MiR-205 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by activation of AKT signalling

Bladder cancer biomarkers

Bladder cancer (BCa) is among the most frequently diagnosed urinary tract cancers, characterized by a high recurrence rate and significant clinical heterogeneity. Effective diagnosis and treatment of BCa demand continuous advancements in medical technologies, particularly given the limitations of classical methods such as cystoscopy and urine cytology. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted using relevant keywords to structure this narrative review. Additionally, specialist journals were reviewed. Only articles in English were included, with selection based on titles, abstracts, and availability of full texts. In recent years, biomarkers have emerged as crucial tools complementing traditional techniques, providing more precise, sensitive, and non-invasive methods for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response in BCa. Molecular, genetic, and protein biomarkers enable a deeper understanding of BCa biology, creating opportunities for personalized therapy tailored to individual patient needs. However, despite their potential, certain challenges remain, including standardization, validation, and integration into routine clinical practice. This review highlights recent advancements in BCa biomarkers and their transformative potential in oncological care. It underscores the importance of incorporating these innovations to refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Modern diagnostic and prognostic tools for BCa can enhance treatment outcomes by enabling early disease detection and reducing recurrence risks. This progress promises to improve patients' quality of life by minimizing disease burden and fostering effective, tailored care strategies.

Dysregulated LINC01133 expression in laryngeal carcinoma: Prognostic implications and predicted ceRNA interactome

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive pathways in human cancers. LINC01133 is a lncRNA that has exhibited dichotomous roles in various malignancies but to the best of our knowledge, the role of LINC01133 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to investigate the expression, clinical significance, and potential functions of the LINC01133 in LSCC. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets revealed LINC01133 as a differentially expressed lncRNA in head and neck/laryngeal cancers. Experimental validation via quantitative real-time PCR in 41 pairs of stage III and IV LSCC tissues and normal tissues adjacent to the tumor (NAT) demonstrated significant downregulation of LINC01133 in tumors (p<0.0001). Decreased LINC01133 expression associated with advanced tumor stage (p=0.0206) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.0203). The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated potential diagnostic utility (AUC=0.7115, p=0.001). Bioinformatic predictions and literature mining suggested two potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms whereby LINC01133 may act as a tumor suppressor by sponging miR-205-5p to derepress the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and androgen receptor, leading to dysregulation of cancer-related signaling cascades. This study provides initial evidence that loss of lncRNA LINC01133 expression may promote LSCC tumorigenesis, possibly by dysregulating microRNA interactions. Further verification of its regulatory mechanisms and diagnostic value is warranted.

Regulatory role of miRNAs in nasopharyngeal cancer involving PTEN/PI3K/AKT, TGFβ/SMAD, RAS/MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin and pRB-E2F signaling pathways: A review

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small and conserved noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. These groups of RNAs are crucial in various cellular processes, especially in mediating disease pathogenesis, particularly cancer. The dysregulation of miRNAs was reported in many cancer types, including nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), which is a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx. In this review, miRNAs involvement in crucial signaling pathways associated with NPC such as PTEN/PI3K/AKT, TGFβ/SMAD, RAS/MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin and pRB-E2F was investigated. miRNAs could function as tumor suppressor-miR or onco-miR in NPC profoundly influenced cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and metastasis. This comprehensive review of current literature provided a thorough profile of miRNAs and their interplay with the aforementioned signaling pathways in NPC. Understanding these molecular interactions could remarkably impact the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies for NPC.

Long Non-Coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 4 Induced by Transcription Factor SP1 Promoted the Progression of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Through Modulating microRNA-510-5p/Centromere Protein F Axis

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are implicated with tumorigenesis and the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Previous studies suggested that long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) exerted oncogenic roles in various cancers. However, the function and molecular mechanism of SNHG4 in NPC have not been investigated. In our study, it was confirmed that the SNHG4 level was enriched in NPC tissues and cells. Functional assays indicated that SNHG4 depletion inhibited the proliferation and metastasis but promoted apoptosis of NPC cells. Furthermore, we identified miR-510-5p as a downstream gene of SNHG4 in NPC cells and SNHG4 upregulated CENPF expression by binding to miR-510-5p. Moreover, there was a positive (or negative) association between CENPF and SNHG4 (or miR-510-5p) expression in NPC. In addition, rescue experiments verified that CENPF overexpression or miR-510-5p silencing abrogated inhibitory effects on NPC tumorigenesis caused by SNHG4 deficiency. The study demonstrated that SNHG4 promoted NPC progression via miR-510-5p/CENPF axis, providing a novel potential therapeutic target for NPC treatments.

MicroRNA-218-5p affects lung adenocarcinoma progression through targeting endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) severely threatens the health of people owing to its lethality. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms on LUAD development remain unclear to a great extent. This work aimed to probe the functions of miR-218-5p in LUAD. MiR-218-5p and endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1A) were screened as differently downregulated and upregulated RNAs in LUAD, respectively, by bioinformatics analyses. The results of cell functional assays stated that enforced expression of miR-218-5p notably restrained cell viability, invasion, and migration in LUAD. MiR-218-5p may interact with 3’-untranslated region of ERO1A mRNA as analyzed by bioinformatics. Afterward, western blot and dual-luciferase reporter gene analyses were introduced to identify their interaction. ERO1A overexpression reversed the suppressive impacts of miR-218-5p on LUAD cell progression, indicating the implication of miR-218-5p/ERO1A axis in suppressing cancer development. We also observed that this regulatory axis suppressed angiogenesis in LUAD. Taken together, miR-218-5p/ERO1A axis exerted an imperative role in LUAD cell progression, which provides a valuable clue for the development of LUAD therapeutic regimen.

Renal Oncocytoma: The Diagnostic Challenge to Unmask the Double of Renal Cancer

Renal oncocytoma represents the most common type of benign neoplasm that is an increasing concern for urologists, oncologists, and nephrologists due to its difficult differential diagnosis and frequent overtreatment. It displays a variable neoplastic parenchymal and stromal architecture, and the defining cellular element is a large polygonal, granular, eosinophilic, mitochondria-rich cell known as an oncocyte. The real challenge in the oncocytoma treatment algorithm is related to the misdiagnosis due to its resemblance, at an initial radiological assessment, to malignant renal cancers with a completely different prognosis and medical treatment. Unfortunately, percutaneous renal biopsy is not frequently performed due to the possible side effects related to the procedure. Therefore, the majority of oncocytoma are diagnosed after the surgical operation via partial or radical nephrectomy. For this reason, new reliable strategies to solve this issue are needed. In our review, we will discuss the clinical implications of renal oncocytoma in daily clinical practice with a particular focus on the medical diagnosis and treatment and on the potential of novel promising molecular biomarkers such as circulating microRNAs to distinguish between a benign and a malignant lesion.

Involvement of Non-Coding RNAs in Chemo- and Radioresistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The crucial treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is radiation therapy supplemented by chemotherapy. However, long-term radiation therapy can cause some genetic and proteomic changes to produce radiation resistance, leading to tumour recurrence and poor prognosis. Therefore, the search for new markers that can overcome the resistance of tumor cells to drugs and radiotherapy and improve the sensitivity of tumor cells to drugs and radiotherapy is one of the most important goals of pharmacogenomics and cancer research, which is important for predicting treatment response and prognosis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may play important roles in regulating chemo- and radiation resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by controlling the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair, as well as other signalling pathways. Recent research has suggested that selective modulation of ncRNA activity can improve the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, providing an innovative antitumour approach based on ncRNA-related gene therapy. Therefore, ncRNAs can serve as biomarkers for tumour prediction and prognosis, play a role in overcoming drug resistance and radiation resistance in NPC, and can also serve as targets for developing new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss the involvement of ncRNAs in chemotherapy and radiation resistance in NPC. The effects of these molecules on predicting therapeutic cancer are highlighted.

Unveiling the ups and downs of miR-205 in physiology and cancer: transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms

miR-205 plays important roles in the physiology of epithelia by regulating a variety of pathways that govern differentiation and morphogenesis. Its aberrant expression is frequently found in human cancers, where it was reported to act either as tumor-suppressor or oncogene depending on the specific tumor context and target genes. miR-205 expression and function in different cell types or processes are the result of the complex balance among transcription, processing and stability of the microRNA. In this review, we summarize the principal mechanisms that regulate miR-205 expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, with particular focus on the transcriptional relationship with its host gene. Elucidating the mechanisms and factors regulating miR-205 expression in different biological contexts represents a fundamental step for a better understanding of the contribution of such pivotal microRNA to epithelial cell function in physiology and disease, and for the development of modulation strategies for future application in cancer therapy.

The roles of microRNAs in the stemness of oral cancer cells

Oral cancer (OC), which is the most common form of head and neck cancers, has one of the lowest (~50%) overall 5-year survival rates. The main reasons for this high mortality rate are diagnosis of OC in advanced stages in most patients and spread to distant organs via lymph node metastasis. Many studies have shown that a small population of cells within the tumor plays vital roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of the tumor, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and recurrence. These cells, identified as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are the main reasons for the failure of current treatment modalities. Deregulated expressions of microRNAs are closely related to tumor prognosis, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, microRNAs play important roles in regulating the functions of CSCs. Until now, the roles of microRNAs in the acquisition and maintenance of OC stemness have not been elucidated in detail yet. Here in this review, we summarized significant findings and the latest literature to better understand the involvement of CSCs in association with dysregulated microRNAs in oral carcinogenesis. Possible roles of these microRNAs in acquisition and maintenance of CSCs features during OC pathogenesis were summarized.

MicroRNAs: Biogenesis, Functions and Potential Biomarkers for Early Screening, Prognosis and Therapeutic Molecular Monitoring of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

According to reports published, the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of 19–25 nucleotide-long small non-coding RNAs, is responsible for human cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The dysregulation of miRNAs that act either as a tumor suppressor or oncogene, leading to a wide range of NPC pathogenesis pathways, includes the proliferation, invasion, migration as well as the metastasis of NPC cells. This article reviews and highlights recent advances in the studies of miRNAs in NPC, with a specific demonstration of the functions of miRNA, especially circulating miRNAs, in the pathway of NPC pathogenesis. Additionally, the possible use of miRNAs as early screening and prognostic biomarkers and for therapeutic molecular monitoring has been extensively studied.

MiRNAs in Radiotherapy Resistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck in Southeast Asia and southern China. Although the comprehensive treatment based on intensity-modulated radiation therapy improves outcomes, the five-year survival rate of NPC patients is low, and the recurrence remains high. Radiotherapy resistance is the main cause of poor prognosis in NPC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs regulating various biological functions in eukaryotes. These miRNAs can regulate the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, movement, invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. The abnormal expression of miRNAs is closely related to radiotherapy sensitivity and prognosis of NPC patients, which can affect the transmission of related signaling pathways by regulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes and / or oncogenes, and therefore participate in radiotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Here, we review the mechanisms by which miRNAs may be involved in the radiotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

microRNA-93, upregulated in serum of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, promotes tumor cell proliferation by targeting PDCD4

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRs) has been demonstrated to contribute to the development and malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recently, miR-93 was reported to be significantly upregulated in NPC tissues and cell lines, and promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. However, whether there is any clinical value of serum miR-93 expression in NPC still remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the clinical significance of serum miR-93 expression in NPC. A total of 85 serum samples from NPC patients and 30 from healthy controls were collected. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction data demonstrated that the serum expression of miR-93 was significantly increased in NPC patients, when compared with those in healthy controls. Following receiving chemo-radiotherapy, the serum miR-93 levels were significantly decreased in NPC patients. Furthermore, the increased serum levels of miR-93 were significantly associated with advanced grade, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, as well as worse 5-year overall survival of NPC patients. Furthermore, the serum miR-93 expression was demonstrated to be an independent factor for predicating the prognosis of NPC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of miR-93 caused a decrease in NPC cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of miR-93 promoted NPC cell proliferation. PDCD4 was then identified as a direct target of miR-93 in NPC cells. Overexpression of PDCD4 significantly eliminated the promoting effects of miR-93 overexpression on NPC cell proliferation. Taken together, these findings suggest that the serum miR-93 expression could be used as a predicator for the clinical outcome of NPC patients, and suggest that miR-93 may also become a potential therapeutic target for NPC treatment.

Exosomal microRNA-205 is involved in proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells via regulating VEGFA

Background

Recently, the impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) and exosome on ovarian cancer has been assessed in many studies. We aim to explore the mechanism of exosomes transferring miR-205 in ovarian cancer, and confirm its diagnostic value in ovarian cancer.

Methods

The expression of miR-205 of ovarian cancer patients and healthy people was detected by RT-qPCR, and the diagnostic value of miR-205 was evaluated. The exosomes derived from SKOV3 cells were identified. Ovarian cancer SKOV3 donor cells and receptor cells were used to measure the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle by a series of experiments. The binding site between miR-205 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was evaluated by bioinformatics tool and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

MiR-205 was up-regulated in ovarian cancer, and up-regulated miR-205 could enhance the risk of ovarian cancer and was one of its risk factors. After SKOV3 cells-derived exosomes were transiently introduced with miR-205 mimics, the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer were elevated, the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells was attenuated, and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein E-cadherin was down-regulated, while Vimentin was elevated. VEGFA was identified to be a target gene of miR-205.

Conclusion

This study suggests that exosomes from donor ovarian cancer cell SKOV3 shuttled miR-205 could participate in the regulation of the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis as well as EMT progression of receptor SKOV3 cells by targeting VEGFA.

A novel and non-invasive approach utilising nasal washings for the detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial cancer of the nasopharynx which is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Worldwide, most of the top 20 countries with the highest incidence and mortality rates of NPC are low- and middle-income countries. Many studies had demonstrated that EBV could be detected in the tissue, serum and plasma of NPC patients. In this study, we explored the potential of assays based on non-invasive nasal washings (NW) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for NPC. A total of 128 patients were evaluated for NW EBV DNA loads and a subset of these samples were also tested for 27 EBV and human miRNAs shortlisted from literature. EBV DNA and seven miRNAs showed area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of more than 0.7, suggestive of their potential utility to detect NPC. Logistic regression analyses suggested that combination of two NW assays that test for EBNA-1 and hsa-miR-21 had the best performance in detecting NPC. The trend of NW EBV DNA load matched with clinical outcome of 71.4% (10 out of 14) NPC patients being followed-up. In summary, the non-invasive NW testing panel may be particularly useful for NPC screening in remote areas where healthcare facilities and otolaryngologists are lacking, and may encourage frequent testing of individuals in the high risk groups who are reluctant to have their blood tested. However, further validation in an independent cohort is required to strengthen the utility of this testing panel as a non-invasive detection tool for NPC.

Downregulation of microRNA-205 inhibits cell invasion and angiogenesis of cervical cancer through TSLC1-mediated Akt signaling pathway

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Therefore, this study explores the action of microRNA-205 (miR-205) in the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of CC through binding to tumor suppressor lung cancer 1 (TSLC1). Initially, the microarray analysis was used to select the candidate gene and the regulatory microRNA. Then, the target relationship between miR-205 and TSLC1 as well as the expression of miR-205, TSLC1, and p-Akt/total Akt in CC cells were determined. Afterwards, CC cell invasion and migration were detected after the treatment of miR-205 mimics/inhibitors and short hairpin RNA against TSLC1. After coculture of cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells, cell proliferation, tube formation, and microvessel density (MVD) were detected to determine the roles of miR-205 in angiogenesis. Finally, tumor growth in nude mice was measured in vivo. TSLC1 was determined as the candidate gene, which was found to be targeted and negatively regulated by miR-205. Then, downregulated miR-205 or forced TSLC1 expression inhibited invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in CC, corresponding to suppressed cell proliferation, tube formation, and expression of IL-8, VEGF, and bFGF, as well as the inhibited activation of the Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-205 was found to exert an inhibitory role in tumor formation and MVD by elevating TSLC1 in CC in vivo. This study demonstrated that downregulated miR-205 inhibited cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in CC by inactivating the Akt signaling pathway via TSLC1 upregulation.

MiR-218-5p targets LHFPL3 to regulate proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions of human glioma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a main subtype of high-grade gliomas with features in progressive brain tumor. Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 3 (LHFPL3) is reported to be highly expressed in malignant glioma, but the relationship and mechanism between LHFPL3 and tumor is inexplicit. The present study aimed to screen the miRNAs targeting LHFPL3 and verify the pathogenesis and development of gliomas. Bioinformatics software predicted that miR-218-5p and miR-138-5p can specifically bind to LHFPL3 mRNA. And the expression of miR-218-5p and miR-138-5p was down-regulated in glioma cell lines and glioma tissues from the patients compared with the normal cells. While dual luciferase activity experiment confirmed, only miR-218-5p can directly bind to LHFPL3. After miR-218-5p transfection of U251 and U87 cells, cytological examinations found a reduction in cell activity, proliferation and invasive ability. Further study showed that miR-218-5p transfection could inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMT). Therefore, miR-218-5p targeting LHFPL3 mRNA plays significant roles in preventing the invasiveness of glioma cells. The present study also revealed a novel mechanism for miRNA–LHFPL3 interaction in glioma cells, which may be potential targets for developing therapies in treating glioma.

The ambiguous role of microRNA-205 and its clinical potential in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Early treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is significantly delayed due to the lack of liquid biopsy markers for early diagnosis at surgically resectable tumor stages. Recent studies suggest that microRNA-205 (miR-205) is involved in PDAC progression by post-transcriptional regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the clinical potential of miR-205 as diagnostic and prognostic marker remains undefined and its exact role in PDAC is still ambiguous. This retrospective study is a substantial contribution to this on-going scientific discussion.

METHODS

Expression analysis of miR-205 and its molecular targets in PDAC cell lines (n = 5), human tissue (n = 73), and blood serum samples (n = 85) by qRT-PCR, tissue microarray immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Descriptive and explorative statistical analysis of miR-205's clinical potential for diagnosis and prognosis of PDAC.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-205 differs more than 2000-fold (p < 0.001) between epithelial and mesenchymal-like human PDAC cell lines correlating with EMT-marker expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, and ZEB-1. Expression of miR-205 is significantly upregulated in carcinoma tissue (eightfold, p = 0.028) and serum (2.3-fold, p = 0.023) of PDAC patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. In our patient collective circulating miR-205 in combination with CA.19-9 outperforms the diagnostic accuracy of CA.19-9 alone with an AUC of 0.890 (p < 0.001), sensitivity of 0.867, and specificity of 0.933. Though non-significant, low expression of circulating miR-205 is more frequent in advanced tumor stages combined with a worse overall survival (6.9 vs. 11.9 months, p = 0.176).

CONCLUSION

Besides its controversial role in carcinogenesis, miR-205 shows high potential as a solid and liquid biopsy marker in PDAC. This result is an urgent call for larger confirmatory multi-center studies.

Baicalin, the major component of traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis induces colon cancer cell apoptosis through inhibition of oncomiRNAs

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most frequently occurring cancers worldwide. Baicalin is isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and is its dominant flavonoid. Anticancer activity of baicalin has been evaluated in different types of cancers, especially in CRC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of baicalin to the treatment of CRC are still unknown. Here, we confirmed that baicalin can effectively induce and enhance apoptosis in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner and suppress tumour growth in xenografted nude mice. We further performed a miRNA microarray analysis of baicalin-treated and untreated HT-29 cells. The results showed that a large number of oncomiRs, including miR-10a, miR-23a, miR-30c, miR-31, miR-151a and miR-205, were significantly suppressed in baicalin-treated HT-29 cells. Furthermore, our in vitro and in vivo studies showed that baicalin suppressed oncomiRs by reducing the expression of c-Myc. Taken together, our study shows a novel mechanism for anti-cancer action of baicalin, that it induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells and suppresses tumour growth by reducing the expression of c-Myc and oncomiRs.

MicroRNA-520a suppresses HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells by inactivating AKT

Objective

To investigate whether the mechanism by which a microRNA, miR-520a, suppresses the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) involves the regulation of the serine/threonine kinase (AKT) gene.

Methods

The effects of miR-520a on the proliferation, mitotic index and apoptosis of the HBV-replicating human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.2.15 were measured using standard laboratory methods including flow cytometry. The effects of miR-520a on HBV transcription and replication were assessed using methods including immunoassays and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to AKT on the levels of AKT mRNA and protein were also evaluated.

Results

In HepG2.2.15 cells, miRNA-520a reduced HBV transcription and replication by reducing AKT levels. MiRNA-520a decreased cell proliferation and mitosis entry of cells and increased apoptosis in HepG2.2.15 cells. AKT levels were reduced significantly by its siRNA, which resulted in suppression of HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells.

Conclusions

MiRNA-520a inhibited AKT gene expression and suppressed HBV transcription and replication. These findings suggest that miRNA-520a may be a novel target for the treatment of HBV infection because miRNA-520a reduced HepG2.2.15 cell survival and inhibited HBV replication associated with the AKT signalling pathway.

Ultrasound‑targeted microbubble destruction‑mediated miR‑205 enhances cisplatin cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding ~20 nucleotides long sequences that function in the initiation and development of a number of cancers. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is an effective method for microRNA delivery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of UTMD-mediated miRNA (miR)-205 delivery in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, miR-205 expression was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. miR-205 mimics were transfected into PC-3 cells using the UTMD method, and the PC-3 cells were also treated with cisplatin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion abilities were detected using Cell Counting kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. In addition, the protein expression levels of caspase-9, cleaved-caspase 9, cytochrome c (cytoc), epithelial (E)-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and ERK were measured by western blot analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR-205 expression was low in human PCa cell lines compared with healthy cells and that UTMD-mediated miR-205 delivery inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis modulated by cisplatin compared with UTMD-mediated miR-negative control group and miR-205-treated group. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that UTMD-mediated miR-205 transfection increased the expression of caspase-9, cleaved-caspase 9, cytochrome c and E-cadherin, and decreased the expression of MMP-9 and p-ERK. Therefore, UTMD-mediated miR-205 delivery may be a promising method for the treatment of PCa.

MicroRNAs as Urinary Biomarker for Oncocytoma

The identification of benign renal oncocytoma, its differentiation from malignant renal tumors, and their eosinophilic variants are a continuous challenge, influencing preoperative planning and being an unnecessary stress factor for patients. Regressive changes enhance the diagnostic dilemma, making evaluations by frozen sections or by immunohistology (on biopsies) unreliable. MicroRNAs (miRs) have been proposed as novel biomarkers to differentiate renal tumor subtypes. However, their value as a diagnostic biomarker of oncocytoma in urines based on mechanisms known in oncocytomas has not been exploited. We used urines from patients with renal tumors (oncocytoma, renal cell carcinoma: clear cell, papillary, chromophobe) and with other urogenital lesions. miRs were extracted and detected via qRT-PCR, the respective tumors analyzed by immunohistology. We found isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 upregulated in oncocytoma and oncocytic chromophobe carcinoma, indicating an increased Krebs cycle metabolism. Since we had shown that all renal tumors are stimulated by endothelin-1, we analyzed miRs preidentified by microarray after endothelin-1 stimulation of renal epithelial cells. Four miRs are proposed as presurgical urinary biomarkers due to their known regulatory mechanism in oncocytoma: miR-498 (formation of the oncocytoma-specific slice-form of vimentin, Vim3), miR-183 (associated with increased CO₂ levels), miR-205, and miR-31 (signaling through downregulation of PKC epsilon, shown previously).

Expression of miR-3182 and EBV-miR-BART8-3p in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is correlated with distant metastasis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an EBV associated carcinoma showing prevalence in southeast China. Distant metastasis is the major cause of death. Herein, we investigated the expressions of microRNA-3182 (miR-3182) and EBV-miR-BART8-3p in 89 cases of NPC and evaluated their correlation with clinical outcomes. Fifty-one percent of NPC showed high level expression of miR-3182. Its expression was significantly correlated with distant metastasis (P=0.005). Fifty-two percent of NPC demonstrated high level expression of EBV-miR-BART8-3p and its expression was significantly correlated with distant metastasis (P=0.006). The overall survival was influenced by the expression of miR-3182 and EBV-miR-BART8-3p. The patients with a high-level expression of miR-3182 and EBV-miR-BART8-3p had worse overall survival (P=0.005 and P=0.007). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that EBV-miR-BART8-3p was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P=0.018). The expression of miR-3182 was significantly correlated with EBV-miR-BART8-3p (P=0.045). In conclusion, this is the first study examining the potential clinical utility of miR-3182 and EBV-miR-BART8-3p as prognostic biomarkers in NPC. EBV infection may promote NPC progression by disrupting the expression of miR-3182.

Dexmedetomidine protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury-induced apoptosis via the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway

Objective

To investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury, which is involved in a number of ischaemic diseases.

Methods

An in vitro OGD/R injury model was generated using mouse Neuro 2A neuroblastoma (N2A) cells. Different concentrations of DEX were administrated to OGD/R cells. CV-65 was used to inhibit p38 microtubule associated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK) signalling. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the levels of proteins related to p38 MAPK/ERK signalling and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, TdT-UTP nick end labelling and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

DEX treatment of OGD/R cells promoted cell survival and attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis. It also activated the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway, increased the levels of Bcl-2, and decreased the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Treatment with the p38 MAPK/ERK inhibitor CV-65 inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK/ERK and abrogated the DEX-induced effects on cell survival and apoptosis.

Conclusions

DEX protects N2A cells from OGD/R-induced apoptosis via the activation of the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway. DEX might be an effective agent for the treatment of ischaemic diseases.

Downregulation of miR‑205 is associated with glioblastoma cell migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, by targeting ZEB1 via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of malignant brain tumor. In spite of recent advancements in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients with GBM often face a dire prognosis. MicroRNAs have been shown to modulate the aggressiveness of various cancers, and have emerged as possible therapeutic agents for the management of GBM. miR‑205 is dysregulated in glioma and act as a prognostic indicator. However, the role of miR‑205 in the development of GBM has not been elucidated. To better understand the pathogenesis of GBM, we examine the biological significance and molecular mechanisms of miR‑205 in GBM cells. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) has been shown to regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is strongly associated with GBM malignancy. In the present study, we show miR‑205 expression is reduced in GBM tissues and cell lines, and ZEB1 expression is inversely correlated with miR‑205 expression. We also show ZEB1 is a downstream target of miR‑205 and the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is activated when miR‑205 interacts with ZEB1. Increased activity of miR‑205 in GBM cells significantly inhibits migration and invasion, and prevents EMT. Furthermore, overexpression of ZEB1 partially abolishes these inhibitory effects of miR‑205. We show that miR‑205 negatively regulates the expression of ZEB1 in GBM, inhibits cell migration and invasion, and prevents EMT, at least in part through the inhibition of the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Our results indicate miR‑205 may be an efficacious therapeutic agent in the treatment of GBM.

Bi-directional exosome-driven intercommunication between the hepatic niche and cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Our understanding of the multiple roles exosomes play during tumor progression is still very poor and the contribution of the normal tissue derived exosomes in distant seeding and tumor outgrowth has also not been widely appreciated.

METHODS

Using our all-human liver microphysiological system (MPS) platform as a model to closely recapitulate the early metastatic events, we isolated exosomes from both tumor cells and liver microenvironment.

RESULTS

We observed that while priming of the hepatic niche (HepN) with MDA-231 breast cancer derived exosomes facilitated seeding of the cancer cells in the liver, subsequent tumor outgrowth was diminished; this was consistent with increased entry into dormancy. We found that hepatic niche (HepN) derived exosomes contribute significantly to the exosome pool and are distinguished from cancer derived exosomes based on their size, protein and miRNA content. By Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the miRNA content of the HepN, MDA-231/HepN and MDA-231 cells we showed that the HepN derived exosomes affect the breast cancer cells by suppressing pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation and invasion. More importantly exposure of MDA-231 and MDA-468 cells to purified normal HepN derived exosomes, induced changes in the cells consistent with a Mesenchymal to Epithelial reverting Transition (MErT). miRNA arrays performed on MDA-231 treated with Hum Hep/NPC derived exosomes showed significant changes in the levels of a select number of miRNAs involved in epithelial cell differentiation and miRNAs, such as miR186, miR23a and miR205, from our top and bottom bins have previously been reported to regulate E-cadherin transcription and MErT induction in various cancer types. Consistently HepN derived exosome treatment of breast and prostate cancer lines lead to a transient induction of E-cadherin and ZO-1 at the protein level and a more epithelial-like morphology of the cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively our data revealed a novel mechanism of regulation of the metastatic cascade, showing a well-orchestrated, timely controlled crosstalk between the cancer cells and the HepN and implicating for the first time the normal tissue/HepN derived exosomes in enabling seeding and entry into dormancy of the cancer cells at the metastatic site.

MicroRNA-205 Mediates Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2 (PAR2) -Promoted Cancer Cell Migration

Activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR₂) promotes cell migration in cancers, but the exact mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown. Here we report that activation of PAR₂ reduced miR-205 expression, whereas inhibition of miR-205 promoted cell migration in cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-205 blocked PAR₂-mediated stimulation of cell migration. BMPR1B was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-205. In colorectal carcinoma specimens from patients, the level of PAR₂ was negatively correlated with that of miR-205, but it was positively associated with BMPR1B expression. Taken together, our findings indicate that PAR₂ signaling promotes cancer cell migration through miR-205/BMPR1B pathway in human colorectal carcinoma.

MicroRNA-138 directly targets TNFAIP8 and acts as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma

MicroRNAs (miRs) have a critical role in the development and malignant progression of osteosarcoma (OS), but the underlying mechanisms have largely remained elusive. The present study aimed to explore the regulatory role of miR-138 in OS growth and metastasis and investigated the associated mechanisms. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to examine the miR-138 and protein expression levels in OS and normal bone tissues and cell lines. An MTT assay and a Transwell assay were used to assess cell proliferation and invasion. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and determine the apoptotic rate. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targeting association between miR-138 and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8). It was found that miR-138 was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-138 decreased the proliferation, cell cycle progression and invasion of OS cells, while inducing cell apoptosis. TNFAIP8 was then identified as a novel target of miR-138. Similarly to the effects of miR-138 overexpression, inhibition of TNFAIP8 also inhibited OS cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-138 overexpression as well as downregulation of TNFAIP8 reduced OS cell invasion via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and −9 expression. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR-138 directly targets TNFAIP8 and acts as a tumor suppressor in OS, suggesting that the miR-138/TNFAIP8 interaction may become a promising therapeutic target for OS.

MiR-130a-3p inhibits the viability, proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle, and promotes apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by suppressing BACH2 expression

The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism through which miR-130a-3p affects the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Tissue samples were collected from the hospital department. NPC cell lines were purchased to conduct the in vitro and in vivo assays. A series of biological assays including MTT, Transwell, and wound healing assays were conducted to investigate the effects of miR-130a-3p and BACH2 on NPC cells. MiR-130a-3p was down-regulated in both NPC tissues and cell lines, whereas BACH2 was up-regulated in both tissues and cell lines. MiR-130a-3p overexpression inhibited NPC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis. The converse was true of BACH2, the down-regulation of which could inhibit the corresponding cell abilities and promote apoptosis of NPC cells. The target relationship between miR-130a-3p and BACH2 was confirmed. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway was also influenced by miR-130a-3p down-regulation. In conclusion, miR-130a-3p could bind to BACH2, inhibit NPC cell abilities, and promote cell apoptosis.

Comparison of the miRNA expression profiles in fresh frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tonsillar tumors

MicroRNAs are considered as promising prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers of human cancer since their profiles differ between tumor types. Most of the tumor profiling studies were performed on rarely available fresh frozen (FF) samples. Alternatively, archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples are also well applicable to larger-scale retrospective miRNA profiling studies. The aim of this study was to perform systematic comparison of the miRNA expression profiles between FF and macrodissected FFPE tonsillar tumors using the TaqMan Low Density Array system, with the data processed by different software programs and two types of normalization methods. We observed a marked correlation between the miRNA expression profiles of paired FF and FFPE samples; however, only 27-38% of the differentially deregulated miRNAs overlapped between the two source systems. The comparison of the results with regard to the distinct modes of data normalization revealed an overlap in 58-67% of differentially expressed miRNAs, with no influence of the choice of software platform. Our study highlights the fact that for an accurate comparison of the miRNA expression profiles from published studies, it is important to use the same type of clinical material and to test and select the best-performing normalization method for data analysis.

Elevation of MiR-9-3p suppresses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via down-regulating FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV

MicroRNAs had been proved to be pivotal regulators in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by regulating a large amount of genes' expression. In our research, we aim to explore the functions of miR-9-3p on the metastases of NPC and figure out the potential mechanisms. First, we revealed downregulation of miR-9-3p and upregulation of fibronectin 1 (FN1), β1 integrin (ITGB1) and α5 integrin (ITGAV) expression in NPC tissues and cells compared with the normal using RNA-seq analysis, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. By transfection of miR-9-3p mimics in CNE-1, CNE-2 and HONE-1 cells, we confirmed tumor-suppressing roles of miR-9-3p via suppressing EMT process by MTT, wound scratch, transwell assay and western blot. After constructing luciferase reporting plasmids and transient transfection in HEK 293T cells, we proved that FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV were all targets of miR-9-3p. Then we manipulated the expression of miR-9-3p, FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV in HONE-1 cells, verifying the tumor-promoting effect of FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV on cell proliferation and metastases via facilitating EMT process of cells. Additionally, these functions of FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV could be efficiently abrogated by overexpression of miR-9-3p. Taken together, we demonstrated that elevation of miR-9-3p suppresses the proliferation and metastases of NPC via downregulating FN1, ITGB1, ITGAV and inhibiting the EMT process, which provided a series of therapeutic targets for the treatment of NPC.

MiR-183 overexpression inhibits tumorigenesis and enhances DDP-induced cytotoxicity by targeting MTA1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

MicroRNA 183 (miR-183) was identified to be downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma spheroids and served as a tumor suppressor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-183 and its role in cisplatin (DDP) resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells are still unclear. The expression of miR-183 and metastasis-associated protein 1 at messenger RNA and protein levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. CNE1 and CNE2 cells were transfected with miR-183 mimic, miR-183 inhibitor, pcDNA-metastasis-associated protein 1, or respective controls. The effects of miR-183 and metastasis-associated protein 1 overexpression on cell proliferation, invasion, and DDP-induced apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to explore whether miR-183 directly targeted metastasis-associated protein 1. Xenograft tumor experiment was applied to confirm the biological function of miR-183 in vivo. MiR-183 was downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells and negatively correlated with metastasis-associated protein 1 expression. Ectopic expression of miR-183 markedly suppressed cell proliferation and invasion and strikingly enhanced DDP-induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, whereas metastasis-associated protein 1 overexpression partially reversed these effects. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that metastasis-associated protein 1 was a direct target of miR-183. MiR-183 negatively regulated the expression of metastasis-associated protein 1 at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. Xenograft tumor experiment indicated that miR-183 overexpression repressed tumor growth and improved DDP-induced cytotoxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vivo. MiR-183 overexpression inhibited tumorigenesis and enhanced DDP-induced cytotoxicity by targeting metastasis-associated protein 1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of clinical nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Functional significance of the long non-coding RNA RP11-169D4.1 as a metastasis suppressor in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating CDH1

The present study investigated the expression profile and the function of RP11-169D4.1 and explored its potential mechanisms in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The biological function of RP11-169D4.1 was examined using the MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, wound healing and transwell assays. The relationship between RP11-169D4.1 and miR-205-5p was discovered by Argonaute 2 protein immunoprecipitation. The target gene of RP11-169D4.1 was CDH1 which was assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis, RT-PCR and western blot assay. We demonstrated that RP11-169D4.1 expression was markedly decreased in LSCC tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of RP11-169D4.1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LSCC cell lines as well as promoted apoptosis. We further verified that miR-205-5p had binding sites with RP11‑169D4.1 and that RP11-169D4.1 could regulate the expression of CDH1. Ectopic transfection of RP11-169D4.1 led to a significant reduction in the downstream signaling molecule AKT in LSCC cells. The long non-coding RNA RP11-169D4.1 may serve as a tumor suppressor and a promising therapeutic target in laryngeal cancer, which could inhibit the process of EMT by regulating CDH1.

Increased Serum Level of MicroRNA-663 Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis and malignant progression of human cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum miR-663 levels with the clinical factors and prognosis of NPC patients. Real-time PCR was performed to examine the amount of miR-663 in serum in NPC patients and healthy controls. Our data showed that the amount of miR-663 in serum was significantly higher in NPC patients than in healthy controls. Moreover, the serum levels of miR-663 were significantly correlated with the grade, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage of NPC. Furthermore, higher serum miR-663 levels were closely associated with worse 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with NPC, and the serum level of miR-663 was found to be an independent predicator for the prognosis of NPC. In addition, after receiving chemoradiotherapy, the serum levels of miR-663 were significantly reduced in NPC patients. In summary, miR-663 was upregulated in the serum of NPC patients, which was downregulated after chemoradiotherapy, and its increased levels were closely associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Therefore, the amount of miR-663 in serum may become a potential predicator for the clinical outcome of NPC patients.

Extensive miRNA expression analysis in craniopharyngiomas

PURPOSE

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors of the sellar or parasellar regions. They arise from the remnants of Rathke's pouch and are considered a "developmental disease." microRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that play a key regulatory role in the control of expression of entire gene networks. We performed an extensive analysis of miRNAs in craniopharyngiomas aiming to identify a miRNA expression signature that might aid in the prognosis of disease progression and outcome.

METHODS

Thirty-seven craniopharyngioma samples from twenty-three patients, ten age-matched controls from autopsy, and ten infant controls from the developing pituitary from autopsy were evaluated for the expression of 754 miRNAs using TaqMan® Low Density Arrays (TLDAs) v2.0 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).

RESULTS

Among the most differentially expressed miRNAs, downregulation of miR-132 appears to be a marker of aggressiveness and also plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first time that an extensive study of miRNA expression has been performed in craniopharyngiomas. Further research needs to be performed to investigate the potential role of miR-132 in the development and progression of craniopharyngiomas, and its value as a prognostic marker of aggressiveness.