miR-335-5p inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer via ROCK1

CCL2 regulated by the CTBP1-AS2/miR-335-5p axis promotes hemangioma progression and angiogenesis

CONTEXT

Hemangioma (HA) is a benign vascular neoplasm that can lead to permanent scarring. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays a crucial role in facilitating growth and angiogenesis during HA progression. However, the mechanism regulating CCL2 in HA remains poorly elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism regulating CCL2 in HA.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to determine the expression levels of CCL2, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) CTBP1 divergent transcript (CTBP1-AS2), and microRNAs (miRNAs). Proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenic abilities of human HA endothelial cells (HemECs) were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell, and tube formation assays. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to investigate whether CCL2 targets miR-335-5p. Additionally, rescue experiments were performed in this study.

RESULTS

CCL2 expression was markedly upregulated in HemECs. CCL2 promoted HA cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis while inhibiting apoptosis. CCL2 was directly targeted by miR-335-5p. Additionally, we found that CTBP1-AS2 could function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-335-5p, thereby upregulating CCL2.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that targeting the CTBP1-AS2/miR-335-5p/CCL2 axis may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for HA.

Sex differences in the tumor promoting effects of tobacco smoke in a cRaf transgenic lung cancer disease model

Tobacco smoke (TS) is the leading cause for lung cancer (LC), and female smokers are at a greater risk for LC. Yet, the underlying causes are unknown. We performed whole genome scans in TS exposed wild type and histologically characterized tumor lesions of cRaf transgenic mice. We constructed miRNA-gene and transcription factor-miRNA/gene regulatory networks and determined sex-specific gene regulations by evaluating hormone receptor activities. We validated the findings from TS exposed cRaf mice in a large cohort of smoking and never-smoking LC patients. When compared to males, TS prompted a sevenfold increase in tumor multiplicity in cRaf females. Genome-wide scans of tumor lesions identified 161 and 53 genes and miRNAs, which code for EGFR/MAPK signaling, cell proliferation, oncomirs and oncogenes, and 50% of DEGs code for immune response and tumor evasion. Outstandingly, in transgenic males, TS elicited upregulation of 20 tumor suppressors, some of which are the targets of the androgen and estrogen receptor. Conversely, in females, 18 tumor suppressors were downregulated, and five were specifically repressed by the estrogen receptor. We found TS to perturb the circadian clock in a sex-specific manner and identified a female-specific regulatory loop that consisted of the estrogen receptor, miR-22-3p and circadian genes to support LC growth. Finally, we confirmed sex-dependent tumor promoting effects of TS in a large cohort of LC patients. Our study highlights the sex-dependent genomic responses to TS and the interplay of circadian clock genes and hormone receptors in the regulation of oncogenes and oncomirs in LC growth.

ETV5 transcriptionally activates TGFβ1 and promotes cancer cell invasion and migration of NSCLC

The morbidity and mortality of NSCLC remains high worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of NSCLC still largely unclear. Ets variant 5 (ETV5) is a transcription factor that found to be overexpressed in multiple cancers. However, the role of ETV5 in NSCLC remains unknown. We aim to explore the role and mechanisms of ETV5 in NSCLC development. The expression of ETV5 was evaluated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. ETV5 overexpressing and downregulation cell lines were established according to the endogenous expression of ETV5. Functional studies were performed by transwell assay. The downstream targets of ETV5 were screened by PCR array and were confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. We found that overexpression of ETV5 indicates worse prognosis of NSCLC patients. Elevated ETV5 expression promotes NSCLC cell invasion and migration via transcriptional activates of TGFβ1. Therefore, ETV5/TGFβ signaling may serve as a therapeutic target for NSCLS patients.

Baicalin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and metastasis by suppressing ROCK1 signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy affecting many people worldwide. Baicalin is a flavonoid extracted from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. It can effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of HCC. Nonetheless, the mechanism through which Baicalin inhibits HCC growth and metastasis remain unknown. This work discovered that Baicalin inhibited HCC cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis while inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis. In vivo HCC xenograft results indicated that Baicalin inhibited HCC growth. Western blotting analysis indicated that Baicalin suppressed the expressions of ROCK1, p-GSK-3β, and β-catenin, whereas it up-regulated the expressions of GSK-3β and p-β-catenin. Baicalin also reduced the expressions of Bcl-2, C-myc, Cyclin D1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, while increasing the expression of Bax. Molecular docking revealed that Baicalin docked in the binding site of the ROCK1 agonist, with a binding energy of -9 kcal/mol between the two. In addition, lentivirus-mediated suppression of ROCK1 expression improved the inhibitory effect of Baicalin on the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC and the expression of proteins associated with ROCK1/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, restoring ROCK1 expression decreased the anti-HCC efficacy of Baicalin. These findings suggest that Baicalin may decrease HCC proliferation and metastasis by suppressing ROCK1/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling.

miR-124 as a Liquid Biopsy Prognostic Biomarker in Small Extracellular Vesicles from NSCLC Patients

Despite advances in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) research, this is still the most common cancer type that has been diagnosed up to date. microRNAs have emerged as useful clinical biomarkers in both tissue and liquid biopsy. However, there are no reliable predictive biomarkers for clinical use. We evaluated the preclinical use of seven candidate miRNAs previously identified by our group. We collected a total of 120 prospective samples from 88 NSCLC patients. miRNA levels were analyzed via qRT-PCR from tissue and blood samples. miR-124 gene target prediction was performed using RNA sequencing data from our group and interrogating data from 2952 NSCLC patients from two public databases. We found higher levels of all seven miRNAs in tissue compared to plasma samples, except for miR-124. Our findings indicate that levels of miR-124, both free-circulating and within exosomes, are increased throughout the progression of the disease, suggesting its potential as a marker of disease progression in both advanced and early stages. Our bioinformatics approach identified KPNA4 and SPOCK1 as potential miR-124 targets in NSCLC. miR-124 levels can be used to identify early-stage NSCLC patients at higher risk of relapse.

Extracellular vesicle-derived LINC00482 induces microglial M2 polarization to facilitate brain metastasis of NSCLC

Considering the crucial role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we tried to analyze the role of extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived LINC00482 in the occurrence of brain metastasis in NSCLC. LINC00482 expression was quantified in EVs isolated from serum samples of NSCLC patients (serum-EVs). Ectopic expression and depletion assays were conducted in the microglial cell line HMC3 co-cultured with serum-EVs and in xenograft mouse models of NSCLC to explore the roles of EV-carried LINC00482. LINC00482 was enriched in serum-EVs and induced M2 polarization of microglial cells HMC3 in vitro. LINC00482 competitively bound to miR-142-3p and upregulated the expression of miR-142-3p target gene TGF-β1 in HMC3 cells, thus promoting microglial M2 polarization. EV-derived LINC00482-induced M2 microglia promoted the malignant properties of NSCLC cells. In vivo data demonstrated that EVs transmitted LINC00482 to regulate the miR-142-3p/TGF-β1 axis, induce microglial M2 polarization and affect the pre-metastatic niche, thus enhancing brain metastasis of NSCLC. Overall, suppression of the expression of tumor-derived LINC00482 or LINC00482-containing EVs, may serve as an effective target for contributing to the reduction of brain metastasis of NSCLC.

TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.

Rho-associated kinase1 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression via the FAK signaling pathway

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Rho-associated kinase1 (ROCK1) is considered to promote progression of numerous cancers, however, its role in LSCC is still unknown. Here, the expression level of ROCK1 is higher in LSCC tissues than non-tumor tissues, and the expression level of ROCK1 is positively correlated with advanced stage and poor survival prognosis. ROCK1 knockdown in TU686 and TU212 cells dramatically inhibits cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Whereas the overexpression of ROCK1 reversed these changes. FAK signaling pathway plays an essential role in promoting LSCC progression. Inhibiting FAK activity with TAE226 observably impairs the tumor-promoting effects. In conclusion, ROCK1 promotes LSCC tumorigenesis and progression via the FAK signaling pathway, targeting the ROCK1 molecule may represent potential targets for clinical LSCC treatment.

Implication of non-coding RNA-mediated ROCK1 regulation in various diseases

Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1 (ROCK1) is a protein serine/threonine kinase which is activated upon binding with the GTP-bound form of Rho. This protein can modulate actin-myosin contraction and stability. Moreover, it has a crucial role in the regulation of cell polarity. Therefore, it participates in modulation of cell morphology, regulation of expression of genes, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptotic processes as well as oncogenic processes. Recent studies have highlighted interactions between ROCK1 and several non-coding RNAs, namely microRNAs, circular RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Such interactions can be a target of medications. In fact, it seems that the interactions are implicated in therapeutic response to several medications. In the current review, we aimed to explain the impact of these interactions in the pathoetiology of cancers as well as non-malignant disorders.

MiR-335-3p/miR-155-5p Involved in IGFBP7-AS1-Enhanced Odontogenic Differentiation

BACKGROUND

The differentiation of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) into odontoblasts determines the regeneration of dentin-pulp complex. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), participate in many multiple biological processes, but the specific miRNAs involved in odontogenesis are incompletely defined. It was confirmed that lncRNA IGFBP7-AS1 could positively regulate odontogenetic differentiation in SHEDs. To investigate the downstream mechanisms of this process, miR-335-3p and miR-155-5p were found to be closely related with SHED odontogenic differentiation through whole-genome sequencing. The aim of the current study was to determine the role of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p in IGFBP7-AS1-enhanced SHED differentiation and explore the potential mechanism of IGFBP7-AS1-mediated odontogenesis.

METHODS

Putative miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p binding sites within IGFBP7-AS1 were identified by bioinformatics analysis, and the binding of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p to these sites was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The effects of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p in odontogenesis were detected by tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin red staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses, and western blot testing. The molecular mechanisms of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p involved in IGFBP7-AS1-mediated odontogenesis were analysed by qRT-PCR and western blot testing.

RESULTS

Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p could directly bind to IGFBP7-AS1. MiR-335-3p and miR-155-5p both could down-regulate dentin sialophosphoprotein expression, and both miRNAs could inhibit IGFBP7-AS1-mediated SHED odontogenetic differentiation via suppression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Both miR-335-3p and miR-155-5p were negative regulators to IGFBP7-AS1-enhanced odontogenic differentiation of SHED through suppression of the ERK pathway.

Characterization of the MicroRNA Cargo of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from a Pulmonary Tumor-Draining Vein Identifies miR-203a-3p as a Relapse Biomarker for Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

In resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), post-surgical recurrence occurs in around 40% of patients, highlighting the necessity to identify relapse biomarkers. An analysis of the extracellular vesicle (EV) cargo from a pulmonary tumor-draining vein (TDV) can grant biomarker identification. We studied the pulmonary TDV EV-miRNAome to identify relapse biomarkers in a two-phase study (screening and validation). In the screening phase, a 17-miRNA relapse signature was identified in 18 selected patients by small RNAseq. The most expressed miRNA from the signature (EV-miR-203a-3p) was chosen for further validation. Pulmonary TDV EV-miR-203a-3p was studied by qRT-PCR in a validation cohort of 70 patients, where it was found to be upregulated in relapsed patients (p = 0.0194) and in patients with cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes (N+ patients) (p = 0.0396). The ROC curve analysis showed that TDV EV-miR-203a-3p was able to predict relapses with a sensitivity of 88% (AUC: 0.67; p = 0.022). Moreover, patients with high TDV EV-miR-203a-3p had a shorter time to relapse than patients with low levels (43.6 vs. 97.6 months; p = 0.00703). The multivariate analysis showed that EV-miR-203a-3p was an independent, predictive and prognostic post-surgical relapse biomarker. In conclusion, pulmonary TDV EV-miR-203a-3p is a promising new relapse biomarker for resected NSCLC patients.

Identification of Significant Genes and Pathways Associated with Tenascin-C in Cancer Progression by Bioinformatics Analysis

Background

Tenascin-C (TNC) is a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix which associated with poor clinical outcomes in several malignancies. TNC over-expression is repeatedly observed in several cancer tissues and promotes several processes in tumor progression. Until quite recently, more needs to be known about the potential mechanisms of TNC as a key player in cancer progression and metastasis.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis of breast and colorectal cancer expression microarray data to survey TNC role and function with holistic view. Gene expression profiles were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal samples and cancer biopsy samples. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs with CluePedia plugin of Cytoscape software were constructed. Furthermore, after PPI network construction, gene-regulatory networks analysis was performed to predict long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs associated with TNC and cluster analysis was performed. Using the Clue gene ontology (GO) plugin of Cytoscape software, the GO and pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

Results

PPI and DEGs-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory networks showed TNC is a significant node in a huge network, and one of the main gene with high centrality parameters. Furthermore, from the regulatory level perspective, TNC could be significantly impressed by miR-335-5p. GO analysis results showed that TNC was significantly enriched in cancer-related biological processes.

Conclusions

It is important to identify the TNC underlying molecular mechanisms in cancer progression, which may be clinically useful for tumor-targeting strategies. Bioinformatics analysis provides an insight into the significant roles that TNC plays in cancer progression scenarios.

Hsa_circ_0041268 promotes NSCLC progress by sponging miR-214-5p/ROCK1

Circular RNAs hold significant regulatory functions during various tumors. However, the exact hsa_circ_0041268 roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) along with regulatory mechanism are unknown. In this study, RT-qPCR was used to perceive hsa_circ_0041268 expressions in NSCLC cell lines. Our team constructed small interfering RNA for hsa_circ_0041268. NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis in nude mice were assayed to confirm hsa_circ_0041268 activities in NSCLC cells. We then used bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analyses to characterize the hsa_circ_0041268 downstream targets. The result shows that the expressions of hsa_circ_0041268 incremented in NSCLC cell lines and hsa_circ_0041268 downregulation decreased cell proliferation and migration. ROCK1 and miR-214-5p were hsa_circ_0041268 downstream targets. miR-214-5p downregulation or ROCK1 overexpression restored migration and proliferation abilities after hsa_circ_0041268 silencing. ROCK1 overexpression renovated migration and proliferation abilities after miR-214-5p overexpression. In vivo investigations confirmed that hsa_circ_0041268 downregulation inhibited tumor formation and metastasis in nude mice xenografts. Together, results demonstrated that hsa_circ_0041268 acted as tumor promoter through novel hsa_circ_0041268/miR-214-5p/ROCK1 axis, which highlighted its potential as NSCLC therapeutic agent.

The Significance of the Alter miR let-7a and miR-335 Expression Level Regulating the CCR7/CCL19 Axis as Potential Biomarkers of Tumor Progression in NSCLC

The chemokine receptor 7/C-C ligand 19 chemokine (CCR7/CCL19) has been implicated in the development and progression of NSCLC. Its expression is regulated by various epigenetic factors including miRNAs. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of CCR7/CCL19 in cancer tissue in relation to that of miRNAs (miR-let-7a, miR-335) as transcriptional regulators. The expression of the tested miRNAs was also evaluated in serum exosomes. Sixty patients (n = 60) were enrolled in the study. The total expression of the studied mRNA and miRNAs were evaluated using qPCR. Tumor tissue fragments, macroscopically unchanged adjacent tissue, and serum were used as controls. Higher CCR7 and CCL19 mRNA expression levels were observed in tumor tissue compared to control. According to stages of the disease (AJCC tumor staging), the greatest expression level of the studied genes' mRNA was observed in patients with stage III. In NSCLC patients, lower miR let-7a expression level was observed in tumor tissue compared to serum; however, miR-335 expression level was higher (p < 0.05). The expression level of miR-335 positively correlated with tumor size (T features according to pTNM staging) and AJCC tumor staging, while miR let-7a had a negative correlation (p > 0.05) with liquid biopsy. Significantly greater miR-335 expression level and lower miR let-7a expression level in serum were observed in patients with metastases to lymph nodes. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between the expression levels of the mRNA of the studied genes and miRNAs. Changes in miR-335 and miR let-7a expression levels in the serum exosomes of NSCLC patients in relation to lymph node metastases and tumor stage may serve as a non-invasive molecular biomarker of tumor progression.

miR-335-5p Inhibits Progression of Uterine Leiomyoma by Targeting ARGLU1

Studies have demonstrated that miR-335-5p exhibits an essential role in the progress of multiple tumors, including thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. However, the possible expression, the detailed role, and the underlying mechanisms of miR-335-5p in uterine leiomyoma (UL) still remained unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the mechanism and function of miR-335-5p in UL. In our study, microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) is significantly downregulated in UL tissues and UL cell lines, especially in HCC1688 and SK-UT-1 cells. Functionally, overexpression of miR-335-5p notably inhibits the viability of UL cell lines by CCK-8 assay. Besides, upregulation of miR-335-5p inhibits proliferation of UL cell lines by colony formation assay and decreases the protein levels of PCNA and Ki-67 detected by western blot assay. In addition, overexpression of miR-335-5p induces UL cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Upregulation of miR-335-5p decreases the levels of Cyclin A1, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin D2 and upregulates the expression of p27 protein. Additionally, upregulation of miR-335-5p promotes the apoptosis of UL cell lines, increases the protein levels of Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, and Cleaved caspase-9, and decreases the protein expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, Arginine and Glutamate-Rich protein 1 (ARGLU1) is predicted as a target of miR-335-5p by ENCORI and miRDB and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. ARGLU1 is negatively associated with miR-335-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of ARGLU1 partly restores the effects of miR-335-5p mimic on the viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of UL cell lines. To conclude, miR-335-5p may play a repressive role in UL by targeting ARGLU1 and serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of UL.

Reconstruction of tissue-specific genome-scale metabolic models for human cancer stem cells

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) contribute to cancer aggressiveness, metastasis, chemo/radio-therapy resistance, and tumor recurrence. Recent studies emphasized the importance of metabolic reprogramming of CSCs for the maintenance and progression of the cancer phenotype through both the fulfillment of the energetic requirements and the supply of substrates fundamental for fast-cell growth, as well as through metabolite-induced epigenetic regulation. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop therapeutic strategies tailored to target the metabolism of CSCs. In this work, we built computational Genome-Scale Metabolic Models (GSMMs) for CSCs of different tissues. Flux simulations were then used to predict metabolic phenotypes, identify potential therapeutic targets, and spot already-known Transcription Factors (TFs), miRNAs and antimetabolites that could be used as part of drug repurposing strategies against cancer. Results were in accordance with experimental evidence, provided insights of new metabolic mechanisms for already known agents, and allowed for the identification of potential new targets and compounds that could be interesting for further in vitro and in vivo validation.

ceRNA Network of lncRNA/miRNA as Circulating Prognostic Biomarkers in Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Bioinformatic Analysis and Assessment of Their Prognostic Value in an NHL Cohort

Research has been focusing on identifying novel biomarkers to better stratify non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients based on prognosis. Studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs act as miRNA sponges, creating ceRNA networks to regulate mRNA expression, and its deregulation is associated with lymphoma development. This study aimed to identify novel circulating prognostic biomarkers based on miRNA/lncRNA-associated ceRNA network for NHL. Herein, bioinformatic analysis was performed to construct ceRNA networks for hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR335-5p. Then, the prognostic value of the miRNA–lncRNA pairs’ plasma levels was assessed in a cohort of 113 NHL patients. Bioinformatic analysis identified MALAT1 and NEAT1 as hsa-miR-150-5p and has-miR-335-5p sponges, respectively. Plasma hsa-miR-150-5p/MALAT1 and hsa-miR335-5p/NEAT1 levels were significantly associated with more aggressive and advanced disease. The overall survival and progression-free survival analysis indicated that hsa-miR-150-5p/MALAT1 and hsa-miR335-5p/NEAT1 pairs’ plasma levels were remarkably associated with NHL patients’ prognosis, being independent prognostic factors in a multivariate Cox analysis. Low levels of hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-335-5p combined with high levels of the respective lncRNA pair were associated with poor prognosis of NHL patients. Overall, the analysis of ceRNA network expression levels may be a useful prognostic biomarker for NHL patients and could identify patients who could benefit from more intensive treatments.

Tumour suppressor role of microRNA-335-5p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting TTK (Mps1)

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy. miR-335-5p is reported to possess both tumour suppressor and tumour promoter activities in different cancers.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the role of miR-335-5p in esophageal cancer by expression and functional studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The role of miR-335-5p in ESCC was evaluated using MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, colony formation assay, scratch assay, matrigel invasion, and migration assay.

RESULTS

Our expression studies showed a significantly decreased expression of tissue and circulating miR-335-5p in esophageal cancer. Our results herein report a key tumour suppressive role of miR-335-5p in esophageal carcinogenesis by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion in ESCC cells. Using RNA-seq and Insilico analysis we found TTK to be a newly identified direct target and confirmed it by using luciferase assay.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our expression and functional analysis results demonstrated herein point towards the potential role of miR-335-5p in esophageal tumorigenesis. Moreover, this is the first report showing TTK as a downstream target of miR-335-5p.

PIGF and Flt-1 on the surface of macrophages induces the production of TGF-β1 by polarized tumor-associated macrophages to promote lung cancer angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

The interaction between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment is a necessary condition for promoting the metastasis of malignant tumors.

METHODS

Two different transwell culture systems were interfered with by recombinant factor placental growth factor (re-PIGF) and the re-PIGF + transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-neutralizing antibody (anti-TGF-β1). We performed immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the expression of PIGF, fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1), macrophage marker F4/80 ⁺, macrophage M2 marker CD163⁺ and TGF-β1 in vitro. Meanwhile, cell viability assay and optical microscope assay were conducted to explore the cell viability and vascularization ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

Re-PIGF increased the expression of PIGF in A549 cells and the expression of Flt-1 in BM-Mac cells, and significantly enhanced the ability of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BM-Mac) to transform into macrophages. At the same time, re-PIGF increased the expression of cytokine TGF-β1 in A549 cells/BM-Mac transwell culture system. On the contrary, re-PIGF + anti-TGF-β1 inhibited the expression of Flt-1 in BM-Mac cells and inhibited the ability of BM-Mac cells to transform into macrophages. Finally, re-PIGF + anti-TGF-β1 reduced the cell viability and angiogenesis of HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

The surface molecule PIGF of lung cancer cells could bind to the receptor Flt-1 on the surface of macrophages, thereby increasing the production of TGF-β1, and ultimately promoting the formation of angiogenesis in lung cancer.

COL11A1 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis and is inversely regulated by miR-335-5p

Background

Esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a sort of cancer that occurs in the esophageal epithelial tissue. This study performed integrated bioinformatics analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE32424, GSE29968, and GSE130078. Collagen type XI alpha 1 (COL11A1) was identified as the hub gene in ESCC progression. The involvement of COL11A1 in ESCC development was next determined using in vitro functional tests.

Methods

Hub genes were identified through integrated bioinformatics analysis. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was implemented for detecting the expression of COL11A1 mRNA in esophageal cancer cells. KYSE-30 cells were transfected using a vector encoding COL11A1. The proliferation of cells was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Detection of the cell migration and invasion was made through making use of the transwell test. The development of ESCC cells in vivo was evaluated in naked mice. The interplay among COL11A1 and microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) was discovered using a luciferase reporter experiment.

Results

In vitro studies showed the upregulation of COL11A1 in ESCC cell lines obtained from ESCC patients and upregulation of COL11A1 was correlated with poor disease-free survival of ESCC patients, thereby implying an oncogenic involvement of COL11A1 in ESCC. Overexpression of COL11A1 enhanced the proliferation of ESCC cells, invasion, and migration; whereas COL11A1 knockdown impeded the proliferation of ESCC cells, invasion, and migration. Additionally, miRNA pathway analysis in combination with TargetScan’s online prediction and the luciferase reporter assay suggested miR-335-5p targeting and negatively regulating the COL11A1 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) within ESCC cells. MiR-335-5p overexpression diminished the development of ESCC cells. Additionally, co-expression of COL11A1 ameliorated the repressive influence of miR-335-5p overexpression on the growth and metastasis of ESCC cells.

Conclusions

Using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, the current study identified COL11A1 as an oncogene in ESCC. The mechanistic studies indicated that COL11A1 promoted ESCC cell progression and that miR-335-5p negatively regulated the expression of COL11A1 in ESCC.

LncRNA NEAT1-miR-101-3p/miR-335-5p/miR-374a-3p/miR-628-5p-TRIM6 axis identified as the prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma via bioinformatics and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Overexpression of the tripartite motif containing 6 (TRIM6) is associated with dismal prognosis in cancer patients, but its exact roles in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not been reported.

METHODS

The roles of TRIM6 are identified by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), TIMER2, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), etc., and the regulatory networks and related-prognostic biomarkers of TRIM6 are identified via the ENCORI and LNCAR databases in the LUAD progression.

RESULTS

TRIM6 expression level in LUAD tissues was significantly increased. TRIM6 over-expression level in LUAD patients was associated with smoking, clinical stage, histological type, lymph node metastasis, TP53 mutation and dismal prognosis, and related to prognosis-related age, race, sex, clinical stage and tumor purity of LUAD patients. TRIM6 overexpression was associated with the levels of CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and myeloid dendritic cells, and correlated with the levels of LUAD immune cell markers CD8A, IRF5, CD163, VSIG4, MS4A4A, ITGAM, HLA-DPA1, NRP1, ITGAX, etc. TRIM6 might influence the progression of LUAD by regulating homologous recombination, oocyte meiosis, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. LUAD patients with overexpression of miR-101-3p, miR-335-5p, miR-374a-3p, miR-628-5p, and NEAT1 had a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

NEAT1-miR-101-3p/335-5p/374a-3p/628-5p-TRIM6 network, which we constructed from our results, might be an important factor in the dismal prognosis of LUAD patients.

Circ_0011058 facilitates proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance in papillary thyroid cancer cells by positively regulating YAP1 via acting as miR-335-5p sponge

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reported to be associated with multiple biological processes in human cancers. However, there are still numerous circRNAs whose functions remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circ_0011058 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was utilized to detect the expression of circ_0011058, microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) and Yes-associated Protein 1 (YAP1). Cell proliferation was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay. Angiogenesis ability was assessed using tube formation assay. The expression of angiogenesis-related proteins and YAP1 protein was detected by western blot. Radioresistance was examined using colony formation assay. The binding relationship between miR-335-5p and circ_0011058 or YAP1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, pull-down assay and RIP assay. Xenograft models were constructed to ensure the role of circ_0011058.

RESULTS

Circ_0011058 expression was aberrantly elevated in PTC tissues and cells. The downregulation of circ_0011058 suppressed proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance in PTC cells. MiR-335-5p was defined as a target of circ_0011058, and miR-335-5p inhibition reversed the effects of circ_0011058 downregulation. In addition, YAP1 was a target of miR-335-5p, and circ_0011058 positively regulated YAP1 expression by targeting miR-335-5p. MiR-335-5p restoration inhibited proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance in PTC cells, while YAP1 overexpression abolished these effects. Animal study showed that circ_0011058 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0011058 promoted PTC cell proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance by upregulating YAP1 via acting as miR-335-5p sponge.

Circ_PIP5K1A regulates cisplatin resistance and malignant progression in non-small cell lung cancer cells and xenograft murine model via depending on miR-493-5p/ROCK1 axis

Background

Chemoresistance limits the therapeutic effect of cisplatin (DDP) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as important regulators in chemoresistance. This study aimed to explore the regulation of circRNA Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate 5-Kinase Type 1 Alpha (circ_PIP5K1A) in DDP resistance.

Methods

The expression analysis of circ_PIP5K1A, micoRNA-493-5p (miR-493-5p) and Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1 (ROCK1) was conducted through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell sensitivity was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell proliferation and cell viability were evaluated by colony formation assay and MTT assay, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis detection was performed via flow cytometry. Cell motility was examined by transwell migration or invasion assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the target binding. ROCK1 protein level was assayed via Western blot. In vivo assay was carried out using xenograft model in mice.

Results

Circ_PIP5K1A level was abnormally increased in DDP-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Silencing circ_PIP5K1A reduced DDP resistance, proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell motility in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_PIP5K1A directly interacted with miR-493-5p in NSCLC cells. The function of circ_PIP5K1A was dependent on the negative regulation of miR-493-5p. MiR-493-5p directly targeted ROCK1 and circ_PIP5K1A regulated the ROCK1 level via acting as a sponge of miR-493-5p. Overexpression of miR-493-5p inhibited chemoresistance and cancer progression by downregulating ROCK1 expression in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_PIP5K1A regulated DDP sensitivity in vivo via the miR-493-5p/ROCK1 axis.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that circ_PIP5K1A upregulated the ROCK1 expression to promote DDP resistance and cancer progression in NSCLC by sponging miR-493-5p.

MicroRNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process of Cancer: Potential Targets for Chemotherapy

In the last decades, a kind of small non-coding RNA molecules, called as microRNAs, has been applied as negative regulators in various types of cancer treatment through down-regulation of their targets. More recent studies exert that microRNAs play a critical role in the EMT process of cancer, promoting or inhibiting EMT progression. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests that pure compounds from natural plants could modulate deregulated microRNAs to inhibit EMT, resulting in the inhibition of cancer development. This small essay is on the purpose of demonstrating the significance and function of microRNAs in the EMT process as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes according to studies mainly conducted in the last four years, providing evidence of efficient target therapy. The review also summarizes the drug candidates with the ability to restrain EMT in cancer through microRNA regulation.

MiR-335-3p inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting EIF3E

Here, we aimed to investigate the biological roles and the regulatory mechanisms of miR-335-3p in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We first found miR-335-3p was significantly down-regulated in blood samples from leukemia patients and cell lines using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Through CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, we observed that miR-335-3p overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in AML cell lines (THP-1 and U937). Moreover, miR-335-3p directly targets EIF3E and negatively regulated its expression. More importantly, EIF3E overexpression reversed the effects of miR-335-3p on cell proliferation, G1/S transition and apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-335-3p overexpression obviously downregulated the expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, while upregulated the expression of p21 and Bad, which were significantly rescued by the co-transfection of pcDNA3.1-EIF3E. Collectively, our study proposes that miR-335-3p/EIF3E axis could be a promising therapeutic target to mitigate the progression of AML.

Identification of the pyroptosis‑related prognostic gene signature and the associated regulation axis in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the most common deadly disease and has a poor prognosis. Pyroptosis could regulate tumour cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, thereby affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in LUAD remains unclear. In our study, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed to construct a prognostic gene model and ceRNA network. The correlations between PRGs and tumour-immune infiltration, tumour mutation burden, and microsatellite instability were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation analysis. A total of 23 PRGs were upregulated or downregulated in LUAD. The genetic mutation variation landscape of PRG in LUAD was also summarised. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these 33 PRGs were mainly involved in pyroptosis, the NOD-like receptor signalling pathway, and the Toll-like receptor signalling pathway. Prognosis analysis indicated a poor survival rate in LUAD patients with low expression of NLRP7, NLRP1, NLRP2, and NOD1 and high CASP6 expression. A prognostic PRG model constructed using the above five prognostic genes could predict the overall survival of LUAD patients with medium-to-high accuracy. Significant correlation was observed between prognostic PRGs and immune-cell infiltration, tumour mutation burden, and microsatellite instability. A ceRNA network was constructed to identify a lncRNA KCNQ1OT1/miR-335-5p/NLRP1/NLRP7 regulatory axis in LUAD. In conclusion, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and identified a prognostic PRG signature containing five genes (NLRP7, NLRP1, NLRP2, NOD1, and CASP6) for LUAD patients. Our results also identified a lncRNA KCNQ1OT1/miR-335-5p/NLRP1/NLRP7 regulatory axis, which may also play an important role in the progression of LUAD. Further study needs to be conducted to verify this result.

LncRNA THAP9-AS1 accelerates cell growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR-335-5p to regulate SGMS2

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is kind of common and aggressive malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality all over the world. Accumulating studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play a vital regulatory role in human cancers. THAP9 antisense RNA 1 (THAP9-AS1) has been identified as an oncogene in several cancers. But its role in ESCC remains to be studied. In our research, THAP9-AS1 expression in ESCC cell lines was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis as well as EMT process were analyzed by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine ( EdU), Transwell, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) and western blot experiments. The interplay of THAP9-AS1, miR-335-5p and sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SGMS2) was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. We discovered that THAP9-AS1 was highly expressed in ESCC cell lines and that the knockdown of THAP9-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as EMT of ECSS cells but enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-335-5p was proved to be sponged by THAP9-AS1 and its up-regulation could repress ESCC progression. Additionally, SGMS2 was verified to be the target gene of miR-335-5p. In rescue assay, SGMS2 overexpression could offset the suppressive role of THAP9-AS1 depletion on ESCC progression. In short, THAP9-AS1 accelerated cell growth of ESCC through sponging miR-335-5p to regulate SGMS2.

Long non‑coding RNA SNHG20 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in retinoblastoma via the miR‑335‑5p/E2F3 axis

Current therapies for retinoblastoma (RB) are unsatisfactory and there is an urgent need for the development of new treatment modalities. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20) has been reported to serve a key oncogenic role in the development of various types of cancer, but its role in RB tumorigenesis remains to be fully determined. The present study aimed to investigate the expression patterns and biological roles of SNHG20 in RB. The expression levels of SNHG20 were measured via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR in RB tissues and cell lines. The impact of SNHG20 status on cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion was determined using small interfering RNA and a range of established experimental assays. The SNHG20/microRNA (miR)‑335‑5p/E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) signaling axis was further investigated using a dual‑luciferase activity reporter system and an RNA pull‑down assay combined with bioinformatics analyses. SNHG20 expression was significantly increased in RB tissues and cell lines. Silencing of SNHG20 in RB cells was shown to inhibit cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, migration and invasion. Moreover, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that SNHG20 could enhance the expression of E2F3 by sponging of miR‑335‑5p. These data suggested that the long non‑coding RNA SNHG20 may promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion in RB via the miR‑335‑5p/E2F3 axis.

Functions and Targets of miR-335 in Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18~25 nt in length) that act as master regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. They might play an oncogenic or tumor-suppressive role in multiple cancers. In recent decades, several studies have focused on the functions and mechanisms of miR-335 in cancer. The expression level of miR-335 in tissues and cells varies with cancer types, and miR-335 has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of cancer. Besides, miR-335 may serve as an oncogene or tumor suppressor via regulating different targets or pathways in tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. Furthermore, miR-335 also influences tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity. MiR-335 is regulated by various factors such as lncRNAs and microRNAs. In this review, we reveal the functions and targets of miR-335 in various cancers and its potential application as a possible biomarker in prognostic judgment and treatment of malignant tumors.

Diagnostic molecular markers predicting aggressive potential in low-grade prostate cancer

Currently, clinicians rely on clinical nomograms to stratify progression risk at the time of diagnosis in patients with prostate cancer (CaP). However, these tools may not accurately distinguish aggressive potential in low-grade CaP. The current study determined the diagnostic potential of 3 molecular markers (ROCK1, RUNX3, and miR-301a) in terms of their ability to identify which low-grade tumors are likely to progress. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess ROCK1, RUNX3, and miR-301a expression profiles in 118 serum and needle biopsy specimens. Expressions of ROCK1 and miR-301a were found to be significantly higher in Gleason 6 and 7 CaP as compared to BPH, while an inverse trend was observed with RUNX3. Further, incorporation of all 3 molecular markers significantly improved clinical nomograms' diagnostic accuracy and correlated with disease progression. Hence, in conclusion, the inclusion of these 3 molecular markers identified aggressive phenotype and predicted disease progression in low-grade CaP tumors at the time of diagnosis.

Bioinformatics and system biology approach to identify the influences of SARS-CoV-2 infections to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), better known as COVID-19, has become a current threat to humanity. The second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has hit many countries, and the confirmed COVID-19 cases are quickly spreading. Therefore, the epidemic is still passing the terrible stage. Having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the risk factors of the COVID-19, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie IPF, COPD, and CVOID-19 are not well understood. Therefore, we implemented transcriptomic analysis to detect common pathways and molecular biomarkers in IPF, COPD, and COVID-19 that help understand the linkage of SARS-CoV-2 to the IPF and COPD patients. Here, three RNA-seq datasets (GSE147507, GSE52463, and GSE57148) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) is employed to detect mutual differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for IPF, and COPD patients with the COVID-19 infection for finding shared pathways and candidate drugs. A total of 65 common DEGs among these three datasets were identified. Various combinatorial statistical methods and bioinformatics tools were used to build the protein–protein interaction (PPI) and then identified Hub genes and essential modules from this PPI network. Moreover, we performed functional analysis under ontologies terms and pathway analysis and found that IPF and COPD have some shared links to the progression of COVID-19 infection. Transcription factors–genes interaction, protein–drug interactions, and DEGs-miRNAs coregulatory network with common DEGs also identified on the datasets. We think that the candidate drugs obtained by this study might be helpful for effective therapeutic in COVID-19.

Involvement of microRNA in Solid Cancer: Role and Regulatory Mechanisms

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as the post-transcriptional factor that finetunes the gene expression by targeting to the specific candidate. Mis-regulated expression of miRNAs consequently disturbs gene expression profile, which serves as the pivotal mechanism involved in initiation or progression of human malignancy. Cancer-relevant miRNA is potentially considered the therapeutic target or biomarker toward the precise treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism underlying the altered expression of miRNA in cancer is largely uncovered. Detailed knowledge regarding the influence of miRNAs on solid cancer is critical for exploring its potential of clinical application. Herein, we elucidate the regulatory mechanism regarding how miRNA expression is manipulated and its impact on the pathogenesis of distinct solid cancer.

miR-135a inhibits malignant proliferation and diffusion of non-small cell lung cancer cells by down-regulating ROCK1 protein

Objective: To seek the clinical significance and regulatory mechanism of miR-135a and Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: NSCLC cells were purchased, and miR-135a-mimics, miR-135a-inhibitor, miR-NC, si-ROCK1 and Sh-ROCK1 were transfected into NSCLC cells HCC827 and NCI-H524. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-135a, ROCK1, Bax, Caspase3, Bcl-2, N-cadherin, vimentin and E-cadherin. MTT, scratch test, Transwell and flow cytometry were used to analyze the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis.

Results: miR-135a was low expressed in serum of NSCLC group, while ROCK1 was opposite. miR-135a low level or ROCK1 high level was associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC and lower 3-year OS. Over-expression of miR-135a and inhibition of ROCK1 expression could control malignant growth and diffusion of cells and expression of Bcl-2, N-cadherin and vimentin proteins, and promote apoptosis and expression of Bax, Caspase3 and E-cadherin proteins. After transfection of miR-135a-mimics+sh-ROCK1 to HCC827 and NCI-H524, the malignant proliferation and diffusion behavior of the cells were not different from those of the miR-NC group with no transfection sequence. The double luciferase report revealed that miR-135a has a targeting relationship with ROCK1.

Conclusion: miR-135a is abnormally down-regulated in NSCLC. As a serum indicator, miR-135a has the potential to diagnose NSCLC and predict prognosis. The up-regulated expression of miR-135a protein can down-regulate the ROCK1 protein, inhibit the malignant proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and other diffusion behaviors of NSCLC cells, and increase the apoptosis ability of cells.

LncRNA SNHG8 Promotes Proliferation and Inhibits Apoptosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma via Sponging miR-335-5p

Long-chain non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tissues and have played a regulatory role in DLBCL with a cancer-promoting effect. In this study, the role of LncRNA SNHG8 in the regulation of DLBCL cells is investigated, and its underlying mechanism is explored. The database of the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was searched, and the expression of SNHG8 in DLBCL and normal tissues was examined. The expression of SNHG8 was evaluated in several DLBCL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte cell line. It was found that SNHG8 was overexpressed in DLBCL tissues and cells in comparison with their normal counterparts. The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmids of SNHG8 were transfected into DLBCL cells to knockdown the expression of SNHG8, followed by assays of proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, and related protein expression. The results showed that the knockdown of SNHG8 significantly inhibited DLBCL cell proliferation and colony formation while promoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, the knockdown of SNHG8 reduced the expression of Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Bcl-2 and enhanced the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3/9. MiR-335-5p was predicted to be a potential target of SNHG8 by using the bioinformatics analysis, and the interaction between the two was validated by using the dual luciferase assay. In addition, the knockdown of SNHG8 increased the level of miR-335-5p, whereas miR-335-5p mimic decreased the expression of SNHG8. Finally, U2932 cells were co-transfected with or without sh-SNHG8 and miR-335-5p inhibitors, whose proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis were determined subsequently. It was demonstrated that the presence of an miR-335-5p inhibitor partially canceled the inhibitory effects of the knockdown of SNHG8 on DLBCL cell proliferation and colony formation and the stimulating effects of the knockdown of SNHG8 on cell apoptosis. Taken together, our study suggests that lncRNA SNHG8 exerts a cancer-promoting effect on DLBCL via targeting miR-335-5p.

Role of microRNAs in Lung Carcinogenesis Induced by Asbestos

MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding endogenous RNAs 19–25 nucleotides long, which play an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by targeting mRNA targets with subsequent repression of translation. MicroRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Lung cancer is usually associated with tobacco smoking. However, about 25% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, asbestos has been classified as one of the cancerogenic factors for lung cancer. The mechanism of malignant transformation under the influence of asbestos is associated with the genotoxic effect of reactive oxygen species, which initiate the processes of DNA damage in the cell. However, epigenetic mechanisms such as changes in the microRNA expression profile may also be implicated in the pathogenesis of asbestos-induced lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs can serve as a biomarker of the effects of various adverse environmental factors on the human body. This review examines the role of microRNAs, the expression profile of which changes upon exposure to asbestos, in key processes of carcinogenesis, such as proliferation, cell survival, metastasis, neo-angiogenesis, and immune response avoidance.

The miR-136-5p/ROCK1 axis suppresses invasion and migration, and enhances cisplatin sensitivity in head and neck cancer cells

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) are two types of head and neck cancers with high incidence rates and relatively poor prognoses. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of microRNA (miR/miRNA)-136-5p and its downstream target, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), on LSCC and HPSCC progression and cisplatin sensitivity. The miRNA and protein expression levels in head and neck cancer cell lines were evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. MTT, wound healing assays, transwell assays and flow cytometry analysis were performed to measure cell properties. The binding between miR-136-5p and ROCK1 was detected using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Autophagy double-labeled adenoviral infection assays were used to assess cell autophagy. The results showed that miR-136-5p was expressed in LSCC and HPSCC cells. Functional experiments showed that the expression of miR-136-5p in LSCC and HPSCC cells was negatively correlated with cell viability, invasion and migration. Additionally, miR-136-5p overexpression inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition, whereas miR-136-5p knockdown had the opposite effect. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-136-5p and ROCK1. miR-136-5p overexpression increased the cisplatin sensitivity of LSCC and HPSCC cells by reducing cell viability, as well as promoting cell apoptosis and autophagy. miR-136-5p overexpression decreased the expression levels of its downstream target ROCK1 and attenuated activity of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in cisplatin-treated LSCC and HPSCC cells. Conversely, miR-136-5p knockdown increased ROCK1 levels and decreased cisplatin sensitivity of the LSCC and HPSCC cells by increasing cell viability and inhibiting cell apoptosis, which was reversed by ROCK1 inhibition using the ROCK1 inhibitor, Y27632. Taken together, the results showed that the miR-136-5p/ROCK1 axis inhibits cell invasion and migration, and increases the sensitivity of LSCC and HPSCC cells to cisplatin.

miR-335-5p suppresses gastric cancer progression by targeting MAPK10

Background

Recent studies have established the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer progression. The aberrant expression of miR-335-5p has been reported in many cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In this study, the precise roles of miR-335-5p in GC as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects, including the role of its target MAPK10, were evaluated.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate miR-335-5p levels in GC cell lines and tissues. MTT and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and Transwell and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the invasion and migration of GC cells. The correlation between levels of miR-335-5p and the cell cycle-related target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) in GC was analyzed. In addition, the candidate target was evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting.

Results

The levels of miR-335-5p were downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, miR-335-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of GC cells and induced apoptosis. Additionally, miR-335-5p arrested the cell cycle at the G1/S phase in GC cells in vitro. Levels of miR-335-5p and the cell cycle-related target gene MAPK10 in GC were correlated, and MAPK10 was directly targeted by miR-335-5p.

Conclusions

These data suggest that miR-335-5p is a tumor suppressor and acts via MAPK10 to inhibit GC progression.

Systematic Analysis of the Expression and Prognostic Significance of P4HA1 in Pancreatic Cancer and Construction of a lncRNA-miRNA-P4HA1 Regulatory Axis

Objectives

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) plays a crucial role in modulating extracellular matrix component and promoting tumor progression by changing tumor adhesion, migration, and other biological behaviors in some cancers. However, its expression pattern, biological function, and underlying mechanism in pancreatic cancer remain largely unclear.

Materials and Methods

In this study, a set of bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the expression of P4HA1 and its prognostic value in pancreatic cancer. In addition, the mechanism through which P4HA1 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer was explored by constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis.

Results

It was found that the mRNA and protein expression of P4HA1 was significantly higher in pancreatic cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Its high P4HA1 expression correlated with poor clinicopathological features (T stage: P = 0.0078; N stage: P = 0.0124; TNM stage: P = 0.0013; pathological grade: P = 0.0108) and poor prognosis [OS: HR = 1, 95% CI (1-1.01), P = 0.00028; DSS: HR = 1, 95% CI (1-1.01), P = 0.00049; PFI: HR = 1.01, 95% CI (1.01-1.02), P = 0.0057; and DFI: HR = 1, 95% CI (1-1.01), P = 0.0034]. The LINC01503/miR-335-5p/P4HA1 axis might mediate the effects of P4HA1 in promoting the progression on pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest that high expression of P4HA1 may be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and could be considered for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer in the future.

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

Simple Summary

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are key processes in cancer progression and are composed of many steps. All of them are regulated by multiple microRNAs that either promote or suppress tumor progression. Multiple studies demonstrated that microRNAs target the mRNAs of multiple genes involved in the regulation of cell motility, local invasion, and metastatic niche formation. Thus, microRNAs are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Abstract

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

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

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

Progress and promises of epigenetic drugs and epigenetic diets in cancer prevention and therapy: A clinical update

Epigenetic modifications are heritable yet reversible, essential for normal physiological functions and biological development. Aberrant epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated gene regulation play a crucial role in cancer progression. In cellular reprogramming, irregular epigenomic modulations alter cell signaling pathways and the expression of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, resulting in cancer growth and metastasis. Therefore, alteration of epigenetic-status in cancer cells can be used as a potential target for cancer therapy. Several synthetic epigenetic inhibitors (epi-drugs) and natural epigenetic modulatory bioactives (epi-diets) have been shown to have the potential to alter the aberrant epigenetic status and inhibit cancer progression. Further, the use of combinatorial approaches with epigenetic drugs and diets has brought promising outcomes in cancer prevention and therapy. In this article, we have summarized the epigenetic modulatory activities of epi-drugs, epi-diets, and their combination against various cancers. We have also compiled the preclinical and clinical status of these epigenetic modulators in different cancers.

Identification and Validation of MSX1 as a Key Candidate for Progestin Resistance in Endometrial Cancer

Purpose

Progestin resistance is a critical obstacle for endometrial conservative therapy. Therefore, studies to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms are urgent. However, the pivotal molecules are still unexplored.

Materials and Methods

We downloaded GSE121367 from the GEO database. The “limma” R language package was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We conducted Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA). Protein–protein interaction was constructed by STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. The tumor immune microenvironment was explored by the TISIDB database. Methylation validation and overall survival analysis were conducted by the TCGA database. In addition, the upstream modulators of hub genes were predicted by miRTarBase and Network Analyst databases. The expression levels of candidate genes were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical assay (IHC). Cell growth, clone formation, migration, invasion, and wound healing assays were studied to explore the role of MSX1 in progestin resistance in vitro.

Results

A total of 3,282 DEGs were identified and they were mostly enriched in the cell adhesion pathway. We screened out ten hub genes whose genomic alteration rates were low based on the current endometrial carcinoma sample sets. Has-miR-335-5p, has-miR-124-3p, MAZ, and TFDP1 were the most prominent upstream regulators. The methylation status of CDH1, JAG1, EPCAM, and MSX1 was decreased, corresponding to their high protein expression, which also predicted better overall survival. The homeobox protein of MSX1 showed significant tissue specificity and better prognostic value and its knockdown inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMT) and enhanced progesterone efficacy.

Conclusion

Our study identified that the gene of MSX1 promised to be the specific indicator and therapeutic target for progestin resistance. This would shed new light on the underlying biological mechanism to overcome progestin resistance of endometrial cancer.

Transforming Growth Factor-β: A Multifunctional Regulator of Cancer Immunity

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was originally identified as an anti-tumour cytokine. However, there is increasing evidence that it has important roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME) in facilitating cancer progression. TGF-β actively shapes the TME via modulating the host immunity. These actions are highly cell-type specific and complicated, involving both canonical and non-canonical pathways. In this review, we systemically update how TGF-β signalling acts as a checkpoint regulator for cancer immunomodulation. A better appreciation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level can lead to the discovery of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer.

Transforming Growth Factor-β: A Multifunctional Regulator of Cancer Immunity

Simple Summary

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that can restrict cancer onset but also promote cancer progression at late stages of cancer. The ability of TGF-β in producing diverse and sometimes opposing effects relies on its potential to control different cellular signalling and gene expression in distinct cell types, and environmental settings. The tumour promoting role of TGF-β is primarily mediated through its effects on the local tumour microenvironment (TME) of the cancer cells. In this review, we discuss the most recent research on the role and regulation of TGF-β, with a specific focus on its functions on promoting cancer progression through targeting different immune cells in the TME as well as its therapeutic perspectives.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was originally identified as an anti-tumour cytokine. However, there is increasing evidence that it has important roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME) in facilitating cancer progression. TGF-β actively shapes the TME via modulating the host immunity. These actions are highly cell-type specific and complicated, involving both canonical and non-canonical pathways. In this review, we systemically update how TGF-β signalling acts as a checkpoint regulator for cancer immunomodulation. A better appreciation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level can lead to the discovery of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer.

miR-335-5p Regulates Cell Cycle and Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting CCNB2

Background

Lots of studies have shown that cyclin disorders can promote tumor development. This study aims to investigate the biological function and molecular mechanism of CCNB2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

LUAD data were downloaded from GEO database and TCGA-LUAD database. Differential analysis was conducted to find the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, while targeted prediction was done for the access of potential target mRNAs. Gene expression level was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot in human LUAD cell lines A-427, A549, Calu-3, PC-9 and human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. MTT, colony formation, Transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell proliferation, metastasis, and cell cycle changes of PC-9 cell line. The dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to detect the targeted binding relationship of the target miRNA and mRNA.

Results

CCNB2 was highly expressed and served as a biomarker indicating poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Cell function experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of silencing CCNB2 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells and cell cycle was blocked in the G0/G1 phase. In addition, with regard to the regulatory mechanism, we demonstrated that miR-335-5p had binding sites with 3ʹ-UTR of CCNB2, indicating that miR-335-5p could target the regulation expression of CCNB2. In subsequent cell function tests, overexpression of miR-335-5p inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, and the rescue experiments also verified that miR-335-5p could reverse the promotion of CCNB2 overexpression on the progress of cancer cells.

Conclusion

In summary, our results revealed that miR-335-5p could target the down-regulation of CCNB2 to inhibit the occurrence and development of LUAD.