The Structure and Clinical Roles of MicroRNA in Colorectal Cancer

Blunt pancreatic injury in children: Lessons from 11-year experience in a pediatric center

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnosis, management strategies, and outcomes of pediatric patients with blunt pancreatic injury.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with blunt pancreatic injury at Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2011 to September 2022 were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were enrolled. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification of pancreatic injury, 41 patients were categorized in the low-grade and nine in the high-grade groups. On admission, serum amylase and lipase levels in the high-grade group were significantly higher than in the low-grade group (P = 0.025 and P = 0.021, respectively). The peak levels of serum amylase and lipase in the high-grade group were considerably higher than in the low-grade group (P = 0.017 and P = 0.038, respectively). Two patients received surgical treatment, but none experienced pancreatectomy. The remaining 49 patients were successfully treated with conservative methods. The incidence of pancreatic pseudocysts in patients was 47.1% (24/51), and half required external drainage.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management is safe for most children with blunt pancreatic injury, surgical intervention should be adopted in patients with hemodynamic instability or multiple organ failure.

CircRNA-SCAF8 promotes vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis by regulating the miR-93-5p/TXNIP axis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role and mechanism of circRNA-SR-related CTD associated factor 8 (SCAF8) in regulating endothelial cell pyroptosis in high glucose environment.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and divided into six groups. The normal control group and high glucose control group were cultured in cell culture medium with 5 and 33 mmol/L glucose, respectively. The RNA control group, circRNA-SCAF8 inhibition group, miR-93-5p overexpression group and miR-93-5p inhibition group were added with non-functional siRNA, circRNA-SCAF8 inhibitor, miR-93-5p overexpression molecule and miR-93-5p inhibitor in high glucose environment, respectively. Cell viability and pyroptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide fluorescence double staining. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related factors including apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-1 (caspase-1) and Gasdermin D (GSDMD), NOD like receptor protein 3 (NLRP-3), thioredoxin interacting proteins (TXNIP), IL-18 and IL-1β. The expression of circRNA-SCAF8, miR-93-5p and TXNIP was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to locate circRNA-SCAF8 and miR-93-5p. Dual luciferase assay was used to verify the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-93-5p and upstream and downstream molecules.

RESULTS

Compared with the RNA control group, the cell survival rate of circRNA-SCAF8 inhibition group and miR-93-5p overexpression group increased (both P<0.01), the pyroptosis decreased (both P<0.01), and the expressions of pyroptosis-related factors such as TXNIP, NLRP-3, caspase-1, GSDMD, ASC, IL-18 and IL-1β were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The expression of miR-93-5p was significantly increased after inhibition of circRNA-SCAF8 (P<0.01), and the expression of circRNA-SCAF8 tended to decrease after overexpression of miR-93-5p, but with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-93-5p downre-gulated circRNA-SCAF8 expression by binding to the 3 ´ UTR region of circRNA-SCAF8, and miR-93-5p downregulated TXNIP expression by binding to the 3 ´ UTR region of TXNIP. FISH showed that circRNA-SCAF8 and miR-93-5p were both located in the cytoplasm and were highly associated in the cells. qRT-PCR showed that the relative expression of TXNIP increased or decreased after overexpression or inhibition of miR-93-5p compared with the RNA control group, respectively (both P<0.05), suggesting that miR-93-5p could regulate TXNIP gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA-SCAF8/miR-93-5p/TXNIP axis is involved in the regulation of pyroptosis in HUVECs under high glucose.

miR-361-5p regulates ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting TRAF3

An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that the abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development and progression of ovarian cancer. miR-361-5p has been reported to serve as a tumor suppressor or oncogene in a number of different human cancer types. In the current study, it was indicated that miR-361-5p was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues. Compared with human ovarian epithelial cells HOSEpiC, miR-361-5p was upregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines, including in ES-2 and SKOV3 cells. The binding sites between TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3; a member of the TRAF family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins) and miR-361-5p were predicted using TargetScan, and a dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified the result. Subsequently, a reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assay and western blot assay indicated that TRAF3 was downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. It was demonstrated that miR-361-5p inhibitor significantly reduced the viability of SKOV3 cells and induced apoptosis. However, all changes were reversed by TRAF3 silencing. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that miR-361-5p inhibitor decreased the expression of p-p65 in SKOV3 cells, indicating the inhibition of the NF-kB signaling pathway. In conclusion, miR-361-5p may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting TRAF3. Therefore, targeting miR-361-5p may exhibit therapeutic potential in the treatment of ovarian 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.

Integrated analyses of microRNA-29 family and the related combination biomarkers demonstrate their widespread influence on risk, recurrence, metastasis and survival outcome in colorectal cancer

Background

Emerging evidence has revealed miR-29 family as promising biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC), but their biomarker potential and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the biomarker performance of individual miR-29 and the related miRNA combination biomarkers. Meanwhile, we conducted an integrative bioinformatics analysis to unfold the underlying biological function of miR-29 and their relationship with CRC.

Results

Using miR-29 expression to diagnose CRC produced 0.82 area under the curve, 70% sensitivity and 81% specificity while the combination biomarkers based on miR-29 enhanced the diagnostic power with an AUC of 0.86, a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 91%. For the prognosis evaluation, patients with higher expression of miR-29 had better survival outcome (pooled HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.56–1.07). In addition, miR-29 has also been identified as potential biomarker for predicting recurrence and metastasis in CRC. Then the genes regulated by the miR-29 family were retrieved and found closely associated with the molecular pathogenesis of CRC according to the gene ontology and pathway analysis. Furthermore, hub nodes and significant modules were identified from the protein–protein interaction network constructed with miR-29 family targets, which were also confirmed highly involved in the establishment and development of CRC.

Conclusions

Current evidences suggest miR-29 family may become promising biomarkers for risk, recurrence, metastasis and survival outcome of CRC. Meanwhile our data highlight the potential clinical use of miRNA combination biomarkers. Nevertheless, further prospective studies are warranted before the application of the useful biomarkers in the clinical.

Current Evidence on miRNAs as Potential Theranostic Markers for Detecting Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

BACKGROUND

Findings from observational clinical studies examining the relationship between biomarker expression and theranosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) have been conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise the existing evidence to demonstrate the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chemoresistance and sensitivity in CRC through drug genetic pathways.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed and Science Direct for relevant studies that took place between 2012 and 2017. A random-effects model of meta-analysis was applied to evaluate the pooled effect size of hazard ratios (HRs) across the included studies. Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic were used to detect heterogeneity. A funnel plot was used to assess potential publication bias.

RESULTS

Of the 4700 studies found, 39 studies comprising 2822 patients with CRC met the inclusion criteria. The included studies used one or a combination of 14 chemotherapy drugs, including 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Of the 60 miRNAs, 28 were associated with chemosensitivity, 20 with chemoresistance, and one with differential expression and radiosensitivity; ten miRNAs were not associated with any impact on chemotherapy. The results outline the importance of 34 drug-regulatory pathways of chemoresistance and sensitivity in CRC. The mean effect size was 0.689 (95% confidence interval 0.428-1.110), indicating that the expression of miRNAs decreased the likelihood of death by about 32%.

CONCLUSION

Studies have consistently shown that multiple miRNAs could act as clinical predictors of chemoresistance and sensitivity. An inclusion of supplementary miRNA estimation in CRC routine practice needs to be considered to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy after confirming our findings with large-scale prospective cohort studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017082196.

MicroRNA-16 inhibits migration and invasion via regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ovarian cancer

As small non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRs) function in the regulation of tumorigenesis. Proliferation in ovarian cancer is considered to be associated with miR-16; however, the role of miR-16 in the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells remains unclear. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR-16 expression is downregulated in the ovarian cancer SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cell lines compared with that in normal ovarian epithelial cells (OECs). miR-16 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells, and decreased the expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)2 and MMP9. Additionally, miR-16 upregulated the expression of cadherin 1, an intercellular adhesion molecule, and downregulated the expression of some mesenchymal markers, including snail family transcriptional repressor 2, snail family transcriptional repressor 1, Vimentin, twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 and cadherin 2 in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Furthermore, it was indicated that miR-16 overexpression in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells resulted in a significant increase in anti-glycogen synthase kinase 3 β expression and a decrease in the expression of Wnt family member 3A, β-catenin, MYC proto-oncogene, BHLH transcription factor and cyclin D1 compared with the NC group. The results of the present study indicated that miR-16 exerts a suppressive effect on cell migration and invasion in ovarian cancer in vitro, through inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The data suggest that miR-16 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.

The microRNA miR-192/215 family is upregulated in mucinous ovarian carcinomas

Different microRNAs are dysregulated in ovarian cancer where some of them have proved to be valid biomarkers. miRNA profiling analyses have shown that the different histotypes of ovarian carcinoma display differential expression of specific miRNAs. In the present study, we used miRNA-sequencing and Real-Time qPCR to detect the expression levels of miRNAs belonging to the miRNA-192/215 family, namely miR-192, miR-194, and miR-215, in different types of ovarian neoplasia, finding that miR-192, miR-194, and miR-215 were upregulated in ovarian carcinomas of the mucinous subtype, but downregulated in other types of carcinoma and in sex cord-stromal tumors. The expression of the said miRNAs was 6-fold higher in mucinous tumors compared to the other histotypes making them candidates for a possible role as diagnostic biomarkers.

MiR-29b inhibits the growth of glioma via MYCN dependent way

MiR-29b is widely involved in diverse cancers. We plan to study its role in glioma. The expression of miR-29b was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and we found the expression of miR-29b was decreased in glioma. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit (CCK8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell apoptosis was assayed with flow cytometry assay (FCA), which indicated miR-29b can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of glioma cells. The target of miR-29b was predicted using miRanda, TargetScan and PicTar sofeware and we also found MYCN was a direct target of miR-29b in glioma cells and miR-29b inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells via MYCN dependent way. Subcutaneous xenotransplantation model was designed to investigate the affection of miR-29b on glioma growth. The effectiveness of miR-29b for glioma prediction was also performed and we determined miR-29b can stably exist and may act as a biomarker for the diagnosis of glioma. As a conclusion, miR-29b inhibits the growth of glioma via MYCN dependent way and can be a biomarker for the diagnosis of glioma.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small RNAs that repress mRNA translation, resulting in the degradation of mRNAs and regulation of the expression levels of various genes. Recent studies have shown that aberrant miR expression has a functional role in the initiation and progression of various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. miRs have also been shown to have applications as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers because of their high tissue specificity, stability, and altered expression in tumor development. In this report, we examined the role of miRs as biomarkers in CRC through a review of meta-analyses and large-scale analyses having strong statistical confidence in the study outcomes. We also discuss current issues in the clinical application of these miRs.