The clinical and biological significance of MIR-224 expression in colorectal cancer metastasis

Associations of blood RNA biomarkers and circulating tumour cells in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, analysis of the number of basal circulating tumour cells (bCTCs) has been shown to be a strong prognostic indicator. In this study, we aim to explore the potential associations between whole blood mRNA and microRNA expression profiles and bCTC counts, tumour mutations and prognosis in untreated metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 151 patients previously screened for inclusion in two clinical trials (VISNÚ1 and VISNÚ2) were enrolled in this study. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses were performed to determine the whole blood expression of selected RNAs (mRNAs and microRNAs) involved in the metastatic process. The CellSearch system was used to enumerate circulating tumour cells. The primary objective was to correlate RNA expression with the number of bCTCs, while the secondary objectives were to investigate the relationship between the levels of circulating RNA biomarkers in whole blood and the clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics and prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

bCTC count was significantly associated with AGR2 mRNA in the entire cohort of 151 patients. AGR2, ADAR1 and LGR5 were associated with the number of bCTC, both in the subgroup with bCTC ≥ 3 and in the subgroup with native RAS/BRAF/PIK3 CA tumours. In patients with RAS/BRAF/PIK3 CA mutations no correlations with bCTC were detected, but an upregulation of miR-224-5p and the stemness marker LGR5 and a downregulation of immune regulatory CD274 were found. Lower levels of miR-106a-5p/miR-26a-5p were associated with shorter overall survival, with independent statistical significance in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A correlation was identified between the levels of a subset of whole blood RNAs, including AGR2, ADAR1, and LGR5, and the number of bCTC and RAS/BRAF/PIK3 CA mutational status. Furthermore, another set of whole blood RNAs, specifically miR-106a-5p and miR-26a-5p, was found to be associated with poor prognosis. This may be helpful for risk stratification.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Gov. NCT01640405 and NCT01640444. Registered on 13 June 2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ .

Therapeutic Potentials of MiRNA for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis Treatment: A Narrative Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis poses a significant obstacle in CRC treatment, as distant metastasis, particularly to the liver, remains the primary cause of mortality. Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) occurs frequently due to the liver's direct vascular connection to the colorectal region via the portal vein. Standard treatment approaches for CRLM are limited; only a few patients qualify for surgical intervention, resulting in a persistently low survival rate. Additionally, resistance to chemotherapy is common, emphasizing the need for more effective targeted therapies. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulating critical pathways associated with CRLM, including tumor invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. MiRNAs exhibit dual functions as tumor suppressors and oncogenes by targeting multiple genes, thus playing a complex role in both the initiation and progression of metastasis. The regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs could help to identify novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CRLM, as well as promising therapeutic targets to overcome chemoresistance. Despite numerous studies on miRNA involvement in CRC metastasis, dedicated reviews focusing on miRNAs and CRLM remain scarce. This review aims to approach targeted therapies by examining the current understanding of miRNA involvement in CRLM and exploring their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic agents. Through an integrative approach, we aim to provide insights that could transform CRLM management and improve patient outcomes.

Insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing X-chromosome-linked-miRNAs expression in cancer; a step-toward ncRNA precision

Sex chromosomes play a significant role in establishing sex-specific differences in gene expression, thereby contributing to phenotypic diversity and susceptibility to various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNAs encoded by both the X and Y chromosomes, exhibit sex-specific regulatory characteristics. Computational analysis has identified several X-linked miRNAs differentially expressed in sex-specific cancers. This review aims to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern the sex-specific expression of X- and Y-linked miRNAs, with particular attention to their functional role in regulating diverse cellular processes in different cancer pathways. In addition, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the targeted therapeutic interventions and critical insights into the potential clinical implications of targeting sex-specific miRNAs. In conclusion, this review opens new horizons for further research to effectively translate these findings into viable treatment options.

FBXW7 in gastrointestinal cancers: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic prospects

F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7), formerly known as hCdc4, hAGO Fbw7, or SEL10, plays a specific recognition function in SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligases. FBXW7 is a well-established cancer suppressor gene that specifically controls proteasomal degradation and destruction of many key oncogenic substrates. The FBXW7 gene is frequently abnormal in human malignancies especially in gastrointestinal cancers. Accumulating evidence reveals that mutations and deletions of FBXW7 are participating in the occurrence, progression and treatment resistance of human gastrointestinal cancers. Considering the current therapeutic challenges faced by gastrointestinal cancers, elucidating the biological function and molecular mechanism of FBXW7 can provide new perspectives and references for future personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we elucidate the key molecular mechanisms by which FBXW7 and its substrates are involved in gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, we discuss the consequences of FBXW7 loss or dysfunction in tumor progression and underscore its potential as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker. Lastly, we propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting FBXW7 to guide the precision treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Unique miRNA Expression Profile in MSI- and EMAST-Unstable Sporadic Colon Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical post-transcriptional gene regulators and their involvement in sporadic colon cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis has been confirmed. In this study we investigated differences in miRNA expression in microsatellite stable (MSS/EMAST-S), microsatellite unstable marked by high elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (MSS/EMAST-H), and high microsatellite unstable (MSI-H/EMAST-H) tumor subgroups as well as in tumors with different clinicopathologic characteristics. An RT-qPCR analysis of miRNA expression was carried out on 45 colon cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples (15 of each group). Overall, we found three differentially expressed miRNAs between the subgroups. miR-92a-3p and miR-224-5p were significantly downregulated in MSI-H/EMAST-H tumors in comparison to other subgroups. miR-518c-3p was significantly upregulated in MSS/EMAST-H tumors in comparison to stable and highly unstable tumors. Furthermore, we showed that miR-143-3p and miR-145-5p were downregulated in tumors in comparison to normal tissues in all subgroups. In addition, we showed overexpression of miR-125b-5p in well-differentiated tumors and miR-451a in less advanced tumors. This is the first report on differences in miRNA expression profiles between MSS/EMAST-S, MSS/EMAST-H, and MSI-H/EMAST-H colorectal cancers. Our findings indicate that the miRNA expression signatures differ in CRC subgroups based on their instability status.

The diagnostic potential of miR-196a-1 in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic alterations that notably impact various physiological and pathological processes by acting as negative regulators of gene expression. Furthermore, they have a vital function in different types of cancers, including CRC. In this research, we evaluated, for the very first time, the expression levels of miR-196a-1 in the tissue and plasma of patients with CRC and also homeobox D8 (HOXD8) as the target gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included a collection of 220 plasma and tissue samples from 55 patients diagnosed with CRC, as well as 55 healthy individuals matched by age and sex. Total RNA was extracted from plasma and tissue samples, and then polyadenylation and cDNA synthesis were performed. The expression levels of miR-196a-1 and HOXD8 as target gene was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. We compared the diagnostic value of plasma miR-196a-1 with that of the circulating tumor markers CA19-9 and CEA using a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The association of miR-196a-1 with clinicopathological characteristics was assessed in tissue and plasma samples from patients with CRC.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-196a-1 in the tissue and plasma samples of CRC patients were 11.426- and 11.655-fold higher, respectively than those in adjacent normal tissue and plasma samples from normal subjects (p < 0.001). Through ROC curve analysis, it was identified that the sensitivity and specificity of miR-196a-1 for tissue samples, with an AUC of 0.925, were 89% and 98%, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for plasma samples with an AUC of 0.801 were 70% and 98%, respectively. These findings reveal that miR-196a-1 is a useful biomarker for discriminating cases from controls. Furthermore, the expression of HOXD8 was not significantly altered in tumor tissue samples compared to adjacent normal tissues (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that miR-196a-1 has an oncogenic impact and plays a significant role in CRC development. The results also indicate that miR-196a-1 could serve as a novel noninvasive biomarker for the detection of CRC.

The Clinical Significance of MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer Signaling Pathways: A Review

Colorectal carcinoma (colon and rectum) is currently considered among the most prevalent malignancies of Western societies. The pathogenesis and etiological mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) development remain complex and heterogeneous. The homeostasis and function of normal human intestinal cells is highly regulated by microRNAs. Therefore, it is not surprising that mutations and inactivation of these molecules appear to be linked with progression of colorectal tumors. Recent studies have reported significant alterations of microRNA expression in adenomas and CRCs compared with adjacent normal tissues. This observed deviation has been proposed to correlate with the progression and survival of disease as well as with choice of optimal treatment and drug resistance. MicroRNAs can adopt either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles during regulation of pathways that drive carcinogenesis. Typically, oncogenic microRNAs termed oncomirs, target and silence endogenous tumor-suppressor genes. On the other hand, tumor-suppressive microRNAs are critical in downregulating genes associated with cell growth and malignant capabilities. By extensively evaluating robust studies, we have emphasized and distinguished a discrete set of microRNAs that can modulate tumor progression by silencing specific driver genes crucial in signaling pathways including Wnt/b-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptor, P53, mismatch repair DNA repair, and transforming-growth factor beta.

METTL3 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by promoting the maturation of pri-microRNA-196b

PURPOSE

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a key member of the m6A methyltransferase complex, is upregulated in multiple human malignancies and plays a role in regulating tumor migration. This study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism by which METTL3 in regulates the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

We compared METTL3 expression levels in CRC tumor tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The functional roles of METTL3 in CRC were assessed by real-time cell migration assays, wound-healing assays and Transwell assays. miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq), RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and N6-methyladenosine immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assays were performed to confirm the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of METTL3 in CRC cell metastasis.

RESULTS

We found that METTL3 was overexpressed in CRC tissues. METTL3 knockdown significantly inhibited CRC cell migration and invasion, while METTL3 overexpression had the opposite effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that METTL3 regulates miR-196b expression via an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-pri-miR-196b-dependent mechanism and thereby promotes CRC metastasis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the important role of METTL3 in CRC metastasis and provides novel insight into m6A modification in CRC metastasis.

miRNAs role in bladder cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay - A review

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 11th most popular cancer in females and 4th in males. A lot of efforts have been exerted to improve BC patients' care. Besides, new approaches have been developed to enhance the efficiency of BC diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutics, and monitoring. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small chain nucleic acids that can regulate wide networks of cellular events. They can inhibit or degrade their target protein-encoding genes. The miRNAs are either downregulated or upregulated in BC due to epigenetic alterations or biogenesis machinery abnormalities. In BC, dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, treatment resistance, and other activities. A variety of miRNAs have been related to tumor kind, stage, or patient survival. Besides, although new approaches for using miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of BC have been developed, it still needs further investigations. In the next words, we illustrate the recent advances in the role of miRNAs in BC aspects. They include the role of miRNAs in BC pathogenesis and therapy. Besides, the clinical applications of miRNAs in BC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are also discussed.

SHP-2-induced M2 polarization of tumor associated macrophages via IL-4 regulate colorectal cancer progression

Objective

To explore the effect and molecular mechanism of Src homology region 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) repressing the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Methods

The relevant data sets of human colon specimens were obtained from GEO database, and then the performed correlation analysis, principal component analysis and differentially expressed gene (DEGs) analysis on the samples were conducted. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed on the common DEGs, and then functional interaction prediction was performed to verify the gene regulatory circuit of SHP-2. Furthermore, western blot was used to detect the effect of low expression of SHP-2 on related proteins, including the markers of promoting M2 polarization and exosome secretion, and keys proteins of the PI3K pathway. The relationship between SHP-2 and PI3K pathway was further verified by adding PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Finally, the effect of SHP-2 on the function of colon cancer cells was confirmed by wound healing assay and Transwell assay.

Results

Through bioinformatics analysis, SHP-2 was screened as a possible key gene affecting CRC. The low expression of SHP-2 promoted the protein levels of Arginase-1 and IL-10 in IL-4 induced M2 macrophages, while inhibited the protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Meanwhile, low expression of SHP-2 was found to similarly promote the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and the release of exosomes. Interestingly, the promotion was suppressed after the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. In terms of cellular behavior, wound healing and transwell data showed that low expression of SHP-2 enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells.

Conclusion

The low expression of SHP-2 induced by PHPS1 may regulate M2 polarization of TAMs and release of exosomes through PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby enhancing the migration and invasion ability of CRC cells.

MicroRNA-452: a double-edged sword in multiple human cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs with important functions in development, cell differentiation, and regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. MiRNA expression is deregulated in various pathological processes including tumorigenesis and cancer progression through various mechanisms including amplification or deletion of miRNA genes, mutations, and epigenetic silencing and defects in the miRNA biogenesis machinery. Several studies have now shown abnormal miRNA profiles and proved their involvement in the initiation and progression of cancer. Since miR-452 has diverse roles (as suppressor or oncogene) in different cellular processes including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, migration, and invasion, in this review we highlight a brief overview of the biological function and regulatory mechanism of miR-452 and its involvement as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of various cancer types.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs): Novel potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant tumor and one of the most lethal malignant tumors in the world. Despite treatment with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic treatment, including chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the prognosis of patients with advanced CRC remains poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore novel therapeutic strategies and targets for the treatment of CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of short noncoding RNAs (approximately 22 nucleotides) involved in posttranscriptional gene expression regulation. The dysregulation of its expression is recognized as a key regulator related to the development, progression and metastasis of CRC. In recent years, a number of miRNAs have been identified as regulators of drug resistance in CRC, and some have gained attention as potential targets to overcome the drug resistance of CRC. In this review, we introduce the miRNAs and the diverse mechanisms of miRNAs in CRC and summarize the potential targeted therapies of CRC based on the miRNAs.

Spatiotemporal modulation of SMAD4 by HBx is required for cellular proliferation in hepatitis B-related liver cancer

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is known that HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) can induce genetic alterations in some oncogenes and that SMAD4 is relevant for the development of some cancers, especially HBV-related HCC. Previously, it has been reported that HBx can promote SMAD4 protein expression in liver fibrosis and HCC but, as yet, its regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between and regulatory mechanism behind HBx and SMAD4 in HCC.

METHODS

mRNA and protein expression of SMAD4 in HCC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC. CCK-8 and colony forming assays, as well as xenograft murine models were used to evaluate the effects of HBx and SMAD4 on the proliferation and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence, Co-IP and truncation assays were performed to assess the regulatory relationship between HBx and SMAD4.

RESULTS

We found that SMAD4 was highly expressed in HBV-positive HCC patient samples and correlated with a poor prognosis. The proliferation of HCC cells with a high SMAD4 expression was found to be enhanced in vitro and in vivo, and knocking down HBx while replenishing SMAD4 rescued HCC cell proliferation. Mechanically, we found that HBx regulates SMAD4 expression at the transcriptional level via TFII-I and can bind to SMAD4 to repress its ubiquitination. The binding region comprised the MH2 domain of SMAD4. Furthermore, we found that SMAD4 can promote HBx expression through a positive feedback mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data we conclude that SMAD4 is modulated spatiotemporally via both transcriptional activation and protein stabilization by HBx in HCC cells. Our data shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

MicroRNAs Are Key Molecules Involved in the Gene Regulation Network of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play central roles in normal cell maintenance, development, and other physiological processes. Growing evidence has illustrated that dysregulated miRNAs can participate in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance that confer miRNAs to serve as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. Through binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target genes, miRNAs can lead to target mRNA degradation or inhibition at a post-transcriptional level. During the last decade, studies have found numerous miRNAs and their potential targets, but the complex network of miRNA/Targets in CRC remains unclear. In this review, we sought to summarize the complicated roles of the miRNA-target regulation network (Wnt, TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and EMT related pathways) in CRC with up-to-date, high-quality published data. In particular, we aimed to discuss the downstream miRNAs of specific pathways. We hope these data can be a potent supplement for the canonical miRNA-target regulation network.

Colorectal liver metastasis: molecular mechanism and interventional therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancy tumors with a high morbidity additionally, CRC patients may develop liver metastasis, which is the major cause of death. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, the survival rate of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients remains very low. CRLM, as a complex cascade reaction process involving multiple factors and procedures, has complex and diverse molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms/pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment of CRLM. We also focus on an overview of the recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of CRLM with a special emphasis on tumor microenvironment and promise of newer targeted therapies for CRLM, further improving the prognosis of CRLM patients.

Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes liver metastasis in colorectal cancer by regulating the hepatic immune niche and altering gut microbiota

Liver metastasis is the major cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Gut microbiota intricately affect the initiation and progression of CRC by instigating immune response through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the contribution of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.nucleatum) to the microbiota-liver axis of CRC in mice, focusing on the correlation between liver immunity and gut microbiota alterations. When F. nucleatum was orally administered to mice, CRC liver metastasis was evidently exaggerated and accompanied by noticeable deleterious effects on body weight, cecum weight, and overall survival time. Further evaluation of the immune response and cytokine profiles revealed a substantial increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL12, IL9, IL17A, CXCL1, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the plasma of mice treated with F. nucleatum as compared to that in the untreated control mice. Besides, hepatic immune response was also modulated by recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, reduction in the infiltration of natural killer (NK) and T helper-17 (Th17) cells, as well as increase in regulatory T cell accumulation in the liver. Additionally, sustained F. nucleatum exposure abridged the murine gut microbiota diversity, inducing an imbalanced and restructured intestinal microflora. In particular, the abundance of CRC-promoting bacteria such as Enterococcus and Escherichia/Shigella was evidently elevated post F. nucleatum treatment. Thus, our findings suggest that F. nucleatum might be an important factor involved in promoting CRC liver metastasis by triggering of liver immunity through the regulation of gut microbiota structure and composition.

Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Their Functions and Mechanisms

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy with high mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC remain unclear. Controversies over the exact functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the progression of CRC have been prevailing for multiple years. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in various human cancers, including CRC. The intracellular signaling pathways by which ncRNAs act on tumor cells have been explored, and in CRC, various studies have identified numerous dysregulated ncRNAs that serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the process of tumorigenesis through diverse mechanisms. In this review, we have summarized the functions and mechanisms of ncRNAs (mainly lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs) in the tumorigenesis of CRC. We also discuss the potential applications of ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as therapeutic targets in CRC. This review details strategies that trigger the recognition of CRC-related ncRNAs, as well as the methodologies and challenges of studying these molecules, and the forthcoming clinical applications of these findings.

Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal cancer metastasis through miR-1322/CCL20 axis and M2 polarization

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and is associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum, Fn) infection. In this study, we explored the role of F. nucleatum in the CRC metastasis. Our results showed that the abundance of F. nucleatum was enriched in the feces and tumors of patients with CRC and tended to increase in stage IV compared to stage I in patients with metastatic CRC. Tumor-derived CCL20 activated by F. nucleatum not only increases CRC metastasis, but also participates in the reprograming of the tumor microenvironment. F. nucleatum promoted macrophage infiltration through CCL20 activation and simultaneously induced M2 macrophage polarization, enhancing the metastasis of CRC. In addition, we identified using database prediction and luciferase activity hat miR-1322, a candidate regulatory micro-RNA, could bind to CCL20 directly. F. nucleatum infection decreased the expression of miR-1322 by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway in CRC cells. In conclusion, F. nucleatum promotes CRC metastasis through the miR-1322/CCL20 axis and M2 polarization.

TRIP13, identified as a hub gene of tumor progression, is the target of microRNA-4693-5p and a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the digestive tract malignancies whose early symptoms are not obvious. This study aimed to identify novel targets for CRC therapy, especially early-stage CRC, by reanalyzing the publicly available GEO and TCGA databases. Thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13) correlated with tumor progression and prognosis of patients after several rounds of analysis, including weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and further chosen for experimental validation in cancer cell lines and patient samples. We identified that mRNA and protein levels of TRIP13 increased in CRC cells and tumor tissues with tumor progression. miR-4693-5p was significantly downregulated in CRC tumor tissues and bound to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of TRIP13, downregulating TRIP13 expression. DCZ0415, a small molecule inhibitor targeting TRIP13, induced anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. DCZ0415 markedly suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth, promoted cell apoptosis, and resulted in the arrest of the cell cycle. Our research suggests that TRIP13 might play a crucial role in CRC progression and could be a potential target for CRC therapy.

The seen and the unseen: Molecular classification and image based-analysis of gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers account for 22.5% of cancer related deaths worldwide and represent circa 20% of all cancers. In the last decades, we have witnessed a shift from histology-based to molecular-based classifications using genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data. The molecular based classification revealed new prognostic markers and may aid the therapy selection. Because of the high-costs to perform a molecular classification, in recent years immunohistochemistry-based surrogate classification were developed which permit the stratification of patients, and in parallel multiple groups developed hematoxylin and eosin whole slide image analysis for sub-classifying these entities. Hence, we are witnessing a return to an image-based classification with the purpose to infer hidden information from routine histology images that would permit to detect the patients that respond to specific therapies and would be able to predict their outcome. In this review paper, we will discuss the current histological, molecular, and immunohistochemical classifications of the most common gastrointestinal cancers, gastric adenocarcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma, and will present key aspects for developing a new artificial intelligence aided image-based classification of these malignancies.

The Relationship Between the Network of Non-coding RNAs-Molecular Targets and N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Colorectal Cancer

Recent accumulating researches implicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and development. Notably, N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) methylation, the critical posttranscriptional modulators, exerts various functions in ncRNA metabolism such as stability and degradation. However, the interaction regulation network among ncRNAs and the interplay with m⁶A-related regulators has not been well documented, particularly in CRC. Here, we summarize the interaction networks and sub-networks of ncRNAs in CRC based on a data-driven approach from the publications (IF > 6) in the last quinquennium (2016–2021). Further, we extend the regulatory pattern between the core m⁶A regulators and m⁶A-related ncRNAs in the context of CRC metastasis and progression. Thus, our review will highlight the clinical potential of ncRNAs and m⁶A modifiers as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the diagnostic precision and treatment of CRC.

Phytic acid potentiates oxaliplatin effects in colorectal cancer induced by 1,2-DMH: the role of miR-224 and miR-200a

Introduction

The third most frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the highest causes of tumour deaths worldwide is colorectal cancer (CRC). The main objective of this study was to determine the role of microRNA-224 (miR-224) as well as microRNA-200a (miR-200a) in CRC. Phytic acid (PA) is a natural antitumour product that was reported to inhibit CRC and play a vital role as a chemopreventive agent against CRC.

Material and methods

We induced CRC in albino rats using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (1,2-DMH). The miR-224, miR-200a, and β-catenin expressions were determined. ELISAs were performed to investigate Bcl-2 expression, caspase-3 activity, and total tissue antioxidants. Finally, histopathological investigations were performed.

Results

We observed a chemoprotective role of PA. PA has a synergistic effect as an antitumour agent with oxaliplatin in CRC treatment. The miR-224, miR-200a, and β-catenin expression, when treated with PA alone or with oxaliplatin, was decreased markedly in comparison with the positive control group. The histopathological investigations of colorectal tissues confirmed our molecular and biochemical findings.

Conclusions

Phytic acid possessed efficient anti-carcinogenic properties alone or with oxaliplatin against 1,2-DMH-induced CRC in rats through pathways of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and antioxidants.

Hsa_circ_0001021 regulates intestinal epithelial barrier function via sponging miR-224-5p in ulcerative colitis

Aims: Few circRNAs have been thoroughly explored in ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials & methods: Microarrays and qualitative real-time PCRs were used to detect and confirm dysregulated circRNAs associated with UC. Functional analysis was performed to explore the roles. Results: A total of 580 circRNAs and 87 miRNAs were simultaneously dysregulated in both inflamed and noninflamed UC colonic mucosa compared with healthy controls. Accordingly, hsa_circ_0001021 was significantly downregulated in patients with UC and was related to Mayo scores. Clinical samples and cell experiments revealed that hsa_circ_0001021 was expressed in epithelial cells and correlated with ZO-1, occludin and CLDN-2. Moreover, hsa_circ_0001021 sponged miR-224-5p to upregulate smad4 and increased ZO-1 and occludin. Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0001021 is related to UC severity and regulates epithelial barrier function via sponging miR-224-5p.

miRNA Clusters with Up-Regulated Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

As miRNAs show the capacity to be used as CRC biomarkers, we analysed experimentally validated data about frequently up-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC tissue. We identified 15 clusters that showed increased expression in CRC: miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25, miR-17/92a-1, miR-181a-1/181b-1, miR-181a-2/181b-2, miR-181c/181d, miR-183/96/182, miR-191/425, miR-200c/141, miR-203a/203b, miR-222/221, mir-23a/27a/24-2, mir-29b-1/29a, mir-301b/130b and mir-452/224. Cluster positions in the genome are intronic or intergenic. Most clusters are regulated by several transcription factors, and by long non-coding RNAs. In some cases, co-expression of miRNA with other cluster members or host gene has been proven. miRNA expression patterns in cancer tissue, blood and faeces were compared. The members of the selected clusters target 181 genes. Their functions and corresponding pathways were revealed with the use of Panther analysis. Clusters miR-17/92a-1, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25 and miR-183/96/182 showed the strongest association with metastasis occurrence and poor patient survival, implicating them as the most promising targets of translational research.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in Europe and North America. Early diagnosis is a key feature of efficient CRC treatment. As miRNAs can be used as CRC biomarkers, the aim of the present study was to analyse experimentally validated data on frequently up-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC tissue and investigate their members with respect to clinicopathological characteristics of patients. Based on available data, 15 up-regulated clusters, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25, miR-17/92a-1, miR-181a-1/181b-1, miR-181a-2/181b-2, miR-181c/181d, miR-183/96/182, miR-191/425, miR-200c/141, miR-203a/203b, miR-222/221, mir-23a/27a/24-2, mir-29b-1/29a, mir-301b/130b and mir-452/224, were selected. The positions of such clusters in the genome can be intronic or intergenic. Most clusters are regulated by several transcription factors, and miRNAs are also sponged by specific long non-coding RNAs. In some cases, co-expression of miRNA with other cluster members or host gene has been proven. miRNA expression patterns in cancer tissue, blood and faeces were compared. Based on experimental evidence, 181 target genes of selected clusters were identified. Panther analysis was used to reveal the functions of the target genes and their corresponding pathways. Clusters miR-17/92a-1, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25 and miR-183/96/182 showed the strongest association with metastasis occurrence and poor patient survival, implicating them as the most promising targets of translational research.

miR-224-5p Carried by Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomes Regulates Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells via HOXA5

Objective: In this study, we focused on the potential mechanism of miRNAs carried by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hUCMSCs-exo) in breast cancer (BC).

Methods: RT-qPCR was conducted for the expression of miR-224-5p and HOXA5 in tissues and cells. After co-culture of exosomes and MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells, the cell proliferation was observed by MTT and cell colony formation assay, while apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of HOXA5 and autophagy pathway-related proteins LC3-II, Beclin-1 and P62 was detected by western blotting. And immunofluorescence was applied for detection of LC3 spots. The binding of miR-224-5p to HOXA5 was verified by the luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. Finally, in vivo experiment was performed to investigate the effect of miR-224-5p on BC growth.

Results: MiR-224-5p was up-regulated and HOXA5 was down-regulated in BC tissues and cells. HOXA5 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR-224-5p. MiR-224-5p carried by hUCMSCs-exo was able to promote the proliferation and autophagy of BC cells, while inhibited apoptosis. Bases on xenograft models in nude mice, it was also revealed that miR-224-5p carried by hUCMSCs-exo could regulate autophagy and contribute to the occurrence and development of BC in vivo.

Conclusion: MiR-224-5p carried by hUCMSCs-exo can regulate autophagy via inhibition of HOXA5, thus affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of BC cells.

The ZEB2-dependent EMT transcriptional programme drives therapy resistance by activating nucleotide excision repair genes ERCC1 and ERCC4 in colorectal cancer

Resistance to adjuvant chemotherapy is a major clinical problem in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐inducing protein, ZEB2, in chemoresistance of CRC, and to uncover the underlying mechanism. We performed IHC for ZEB2 and association analyses with clinical outcomes on primary CRC and matched CRC liver metastases in compliance with observational biomarker study guidelines. ZEB2 expression in primary tumours was an independent prognostic marker of reduced overall survival and disease‐free survival in patients who received adjuvant FOLFOX chemotherapy. ZEB2 expression was retained in 96% of liver metastases. The ZEB2‐dependent EMT transcriptional programme activated nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway largely via upregulation of the ERCC1 gene and other components in NER pathway, leading to enhanced viability of CRC cells upon oxaliplatin treatment. ERCC1‐overexpressing CRC cells did not respond to oxaliplatin in vivo, as assessed using a murine orthotopic model in a randomised and blinded preclinical study. Our findings show that ZEB2 is a biomarker of tumour response to chemotherapy and risk of recurrence in CRC patients. We propose that the ZEB2‐ERCC1 axis is a key determinant of chemoresistance in CRC.

Biological Implications and Clinical Potential of Metastasis-Related miRNA in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), ranking as the third commonest cancer, leads to extremely high rates of mortality. Metastasis is the major cause of poor outcome in CRC. When metastasis occurs, 5-year survival rates of patients decrease sharply, and strategies to enhance a patient's lifetime seem limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that are significantly involved in manipulation of CRC malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. To date, accumulating studies have revealed the mechanisms and functions of certain miRNAs in CRC metastasis. However, there is no systematic discussion about the biological implications and clinical potential (diagnostic role, prognostic role, and targeted therapy potential) of metastasis-related miRNAs in CRC. This review mainly summarizes the recent advances of miRNA-mediated metastasis in CRC. We also discuss the clinical values of metastasis-related miRNAs as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in CRC. Moreover, we envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating these findings into clinical applications.

The Effect of miR-361-3p Targeting TRAF6 on Apoptosis of Multiple Myeloma Cells

microRNA-361-3p (miR-361-3p) is involved in the carcinogenesis of oral cancer and pancreatic catheter adenocarcinoma, and has anti-carcinogenic effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its effect on multiple myeloma (MM) is less reported. Here, we found that upregulating the expression of miR-361-3p inhibited MM cell viability and promoted MM apoptosis. We measured expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and miR-361-3p in MM cells and detected the viability, colony formation rate, and apoptosis of MM cells. In addition, we measured expressions of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved caspase-3 (C caspase-3). The binding site between miR-361-3p and TRAF6 was predicted by TargetScan. Our results showed that miR-361-3p was low expressed in the plasma of MM patients and cell lines, while its overexpression inhibited viability and colony formation of MM cells and increased the cell apoptosis. Furthermore, TRAF6, which was predicted to be a target gene of miR-361-3p, was highexpressed in the plasma of patients and cell lines with MM. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the effect of TRAF6 on MM cells was opposite to that of miR-361-3p. Upregulation of miR-361-3p induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of MM cells through targeting TRAF6, suggesting that miR-361-3p might be a potential target for MM therapy.

Prognosis model of colorectal cancer patients based on NOTCH3, KMT2C, and CREBBP mutations

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers. The aim of our study was to explore its related mutations, identify novel mutation markers, and construct predictive models for postoperative CRC patients, so as to provide evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CRC.

Methods

A total 50 CRC patients were collected, and the mutations in tissue samples were detected through next-generation sequencing (NGS). Meanwhile, 246 CRC cases with complete mutation data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Afterwards, the co-mutations in both clinical and TCGA cohorts were identified, and the high-frequency mutation genes were selected. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was performed, and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) predictive models were constructed.

Results

In all, 18 out of 238 co-mutation genes mutated in at least 20% of the samples and were selected out as common high-frequency mutation genes. They were significantly enriched in 460 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 87 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways (P<0.05), which were closely related to the occurrence and development of CRC. Among the 18 genes, NOTCH3, histone lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), and cAMP-response element binding protein-BP (CREBBP) were respectively associated with tumor position, stage, and PFS (P<0.05), and could be considered as potential biomarkers of CRC. Finally, OS and PFS predictive models were constructed and verified using the 50 clinical cases, with both models demonstrating high fitting degrees useful for predicting the OS and PFS of CRC patients.

Conclusions

NOTCH3, KMT2C, and CREBBP were found to be prospective biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. The prognosis prediction models had high sensitivity and could be used to predict the OS and PFS of CRC patients.

Metabolic syndrome is a predictor of all site and liver-specific recurrence following primary resection of colorectal cancer: Prospective cohort study of 1006 patients

INTRODUCTION

Large epidemiological studies have demonstrated the link between metabolic syndrome and cancer development, including colorectal cancer. However, the influence of metabolic syndrome on disease progression is less well studied, particularly in the post-surgical setting. This study investigates the effect of metabolic syndrome on colorectal cancer recurrence (all-site and liver-specific) after curative surgery for Stage I-III disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for Stage I-III colorectal cancer in a single UK centre were prospectively recruited. Disease-free and overall survival with metabolic syndrome as a factor, were determined using the Kaplan-Meier technique. Hazard ratios for all-site and liver-specific recurrence were determined using univariable and multivariable Cox-regression models.

RESULTS

1006 patients were recruited and followed up for a median of 50 months (IQR 30-67). 177 patients (17.6%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. 245 patients (25.4%) developed recurrence, 161 (16.0%) of these had liver recurrence. The presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with a reduction in disease-free survival from 69 to 58 months (p < 0.001) and overall survival from 74 to 61 months (p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was an independent predictor of all-site (HR 1.76; p < 0.001) and liver-specific (HR 1.74; p = 0.01) recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic syndrome is a predictor of all-site and liver-specific recurrence after primary resection of stage I-III colorectal cancer.

Dissecting miRNA signature in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advancements in surgical and molecular targeted therapies that improved the therapeutic efficacy in CRC, the 5 years survival rate of CRC patients still remains frustratingly poor. Accumulated evidences indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of CRC. Dysregulated miRNAs are closely associated with cancerous phenotypes (e.g. enhanced proliferative and invasive ability, evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle aberration, and promotion of angiogenesis) by regulating their target genes. In this review, we provide an updated overview of tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs, circulatory miRNAs, and the possible causes of dysregulated miRNAs in CRC. In addition, we discuss the important functions of miRNAs in drug resistance of CRC.

miR-224 targets BTRC and promotes cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer

Our study aims to investigate the impact of miR-224 on cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as its molecular mechanisms. The results showed that miR-224 was significantly upregulated in CRC compared to normal tissues via the TCGA database. Overexpression of miR-224 promoted CRC cell migration and invasion, while inhibition of miR-224 demonstrated the opposite result via transwell assays. In addition, we found that BTRC was a target gene of miR-224 through the miRecords database and dual-luciferase assay, while western blot together with RT-qPCR showed that inhibition of miR-224 led to elevated BTRC expression in protein level but not in mRNA level, and also decreased the expression of β-catenin. In reference to the Human Protein Atlas, BTRC protein expression was higher in normal tissues than in CRC tissues. In conclusion, miR-224 regulates its target BTRC protein expression and its related Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Its impact on cell migration and invasion in CRC cells suggested that miR-224 could be a prospective therapeutic target for early-stage non-metastatic CRC.

Therapeutic potential of FLANC, a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), named FLANC, based on its genomic location (co-localised with a pyknon motif), and to characterise its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

DESIGN

FLANC expression was analysed in 349 tumours from four cohorts and correlated to clinical data. In a series of multiple in vitro and in vivo models and molecular analyses, we characterised the fundamental biological roles of this lncRNA. We further explored the therapeutic potential of targeting FLANC in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases.

RESULTS

FLANC, a primate-specific lncRNA feebly expressed in normal colon cells, was significantly upregulated in cancer cells compared with normal colon samples in two independent cohorts. High levels of FLANC were associated with poor survival in two additional independent CRC patient cohorts. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the modulation of FLANC expression influenced cellular growth, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis and metastases formation ability of CRC cells. In vivo pharmacological targeting of FLANC by administration of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles loaded with a specific small interfering RNA, induced significant decrease in metastases, without evident tissue toxicity or pro-inflammatory effects. Mechanistically, FLANC upregulated and prolonged the half-life of phosphorylated STAT3, inducing the overexpression of VEGFA, a key regulator of angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings, we discovered, FLANC as a novel primate-specific lncRNA that is highly upregulated in CRC cells and regulates metastases formation. Targeting primate-specific transcripts such as FLANC may represent a novel and low toxic therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients.

The significance of microRNA deregulation in colorectal cancer development and the clinical uses as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic agent

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widely recognized and deadly malignancies worldwide. Although death rates have declined over the previous decade, mainly because of enhanced screening or potential treatment alternatives, CRC remains the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with an estimated incidence of over 1 million new cases and approximately 600 000 deaths estimated yearly. Therefore, many scientific efforts are put into the development of new diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of the epigenetics categories, have demonstrated significant roles in carcinogenesis and progression through regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic signaling pathways, and metastasis. Dysregulation of miRNAs expression has been reported in many cancers, including CRC. The expression profile of miRNAs is reproducibly altered in CRC, and their expression patterns are associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes in CRC. Recently, many studies were conducted on the dysregulation of miRNAs as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CRC. Among them, some miRNAs, which include miR-21, miR-34 family, miR-155, miR-224, and miR-378, have been more studied in CRC with more prominent roles in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. In the present review, we summarized the latest information regarding the dysregulated miRNAs in CRC and the advantages of using miRNAs as a biomarker for CRC diagnosis, treatment, and their function in different signaling pathways involved in CRC progression. Moreover, we described the translation of miRNA research to potential therapeutic applications in the management of CRC in clinical settings.

Mechanism of miR-98 inhibiting tumor proliferation and invasion by targeting IGF1R in diabetic patients combined with colon cancer

Expression level of miR-98 in diabetic colon cancer (CRC) tissues and the regulation mechanism of colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion ability were studied. Forty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with colon cancer, 40 colon cancer patients, and 40 patients with diabetic colonoscopy were enrolled between January 2017 and January 2018. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of miR-98. After SW480 cells were transfected with miR-98 mimics or control simulants, the proliferation of cancer cells was detected by MTT assay, and the invasion ability of cancer cells was detected by Transwell cell invasion assay. The dual luciferase assay was used to detect the binding relationship between miR-98 and IGF1R. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of IGF1R protein in tumor tissues of patients with diabetes mellitus and colon cancer. Compared with diabetic patients, the expression level of miR-98 was decreased in colon cancer patients. Compared with tumor tissues of colon cancer patients, the expression level of miR-98 was significantly decreased in diabetic colon cancer tissues. Compared with the commonly cultured colon cancer SW480 cells, the expression level of miR-98 was significantly decreased in SW480 cells cultured under high glucose conditions. Increased expression of miR-98 inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion. miR-98 can target and bind to IGF1R and inhibit its expression level. IGF1R is upregulated in diabetic colon cancer tissue. miR-98 inhibits proliferation and invasion of diabetic colon cancer by targeting IGF1R. The expression level of miR-98 in diabetic colon cancer tissues is lower than that in colon cancer tissues. miR-98 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells by targeting the target gene IGF1R. miR-98 may be a potential biological target for the treatment of patients with diabetes and colon cancer.

Roles of miRNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Implications and Clinical Opportunities

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most disseminated diseases across the globe engaging the digestive system. Various therapeutic methods from traditional to the state-of-the-art ones have been applied in CRC patients, however, the attempts have been unfortunate to lead to a definite cure. MiRNAs are a smart group of non-coding RNAs having the capabilities of regulating and controlling coding genes. By utilizing this stock-in-trade biomolecules, not only disease’s symptoms can be eliminated, there may also be a good chance for the complete cure of the disease in the near future. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review delineating the therapeutic relationship between miRNAs and CRC. To this, various clinical aspects of miRNAs which act as a tumor suppressor and/or an oncogene, their underlying cellular processes and clinical outcomes, and, in particular, their effects and expression level changes in patients treated with chemo- and radiotherapy are discussed. Finally, based on the results deducted from scientific research studies, therapeutic opportunities based on targeting/utilizing miRNAs in the preclinical as well as clinical settings are highlighted.

miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues and their relationship with clinicopathological features

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression levels of miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p in colorectal cancer tissues and their relationship with clinicopathological features. A total of 50 specimens of cancerous and adjacent normal tissues were collected from patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection at the Xingtai People's Hospital from March 2012 to February 2014. All specimens were confirmed by the Department of Pathology. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the expression levels of miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p in cancerous and adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, the relationship of the expression levels of miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p with the clinicopathological features of patients with colorectal cancer was explored. The expression levels of both miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p in colorectal cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). miR-452-5p expression was related to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging and differentiation degree in colorectal cancer tissues, and the expression of miR-215-5p was associated with TNM staging, lymph node metastasis and infiltration depth (P<0.05). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in the miR-452-5p high-expression group was significantly higher than that in the low-expression group (P<0.05). The 5-year OS rates in the miR-215-5p high- and low-expression groups were 53.57% (15/28) and 40.91% (9/22), respectively, indicating that the 5-year OS rate in the miR-215-5p high-expression group was significantly higher than that in the low-expression group. Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, as well as miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p expression levels were independent risk factors affecting colorectal cancer prognosis (P<0.05), whereas the differentiation degree and infiltration depth were not (P>0.05). In conclusion, the expression levels of miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p were significantly downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues promoting the occurrence, progression, invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, which suggests that miR-452-5p and miR-215-5p could be used as prognostic indicators for patients with colorectal cancer.

The roles of miRNAs' clinical efficiencies in the colorectal cancer pathobiology: A review article

MiRNAs (microRNAs) are defined as micro directors and regulators of gene expression. Since altered miRNA expression is signified in the pathobiology of diverse cancers such as colorectal cancers (CRCs), these molecules are described as therapeutic targets, either. Manipulation of miRNAs could lead to further therapy for chemo and radio-resistant CRCs. The usage of microRNAs has indicated prominent promise in the prognosis and diagnosis of CRC, because of their unique expression pattern associated with cancer types and malignancies. Nowadays, many researchers are analyzing the correlation between miRNA polymorphisms and cancer risk. With continuous incompatibility in colorectal cancer (CRC) miRNAs expression data, it is critical to move toward the content of a "pre-laboratory" analysis to speed up efficient accuracy medicine and translational study. Pathway study for the highest expressed miRNAs- regulated target genes resulted in the identification of a considerable number of genes associated with CRC pathway including PI3K, TGFβ, and APC. In this review, we aimed to collect fruitful information about miRNAs and their potential roles in CRC, and provide a meta-analysis of the most frequently studied miRNAs in association with the disease.

Effects of miR-135a-5p and miR-141 on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of colorectal cancer SW620 cells

Effects of miR-135a-5p and miR-141 on the biological function of colorectal cancer SW620 cells were investigated. Fifty-four specimens of cancer tissues and 54 specimens of corresponding adjacent tissues in colon cancer patients who were treated in The Central Hospital of Wuhan from March 2014 to March 2015 were collected. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-135a-5p and miR-141 in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. The miR-135a-5p inhibitor and miR-141 mimic carriers were established. The cell proliferation was detected by CCK8, the invasion ability of cells in vitro was evaluated by Transwell chamber, and cell apoptosis of each group was detected by flow cytometry. The results of RT-qPCR showed that expression levels of miR-135a-5p in colorectal cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues, the expression levels of miR-141 in colorectal cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent tissues, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The cell survival rates of the miR-135a-5p inhibitor group and the miR-141 mimic group were significantly lower than those of the NC group and the blank group 48 and 72 h after transfection (P<0.001). The number of invasive cells in the miR-135a-5p inhibitor group and the miR-141 mimic group was significantly lower than that in the blank group and the NC group (P<0.001). Apoptosis rate was significantly higher than that of the NC group and the blank group (P<0.001). In conclusion, low expression levels of miR-135a-5p and miR-141 in colorectal adenomas suggested that miR-135a-5p and miR-141 could act as tumor suppressors in the development of colorectal adenomas; miR-135a-5p and miR-141 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer SW620 cells and promoted apoptosis of colon cancer cells.

Non-coding RNAs in GI cancers: from cancer hallmarks to clinical utility

One of the most unexpected discoveries in molecular oncology, in the last decades, was the identification of a new layer of protein coding gene regulation by transcripts that do not codify for proteins, the non-coding RNAs. These represent a heterogeneous category of transcripts that interact with many types of genetic elements, including regulatory DNAs, coding and other non-coding transcripts and directly to proteins. The final outcome, in the malignant context, is the regulation of any of the cancer hallmarks. Non-coding RNAs represent the most abundant type of hormones that contribute significantly to cell-to cell communication, revealing a complex interplay between tumour cells, tumour microenvironment cells and immune cells. Consequently, profiling their abundance in bodily fluids became a mainstream of biomarker identification. Therapeutic targeting of non-coding RNAs represents a new option for clinicians that is currently under development. This review will present the biology and translational value of three of the most studied categories on non-coding RNAs, the microRNAs, the long non-coding RNAs and the circular RNAs. We will also focus on some aspirational concepts that can help in the development of clinical applications related to non-coding RNAs, including using pyknons to discover new non-coding RNAs, targeting human-specific transcripts which are expressed specifically in the tumour cell and using non-coding RNAs to increase the efficiency of immunotherapy.

Plasma and Tissue Specific miRNA Expression Pattern and Functional Analysis Associated to Colorectal Cancer Patients

An increasing number of studies suggest the implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in colorectal (CRC) carcinogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, the basic mechanism is not yet clear. We determined plasma miRNA expression levels using Agilent microarray technology followed by overlapping with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) tissue data and a qRT-PCR validation step and analysis of the altered miRNA signatures to emphasize new mechanistic insights. For TGCA dataset, we identified 156 altered miRNAs (79 downregulated and 77 upregulated) in colorectal tissue samples versus normal tissue. The microarray experiment is based on 16 control samples, 38 CRC plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients who have not undergone chemotherapy, and 17 chemo-treated samples. In the case of the analysis of CRC cancer versus healthy control we identified 359 altered miRNAs (214 downregulated and 60 upregulated), considering as the cutoff value a fold-change of ±1.5 and p < 0.01. An additional microarray analysis was performed on plasma from untreated colorectal cancer (n = 38) and chemotherapy-treated colorectal cancer patients (n = 17), which revealed 15 downregulated miRNAs and 53 upregulated miRNAs, demonstrating that the plasma miRNA pattern is affected by chemotherapy and emphasizing important regulators of drug resistance mechanisms. For the validation of the microarray data, we selected a panel of 4 miRNAs from the common miRNA signatures for colon and rectal cancer (miR-642b-3p, miR-195-5p and miR-4741). At the tissue level, the expression levels were in agreement with those observed in colorectal plasma. miR-1228-3p, the top upregulated miRNA in CRC, was chosen to be validated on tissue and plasma samples, as it was demonstrated to be downregulated at tissue level in our patient cohort. This was confirmed by TCGA data and was one example of ta ranscript that has a different expression level between tumor tissue and plasma. Developing more efficient investigation methods will help explain the mechanisms responsible for miRNAs released in biofluids, which is the most upregulated transcript in colorectal plasma samples and which can function as a prediction tool within the oncological field.

Contributions of Gene Modules Regulated by Essential Noncoding RNA in Colon Adenocarcinoma Progression

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), have an impact on a variety of important biological processes during colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) progression. This includes chromatin organization, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, and cell-cell signaling. The aim of this study is to identify the ncRNA-regulated modules that accompany the progression of COAD and to analyze their mechanisms, in order to screen the potential prognostic biomarkers for COAD. An integrative molecular analysis was carried out to identify the crosstalks of gene modules between different COAD stages, as well as the essential ncRNAs in the posttranscriptional regulation of these modules. 31 ncRNA regulatory modules were found to be significantly associated with overall survival in COAD patients. 17 out of the 31 modules (in which ncRNAs played essential roles) had improved the predictive ability for COAD patient survival compared to only the mRNAs of those modules, which were enriched in the core cancer hallmark pathways with closer interactions. These suggest that the ncRNAs' regulatory modules not only exhibit close relation to COAD progression but also reflect the dynamic significant crosstalk of genes in the modules to the different malignant extent of COAD.

Comprehensive Transcriptome Profiling of Cryptic CBFA2T3-GLIS2 Fusion-Positive AML Defines Novel Therapeutic Options: A COG and TARGET Pediatric AML Study

PURPOSE

A cryptic inv(16)(p13.3q24.3) encoding the CBFA2T3-GLIS2 fusion is associated with poor outcome in infants with acute megakaryocytic leukemia. We aimed to broaden our understanding of the pathogenesis of this fusion through transcriptome profiling.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Available RNA from children and young adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML; N = 1,049) underwent transcriptome sequencing (mRNA and miRNA). Transcriptome profiles for those with the CBFA2T3-GLIS2 fusion (N = 24) and without (N = 1,025) were contrasted to define fusion-specific miRNAs, genes, and pathways. Clinical annotations defined distinct fusion-associated disease characteristics and outcomes.

RESULTS

The CBFA2T3-GLIS2 fusion was restricted to infants <3 years old (P < 0.001), and the presence of this fusion was highly associated with adverse outcome (P < 0.001) across all morphologic classifications. Further, there was a striking paucity of recurrent cooperating mutations, and transduction of cord blood stem cells with this fusion was sufficient for malignant transformation. CBFA2T3-GLIS2 positive cases displayed marked upregulation of genes with cell membrane/extracellular matrix localization potential, including NCAM1 and GABRE. Additionally, miRNA profiling revealed significant overexpression of mature miR-224 and miR-452, which are intronic miRNAs transcribed from the GABRE locus. Gene-set enrichment identified dysregulated Hippo, TGFβ, and hedgehog signaling, as well as NCAM1 (CD56) interaction pathways. Therapeutic targeting of fusion-positive leukemic cells with CD56-directed antibody-drug conjugate caused significant cytotoxicity in leukemic blasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The CBFA2T3-GLIS2 fusion defines a highly refractory entity limited to infants that appears to be sufficient for malignant transformation. Transcriptome profiling elucidated several highly targetable genes and pathways, including the identification of CD56, providing a highly plausible target for therapeutic intervention.

Fusobacterium nucleatum Promotes Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer by Activating Autophagy Signaling via the Upregulation of CARD3 Expression

Aims: We aimed to measure the abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues from patients and to uncover the function of this bacterium in colorectal tumor metastasis.

Methods: We collected metastatic and non-metastatic CRC tissues to analyze F. nucleatum abundance. Cells were incubated with F. nucleatum or chloroquine (CQ) or were transfected with CARD3-targeting siRNA; the expression of mRNAs and proteins was then measured. CRC cells stably transfected with shRNA-luc were mixed with F. nucleatum and intravenously injected into BALB/cJ mice. APC^Min/+, CARD3^-/-and CARD3^wt C57BL mice were given F. nucleatum; some mice were given azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS).

Results: F. nucleatum was abundant in CRC tissues from patients with metastasis. F. nucleatum infection increased CRC cell motility and upregulated the expression of CARD3, LC3-II, Beclin1 and Vimentin, and downregulated the expression of E-cadherin and P62 in CRC cells. These effects were attenuated by treatment with CQ, siCARD3 or both. APC^Min/+ mice gavaged with F. nucleatum developed more aggressive tumors than control mice. After AOM/DSS administration, the colorectums of CARD3^-/- mice had fewer tumors than those of control mice. Tumors from CARD3^-/- mice had lower levels of LC3-II and Beclin1 and higher levels of P62 than those from control mice. BALB/cJ mice injected with both CT26-luc cells and F. nucleatum formed more metastases than control mice. CQ treatment, CARD3 knockdown or both reduced the ability of CT26-luc cells to form metastases in vivo.

Conclusions: F. nucleatum is enriched in CRC tissues from patients with metastasis. F. nucleatum orchestrates CARD3 and autophagy to control CRC metastasis. Measuring and targeting F. nucleatum and its associated pathways will yield approaches for the prevention and treatment of CRC metastasis.

Molecular Insights into miRNA-Driven Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy: miR-23b Modulates the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells

Although treatment of colorectal cancer with 5-florouracil and oxaliplatin is widely used, it is frequently followed by a relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need for profound understanding of chemotherapy resistance mechanisms as well as the profiling of predictive markers for individualized treatment. In this study, we identified the changes in 14 miRNAs in 5-fluouracil and 40 miRNAs in oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines by miRNA sequencing. The decrease in miR-224-5p expression in the 5-fluorouracil-resistant cells correlated with drug insensitivity due to its overexpression-induced drug-dependent apoptosis. On the other hand, the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster was overexpressed in oxaliplatin-resistant cells. The knockout of miR-23b led to the partial restoration of oxaliplatin susceptibility, showing the essential role of miR-23b in the development of drug resistance by this cluster. Proteomic analysis identified target genes of miR-23b and showed that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was implicated in oxaliplatin insensibility. Data revealed that EMT markers, such as vimentin and SNAI2, were expressed moderately higher in the oxaliplatin-resistant cells and their expression increased further in the less drug-resistant cells, which had miR-23b knockout. This establishes that the balance of EMT contributes to the drug resistance, showing the importance of the miR-23b-mediated fine-tuning of EMT in oxaliplatin-resistant cancer cells.

miRNAs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer

Currently, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing across the world. The cancer stroma exerts an impact on the spread, invasion and chemoresistance of CRC. The tumor microenvironment involves a complex interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells, for example, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs can promote neoplastic angiogenesis and tumor development in CRC. Mounting evidence suggests that many miRNAs are overexpressed (miR-21, miR-329, miR-181a, miR-199a, miR-382 and miR-215) in CRC CAFs, and these miRNAs can influence the spread, invasiveness and chemoresistance in neighboring tumor cells via paracrine signaling. Herein, we summarize the pathogenic roles of miRNAs and CAFs in CRC. Moreover, for first time, we highlight the miRNAs derived from CRC-associated CAFs and their roles in CRC pathogenesis.

Connecting the dots between different networks: miRNAs associated with bladder cancer risk and progression

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urothelial malignancy, characterized by a high recurrence rate. The biology of bladder cancer is complex and needs to be deciphered. The latest evidence reveals the critical role of the non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), as vital regulatory elements in cancer.

METHOD

We performed a miRNAs microarray using paired tissues (tumor and adjacent normal bladder tissue), followed by the validation with qRT-PCR of five selected transcripts. Additional next-generation sequencing investigation established the interconnection among the altered miRNAs and mutated genes. Based on the overlapping between TCGA data and data obtained in the study, we focused on the systematic identification of altered miRNAs and genes mutated involved in bladder cancer tumorigenesis and progression.

RESULTS

By overlapping the miRNAs expression data, the two patient cohorts, we identified 18 miRNAs downregulated and, 187 miRNAs upregulated. qRT-PCR validation was completed using a selected panel of two downregulated (miR-139-5p and miR-143-5p) and three up-regulated miRNAs (miR-141b, miR-200 s or miR-205). Altered miRNAs patterns are interrelated to bladder tumorigenesis, allowing them to be used for the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Three EMT-related upregulated miRNAs have an essential role in the molecular mechanisms, specifically key processes underlying tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. Using the Ampliseq Cancer Panel kit and Ion Torrent PGM Next-Generation Sequencing an increased mutation rate for TP53, FGFR3, KDR, PIK3CA and ATM were observed, but the mutational status for only TP53 was correlated to the survival rate. The miRNAs pattern, along with the gene mutation pattern attained, can assist for better patient diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This study thereby incorporates miRNAs as critical players in bladder cancer prognosis, where their altered gene expression profiles have a critical biological function in relationship with tumor molecular phenotype. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks identified in BC are ripe for exploitation as biomarkers or targeted therapeutic strategies.

MiRNAs roles in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer

Introduction: The liver is the main location for metastasization in stage IV colorectal cancers. Areas covered: This review intends to comprehensively present the most important studies conducted in the past few years concerning the role of miRNAs in colorectal cancer liver metastases, trying to clarify some aspects regarding tumor biology and favorite liver metastasization site. Expert commentary: Recent advances in tissue and serum RNA extraction has considerably improved the field of microRNAs studies. These molecules known to play a crucial role in the metastatic stage indicate a starting point in the development of clinical biomarkers with a possible role in the stratification of high-risk patients for adequate treatment.

MicroRNA-224, negatively regulated by c-jun, inhibits growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype via targeting ADAM17 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abnormal expression of miR-224 has been reported to promote cancer progression. However, the role of miR-224 is seldom reported in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We reported that miR-224 expression was significantly down-regulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Restoration of miR-224 decreased OSCC cell growth and invasion. In addition, luciferase and Western blot assays revealed that ADAM17 protein was a downstream target of miR-224. The overexpression of ADAM17 dismissed miR-224's effect on cell growth and invasion. We concluded that miR-224 inhibited OSCC cell growth and invasion through regulating ADAM17 expression. Subsequently, we revealed that c-jun directly bind to miR-224 promoter and decreased miR-224 expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that miR-224 may function as a tumour-suppressive microRNA in OSCC and suggested that miR-224 may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC patients.

MicroRNA-193a-3p suppresses the colorectal cancer cell proliferation and progression through downregulating the PLAU expression

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in China. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is involved in cancer development and progression. Our previous study showed an inverse relationship between miR-193a-3p expression and the prognosis of CRC. However, the exact biological functions of miR-193a-3p in CRC are still poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-193a-3p in CRC.

Methods

Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of RNA and protein, respectively. A dual luciferase assay was performed to validate predicted targets of miR-193a-3p. Loss and gain-of-function studies were carried out to reveal the effects and potential mechanism of the miR-193a-3p in the proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of CRC cells.

Results

The expression levels of miR-193a-3p in human CRC cell lines were significantly decreased compared with that in normal colonic epithelium cell line. Furthermore, plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) was validated as a direct target gene of miR-193a-3p. Over-expression of miR-193a-3p inhibited proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HT-29 cell, whereas forced expression of PLAU could rescue the inhibitory effects.

Conclusion

miR-193a-3p might inhibit CRC cell growth, migration and angiogenesis partly through targeting PLAU. MiR-193a-3p/PLAU axis might provide a potent therapeutic opportunity for aggressive CRC.