The role of noncoding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells

Effects of circulating RNAs on tumor metabolism in lung cancer (Review)

During the development and progression of lung cancer, cell metabolism function is altered. Thus, cells rely on aerobic glycolysis and abnormal lipid and amino acid metabolism to obtain energy and nutrients for growth, proliferation and drug resistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, serve important biological roles in the growth and development of tumors. Functionally, circRNAs act as molecular sponges that absorb microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins and as protein scaffolds that regulate gene transcription and translation through the maintenance of mRNA stability. In addition, circRNAs are important regulators of tumor metabolism and promote tumor progression through mediating tumor cell proliferation, metastasis and the induction of chemoresistance. Results of previous studies reveal that circRNAs may serve a key role in regulating tumor metabolic processes in lung cancer, through miRNA sponging and alternative mechanisms. Thus, circRNAs demonstrate potential as therapeutic targets for lung cancer. The present study aimed to review the effects of circRNAs on lung cancer cell metabolism and provide novel insights into the clinical treatment of lung cancer. The present review may also provide a novel theoretical basis for the development of lung cancer drug targets.

Mechanistic insights into the role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating gastric cancer

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with advanced stages presenting significant challenges due to metastasis and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising complementary approach characterized by holistic treatment principles and minimal side effects. This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted mechanisms by which TCM addresses gastric cancer. Specifically, we detail how TCM inhibits aerobic glycolysis by downregulating key glycolytic enzymes and metabolic pathways, thereby reducing the energy supply essential for cancer cell proliferation. We examine how TCM suppresses angiogenesis by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways, effectively starving tumors of nutrients and oxygen required for growth and metastasis. Furthermore, TCM modulates the immune microenvironment by enhancing the activity of effector immune cells such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells while reducing immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These actions collectively contribute to slowing tumor progression, inhibiting metastasis, and enhancing the body's antitumor response. The insights presented underscore the significant potential of TCM as an integral component of comprehensive gastric cancer treatment strategies, highlighting avenues for future research and clinical application to improve patient outcomes.

Research progresses and hotspots on glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer: a bibliometric analysis over the past two decades

BACKGROUND

Abnormal energy metabolism is a prominent characteristic of cancers. Increasing evidence has suggested the involvement of glucose metabolism reprogramming in the progression of breast cancer (BC). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC through a bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

Relevant literatures published from 2004 to 2024 were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection database, and a bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix.

RESULTS

In total, 957 publications reporting glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC were included, showing an increasing trend in the annual publication outputs. China ranked first in publication outputs, and the United States of America (USA) had a dominant place in citation counts. The research achievements of Thomas Jefferson University in the USA were at the forefront and widely cited. Lisanti, Michael P., and Sotgia, Federica were the most productive authors. Keyword analysis suggested that the mechanisms of glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC and related therapeutic strategies were the research hotspots.

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time, elucidated the progresses and hotspots of in the research on glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC, highlighting its potential role in treating BC. Considering that the glycolytic reprogramming of BC is a complex biological process, it is imperative for countries to enhance cooperation in the pursuit of effective antimetabolic therapies to overcome challenges in BC treatment.

Current hotspots and trends in cancer metabolic reprogramming: a scientometric analysis

Background

Metabolic reprogramming (MR) in cancer (CA) has been a focus of intense research in the recent two decades. This phenomenon has attracted great interest because it offers potential targets for cancer therapy. To capture the intellectual landscape of this field, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to assess the scientific output, major contributors, and trends in the MR/CA research.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using the Web of Science to retrieve articles published on MR of cancer from 2006 until 2023. The bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel were used to identify the most prolific authors, institutions, citation patterns, and keywords. We also used co-citation analysis to map the conceptual structure of the field and identify influential publications. Furthermore, we examined the literature by analyzing publication years, citations, and research impact factors.

Results

A total of 4,465 publications about MR/CA were retrieved. Publications on MR/CA increased rapidly from 2006 to 2023. Frontiers in Oncology published the most papers, while Cell Metabolism had the most citations. Highly cited papers were mainly published in Cancer Cell, Nature, Cell, Science and Cell Metabolism. China and the United States led the way in publications and contributed the most to MR/CA research. The University of Texas System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Fudan University were the most productive institutions. The profitable authors were Deberardinis Ralph J and Chiarugi Paola. The current topics included MR in tumorigenesis and progression of CA, MR of tumor cells and tumor microenvironment, the effect of MR on the CA treatment, the underlying mechanisms of MR (such as gene regulation, epigenetics, extracellular vesicles, and gut microbiota), and the modulation of MR. Some topics such as tumor microenvironment, lipid MR, circular RNA, long noncoding RNA, exosome, prognostic model, and immunotherapy may be the focus of MR/CA research in the next few years.

Conclusion

This study evaluated the global scientific output in the field of MR/CA research, analyzing its quantitative characteristics. It identified some significant and distinguished papers and compiled information regarding the current status and evolving trends of MR/CA research.

Unveiling the hidden power of noncoding RNAs in pediatric respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases in children are common health problems that significantly impact their quality of life and health status, and this has its own unique challenges compared to adults. A growing body of research has focused on epigenetic mechanisms that relate with the development of various diseases, such as pediatric respiratory diseases. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long noncoding RNAs, microRNA, and circular RNA, are reported to play a regulatory role in pediatric respiratory diseases whose mutations or aberrant expressions are strongly associated with the development of these diseases. In this review, we mainly discussed the functions of these three ncRNAs in pediatric respiratory diseases.

Cancer metabolic reprogramming and precision medicine-current perspective

Despite the advanced technologies and global attention on cancer treatment strategies, cancer continues to claim lives and adversely affects socio-economic development. Although combination therapies were anticipated to eradicate this disease, the resilient and restorative nature of cancers allows them to proliferate at the expense of host immune cells energetically. This proliferation is driven by metabolic profiles specific to the cancer type and the patient. An emerging field is exploring the metabolic reprogramming (MR) of cancers to predict effective treatments. This mini-review discusses the recent advancements in cancer MR that have contributed to predictive, preventive, and precision medicine. Current perspectives on the mechanisms of various cancer types and prospects for MR and personalized cancer medicine are essential for optimizing metabolic outputs necessary for personalized treatments.

The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers

Many types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.

The therapeutic potential of circular RNA in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive subtypes of the disease that does not express estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA with a circular shape formed by non-standard splicing or reverse splicing. Numerous circRNAs exhibit abnormal expression in various malignancies, showing their critical role in the emergence and growth of tumors. Recent studies have shown evidence supporting the idea that certain circRNAs regulate the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC. In addition, circRNAs alter metabolism and the immune microenvironment to promote or inhibit the development of TNBC. Notably, circRNAs may affect the efficacy of clinical drug therapy, serve as therapeutic targets, and be used as molecular biomarkers in the future. Herein, we will first summarize the biogenesis and function of circRNAs. Then, we will explain current research on circRNAs related to TNBC and their potential to serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for future drug development, providing a new direction and idea for TNBC therapy.

Decoding epitranscriptomic regulation of viral infection: mapping of RNA N6-methyladenosine by advanced sequencing technologies

Elucidating the intricate interactions between viral pathogens and host cellular machinery during infection is paramount for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets. The RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has emerged as a significant factor influencing the trajectory of viral infections. Hence, the precise and quantitative mapping of m6A modifications in both host and viral RNA is pivotal to understanding its role during viral infection. With the rapid advancement of sequencing technologies, scientists are able to detect m6A modifications with various quantitative, high-resolution, transcriptome approaches. These technological strides have reignited research interest in m6A, underscoring its significance and prompting a deeper investigation into its dynamics during viral infections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of m6A epitranscriptome sequencing technologies, highlights the latest developments in transcriptome-wide m6A mapping, and emphasizes the innovative technologies for detecting m6A modification. We further discuss the implications of these technologies for future research into the role of m6A in viral infections.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

Non-coding RNAs and neuroinflammation: implications for neurological disorders

Neuroinflammation is considered a balanced inflammatory response important in the intrinsic repair process after injury or infection. Under chronic states of disease, injury, or infection, persistent neuroinflammation results in a heightened presence of cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species that result in tissue damage. In the CNS, the surrounding microglia normally contain macrophages and other innate immune cells that perform active immune surveillance. The resulting cytokines produced by these macrophages affect the growth, development, and responsiveness of the microglia present in both white and gray matter regions of the CNS. Controlling the levels of these cytokines ultimately improves neurocognitive function and results in the repair of lesions associated with neurologic disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of the genome and subsequently control the activity of inflammatory responses crucial in sustaining a robust and acute immunological response towards an acute infection while dampening pathways that result in heightened levels of cytokines and chemokines associated with chronic neuroinflammation. Numerous reports have directly implicated miRNAs in controlling the abundance and activity of interleukins, TGF-B, NF-kB, and toll-like receptor-signaling intrinsically linked with the development of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, ALS, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and neuromuscular degeneration. This review is focused on discussing the role miRNAs play in regulating or initiating these chronic neurological states, many of which maintain the level and/or activity of neuron-specific secondary messengers. Dysregulated miRNAs present in the microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and epididymal cells, contribute to an overall glial-specific inflammatory niche that impacts the activity of neuronal conductivity, signaling action potentials, neurotransmitter robustness, neuron-neuron specific communication, and neuron-muscular connections. Understanding which miRNAs regulate microglial activation is a crucial step forward in developing non-coding RNA-based therapeutics to treat and potentially correct the behavioral and cognitive deficits typically found in patients suffering from chronic neuroinflammation.

Regulation of tumor metastasis and CD8+ T cells infiltration by circRNF216/miR-576-5p/ZC3H12C axis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is an important regulator of tumor progression, growth and metastasis. In addition, tumor metastasis is one of the principal obstacles to the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recognized as important regulators in the development of malignancies. However, their specific roles and mechanisms in both CRC metastasis and TIME have not been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

High-throughput next-generation sequencing technology and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology were performed to identify differential circRNAs in CRC. Functional assays including transwell assay, wound healing assay, and metastasis models were conducted to assess the effect of circRNF216 on CRC metastasis. In addition, luciferase reporter, western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of circRNF216. The level of immune infiltration was assessed by bioinformatics analysis and flow cytometry in CRC model. Furthermore, rescue and mutation experiments were used for verification.

RESULTS

circRNF216 was identified as a putative tumor suppressor that is downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Overexpression of circRNF216 inhibits metastasis in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, circRNF216 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-576-5p, alleviating miR-576-5p repression on its target ZC3H12C, which in turn downregulated N-cadherin. Additionally, circRNF216 could enhance the infiltration level of CD8+ T cells by upregulating ZC3H12C, ultimately inhibiting the development of CRC, which suggests that circRNF216 is a potential biomarker for the treatment of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we provide novel mechanistic insight revealing how circRNF216 functioned in CRC metastasis and TIME via the circRNF216/miR-576-5p/ZC3H12C pathway. Therefore, circRNF216 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target and novel diagnostic marker for CRC.

The roles and molecular mechanisms of non-coding RNA in cancer metabolic reprogramming

One of the key features of cancer is energy metabolic reprogramming which is tightly related to cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. NcRNAs are a class of RNAs having no protein-coding potential and mainly include microRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Accumulated evidence has suggested that ncRNAs play an essential role in regulating cancer metabolic reprogramming, and the altered metabolic networks mediated by ncRNAs primarily drive carcinogenesis by regulating the expression of metabolic enzymes and transporter proteins. Importantly, accumulated research has revealed that dysregulated ncRNAs mediate metabolic reprogramming contributing to the generation of therapeutic tolerance. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of ncRNAs in cancer metabolic reprogramming can provide promising metabolism-related therapeutic targets for treatment as well as overcome therapeutic tolerance. In conclusion, this review updates the latest molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs related to cancer metabolic reprogramming.

Exogenous and endogenous dsRNAs perceived by plant Dicer-like 4 protein in the RNAi-depleted cellular context

BACKGROUND

In plants, RNase III Dicer-like proteins (DCLs) act as sensors of dsRNAs and process them into short 21- to 24-nucleotide (nt) (s)RNAs. Plant DCL4 is involved in the biogenesis of either functional endogenous or exogenous (i.e. viral) short interfering (si)RNAs, thus playing crucial antiviral roles.

METHODS

In this study we expressed plant DCL4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an RNAi-depleted organism, in which we could highlight the role of dicing as neither Argonautes nor RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is present. We have therefore tested the DCL4 functionality in processing exogenous dsRNA-like substrates, such as a replicase-assisted viral replicon defective-interfering RNA and RNA hairpin substrates, or endogenous antisense transcripts.

RESULTS

DCL4 was shown to be functional in processing dsRNA-like molecules in vitro and in vivo into 21- and 22-nt sRNAs. Conversely, DCL4 did not efficiently process a replicase-assisted viral replicon in vivo, providing evidence that viral RNAs are not accessible to DCL4 in membranes associated in active replication. Worthy of note, in yeast cells expressing DCL4, 21- and 22-nt sRNAs are associated with endogenous loci.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide new keys to interpret what was studied so far on antiviral DCL4 in the host system. The results all together confirm the role of sense/antisense RNA-based regulation of gene expression, expanding the sense/antisense atlas of S. cerevisiae. The results described herein show that S. cerevisiae can provide insights into the functionality of plant dicers and extend the S. cerevisiae tool to new biotechnological applications.