MicroRNA-194 Promotes Prostate Cancer Metastasis by Inhibiting SOCS2

MiRNA-21 promotes the migration and proliferation of prostate cancer cells via activating the JAK/STAT pathway

This research explored the role of microRNA (miRNA)-21 in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, as well as its regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway in PCa cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to examine miRNA-21 expression in PCa cells. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell migration was measured by wound healing and transwell assays. The janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway-related protein expression was detected using western blot. The results indicated that miRNA-21 was significantly up-regulated in PCa cells, and inhibition of miRNA-21 suppressed the viability, proliferation and migration of PCa cells. Besides, inhibition of miRNA-21 lessened the levels of JAK/STAT pathway-related proteins in both PCa cells. Additionally, Ruxolitinib treatment (an inhibitor of the JAK/STAT pathway) could reverse the elevated cell viability and proliferation in miRNA-21 mimics-transfected PCa cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that miRNA-21 promotes the migration and proliferation of PCa cells via activating the JAK /STAT pathway.

Dysregulated expression of the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) contributes to the development of prostate cancer

Different types of cytokines, growth factors, or hormones present within the tumor microenvironment that can activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway by binding to their specific cell surface receptors. The constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway can promote uncontrolled cell proliferation and prevent apoptosis contributing to tumor development. Activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is controlled by several regulatory molecules, particularly the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family consisting of eight members, which include SOCS1-SOCS7 and the cytokine-inducible SH2-containing (CIS) proteins. In prostate cancer cells, the irregular expression of the SOCS1-SOCS3, SOCS5-SOCS7 as well as CIS can similarly and differentially result in the initiation of various cellular signaling pathways (in particular JAK-STAT3, MAPK, ERK) that promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion and viability; cell cycle progression; epithelial-mesenchymal transition; angiogenesis; resistance to therapy; immune evasion; and chronic inflammation within the tumor microenvironment which lead to tumor progression, metastasis and poor prognosis. Epigenetic modifications, mainly due to DNA methylation, microRNAs, pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and androgens can influence the expression of the SOCS molecules in prostate cancer cells. Using strategies to modulate, restore or enhance the expression of SOCS proteins, may help overcome treatment resistance and improve the efficacy of existing therapies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive explanation regarding SOCS dysregulation in prostate cancer to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of SOCS proteins. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to manage prostate cancer by restoring and modulating the expression of SOCS molecules.

Inhibition of DDR1 promotes ferroptosis and overcomes gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

Gefitinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), which serves the critical pillar for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the acquired resistance remains a challenge for its clinical application, for which, practical strategies to reverse gefitinib resistance in NSCLC are necessary. Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death driven by ferritin-dependent lipid peroxidation, involves in NSCLC progression and related chemoresistance. In our previous work, the self-synthesised EGFR inhibitor Yfq07 (N4, N6-disubstituted pyrimidine-4,6-diamine derivatives) displayed a considerable inhibitory effect on NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we observed that Yfq07 suppressed the proliferation of PC-9GR and HCC827GR cells, two gefitinib resistance NSCLC cell lines. Mechanically, Yfq07 inhibited the phosphorylation of the Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) highly expressed in multiple cancers, accompanied by downregulated miR-3648 and upregulated SOCS2. Inhibition or knockdown of DDR1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells, and on the other hand, also downregulated miR-3648 and promoted SOCS2 expression. More specifically, miR-3648 targeted the 3'UTR segment of SOCS2 mRNA and thus affecting the P-ERK signalling pathway to regulate the malignant behaviors of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells. Furthermore, Yfq07 also indirectly induced the ferroptosis of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells via SOCS2 triggered inhibition of xCT-GPX4 pathway. In conclusion, our study indicates that DDR1 inhibitor Yfq07 promotes ferroptosis and reverses gefitinib-resistance of NSCLC through DDR1-miR-3648-SOCS2 signalling pathway, which provides insights for targeted therapy of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC and drug developments targeting ferroptosis.

Exploring the impact of circRNAs on cancer glycolysis: Insights into tumor progression and therapeutic strategies

Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways, prominently featuring enhanced glycolytic activity to sustain their rapid growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of glycolysis is a well-established hallmark of cancer and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Increased glycolysis supplies the energy necessary for increased proliferation and creates an acidic milieu, which in turn encourages tumor cells' infiltration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in diverse biological processes, including cancer development and metabolic reprogramming. The interplay between circRNAs and glycolysis is explored, illuminating how circRNAs regulate key glycolysis-associated genes and enzymes, thereby influencing tumor metabolic profiles. In this overview, we highlight the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate glycolytic enzymes and modulate glycolysis. In addition, we discuss the clinical implications of dysregulated circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, including their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. All in all, in this overview, we provide the most recent findings on how circRNAs operate at the molecular level to control glycolysis in various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prostate cancer (PCa), colorectal cancer (CRC), cervical cancer (CC), glioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and gastric cancer (GC). In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, shedding light on their intricate roles in tumor development and presenting innovative therapeutic avenues.

ACSM1 and ACSM3 Regulate Fatty Acid Metabolism to Support Prostate Cancer Growth and Constrain Ferroptosis

Solid tumors are highly reliant on lipids for energy, growth, and survival. In prostate cancer, the activity of the androgen receptor (AR) is associated with reprogramming of lipid metabolic processes. Here, we identified acyl-CoA synthetase medium chain family members 1 and 3 (ACSM1 and ACSM3) as AR-regulated mediators of prostate cancer metabolism and growth. ACSM1 and ACSM3 were upregulated in prostate tumors compared with nonmalignant tissues and other cancer types. Both enzymes enhanced proliferation and protected prostate cancer cells from death in vitro, whereas silencing ACSM3 led to reduced tumor growth in an orthotopic xenograft model. ACSM1 and ACSM3 were major regulators of the prostate cancer lipidome and enhanced energy production via fatty acid oxidation. Metabolic dysregulation caused by loss of ACSM1/3 led to mitochondrial oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death by ferroptosis. Conversely, elevated ACSM1/3 activity enabled prostate cancer cells to survive toxic levels of medium chain fatty acids and promoted resistance to ferroptosis-inducing drugs and AR antagonists. Collectively, this study reveals a tumor-promoting function of medium chain acyl-CoA synthetases and positions ACSM1 and ACSM3 as key players in prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance. Significance: Androgen receptor-induced ACSM1 and ACSM3 mediate a metabolic pathway in prostate cancer that enables the utilization of medium chain fatty acids for energy production, blocks ferroptosis, and drives resistance to clinically approved antiandrogens.

Exosomes derived from pulmonary metastatic sites enhance osteosarcoma lung metastasis by transferring the miR-194/215 cluster targeting MARCKS

Osteosarcoma, a prevalent primary malignant bone tumor, often presents with lung metastases, severely impacting patient survival rates. Extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a pivotal role in the formation and progression of osteosarcoma-related pulmonary lesions. However, the communication between primary osteosarcoma and exosome-mediated pulmonary lesions remains obscure, with the potential impact of pulmonary metastatic foci on osteosarcoma progression largely unknown. This study unveils an innovative mechanism by which exosomes originating from osteosarcoma pulmonary metastatic sites transport the miR-194/215 cluster to the primary tumor site. This transportation enhances lung metastatic capability by downregulating myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) expression. Addressing this phenomenon, in this study we employ cationic bovine serum albumin (CBSA) to form nanoparticles (CBSA-anta-194/215) via electrostatic interaction with antagomir-miR-194/215. These nanoparticles are loaded into nucleic acid-depleted exosomal membrane vesicles (anta-194/215@Exo) targeting osteosarcoma lung metastatic sites. Intervention with bioengineered exosome mimetics (anta-194/215@Exo) not only impedes osteosarcoma progression but also significantly prolongs the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. These findings suggest that pulmonary metastatic foci-derived exosomes initiate primary osteosarcoma lung metastasis by transferring the miR-194/215 cluster targeting MARCKS, making the miR-194/215 cluster a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting the progression of patients with osteosarcoma lung metastases.

Inhibition of miR-578 through SOCS2-dependent manner reverses gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells

BACKGROUND

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has emerged as one of the dreadful lung cancers globally due to its increased mortality rates. Concerning chemotherapy, gefitinib has been employed as an effective first-line treatment drug for NSCLC. Nonetheless, the acquired resistance to gefitinib has remained one of the treatment obstacles of NSCLC, requiring improvement in the therapeutic effect of gefitinib.

METHODS

Initially, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blotting (WB) analyses were conducted to measure micro-ribose nucleic acid (miRNA, specifically miR-578) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) levels in the clinical samples. Further, NSCLC cell lines resistance to gefitinib, established in vitro, were transfected by miR-578 inhibitor, miR-578 mimic, and si-SOCS2. Similarly, the xenograft mouse model in vivo was constructed to validate the reversing effect of miR-578.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated the increased miR-578 expression levels in the gefitinib resistance group. Further, inhibiting the miR-578 expression substantially reversed the gefitinib resistance. In addition, the miR-578 effect was modulated via the SOCS2 expression level. The decreased gefitinib resistance effect of miR-578 was weakened by inhibiting the SOCS2 expression.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that miR-578 effectively abolished gefitinib resistance by regulating the SOCS2 expression within NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results will undoubtedly support a reference to provide potential molecular therapeutic targets and clinical treatments for treating NSCLC patients.

Hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p are down-regulated expressed in high dysplasia HPV-positive Pap smear samples compared to normal cytology HPV-positive Pap smear samples

BACKGROUND

The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may affect the miRNA expression pattern during cervical cancer (CC) development. To demonstrate the association between high-risk HPVs and the development of cervix dysplasia, we examined the expression patterns of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p in Pap smear samples from southeast Iranian women. We compared samples that were HPV-positive but showed no abnormality in the cytological examination to samples that were HPV-positive and had severe dysplasia.

METHODS

Pap smear samples were obtained from 60 HPV-positive (HPV-16/18) patients with histologically confirmed severe dysplasia (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) or carcinoma in situ) and the normal cytology group. The expression of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, using specific stem-loop primers and U6 snRNA as the internal reference gene. Clinicopathological features were associated with miRNA expression levels. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was conducted using in silico tools. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was also obtained to discriminate survival-significant candidate miRNAs in CC, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic value.

RESULTS

Compared to HPV-positive cytologically normal Pap smear samples, hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p relative expression decreased significantly in HPV-positive patients with a severe dysplasia Pap smear. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significant association between the miR-194 decrease and poor CC survival. In essence, ROC curve analysis showed that miR-194-5p and miR-195-5p could serve as valuable markers for the development of cervix dysplasia in individuals who are positive for high-risk HPVs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p may possess tumor suppressor capabilities in the context of cervical dysplasia progression. However, it remains uncertain whether these microRNAs are implicated in the transition of patients with high dysplasia to cervical cancer. We also showed the potential capability of candidate miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers related to cervical dysplasia progression.

Overexpression of SOCS2 Inhibits EMT and M2 Macrophage Polarization in Cervical Cancer via IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway

OBJECTIVE

SOCS2 is a member of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) protein family associated with the occurrence and development of multiple cancers. This study revealed the expression and molecular mechanisms of SOCS2 in cervical cancer.

METHODS

In this study, RT-qPCR, Western Blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of SOCS2 in cervical cancer tissues and tumor cells. We overexpressed SOCS2 in SiHa cells via lentivirus. In-vitro experiments were used to investigate the changes in cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability before and after SOCS2 overexpression. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway and EMTrelated proteins. M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the tumor-conditioned medium. The effect of SOCS2 on macrophage polarization was examined by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

SOCS2 expression level was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues. SOCS2 was negatively correlated with CD163+M2 macrophages. Overexpression of SOCS2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells. The expressions of Twist- 2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased. Moreover, the expression of IL-6, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 were decreased. After the addition of RhIL-6, the expression of E-cadherin protein in the LV-SOCS2 group was reversed. CM in the LV-SOCS2 group inhibited the polarization of M2 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

SOCS2 acts as a novel biological target and suppressor of cervical cancer through IL- 6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Potential of miRNAs in Plasma Extracellular Vesicle for the Stratification of Prostate Cancer in a South African Population

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cause of cancer death among African men. The analysis of microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be utilized as a non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of PCa. In this study, we used small RNA sequencing to profile miRNAs cargo in plasma EVs from South African PCa patients. We evaluated the differential expression of miRNAs between low and high Gleason scores in the plasma EVs of South African patients and in the prostatic tissue from data available in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Data Portal. We identified 7 miRNAs differently expressed in both EVs and prostatic tissues. We evaluated their expression using qPCR in a larger cohort of 10 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 24 patients with PCa. Here, we reported that the ratio between two of these miRNAs (i.e., miR-194-5p/miR-16-5p) showed a higher concentration in PCa compared to BPH and in metastatic PCa compared to localized PCa. We explored for the first time the profiling of miRNAs cargo in plasma EVs as a tool for the identification of putative markers in the South African population. Our finding indicated the ratio miR-194-5p/miR-16-5p as a non-invasive marker for the evaluation of PCa aggressiveness in this population.

Comprehensive analysis of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 protein in the malignant transformation of NSCLC

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) plays an essential role in a number of physiological phenomena and functions as a tumor suppressor. Understanding the predictive effects of SOCS2 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is urgently needed. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to assess SOCS2 gene expression levels in NSCLC. The clinical significance of SOCS2 was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the analysis of related clinical factors. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify the biological functions of SOCS2. Subsequently proliferation, wound-healing, colony formation and Transwell assays, and carboplatin drug experiments were used for verification. The results revealed that SOCS2 expression was low in the NSCLC tissues of patients in TCGA and GEO database analyses. Downregulated SOCS2 was associated with poor prognosis, as determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.73; P<0.001). GSEA showed that SOCS2 was involved in intracellular reactions, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cell experiments indicated that knockdown of SOCS2 caused the malignant progression of NSCLC cell lines. Furthermore, the drug experiment showed that silencing of SOCS2 promoted the resistance of NSCLC cells to carboplatin. In conclusion, low expression of SOCS2 was associated with poor clinical prognosis by effecting EMT and causing drug resistance in NSCLC cell lines. Furthermore, SOCS2 could act as a predictive indicator for NSCLC.

Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis Detection and Prediction

Prostate cancer (PCa) causes deaths worldwide, ranking second after lung cancer. Bone metastasis (BM) frequently results from advanced PCa, affecting approximately 90% of patients, and it also often results in severe skeletal-related events. Traditional diagnostic methods for bone metastases, such as tissue biopsies and imaging, have substantial drawbacks. This article summarizes the significance of biomarkers in PCa accompanied with BM, including (1) bone formation markers like osteopontin (OPN), pro-collagen type I C-terminal pro-peptide (PICP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), pro-collagen type I N-terminal pro-peptide (PINP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OC); (2) bone resorption markers, including C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), bone sialoprotein (BSP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), deoxypyridinoline (D-PYD), pyridoxine (PYD), and C-terminal pyridinoline cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP); (3) prostate-specific antigen (PSA); (4) neuroendocrine markers, such as chromogranin A (CgA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and pro-gastrin releasing peptide (ProGRP); (5) liquid biopsy markers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), microRNA (miRNA), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and exosomes. In summary, some of these markers are already in widespread clinical use, while others still require further laboratory or clinical studies to validate their value for clinical application.

The Roles of Antisense Long Noncoding RNAs in Tumorigenesis and Development through Cis-Regulation of Neighbouring Genes

Antisense long noncoding RNA (as-lncRNA) is a lncRNA transcribed in reverse orientation that is partially or completely complementary to the corresponding sense protein-coding or noncoding genes. As-lncRNAs, one of the natural antisense transcripts (NATs), can regulate the expression of their adjacent sense genes through a variety of mechanisms, affect the biological activities of cells, and further participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumours. This study explores the functional roles of as-lncRNAs, which can cis-regulate protein-coding sense genes, in tumour aetiology to understand the occurrence and development of malignant tumours in depth and provide a better theoretical basis for tumour therapy targeting lncRNAs.

Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives

The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.

Multiomics to investigate the mechanisms contributing to repression of PTPRC and SOCS2 in pediatric T-ALL: Focus on miR-363-3p and promoter methylation

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy arising from T-cell precursors. MiRNAs are implicated in negative regulation of gene expression and when aberrantly expressed contribute to various cancer types, including T-ALL. Previously we demonstrated the oncogenic potential of miR-363-3p overexpression in a subgroup of T-ALL patients. Here, using combined proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, we show that miR-363-3p enhances cell growth of T-ALL in vitro via inhibition of PTPRC and SOCS2, which are implicated in repression of the JAK-STAT pathway. We propose that overexpression of miR-363-3p is a novel mechanism potentially contributing to overactivation of JAK-STAT pathway. Additionally, by combining the transcriptomic and methylation data of T-ALL patients, we show that promoter methylation may also contribute to downregulation of SOCS2 expression and thus potentially to JAK-STAT activation. In conclusion, we highlight aberrant miRNA expression and aberrant promoter methylation as mechanisms, alternative to mutations of JAK-STAT-related genes, which might lead to the upregulation of JAK-dependent signaling in T-ALL.

Optical Cellular Micromotion: A New Paradigm to Measure Tumor Cells Invasion within Gels Mimicking the 3D Tumor Environments

Measuring tumor cell invasiveness through 3D tissues, particularly at the single-cell level, can provide important mechanistic understanding and assist in identifying therapeutic targets of tumor invasion. However, current experimental approaches, including standard in vitro invasion assays, have limited physiological relevance and offer insufficient insight into the vast heterogeneity in tumor cell migration through tissues. To address these issues, here the concept of optical cellular micromotion is reported on, where digital holographic microscopy is used to map the optical nano- to submicrometer thickness fluctuations within single-cells. These fluctuations are driven by the dynamic movement of subcellular structures including the cytoskeleton and inherently associated with the biological processes involved in cell invasion within tissues. It is experimentally demonstrated that the optical cellular micromotion correlates with tumor cells motility and invasiveness both at the population and single-cell levels. In addition, the optical cellular micromotion significantly reduced upon treatment with migrastatic drugs that inhibit tumor cell invasion. These results demonstrate that micromotion measurements can rapidly and non-invasively determine the invasive behavior of single tumor cells within tissues, yielding a new and powerful tool to assess the efficacy of approaches targeting tumor cell invasiveness.

Focus on the tumor microenvironment: A seedbed for neuroendocrine prostate cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a microecology consisting of tumor and mesenchymal cells and extracellular matrices. The TME plays important regulatory roles in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and differentiation. Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is a mechanism by which castration resistance develops in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). NED is induced after androgen deprivation therapy and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is established finally. NEPC has poor prognosis and short overall survival and is a major cause of death in patients with PCa. Both the cellular and non-cellular components of the TME regulate and induce NEPC formation through various pathways. Insights into the roles of the TME in NEPC evolution, growth, and progression have increased over the past few years. These novel insights will help refine the NEPC formation model and lay the foundation for the discovery of new NEPC therapies targeting the TME.

Engineered exosome-mediated delivery of circDIDO1 inhibits gastric cancer progression via regulation of MiR-1307-3p/SOCS2 Axis

Background

Our previous study has identified a novel circRNA (circDIDO1) that is down-regulated in gastric cancer (GC) and significantly inhibits GC progression. The purpose of this study is to identify the molecular mechanism for circDIDO1 and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of circDIDO1 in GC.

Methods

By combining bioinformatic analysis with RNA sequencing data, we predicted the potential target of circDIDO1 and further validated the regulatory mechanisms for its tumor suppressor function in GC. RIP assay, luciferase reporter assay and in vitro cell function assays were performed to analyze circDIDO1-regulated downstream target genes. For the therapeutic study, circDIDO1-loaded, RGD-modified exosomes (RGD-Exo-circDIDO1) were constructed and its anti-tumor efficacy and biological safety were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

CircDIDO1 inhibited GC progression by regulating the expression of the signal transducer inhibitor SOSC2 through sponging miR-1307-3p. Overexpression of circDIDO1 or SOSC2 antagonized the oncogenic role of miR-1307-3p. RGD-Exo-circDIDO1 could efficiently deliver circDIDO1 to increase SOCS2 expression in GC cells. Compared with PBS and RGD-Exo-vector treatment, RGD-Exo-circDIDO1 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells while promoted cell apoptosis. The therapeutic efficacy of RGD-Exo-circDIDO1 was further confirmed in a mouse xenograft tumor model. In addition, major tissues including the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys showed no obvious histopathological abnormalities or lesions in the RGD-Exo-circDIDO1 treated group.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that circDIDO1 suppressed the progression of GC via modulating the miR-1307-3p/SOSC2 axis. Systemic administration of RGD modified, circDIDO1 loaded exosomes repressed the tumorigenicity and aggressiveness of GC both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that RGD-Exo-circDIDO1 could be used as a feasible nanomedicine for GC therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03527-z.

Computational Recognition of a Regulatory T-cell-specific Signature With Potential Implications in Prognosis, Immunotherapy, and Therapeutic Resistance of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, recognized as a "cold" tumor, has an immunosuppressive microenvironment in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) usually play a major role. Therefore, identifying a prognostic signature of Tregs has promising benefits of improving survival of prostate cancer patients. However, the traditional methods of Treg quantification usually suffer from bias and variability. Transcriptional characteristics have recently been found to have a predictive power for the infiltration of Tregs. Thus, a novel machine learning-based computational framework has been presented using Tregs and 19 other immune cell types using 42 purified immune cell datasets from GEO to identify Treg-specific mRNAs, and a prognostic signature of Tregs (named "TILTregSig") consisting of five mRNAs (SOCS2, EGR1, RRM2, TPP1, and C11orf54) was developed and validated to monitor the prognosis of prostate cancer using the TCGA and ICGC datasets. The TILTregSig showed a stronger predictive power for tumor immunity compared with tumor mutation burden and glycolytic activity, which have been reported as immune predictors. Further analyses indicate that the TILTregSig might influence tumor immunity mainly by mediating tumor-infiltrating Tregs and could be a powerful predictor for Tregs in prostate cancer. Moreover, the TILTregSig showed a promising potential for predicting cancer immunotherapy (CIT) response in five CIT response datasets and therapeutic resistance in the GSCALite dataset in multiple cancers. Our TILTregSig derived from PBMCs makes it possible to achieve a straightforward, noninvasive, and inexpensive detection assay for prostate cancer compared with the current histopathological examination that requires invasive tissue puncture, which lays the foundation for the future development of a panel of different molecules in peripheral blood comprising a biomarker of prostate cancer.

Suppression of CX3CL1 by miR-497-5p inhibits cell growth and invasion through inactivating the ERK/AKT pathway in NSCLC cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer with a highest mortality rate. MiR-497-5p has been reported as tumor suppressor in many cancers, but the role and mechanism of miR-497-5p in regulating NSCLC progression are still largely unknown in vitro and in vivo. Here, miR-497-5p was significantly downregulated in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines, compared with matched adjacent tissues and normal lung epithelial cell line. Then, miR-497-5p mimic and inhibitor were, respectively, transfected into human NSCLC cells A549 and H460, CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the capacities of cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. MiR-497-5p negatively regulated proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cancer cells. MiR-497-5p was demonstrated to directly bound to 3'-UTR of CX3CL1 mRNA and post-transcriptionally suppressed its expression thus inactivating its downstream oncogenic pathway ERK/AKT. Moreover, transfection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against CX3CL1 decreased capacity of cell proliferation and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis in NSCLC cells. In addition, ERK inhibitor U0126 attenuated the promotion effect of miR-497-5p inhibitor on activation of ERK/AKT and cell proliferation and migration. Finally, overexpression of miR-497-5p substantially suppressed activation of the ERK/AKT pathway and tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Taken together, our findings showed that miR-497-5p is downregulated in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and it inhibited tumor growth and cell invasion by targeting CX3CL1 gene to inactivate the ERK/AKT pathway in NSCLC cells.

Role of MicroRNAs in Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer

Therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC/NEPC) is an aggressive variant of prostate cancer (PCa) that frequently emerges in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) under the selective pressure of androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies. This variant is extremely aggressive, metastasizes to visceral organs, tissues, and bones despite low serum PSA, and is associated with poor survival rates. It arises via a reversible trans-differentiation process, referred to as ‘neuroendocrine differentiation’ (NED), wherein PCa cells undergo a lineage switch and exhibit neuroendocrine features, characterized by the expression of neuronal markers such as enolase 2 (ENO2), chromogranin A (CHGA), and synaptophysin (SYP). The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying NED in PCa are complex and not clearly understood, which contributes to a lack of effective molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of this variant. NEPC is thought to derive from prostate adenocarcinomas by clonal evolution. A characteristic set of genetic alterations, such as dual loss of retinoblastoma (RB1) and tumor protein (TP53) tumor suppressor genes and amplifications of Aurora kinase A (AURKA), NMYC, and EZH2, has been reported to drive NEPC. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic players in driving NED in advanced PCa. In this review, we highlight the role of miRNAs in NEPC. These studies emphasize the diverse role that miRNAs play as oncogenes and tumor suppressors in driving NEPC. These studies have unveiled the important role of cellular processes such as the EMT and cancer stemness in determining NED in PCa. Furthermore, miRNAs are involved in intercellular communication between tumor cells and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles/exosomes that contribute to lineage switching. Recent studies support the promising potential of miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NEPC.

miR-3648 promotes lung adenocarcinoma-genesis by inhibiting SOCS2 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 2)

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histologic subtype of lung cancer and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study the effects of microRNA-3648 (miR-3648) on LUAD by inhibiting its downstream target suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) mRNA. miR-3648 expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR in LUAD and normal lung epithelial cell lines. The direct interaction between miR-3648 and SOCS2 mRNA was identified through luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were examined using cell functional assays. MiR-3648 was found to be overexpressed in LUAD cells and tissues. Overexpression of miR-3648 significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities in LUAD cells. Furthermore, SOCS2 was targeted by miR-3648, and co-transfection of a miR-3648 inhibitor or si-SOCS2 reversed the suppressive effects of SOCS2 in PC9 and A549 cells. miR-3648 enhanced the proliferation and promoted migration and invasion of LUAD by inhibiting SOCS2. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-3648 plays a pivotal role in LUADe progression and might thus provide a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with LUAD.

Loss of microRNA-135b Enhances Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer and Predicts Aggressiveness in Human Prostate Samples

About 70% of advanced-stage prostate cancer (PCa) patients will experience bone metastasis, which severely affects patients' quality of life and progresses to lethal PCa in most cases. Hence, understanding the molecular heterogeneity of PCa cell populations and the signaling pathways associated with bone tropism is crucial. For this purpose, we generated an animal model with high penetrance to metastasize to bone using an intracardiac percutaneous injection of PC3 cells to identify PCa metastasis-promoting factors. Using genomic high-throughput analysis we identified a miRNA signature involved in bone metastasis that also presents potential as a biomarker of PCa progression in human samples. In particular, the downregulation of miR-135b favored the incidence of bone metastases by significantly increasing PCa cells' migratory capacity. Moreover, the PLAG1, JAKMIP2, PDGFA, and VTI1b target genes were identified as potential mediators of miR-135b's role in the dissemination to bone. In this study, we provide a genomic signature involved in PCa bone growth, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for this process. In the future, our results could ultimately translate into promising new therapeutic targets for the treatment of lethal PCa.

Regulation of Neuroendocrine-like Differentiation in Prostate Cancer by Non-Coding RNAs

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a variant of prostate cancer that occurs in response to treatment resistance or, to a much lesser extent, de novo. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind transdifferentiation of cancer cells to neuroendocrine-like cancer cells is essential for development of new treatment opportunities. This review focuses on summarizing the role of small molecules, predominantly microRNAs, in this phenomenon. A published literature search was performed to identify microRNAs, which are reported and experimentally validated to modulate neuroendocrine markers and/or regulators and to affect the complex neuroendocrine phenotype. Next, available patients’ expression datasets were surveyed to identify deregulated microRNAs, and their effect on NEPC and prostate cancer progression is summarized. Finally, possibilities of miRNA detection and quantification in body fluids of prostate cancer patients and their possible use as liquid biopsy in prostate cancer monitoring are discussed. All the addressed clinical and experimental contexts point to an association of NEPC with upregulation of miR-375 and downregulation of miR-34a and miR-19b-3p. Together, this review provides an overview of different roles of non-coding RNAs in the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

SOCS Proteins in Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, and Immune-Related Cancer

Cytokine signaling represents one of the cornerstones of the immune system, mediating the complex responses required to facilitate appropriate immune cell development and function that supports robust immunity. It is crucial that these signals be tightly regulated, with dysregulation underpinning immune defects, including excessive inflammation, as well as contributing to various immune-related malignancies. A specialized family of proteins called suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) participate in negative feedback regulation of cytokine signaling, ensuring it is appropriately restrained. The eight SOCS proteins identified regulate cytokine and other signaling pathways in unique ways. SOCS1–3 and CISH are most closely involved in the regulation of immune-related signaling, influencing processes such polarization of lymphocytes and the activation of myeloid cells by controlling signaling downstream of essential cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ. SOCS protein perturbation disrupts these processes resulting in the development of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions as well as malignancies. As a consequence, SOCS proteins are garnering increased interest as a unique avenue to treat these disorders.

Interaction of microRNAs with sphingosine kinases, sphingosine-1 phosphate, and sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors in cancer

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a pleiotropic lipid mediator, participates in various cellular processes during tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, survival, drug resistance, metastasis, and angiogenesis. S1P is formed by two sphingosine kinases (SphKs), SphK1 and SphK2. The intracellularly produced S1P is delivered to the extracellular space by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and spinster homolog 2 (SPNS2), where it binds to five transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors to mediate its oncogenic functions (S1PR1-S1PR5). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, 21-25 nucleotides in length, that play numerous crucial roles in cancer, such as tumor initiation, progression, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis via binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the target mRNA. There is growing evidence that various miRNAs modulate tumorigenesis by regulating the expression of SphKs, and S1P receptors. We have reviewed various roles of miRNAs, SphKs, S1P, and S1P receptors (S1PRs) in malignancies and how notable miRNAs like miR-101, miR-125b, miR-128, and miR-506, miR-1246, miR-21, miR-126, miR499a, miR20a-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-224, miR-137, miR-183-5p, miR-194, miR181b, miR136, and miR-675-3p, modulate S1P signaling. These tumorigenesis modulating miRNAs are involved in different cancers including breast, gastric, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, and lung cancer via cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, metastasis, immune evasion, chemoresistance, and chemosensitivity. Therefore, understanding the interaction of SphKs, S1P, and S1P receptors with miRNAs in human malignancies will lead to better insights for miRNA-based cancer therapy.

N6-methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5 suppresses malignancy of esophageal cancer by regulating microRNA biogenesis and RAI1 expression

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent epigenetic RNA modification and is vital in regulating malignancies. The roles of m6A modifiers on noncoding RNAs have not been fully investigated in esophageal cancer. By screening all m6A modifiers, ALKBH5 was the most potent member related to patient outcomes and suppressing esophageal cancer malignancy in cell and animal models. It demethylated pri-miR-194-2 and inhibited miR-194-2 biogenesis through an m6A/DGCR8-dependent manner. RAI1, previously considered as a circadian clock transcriptional regulator, was the main target of miR-194-2. It enhanced transcription of Hippo pathway upstream genes by binding to their 3'UTR and suppressed YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation. The ALKBH5/miR-194-2/RAI1 axis was also validated in clinical samples. In addition, the increased malignancy by low ALKBH5 was abolished by the YAP inhibitor verteporfin. Our findings uncover a critical role of ALKBH5 in miRNAs biogenesis and provide novel insight for developing treatment strategies in esophageal cancer.

The Emerging Role of Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) in the Development and Progression of Leukemia

Cytokines are pleiotropic signaling molecules that execute an essential role in cell-to-cell communication through binding to cell surface receptors. Receptor binding activates intracellular signaling cascades in the target cell that bring about a wide range of cellular responses, including induction of cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. The Janus kinase and transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways are activated upon cytokines and growth factors binding with their corresponding receptors. The SOCS family of proteins has emerged as a key regulator of cytokine signaling, and SOCS insufficiency leads to constitutive activation of JAK/STAT signaling and oncogenic transformation. Dysregulation of SOCS expression is linked to various solid tumors with invasive properties. However, the roles of SOCS in hematological malignancies, such as leukemia, are less clear. In this review, we discuss the recent advances pertaining to SOCS dysregulation in leukemia development and progression. We also highlight the roles of specific SOCS in immune cells within the tumor microenvironment and their possible involvement in anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we discuss the epigenetic, genetic, and post-transcriptional modifications of SOCS genes during tumorigenesis, with an emphasis on leukemia.

An integrated functional and clinical genomics approach reveals genes driving aggressive metastatic prostate cancer

Genomic sequencing of thousands of tumors has revealed many genes associated with specific types of cancer. Similarly, large scale CRISPR functional genomics efforts have mapped genes required for cancer cell proliferation or survival in hundreds of cell lines. Despite this, for specific disease subtypes, such as metastatic prostate cancer, there are likely a number of undiscovered tumor specific driver genes that may represent potential drug targets. To identify such genetic dependencies, we performed genome-scale CRISPRi screens in metastatic prostate cancer models. We then created a pipeline in which we integrated pan-cancer functional genomics data with our metastatic prostate cancer functional and clinical genomics data to identify genes that can drive aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes. Our integrative analysis of these data reveals known prostate cancer specific driver genes, such as AR and HOXB13, as well as a number of top hits that are poorly characterized. In this study we highlight the strength of an integrated clinical and functional genomics pipeline and focus on two top hit genes, KIF4A and WDR62. We demonstrate that both KIF4A and WDR62 drive aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes in vitro and in vivo in multiple models, irrespective of AR-status, and are also associated with poor patient outcome.

MicroRNA-192-5p inhibits migration of triple negative breast cancer cells and directly regulates Rho GTPase activating protein 19

Among the different breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a poor prognosis, low survival rates, and high expression of histone deacetylases. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) leads to an increased expression of potential tumor-suppressive miRNAs. Characterization of these miRNAs can help to find new molecular targets for treatment of TNBC. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs by microarray analyses after treatment with TSA in the TNBC cell lines HCC38, HCC1395, and HCC1935. The gene locus of hsa-miRNA-192-5p (miR-192) and hsa-miR-194-2 (miR-194-2) with its host gene, long noncoding RNA miR-194-2HG, has been linked to inhibition of migration in different tumor types. Therefore, we examined tumor-relevant functional effects using WST-1-based proliferation, capsase-3/7-based apoptosis, and trans-well migration assays after transfection with miRNA mimics or specific siRNAs. We demonstrated the tumor-suppressive capacity of miR-192 in TNBC cells, which was exerted through inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and reduction of migration. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of TNBC cell lines transfected with miR-192 mimics, identified a number of genes involved in migration including the Rho GTPase Activating Protein ARHGAP19. Through RNA immunoprecipitation we demonstrated the direct binding of miR-192 and ARHGAP19. Downregulation of ARHGAP19 expression by either miR-192 or siRNA inhibited migration of TNBC cells significantly. Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of epigenetically deregulated miR-192 decreases proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits migration of TNBC cell lines.

Molecular mechanism involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that plays an important role during embryonic development. During this process, the epithelial cells lose their polarity and acquire mesenchymal properties. In addition to embryonic development, EMT is also well-known to participate in tissue repair, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor metastasis. In the present review, we address the basics of epithelial to mesenchymal transition during both development and disease conditions and emphasize the role of various transcription factors and miRNAs involved in the process.

Selenium nanoparticles inhibit tumor metastasis in prostate cancer through upregulated miR-155-5p-related pathway

Prostate cancer are the most common, malignant and lethal tumors in men, and the complexity of prostate cancer (CaP) is also due to the diverse metastasis profile. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been reported to have potent antitumor activity, but whether it impacted the tumor metastasis is not fully clear. Here, we confirmed that SeNPs could inhibit the CaP cell migrations and invasions. Combined with our previous findings, we identified a series of microRNAs that could be upregulated significantly under SeNP treatment, among which miR-155-5p acts as a key component in mediating the SeNP-inhibited migration and invasion of CaP cells, through directly targeting IκB kinase ɛ and Sma- and Mad-related protein 2. The cell-based results were proved in xenograft mice modeling. These results have evidently signified the antitumor potential of SeNPs in the treatment of prostate cancer.

miR-194 ameliorates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via targeting PHLDA1 in a TRAF6-dependent manner

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable pathological process in liver resection, shock and transplantation. However, the internal mechanism of hepatic IRI, including inflammatory transduction of multiple signaling pathways, is not fully understood. In the present study, we identified pleckstrin homology-like domain family member 1 (PHLDA1), suppressed by microRNA (miR)-194, as a critical intersection of dual inflammatory signals in hepatic IRI. PHLDA1 was upregulated in hepatic IRI with a concomitant downregulation of miR-194. Overexpression of miR-194 diminished PHLDA1 and inhibitors of the nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK) pathway, thus leading to remission of hepatic pathological injury, apoptosis and release of cytokines. Further enrichment of PHLDA1 reversed the function of miR-194 both in vivo and in vitro. For an in-depth query, we verified PHLDA1 as a direct target of miR-194. Notably, inflammatory signal transduction of PHLDA1 was induced by activating TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), sequentially initiating IKK and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), both of which aggravate stress and inflammation in hepatic IRI. In conclusion, the miR-194/PHLDA1 axis was a key upstream regulator of IKK and MAPK in hepatic IRI. Targeting PHLDA1 might be a potential strategy for hepatic IRI therapy.

CircRNA circ_0006677 Inhibits the Progression and Glycolysis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Sponging miR-578 and Regulating SOCS2 Expression

Objective: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated in playing an important role in the physiological and pathological processes (such as cancer). This paper aims to clarify the role of Circ_0006677 in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.

Methods: Using clinical data and in vitro cell line models, we revealed the tumor-suppressive role of circ_0006677 in lung cancer. Using the online bioinformatics tool, we predicted the target of circ_0006677 and further validated its regulatory mechanisms responsible for its tumor suppressor function in NSCLC.

Results: Circ_0006677 expression was reduced in NSCLC tissues of patients and lung cancer cells in comparison to adjacent normal tissues. Lower expression of circ_0006677 was significantly associated with poorer patient survival. Overexpression of circ_0006677 significantly inhibited the ability of NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis. Mechanically, circ_0006677 could inhibit NSCLC progression and glycolysis by regulating the expression of the signal transducer inhibitor SOSC2 through sponging microRNA-578 (miR-578).

Conclusion: Circ_0006677 prevents the progression of NSCLC via modulating the miR-578/SOSC2 axis.

Kinesin family member 18B regulates the proliferation and invasion of human prostate cancer cells

Expression of kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B), an ATPase with key roles in cell division, is deregulated in many cancers, but its involvement in prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear. Here, we investigated the expression and function of KIF18B in human PCa specimens and cell lines using bioinformatics analyses, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence microscopy, and RT-qPCR and western blot analyses. KIF18B was overexpressed in PCa specimens compared with paracancerous tissues and was associated with poorer disease-free survival. In vitro, KIF18B knockdown in PCa cell lines promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis, while KIF18B overexpression had the opposite effects. In a mouse xenograft model, KIF18B overexpression accelerated and promoted the growth of PCa tumors. Bioinformatics analysis of control and KIF18B-overexpressing PCa cells showed that genes involved in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway were significantly enriched among the differentially expressed genes. Consistent with this observation, we found that KIF18B overexpression activates the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in PCa cells both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that KIF18B plays a crucial role in PCa via activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, and raise the possibility that KIF18B could have utility as a novel biomarker for PCa.

SOCS2 is a potential prognostic marker that suppresses the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Thus, there is an urgent requirement to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for this disease. The present study aimed to identify the hub genes associated with the progression and prognosis of patients with HCC. A total of three expression profiles of HCC tissues were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, followed by the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the GEO2R method. The identified DEGs were assessed for survival significance using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Among the 15 identified DEGs in HCC tissues [cytochrome P450 family 39 subfamily A member 1, cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61, Fos proto-oncogene, forkhead transcription factor 1 (FOXO1), growth arrest and DNA damage inducible β, Inhibitor of DNA binding 1, interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein, metallothionein-1M, pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 1, Rho family GTPase 3, serine dehydratase, suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), S100 calcium-binding protein P and serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1 (SPINK1)]. Low expression levels of FOXO1, SOCS2 and TAT and high SPINK1 expression indicated poor survival outcomes for patients with HCC. In addition, SOCS2 was associated with distinct stages of HCC progression in patients and presented optimal diagnostic value. In vitro functional experiments indicated that overexpression of SOCS2 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and migration. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that SOCS2 may act as a valuable prognostic marker that is closely associated with HCC progression.

LncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC) Through the miR-194/SOCS2 Axis

Background

SLC16A1-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic long non-coding (lncRNA) in breast cancer and bladder cancer, while its role in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is unknown.

Methods

CSCC and non-tumor tissue samples were collected from 60 female patients, and qPCR was performed to detect the expression of SLC16A1-AS1, miR-194 and SOCS2. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the interaction between SLC16A1-AS1 and miR-194. Colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation.

Results

SLC16A1-AS1 was down-regulated in CSCC and correlated with poor survival. Overexpression of SLC16A1-AS1 could inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. In addition, SLC16A1-AS1 could sponge miR-194 and increase the expression levels of SOCS2, ultimately inhibiting the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.

Conclusion

SLC16A1-AS1 was downregulated in CSCC and suppressed cell proliferation in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) through the miR-194/SOCS2 axis.

Post-Translational Modifications That Drive Prostate Cancer Progression

While a protein primary structure is determined by genetic code, its specific functional form is mostly achieved in a dynamic interplay that includes actions of many enzymes involved in post-translational modifications. This versatile repertoire is widely used by cells to direct their response to external stimuli, regulate transcription and protein localization and to keep proteostasis. Herein, post-translational modifications with evident potency to drive prostate cancer are explored. A comprehensive list of proteome-wide and single protein post-translational modifications and their involvement in phenotypic outcomes is presented. Specifically, the data on phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, and lipidation in prostate cancer and the enzymes involved are collected. This type of knowledge is especially valuable in cases when cancer cells do not differ in the expression or mutational status of a protein, but its differential activity is regulated on the level of post-translational modifications. Since their driving roles in prostate cancer, post-translational modifications are widely studied in attempts to advance prostate cancer treatment. Current strategies that exploit the potential of post-translational modifications in prostate cancer therapy are presented.

Urinary Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Non-invasive Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Detection

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant disease in women worldwide and is therefore challenging for the healthcare system. Early BC detection remains a leading factor that improves overall outcome and disease management. Aside from established screening procedures, there is a constant demand for additional BC detection methods. Routine BC screening via non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers is one auspicious approach to either complete or even replace the current state-of-the-art diagnostics. The study explores the diagnostic potential of urinary exosomal microRNAs with specific BC biomarker characteristics to initiate the potential prospective application of non-invasive BC screening as routine practice.

METHODS

Based on a case-control study (69 BC vs. 40 healthy controls), expression level quantification and subsequent biostatistical computation of 13 urine-derived microRNAs were performed to evaluate their diagnostic relevance in BC.

RESULTS

Multilateral statistical assessment determined and repeatedly confirmed a specific panel of four urinary microRNA types (miR-424, miR-423, miR-660, and let7-i) as a highly specific combinatory biomarker tool discriminating BC patients from healthy controls, with 98.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

DISCUSSION

Urine-based BC diagnosis may be achieved through the analysis of distinct microRNA panels with proven biomarker abilities. Subject to further validation, the implementation of urinary BC detection in routine screening offers a promising non-invasive alternative in women's healthcare.

CircNOL10 suppresses breast cancer progression by sponging miR-767-5p to regulate SOCS2/JAK/STAT signaling

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have caught increasing attentions and interests for their important involvement in cancer initiation and progression. This study aims to investigate the biological functions of circNOL10 and its potential molecular mechanisms in breast cancer (BC).

Materials and methods

qRT-PCR and western blot assays were performed to measure the expression of related genes. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytomerty and transwell assays were used to assess cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration and invasion. RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter and RIP assays were applied to address the potential regulatory mechanism of circNOL10.

Results

CircNOL10 was down-regulated in BC tissues and cells. Low expression of circNOL10 was associated with larger tumor size, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and unfavorable prognosis. Overexpression of circNOL10 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in vitro and slowed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circNOL10 could act as a molecular sponge for miR-767-5p, leading to the up-regulation of suppressors of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) and inactivation of JAK2/STAT5 pathway. Moreover, circNOL10-mediated suppression of malignant phenotypes was attenuated by miR-767-5p. Similar to circNOL10, enforced expression of SOCS2 also resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, knockdown of SOCS2 reversed the tumor-suppressive effect induced by circNOL10.

Conclusions

CircNOL10 repressed BC development via inactivation of JAK2/STAT5 signaling by regulating miR-767-5p/SOCS2 axis. Our findings offer the possibility of exploiting circNOL10 as a therapeutic and prognostic target for BC patients.

Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation by MicroRNA-194 Promotes Neuroendocrine Transdifferentiation in Prostate Cancer

Potent therapeutic inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate adenocarcinoma can lead to the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a phenomenon associated with enhanced cell plasticity. Here, we show that microRNA-194 (miR-194) is a regulator of epithelial-neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. In clinical prostate cancer samples, miR-194 expression and activity were elevated in NEPC and inversely correlated with AR signaling. miR-194 facilitated the emergence of neuroendocrine features in prostate cancer cells, a process mediated by its ability to directly target a suite of genes involved in cell plasticity. One such target was FOXA1, which encodes a transcription factor with a vital role in maintaining the prostate epithelial lineage. Importantly, a miR-194 inhibitor blocked epithelial-neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and inhibited the growth of cell lines and patient-derived organoids possessing neuroendocrine features. Overall, our study reveals a post-transcriptional mechanism regulating the plasticity of prostate cancer cells and provides a rationale for targeting miR-194 in NEPC.

Non-coding RNAs regulating androgen receptor signaling pathways in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies for men worldwide, and abnormal activation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays an important role in the progression of PCa. However, in the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), AR signaling inevitably recovered, as a result, exploring novel regulating mechanisms is of great importance. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, could be involved in the progression of PCa, and participate in the regulatory network of AR signaling in a variety of ways. This will help to identify novel molecular mechanisms to promote the development of PCa and find new potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the latest research relating to ncRNAs and associated AR signaling in PCa.

Regulators at Every Step-How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

A novel miRNA inhibits metastasis of prostate cancer via decreasing CREBBP-mediated histone acetylation

BACKGROUND

To identify novel miRNAs implicated in prostate cancer metastasis.

METHODS

Sixty-five prostate cancer tissues and paired pan-cancer tissues were sequenced. Novel miRNAs were re-analyzed by MIREAP program. Biological functions of miR-N5 were transwell experiment and colony formation. Target genes of miR-N5 were analyzed by bioinformatic analysis. Downstream of target gene was analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) databases and confirmed by CHIP experiment.

RESULTS

We identified a novel miRNA-miR-N5, which was downregulated in PCa cells, PCa tissue, and in the serum of patients with PCa. Knockout of miR-N5 enhanced migration and invasiveness in vitro. miR-N5 specified targeted CREBBP 3'-UTR and inhibited CREBBP expression, which mediated H3K56 acetylation at the promoter of EGFR, β-catenin and CDH1.

CONCLUSION

This study may shed the light on miR-N5 which influences metastasis via histone acetylation.

MicroRNAs Regulating Cytoskeleton Dynamics, Endocytosis, and Cell Motility-A Link Between Neurodegeneration and Cancer?

The cytoskeleton is one of the most mobile and complex cell structures. It is involved in cellular transport, cell division, cell shape formation and adaptation in response to extra- and intracellular stimuli, endo- and exocytosis, migration, and invasion. These processes are crucial for normal cellular physiology and are affected in several pathological processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Some proteins, participating in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), play an important role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and formation of invadopodia in cancer cells and are also deregulated in neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is still limited information about the factors contributing to the regulation of their expression. MicroRNAs are potent negative regulators of gene expression mediating crosstalk between different cellular pathways in cellular homeostasis and stress responses. These molecules regulate numerous genes involved in neuronal differentiation, plasticity, and degeneration. Growing evidence suggests the role of microRNAs in the regulation of endocytosis, cell motility, and invasiveness. By modulating the levels of such microRNAs, it may be possible to interfere with CME or other processes to normalize their function. In malignancy, the role of microRNAs is undoubtful, and therefore changing their levels can attenuate the carcinogenic process. Here we review the current advances in our understanding of microRNAs regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics, CME and cell motility with a special focus on neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. We investigate whether current literature provides an evidence that microRNA-mediated regulation of essential cellular processes, such as CME and cell motility, is conserved in neurons, and cancer cells. We argue that more research effort should be addressed to study the neuron-specific functions on microRNAs. Disease-associated microRNAs affecting essential cellular processes deserve special attention both from the view of fundamental science and as future neurorestorative or anti-cancer therapies.

MiR-944/CISH mediated inflammation via STAT3 is involved in oral cancer malignance by cigarette smoking

•

Down-regulation of CISH in OSCC tissues and cell lines.

•

CISH mediates cellular functions through STAT3 inhibition.

•

MiR-944 regulates cellular functions through direct binding of CISH.

•

Cigarette smoking-mediated miR-944/CISH/STAT3 axis plays a role in oral carcinogenesis.

The cytokine-inducible Src homology 2-containing protein (CISH) is an endogenous suppressors of signal transduction and activator of transcription (STAT) and acts as a key negative regulator of inflammatory cytokine responses. Downregulation of CISH has been reported to associate with increased activation of STAT and enhanced inflammatory pathways. However, whether microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in CISH/STAT regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. The expression of CISH on OSCC patients was determine by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Specific targeting by miRNAs was determined by software prediction, luciferase reporter assay, and correlation with target protein expression. The functions of miR-944 and CISH were accessed by transwell migration and invasion analyses using gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the pro-inflammation cytokines expression under the miR-944, CISH, NNK or combinations treatment. We found that the CISH protein, which modulates STAT3 activity, as a direct target of miR-944. CISH protein was significantly down-regulated in OSCC patients and cell lines and its level was inversely correlated with miR-944 expression. The miR-944-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, pro-inflammation cytokines secretion, migration and invasion were abolished by CISH restoration, suggesting that the oncogenic activity of miR-944 is CISH dependent. Furthermore, tobacco extract (NNK) may contribute to miR-944 induction and STAT3 activation. Antagomir-mediated inactivation of miR-944 prevented the NNK-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and pro-inflammation cytokines secretion. Altogether, these data demonstrate that NNK-induced miR944 expression plays an important role in CISH/STAT3-mediated inflammatory response and activation of tumor malignancy.

Role of microRNAs in the development, prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males in several regions. One of the major challenges in diagnosis and treatment of this cancer is how to identify men who harbor an increased risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer and how to assess response to therapy. Biomarkers, like microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the new diagnostic/therapeutic tools for clinicians. Finding men at high risk of significant cancer is essential as they will mostly benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it is important to reduce the number of unnecessary invasive biopsies in men without (clinically significant) cancer and miRNAs have especial application in this regard. MiRNAs can regulate expression of several genes. Up to 30 percent of protein coding genes are regulated by miRNAs. Based on this critical regulatory role, miRNAs impact cell differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Several studies have reported aberrant expression of miRNAs in different cancers including prostate cancer. miRNAs are regarded as biomarkers in this kind of cancer. Moreover, expression profiles of miRNAs can predict therapeutic response to a number of drugs such docetaxel and some natural agents such as isoflavone. Functional studies have shown that miRNAs regulate a number of critical targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, cyclin dependent kinases, VEGF and JAK/ STAT. Therefore, several aspects of prostate cancer development are influenced by miRNAs. Finally, circulating miRNAs are promising tools for assessment of prostate cancer course and prognosis. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies which reported abnormal expression of miRNAs in prostate cancer and their role as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.