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Zhang L, Wang Y, Gao J, Zhou X, Huang M, Wang X, He Z. Non‑coding RNA: A promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:255. [PMID: 38646493 PMCID: PMC11027111 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common form of malignant tumor in the digestive system that is classified into two types: Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma. ESCC is known for its early onset of symptoms, which can be difficult to identify, as well as its rapid progression and tendency to develop drug resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These factors contribute to the high incidence of disease and low cure rate. Therefore, a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target need to be identified for ESCC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of molecules that are transcribed from DNA but do not encode proteins. Initially, ncRNAs were considered to be non-functional segments generated during transcription. However, with advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies in recent years, ncRNAs have been associated with poor prognosis, drug resistance and progression of ESCC. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis, characteristics and functions of ncRNAs, particularly focusing on microRNA, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs. Furthermore, the ncRNAs that could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC are summarized to highlight their application value and prospects in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longze Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Yanyang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jianmei Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Minglei Huang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xianyao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Zhixu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Peng H, Ye T, Deng L, Yang X, Li Q, Tong J, Guo J. Activin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes Colorectal Cancer Stemness and Metastasis through FOXM1/SOX2/CXCR4 Signaling. Gut Liver 2024; 18:476-488. [PMID: 37458065 PMCID: PMC11096902 DOI: 10.5009/gnl220531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to drive tumor development and metastasis. Activin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are important cytokines with the ability to induce cancer stemness. However, the effect of activin and HGF combination treatment on CSCs is still unclear. Methods In this study, we sequentially treated colorectal cancer cells with activin and HGF and examined CSC marker expression, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. The roles of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), two stemness-related transcription factors, in activin/HGF-induced aggressive phenotype were explored. Results Activin and HGF treatment increased the expression of CSC markers and enhanced sphere formation in colorectal cancer cells. The tumorigenic and metastatic capacities of colorectal cancer cells were enhanced upon activin and HGF treatment. Activin and HGF treatment preferentially promoted stemness and metastasis of CD133+ subpopulations sorted from colorectal cancer cells. FOXM1 was upregulated by activin and HGF treatment, and the knockdown of FOXM1 blocked activin/HGF-induced stemness, tumorigenesis, and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. Similarly, SOX2 was silencing impaired sphere formation of activin/HGF-treated colorectal cancers. Overexpression of SOX2 rescued the stem cell-like phenotype in FOXM1-depleted colorectal cancer cells with activin and HGF treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of FOXM1 via thiostrepton suppressed activin/HGF-induced stemness, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Conclusions Sequential treatment with activin and HGF promotes colorectal cancer stemness and metastasis through activation of the FOXM1/SOX2 signaling. FOXM1 could be a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Li J, Song Y, Cai H, Zhou B, Ma J. Roles of circRNA dysregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153207. [PMID: 37384299 PMCID: PMC10299836 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent histological esophageal cancer characterized by advanced diagnosis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and frequent recurrence. In recent years, numerous human disorders such as ESCC, have been linked to abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), suggesting that they are fundamental to the intricate system of gene regulation that governs ESCC formation. The tumor microenvironment (TME), referring to the area surrounding the tumor cells, is composed of multiple components, including stromal cells, immune cells, the vascular system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and numerous signaling molecules. In this review, we briefly described the biological purposes and mechanisms of aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of ESCC, including the immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, and radiotherapy resistance. As in-depth research into the processes of circRNAs in the TME of ESCC continues, circRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or delivery systems for cancer therapy and diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuxia Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huihong Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Piergentili R, Basile G, Nocella C, Carnevale R, Marinelli E, Patrone R, Zaami S. Using ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment-The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients' Health. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169353. [PMID: 36012617 PMCID: PMC9409241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the first discovery of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to 1958, only in recent years has the complexity of the transcriptome started to be elucidated. However, its components are still under investigation and their identification is one of the challenges that scientists are presently facing. In addition, their function is still far from being fully understood. The non-coding portion of the genome is indeed the largest, both quantitatively and qualitatively. A large fraction of these ncRNAs have a regulatory role either in coding mRNAs or in other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of crossed interactions (competing endogenous RNA networks, or ceRNET) that fine-tune the gene expression in both health and disease. The alteration of the equilibrium among such interactions can be enough to cause a transition from health to disease, but the opposite is equally true, leading to the possibility of intervening based on these mechanisms to cure human conditions. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on these mechanisms, illustrating how they can be used for disease treatment, the current challenges and pitfalls, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle-related contributing factors, in addition to the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from their (improper) use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piergentili
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council (CNR-IBPM), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basile
- Trauma Unit and Emergency Department, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedics Institute, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Head of Legal Medicine Unit, Clinical Institute San Siro, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro-Napoli, Via Orazio, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Renato Patrone
- PhD ICTH, University of Federico II, HPB Department INT F. Pascale IRCCS of Naples, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Forensic Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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