TGF-β1 induced deficiency of linc00261 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal-transition and stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma via modulating SMAD3

LncRNA PVT1 activated by TGF-β1/Smad3 facilitates proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via upregulating Smad6 and NRG1

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) significantly affects the patient's physical and mental health. Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lncRNA PVT1) has been associated with the progression of HCC. However, the current effectiveness of HCC treatment is considered insufficient, and the scope of its therapeutic targets is highly limited. The purpose of this investigation is to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of PVT1 in HCC and assess its potential for gene therapy in HCC.

METHODS

This study assessed cycle phases and proliferative capacity of HCC cells through flow cytometry, CCK-8 assay, EdU, and colony formation assays. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assays were conducted to investigate the interactions among the promoter and PVT1, PVT1 and its target miRNAs, as well as miRNAs and their target genes. BALB/c nude mice were employed to establish models for studying the proliferation and metastasis of HCC in vivo.

RESULTS

The data revealed that TGF-β1 upregulates PVT1, while Smad3 functions as a transcription factor to modulate PVT1. PVT1, in turn, upregulates Smad6 and NRG1 (Neuregulin 1). Moreover, PVT1 combines with miR-186-5p and miR-143-3p, while miR-186-5p inhibits Smad6 and miR-143-3p inhibits NRG1. Further, in vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that PVT1 stimulates the expression of Smad6, thereby promoting the proliferation of HCC. In addition, PVT1 also promotes the spread of HCC by upregulating NRG1.

CONCLUSION

This study validated that PVT1 activated by TGF-β1/Smad3 facilitates HCC progression and metastasis by upregulating the miR-186-5p/Smad6 and miR-143-3p/NRG1 axes, indicating its potential as a biological target for treating HCC.

Clinical Significance of LINC00261 in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic, Colorectal, Hepatocellular, and Gallbladder Cancer

Pancreatic (PC), colorectal (CRC), hepatocellular (HCC), and gallbladder (GC) cancers together account for nearly 20% of all cancer cases. However, specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these cancers are lacking. Diagnosing these cancers early and providing timely, appropriate treatment to improve patient outcomes is crucial. In this context, previous studies, including ours, have highlighted the potential of non-coding RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in diagnosing and prognosis of various cancers. This review focuses on the mechanistic role of the recently identified lncRNA LINC00261 in PC, CRC, HCC, and GC. Our comprehensive literature analysis revealed that LINC00261 functions as a tumor suppressor, and its reduced expression is associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages, lymphatic metastasis, and poorer overall survival rates. Additionally, we discovered that LINC00261 acts as a molecular sponge for miRNAs, such as miR-550a-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-148a, miR-324-3p, and miR-105-5p, regulating critical cancer-related signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Protein kinase B, and Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Further bioinformatic analysis revealed that LINC00261 regulates key cellular processes, such as protein-DNA complex formation, ribonuclease complex activity, histone deacetylase complexes, and nuclear matrix interactions. Overall, we believe that LINC00261 holds significant promise as a future biomarker and, when combined with existing treatment strategies, may enhance cancer patient care and survival.

The role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths; however, this complex process has yet to be fully explained. To form metastases, cancer cells must undergo a series of steps, known as the "Metastatic cascade", each of which requires a specific functional transformation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor metastasis, but their dynamic behavior and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Based on the "Metastatic cascade" theory, this review summarizes the effect of liver CSCs on the metastatic biological programs that underlie the dissemination and metastatic growth of cancer cells. Liver CSCs have the capacity to initiate distant organ metastasis via EMT, and the microenvironment transformation that supports the ability of these cells to disseminate, evade immune surveillance, dormancy, and regenerate metastasis. Understanding the heterogeneity and traits of liver CSCs in these processes is critical for developing strategies to prevent and treat metastasis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Saponin Ⅰ from Shuitianqi () inhibits metastasis by negatively regulating the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad7 network and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the intrahepatic metastasis Bagg's Albino/c mouse model

OBJECTIVE

To examine the influence of Saponin I from Shuitianqi (Rhizoma Schizocapasae Plantagineae) (SSPH I) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The intrahepatic metastasis Bagg's Albino/c (BALB/c) mouse model was established with human hepatocellular carcinomas (HepG2) cells, then treated with normal saline (once per day), cisplatin (2 mg/kg, once every 2 d), and SSPH Ⅰ (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, once per day). Then, we assessed alterations in the hepatic pathology and target protein expressions in the intrahepatic metastasis BALB/c mouse model using a series of molecular biology techniques.

RESULTS

Based on our analysis, SSPH Ⅰ significantly alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and tumor cells infiltration. Moreover, SSPH Ⅰ suppressed extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and angiogenesis viaa decrease in matrix etalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, CD31, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Furthermore, SSPH Ⅰ repressed invasion and meta-stasis by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad7 axis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by the scarce TGF-β1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin expressions, and elevated Smad7 and E-cadherin expressions.

CONCLUSION

The SSPH Ⅰ-mediated negative regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad7 axis and EMT are critical for the inhibition of HCC invasion and metastasis.

F127-SE-tLAP thermosensitive hydrogel alleviates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad pathway

BACKGROUND

Skin fibrosis affects the normal function of the skin. TGF-β1 is a key cytokine that affects organ fibrosis. The latency-associated peptide (LAP) is essential for TGF-β1 activation. We previously constructed and prepared truncated LAP (tLAP), and confirmed that tLAP inhibited liver fibrosis by affecting TGF-β1. SPACE peptide has both transdermal and transmembrane functions. SPACE promotes the delivery of macromolecules through the stratum corneum into the dermis. This study aimed to alleviate skin fibrosis through the delivery of tLAP by SPACE.

METHODS

The SPACE-tLAP (SE-tLAP) recombinant plasmid was constructed. SE-tLAP was purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The effects of SE-tLAP on the proliferation, migration, and expression of fibrosis-related and inflammatory factors were evaluated in TGF-β1-induced NIH-3T3 cells. F127-SE-tLAP hydrogel was constructed by using F127 as a carrier to load SE-tLAP polypeptide. The degradation, drug release, and biocompatibility of F127-SE-tLAP were evaluated. Bleomycin was used to induce skin fibrosis in mice. HE, Masson, and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the skin histological characteristics.

RESULTS

SE-tLAP inhibited the proliferation, migration, and expression of fibrosis-related and inflammatory factors in NIH-3T3 cells. F127-SE-tLAP significantly reduced ECM production, collagen deposition, and fibrotic pathological changes, thereby alleviating skin fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

F127-SE-tLAP could increase the transdermal delivery of LAP, reduce the production and deposition of ECM, inhibit the formation of dermal collagen fibers, and alleviate the progression of skin fibrosis. It may provide a new idea for the therapy of skin fibrosis.

Unboxing the network among long non-coding RNAs and TGF-β signaling in cancer

Deeper analysis of molecular mechanisms arising in tumor cells is an unmet need to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat tumors. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling has been steadily featured in tumor biology and linked to poor prognosis of cancer patients. One pro-tumorigenic mechanism induced by TGF-β is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can initiate cancer dissemination, enrich the tumor stem cell population, and increase chemoresistance. TGF-β signals via SMAD proteins, ubiquitin ligases, and protein kinases and modulates the expression of protein-coding and non-coding RNA genes, including those encoding larger than 500 nt transcripts, defined as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Several reports have shown lncRNAs regulating malignant phenotypes by directly affecting epigenetic processes, transcription, and post-transcriptional regulation. Thus, this review aims to update and summarize the impact of TGF-β signaling on the expression of lncRNAs and the function of such lncRNAs as regulators of TGF-β signaling, and how these networks might impact specific hallmarks of cancer.

The Role of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has attracted attention as a tumor suppressor because of its potent growth-suppressive effect on epithelial cells. Dysregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway is considered to be one of the key factors in carcinogenesis, and genetic alterations affecting TGF-β signaling are extraordinarily common in cancers of the gastrointestinal system, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that TGF-β is produced from various types of cells in the tumor microenvironment and mediates extracellular matrix deposition, tumor angiogenesis, the formation of CAFs, and suppression of the anti-tumor immune reaction. It is also being considered as a factor that promotes the malignant transformation of cancer, particularly the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, elucidating the role of TGF-β signaling in carcinogenesis, cancer invasion, and metastasis will provide novel basic insight for diagnosis and prognosis and the development of new molecularly targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers. In this review, we outline an overview of the complex mechanisms and functions of TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potentials of targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for gastrointestinal cancer treatment and discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives on targeting this pathway.

Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective

Being a leading lethal malignancy worldwide, the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gained a lot of interest. Yet, underlying mechanistic basis of the liver tumorigenesis is poorly understood. The role of some coding genes and their respective translated proteins, then later on, some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have been extensively studied in context of HCC pathophysiology; however, the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC is indeed less investigated. As a subclass of the ncRNAs which has been elusive for long time ago, lncRNAs was found to be involved in plentiful cellular functions such as DNA, RNA, and proteins regulation. Hence, it is undisputed that lncRNAs dysregulation profoundly contributes to HCC via diverse etiologies. Accordingly, lncRNAs represent a hot research topic that requires prime focus in HCC. In this review, the authors discuss breakthrough discoveries involving lncRNAs and circRNAs dysregulation that have contributed to the contemporary concepts of HCC pathophysiology and how these concepts could be leveraged as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic HCC biomarkers. Further, this review article sheds light on future trends, thereby discussing the pathological roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in HCC proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Along this line of reasoning, future recommendations of how these targets could be exploited to achieve effective HCC-related drug development is highlighted.

SMAD Proteins in TGF-β Signalling Pathway in Cancer: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family proteins are central to one of the most versatile cytokine signalling pathways in metazoan biology, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. The TGF-β pathway is widely known for its dual role in cancer progression as both an inhibitor of tumour cell growth and an inducer of tumour metastasis. This is mainly mediated through SMAD proteins and their cofactors or regulators. SMAD proteins act as transcription factors, regulating the transcription of a wide range of genes, and their rich post-translational modifications are influenced by a variety of regulators and cofactors. The complex role, mechanisms, and important functions of SMAD proteins in tumours are the hot topics in current oncology research. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress on the effects and mechanisms of SMAD proteins on tumour development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provide clues for subsequent research on SMAD proteins in tumours.

Roles of TGF‑β signalling pathway‑related lncRNAs in cancer (Review)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs that are >200 nucleotides in length that do not have the ability to be translated into protein but are associated with numerous diseases, including cancer. The involvement of lncRNAs in the signalling of certain signalling pathways can promote tumour progression; these pathways include the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathway, which is related to tumour development. The expression of lncRNAs in various tumour tissues is specific, and their interaction with the TGF-β signalling pathway indicates that they may serve as new tumour markers and therapeutic targets. The present review summarized the role of TGF-β pathway-associated lncRNAs in regulating tumorigenesis in different types of cancer and their effects on the TGF-β signalling pathway.

Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer

Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.

Characterization of sialylation-related long noncoding RNAs to develop a novel signature for predicting prognosis, immune landscape, and chemotherapy response in colorectal cancer

Aberrant sialylation plays a key biological role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, including tumor cell survival and invasion, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy. It has been proposed as a possible cancer biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of tumors. Nevertheless, the prognostic significance and biological features of sialylation-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. This study aimed to develop a novel sialylation-related lncRNA signature to accurately evaluate the prognosis of patients with CRC and explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the sialylation-related lncRNAs. Here, we identified sialylation-related lncRNAs using the Pearson correlation analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Univariate and stepwise multivariable Cox analysis were used to establish a signature based on seven sialylation-related lncRNAs in the TCGA dataset, and the risk model was validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that CRC patients in the low-risk subgroup had a better survival outcome than those in the high-risk subgroup in the training set, testing set, and overall set. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the sialylation-related lncRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival prediction. The sialylation lncRNA signature-based nomogram exhibited a robust prognostic performance. Furthermore, enrichment analysis showed that cancer hallmarks and oncogenic signaling were enriched in the high-risk group, while inflammatory responses and immune-related pathways were enriched in the low-risk group. The comprehensive analysis suggested that low-risk patients had higher activity of immune response pathways, greater immune cell infiltration, and higher expression of immune stimulators. In addition, we determined the sialylation level in normal colonic cells and CRC cell lines by flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescence, and verified the expression levels of seven lncRNAs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, combined drug sensitivity analysis using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer, Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal, and Profiling Relative Inhibition Simultaneously in Mixtures indicated that the sialylation-related lncRNA signature could serve as a potential predictor for chemosensitivity. Collectively, this is the first sialylation lncRNA-based signature for predicting the prognosis, immune landscape, and chemotherapeutic response in CRC, and may provide vital guidance to facilitate risk stratification and optimize individualized therapy for CRC patients.