Altered Long Noncoding RNA Expression Profile in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Bisphosphonate-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

LncRNA H19 promotes osteoclast differentiation by sponging miR-29c-3p to increase expression of cathepsin K

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a prevalent metabolic bone disease. Osteoporotic fractures can lead to severe functional impairment and increased mortality. Long noncoding RNA H19 has emerged as a pivotal player in bone remodeling, serving both as a biomarker and a regulator. While previous research has elucidated H19's role in promoting osteogenic differentiation through diverse mechanisms, its involvement in osteoclast differentiation remains largely unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we used lentiviral vectors to stably overexpress or knockdown H19 in RAW264.7 cell lines. Quantitative reverse polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and bone resorption assay were performed to assess the level of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption capacity. And fluorescence in situ hybridization, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to explore the specific mechanism of H19 regulating osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Then, ovariectomized osteoporosis models in wild type mice and H19 knockout mice were conducted. And micro-CT analysis, HE staining, and immunohistochemistry were performed to verify the mechanism of H19 regulating osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Bone marrow derived monocytes and bone mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from mice and assayed for osteoclastic and osteogenic-related assays, respectively.

RESULTS

In vitro, H19 promoted osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption of RAW264.7 cells, while miR-29c-3p inhibited them. Both H19 and cathepsin K were the target genes of miR-29c-3p. In vivo, H19 knockout mice have increased femur bone mineral density, decreased osteoclast formation, and reduced cathepsin K expression. MiR-29c-3p agomir could increase bone mineral density in osteoporotic mice on the premise of H19 knockout.

CONCLUSIONS

H19 upregulates cathepsin K expression through sponging miR-29c-3p, which promoting osteoclast differentiation and enhancing bone resorption. This underscores the potential of H19 and miR-29c-3p as promising biomarkers for osteoporosis.

Potential mechanisms for predicting comorbidity between multiple myeloma and femoral head necrosis based on multiple bioinformatics

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to utilize multiple bioinformatics tools to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (ONFH).

METHOD

High-throughput microarray datasets for MM and ONFH were retrieved from the GEO database, followed by separate preprocessing. We applied Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to construct co-expression networks within the MM datasets, further identifying modules and genes associated with MM clinical characteristics. Potential comorbid genes were enriched and analyzed using pathway and network analysis tools, and key genes for MM and ONFH comorbidity were preliminarily screened using Cytoscape. The gene expression capabilities and performance were validated using two disease-related datasets, and we evaluated the differences and consistencies in the immune microenvironment between the two diseases.

RESULTS

Our screening identified 418 immune-related comorbid genes, showing consistent biological processes in ribosome synthesis, particularly protein synthesis across both diseases. Key genes were further identified through Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks, and their performance was validated in a validation cohort, with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve areas exceeding 0.8. The immune microenvironment analysis highlighted consistent plasma cell infiltration correlated with disease comorbidity, suggesting potential immune targets for future therapies.

CONCLUSION

MM and ONFH share common pathogenic genes that mediate changes in signaling pathways and immune cell dynamics, potentially influencing the comorbidity and progression of these diseases. Key genes identified, such as RPS19, RPL35, RPL24, RPL36, and EIF3G, along with plasma cell infiltration, may serve as central mechanisms in the development of both diseases. This study offers insights and references for further research into targeted treatments for these conditions.

Genetic Background of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare side effect of antiresorptive drugs that significantly hinders the quality of life of affected patients. The disease develops in the presence of a combination of factors. Important pathogenetic factors include inflammation, inhibition of bone remodeling, or genetic predisposition. Since the first description of this rare side effect in 2003, a growing body of data has suggested a possible role for genetic factors in the disease. Several genes have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of MRONJ such as SIRT1, VEGFA, and CYP2C8. With the development of molecular biology, newer methods such as miRNA and gene expression studies have been introduced in MRONJ, in addition to methods that can examine the base sequence of the DNA. Describing the complex genetic background of MRONJ can help further understand its pathophysiology as well as identify new therapeutic targets to better manage this adverse drug reaction.

Protective Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein on Cancer Risk: Focus on Multiple Myeloma

Lipid metabolism is intrinsically linked to tumorigenesis. And one of the most important characteristics of cancer is the modification of lipid metabolism and its correlation with oncogenic signaling pathways within the tumors. Because lipids function as signaling molecules, membrane structures, and energy sources, lipids are essential to the development of cancer. Above all, the proper immune response of tumor cells depends on the control of lipid metabolism. Changes in metabolism can modify systems that regulate carcinogenesis, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. The dependence of various malignancies on lipid metabolism varies. This review delves into the modifications to lipid metabolism that take place in cancer, specifically focusing on multiple myeloma. The review illustrates how changes in different lipid pathways impact the growth, survival, and drug-responsiveness of multiple myeloma cells, in addition to their interactions with other cells within the tumor microenvironment. The phenotype of malignant plasma cells can be affected by lipid vulnerabilities, and these findings offer a new avenue for understanding this process. Additionally, they identify novel druggable pathways that have a major bearing on multiple myeloma care.

Highlights on the Effects of Non-Coding RNAs in the Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is the progressive loss and destruction of bone affecting the maxilla or mandible in patients treated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents without receiving prior radiation therapy. The pathogenesis involves the inflammatory pathway of receptor activator of nuclear factor NF-kB ligand and the macrophage colony-stimulating factor, essential for osteoclast precursors survival and proliferation and acting through its receptor c-Fms. Evidence has shown the role of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the jaw and this finding might be useful in diagnosis since these small RNAs could be considered as biomarkers of apoptotic activity in bone. Interestingly, it has been proved that miR-29 and miR-31-5p, acting on specific targets such as CALCR and RhoA, promote programmed-cell death and consequently the necrosis of bone tissue. Specific long non-coding RNAs, instead, have been detected both at reduced levels in patients with multiple myeloma and osteonecrosis, and associated with suppression of osteoblast differentiation, with consequences in the progression of mandible lesions. Among non-coding genic material, circular RNAs have the capability to modify the expression of specific mRNAs responsible for the inhibition of bisphosphonates activity on osteoclastogenesis.

Air Pollution and microRNAs: The Role of Association in Airway Inflammation

Air pollution exposure plays a key role in the alteration of gene expression profiles, which can be regulated by microRNAs, inducing the development of various diseases. Moreover, there is also evidence of sensitivity of miRNAs to environmental factors, including tobacco smoke. Various diseases are related to specific microRNA signatures, suggesting their potential role in pathophysiological processes; considering their association with environmental pollutants, they could become novel biomarkers of exposure. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to analyse data reported in the literature on the role of environmental stressors on microRNA alterations and, in particular, to identify specific alterations that might be related to the development of airway diseases so as to propose future preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.

Identification and validation of cuproptosis related genes and signature markers in bronchopulmonary dysplasia disease using bioinformatics analysis and machine learning

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) has a high incidence and affects the health of preterm infants. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death, but its mechanism of action in the disease is not yet clear. Machine learning, the latest tool for the analysis of biological samples, is still relatively rarely used for in-depth analysis and prediction of diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, the differential expression of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the GSE108754 dataset was extracted and the heat map showed that the expression of NFE2L2 gene was significantly higher in the control group whereas the expression of GLS gene was significantly higher in the treatment group. Chromosome location analysis showed that both the genes were positively correlated and associated with chromosome 2. The results of immune infiltration and immune cell differential analysis showed differences in the four immune cells, significantly in Monocytes cells. Five new pathways were analyzed through two subgroups based on consistent clustering of CRG expression. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) set the screening condition to the top 25% to obtain the disease signature genes. Four machine learning algorithms: Generalized Linear Models (GLM), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) were used to screen the disease signature genes, and the final five marker genes for disease prediction. The models constructed by GLM method were proved to be more accurate in the validation of two datasets, GSE190215 and GSE188944.

CONCLUSION

We eventually identified two copper death-associated genes, NFE2L2 and GLS. A machine learning model-GLM was constructed to predict the prevalence of BPD disease, and five disease signature genes NFATC3, ERMN, PLA2G4A, MTMR9LP and LOC440700 were identified. These genes that were bioinformatics analyzed could be potential targets for identifying BPD disease and treatment.

Epigenetic Crosstalk between Malignant Plasma Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment in Multiple Myeloma

In multiple myeloma, cells of the bone marrow microenvironment have a relevant responsibility in promoting the growth, survival, and drug resistance of multiple myeloma plasma cells. In addition to the well-recognized role of genetic lesions, microenvironmental cells also present deregulated epigenetic systems. However, the effect of epigenetic changes in reshaping the tumour microenvironment is still not well identified. An assortment of epigenetic regulators, comprising histone methyltransferases, histone acetyltransferases, and lysine demethylases, are altered in bone marrow microenvironmental cells in multiple myeloma subjects participating in disease progression and prognosis. Aberrant epigenetics affect numerous processes correlated with the tumour microenvironment, such as angiogenesis, bone homeostasis, and extracellular matrix remodelling. This review focuses on the interplay between epigenetic alterations of the tumour milieu and neoplastic cells, trying to decipher the crosstalk between these cells. We also evaluate the possibility of intervening specifically in modified signalling or counterbalancing epigenetic mechanisms.

Oral Complications in Cancer Patients–Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) was first reported in 2003. Despite the progress in the understanding of this oral complication in cancer patients for the past 18 years, there is still discussion about the best way to define MRONJ, prevent the complication, how to diagnose, and the options of treatment available. The initial reports associated MRONJ to bisphosphonates and denosumab, medications that work as bone-modifying agents. Later, other agents such as the antiangiogenics, have also been reported to cause the oral complication, either alone or in combination with antiresorptives. Initially, these medications were prescribed to patients with osteoporosis and cancers patients with bone metastasis. Today, because of the effect of the medications in the bone remodeling system, patients with several other diseases such as giant cell tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease of bone, fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, are managed with these medications, significantly increasing the population of individuals at risk for developing MRONJ. This mini review focused on the cancer patient. It updates the dental clinician on the recent scientific literature about MRONJ and provides information on how to diagnose and manage patients being treated with these medications, suggests protocols to prevent the development of MRONJ, and present ways to manage those patients who develop the oral complication.

The Landscape of lncRNAs in Multiple Myeloma: Implications in the "Hallmarks of Cancer", Clinical Perspectives and Therapeutic Opportunities

Simple Summary

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive hematological neoplasia caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant plasmacells. Neoplastic transformation and progression are driven by a number of biological processes, called ‘hallmarks of cancer’, which are regulated by different molecules, including long non-coding RNAs. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate MM development and progression will help to improve patients stratification and management, and promote the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins. Nowadays, lncRNAs are gaining importance as key regulators of gene expression and, consequently, of several biological functions in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Here, we point out the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). We focus on their ability to regulate the biological processes identified as “hallmarks of cancer” that enable malignant cell transformation, early tumor onset and progression. The aberrant expression of lncRNAs in MM suggests their potential use as clinical biomarkers for diagnosis, patient stratification, and clinical management. Moreover, they represent ideal candidates for therapeutic targeting.

Investigation of the expression level of long non-coding RNAs in dental follicles of impacted mandibular third molars

OBJECTIVES

Dental follicle (DF) is made up of mesenchymal cells and fibers surrounding the enamel organ of a developing tooth. It has been shown that cystic and neoplastic lesions can develop from the pericoronal follicles of impacted third molars (ITMs). But the molecular transformation of DF tissues has not yet been uncovered and remains elusive. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the differential expression of lncRNA genes in DF tissues associated with asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) that do not show pathological pericoronal radiolucency in radiographic examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients with unilateral mesioangular IMTMs were enrolled for the study. The expressions of lncRNA genes were determined in the DF and healthy gingival tissues obtained from study patients. For the determination of lncRNA expression levels, RNA was isolated from the obtained tissues, converted to cDNA samples, and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

As a result, we found that the gene expression of MEG3 was increased about 10-fold in DF tissues compared to healthy gingival tissues (p < 0.0001). In addition, NORAD expression was found to be upregulated 4.2-fold (p = 0.0002) in DF tissues. Also, expression level of MALAT1 was found to be decreased 1.24-fold (p = 0.584) and TP73-AS1 increased 2.6-fold (p = 0.093) in DF tissues compared to healthy gingival tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, present findings suggest that differentially expressed lncRNAs in DFs might be associated with the various levels of cellular events including osteogenic differentiation, DNA damage, and the transformation into odontogenic pathology.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Expression levels of MEG3 and NORAD lncRNA molecules may guide clinicians in the evaluation of asymptomatic ITM dental follicles that cannot be determined radiologically and during extraction of these teeth for prophylactic purposes.

The regulatory activities of MALAT1 in the development of bone and cartilage diseases

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been comprehensively implicated in various cellular functions by mediating transcriptional or post-transcriptional activities. MALAT1 is involved in the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of multiple cell lines, including BMSCs, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes. Interestingly, MALAT1 may interact with RNAs or proteins, regulating cellular processes. Recently, MALAT1 has been reported to be associated with the development of bone and cartilage diseases by orchestrating the signaling network. The involvement of MALAT1 in the pathological development of bone and cartilage diseases makes it available to be a potential biomarker for clinical diagnosis or prognosis. Although the potential mechanisms of MALAT1 in mediating the cellular processes of bone and cartilage diseases are still needed for further elucidation, MALAT1 shows great promise for drug development.

LncRNA MALAT1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and inhibits osteoclastic differentiation of Mø in osteoporosis via the miR-124-3p/IGF2BP1/Wnt/β-catenin axis

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by impairment in bone strength. The potential application of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets for osteoporosis has been unveiled. This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 in the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages (Mø) in osteoporosis. MALAT1 expression in peripheral blood of elderly osteoporosis patients and healthy volunteers was detected. BMSCs and mononuclear Mø were isolated and cultured. Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and osteoclastic differentiation of Mø were induced. BMSCs and Mø were transfected with si-MALAT1, miR-124-3p mimics, miR-124-3p inhibitor, or pcDNA IGF2BP1, followed by detection of cell differentiation. The target microRNAs (miRs) and downstream genes and signaling pathways of MALAT1 were examined. The ovariectomy-induced mouse model of osteoporosis was established, and the mice were injected with pcDNA-MALAT1. MALAT1 was downregulated in osteoporosis patients, increased in BMSCs after osteogenic differentiation, and diminished in Mø after osteoclastic differentiation. Downregulation of MALAT1 repressed osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and facilitated osteoclastic differentiation of Mø. MALAT1 upregulated IGF2BP1 expression by competitively binding to miR-124-3p. miR-124-3p silencing reversed the effect of si-MALAT1 on BMSCs and Mø differentiation, and IGF2BP1 upregulation averted the effect of overexpressed-miR-124-3p by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Upregulation of MALAT1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and attenuated bone injury in mice. In conclusion, lncRNA MALAT1 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and inhibited osteoclastic differentiation of Mø in osteoporosis via the miR-124-3p/IGF2BP1/Wnt/β-catenin axis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Long non‑coding RNA DANCR represses the viability, migration and invasion of multiple myeloma cells by sponging miR‑135b‑5p to target KLF9

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells that leads to marrow failure and bone lesions. Numerous studies have verified the link between long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and MM. The present study aimed to examine the role and underlying mechanism of differentiation antagonizing non‑protein coding RNA (DANCR) in MM cells. The relative expression levels of DANCR, microRNA (miR)‑135b‑5p and Krüppel‑like factor 9 (KLF9) were examined using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while relative cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays. Moreover, the dual‑luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the interplay between DANCR, miR‑135b‑5p and KLF9. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression level of KLF9. It was found that lncRNA DANCR and KLF9 were downregulated, while miR‑135b‑5p was upregulated in the serum of patients with MM and in MM cells compared with the controls. Overexpressing DANCR or knocking down miR‑135b‑5p reduced the viability of the MM cells, as well as restrained MM cells from migrating and invading. Furthermore, DANCR directly targeted miR‑135b‑5p and was negatively correlated with miR‑135b‑5p. It was also found that KLF9 was targeted by miR‑135b‑5p and was inversely correlated with miR‑135b‑5p expression. The impact of lncRNA DANCR‑mediated suppression on cell viability, invasion and migration was partially abolished by short hairpin RNA KLF9 or miR‑135b‑5p mimics transfection in MM cells. Thus, it was suggested that lncRNA DANCR repressed the viability, migration and invasion of MM cells by sponging miR‑135b‑5p to target KLF9.

New Insights into YES-Associated Protein Signaling Pathways in Hematological Malignancies: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Simple Summary

YES-associated protein (YAP) is a co-transcriptional activator that binds to transcriptional factors to increase the rate of transcription of a set of genes, and it can intervene in the onset and progression of different tumors. Most of the data in the literature refer to the effects of the YAP system in solid neoplasms. In this review, we analyze the possibility that YAP can also intervene in hematological neoplasms such as lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and acute and chronic leukemias, modifying the phenomena of cell proliferation and cell death. The possibilities of pharmacological intervention related to the YAP system in an attempt to use its modulation therapeutically are also discussed.

Abstract

The Hippo/YES-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway is a cell survival and proliferation-control system with its main activity that of regulating cell growth and organ volume. YAP operates as a transcriptional coactivator in regulating the onset, progression, and treatment response in numerous human tumors. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting the involvement of YAP in the control of the hematopoietic system, in physiological conditions rather than in hematological diseases. Nevertheless, several reports have proposed that the effects of YAP in tumor cells are cell-dependent and cell-type-determined, even if YAP usually interrelates with extracellular signaling to stimulate the onset and progression of tumors. In the present review, we report the most recent findings in the literature on the relationship between the YAP system and hematological neoplasms. Moreover, we evaluate the possible therapeutic use of the modulation of the YAP system in the treatment of malignancies. Given the effects of the YAP system in immunosurveillance, tumorigenesis, and chemoresistance, further studies on interactions between the YAP system and hematological malignancies will offer very relevant information for the targeting of these diseases employing YAP modifiers alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

Potential Role of microRNAs in inducing Drug Resistance in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

The prognosis for newly diagnosed subjects with multiple myeloma (MM) has significantly progressed in recent years. However, most MM patients relapse and after several salvage therapies, the onset of multidrug resistance provokes the occurrence of a refractory disease. A continuous and bidirectional exchange of information takes place between the cells of the microenvironment and neoplastic cells to solicit the demands of cancer cells. Among the molecules serving as messengers, there are microRNAs (miRNA), a family of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Numerous miRNAs are associated with drug resistance, also in MM, and the modulation of their expression or activity might be explored to reverse it. In this review we report the most recent studies concerning the relationship between miRNAs and chemoresistance to the most frequently used drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors, steroids, alkylating agents and immunomodulators. The experimental use of antagomirs or miRNA mimics have successfully been proven to counteract chemoresistance and display synergistic effects with antimyeloma drugs which could represent a fundamental moment to overcome resistance in MM treatment.

Non-Coding RNAs in Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease Pathophysiology

Bone remodeling is uncoupled in the multiple myeloma (MM) bone marrow niche, resulting in enhanced osteoclastogenesis responsible of MM-related bone disease (MMBD). Several studies have disclosed the mechanisms underlying increased osteoclast formation and activity triggered by the various cellular components of the MM bone marrow microenvironment, leading to the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. In this regard, recent attention has been given to non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules, that finely tune gene expression programs involved in bone homeostasis both in physiological and pathological settings. In this review, we will analyze major signaling pathways involved in MMBD pathophysiology, and report emerging evidence of their regulation by different classes of ncRNAs.