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Qian F, Wang J, Wang Y, Gao Q, Yan W, Lin Y, Shen L, Xie Y, Jiang X, Shen B. MiR-378a-3p as a putative biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis: Computational screening with experimental validation. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e307. [PMID: 33634974 PMCID: PMC7882078 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant disease with high morbidity and mortality, and the molecular mechanism for the genesis and progression is complex and heterogeneous. Biomarker discovery is crucial for the personalized and precision treatment of HCC. The accumulation of reported microRNA biomarkers makes it possible to combine computational identification with experimental validation to accelerate the discovery of novel biomarker. RESULTS In the present work, we applied a rational computer-aided biomarker discovery model to screen for the HCC diagnosis biomarker. Two HCC-associated networks were constructed based on the microRNA and mRNA expression profiles, and the potential microRNA biomarkers were identified based on their unique regulatory and influential power in the network. These putative biomarkers were then experimentally validated. One prominent example among these identified biomarkers is MiR-378a-3p: It was shown to independently regulate several important transcription factors such as PLAGL2 and β-catenin, affecting the β-catenin signaling. Such mechanism may indicate a potential tumor suppressor role of MiR-378a-3p and the impact of its abnormal expression on the cell growth and invasion of HCC. CONCLUSIONS A bioinformatics model with network topological and functional characterization was successfully applied to the identification of HCC biomarkers. The predicted microRNA biomarkers were than validated with experiments using human HCC cell lines, model animal, and clinical specimens. The results confirmed the prediction by our proposed model that miR-378a-3p was a putative biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuliang Qian
- Center for Systems BiologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jinghan Wang
- Department of the First Biliary Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalNavy Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of the First Biliary Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalNavy Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wenying Yan
- Center for Systems BiologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Li Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yufeng Xie
- Center for Systems BiologySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xiaoqing Jiang
- Department of the First Biliary Surgery, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalNavy Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Linck-Paulus L, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK, Dietrich P. Dissimilar Appearances Are Deceptive-Common microRNAs and Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer and Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010114. [PMID: 31906510 PMCID: PMC7017070 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on miRNAs as therapeutic targets in two cancer types that were frequently described to be driven by miRNAs—melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By focusing on common microRNAs and associated pathways in these—at first sight—dissimilar cancer types, we aim at revealing similar molecular mechanisms that are evolved in microRNA-biology to drive cancer progression. Thereby, we also want to outlay potential novel therapeutic strategies. After providing a brief introduction to general miRNA biology and basic information about HCC and melanoma, this review depicts prominent examples of potent oncomiRs and tumor-suppressor miRNAs, which have been proven to drive diverse cancer types including melanoma and HCC. To develop and apply miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment in the future, it is essential to understand how miRNA dysregulation evolves during malignant transformation. Therefore, we highlight important aspects such as genetic alterations, miRNA editing and transcriptional regulation based on concrete examples. Furthermore, we expand our illustration by focusing on miRNA-associated proteins as well as other regulators of miRNAs which could also provide therapeutic targets. Finally, design and delivery strategies of miRNA-associated therapeutic agents as well as potential drawbacks are discussed to address the question of how miRNAs might contribute to cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Linck-Paulus
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.B.); (P.D.); Tel.: +49-9131-85-24190 (A.K.B.); +49-9131-85-29384 (P.D.)
| | - Peter Dietrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.B.); (P.D.); Tel.: +49-9131-85-24190 (A.K.B.); +49-9131-85-29384 (P.D.)
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miR-148a-mediated estrogen-induced cholestasis in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Role of PXR/MRP3. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178702. [PMID: 28575098 PMCID: PMC5457162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is an idiopathic liver disease while the biochemical characteristic is the elevated level of total bile acid (TBA). The present study investigated whether miR-148a mediates the induced effect of estrogen on the development of ICP and the proper mechanism: PXR/MRP3 signal pathway. mRNA expression was detected by qPCR, protein expression was detected by western blotting, the concentration of estrogen and TBA were detected by reagent kit respectively. In the cinical research, it was found that miR-148a expression was positive related with the concentration of TBA in the serum of ICP patients. In in vitro research, estradiol (500 nmol/L, 12 h) significantly upregulated miR-148a expression and LV-148a-siRNA inhibited the function of estradiol (500 nmol/L, 48 h) on TBA secretion. In addition, gene silence of miR-148a upregulated PXR expression which was inhibited by estradiol in LO2 cells. Pretreatment of rifampin (10 μmol/L), the agonist of PXR alleviated the TBA secretion induced by estradiol (500 nmol/L, 48 h). miR-148a-siRNA and PXR had a synergistic action on TBA secretion of LO2. Both of miR-148a-siRNA and rifampin (10 μmol/L) inhibited the upregulated effect of estradiol on MRP3 expression. This research has demonstrated that miR-148a may be involved in the induction of estrogen on ICP via PXR signal pathway, and MRP3 may be involved.
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Yan JJ, Chang Y, Zhang YN, Lin JS, He XX, Huang HJ. miR-195 inhibits cell proliferation via targeting AEG-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:3118-3126. [PMID: 28529562 PMCID: PMC5431445 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently dysregulated and are fundamental in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of miR-195 in HCC have not been well elucidated. In the present study, the expression of miR-195 was determined to be markedly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, as compared with normal liver cells. Restoration of miR-195 expression resulted in significant inhibition of the proliferation and tumorigenicity of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression data and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-195 is able to directly inhibit the expression of astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1) through interaction with its 3′ untranslated region. Consistently, an inverse correlation between miR-195 and AEG-1 expression was observed in HCC tissues. Furthermore, the overexpression of AEG-1 was able to partially attenuate the miR-195-induced inhibition of cell growth and promotion of apoptosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that miR-195 functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting AEG-1. This pathway may provide new insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jun Yan
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Nan Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ju-Sheng Lin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Jun Huang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Tian C, Yao S, Liu L, Ding Y, Ye Q, Dong X, Gao Y, Yang N, Li Q. Klf4 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by targeting microRNA-31 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Mol Med 2016; 39:47-56. [PMID: 27909734 PMCID: PMC5179175 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are short, endogenous non-coding RNA molecules, demonstrating abnormal expression in cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we profiled 18 differentially regulated miRNAs, including miRNA-31, using miRNA array. Kruppel (or Krüppel)-like factor 4 (Klf4) is a transcription factor and putative tumor suppressor. Both were found to be significantly downregulated in liver cancer tissues and cells. However, little is known about the correlation between Klf4 and miRNA-31 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mRNA expression of Klf4 was decreased and inversely associated with the clinical stage, T classification and hepatitis B in patients with HCC, while the expression of miR-31 was lower (r=0.326, P=0.018). Using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and Transwell migration assays, we found that Klf4 and miR-31 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that Klf4 directly binds to the promoter of miR-31 and activates its transcription. In vitro experiments confirmed that Klf4 regulated miR-31 and thereby inhibited HCC cell growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings indicate that Klf4 directly regulates miR-31 in HCC. Thus, miR-31 may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Tian
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guiyang Hospital of Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Youcheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qingwang Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Dong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Mitsugi R, Itoh T, Fujiwara R. MicroRNA-877-5p is involved in the trovafloxacin-induced liver injury. Toxicol Lett 2016; 263:34-43. [PMID: 27713024 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Trovafloxacin develops severe hepatotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanism of the trovafloxacin-induced liver injury has not been cleared. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) can be involved in the development of drug-induced liver injuries. We performed a miRNA microarray analysis to identify hepatic miRNAs that were induced or reduced by trovafloxacin in mice. It was demonstrated that miR-877-5p was the most increased miRNA in the mouse liver 24h after the trovafloxacin administration. To investigate the role of miR-877-5p in the liver, we established miR-877-5p-overexpressed HepG2 cells. Microarray analysis detected altered expressions in 2077 (>2-fold) and 1547 (<0.5-fold) genes in the miR-877-5p overexpressing cells compared to the mock cells. Especially, SLCO4C1, PEPCK, MT1M, HIST1H2BM, LGI1, and PLA2G2A were markedly increased or decreased in the miR-877-5p overexpressing cells. We conducted a correlation analysis between the expression levels of miR-877-5p and the six genes in eight miR-877-5p stably-expressed clones. It was shown that the PEPCK expression levels were correlated with miR-877-5p expression levels. PEPCK is associated with development of apoptotic cell death; therefore, the increased miR- 877-5p-induced PEPCK can be a trigger that is involved in the development of trovafloxacin-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mitsugi
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoo Itoh
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Fujiwara
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan.
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