A novel signature to predict thyroid cancer prognosis and immune landscape using immune-related LncRNA pairs

Dual roles of long non-coding RNAs in thyroid cancer: regulation of programmed cell death pathways

Thyroid cancer (TC) represents the most common endocrine malignancy; however, the intricacies of its carcinogenesis pose significant challenges to therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive TC progression is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies, especially considering the increasingly recognized role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in oncogenesis. Notwithstanding recent advancements, the regulatory functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) in the context of TC are not yet fully elucidated. This review aims to address this knowledge deficiency by investigating the dual roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of TC, specifically their regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) pathways. Current literature indicates that disrupted competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks are involved in drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in TC. The basis of cancer therapy-induced tumor cell elimination is programmed cell death (PCD), which includes well-studied processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis as well as novel pathways, such as cuproptosis, immunogenic cell death (ICD), and PANoptosis. Recent research has shown the critical function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modifying these several PCD pathways, impacting TC growth and therapy response. This review synthesizes evidence on how lncRNAs regulate PCD to influence TC progression and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we examine the clinical relevance of lncRNAs in TC, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, therapeutic targets, and contributors to drug resistance, while emphasizing recent advancements in this field.

lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 modulates thyroid cancer progression by regulating miR-195-5p

BACKGROUND

lncRNAs are key regulators in thyroid cancer (TC). While lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 has been proposed as a potential TC biomarker, its role remains underexplored. This study aims to clarify its clinical significance in TC and investigate its molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of ACVR2B-AS1 in TC tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression were utilized to assess the prognostic value of ACVR2B-AS1 expression. The interaction between ACVR2B-AS1 and miR-195-5p, as well as their effects on cell viability, migration, and invasion, were evaluated using dual-luciferase reporter assays, CCK-8 assays, and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

ACVR2B-AS1 was significantly upregulated in TC tissues and cell lines, and its expression correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Elevated ACVR2B-AS1 levels were associated with poor survival outcomes, and it was identified as an independent risk factor for TC progression. A direct regulatory relationship was established between ACVR2B-AS1 and miR-195-5p, with ACVR2B-AS1 negatively regulating miR-195-5p, thereby promoting TC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. FGF2 was predicted and validated as a target gene of miR-195-5p.

CONCLUSION

lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 shows potential as a prognostic marker in TC and may regulate tumor progression through the miR-195-5p/FGF2 axis, offering new insights for TC diagnosis and treatment.

The predictive value of miR-132-3p combined with Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) for gastric cancer prognosis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that PNI can predict the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, few studies have focused on the auxiliary role of miRNA in predicting the prognosis of GC.

OBJECTIVE

This research seeks to clarify the role of the combined use of miR-132-3p and PNI in predicting the prognosis of GC patients.

METHODS

The qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of miR-132-3p in tumor and adjacent normal tissues with GC patients. The predictive value of miR-132-3p and PNI for postoperative prognosis, and the relationships between miR-132-3p, PNI, and preoperative clinical characteristics, were assessed using ROC, χ², Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

miR-132-3p was found to be downregulated in GC tumor tissues and significantly positively correlated with PNI. Both miR-132-3p and PNI were significantly associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Postoperative GC patients with low miR-132-3p expression and low PNI had lower survival rates, and both were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. The combination of miR-132-3p and PNI demonstrated better sensitivity and specificity in predicting postoperative prognosis than either indicator alone.

CONCLUSION

The combination of miR-132-3p and PNI can effectively improve the predictive value of postoperative prognosis in GC patients.