CREB1-induced miR-1204 promoted malignant phenotype of glioblastoma through targeting NR3C2

DNA Tetrahedron Mass-Tagged Probe Set for the Programmed Detection of Protein Trimers by Point-to-Point Recognition and Induced Self-Assembly in Living Cells

Multimeric proteins normally perform different biological functions from their monomer components. Thus, precise recognition and quantitative detection of multimeric proteins can benefit a better understanding of complex biological processes and their roles in disease diagnosis and treatment. The challenge herein is to distinguish the multimeric proteins containing identical monomer components and recognize all the monomers in a multimeric protein on spatial scales. This situation is likely to become more significant for homomultimeric proteins. In this study, a DNA polyhedron mass-tagged probe set strategy was developed for the programmed detection of multimeric proteins in living cells. The probe set comprised recognition and displacement probes, a DNA polyhedron probe, and a mass-tagged probe. After point-to-point recognition of each monomer in the target protein complex by recognition and displacement probes, the DNA polyhedron probe could integrate the information on all the protein monomers by carrying out induced self-assembly via a cascaded toehold-mediated strand-displacement (TMSD) reaction. Afterward, the mass-tagged probe collected the integrated information, and the mass tag in the probe was released by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and detected by mass spectrometry (MS). Using the tmTNF-α homotrimer as an example, its expression levels in different breast cancer cell lines were ultimately determined using this probe set containing a DNA tetrahedron probe. This study is among the first to quantitatively detect multimeric proteins in living cells. Using a similar strategy, more DNA polyhedron mass-tagged probe sets can be developed for the detection of higher-order multimeric proteins.

The multifaceted role of the mineralocorticoid receptor in cancers

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR/NR3C2) is a member of the family of steroid receptors (SR) which also includes the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). They function primarily as nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression. While the other steroid hormone receptors are known to play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of many cancers, relatively little is understood about the role of MR in cancer biology. This review focuses on examining new insights into the potential roles and mechanisms of action of MR in cancers.

Identification of NR3C2 as a functional diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) subtypes, is a malignant tumor type with a poor 5-year survival rate. The identification of new powerful diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC is urgently required.

Methods

The UCSC Xena, UALCAN, and GEO databases were used to screen and analyze differentially expressed genes, regulatory modes, and genetic/epigenetic alterations in NSCLC. The UCSC Xena database, GEO database, tissue microarray, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values. Gain-of-function assays were performed to examine the roles. The ESTIMATE, TIMER, Linked Omics, STRING, and DAVID algorithms were used to analyze potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

NR3C2 was identified as a potentially important molecule in NSCLC. NR3C2 is expressed at low levels in NSCLC, LUAD, and LUSC tissues, which is significantly related to the clinical indexes of these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggests that the altered NR3C2 expression patterns have diagnostic value in NSCLC, LUAD, and especially LUSC patients. Decreased NR3C2 expression levels can help predict poor prognosis in NSCLC and LUAD patients but not in LUSC patients. These results have been confirmed both with database analysis and real-world clinical samples on a tissue microarray. Copy number variation contributes to low NR3C2 expression levels in NSCLC and LUAD, while promoter DNA methylation is involved in its downregulation in LUSC. Two NR3C2 promoter methylation sites have high sensitivity and specificity for LUSC diagnosis with clinical application potential. NR3C2 may be a key participant in NSCLC development and progression and is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration. NR3C2 co-expressed genes are involved in many cancer-related signaling pathways, further supporting a potentially significant role of NR3C2 in NSCLC.

Conclusions

NR3C2 is a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NSCLC.

miR-1204 Positioning in 8q24.21 Involved in the Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting MASPIN

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer remains to be the third leading cause of cancer mortality rates. Despite the diverse effects of the miRNA cluster located in PVT1 of 8q24.21 across various tumors, the specific biological function in colorectal cancer has not been clarified.

METHODS

The amplification of the miR-1204 cluster was analyzed with the cBioPortal database, while the expression and survival analysis of the miRNAs in the cluster were obtained from several GEO databases of colorectal cancer. To investigate the functional role of miR-1204 in colorectal cancer, overexpression and silencing experiments were performed by miR-1204 mimic and inhibitor transfection in colorectal cancer cell lines, respectively. Then, the effects of miR-1204 on cell proliferation were assessed through CCK-8, colony formation, and Edu assay. In addition, cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and Transwell assay. Moreover, candidate genes identified through RNA sequencing and predicted databases were identified and validated using PCR and western blot. A Dual-luciferase reporter experiment was conducted to identify MASPIN as the target gene of miR-1204.

RESULTS

In colorectal cancer, the miR-1204 cluster exhibited high amplification, and the expression levels of several cluster miRNAs were also significantly increased. Furthermore, miR-1204 was found to be significantly associated with disease-specific survival according to the analysis of GSE17536. Functional experiments demonstrated that transfection of miR-1204 mimic or inhibitor could enhance or decrease cancer cell proliferation and migration. MASPIN was identified as a target of miR-1204. Additionally, the overexpression of MASPIN partially rescued the effect of miR-1204 mimics on tumorigenic abilities in LOVO cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-1204 positioning in 8q24.21 promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells by targeting MASPIN.

CircSTK39 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer by regulating the miR-135a-5p/NR3C2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as novel noncoding RNAs that have crucial functions in the development of tumors, including those from bladder cancer (BCa). However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of circRNAs in mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in BCa have yet to be studied. In this research, we first found a novel circRNA, circSTK39 (termed as has_circ_0001079), which was a downregulated gene based on the results of high-throughput RNA sequencing. Subsequently, we determined that the expression of circSTK39 in BCa tissues and their cell lines was significantly reduced. In addition, lower circSTK39 expression was strongly related to a worse prognosis for BCa patients. Next, we detected the biological functions of circSTK39 by using loss and gain experiments in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of circSTK39 decreased cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion capacities, while circSTK39 knockdown prevented the above phenotypes. Mechanically, circSTK39 could sponge with miR-135a-5p, thus inhibiting NR3C2-mediated EMT processes in the BCa progression. In conclusion, our results revealed that circSTK39 inhibited EMT of BCa cells through the miR-135a-5p/NR3C2 axis and may provide promising biomarkers for the diagnosis or prospective therapeutic targets for BCa.

miR-433 Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression by Suppressing the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Through Direct Targeting of ERBB4

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor where new biomarkers and drug targets are much needed in the oncology clinic. miR-433 was identified as a tumor-suppressing miRNA in several different types of human cancer. However, the integrative biology of miR-433 in GBM is still largely unknown. By analyzing the expression profiles of miR-433 in 198 patients with glioma at The Cancer Genome Atlas, we found that the miR-433 expression was decreased in glioma whereas the low expression of miR-433 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. We then conducted in vitro studies and demonstrated that increased expression of miR-433 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LN229 and T98G cells, two representative glioma cell lines. Further, using in vivo mouse model, we found that upregulation of miR-433 inhibited the tumor growth of glioma cells. To situate the integrative biology understanding of the action of miR-433 in glioma, we identified ERBB4 as a gene targeted directly by miR-433 in LN229 and T98G cells. Overexpressed ERBB4 rescued the phenotype caused by overexpression of miR-433. Finally, we showed that miR-433 suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway in glioma cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-433 could potentially act as a tumor suppressor for GBM and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM. Further integrative biology and clinical translational research are warranted to evaluate miR-433 in GBM.

CREB1 regulates KPNA2 by inhibiting mir-495-3p transcription to control melanoma progression

Background

Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing gradually. Exploring melanoma pathogenesis helps to find new treatments.

Objective

We aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms by which CREB1 regulates melanoma.

Methods

TransmiR and ALGGEN were used to predict targets of CREB1 in the promoter of miR-495-3p or miR-495-3p and KPNA2, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect binding of CREB1 to these promoters. In addition, binding of CREB1 to the miR-495-3p promoter was confirmed by a ChIP assay. qRT‒PCR was carried out to detect mRNA levels of miR-495-3p, CREB1 and KPNA2. An EdU assay was conducted to detect cell viability. Transwell assays and flow cytometry were performed to assess cell migration and invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Moreover, factors associated with overall survival were analysed by using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Our results show miR-495-3p to be significantly decreased in melanoma. Additionally, miR-495-3p overexpression inhibited melanoma cell viability. CREB1 targeted miR-495-3p, and CREB1 overexpression enhanced melanoma cell viability by inhibiting miR-495-3p transcription. Moreover, miR-495-3p targeted KPNA2, and CREB1 regulated KPNA2 by inhibiting miR-495-3p transcription to enhance melanoma cell viability.

Conclusion

CREB1 regulates KPNA2 by inhibiting miR-495-3p transcription to control melanoma progression. Our results indicate the molecular mechanism by which the CREB1/miR-495-3p/KPNA2 axis regulates melanoma progression.

miR766-3p and miR124-3p Dictate Drug Resistance and Clinical Outcome in HNSCC

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive disease with poor prognosis, which is mainly due to drug resistance. The biology determining the response to chemo-radiotherapy in HNSCC is poorly understood. Using clinical samples, we found that miR124-3p and miR766-3p are overexpressed in chemo-radiotherapy-resistant (non-responder) HNSCC, as compared to responder tumors. Our study shows that inhibition of miR124-3p and miR766-3p enhances the sensitivity of HNSCC cell lines, CAL27 and FaDu, to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In contrast, overexpression of miR766-3p and miR124-3p confers a resistance phenotype in HNSCC cells. The upregulation of miR124-3p and miR766-3p is associated with increased HNSCC cell invasion and migration. In a xenograft mouse model, inhibition of miR124-3p and miR766-3p enhanced the efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy with reduced growth of resistant HNSCC. For the first time, we identified that miR124-3p and miR766-3p attenuate expression of CREBRF and NR3C2, respectively, in HNSCC, which promotes aggressive tumor behavior by inducing the signaling axes CREB3/ATG5 and β-catenin/c-Myc. Since miR124-3p and miR766-3p affect complementary pathways, combined inhibition of these two miRNAs shows an additive effect on sensitizing cancer cells to chemo-radiotherapy. In conclusion, our study demonstrated a novel miR124-3p- and miR766-3p-based biological mechanism governing treatment-resistant HNSCC, which can be targeted to improve clinical outcomes in HNSCC.

Mechanism of CREB1 in cardiac function of rats with heart failure via regulating the microRNA-376a-3p/TRAF6 axis

Heart failure (HF) is a complicated disease resulting from impaired heart function. CREB1 is a candidate target in heart-concerning diseases. This paper attempts to explore the role of CREB1 in HF. Initially, the HF rat model was established by constricted abdominal aortic surgery and the cardiac function of HF rats was assessed by ultrasonic cardiogram. Levels of CK-MB and LDH and activity of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in HF rats were determined. Subsequently, myocardium pathological injury and myocardium apoptosis were detected. Additionally, the interactions between CREB1 and miR-376a-3p and between miR-376a-3p and TRAF6 were verified. The roles of CREB1, miR-376a-3p, and TRAF6 in HF were evaluated. In HF rats, CREB1 and miR-376a-3p were both downregulated while TRAF6 was upregulated. Besides, HF rats had decreased values of EF and FS, elevated levels of CK-MB and LDH, inflammatory infiltration, promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and elevated activity of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, which were all reversed by CREB1. Additionally, CREB1 activated miR-376a-3p expression, and miR-376a-3p targeted TRAF6 transcription. Both miR-376a-3p knockdown and TRAF6 overexpression annulled the protective role of CREB1 overexpression in cardiac function of HF rats. CREB1 activated miR-376a-3p expression to suppress TRAF6, thereby promoting the cardiac function of HF rats.

Changes in Methylation across Structural and MicroRNA Genes Relevant for Progression and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer

MiRs are important players in cancer and primarily genetic/transcriptional means of regulating their gene expression are known. However, epigenetic changes modify gene expression significantly. Here, we evaluated genome-wide methylation changes focusing on miR genes from primary CRC and corresponding normal tissues. Differentially methylated CpGs spanning CpG islands, open seas, and north and south shore regions were evaluated, with the largest number of changes observed within open seas and islands. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed several of these miRs to act in important cancer-related pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We found 18 miR genes to be significantly differentially methylated, with MIR124-2, MIR124-3, MIR129-2, MIR137, MIR34B, MIR34C, MIR548G, MIR762, and MIR9-3 hypermethylated and MIR1204, MIR17, MIR17HG, MIR18A, MIR19A, MIR19B1, MIR20A, MIR548F5, and MIR548I4 hypomethylated in CRC tumor compared with normal tissue, most of these miRs having been shown to regulate steps of metastasis. Generally, methylation changes were distributed evenly across all chromosomes with predominance for chromosomes 1/2 and protein-coding genes. Interestingly, chromosomes abundantly affected by methylation changes globally were rarely affected by methylation changes within miR genes. Our findings support additional mechanisms of methylation changes affecting (miR) genes that orchestrate CRC progression and metastasis.

Circ_0049447 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer through reducing proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Although increasing abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been revealed in various cancers, there were a small number of studies about circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC). Here, we explored the expression and function of a novel circRNA, circ_0049447, in GC.

METHODS

A total of 80 GC tissues and non-tumorous tissues were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. And all cells were cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2. The expression of circ_0049447 was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The biological function of circ_0049447 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, and Western blotting. Luciferase report assay was used to verify the direct binding between circ_0049447 and predicted microRNA (miRNA). Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was used to validate the function of circ_0049447 in vivo.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that circ_0049447 was downregulated in GC (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.838, while sensitivity was 82.3% and specificity was 77.2%. CCK-8 and colony formation assay showed that overexpression of circ_0049447 could inhibit the proliferation (P < 0.05). Transwell migration and invasion assay showed upregulated circ_0049447 could impede migration in GC cells (P < 0.05). In addition, overexpression of circ_0049447 could impede GC cell EMT. Upregulation of miR-324-5p in GC specimens and direct binding between miR-324-5p with circ_0049447 proven by luciferase reporter assay indicated that circ_0049447 may inhibit GC by sponging certain miRNA.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0049447 acts as a tumor suppressor in GC through reducing proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and it is a promising biomarker for diagnosis.

MicroRNA-935 Directly Targets FZD6 to Inhibit the Proliferation of Human Glioblastoma and Correlate to Glioma Malignancy and Prognosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in human glioblastoma (GB). MiR-935 has been reported to have both tumor-inhibiting and tumorigenesis effects, but its role in GB remains unclear. Because of the high mortality and morbidity associated with the malignancy of GB, a deeper understanding of the molecular crosstalk that occurs in GB is needed to identify new potential targets for treatment. At present, the mechanism of GB at the molecular level is not fully understood. With the aid of bioinformatic analysis, miR-935 was significantly downregulated in GB, and it presented a poorer outcome. In the glioma cell line and in the nude mice model, the miR-935 inhibited cell proliferation by modulating cell circles in vitro and in vivo. Then, the target genes of miR-935 were analyzed by using the online database, and the direct binding was tested with a luciferase analysis. FZD6 was found to be the direct target of miR-935. The effect of miR-935 was recovered by the overexpression of FZD6 in vitro. In addition, the negative correlation of miR-935 and the expression of FZD6 were confirmed in our clinical samples, and the expression of FZD6 has a strong correlation with tumor malignancy and prognosis. This study showed that miR-935 directly inhibited the expression of FZD6 and inhibited the cell proliferation, thereby suppressing the development of GB, suggesting that miR-935 is a cancer suppressor miRNA and may become a prognostic biomarker or a promising potential therapeutic target for human GBs.

NR3C2-Related Transcriptome Profile and Clinical Outcome in Invasive Breast Carcinoma

Background

Increasing evidence has indicated that the nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) may be associated with tumorigenesis and patient prognosis for certain types of tumors. However, the clinical significance of NR3C2 is unclear in invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA).

Methods

We used bioinformatics to broadly investigate and obtain a deeper understanding of the prognostic significance between NR3C2 and BRCA. RNA-sequencing data and clinical information of patients with BRCA from the Cancer Genome Atlas database were collected for subsequent analysis. The diagnostic efficacy of NR3C2 was evaluated by calculating the receiver operating characteristic curve. The prognostic value of NR3C2 was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis for patients with BRCA. Moreover, the OSbrca database was used to validate NR3C2 as a prognostic biomarker for BRCA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and tumor immune infiltration analysis were conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of NR3C2 in BRCA.

Results

The expression level of NR3C2 in BRCA tissues decreased compared to that in normal breast tissues (P < 0.001). NR3C2 presented good diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.908). Moreover, the expression of NR3C2 was verified using the Oncomine database. High expression of NR3C2 was statistically associated with prolonged overall survival (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47-0.91, and P = 0.012), progression-free interval (HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.95, and P = 0.024), and disease-specific survival (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.89, and P = 0.015) for patients with BRCA. Besides, the prognostic value of NR3C2 was verified by the OSbrca database. GSEA results suggested that enriched pathways included neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction. NR3C2 expression was moderately correlated with mast cells and some T cell subsets in BRCA.

Conclusion

NR3C2 is a potential prognostic biomarker that could help clinicians develop more appropriate treatment plans for individual patients with BRCA.

Development of an Immunogenomic Landscape-Based Prognostic Index of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the eighth leading cancer by incidence worldwide, with approximately 700,000 new cases in 2018 (accounting for 11% of all cancers). The occurrence and development of tumors are closely related to the immunological function of the body and sensitivity to treatment schemes as well as prognosis. It is urgent for clinicians to systematically study patients’ immune gene maps to help select a treatment plan and analyze the potential to cure HNSCC. Here, the transcriptomic data of HNSCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and 4,793 genes differentially expressed in normal and cancer tissues of HNSCC were identified, including 1,182 downregulated and 3,611 upregulated genes. From these genes, 400 differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) were extracted, including 95 downregulated genes and 305 upregulated genes. The prognostic values of IRGs were evaluated by univariate Cox analysis, and 236 genes that were significantly related to the overall survival (OS) of patients were identified. The signaling pathways that play roles in the prognosis of IRGs were investigated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and the expression profiles of IRGs and OS in 499 HNSCC patients based on TCGA dataset were integrated. Potential molecular mechanisms and characteristics of these HNSCC-specific IRGs were further explored with the help of a new prognostic index based on IRGs developed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. A total of 64 hub genes (IRGs associated with prognosis) were markedly associated with the clinical outcome of HNSCC patients. KEGG functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were actively involved in several pathways, e.g., cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, T-cell receptor signaling, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. IRG-based prognostic signatures performed moderately in prognostic predictions. Interestingly, the prognostic index based on IRGs reflected infiltration by several types of immune cells. These data screened several IRGs of clinical significance and revealed drivers of the immune repertoire, demonstrating the importance of a personalized IRG-based immune signature in the recognition, surveillance, and prognosis of HNSCC.