs expression profiles of 546 HNSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to develop a ceRNA network. CIBERSORT was employed to estimate the fraction of 22 types of TIICs in HNSCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression and lasso regression analyses were used to develop prognostic signatures. Then, two novel risk signatures were constructed respectively based on six ceRNAs (ANLN, KIT, PRKAA2, NFIA, PTX3 and has-miR-148a-3p) and three immune cells (naïve B cells, regulatory T cells and Neutrophils). Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis and Cox regression analysis further proved that these two signatures were significant prognostic factors independent of multiple clinicopathological characteristics. Two nomograms were built based on ceRNAs-riskScore and TIICs-riskScore that could be used to predict the prognosis of HNSCC. Co-expression analysis showed significant correlations between miR-148a-3p and naive B cells, naive B cells and plasmas cells. Conclusion: Through construction of the ceRNA network and estimation of TIICs, we established two risk signatures and their nomograms with excellent utility, which indicated the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms, and predicted the prognosis of HNSCC.

High expression of Rab31 confers a poor prognosis and enhances cell proliferation and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Dysregulation of Rab proteins has been observed in various types of cancer. Ectopic expression of Rab31, a member of the Rab protein family, is involved in cancer development and progression. However, the specific role and potential molecular mechanism underlying the functions of Rab31 remain largely unknown. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the functions of Rab31 in the development of cancer. Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) samples were examined to determine the expression profile of Rab31 and its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with OSCC. Knockdown of Rab31 expression with short hairpin RNA was performed to analyze the functions of Rab31 in vitro and in vivo. The expression of Rab31 was significantly elevated in human OSCC samples compared with that in normal oral mucosal epithelial tissues, and high expression levels were associated with high pathological grades. Furthermore, positive expression of Rab31 was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. In addition, knockdown of Rab31 expression suppressed OSCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis compared with those in the control‑transfected cells, which may have been caused by downregulated cyclin D1 and survivin expression and upregulated B‑cell lymphoma 2 expression. The invasive ability of OSCC cells was also abrogated by Rab31 silencing compared with that in the control‑transfected cells, which was associated with downregulated N‑cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase‑9 expression levels and upregulated levels of E‑cadherin expression. Furthermore, silencing Rab31 in OSCC cell lines, when compared with the control‑transfected cells, significantly reduced tumor growth and inhibited the expression of survivin, Ki‑67 and N‑cadherin in vivo. By contrast, the expression levels of E‑cadherin were increased. Taken together, the results of the present study supported important roles for Rab31 in regulating OSCC cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion and may facilitate the identification of a new therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.

Preclinical Experimental Applications of miRNA Loaded BMSC Extracellular Vesicles

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have been investigated for many years, especially for tissue regeneration, and have inherent limitations. One of the rapidly developing fields in the scientific world in recent years is extracellular vesicles. Especially, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell originated extracellular vesicles are known to have positive contributions in tissue regeneration, and these extracellular vesicles have also been used as gene transfer systems for cellular therapy. Through gene expression analysis and bioinformatics tools, it is possible to determine which genes have changed in the targeted tissue or cell and which miRNAs that can correct this gene expression disorder. This approach connecting the stem cell, extracellular vesicles, epigenetics regulation and bioinformatics fields is one of the promising areas for the treatment of diseases in the future. With this review, it is aimed to present the studies carried out for the use of bone marrow stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles loaded with targeted miRNAs in different in vivo and in vitro human disease models and to discuss recent developments in this field.

miR-141 Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeted PHLPP2 Expression Inhibitionn

Objective

Colon cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer with a high rate of incidence and mortality. Therefore, it is highly necessary to explore novel targets of CC.

Methods

The miRNA-seq and RNA-seq data of CC were accessed from the TCGA database. Differential analysis was performed using the "edgeR" package to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DE_miRNAs). The downstream target genes of the target miRNA were then predicted by miRNA target prediction databases to identify the target mRNA. Normal colon cell line CCD-18Co and CC cell lines HCT-116, HT-29, SW620 and SW480 were chosen, and qRT-PCR was conducted to detect miR-141 expression in these cell lines. qRT-PCR and Western blot were carried out to determine PHLPP2 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-141 and PHLPP2 3'UTR. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were carried out to detect cell proliferation. Meanwhile, tumor xenograft model in nude mice was constructed to assess CC cell tumorigenic ability in vivo.

Results

miR-141 was markedly up-regulated in CC tissue. CC cell proliferation and in vivo tumorigenic ability were suppressed by miR-141 silencing but promoted by miR-141 over-expression. PHLPP2 was significantly down-regulated in cancer tissue. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that miR-141 could bind to PHLPP2 3'UTR. PHLPP2 expression was noticeably elevated upon miR-141 deficiency but significantly inhibited upon miR-141 over-expression. CCK-8 and colony formation assay suggested that miR-141 facilitated CC cell proliferation by silencing PHLPP2.

Conclusion

miR-141 promotes CC cell proliferation by targeted silencing PHLPP2.

Khademul Islam AB. Perversely expressed long noncoding RNAs can alter host response and viral proliferation in SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Regulatory roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during viral infection has become more evident in last decade, but are yet to be explored for SARS-CoV-2.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We analyzed RNA-seq dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infected lung epithelial cells to identify differentially expressed genes.

RESULTS

Our analyses uncover 21 differentially expressed lncRNAs broadly involved in cell survival and regulation of gene expression. These lncRNAs can directly interact with six differentially expressed protein-coding genes, and ten host genes that interact with SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Also, they can block the suppressive effect of nine microRNAs induced in viral infections.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation determines that deregulated lncRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection are involved in viral proliferation, cellular survival, and immune response, ultimately determining disease outcome.

Long Non-Coding KCNQ1OT1 Promotes Oxygen-Glucose-Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Neurons Injury Through Regulating MIR-153-3p/FOXO3 Axis

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of LncRNA-Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily Q Member 1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in cerebral I/R induced neuronal injury, and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Primary mouse cerebral cortical neurons treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro and mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion were used to mimic cerebral I/R injury. Small inference RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown KCNQ1OT1 or microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p). Dual-luciferase assay was performed to detect the interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-153-3p and interaction between miR-153-3p and Fork head box O3a (Foxo3). Flow cytometry analysis was performed to detect neuronal apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect RNA and protein expressions.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 and Foxo3 expressions were significantly increased in neurons subjected to I/R injury in vitro and in vivo, and miR-153-3p expression were significantly decreased. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 or overexpression of miR-153-3p weakened OGD/R-induced neuronal injury and regulated Foxo3 expressions. Dual-luciferase analysis showed that KCNQ1OT1 directly interacted with miR-153-3p and Foxo3 is a direct target of miR-153-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 promotes OGD/R-induced neuronal injury at least partially through acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-153-3p to regulate Foxo3a expression, suggesting LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury.