Circular RNA circEGFR regulates tumor progression via the miR-106a-5p/DDX5 axis in colorectal cancer

The Impact of miRNA Expression on Colon Cancer Severity, Invasiveness, and Localization

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern with rising incidence and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. This study aimed to analyze the expression of miR-101-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-326 in CRC patients and assess their association with tumor grading and tissue invasion. Methods: A total of 40 CRC patients were included in the study. miRNA expression levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analyses, including regression models, were performed to evaluate correlations between miRNA expression, tumor grade, and invasion patterns. Results: MiR-101-3p was significantly downregulated in advanced tumors, while miR-106a-5p expression peaked in Grade 2 CRC. MiR-326 expression was associated with organ metastasis. Regression models confirmed complex interaction patterns among these miRNAs, suggesting their potential role in CRC progression. Conclusions: These findings indicate that miR-101-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-326 are associated with CRC severity and invasion. Their expression patterns suggest potential utility as biomarkers for early detection and targeted therapies. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these results and explore their clinical applications.

Role and therapeutic potential of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed and the second cancer-related death worldwide, leading to more than 0.9 million deaths every year. Unfortunately, this disease is changing rapidly to a younger age, and in a more advanced stage when diagnosed. The DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases so far. They regulate almost every aspect of RNA physiological processes, including RNA transcription, editing, splicing and transport. Aberrant expression and critical roles of the DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins have been found in CRC. In this review, we first summarize the protein structure, cellular distribution, and diverse biological functions of DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we discuss the distinct roles of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in CRC and describe the cellular mechanism of actions based on recent studies, with an aim to provide future strategies for the treatment of CRC.

CircEGFR reduces the sensitivity of pirarubicin and regulates the malignant progression of triple-negative breast cancer via the miR-1299/EGFR axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to be involved in cancer progression and chemotherapy sensitivity. However, the biological function of circRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its effect on the sensitivity to pirarubicin (THP) chemotherapy are still unclear. CircEGFR (hsa_circ_0080220) was screened and verified by bioinformatics analysis, proving it was highly expressed in TNBC cell lines, patient tissues, and plasma exosomes, and was associated with poor prognosis of patients. The expression level of circEGFR in patient tissue has potential diagnostic value to distinguish TNBC tissue from normal breast tissue. In vitro studies confirmed that overexpression of circEGFR promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of TNBC cells and decreased the sensitivity of THP treatment while silencing circEGFR showed the opposite effect. The circEGFR/miR-1299/EGFR pathway was cascaded and verified. CircEGFR regulated malignant progression of TNBC by regulating EGFR via sponging miR-1299. THP can inhibit the malignant phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells by downregulating the expression of circEGFR. In vivo studies confirmed that overexpression of circEGFR can promote tumor growth and EMT and reduce tumor sensitivity to THP treatment. Silencing circEGFR inhibited the malignant progression of the tumor. These results revealed circEGFR is a promising biomarker for TNBC diagnosis, therapeutic and prognosis.

miRNAs in Cancer (Review of Literature)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to mRNAs. miRNAs affect the course of processes of fundamental importance for the proper functioning of the organism. These processes include cell division, proliferation, differentiation, cell apoptosis and the formation of blood vessels. Altered expression of individual miRNAs has been shown in numerous cancers, which may indicate the oncogenic or suppressor potential of the molecules in question. This paper discusses the current knowledge about the possibility of using miRNA as a diagnostic marker and a potential target in modern anticancer therapies.