Downregulation of miR-193a-3p inhibits cell growth and migration in renal cell carcinoma by targeting PTEN

NEAT1 in inflammatory infectious diseases: An integrated perspective on molecular modulation

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), NEAT1, has emerged as a central figure in the intricate network of molecular regulators in inflammatory infectious diseases (IIDs). The review initiates a comprehensive exploration of NEAT1's multifaceted roles and molecular interactions in the context of these complex diseases. The study begins by acknowledging the global health burden of IIDs, underscoring the urgency for innovative insights into their pathogenesis and therapeutic avenues. NEAT1 is introduced as a pivotal lncRNA with growing relevance in immune responses and inflammatory processes. The core of this review unravels the NEAT1 landscape, elucidating its involvement in the modulation of immune signalling pathways, regulation of inflammatory cytokines, and interactions with various immune cells during infection. It explores NEAT1's role in orchestrating immune responses and balancing host defence mechanisms with the risk of immunopathology. Furthermore, the review underscores the clinical significance of NEAT1 in infectious diseases, discussing its associations with disease severity, prognosis, and potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. It provides insights into ongoing research endeavours aimed at harnessing NEAT1 for innovative disease management strategies, including developing RNA-based therapeutics. Concluding on a forward-looking note, the review highlights the broader implications of NEAT1 in the context of emerging infectious diseases and the possibility for precision medicine approaches that leverage NEAT1's regulatory capacities. In summary, this review illuminates the pivotal role of NEAT1 in IIDs by navigating its complex landscape, offering profound insights into its implications for disease pathogenesis and the development of targeted therapies.

miR-193a-3p Enhanced the Chemosensitivity to Trametinib in Gallbladder Carcinoma by Targeting KRAS and Downregulating ERK Signaling

Objective: In this study, the authors identified miR-193a-3p as a tumor-suppressing microRNA, and its effects on the chemosensitivity to trametinib in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The levels of miR-193a-3p in clinical GBC tissues and GBC cells were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of KRAS, ERK, and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) were examined by Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR-193a-3p and KRAS. The effect of miR-193a-3p knockdown or overexpression on the malignant behaviors and chemosensitivity of GBC was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethlthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide and flow cytometry assays in vitro and further examined in a xenograft model. Results: The levels of miR-193a-3p were significantly decreased in GBC cell lines, especially with KRAS mutations. In addition, miR-193a-3p overexpression retarded cell proliferation of GBC, but induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-193a-3p overexpression significantly improved the chemosensitivity of GBC to trametinib both in in vitro assays and in vivo xenograft mouse model. Further mechanisms disclosed that KRAS was a target of miR-193a-3p and levels of p-ERK were increased by treatment with miR-193a-3p inhibitor in GBC. Conclusions: These data suggested that miR-193a-3p enhanced the chemosensitivity to trametinib in GBC with wild-type KRAS or KRAS mutations by directly targeting KRAS and finally downregulated ERK signaling.

Research Progress of PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathway Associated with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is a common renal malignancy of the urinary system and the most malignant type of kidney cancer. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is an intracellular phosphatidylinositol kinase associated with oncogene products such as v-src and with serine/threonine kinase activity, and its increased activity correlates with the development of several cancers. Protein kinase B (AKT) is a cyclic guanosine phosphate-dependent protein kinase that plays an important role in cell survival and apoptosis. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a newly discovered oncogene in recent years, participates in tumorigenesis and development by competing with tyrosine kinases for common substrates. The product encoded by PTEN was found to negatively regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway has also been identified in several studies as being involved in the development of several malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma. Radiotherapy is currently one of the most effective means of treatment for renal cell carcinoma, whereas it is predisposed to significant tolerance during the course of radiotherapy, thereby leading to treatment failure. Therefore, new treatment options may potentiate the efficiency of renal cell carcinoma treatment. With the development of tumor molecular biology, targeted biological therapy for malignant tumors has gradually become a research hotspot. Given the above research background, this study reviews the application of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in renal cell carcinoma, aiming to provide more references for the treatment of clinical renal cell carcinoma.

Functional Screen for microRNAs Suppressing Anchorage-Independent Growth in Human Cervical Cancer Cells

The progression of anchorage-dependent epithelial cells to anchorage-independent growth represents a critical hallmark of malignant transformation. Using an in vitro model of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced transformation, we previously showed that acquisition of anchorage-independent growth is associated with marked (epi)genetic changes, including altered expression of microRNAs. However, the laborious nature of the conventional growth method in soft agar to measure this phenotype hampers a high-throughput analysis. We developed alternative functional screening methods using 96- and 384-well ultra-low attachment plates to systematically investigate microRNAs regulating anchorage-independent growth. SiHa cervical cancer cells were transfected with a microRNA mimic library (n = 2019) and evaluated for cell viability. We identified 84 microRNAs that consistently suppressed growth in three independent experiments. Further validation in three cell lines and comparison of growth in adherent and ultra-low attachment plates yielded 40 microRNAs that specifically reduced anchorage-independent growth. In conclusion, ultra-low attachment plates are a promising alternative for soft-agar assays to study anchorage-independent growth and are suitable for high-throughput functional screening. Anchorage independence suppressing microRNAs identified through our screen were successfully validated in three cell lines. These microRNAs may provide specific biomarkers for detecting and treating HPV-induced precancerous lesions progressing to invasive cancer, the most critical stage during cervical cancer development.

Deciphering a Novel Necroptosis-Related miRNA Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological and devastating subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that causes prominent inflammatory responses. miRNAs play a significant role in cancer progression through necroptosis. However, the prognostic value of necroptosis-related miRNAs remains ambiguous. In this study, 39 necroptosis-related miRNAs (NRMs) were extracted and 17 differentially expressed NRMs between normal and tumor samples were identified using data form The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After applying univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression model, six necroptosis-related miRNA signatures were identified in the training cohort and their expression levels were verified by qRT-PCR. Using the expression levels of these miRNAs, all patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group showed poor overall survival (P < 0.0001). Time-dependent ROC curves confirmed the good performance of our signature. The results were verified in the testing cohort and the entire TCGA cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models demonstrated that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. Additionally, a predictive nomogram with good performance was constructed to enhance the implementation of the constructed signature in a clinical setting. We then employed miRBD, miRTarBase, and TargetScan to predict the target genes of six necroptosis-related miRNAs. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses indicated that 392 potential target genes were enriched in cell proliferation-related biological processes. Six miRNAs and 59 differentially expressed target genes were used to construct an miRNA–mRNA interaction network, and 11 hub genes were selected for survival and tumor infiltration analysis. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed potential drugs that may contribute to cancer management. Hence, necroptosis-related genes play an important role in cancer biology. We developed, for the first time, a necroptosis-related miRNA signature to predict ccRCC prognosis.

The Role of Circulating Biomarkers in the Oncological Management of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand Now?

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an increasingly common malignancy that can progress to metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in approximately one-third of RCC patients. The 5-year survival rate for mRCC is abysmally low, and, at the present time, there are sparingly few if any effective treatments. Current surgical and pharmacological treatments can have a long-lasting impact on renal function, as well. Thus, there is a compelling unmet need to discover novel biomarkers and surveillance methods to improve patient outcomes with more targeted therapies earlier in the course of the disease. Circulating biomarkers, such as circulating tumor DNA, noncoding RNA, proteins, extracellular vesicles, or cancer cells themselves potentially represent a minimally invasive tool to fill this gap and accelerate both diagnosis and treatment. Here, we discuss the clinical relevance of different circulating biomarkers in metastatic renal cell carcinoma by clarifying their potential role as novel biomarkers of response or resistance to treatments but also by guiding clinicians in novel therapeutic approaches.

Circular RNA EGLN3 silencing represses renal cell carcinoma progression through the miR-1224-3p/HMGXB3 axis

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common tumor of the urinary system, and its global incidence is increasing annually. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in RCC tumorigenesis; however, the role of circ-EGLN3 (hsa_circ_0031594) derived from the Egl nine homolog 3 (EGLN3) gene in RCC remains undetermined.

METHODS

Circ-EGNL3 expression was examined before and after RNase R and actinomycin treatments in RCC cells and tissues. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed using the CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, and wound-healing and Transwell assays. The interactions between microRNA (miR)-1224-3p and circ-EGLN3, and between miR-1224-3p and HMG box domain containing 3 (HMGXB3) were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Circ-EGLN3 was identified using RNase R and actinomycin treatments. Circ-EGLN3 was upregulated in RCC cells and tissues and correlated with poor overall survival. Silencing of circ-EGNL3 decreased RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistic studies indicated that circ-EGNL3 acts as a sponge for miR-1224-3p, which targeted HMGXB3. Circ-EGNL3 indirectly upregulated HMGXB3 by targeting miR-1224-3p, and overexpression of circ-EGLN3 reversed the repressive effects of miR-1224-3p on RCC.

CONCLUSION

Circ-EGLN3 regulated RCC progression through the miR-1224-3p/HMGXB3 axis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

MiR-193a-3p Promotes Fracture Healing via Targeting PTEN Gene

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of miR-193a-3p in fracture healing. The 70 fragility fracture patients and 45 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for the measurement of the expression levels of miR-193a-3p and PTEN. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis in the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the correlation of miR-193a-3p with PTEN. The serum expression level of miR-193a-3p showed no significant change in fracture patients 7 days after fixation treatment, but over time, there was a significant decrease in the expression at 14 days and 21 days after treatment (P < 0.01). Overexpression of miR-193a-3p significantly enhanced cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.001). Serum PTEN level in fracture patients was increased gradually during the fracture healing process (P < 0.01). PTEN was demonstrated to be a target gene of miR-9-5p and reversed the effect of miR-193a-3p on cell viability and apoptosis (P < 0.001). miR-193a-3p promoted fracture healing via regulating PTEN and may serve as a novel potential target for enhancing bone repair of fragility fracture.

Integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA profiles revealed the role of miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women. However, the role of microRNA (miRNA) expression in breast cancer progression is not fully understood. In this study we examined predictive interactions between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in breast cancer cell lines representative of the common molecular subtypes. Integrative bioinformatics analysis identified miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers of mRNA in breast cancer. Several recent studies have investigated these miRNAs in a broad range of tumors, but the mechanism of their involvement in cancer progression has not previously been investigated.

METHODS

The miRNA-mRNA interactions in breast cancer cell lines were identified by parallel expression analysis and miRNA target prediction programs. The expression profiles of mRNA and miRNAs from luminal (MCF-7, MCF-7/AZ and T47D), HER2 (BT20 and SK-BR3) and triple negative subtypes (Hs578T e MDA-MB-231) could be clearly separated by unsupervised analysis using HB4A cell line as a control. Breast cancer miRNA data from TCGA patients were grouped according to molecular subtypes and then used to validate these findings. Expression of miR-193 and miR-210 was investigated by miRNA transient silencing assays using the MCF7, BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Functional studies included, xCELLigence system, ApoTox-Glo triplex assay, flow cytometry and transwell inserts were performed to determine cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively.

RESULTS

The most evident effects were associated with cell proliferation after miR-210 silencing in triple negative subtype cell line MDA-MB-231. Using in silico prediction algorithms, TNFRSF10 was identified as one of the potential regulated downstream targets for both miRNAs. The TNFRSF10C and TNFRSF10D mRNA expression inversely correlated with the expression levels of miR-193 and miR210 in breast cell lines and breast cancer patients, respectively. Other potential regulated genes whose expression also inversely correlated with both miRNAs were CCND1, a known mediator on invasion and metastasis, and the tumor suppressor gene RUNX3.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our findings identify miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory miRNA in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and suggest that miR-210 may have a specific role in MDA-MB-231 proliferation. Our results highlight important new downstream regulated targets that may serve as promising therapeutic pathways for aggressive breast cancers.

miR-193a-3p Mediates Placenta Accreta Spectrum Development by Targeting EFNB2 via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Pathway Under Decidua Defect Conditions

Objective: To clarify the role of microRNA-193a-3p (miR-193a-3p) in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta spectrum.

Methods: The placental tissue expression levels of miR-193a-3p and Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) were compared between a placenta accreta spectrum group and a control group. Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of miR-193a-3p and EFNB2 on HTR-8/SVneo cells cultured in human endometrial stromal cell (hESC)-conditioned medium. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were examined by western blotting to establish whether the EMT pathway was altered in placenta accreta spectrum. To determine whether EFNB2 is a target gene of miR-193a-3p, luciferase activity assays were performed.

Results: miR-193a-3p was upregulated but EFNB2 downregulated in the placenta accreta spectrum group and EFNB2 was a direct target of miR-193a-3p. Overexpression or inhibition of miR-193a-3p revealed that miR-193a-3p promoted the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells cultured in hESC-conditioned medium. Furthermore, EMT was induced, as shown by increased N-cadherin, vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 and decreased E-cadherin in the placenta accreta spectrum group and in HTR-8/SVneo cells transfected with miR-193a-3p mimics or si-EFNB2. The negative effect of miR-193a-3p inhibitor was reversed by co-transfection with si-EFNB2 in function studies and in analyses of EMT-related proteins in vitro.

Conclusion: miR-193a-3p which upregulated in placenta accreta spectrum group increases HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion by targeting EFNB2 via the EMT pathway under decidua defect conditions to lead to placenta accreta spectrum.

Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals MicroRNA-193a-3p Regulates ACTG2 to Control Phenotype Switch in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Aortic dissection (AD) is among the most fatal cardiovascular diseases. However, the pathogenesis of AD remains poorly understood. This study aims to integrate the microRNAs (miRNA) and mRNA profiles and use bioinformatics analyses with techniques in molecular biology to delineate the potential mechanisms involved in the development of AD. We used the human miRNA and mRNA microarray datasets GSE98770, GSE52093, and GEO2R, Venn diagram analysis, gene ontology, and protein–protein interaction networks to identify target miRNAs and mRNAs involved in AD. RNA interference, western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to validate the candidate miRNAs and mRNAs in AD tissues and human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, we studied vascular smooth muscle contraction in AD. In silico analyses revealed that miR-193a-3p and ACTG2 were key players in the pathogenesis of AD. miR-193a-3p was upregulated in the AD tissues. We also found that biomarkers for the contractile phenotype in VSMCs were downregulated in AD tissues. Overexpression and depletion of miR-193a-3p enhanced and suppressed VSMC proliferation and migration, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that ACTG2 was a target of miR-193a-3p. ACTG2 was also downregulated in human AD tissues and VMSCs overexpressing miR-193a-3p. Taken together, miR-193a-3p may be a novel regulator of phenotypic switching in VSMCs and the miR-193a-3p/ACTG2 axis may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic candidate for AD.

MicroRNA Signature in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) includes 2.2% of all diagnosed cancers and 1.8% of cancer-related mortalities. The available biomarkers or screening methods for RCC suffer from lack of sensitivity or high cost, necessitating identification of novel biomarkers that facilitate early diagnosis of this cancer especially in the susceptible individuals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have several advantageous properties that potentiate them as biomarkers for cancer detection. Expression profile of miRNAs has been assessed in biological samples from RCC patients. Circulatory or urinary levels of certain miRNAs have been proposed as markers for RCC diagnosis or follow-up. Moreover, expression profile of some miRNAs has been correlated with response to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapeutic options such as sunitinib. In the current study, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the application of miRNAs as biomarkers, therapeutic targets or modulators of response to treatment modalities in RCC patients.

Circulating Non-coding RNAs in Renal Cell Carcinoma-Pathogenesis and Potential Implications as Clinical Biomarkers

Liquid biopsy-the determination of circulating cells, proteins, DNA or RNA from biofluids through a "less invasive" approach-has emerged as a novel approach in all cancer entities. Circulating non-(protein) coding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and YRNAs can be passively released by tissue or cell damage or actively secreted as cell-free circulating RNAs, bound to lipoproteins or carried by exosomes. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a growing body of evidence suggests circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and YRNAs as promising and easily accessible blood-based biomarkers for the early diagnosis of RCC as well as for the prediction of prognosis and treatment response. In addition, circulating ncRNAs could also play a role in RCC pathogenesis and progression. This review gives an overview over the current study landscape of circulating ncRNAs and their involvement in RCC pathogenesis as well as their potential utility as future biomarkers in RCC diagnosis and treatment.

miR-1293 Suppresses Tumor Malignancy by Targeting Hydrocyanic Oxidase 2: Therapeutic Potential of a miR-1293/Hydrocyanic Oxidase 2 Axis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common cancer, and extensive research suggests that microRNA may play an important role in the progression of RCC. The emphasis of this article was to reveal the function and mechanism of microRNA-1293(miR-1293) in the development of RCC tumors. First, the authors carried out bioinformatics analysis. The differential expression of miR-1293 in RCC tumor and normal cells was analyzed using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out to test the survival rate. Subsequently, the miR-1293 expression in RCC cell lines was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Then Cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays were executed to detect the function of miR-1293 in RCC. Bioinformatics prediction, western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were set to check the target gene of miR-1293. Finally, they conducted rescue experiments to verify whether the regulation of miR-1293 on the biological function of RCC cells was achieved by regulating hydrocyanic oxidase 2 (HAO2). Bioinformatics results showed that miR-1293 was highly expressed in RCC, and the miR-1293 high-expression group showed a lower survival rate than the miR-1293 low-expression group, which suggested that the high expression of miR-1293 was related to unfavorable prognosis in RCC. Subsequent assays evidenced that upregulation of miR-1293 expression significantly increased the cell viability and promoted cell migration and invasion in RCC. Silencing miR-1293 expression showed opposite results. Furthermore, HAO2 was confirmed to be a direct target gene of miR-1293 by dual-luciferase reporter assay, and miR-1293 negatively regulated the expression of HAO2. Moreover, rescue experiments evidenced that miR-1293 reduced the cell viability, invasion, and migration of RCC by regulating HAO2. In sum, miR-1293 can regulate the viability, invasion, and migration of RCC tumor cells by targeting HAO2, suggesting that miR-1293 can be used as a new biomarker for clinical treatment of RCC.

Diagnostic value of miR-193a-3p in Alzheimer's disease and miR-193a-3p attenuates amyloid-β induced neurotoxicity by targeting PTEN

OBJECTIVE

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be aberrantly expressed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The present study aimed to explore the diagnostic value and neuroprotective role of miR-193a-3p in AD.

METHODS

108 sporadic AD patients and 93 healthy controls were included. An Aβ25-35 insult cellular AD model of PC12 and SH-SY5Y was established. The relative expression levels of miR-193a-3p were calculated using qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the usefulness of miR-193a-3p for detecting AD. Cell viability and apoptotic rates were calculated. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miR-193a-3p and PTEN.

RESULTS

miR-193a-3p expression was downregulated in both AD patients and the cellular AD model (all P < 0.001). Remarkable positive association was detected between serum miR-193a-3p level and MMSE score in AD patients (r = 0.5889, P < 0.0001). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 89.8% and 77.4%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.914. Overexpression of miR-193a-3p weakened Aβ25-35 induced cell viability inhibition, and reduced Aβ25-35 induced cell apoptosis in PC12 cells (all P < 0.01). Downregulation of miR-193a-3p intensified the effect of Aβ25-35 PTEN was proved to be the target gene of miR-193a-3p.

CONCLUSION

MiR-193a-3p could be a novel biomarker for AD diagnosis, and may protect against neurotoxicity in AD by targeting PTEN.

Emerging roles of microRNAs in regulating the mTOR signaling pathway during tumorigenesis

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a large Ser/Thr protein kinase that belongs to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family and mediates various physiological and pathological processes, especially cell proliferation, protein synthesis, autophagy, and cancer development. The mTOR expression is transient and tightly regulated in normal cells, but it is overactivated in cancer cells. Recently, several studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the regulation of mTOR and mTOR-associated processes, some acting as inhibitors and the others as activators. Although it is still in infancy, the strategy of combining both miRNAs and mTOR inhibitors might provide an approach to selectively sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and subsequently attenuating the tumor cell growth and apoptosis.

MiR-193a-3p inhibits pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation by targeting CCND1

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could modulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by promoting mRNA degradation or blocking mRNA translation, thus affecting the occurrence and development of cancer. Methods: In this work, qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of miR-193a-3p and CCND1. The ability of cell proliferation was evaluated via CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry. Bioinformatic techniques were employed to research the regulatory relationship between miR-193a-3p and target genes. The relationship between miR-193a-3p and CCND1 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results: MiR-193a-3p expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue was significantly lower than in non-cancerous tissue. After overexpressing miR-193a-3p in PDAC cells, their multiplication ability was significantly inhibited, apoptosis was accelerated, and the cell cycle was blocked in the G1 and G2/M phases. CCND1 was confirmed to have a targeted relationship with miR-193a-3p. Moreover, CCND1 expression was significantly lower in PDAC cells with an overexpression of miR-193a-3p. Conclusions: MiR-193a-3p targeted CCND1 to suppress tumor growth in PDAC cells. MiR-193a-3p may function as a tumor inhibitor in PDAC development, which could offer a promising therapeutic and prognostic strategy for PDAC treatment.

Molecular Mechanisms in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Role of miRNAs and Hypermethylated miRNA Genes in Crucial Oncogenic Pathways and Processes

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the third most common urological cancer, and it has the highest mortality rate. The increasing drug resistance of metastatic ccRCC has resulted in the search for new biomarkers. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, such as genome-wide DNA methylation and inhibition of protein translation by interaction of microRNA (miRNA) with its target messenger RNA (mRNA), are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of human cancers, including ccRCC, and may be used in its diagnosis and prognosis. Here, we review oncogenic and oncosuppressive miRNAs, their putative target genes, and the crucial pathways they are involved in. The contradictory behavior of a number of miRNAs, such as suppressive and anti-metastatic miRNAs with oncogenic potential (for example, miR-99a, miR-106a, miR-125b, miR-144, miR-203, miR-378), is examined. miRNAs that contribute mostly to important pathways and processes in ccRCC, for instance, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt-β, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, are discussed in detail. We also separately consider their participation in crucial oncogenic processes, such as hypoxia and angiogenesis, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The review also considers the interactions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and miRNAs of significance in ccRCC. Recent advances in the understanding of the role of hypermethylated miRNA genes in ccRCC and their usefulness as biomarkers are reviewed based on our own data and those available in the literature. Finally, new data and perspectives concerning the clinical applications of miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ccRCC are discussed.

Hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miRNAs promote metastasis of lung cancer cells via STAT3-induced EMT

Background

Metastasis is the main cause of lung cancer mortality. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a component of the cancer microenvironment and contribute to cancer progression. Intratumoral hypoxia affects both cancer and stromal cells. Exosomes are recognized as mediators of intercellular communication. Here, we aim to further elucidate the communication between BMSC-derived exosomes and cancer cells in the hypoxic niche.

Methods

Exosomal miRNA profiling was performed using a microRNA array. Lung cancer cells and an in vivo mouse syngeneic tumor model were used to evaluate the effects of select exosomal microRNAs. Hypoxic BMSC-derived plasma exosomal miRNAs were assessed for their capacity to discriminate between cancer patients and non-cancerous controls and between cancer patients with or without metastasis.

Results

We demonstrate that exosomes derived from hypoxic BMSCs are taken by neighboring cancer cells and promote cancer cell invasion and EMT. Exosome-mediated transfer of select microRNAs, including miR-193a-3p, miR-210-3p and miR-5100, from BMSCs to epithelial cancer cells activates STAT3 signaling and increases the expression of mesenchymal related molecules. The diagnostic accuracy of individual microRNA showed that plasma exosomal miR-193a-3p can discriminate cancer patients from non-cancerous controls. A panel of these three plasma exosomal microRNAs showed a better diagnostic accuracy to discriminate lung cancer patients with or without metastasis than individual exosomal microRNA.

Conclusions

Exosome-mediated transfer of miR-193a-3p, miR-210-3p and miR-5100, could promote invasion of lung cancer cells by activating STAT3 signalling-induced EMT. These exosomal miRNAs may be promising noninvasive biomarkers for cancer progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12943-019-0959-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Knockdown long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 suppresses colorectal cancer through modulating miR-193a-3p/KRAS

The nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (abbreviated as NEAT1), a nuclear sufficient long noncoding RNA (abbreviated as lncRNA), has aroused a rising concern in recent years. As uncovered by reports, the increase in NEAT1 is related to the deteriorated prognosis of lung cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and colorectal cancer (abbreviated as CRC). Thus far, the mechanism of NEAT1 has not been elucidated by the existing researches. The impact of knockdown of both NEAT1 and its predicted downstream miR‐193a‐3p in CRC cells was examined here to delve into their interactions and mechanisms. Additionally, the target of miR‐193a‐3p, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (abbreviated as KRAS), was also predicted by bioinformatics algorithms. Small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit NEAT1, as well as overexpression or knockdown of miR‐193a‐3p, were adequately drawn upon to confirm that NEAT1 serves as a miR‐193a‐3p sponge or competing endogenous RNA, to impact miR‐193a‐3p's further functions, including modulating KRAS proteins, both in vitro and in vivo. Generally, lncRNA NEAT1/hsa‐miR‐193a‐3p/KRAS axis was substantiated in CRC cells and could provide novel insight into both diagnostic and therapeutic advancement in CRC.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma: identifying PTEN expression on multiphasic MDCT

PURPOSE

To investigate whether multiphasic MDCT enhancement profiles can help to identify PTEN expression in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). Lack of PTEN expression is associated with worsened overall survival, a more advanced Fuhrman grade, and a greater likelihood of lymph mode metastasis.

METHODS

With IRB approval for this retrospective study, we derived a cohort of 103 histologically proven ccRCCs with preoperative 4-phase renal mass MDCT from 2001-2013. Following manual segmentation, a computer-assisted detection algorithm selected a 0.5-cm-diameter region of maximal attenuation within each lesion in each phase; a 0.5-cm-diameter region of interest was manually placed on uninvolved renal cortex in each phase. The relative attenuation of each lesion was calculated as [(Maximal lesion attenuation - cortex attenuation)/cortex attenuation] × 100. Absolute and relative attenuation in each phase were compared using t tests. The performance of multiphasic enhancement in identifying PTEN expression was assessed with logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

PTEN-positive and PTEN-negative ccRCCs both exhibited peak enhancement in the corticomedullary phase. Relative corticomedullary phase attenuation was significantly greater for PTEN-negative ccRCCs in comparison to PTEN-positive ccRCCs (33.7 vs. 9.5, p = 0.03). After controlling for lesion stage and size, relative corticomedullary phase attenuation had an accuracy of 84% (86/103), specificity of 100% (84/84), sensitivity of 11% (2/19), positive predictive value of 100% (2/2), and negative predictive value of 83% (84/101) in identifying PTEN expression.

CONCLUSION

Relative corticomedullary phase attenuation may help to identify PTEN expression in ccRCCs, if validated prospectively.

MicroRNAs as Mediators of Resistance Mechanisms to Small-Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Solid Tumours

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are widely expressed transmembrane proteins that act as receptors for growth factors and other extracellular signalling molecules. Upon ligand binding, RTKs activate intracellular signalling cascades, and as such are involved in a broad variety of cellular functions including differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and survival under physiological as well as pathological conditions. Aberrant RTK activation can lead to benign proliferative conditions as well as to various forms of cancer. Indeed, more than 70% of the known oncogene and proto-oncogene transcripts involved in cancer code for RTKs. Consequently, these receptors are broadly studied as targets in the treatment of different tumours, and a large variety of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are approved for therapy. In most cases, patients develop resistance to the TKIs within a short time. MicroRNAs are short (18-22 nucleotides) non-protein-coding RNAs that fine-tune cell homeostasis by controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Deregulation of microRNAs is common in many cancers, and increasing evidence exists for an important role of microRNAs in the development of resistance to therapies, including TKIs. In this review we focus on the role of microRNAs in mediating resistance to small-molecule TKIs in solid tumours.

Shikonin Inhibites Migration and Invasion of Thyroid Cancer Cells by Downregulating DNMT1

Background

Shikonin is a component of Chinese herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of shikonin on cell migration of papillary thyroid cancer cells of the TPC-1 cell line in vitro and expression levels of the phosphate and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) genes.

Material/Methods

The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation of TPC-1 papillary thyroid cancer cells, and the normal thyroid cells, HTori-3, in vitro. A transwell motility assay was used to analyze the migration of TPC-1 cells. Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of PTEN and DNMT1 genes. A methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (MSP) assay was used to evaluate the methylation of PTEN.

Results

Following treatment with shikonin, the cell survival rate of TPC-1 cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner; the inhibitory effects on HTori-3 cells were less marked. Shikonin inhibited TPC-1 cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. The methylation of PTEN was suppressed by shikonin, which also reduced the expression of DNMT1 in a dose-dependent manner, and increased the expression of PTEN. Overexpression of DNMT1 promoted the migration of TPC-1 cells and the methylation of PTEN. Levels of protein expression of PTEN in TPC-1 cells treated with shikonin decreased, and were increased by DNMT1 knockdown.

Conclusions

Shikonin suppressed the expression of DNMT1, reduced PTEN gene methylation, and increased PTEN protein expression, leading to the inhibition of TPC-1 cell migration.

Long non-coding RNA PTENP1 interacts with miR-193a-3p to suppress cell migration and invasion through the PTEN pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Long non-coding RNA PTENP1, the pseudogene of PTEN tumor suppressor, was previously reported to be a tumour suppressor in some cancer types. However, the precise effects mediated by PTENP1 transcripts within intricate regulatory networks involving molecular interactions with PTEN and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. Here, we identify the critical biological functions of PTENP1 and discuss whether PTENP1 could directly interact with miR-193a-3p to affect the progression of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that PTENP1 level in the HCC tissues was significantly lower compared with those in the adjacent normal tissues. And PTENP1 was able to repress cell invasion, metastasis, and proliferation capacity in HCC cell lines. The overexpression of PTENP1 inhibited HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. There were a binding sequence and direct interaction between PTENP1 and miR-193a-3p. PTENP1 as an endogenous sponge interacted with miR-193a-3p, leading to regulate the downstream PTEN/Akt pathway. These results suggested that PTENP1 with its suppression effect might serve as novel biomarkers and potent therapeutic strategies in HCC.

MicroRNA-193a inhibits breast cancer proliferation and metastasis by downregulating WT1

In many cancers, microRNA-193a (miR-193a) is a suppressor miRNA, but its underlying anti-oncogenic activity in breast cancer is not known. In this study, we found decreased miR-193a (specifically, miR-193a-5p) expression not only in breast cancer cell lines but also in breast cancer tissues as compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues. Ectopic miR-193a overexpression inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. miR-193a reduced Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) expression and repressed luciferase reporter activity by binding WT1 coding region sequences; mutation of the predicted miR-193a binding site abolished this effect. miR-193a and WT1 expression were significantly inversely correlated in breast cancer tissues. Importantly, the anti-cancer activity induced by miR-193a was partially reversed by WT1 overexpression, indicating an important role for WT1 in such activity related to miR-193a. Our results reveal that miR-193a-WT1 interaction plays an important role in breast cancer metastasis, and suggest that restoring miR-193a expression is a therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.