Aberrant Expression of miR-362 Promotes Lung Cancer Metastasis through Downregulation of Sema3A

Integrative analysis of miRNA expression data reveals a minimal signature for tumour cells classification

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal biomarkers for cancer screening. Identifying distinctive expression patterns of miRNAs in specific cancer types can serve as an effective strategy for classification and characterization. However, the development of a minimal signature of miRNAs for accurate cancer classification remains challenging, hindered by the lack of integrated approaches that systematically analyse miRNA expression levels of miRNAs alongside their associated biological pathways. In this study, we present a comprehensive integrative approach that utilizes transcriptomic data from lung, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines to identify specific expression patterns. By combining bioinformatics, dimensionality reduction techniques, machine learning, and experimental validation, we pinpoint miRNAs linked to critical biological pathways. Our results demonstrate a highly significant differentiation of cancer types, achieving 100 % classification accuracy with minimal training time using a streamlined miRNA signature. Validation of the miRNA profile confirms that each of the three identified miRNAs regulates distinct biological pathways with minimal overlap. This specificity highlights their unique roles in tumour biology and set the stage for further exploration of miRNAs interactions and their contributions to tumourigenesis across diverse cancer types. Our work paves the way for multi-cancer classification, emphasizing the transformative potential of miRNA research in oncology. Beyond advancing the understanding of tumour biology, our step-by-step guide offers a robust tool for a wide range of users to investigate precise diagnostics and promising therapeutic strategies.

LncRNA NR2F2-AS1 inhibits the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by mediating the miR-32-5p/SEMA3A axis

Previous studies have supported a tumor-suppressive role of semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) in several tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, in-depth characterization of the role of SEMA3A in OSCC and the underlying molecular mechanisms is lacking. Gene and protein expressions were detected using quantitative real-time PCR, western blot assay, and immunohistochemistry. OSCC cell metastasis was evaluated using Transwell and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was determined using tube formation assay. The interactions among molecules were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and validated using luciferase activity experiment and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Pulmonary metastasis was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining after constructing a lung metastasis tumor model in mice. SEMA3A expression was decreased in OSCC cells and its overexpression led to suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion of OSCC cells and angiogenesis of HUVECs. miR-32-5p was identified as an upstream molecule of SEMA3A and long non-coding RNA NR2F2 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) was validated as an upstream gene of miR-32-5p. Further experiments revealed that the inhibitory effects of NR2F2-AS1 overexpression on EMT, migration, invasion of OSCC cells, and angiogenesis of HUVECs as well as tumor growth and metastasis in mice were mediated via the miR-32-5p/SEMA3A axis. To conclude, NR2F2-AS1 may attenuate OSCC cell metastasis and angiogenesis of HUVECs and suppress tumor growth and metastasis in mice via the miR-32-5p/SEMA3A axis.

Circulating RKIP and pRKIP in Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Results from a Pilot Study

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although low-dose computed tomography (LD-CT) reduces mortality, its clinical use is limited by cost, radiation, and false positives. Therefore, there is an urgent need for non-invasive and cost-effective biomarkers. The Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression and may also contribute to regulating the tumor-immune system axis. This protein has recently been described in biological fluids. Therefore, we conducted a pilot case-control study to assess RKIP and phosphorylated RKIP (pRKIP) levels in the urine and blood of LC patients. Methods: A novel enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay was used to measure RKIP and pRKIP levels in urine and blood samples of two cohorts of LC patients and healthy controls (HSs). Furthermore, the biomarkers levels were correlated with tumor characteristics. Results: Serum, but not urine, levels of RKIP were significantly elevated in LC patients, distinguishing them from low- and high-risk healthy subjects with 93% and 74% accuracy, respectively. The RKIP/pRKIP ratio (RpR score) showed an accuracy of 90% and 79% in distinguishing LC patients from HS and HR-HS, respectively. Additionally, the RpR score correlated better with dimension, stage, and lymph node involvement in the tumor group. Conclusions: The serum RKIP and pRKIP profile may be a promising novel biomarker for early-stage LC.

Long non-coding RNAs: an overview on miRNA sponging and its co-regulation in lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most devastating cause of death among all cancers worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% of all the lung cancer cases. Beyond common genetic research and epigenomic studies, the extraordinary investigations of non-coding RNAs have provided insights into the molecular basis of cancer. Existing evidence from various cancer models highlights that the regulation of non-coding RNAs is crucial and that their deregulation may be a common reason for the development and progression of cancer, and competition of cancer therapeutics. Non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are increasingly recognized as potential cancer biomarkers for early detection and application of therapeutic strategies. The miRNAs have gained importance as master regulators of target mRNAs by negatively regulating their expression. The lncRNAs function as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes, and also compete with miRNAs that influence the translational inhibition processes. This review addresses the role of lncRNAs in lung cancer development, highlights their mechanisms of action, and provides an overview of the impact of lncRNAs on lung cancer survival and progression via miRNA sponging. The improved understanding of lung cancer mechanisms has opened opportunities to analyze molecular markers and their potential therapeutics.

Understanding Mechanisms of RKIP Regulation to Improve the Development of New Diagnostic Tools

Simple Summary

Raf Kinase Inhibitor protein is a protein that governs multiple intracellular signalling involved primarily in the progression of tumours and the development of metastases. In this review, we discussed the main mechanisms that regulate the expression and activity of RKIP with the aim of identifying the link between the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational events in different tumour settings. We also tried to analyse the studies that have measured the levels of RKIP in biological fluids in order to highlight the possible advantages and potential of RKIP assessment to obtain an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of various tumours.

Abstract

One of the most dangerous aspects of cancer cell biology is their ability to grow, spread and form metastases in the main vital organs. The identification of dysregulated markers that drive intracellular signalling involved in the malignant transformation of neoplastic cells and the understanding of the mechanisms that regulate these processes is undoubtedly a key objective for the development of new and more targeted therapies. RAF-kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) is an endogenous tumour suppressor protein that affects tumour cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. RKIP might serve as an early tumour biomarker since it exhibits significantly different expression levels in various cancer histologies and it is often lost during metastatic progression. In this review, we discuss the specific impact of transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation of expression and activation/inhibition of RKIP and focus on those tumours for which experimental data on all these factors are available. In this way, we could select how these processes cooperate with RKIP expression in (1) Lung cancer; (2) Colon cancer, (3) Breast cancer; (4) myeloid neoplasm and Multiple Myeloma, (5) Melanoma and (6) clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Furthermore, since RKIP seems to be a key marker of the development of several tumours and it may be assessed easily in various biological fluids, here we discuss the potential role of RKIP dosing in more accessible biological matrices other than tissues. Moreover, this objective may intercept the still unmet need to identify new and more accurate markers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of many tumours.

Bioinformatics Analysis of mRNAs and miRNAs for Identifying Potential Biomarkers in Lung Adenosquamous Carcinoma

Background

Lung adenosquamous carcinoma (LASC) is a special type of lung cancer. LASC is a malignant tumor with strong aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. Previous studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in the development of tumors by targeting mRNA. This study is aimed at identifying the key mRNAs and miRNAs of LASC and constructing miRNA-mRNA networks for deeply comprehending the latent molecular mechanisms.

Methods

mRNA dataset (GSE51852) and miRNA dataset (GSE51853) were extracted and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were picked out by the GEO2R web tool. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were conducted in the DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was performed and analyzed by using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, respectively. TransmiR v2.0 was applied to predict potential transcription factors of miRNAs. The target genes of DEMs were predicted in the miRWalk database.

Results

In comparison to normal tissues, a total of 1458 DEGs (511 upregulated and 947 downregulated) and 13 DEMs (5 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were screened out in LASC tissues. The PPI network of the DEGs displayed five key modules and seventeen hub genes. Six target genes of the DEMs were predicted, and five essential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs were established. Ensuingly, CENPF, one of the target genes, was also the hub genes of GSE51852, which was obtained from MCODE and cytoHubba and regulated by hsa-miR-205.

Conclusions

We constructed the miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs, which are helpful to study the potential regulatory mechanisms and find out promising diagnosis biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LASC.

MicroRNA-362-5p promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of trophoblast cells via targeting glutathione-disulfide reductase

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common complication of pregnancy, harms the health of pregnant women and fetuses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) dysregulation in placenta is involved in GDM. Herein, we explored the roles of miR-362-5p in GDM. After high glucose (HG) treated HTR-8/SVneo cells, CCK-8 and flow cytometry were conducted to assess the capability of the proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The data demonstrated that HG inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. MiR-362-5p level was reduced in HG-treated cells and placenta tissues of GDM patients, measured by qPCR. Overexpressed miR-362-5p accelerated the proliferation and restrained apoptosis of HG-treated cells. Furthermore, glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) was verified as a target of miR-362-5p, through TargetScan database and dual-luciferase reporter assay. GSR was upregulated in GDM placenta tissues and was negatively regulated by miR-362-5p. Enforced GSR level abolished the effects of miR-362-5p overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, miR-362-5p increased p-PI3K, p-AKT and bcl-2, while reduced bax and cleaved caspase3, which were abolished by GSR. In conclusion, miR-362-5p promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis via targeting GSR and activating PI3K/AKT pathway. The findings mentioned above suggested that miR-362-5p might be a therapy target of GDM.

MicroRNA-145 transcriptionally regulates Semaphorin 3A expression in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancer types among males. Differential expression of microRNAs is associated with various cancers including PCa. Although mature microRNAs are preferentially located in the cytoplasm, several studies identified mature human microRNAs in purified nuclei and miR-145 has been found to be predominantly expressed in the nuclei of benign tissues compared to tumor lesions. However, the nuclear functions of miR-145 are yet limited. Here, we aimed at investigating the inductive role of miR-145 on the expression of Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) in PCa cell lines. To study the regulatory potential of miR-145 in the transcriptional level in PCa, we overexpressed miR-145 in PC3 and DU145 cells, and confirmed its upregulation by quantitative-real-time-PCR. Then we investigated the tumor suppressor potential of miR-145 upon inducing SEMA3A expression using cell viability assay, western blot analysis, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay. Our results revealed that p53, miR-145, and SEMA3A expressions are significantly downregulated in PC3 and DU145 cells compared to nontumorigenic prostate epithelial PNT1a cells. miR-145 overexpression in PCa cells induced the expression of SEMA3A at both messenger RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, increased miR-145 expression enriched RNA Pol-II antibody on the promoter of SEMA3A and induced luciferase activity controlled by SEMA3A promoter. In this study, we showed that the functions of miR-145 are not limited to gene silencing, and found that it may lead to changes in gene expression in the transcriptional level.

Temporal microRNA expression profile of pig peripheral blood during postnatal development

Gene expression profiles of blood can reflect the physiopathologic status of the immune system. The dynamic microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of peripheral blood from pigs at different developmental stages, and how differential expression of miRNAs might relate to immune system development, are unknown. In this study, peripheral blood samples taken at five developmental stages were used to construct 15 miRNA libraries (three biological replicates/stage): 0 days (newborn), 30 days (weaning), 60 days (weaned), and 180 and 360 days (puberty). We identified 295 known mature miRNAs. Hierarchical clustering of the miRNA expression profile showed significant differences between individuals at the neonatal and postnatal stages. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that miRNAs differentially expressed between pairwise comparisons of the developmental stages were over-represented in immune-related pathways such as toll-like receptor signaling. The time-course of expression of the over-representated miRNAs exhibited a pattern of steady decline over time, for both the complete miRNA compendium and immune-related miRNAs. We identified six marker miRNAs that were highly negatively correlated with chronologic age and enriched for genes involved in immune-related pathways. This study of a peripheral blood miRNA transcriptome offers insight into immune system development in swine and provides a resource for pig genome annotation.

MicroRNA-362 negatively and positively regulates SMAD4 expression in TGF-β/SMAD signaling to suppress cell migration and invasion

Cell migration and invasion are modulated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse MET process. Despite the detection of microRNA-362 (miR-362, both the miR-362-5p and -3p species) in cancers, none of the identified miR-362 targets is a mesenchymal or epithelial factor to link miR-362 with EMT/MET and metastasis. Focusing on the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in this work, luciferase assays and western blot data showed that miR-362 targeted and negatively regulated expression of SMAD4 and E-cadherin, but not SNAI1, which is regulated by SMAD4. However, miR-362 knockdown also down-regulated SMAD4 and SNAI1, but up-regulated E-cadherin expression. Wound-healing and transwell assays further showed that miR-362 knockdown suppressed cell migration and invasion, effects which were reversed by over-expressing SMAD4 or SNAI1, or by knocking down E-cadherin in the miR-362 knockdown cells. In orthotopic mice, miR-362 knockdown inhibited metastasis, and displayed the same SMAD4 and E-cadherin expression profiles in the tumors as in the in vitro studies. A scheme is proposed to integrate miR-362 negative regulation via SMAD4, and to explain miR-362 positive regulation of SMAD4 via miR-362 targeting of known SMAD4 suppressors, BRK and DACH1, which would have resulted in SMAD4 depletion and annulment of subsequent involvement in TGF-β signaling actions. Hence, miR-362 both negatively and positively regulates SMAD4 expression in TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway to suppress cell motility and invasiveness and metastasis, and may explain the reported clinical association of anti-miR-362 with suppressed metastasis in various cancers. MiR-362 knockdown in miR-362-positive cancer cells may be used as a therapeutic strategy to suppress metastasis.

LncRNA GATA6-AS1 Inhibits the Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Repressing microRNA-543 to Up-Regulating RKIP

Background

Much evidence unveils the significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diverse cancers. This study was designed to clarify the function and mechanism of lncRNA GATA6 antisense RNA 1 (GATA6-AS1) in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

GATA6-AS1, miR-543 and Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) mRNA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR. Chi-square test was adopted to analyze the relationship between GATA6-AS1 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of NSCLC patients. NSCLC cells H1299 and H460 cells were used as overexpression or knockdown models, respectively, and cell proliferation and metastasis were determined by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. RKIP, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, STAT3, p-STAT3 expressions in NSCLC cells were detected by Western blot. The targeting relationship between GATA6-AS1 and miR-543 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

GATA6-AS1 was significantly lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and its low expression level was significantly correlated with larger tumor size and positive lymph node metastasis. GATA6-AS1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of NSCLC cells, while GATA6-AS1 knockdown caused the opposite effects. Mechanistically, it was confirmed that GATA6-AS1 impeded NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis by adsorbing miR-543 and up-regulating the expression of RKIP.

Conclusions

As a tumor suppressor, GATA6-AS1 participates in suppressing the progression of NSCLC by modulating the miR-543/RKIP axis.

LncRNA FENDRR Upregulation Promotes Hepatic Carcinoma Cells Apoptosis by Targeting miR-362-5p Via NPR3 and p38-MAPK Pathway

Background: Abnormal long noncoding RNA FOXF1 adjacent noncoding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) expression has been discovered in multiple human cancers pathogenesis, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is rarely reported. Its effects on HCC cells are covered in this study. Materials and Methods: MiR-362-5p and NPR3 expressions in HCC tissues and cell were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot as needed. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Target gene and potential binding sites of FENDRR, miR-362-5p, and NPR3 were predicted and confirmed by TargetScan and Starbase, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: FENDRR expression was downregulated while miR-362-5p expression was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. FENDRR upregulation inhibited HCC cells viability yet induced apoptosis, which was reversed by miR-362-5p. In addition, miR-362-5p resulted in p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and NPR3 expression decrease in HCC cells, which was reversed by FENDRR. Conclusion: FENDRR inhibited HCC cells viability yet promoted apoptosis by targeting miR-362-5p by promoting NPR3 and deactivating p38-MAPK pathway, thus exerting its anticarcinogenic effects in HCC cells.

Overexpression of Semaphorin 3A is a Marker Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Semaphorins were discovered as guidance signals that mediate neural development. Recent studies suggest that semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a member of the semaphorin family, is involved in the development of several cancers. This study aimed to analyze the association of Sema3A with the clinical features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein–Barr virus-associated carcinoma, and the Epstein–Barr virus primary oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). The expression of Sema3A and LMP1 was immunohistochemically examined in the 35 NPC specimens. The mean expression scores for Sema3A and LMP1 were 20.8% ± 14.5% and 13.9% ± 14.8%, respectively. The expression of Sema3A significantly correlated with that of LMP1 (r = 0.41, p = 0.014). In addition, the Sema3A high cohort showed significantly poorer prognosis than the Sema3A low cohort. Sema3A expression was higher in the LMP1-positive KH-1 and KR-4 cell lines compared to the LMP1-negative HeLa cells. Overexpression of LMP1 in the LMP1-negative AdAH cell line upregulated Sema3A expression, both at the transcriptional and translational level. Finally, Sema3A expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with NPC. Our data suggest that LMP1 induces the expression of Sema3A, which may promote tumor progression in NPC.

MiR-362-5p, Which Is Regulated by Long Non-Coding RNA MBNL1-AS1, Promotes the Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth of Bladder Cancer by Targeting QKI

In this study, we found miR-362-5p was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and we predicted that QKI is potential a target of miR-362-5p and MBNL1-AS1 might be able to directly target to miR-362-5p. We attempted to evaluate whether miR-362-5p could play its roles in bladder cancer through regulating QKI (quaking) and whether the expression and function of miR-362-5p could be mediated by lncRNA MBNL1-AS1. We performed the gain- and loss-function experiments to explore the association between miR-362-5p expression and bladder cancer proliferation. In vivo, the nude mice were injected with miR-362-5p knockdown SW780 cells to assess the effects of miR-362-5p on tumor growth. The results showed upregulation of miR-362-5p promoted cell proliferation of bladder cancer cells. MBNL1-AS1 and QKI could directly bind with miR-362-5p, and knockdown of MBNL1-AS1 or QKI could abrogate the regulatory effects of miR-362-5p on bladder cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-362-5p inhibited bladder tumor growth and increased QKI expression. Our data unveiled that miR-362-5p may play an oncogenic role in bladder cancer through QKI and MBNL1-AS1 might function as a sponge to mediate the miR-362-5p expression and function.

Accumulation of kynurenine elevates oxidative stress and alters microRNA profile in human bone marrow stromal cells

Kynurenine, a metabolite of tryptophan breakdown, has been shown to increase with age, and plays a vital role in a number of age-related pathophysiological changes, including bone loss. Accumulation of kynurenine in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) has been associated with a decrease in cell proliferation and differentiation, though the exact mechanism by which kynurenine mediates these changes is poorly understood. MiRNAs have been shown to regulate BMSC function, and accumulation of kynurenine may alter the miRNA expression profile of BMSCs. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in human BMSCs in response to treatment with kynurenine, and correlate miRNAs function in BMSCs biology through bioinformatics analysis. Human BMSCs were cultured and treated with and without kynurenine, and subsequent miRNA isolation was performed. MiRNA array was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNA. Microarray analysis identified 50 up-regulated, and 36 down-regulated miRNAs in kynurenine-treated BMSC cultures. Differentially expressed miRNA included miR-1281, miR-330-3p, let-7f-5p, and miR-493-5p, which are important for BMSC proliferation and differentiation. KEGG analysis found up-regulated miRNA targeting glutathione metabolism, a pathway critical for removing oxidative species. Our data support that the kynurenine dependent degenerative effect is partially due to changes in the miRNA profile of BMSCs.

Comparing MicroRNA Profilings of Purified HER-2-Negative and HER-2-Positive Cells Validates miR-362-5p/Sema3A as Characteristic Molecular Change in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Background

HER-2 is a key molecule serving as the therapeutic target, prognostic biomarker, and classification marker in breast cancer. Accurate microRNA profilings had not been conducted in purified tumor cells of HER-2-negative and HER-2-positive tissue specimens obtained from breast cancer patients.

Methods

(i) Differential expression microRNA discovery using laser capture microdissection- (LCM-) assisted specimen preparation and microRNA array chips on HER-2 overexpressing and triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) subtype tissues, (ii) differential expression microRNA validation by quantitative real-time PCR, and (iii) independent validation on tissue microarray.

Results

Five microRNAs (miR-20a-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-362-5p, miR-502-3p, and miR-222-3p) were screened and validated as upregulated microRNAs in TNBC cells comparing to HER-2 overexpressing cells using a microRNA array (5 cases in each group) and quantitative real-time PCR (20 cases in each group). The expression difference of miR-362-5p had the most significant statistical significance (p = 0.0016) among the five microRNAs. The expression of miR-362-5p and its target gene Sema3A was further analyzed using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry on standard tissue sections (n = 150). 70.8% of HER-2-negative cells showed moderate expression of miR-362-5p whereas 20.4% HER-2-negative cells correlated with strong expression of miR-362-5p (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with moderate/strong miR-362-5p expression in luminal, HER-2 overexpressing, and TNBC subtypes were 53.2%, 22.2%, and 74.3%, respectively (p = 0.0002). High miR-362-5p expressers had shorter overall survival in the univariate analysis (p = 0.046). There was a significant negative correlation between miR-362-5p and Sema3A expression (p < 0.0001). The patients with negative/weak Sema3A protein expression had poorer prognosis than those with moderate (HR: 3.723, p = 0.021) or strong (HR: 3.966, p = 0.013) Sema3A protein expression in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

miR-362-5p/Sema3A might provide a promising therapeutic pathway and represents a candidate therapeutic target of the TNBC subtype.

MicroRNA‑214 upregulates HIF‑1α and VEGF by targeting ING4 in lung cancer cells

Previous reports have indicated a potential link between microRNA (miR)‑214 and hypoxia. In the present study, the biological functions and potential mechanisms of miR‑214 were determined, as well as its correlation with HIF‑1α signaling in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that miR‑214 expression was upregulated in lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. miR‑214 mimics were transfected into A549 cells, and MTT, colony formation, invasion and wound healing assays were performed. It was demonstrated that miR‑214 mimic transfection promoted the invasion, proliferation and migration of A549 cells. Furthermore, miR‑214 inhibitor transfection decreased H1299 cell invasion, proliferation and migration. Next, the association between miR‑214 expression and the HIF‑1α signaling cascade was examined. It was demonstrated that miR‑214 mimics upregulated the expression of hypoxia‑inducible factor (HIF)‑1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), adenylate kinase 3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, whereas miR‑214 inhibitor downregulated the expression of these factors. Using prediction software, it was demonstrated that tumor suppressor ING4 was a target of miR‑214. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that ING4 was a direct target of miR‑214. There was a negative correlation between ING4 and miR‑214 expression in lung cancer tissues. In addition, ING4 siRNA and plasmid was transfected into cells in order to validate its effect on HIF‑1α, MMP2 and VEGF expression. ING4 overexpression downregulated HIF‑1α and its targets MMP2 and VEGF, while ING4 siRNA upregulated HIF‑1α, MMP2 and VEGF. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that miR‑214 targeted ING4 in lung cancer cells, and upregulated the HIF‑1α cascade, leading to MMP2 and VEGF upregulation. This approach may help to clarify the role of miRNA in non‑small lung cancer and may be a new therapeutic target for non‑small lung cancer.

Semaphorin 3A Contributes to Secondary Blood-Brain Barrier Damage After Traumatic Brain Injury

Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) is a member of the Semaphorins family, a class of membrane-associated protein that participates in the construction of nerve networks. SEMA3A has been reported to affect vascular permeability previously, but its influence in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still unknown. To investigate the effects of SEMA3A, we used a mouse TBI model with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) device and a blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury model in vitro with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We tested post-TBI changes in SEMA3A, and its related receptors (Nrp-1 and plexin-A1) expression and distribution through western blotting and double-immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Neurological outcomes were evaluated by modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs) and beam-walking test. We examined BBB damage through Evans Blue dye extravasation, brain water content, and western blotting for VE-cadherin and p-VE-cadherin in vivo, and we examined the endothelial cell barrier through hopping probe ion conductance microscopy (HPICM), transwell leakage, and western blotting for VE-cadherin and p-VE-cadherin in vitro. Changes in miR-30b-5p were assessed by RT-PCR. Finally, the neuroprotective function of miR-30b-5p is measured by brain water content, mNSSs and beam-walking test. SEMA3A expression varied following TBI and peaked on the third day which expressed approximate fourfold increase compared with sham group, with the protein concentrated at the lesion boundary. SEMA3A contributed to neurological function deficits and secondary BBB damage in vivo. Our results demonstrated that SEMA3A level following OGD injury almost doubled than control group, and the negative effects of OGD injury can be improved by blocking SEMA3A expression. Furthermore, the expression of miR-30b-5p decreased approximate 40% at the third day and 60% at the seventh day post-CCI. OGD injury also exhibited an effect to approximately decrease 50% of miR-30b-5p expression. Additionally, the expression of SEMA3A post-TBI is regulated by miR-30b-5p, and miR-30b-5p could improve neurological outcomes post-TBI efficiently. Our results demonstrate that SEMA3A is a significant factor in secondary BBB damage after TBI and can be abolished by miR-30b-5p, which represents a potential therapeutic target.

Neuroimmune Semaphorin 4A in Cancer Angiogenesis and Inflammation: A Promoter or a Suppressor?

Neuroimmune semaphorin 4A (Sema4A), a member of semaphorin family of transmembrane and secreted proteins, is an important regulator of neuronal and immune functions. In the nervous system, Sema4A primarily regulates the functional activity of neurons serving as an axon guidance molecule. In the immune system, Sema4A regulates immune cell activation and function, instructing a fine tuning of the immune response. Recent studies have shown a dysregulation of Sema4A expression in several types of cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal, and breast cancers. Cancers have been associated with abnormal angiogenesis. The function of Sema4A in angiogenesis and cancer is not defined. Recent studies have demonstrated Sema4A expression and function in endothelial cells. However, the results of these studies are controversial as they report either pro- or anti-angiogenic Sema4A effects depending on the experimental settings. In this mini-review, we discuss these findings as well as our data on Sema4A regulation of inflammation and angiogenesis, which both are important pathologic processes underlining tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Understanding the role of Sema4A in those processes may guide the development of improved therapeutic treatments for cancer.