LncRNA H19/miR-29b-3p/PGRN Axis Promoted Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Acting on Wnt Signaling

Decoding long non‑coding RNAs: Friends and foes in cancer development (Review)

Cancer remains a formidable adversary, challenging medical advancements with its dismal prognosis, low cure rates and high mortality rates. Within this intricate landscape, long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as pivotal players, orchestrating proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Harnessing the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers holds immense promise. The present comprehensive review delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of lncRNAs in the onset and progression of the top five types of cancer. By meticulously examining lncRNAs across diverse types of cancer, it also uncovered their distinctive roles, highlighting their exclusive oncogenic effects or tumor suppressor properties. Notably, certain lncRNAs demonstrate diverse functions across different cancers, confounding the conventional understanding of their roles. Furthermore, the present study identified lncRNAs exhibiting aberrant expression patterns in numerous types of cancer, presenting them as potential indicators for cancer screening and diagnosis. Conversely, a subset of lncRNAs manifests tissue‑specific expression, hinting at their specialized nature and untapped significance in diagnosing and treating specific types of cancer. The present comprehensive review not only shed light on the intricate network of lncRNAs but also paved the way for further research and clinical applications. The unraveled molecular mechanisms offer a promising avenue for targeted therapeutics and personalized medicine, combating cancer proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

Long non-coding RNA H19 mediates the miR-29b/transforming growth factor-β1/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 3 signalling pathway to promote bladder fibrosis in diabetic rats

PURPOSE

Diabetic bladder fibrosis is a common comorbidity. Altered expression of some long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) has been associated with bladder fibrosis. LncRNA H19 has been reported to regulate bladder cancer through miR-29b. However, the action mechanism of LncRNA H19 in bladder fibrosis is unclear.

METHODS

In vitro, human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs) were cultured with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 48 h to construct cell model of bladder fibrosis. HBSMCs were then transfected with si-LncRNA H19, si-NC, miR-29b-mimic, mimic-NC, or miR-29b-inhibitor. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given a high-sucrose-high-fat (HSHF) diet for 4 weeks and injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) to induce bladder fibrosis model in diabetic rats, followed by injection of lentiviral particles knocking down LncRNA H19 expression, empty vector, or miR-29b-inhibitor, respectively.

RESULTS

LncRNA H19 was up-regulated in TGF-β1-induced HBSMC fibrosis and STZ-induced diabetic rat bladder fibrosis, whereas miR-29b was down-regulated. si-LncRNA H19 reduced blood glucose levels and improved histopathological damage of bladder tissue in rats. In addition, si-LncRNA H19 or miR-29b-mimic increased the expression of E-cadherin, but decreased the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin (FN) in bladder tissues, and HBSMCs. si-LncRNA H19 reduced TGF-β1/p-drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) protein in HBSMCs and in rat bladder tissues, while miR-29b-inhibitor reversed the effect of si-LncRNA H19.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that LncRNA H19 may inhibit bladder fibrosis in diabetic rats by targeting miR-29b via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway.

LncRNA H19 Participates in Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Mediated Stemness Promotion in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common human malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were considered to play important roles in the genesis and development of many tumors. In recent years, it has been observed that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) might be involved in the regulation of stemness in cancer cells. In this study, we observed that LIF could increase the spheroid formation and stemness marker expression (inculding Nanog and SOX2) in CRC cell lines, such as HCT116 and Caco2 cells. Meanwhile, we also observed that LIF could upregulate LncRNA H19 expression via PI3K/AKT pathway. Knockdown of the expression of LncRNA H19 could decrease the spheroid formation and SOX2 expression in LIF-treated HCT116 and Caco2 cells, and thereby LncRNA H19 knockdown could compensate for the stemness enhancement effects induced by LIF. Our results indicated that LncRNA H19 might participate in the stemness promotion of LIF in CRC cells.

H19: An Oncogenic Long Non-coding RNA in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recorded amongst the most common cancers in the world, with high morbidity and mortality rates, and relatively low survival rates. With risk factors such as chronic illness, age, and lifestyle associated with the development of CRC, the incidence of CRC is increasing each year. Thus, the discovery of novel biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC has become beneficial. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been emerging as potential players in several tumor types, one among them is the lncRNA H19. The paternally imprinted oncofetal gene is expressed in the embryo, downregulated at birth, and reappears in tumors. H19 aids in CRC cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis via various mechanisms of action, significantly through the lncRNA-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA)-competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, where H19 behaves as a miRNA sponge. The RNA transcript of H19 obtained from the first exon of the H19 gene, miRNA-675 also promotes CRC carcinogenesis. Overexpression of H19 in malignant tissues compared to adjacent non-malignant tissues marks H19 as an independent prognostic marker in CRC. Besides its prognostic value, H19 serves as a promising target for therapy in CRC treatment.

MicroRNAs and colorectal cancer: clinical potential and regulatory networks

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious global health concern, with a high incidence and mortality rate. Although there have been advancements in the early detection and treatment of CRC, therapy resistance is common. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression, are key players in the initiation and progression of CRC. Recently, there has been growing attention to the complex interplay of miRNAs in cancer development. miRNAs are powerful RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including carcinogenesis. By identifying current challenges and limitations of treatment strategies and suggesting future research directions, this review aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance CRC diagnosis and treatment. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the role miRNAs play in CRC carcinogenesis and explores the potential of miRNA-based therapies as a treatment option. Importantly, this review highlights the exciting potential of targeted modulation of miRNA function as a therapeutic approach for CRC.

Long non‑coding RNAs, lipid metabolism and cancer (Review)

Cancer has emerged as the most common cause of death in China. The change in lipid metabolism has been confirmed to have a role in several tumor types, such as esophageal, gastric, colorectal and liver cancer. Cancer cells use lipid metabolism for energy and then rapidly proliferate, invade and migrate. The main pathway by which cancer cell lipid metabolism influences cancer progression is increased fatty acid synthesis. Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are important ncRNAs that were indicated to have significant roles in the development of human tumors. They are considered potential tumor biomarkers. Increased lipid synthesis or uptake due to deregulation of lncRNAs contributes to rapid tumor growth. In the present review, current studies on the relationship between lncRNAs, lipid metabolism and the occurrence and development of tumors were collated and summarized, and their mechanism of action was discussed. The review is expected to provide a theoretical basis for tumor treatment and prognosis evaluation based on the effective regulation of lncRNAs and lipid metabolism.

Long non-coding RNA H19 enhances the pro-apoptotic activity of ITF2357 (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) in colorectal cancer cells

Introduction: Long non-coding RNA H19 (lncH19) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and plays critical roles in tumor development, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Indeed, the expression of lncH19 usually affects the outcomes of chemo-, endocrine, and targeted therapies. ITF2357 (givinostat) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that revealed a significant anti-tumor action by inducing apoptosis in different tumor models, including leukemia, melanoma, and glioblastoma. However, no data are present in the literature regarding the use of this compound for CRC treatment. Here, we investigate the role of lncH19 in ITF2357-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Methods: The HCT-116 CRC cell line was stably silenced for H19 to investigate the role of this lncRNA in ITF2357-induced cell death. Cell viability assays and flow cytometric analyses were performed to assess the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of ITF2357 in CRC cell lines that are silenced or not for lncH19. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to study the effects of ITF2357 on autophagy and apoptosis markers. Finally, bioinformatics analyses were used to identify miRNAs targeting pro-apoptotic factors that can be sponged by lncH19. Results: ITF2357 increased the expression levels of H19 and reduced HCT-116 cell viability, inducing apoptosis, as demonstrated by the increase in annexin-V positivity, caspase 3 cleavage, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) degradation. Interestingly, the apoptotic effect of ITF2357 was much less evident in lncH19-silenced cells. We showed that lncH19 plays a functional role in the pro-apoptotic activity of the drug by stabilizing TP53 and its transcriptional targets, NOXA and PUMA. ITF2357 also induced autophagy in CRC cells, which was interpreted as a pro-survival response not correlated with lncH19 expression. Furthermore, ITF2357 induced apoptosis in 5-fluorouracil-resistant HCT-116 cells that express high levels of lncH19. Conclusion: This study shows that lncH19 expression contributes to ITF2357-induced apoptosis by stabilizing TP53. Overall, we suggest that lncH19 expression may be exploited to favor HDACi-induced cell death and overcome 5-fluorouracil chemoresistance.

Exploring the regulatory role of lncRNA in cancer immunity

Imbalanced immune homeostasis in cancer microenvironment is a hallmark of cancer. Increasing evidence demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulatory molecules in directly blocking the cancer immunity cycle, apart from activating negative regulatory pathways for restraining tumor immunity. lncRNAs reshape the tumor microenvironment via the recruitment and activation of innate and adaptive lymphoid cells. In this review, we summarized the versatile mechanisms of lncRNAs implicated in cancer immunity cycle, including the inhibition of antitumor T cell activation, blockade of effector T cell recruitment, disruption of T cell homing, recruitment of immunosuppressive cells, and inducing an imbalance between antitumor effector cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes, M1 macrophages, and T helper type 1 cells) versus immunosuppressive cells (M2 macrophages, T helper type 2 cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells) that infiltrate in the tumor. As such, we would highlight the potential of lncRNAs as novel targets for immunotherapy.

Exosomal non-coding RNAs-mediated EGFR-TKIs resistance in NSCLC with EGFR mutation

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The advent of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) has significantly improved survival rates of patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, as with other antitumor drugs, resistance to EGFR-TKIs is inevitably develops over time. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles with a 30-150 nm diameter, have emerged as vital mediators of intercellular communication. Recent studies revealed that exosomes carry non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which contribute to the development of EGFR-TKIs resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on exosomal ncRNAs mediating EGFR-TKIs resistance in EGFR-mutated NSCLC. In the future, detecting exosome ncRNAs can be used to monitor targeted therapy for NSCLC. Meanwhile, developing therapeutic regimens targeting these resistance mechanisms may provide additional clinical benefits to patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Progranulin modulates the progression of non-small cell lung cancer through lncRNA H19

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the specific mechanism of action of Progranulin (PGRN) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its interaction with lncRNA H19.

METHODS

Normal and cancerous lung tissues were collected from patients with NSCLC and healthy volunteers. We assessed the expression of PGRN in both groups using immunohistochemistry, quantitative-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting (WB).

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, PGRN expression was noticeably higher in tumor tissues. The high expression of PGRN in patients with NSCLC was inversely correlated to the prognosis and strongly associated with the biological features and clinicopathologic data. High PGRN expression significantly improved the ability of NSCLC cells to proliferate and migrate and was positively correlated with tumor formation, based on in vitro and in vivo cellular tests. Expression of lncRNA H19 was also found to be elevated in NSCLC tissue and cells. The expression of H19 was correlated with tumor growth in vivo and in vitro, and H19 regulated PGRN by mediating the expression of miR-29b-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

H19 and PGRN can serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in NSCLC.

Long non-coding RNAs modulate tumor microenvironment to promote metastasis: novel avenue for therapeutic intervention

Cancer is a devastating disease and the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with cancer metastasis responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. Cancer metastasis is a multistep process characterized by spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor and acquiring molecular and phenotypic changes that enable them to expand and colonize in distant organs. Despite recent advancements, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of cancer metastasis is limited and requires further exploration. In addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of cancer metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered one of the most critical epigenetic regulators. By regulating signaling pathways and acting as decoys, guides, and scaffolds, they modulate key molecules in every step of cancer metastasis such as dissemination of carcinoma cells, intravascular transit, and metastatic colonization. Gaining a good knowledge of the detailed molecular basis underlying lncRNAs regulating cancer metastasis may provide previously unknown therapeutic and diagnostic lncRNAs for patients with metastatic disease. In this review, we concentrate on the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in the regulation of cancer metastasis, the cross-talk with metabolic reprogramming, modulating cancer cell anoikis resistance, influencing metastatic microenvironment, and the interaction with pre-metastatic niche formation. In addition, we also discuss the clinical utility and therapeutic potential of lncRNAs for cancer treatment. Finally, we also represent areas for future research in this rapidly developing field.

Milk Exosomal miR-27b Worsen Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Mediated Colorectal Cancer Cell Death

The relationship between dietary constituents and the onset and prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) is constantly growing. Recently, the antineoplastic profiles of milk and whey from Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have been brought to attention. However, to date, compared to cow milk, the potential health benefits of buffalo milk exosome-miRNA are still little explored. In the present study, we profiled the exosomal miRNA from buffalo milk and investigated the possible anticancer effects in CRC cells, HCT116, and HT-29. Results indicated that buffalo milk exosomes contained higher levels of miR-27b, miR-15b, and miR-148a compared to cow milk. Mimic miR-27b transfection in CRC cells induced higher cytotoxic effects (p < 0.01) compared to miR-15b and miR-148a. Moreover, miR-27b overexpression in HCT116 and HT-29 cells (miR-27b+) induced apoptosis, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lysosome accumulation. Exposure of miR-27b+ cells to the bioactive 3kDa milk extract aggravated the apoptosis rate (p < 0.01), mitochondrial stress (p < 0.01), and advanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (p < 0.01), via PERK/IRE1/XBP1 and CHOP protein modulation (p < 0.01). Moreover, GSK2606414, the ER-inhibitor (ER-i), decreased the apoptosis phenomenon and XBP1 and CHOP modulation in miR-27b+ cells treated with milk (p < 0.01 vs. miR-27b++Milk), suggesting the ER stress as a cell-death-aggravating mechanism. These results support the in vitro anticancer activity of 3kDa milk extract and unveil the contribution of miR-27b in the promising beneficial effect of buffalo milk in CRC prevention.

Long Non-Coding RNA and microRNA Interplay in Colorectal Cancer and Their Effect on the Tumor Microenvironment

As the current staging and grading systems are not sufficient to stratify patients for therapy and predict the outcome of the disease, there is an urgent need to understand cancer in its complexity. The mutual relationship between tumour and immune or stromal cells leads to rapid evolution and subsequent genetic and epigenetic changes. Immunoscore has been introduced as a diagnostic tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) only recently, emphasising the role of the specific tumor microenvironment in patient's prognosis and overall outcome. Despite the fact that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), cannot be translated into proteins, they significantly affect cell's transcriptome and translatome. miRNA binding to mRNA efficiently blocks its translation and leads to mRNA destruction. On the other hand, miRNAs can be bound by lncRNAs or circular RNAs (circRNAs), which prevents them from interfering with translation. In this way, ncRNAs create a multi-step network that regulates the cell's translatome. ncRNAs are also shed by the cell as exogenous RNAs and they are also found in exosomes, suggesting their role in intercellular communication. Hence, these mechanisms affect the tumor microenvironment as much as protein signal molecules. In this review, we provide an insight into the current knowledge of the microenvironment, lncRNAs', and miRNAs' interplay. Understanding mechanisms that underlie the evolution of a tissue as complex as a tumour is crucial for the future success in therapy.

Targeting lncRNA/Wnt axis by flavonoids: A promising therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer

Despite the dramatic advances in our understanding of the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) in recent decades, effective therapeutic strategies are still urgently needed. Oncogenic mutations in the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway are hallmarks of CRC. Moreover, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as molecular managers are involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of CRC. Therefore, it is important to further explore the interaction between lncRNAs and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway for targeted therapy of CRC. Natural phytochemicals have not toxicity and can target carcinogenesis-related pathways. Growing evidences suggest that flavonoids are inversely associated with CRC risk. These bioactive compounds could target carcinogenesis pathways of CRC and reduced the side effects of anti-cancer drugs. The review systematically summarized the progress of flavonoids targeting lncRNA/Wnt axis in the investigations of CRC, which will provide a promising therapeutic approach for CRC and develop nutrition-oriented preventive strategies for CRC based on epigenetic mechanisms. In the field, more epidemiological and clinical trials are required in the future to verify feasibility of targeting lncRNA/Wnt axis by flavonoids in the therapy and prevention of CRC.

Recent advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of microRNAs in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the world and one of the leading causes of cancer death; its incidence is still increasing in most countries. The early diagnostic accuracy of CRC is low, and the metastasis rate is high, resulting in a low survival rate of advanced patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a small class of noncoding RNAs that can inhibit mRNA translation and trigger mRNA degradation, and can affect a variety of cellular and molecular targets. Numerous studies have shown that miRNAs are related to tumour progression, immune system activity, anticancer drug resistance, and the tumour microenvironment. Dysregulation of miRNAs occurs in a variety of malignancies, including CRC. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress of miRNAs, their roles in tumour progression and metastasis, and their clinical value as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CRC. Furthermore, we combined the roles of miRNAs in tumorigenesis and development with the therapeutic strategies of CRC patients, which will provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspectives of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC): Based on a bibliometric analysis

This review aimed to use bibliometric analysis to sort out, analyze and summarize the knowledge foundation and hot topics in the field of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC), and point out future trends to inspire related research and innovation. We used CiteSpace to analyze publication outputs, countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords. Knowledge foundations, hotspots, and future trends were then depicted. The overall research showed the trend of biomedical-oriented multidisciplinary. Much evidence indicates that lncRNA plays the role of oncogene or tumor suppressor in the occurrence and development of CRC. Besides, many lncRNAs have multiple mechanisms. lncRNAs and metastasis of CRC, lncRNAs and drug resistance of CRC, and the clinical application of lncRNAs in CRC are current research hotspots. Through insight into the development trend of lncRNAs in CRC, this study will help researchers extract hidden valuable information for further research.

The noncoding RNAs regulating pyroptosis in colon adenocarcinoma were derived from the construction of a ceRNA network and used to develop a prognostic model

Background

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), pyroptosis and tumours are all hot topics in current research, but there are very limited studies on pyroptosis and its regulated ncRNAs in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

Methods

The COAD transcription profile dataset from TCGA was used for differential expression analysis. Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs), the top 200 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNAs) were selected from the results to construct an endogenous competitive RNA (ceRNA) network. Moreover, the expression of the ceRNAs was used for consensus cluster analysis of COAD and developing a risk model after combining clinical follow-up data by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. The stability and independent prognostic ability of the risk model were evaluated. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune score comparisons between the high-risk and low-risk groups were performed.

Results

There were 87 PRGs with significant differences, among which casp3/8, NLRP1/3, and IL-1α/1β were at the core of the interactions. The ceRNA network consisted of 58 lncRNAs, 6 circRNAs, 25 PRGs, and 55 microRNAs. We speculated that KCNQ1OT1-miRNAs-SQSTM1 and HSA_CIRC_0001495-miRNAs-PTEN have great potential and value in the pyroptosis mechanism of COAD. Nine RNAs were involved in the risk score, which had excellent independent prognostic ability. Survival analyses were significant between the high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups (training cohort: P < 0.001; test cohort: P = 0.037). GSEA was mainly enriched in tumour proliferation and metastasis related pathways, while differences in immune activity showed a bipolar distribution between the HR and LR groups.

Conclusions

The overall mechanism of pyroptosis in COAD was revealed. CeRNAs most closely related to the pyroptosis mechanism of COAD were selected and used to develop a prognostic model. The results may present new regulatory sites and potential targets for COAD pyroptosis mechanisms.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01359-w.

H19 may regulate the immune cell infiltration in carcinogenesis of gastric cancer through miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1 signaling

Background

Increasing studies have indicated that noncoding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network serves as a significant role in cancer progression, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms of which in gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unclear.

Methods

Based on Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets, potential biomarkers for GC were screened and validated by machine learning. Then, upstream regulatory ncRNA of potential biomarkers was identified to construct a novel ceRNA network in GC through means of stepwise reverse prediction and validation. Ultimately, tumor immune cell infiltration analysis was performed based on the EPIC algorithm.

Results

A total of 188 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and three candidate diagnostic biomarkers (FAP, PSAPL1, and SERPINH1) for GC were identified and validated. Subsequently, H19 and miR-378a-5p were identified as upstream regulatory ncRNAs that could potentially bind SERPINH1 in GC. Moreover, Immune infiltration analysis revealed that each component in the ceRNA network (H19/miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1) was significantly correlated with the infiltration abundances of diverse tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

Conclusions

H19 may regulate the immune cell infiltration in carcinogenesis of GC through miR-378a-5p/SERPINH1 signaling.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02760-6.

miR-29b Regulates Lung Cancer Progression by Downregulating FEM1B and Inhibiting the FOX01/AKT Pathway

Purpose

Lung cancer is a relatively common type of cancer, and the incidence rate has been on the rise in recent years. MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous small RNA molecules, which are essential for the posttranscriptional regulation of genes. miR-29b is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer. However, few studies have been performed to explore the expression and pathway of miR-29b in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Using bioinformatics analysis, we found that patients with low relative expression of the miR-29b gene have a low long-term survival rate. The results of in vitro research showed that when miR-29b expression was upregulated, the invasion, migration, and proliferation of A549 and NCI-H-1792 cells was inhibited, and the apoptosis was accelerated.

Results

The results showed that FEM1B is a miR-29b target gene, and the expressions of FEM1B and miR-29b were negatively correlated. Like the upregulation of miR-29b expression, silencing the FEM1B expression could also impair the invasion, migration, and proliferation abilities of A549 and NCI-H-1792 cells. When FEM1B expression was restored, the inhibitory effect of miR-29b could be reversed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis showed that overexpression of miR-29b could inhibit the expression of FEM1B, AKT, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Sirt3 in A549 and NCI-H-1792 cells and upregulate the expression of FOXO1 protein.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that miR-29b inhibits the proliferation and deterioration of NSCLC cells by targeting FEM1B and inhibiting the activation of the FOXO1/AKT pathway. miR-29b may become a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, and it is expected to become a new inhibitor of NSCLC.

Chlorogenic Acid Prevents Microglia-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress under Hypoxia-Ischemia Environment by Regulating the MIR497HG/miR-29b-3p/SIRT1 Axis

Background

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CGA has been shown to improve neuroinflammation. This study is aimed at elucidating the exact mechanism by which CGA reduces neuroinflammation.

Methods

Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was utilized to treat BV2 microglia and HT-22 hippocampal neurons to engineer an in vitro model of hypoxic ischemia reperfusion. The levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10) and oxidative stress factors (MDA, SOD, and GSH-PX) in microglia were determined by ELISA kits. The neuron proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, and LDH kit was used to determine LDH release in neurons. The fluorescent dye DCF-DA was employed to measure ROS levels in neurons. Correlation of MIR497HG, miR-29b-3p, and SIRT1/NF-κB in neurons and microglia was determined by qRT-PCR. Expressions of inflammatory proteins (COX2, iNOS), oxidative stress pathways (Nrf2, HO-1), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase3, caspase8, and caspase9) in microglia or neurons were determined by western blot. The interactions between MIR497HG and miR-29b-3p, as well as between miR-29b-3p and SIRT1, were determined by dual luciferase assay and RIP assay.

Results

CGA attenuated OGD-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in microglia and inhibited microglia-mediated neuronal apoptosis. CGA increased the levels of MIR497HG and SIRT1 and suppressed the levels of miR-29b-3p in BV2 and HT-22 cells. MIR497HG knockdown, miR-29b-3p upregulation, and SIRT1 inhibition inhibited CGA-mediated anti-inflammatory and neuronal protective functions. There is a targeting correlation between MIR497HG, miR-29b-3p, and Sirt1. MIR497HG sponges miR-29b-3p to regulate SIRT1 expression in an indirect manner.

Conclusion

CGA upregulates MIR497HG to curb miR-29b-3p expression, hence initiating the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and repressing OGD-elicited inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuron apoptosis.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Regulators of EMT-Related Transcription Factors in Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis

Simple Summary

Emerging evidence highlights long non-coding RNAs as important regulators of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have attempted to define their possible diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values in various human cancers. The aim of this review is to summarize long non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma. Additional candidate long non-coding RNAs are identified through a bioinformatics analysis.

Abstract

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastases, stemness, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. EMT in most carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), is only partial, and can be evidenced by identification of the underlying molecular drivers and their regulatory molecules. During EMT, cellular reprogramming is orchestrated by core EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), namely ZEB1/2, TWIST1/2, SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). While microRNAs have been clearly defined as regulators of EMT, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT is poorly defined and controversial. Determining the role of lncRNAs in EMT remains a challenge, because they are involved in a number of cellular pathways and are operating through various mechanisms. Adding to the complexity, some lncRNAs have controversial functions across different tumor types, acting as EMT promotors in some tumors and as EMT suppressors in others. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of EMT-TFs in human CRC. Additional candidate lncRNAs were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.

LINC00586 Represses ASXL1 Expression Thus Inducing Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells Through LSD1-Mediated H3K4me2 Demethylation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem on a global scale by virtue of its relatively high incidence. The transition of tumor cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal-like phenotype, so-called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is a key hallmark of human cancer metastasis, including CRC. Understanding the signaling events that initiate this phenotypic switch may provide opportunities to limit the metastasis of CRC. In this study, we aim to identify long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) mediated epigenetic regulation under the context of CRC. 54 paired samples of tumor tissues and surrounding non-tumor tissues were collected from CRC patients. Cultured human CRC cells HCT116 and LoVo were assayed for their viability and migration using CCK-8 tests and transwell migration assays. The expression of EMT-specific markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin) was analyzed biochemically by RT-qPCR and immunoblot analyses. Interaction among LINC00586, LSD1, and ASXL1 was determined by RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. In vivo analysis of LINC00586 was performed in nude mice xenografted with HCT116 cells. LINC00586 was overexpressed in CRC tissues and associated with patient survival. LINC00586 knockdown repressed HCT116 and LoVo cell viability, migration, their phenotypic switch from epithelial to a mesenchymal, and tumorigenesis in vivo. We demonstrated LINC00586 recruited the LSD1 into the ASXL1 promoter region and epigenetically silenced the ASXL1 expression. An ASXL1 gene resisting to LINC00586 attack was demonstrated in cultured HCT116 and LoVo cells and mouse xenograft models of human CRC. Overall, discovery of the LINC00586/LSD1/ASXL1 axis partially explains epigenetic mechanism regulating EMT in CRC, providing a therapeutic target to limit CRC metastasis.

Long non-coding RNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal tumor cells: an overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer mortality and a major health challenge worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a poor prognosis in CRC patients. Tumor recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of high mortality rate in these patients, which are due to late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be the most important cause of CRC metastasis, during which tumor cells obtain metastasis ability by losing epithelial features and gaining mesenchymal features. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of EMT process. Regarding the higher stability of lncRNAs compared with coding RNAs in body fluids, they can be used as non-invasive diagnostic markers for EMT process. In the present review, we summarized all of the lncRNAs involved in regulation of EMT process during CRC progression and metastasis. It was observed that lncRNAs mainly induced the EMT process in CRC cells by regulation of EMT-related transcription factors, Poly comb repressive complex (PRC), and also signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, MAPK, and Hippo.

Long Noncoding RNA H19: A Novel Therapeutic Target Emerging in Oncology Via Regulating Oncogenic Signaling Pathways

Long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) is an imprinting gene with only maternal expression that is involved in regulating different processes in various types of cells. Previous studies have shown that abnormal H19 expression is involved in many pathological processes, such as cancer, mainly through sponging miRNAs, interacting with proteins, or regulating epigenetic modifications. Accumulating evidence has shown that several oncogenic signaling pathways lead to carcinogenesis. Recently, the regulatory relationship between H19 and oncogenic signaling pathways in various types of cancer has been of great interest to many researchers. In this review, we discussed the key roles of H19 in cancer development and progression via its regulatory function in several oncogenic signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, canonical Wnt/β-catenin, canonical NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT and apoptosis. These oncogenic signaling pathways regulated by H19 are involved in cell proliferation, proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of various cancer cells. This review suggests that H19 may be a novel therapeutic target for cancers treatment by regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.

Artemisinin relieves myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via modulating miR-29b-3p and hemicentin 1

Objective: To explore the impact of artemisinin (ARS) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Myocardial I/R rat model and cell model were used in this study. The cell viability, morphological changes, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were evaluated in cardiomyocytes H9c2 cells in vitro by using cell counting kit-8, microscope, flow cytometry, and commercial kits. High throughput sequencing is used to identify molecular targets of ARS on myocardial I/R injury, and then the gene-gene interaction network was constructed. MiR-29b-3p, hemicentin 1 (HMCN1), and apoptosis-related genes were tested by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. In the myocardial I/R rat model, echocardiography, (Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) TTC staining, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Masson Trichrome staining, and TUNEL staining are applied to evaluate the protective effect of ARS on the myocardial injury. Results: In vitro, we demonstrated that ARS alleviated H₂O₂-induced myocardial I/R injury, manifested by increased H9c2 viability, decreased pathological changes, apoptosis, and oxidative stress biomarker ROS, LDH, and CK-MB. Then, sequencing analysis revealed that miR-29b-3p/HMCN1 was the target of ARS for myocardial I/R injury. Notably, rescue experiments indicated that ARS inhibited myocardial I/R injury through targeted regulation miR-29b-3p/HMCN1. In vivo, we confirmed that ARS reduced myocardial injury, fibrosis, and apoptosis via modulation of miR-29b-3p/HMCN1. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the functional role of the ARS/miR-29b-3p/HMCN1 axis in alleviating myocardial I/R injury, which provided a new direction for myocardial I/R injury therapy.

LncSNHG3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma epithelial mesenchymal transition progression through the miR-152-3p/JAK1 pathway

BACKGROUND

The dysregulation of LncRNAs is related to the malignant progression of many cancers.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the expression and the biological role of LncSNHG3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The TCGA data of the LncSNHG3 in HCC were analyzed. The expression in HCC cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and Huh7 were examined by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, transwell assays, and wound healing assays. At the same time, the interactions among LncSNHG3, miR-152-3p, and JAK1 were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, subcellular distribution. Xenograft tumor-bearing mice models were used to measure the effect of LncSNHG3 on the growth of HCC in vivo. The apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins were checked by WB and IHC.

RESULTS

LncSNHG3 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, it is correlated with the tumor stage and survival time of HCC patients. Down-regulated LncSNHG3 could significantly suppress the EMT progression of HCC in vivo and in vitro. LncSNHG3 could promote the JAK1 expression by sponging miR-152-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

LncSNHG3 acted as an oncogene and promoted the EMT procession in HCC by binding miR-152-3p and promoting JAK1 expression. Predictably, LncSNHG3 was used as a potential marker and will be used as a novel therapy target for HCC in the future.

Prognostic value and immune infiltration of novel signatures in colon cancer microenvironment

Background

Growing evidence has shown that the prognosis for colon cancer depends on changes in microenvironment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic value of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to immune microenvironment (IM) in colon cancer.

Methods

Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to identify the subtypes of colon cancer based on the immune genomes of 29 immune signatures. Cox regression analysis identified a lncRNA signatures associated with immune infiltration. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database was used to analyze immune cell content.

Results

Colon cancer samples were divided into three subtypes by unsupervised cluster analysis. Cox regression analysis identified an immune infiltration-related 5-lncRNA signature. This signature combined with clinical factors can effectively improve the predictive ability for the overall survival (OS) of colon cancer. At the same time, we found that the expression of H19 affects the content of B cells and macrophages in the microenvironment of colon cancer and affects the prognosis of colon cancer. Finally, we constructed the H19 regulatory network and further analyzed the possible mechanisms. We found that knocking down the expression of H19 can significantly inhibit the expression of CCND1 and VEGFA. At the same time, the immunohistochemical assay found that the expression of CCND1 and VEGFA protein was significantly positively correlated with the infiltration of M2 type macrophages.

Conclusion

The findings may help to formulate clinical strategies and understand the underlying mechanisms of H19 regulation. H19 may be a biomarker for targeted treatment of colon cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02342-8.

Maiwei Yangfei decoction prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Maiwei Yangfei (MWYF) is a compound Chinese herb that is safe and effective in the clinical setting in patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The aim of the present study was to assess the role of a (MWYF) decoction in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF mouse model and to investigate the underlying functional mechanism. Chemical components within the MWYF decoction were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 50 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of the following five groups with 10 mice per group: Control, model, low dose MWYF (20 g/kg), medium dose MWYF (40 g/kg) and high dose MWYF (60 g/kg). A mouse PF model was established by the tracheal instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg) prior to MWYF treatment, except for mice in the control group. After 21 days of treatment with MWYF, the mice were sacrificed and the body weights were recorded. In addition, pulmonary tissues and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid were collected. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, hydroxyproline, pyridinoline and collagen I levels were determined using ELISA. Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, TGF-β1, Smad3, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, collagen I and collagen III were determined using western blotting. Vimentin and α-SMA levels were also determined using immunofluorescence analysis. Collagens I and III were detected using immunohistochemical analysis and TGF-β1 and Smad3 levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Following treatment with MWYF decoction, the body weight of the mice in the PF group increased, the degree of pulmonary alveolitis and PF was reduced, collagen levels were reduced and the expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin were decreased. Although both protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were reduced, they remained higher than those observed in the control group. To conclude, MWYF decoction delayed the development of BLM-induced PF in mice, where the functional mechanism was likely associated with the TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway.

A New Light on Potential Therapeutic Targets for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) involve changes in genetic and epigenetic levels of oncogenes and/or tumor suppressors. In spite of advances in understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in CRC, the overall survival rate of CRC still remains relatively low. Thus, more research is needed to discover and investigate effective biomarkers and targets for diagnosing and treating CRC. The roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participating in various aspects of cell biology have been investigated and potentially contribute to tumor development. Our recent study also showed that CRNDE was among the top 20 upregulated genes in CRC clinical tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues by analyzing a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE21815). Although CRNDE is widely reported to be associated with different types of cancer, most studies of CRNDE were limited to examining regulation of its transcription levels, and in-depth mechanistic research is lacking. In the present study, CRNDE was found to be significantly upregulated in CRC patients at an advanced TNM stage, and its high expression was correlated with poor outcomes of CRC patients. In addition, we found that knocking down CRNDE could reduce lipid accumulation through the miR-29b-3p/ANGPTL4 axis and consequently induce autophagy of CRC cells.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Lung Cancer with Differential Expression of the RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

Background

The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (RON) can act as a protooncogene and may play a prominent role in the initiation and development of lung cancer. microRNAs (miRNA) are master regulators of gene expression through direct or indirect regulation, and impact all aspects of cell biology.

Methods

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were stratified based on RON expression to identify miRNA profiles associated with RON expression levels, differentially expressed miRNA regulated by RON were screened out, and their biological behavior was analyzed.

Results

miRNA expression was most significantly affected by cancer type, and we found 85 miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between NSCLC and SCLC. There were 46 miRNAs differentially expressed between high RON expressing NSCLC compared to low RON expressing NSCLC. Biological processes and pathways found to be significantly influenced by RON expression included epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

Conclusions

These data may provide the basis for a novel strategy to characterize lung cancer by RON expression and microRNA genotyping.

Long Non-Coding RNA Duxap8 Facilitates Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer via miR-519b/ZNF277 Axis

Introduction

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a critical role in development and progression of various cancers. More and more researchers pay attention to the effect of lncRNA on regulating the cancer. However, the function and mechanism of Duxap8 in colorectal cancer have not been studied.

Methods

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), Western blot, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tumor transplantation experiment were performed to investigate the function and mechanism of Duxap8 in colorectal cancer.

Results

We found that the expression level of Duxap8 in colorectal cancer was closely correlated with tumor size (P = 0.024), tumor depth (P = 0.035) and lymphatic invasion (P =0.067) among 50 colorectal cancer patients. Then, we proved that the expression level of Duxap8 was significantly increased in human colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Functionally, Duxap8 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, while Duxap8 overexpression facilitated the proliferation and suppressed the apoptosis in colorectal cancer in vitro. Moreover, knockdown of Duxap8 inhibited the size and weight of tumors in mice injected with colorectal cancer cells, overexpression of Duxap8 promoted the growth of colorectal cancer cells in vivo. Mechanically, we found that Duxap8 was principally located in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, Duxap8 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to induce the development and progression of colorectal cancer through sponging miR-519b-3p to upregulate ZNF277.

Discussion

Taken together, our results demonstrated that Duxap8 enhanced the expression level of ZEB1 to promote via competing for miR-519b-3p, which might be a promising molecular therapeutic target of colorectal cancer.

LncRNA ORLNC1 Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchyml Stem Cell Pyroptosis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Production by Targeting miR-200b-3p/Foxo3 Pathway

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a type of adult stem cells that originate from the mesoderm and have important roles in the body because of their self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. Now it has been proved that BMSCs are closely related to the development of osteoporosis (OP). There is growing evidence that lncRNAs are involved in regulating the pyroptosis of BMSCs. And advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been recognized as NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activators. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of lncRNA ORLNC1 (NONMMUT016106.2) on the pyroptosis of BMSCs under CML (Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine, the most common AGEs) treatment and its specific molecular mechanisms. Our study revealed that CML treatment promoted pyroptosis of BMSCs and upregulated ORLNC1 expression. As a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-200b-3p, the level of ORLNC1 was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p. Foxo3 was a target of miR-200b-3p and ORLNC1 promoted BMSCs pyroptosis induced by CML through targeting miR-200b-3p/Foxo3 pathway.

LINC00174 Facilitates Proliferation and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells via MiR-3127-5p/ E2F7 Axis

The literature indicates that LINC00174 promotes the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, but its research needs to be enriched. We tried to explore the function and mechanism of LINC00174 in CRC cell proliferation and migration. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the binding relationship and expressions of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA. Clinical study analyzes the relationship between LINC00174 and clinical data characteristics of CRC patients. The expressions of LINC00174, miR-3127-5p and E2F7 were verified by RT-qPCR, and the combination of the two was verified by dual luciferase analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation as needed. Western blot was used to detect the expression of EMT-related protein and E2F7 protein. Functional experiments were used to evaluate the function of the target gene on CRC cells. LINC00174 was up-regulated in CRC clinical samples and cells and was related to the clinical characteristics of CRC patients. High-expression of LINC00174, contrary to the effect of siLINC00174, promoted cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, up-regulated the expressions of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, E2F7, and inhibited the expression of E-Cadherin. MiR-3127-5p was one of the targeted miRNAs of LINC00174 and was down-regulated in CRC samples. In addition, miR-3127-5p mimic partially reversed the malignant phenotype of CRC cells induced by LINC00174. Besides, E2F7 was a target gene of miR-3127-5p, and LINC00174 repressed miR-3127-5p to regulate E2F7. Our research reveals that LINC00174 affected the biological characteristics of CRC cells through regulated miR-3127-5p/ E2F7 axis.

LncRNA H19: A novel oncogene in multiple cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a series of non-coding RNAs that lack open reading frameworks. Accumulating evidence suggests important roles for lncRNAs in various diseases, including cancers. Recently, lncRNA H19 (H19) became a research focus due to its ectopic expression in human malignant tumors, where it functioned as an oncogene. Subsequently, H19 was confirmed to be involved in tumorigenesis and malignant progression in many tumors and had been implicated in promoting cell growth, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and apoptosis. H19 also sequesters some microRNAs, facilitating a multilayer molecular regulatory mechanism. In this review, we summarize the abnormal overexpression of H19 in human cancers, which suggests wide prospects for further research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

lncRNA SNHG22 sponges miR‑128‑3p to promote the progression of colorectal cancer by upregulating E2F3

The long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 22 (SNHG22) has been reported as a crucial regulator in several types of human cancer. The present study evaluated the function and mechanism of SNHG22 in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. SNHG22 expression was detected in colorectal adenoma, CRC tumor tissues (TTs) and adjacent non‑cancerous tissues (ANTs) using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). The biological behaviors of SNHG22 in CRC cell lines were explored in vitro using Cell Counting Kit‑8, flow cytometry, wound scratch assay and Transwell assay, and in vivo using a nude mouse xenograft model. The interaction between SNHG22 and microRNA‑128‑3p (miR‑128‑3p), and the target genes of miR‑128‑3p were explored using online tools, RT‑qPCR, western blotting and a dual‑luciferase reporter assay. The present study revealed that SNHG22 expression was most highly expressed in TTs followed by adenoma tissues and ANTs. In addition, high SNHG22 expression levels were significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological factors and worse survival in patients with CRC. SNHG22 knockdown markedly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, migration and invasion in vitro, and hindered tumor growth in vivo. The mechanistic study revealed that SNHG22 bound to miR‑128‑3p and attenuated its inhibitory effects on E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression levels and activity. Rescue experiments demonstrated that inhibiting miR‑128‑3p or upregulating E2F3 offset the effects of SNHG22 knockdown on CRC cells. The present findings support the existence of an interactive regulatory network involving SNHG22, miR‑128‑3p and E2F3 in CRC cell lines, indicating that the SNHG22/miR‑128‑3p/E2F3 axis may be considered a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in CRC.

Identification and Roles of miR-29b-1-3p and miR29a-3p-Regulated and Non-Regulated lncRNAs in Endocrine-Sensitive and Resistant Breast Cancer Cells

Despite improvements in the treatment of endocrine-resistant metastatic disease using combination therapies in patients with estrogen receptor α (ERα) primary tumors, the mechanisms underlying endocrine resistance remain to be elucidated. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), are targets and regulators of cell signaling pathways and their exosomal transport may contribute to metastasis. Previous studies have shown that a low expression of miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p is associated with lower overall breast cancer survival before 150 mos. Transient, modest overexpression of miR-29b1-3p or miR-29a-3p inhibited MCF-7 tamoxifen-sensitive and LCC9 tamoxifen-resistant cell proliferation. Here, we identify miR-29b-1/a-regulated and non-regulated differentially expressed lncRNAs in MCF-7 and LCC9 cells using next-generation RNA seq. More lncRNAs were miR-29b-1/a-regulated in LCC9 cells than in MCF-7 cells, including DANCR, GAS5, DSCAM-AS1, SNHG5, and CRND. We examined the roles of miR-29-regulated and differentially expressed lncRNAs in endocrine-resistant breast cancer, including putative and proven targets and expression patterns in survival analysis using the KM Plotter and TCGA databases. This study provides new insights into lncRNAs in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

Cucurbitacin B Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Regulating X-Inactive Specific Transcript Expression in Tongue Cancer

Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural product, has anti-tumor effects on various cancers. In order to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), we carried out RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The data indicated that CAL27 and SCC9 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells had reduced expression of X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) after CuB treatment. Moreover, our results showed increased expression of XIST in human tongue cancer. In this study, CuB treatment inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC9 cells, and induced cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, knockdown of XIST led to inhibition of cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, reduced expression of XIST suppressed cell migration and invasion. MicroRNA 29b (miR-29b) was identified as a direct target of XIST. Previous reports indicated that miR-29b regulates p53 protein. Our results suggest that increased expression of miR-29b induces cell apoptosis through p53 protein. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system validated the role of XIST knockout in tumor development in vivo. Together, these results suggest that CuB exerts significant anti-cancer activity by regulating expression of XIST via miR-29b.

Construction and Comprehensive Prognostic Analysis of a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network and Tumor Immune Cell Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in almost all human tumors, including CRC. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks have become hot topics in cancer research. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) have also been reported to be closely related to the survival and prognosis of CRC patients. In this study, we used the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network combined with tumor immune cell infiltration to predict the survival and prognosis of 598 CRC patients. First, we downloaded the lncRNA, mRNA, and miRNA transcriptome data of CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified differentially expressed genes through “limma” package of R software. The ceRNA regulatory network was established by using the “GDCRNATools” R package. Then, univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis were performed to identify the optimal prognostic network nodes, including SRPX, UST, H19, SNHG7, hsa-miR-29b-3p, and TTYH3. Next, we analyzed the differences in 22 types of TICs between 58 normal subjects and 206 CRC patients and included memory CD4 T cells, dendritic cells and neutrophils in the construction of a prognostic model. Finally, we identified the relationship between the ceRNA prognostic model and the infiltrating immune cell prognostic model. In conclusion, we constructed two prognostic models that provide insights on the prognosis and treatment strategy of CRC.

MicroRNA-29b-3p promotes 5-fluorouracil resistance <em>via</em> suppressing TRAF5-mediated necroptosis in human colorectal cancer

Drug resistance in colorectal cancer is a great challenge in clinic. Elucidating the deep mechanism underlying drug resistance will bring much benefit to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. In this study, miR-29b-3p was shown to be involved in resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced necroptosis of colorectal cancer. Further, miR-29b-3p was shown to target a regulatory subunit of necroptosis TRAF5. Rescue of TRAF5 could reverse the effect of miR-29b-3p on 5-FU-induced necroptosis, which was consistent with the role ofnecrostatin-1 (a specific necroptosis inhibitor). Then it was demonstrated that miR-29b-3p was positively correlated with chemo-resistance in colorectal cancer while TRAF5 negatively. In conclusion, it is deduced that miR-29b-3p/TRAF5 signaling axis plays critical role in drug resistance in chemotherapy for colorectal cancer patients by regulating necroptosis. The findings in this study provide us a new target for interfere therapy in colorectal cancer.

Long non-coding RNA HCP5 functions as a sponge of miR-29b-3p and promotes cell growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma through upregulating DNMT3A

Multiple studies have revealed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) served as regulatory factors in modulating tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we demonstrated that lncRNA HCP5 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, and these findings were obvious even in metastatic and recurrent cases. Knockdown of HCP5 significantly alleviated cell growth, metastasis, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo through promoting apoptosis and by inactivating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress. Moreover, miR-29b-3p has been identified as a negatively regulatory target gene of HCP5, and served as a tumor suppressor of HCC to prevent cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, DNMT3A was identified as a downstream regulatory factor of miR-29b-3p, and acted as a participated element of HCC progression by activating AKT phosphorylation. Taken together, our study elucidated for the first time that HCP5 plays a crucial role in HCC via the HCP5/miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A/AKT axis and our findings demonstrated a novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategy with potentiality to treat HCC.

miRNA Clusters with Up-Regulated Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

As miRNAs show the capacity to be used as CRC biomarkers, we analysed experimentally validated data about frequently up-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC tissue. We identified 15 clusters that showed increased expression in CRC: miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25, miR-17/92a-1, miR-181a-1/181b-1, miR-181a-2/181b-2, miR-181c/181d, miR-183/96/182, miR-191/425, miR-200c/141, miR-203a/203b, miR-222/221, mir-23a/27a/24-2, mir-29b-1/29a, mir-301b/130b and mir-452/224. Cluster positions in the genome are intronic or intergenic. Most clusters are regulated by several transcription factors, and by long non-coding RNAs. In some cases, co-expression of miRNA with other cluster members or host gene has been proven. miRNA expression patterns in cancer tissue, blood and faeces were compared. The members of the selected clusters target 181 genes. Their functions and corresponding pathways were revealed with the use of Panther analysis. Clusters miR-17/92a-1, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25 and miR-183/96/182 showed the strongest association with metastasis occurrence and poor patient survival, implicating them as the most promising targets of translational research.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in Europe and North America. Early diagnosis is a key feature of efficient CRC treatment. As miRNAs can be used as CRC biomarkers, the aim of the present study was to analyse experimentally validated data on frequently up-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC tissue and investigate their members with respect to clinicopathological characteristics of patients. Based on available data, 15 up-regulated clusters, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25, miR-17/92a-1, miR-181a-1/181b-1, miR-181a-2/181b-2, miR-181c/181d, miR-183/96/182, miR-191/425, miR-200c/141, miR-203a/203b, miR-222/221, mir-23a/27a/24-2, mir-29b-1/29a, mir-301b/130b and mir-452/224, were selected. The positions of such clusters in the genome can be intronic or intergenic. Most clusters are regulated by several transcription factors, and miRNAs are also sponged by specific long non-coding RNAs. In some cases, co-expression of miRNA with other cluster members or host gene has been proven. miRNA expression patterns in cancer tissue, blood and faeces were compared. Based on experimental evidence, 181 target genes of selected clusters were identified. Panther analysis was used to reveal the functions of the target genes and their corresponding pathways. Clusters miR-17/92a-1, miR-106a/363, miR-106b/93/25 and miR-183/96/182 showed the strongest association with metastasis occurrence and poor patient survival, implicating them as the most promising targets of translational research.

LncRNA HCP5 Induces Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and EMT Processes Through the miR-186-5p/WNT5A Axis Under Hypoxia

Objective

To experimentally determine the involvement and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HCP5 in the development of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Detection of HCP5, miR-186-5p, and WNT5A expression in clinical GC tissues and adjacent healthy tissues was performed, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. BGC-823 and AGS cells, with interferences of HCP5, miR-186-5p, and WNT5A, were cultured under hypoxia. MTT, colony formation assay, Caspase-3 activity assay, and transwell assay were applied for the determination of cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and invasion, respectively. Expressions of WNT5A and protein markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cells were detected by western blotting. And the binding of HCP5 and WNT5A to miR-186-5p was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

In GC tissues, an increase in HCP5 and WNT5A expressions and a reduction in miR-186-5p expression were found, and the negative correlation between miR-186-5p and HCP5/WNT5A was proven. Subsequently, under hypoxia, an increase in HCP5 and WNT5A expressions and a decrease in miR-186-5p expression in GC cells were confirmed. In addition, in GC cells under hypoxia, the inhibition of HCP5 suppressed cell biological activity and EMT, while the inhibition of miR-186-5p or the overexpression of WNT5A led to the opposite changes.

Conclusion

An upregulation of WNT5A expression by HCP5 competitively binding to miR-186-5p promotes GC cell development.

LncRNA-NNT-AS1 contributes to the progression of glioma by miR-582-5p/EZH2 axis

Increasing studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) had crucial regulatory roles in many diseases. Nevertheless, the biological relevance and mechanisms of the NNT-AS1 in gliom remain poorly understood. In the present study, NNT-AS1 expression was up-regulated in the glioma cell lines. Functional assays demonstrated that depletion of NNT-AS1 could notably suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of U87MG and A172 cells. In addition, miR-582-5p was predicted to be a target of NNT-AS1 and EZH2 was predicted to be a target of miR-582-5p by bioinformatics software, which was further confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, results of recue assays proofed that NNT-AS1/miR-582-5p/EZH2 axis aggravated the malignant behaviors of glioma. Ultimately, our findings revealed that NNT-AS1 contributes to progression via targeting miR-582-5p/EZH2 axis, revealing NNT-AS1 as a latent effective target for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma patients.

Circulating exosomal long non-coding RNA H19 as a potential novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer

Objective

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in carcinogenesis and could be used as diagnostic biomarkers. Our study aimed to elucidate the clinical role of serum exosomal lncRNA H19 in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, we determined serum exosomal lncRNA H19 levels in 81 patients with GC and analysed the correlations between serum lncRNA H19 levels and clinical characteristics. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the diagnostic performance of exosomal lncRNA H19 in GC.

Results

Serum exosomal lncRNA H19 levels were significantly upregulated in patients with GC both before and after surgery compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, serum exosomal lncRNA H19 levels were significantly decreased after compared with before surgery in patients with GC. Preoperative lncRNA H19 levels were significantly correlated with TNM stage. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value for exosomal lncRNA H19 was 0.849, which was significantly higher than the AUC values for cancer antigens 19-9 and 72-4 and carcinoembryonic antigen, either alone or combined.

Conclusions

These results suggest that circulating exosomal lncRNA H19 may be a potential biomarker with diagnostic and prognostic value in GC.

GP88/PGRN Serum Levels Are Associated with Prognosis for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Simple Summary

An oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a tumor of the oral cavity that has a five-year survival rate of only around 50%. As this rate has not increased in recent decades, despite improvements in diagnosis and therapy, novel, easily accessible biomarkers for prognosis assessment are still needed. In our study, we measured the growth factor protein progranulin/GP88 in the serum of OSCC patients and demonstrated that an increased serum GP88 level is associated with a better prognosis for the OSCC patients in our study group. Furthermore, serum GP88 levels were not significantly associated with age, sex, or the tumor’s histological features, indicating that serum GP88 levels may be an independent predictor of an individual OSCC patient’s prognosis. These findings may help to improve therapy management of an OSCC in personalized medicine.

Abstract

Progranulin (PGRN)/GP88 is a growth factor that is expressed in a wide range of tumor tissues. The secreted form is involved in various biological processes including proliferation and inflammation. In several tumor types, the serum GP88 level is associated with a patient’s prognosis; however, data for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) have not yet been reported. We measured the serum GP88 levels in 96 OSCC patients by an enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) and correlated these data with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. The GP88 levels in the serum of OSCC patients and healthy volunteers were comparable. In OSCC patients, the levels did not correlate with age, sex, or TNM status. In a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, a serum GP88 level < 68 ng/mL was significantly associated with worsened survival (p = 0.0005, log-rank-test) as well as in uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses (RR = 4.6 [1.6–12.9], p = 0.004 and RR = 4.2 [1.2–12.0], p = 0.008). This effect was predominant in OSCC patients older than 60.5 years (p = 0.027), while in younger patients no significant association between serum GP88 levels and prognosis could be observed. Altogether, lower serum GP88 levels are significantly associated with a worsened outcome for an OSCC and may be an interesting candidate for risk stratification during OSCC therapy.

Biomarkers (mRNAs and Non-Coding RNAs) for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer - From the Body Fluid to Tissue Level

In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been continuously improved, but the mortality rate continues to be high, especially in advanced patients. CRC patients usually have no obvious symptoms in the early stage and are already in the advanced stage when they are diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate is only 10%. The blood markers currently used to screen for CRC, such as carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, have low sensitivity and specificity, whereas other methods are invasive or too expensive. As a result, recent research has shifted to the development of minimally invasive or noninvasive biomarkers in the form of body fluid biopsies. Non-coding RNA molecules are composed of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and circular RNAs, which have important roles in the occurrence and development of diseases and can be utilized for the early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. In this review, we focus on the latest findings of mRNA-ncRNA as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, from fluid to tissue level.

LncRNA GATA3‑AS1‑miR‑30b‑5p‑Tex10 axis modulates tumorigenesis in pancreatic cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely recognized to play an important role in a variety of diseases. Abnormal regulation of lncRNA GATA3-antisense RNA 1 (AS1) occurs in several cancers, but whether it is involved in the progression of pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the biological effects of GATA3-AS1 in PC and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Upregulation of GATA3-AS1 was revealed in PC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of GATA3-AS1 in PANC-1 or AsPC-1 cells markedly reduced cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell invasion abilities, while cell apoptosis was increased. In addition, GATA3-AS1 knockdown suppressed the stemness of PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells by decreasing the spheroid formation ability. A tumor xenograft in vivo assay demonstrated that GATA3-AS1 knockdown inhibited tumorigenicity of AsPC-1 cells. Furthermore, the microRNA (miR)-30b-5p downregulation and GATA3-AS1 upregulation were revealed in PC tissues and cell lines. Negative correlations were present between GATA3-AS1 and miR-30b-5p and between miR-30b-5p and testis-expressed protein 10 (Tex10) in the PC tissues, while GATA3-AS1 and Tex10 were positively correlated. GATA3-AS1 was then revealed to act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-30b-5p in regulating Tex10 expression. Moreover, the miR-30b-5p-Tex10 axis was confirmed to be involved in the regulation of biological effects of GATA3-AS1, including cell viability, cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell apoptosis, and cell stemness, as well as Wnt1/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, these data indicated that the GATA3-AS1-miR-30b-5p-Tex10 axis modulates tumorigenesis in PC, which may be associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Comprehensive analysis of ceRNA networks reveals prognostic lncRNAs related to immune infiltration in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) represents a class of RNAs (e.g., long noncoding RNAs [lncRNAs]) with microRNA (miRNA) binding sites, which can competitively bind miRNA and inhibit its regulation of target genes. Increasing evidence has underscored the involvement of dysregulated ceRNA networks in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to construct a ceRNA network related to the prognosis of CRC and further explore the potential mechanisms that affect this prognosis.

METHODS

RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and mRNAs (DEmRNAs), and a prognosis-related ceRNA network was constructed based on DElncRNA survival analysis. Subsequently, pathway enrichment, Pearson correlation, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to determine the function of the genes in the ceRNA network. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were also used to validate differential gene expression. Finally, the correlation between lncRNA and immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment was evaluated based on the CIBERSORT algorithm.

RESULTS

A prognostic ceRNA network was constructed with eleven key survival-related DElncRNAs (MIR4435-2HG, NKILA, AFAP1-AS1, ELFN1-AS1, AC005520.2, AC245884.8, AL354836.1, AL355987.4, AL591845.1, LINC02038, and AC104823.1), 54 DEmiRNAs, and 308 DEmRNAs. The MIR4435-2HG- and ELFN1-AS1-associated ceRNA subnetworks affected and regulated the expression of the COL5A2, LOX, OSBPL3, PLAU, VCAN, SRM, and E2F1 target genes and were found to be related to prognosis and tumor-infiltrating immune cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

MIR4435-2HG and ELFN1-AS1 are associated with prognosis and tumor-infiltrating immune cell types and could represent potential prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in colorectal carcinoma.

Sulforaphane Inhibits the Expression of Long Noncoding RNA H19 and Its Target APOBEC3G and Thereby Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is extremely malignant and the therapeutic options available usually have little impact on survival. Great hope is placed on new therapeutic targets, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and on the development of new drugs, based on e.g., broccoli-derived sulforaphane, which meanwhile has shown promise in pilot studies in patients. We examined whether sulforaphane interferes with lncRNA signaling and analyzed five PDAC and two nonmalignant cell lines, patient tissues (n = 30), and online patient data (n = 350). RT-qPCR, Western blotting, MTT, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays; gene array analysis; bioinformatics; in situ hybridization; immunohistochemistry and xenotransplantation were used. Sulforaphane regulated the expression of all of five examined lncRNAs, but basal expression, biological function and inhibition of H19 were of highest significance. H19 siRNA prevented colony formation, migration, invasion and Smad2 phosphorylation. We identified 103 common sulforaphane- and H19-related target genes and focused to the virus-induced tumor promoter APOBEC3G. APOBEC3G siRNA mimicked the previously observed H19 and sulforaphane effects. In vivo, sulforaphane- or H19 or APOBEC3G siRNAs led to significantly smaller tumor xenografts with reduced expression of Ki67, APOBEC3G and phospho-Smad2. Together, we identified APOBEC3G as H19 target, and both are inhibited by sulforaphane in prevention of PDAC progression.