MicroRNA-567 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting FGF5 in osteosarcoma

Cross-ancestry genome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility genes for preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a heterogeneous, multi-organ pregnancy disorder that poses a significant health burden globally, with its pathogenesis remaining unclear. This study aimed to identify novel susceptibility genes for PE through a cross-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS).

METHODS

We performed meta-analysis to summarize the PE GWAS data from the United Kingdom, Finland, and Japan. Subsequently, the multi-ancestry sum of the single-effects model was used to perform cross-ancestry fine-mapping. The functional mapping and annotation (FUMA)-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping method, transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS)- functional summary-based imputation (FUSION) method, genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA)-multivariate set-based association test (mBAT)-combo method, and polygenic priority score (PoPS) method were employed to screen for candidate genes. We utilized biomarker expression level imputation using summary-level statistics (BLISS), based on summary-level protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data, to conduct a multi-ancestry proteome-wide association study (PWAS) analysis, followed by candidate drug prediction.

RESULTS

Six novel susceptibility genes associated with PE risk were identified: NPPA, SWAP70, NPR3, FGF5, REPIN1, and ACAA1. High expression of the NPPA and SWAP70 and low expression of the remaining genes were associated with a reduced risk of PE. Furthermore, we identified drugs that target NPPA, NPR3, and REPIN1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified NPPA, SWAP70, NPR3, FGF5, REPIN1, and ACAA1 as novel genes whose predicted expression was linked to the risk of PE, offering new insights into the genetic framework of this condition.

Potential roles of FGF5 as a candidate therapeutic target in prostate cancer

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a secreted ligand that is widely expressed in embryonic tissues but its expression decreases with age. In the developing prostate, FGF5 has been proposed to interact with the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway to guide mitogenic processes. In the adult prostate, the FGF/FGFR signaling axis has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis, but focused studies on FGF5 functions in the prostate are limited. Functional studies completed in other cancer models point towards FGF5 overexpression as an oncogenic driver associated with stemness, metastatic potential, proliferative capacity, and increased tumor grade. In this review, we explore the significance of FGF5 as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer (PCa) and other malignancies; and we introduce a potential route of investigation to link FGF5 to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PCa and BPH are two primary contributors to the disease burden of the aging male population and have severe implications on quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and survival. The development of new FGF5 inhibitors could potentially alleviate the health burden of PCa and BPH in the aging male population.

miR-200a-3p facilitates bladder cancer cell proliferation by targeting the A20 gene

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) are endogenous, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that are involved in various physiological processes, and the development and the progression of various types of cancer. Specifically, the role of miR-200a-3p has been implicated in various types of cancer in contributing to a diverse array of cancer types has been previously reported. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR-200a-3p in human bladder cancer, as well as its potential role in disease pathogenesis.

Methods

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of has-mir-200a-3p and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) induced protein 3 (A20) in tumor tissues and cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and combination with the expression intervention of hsa-mir-200a-3p and A20 in bladder cancer cell lines to clarify the binding relationship between hsa-mir-200a-3p and A20.After the expression intervention of hsa-mir-200a-3p and A20 in bladder cancer cells, the changes of cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, wound-healing ability and migration ability were detected by CCK8, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell methods. Xenograft transplantation model was performed subcutaneously in nude mice by implantation of J82 and T24 cells, and then the bladder cancer growth curve was calculated from mice exposed to has-mir-200a-3p minic or minic-NC.

Results

Bladder cancer tissues demonstrated significantly upregulated miR-200a-3p expression levels. Moreover, increased miR-200a-3p expression was significantly associated with distant metastasis and advanced stage. In addition, compared with the miR-control (Ctr) group, miR-200a-3p overexpression promoted bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and release of inflammatory cytokines, but inhibited cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, A20 was identified as a target gene of miR-200a-3p in bladder cancer cell lines. Moreover, compared with the miR-Ctr group, the miR-200a-3p overexpression group exhibited significantly promoted tumor growth in vivo, and A20 overexpression blocked the promoting effect of miR-200a-3p on bladder cancer.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that miR-200a-3p might serve act as an oncogene in human bladder cancer by targeting a novel the gene A20 gene; therefore, miR-200a-3p and A20 might serve could serve as novel therapeutic targets for bladder cancer.

Administration of rTMS Alleviates Stroke-Induced Cognitive Deficits by Modulating miR-409-3p/CTRP3/AMPK/Sirt1 Axis

Cognitive deficit is a typical complication induced by stroke injuries. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a technique that can both attenuate neuropsychiatric disorders and influence miR levels. We attempted to assess effects of rTMS on post-stroke cognitive deficit (PSCD) by focusing on the activity of miR-409-3p/CTRP3/AMPK/Sirt1 axis. PSCD was induced in rats using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method and handled with rTMS. MiRs responding to rTMS administration were determined using microarray method. Changes in cognitive function, brain histological feature, neuron apoptosis, and activity of miR-409-3p/CTR3/AMPK/Sirt1 axis were detected. The interaction between of miR-409-3p and rTMS was verified by inducing its level in MCAO rats. rTMS influenced levels of miRs in MCAO rats, with 104 miRs being upregulated and 249 s miR being downregulated, contributing to the function changes in multiple biological processes. Moreover, the technique improved brain function and structure in model rats. At the molecular level, rTMS inhibited miR-409-3p and activated CTRP3/AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. After the induction of miR-409-3p, effects of rTMS were counteracted, which were represented by the impaired cognitive function and neuron viability in model rats. Collectively, rTMS could protect against stroke-induced cognitive deficits, which depended on the inhibition of miR-409-3p level.

LncRNA HOXA-AS2 Promotes Tumor Progression by Suppressing miR-567 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction

Growing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as lncRNA HOXA-AS2, are critical regulators involved in human cancer. However, the biological functions and detailed mechanisms underlying how lncRNA HOXA-AS2 affects oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unexplored.

Methods

The expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 and miR-567 was determined in OSCC cell lines and clinical tissues by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Target site prediction and luciferase report assays were used to explore their potential interaction and binding sites between lncRNA HOXA-AS2 and miR-567. Overexpression or silencing expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was performed to confirm that miR-567 was suppressed by lncRNA HOXA-AS2. WST-1 assay, crystal staining assay, and cell cycle analysis were used to assess the cell viability and proliferation ability. The target gene of miR-567 was predicted by Targetscan and validated by luciferase report assay as well as qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Xenograft nude mice model was done to demonstrate that lncRNA HOXA-AS2 promoted cell proliferation via targeting miR-567/CDK8 in vivo.

Results

LncRNA HOXA-AS2 was up-regulated in OSCC cells and tissues with the expression of miR-567 decreased. The tissue lncRNA HOXA-AS2 expression was found to positively correlate with the TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of OSCC patients. In terms of the mechanism, we found that lncRNA HOXA-AS2 negatively regulates miR-567 expression via a direct interaction. Functionally, overexpression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 significantly promoted OSCC cell proliferation, while knockdown of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 significantly inhibited it. We also observed that miR-567 directly targets the 3' UTR of CDK8. Moreover, silencing lncRNA HOXA-AS2 inhibited tumor growth with the expression of miR-567 increased and CDK8 decreased in vivo.

Conclusion

LncRNA HOXA-AS2 was up-regulated in OSCC, and its up-regulation correlated with poor clinical outcomes. The lncRNA also promoted OSCC cell proliferation by directly binding to miR-567, leading to an increase in CDK8 expression. The potential prognostic value of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 should be explored in future studies.

Hsa_circRNA_000543 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Cervical Cancer Cell Progression Through Regulating miR-567/ZNF268 Axis

Aim

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. We aimed to explore the role of hsa_circ_000543 played in CC.

Methods

The hsa_circ_000543 expressions in CC tissues and cells were measured by qRT-PCR. The correlation of hsa_circ_000543 expression and the clinical features of CC patients were analyzed by SPSS 20.0. The up- or down-regulated plasmids of hsa_circ_000543 were respectively transfected into CC cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and colony formation were detected through CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and cell colony formation assay, respectively. The cell migration and invasion were evaluated by Transwell assay. The underlying molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_000543 was studied by bioinformatic prediction tools and luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were performed to validate the regulation mechanism of hsa_circ_000543/miR-567/ZNF268 axis in CC.

Results

Hsa_circ_000543 was over-expressed in CC tissues and cells. The high expression of hsa_circ_000543 indicated poor prognosis of CC patients. Hsa_circ_000543 promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, as well as inhibited cell apoptosis in CC cells. Hsa_circ_000543 directly targeted miR-567/ZNF268 in CC cell lines. In CC tumor tissues and cells, the hsa_circ_000543 expression was negatively correlated with miR-567 expression and showed a positive correlation with ZNF268 expression. The rescue experiments revealed that hsa_circ_000543 mediated cell proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation, migration and invasion of CC cells via regulating miR-567/ZNF268 axis.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_000543 regulated CC cell activities through binding miR-567 and therefore enhancing ZNF268 expression.

Validation of MicroRNA-188-5p Inhibition Power on Tumor Cell Proliferation in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Given the crucial role of microRNAs in the cellular proliferation of various types of cancers, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of a cellular proliferation-associated miR-188-5p in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Here we demonstrate that miR-188-5p is downregulated in PTC tumor tissues compared with the associated noncancerous tissues. We also validate that the miR-188-5p overexpression suppressed the PTC cancer cell proliferation. In addition, fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is observed to be downregulated in the PTC tumor tissues compared with the associated noncancerous tissues. Subsequently, FGF5 is identified as the direct functional target of miR-188-5p. Moreover, the silencing of FGF5 was found to inhibit PTC cell proliferation, which is the same pattern as miR-188-5p overexpression. These results suggest that miR-188-5p-associated silencing of FGF5 inhibits tumor cell proliferation in PTC. It also highlights the importance of further evaluating miR-188-5p as a potential biomarker and therapy target in PTC.

MicroRNA-567 inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in A549 NSCLC cells by regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 8

MicroRNA-567 (miR-567) plays a decisive role in cancers whereas its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unexplored. This study was therefore planned to explore the regulatory function of miR-567 in A549 NSCLC cells and investigate its possible molecular mechanism that may help in NSCLC treatment. In the current study, miR-567 expression was examined by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in different NSCLC cell lines in addition to normal cell line. A549 NSCLC cells were transfected by miR-567 mimic, miR-567 inhibitor, and negative control siRNA. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were studied by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis programs were used to expect the putative target of miR-567. The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) gene at mRNA and protein levels were evaluated by using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Our results found that miR-567 expressions decreased in all the studied NSCLC cells as compared to the normal cell line. A549 cell proliferation was suppressed by miR-567 upregulation while cell apoptosis was promoted. Also, miR-567 upregulation induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 and S phases. CDK8 was expected as a target gene of miR-567. MiR-567 upregulation decreased CDK8 mRNA and protein expression while the downregulation of miR-567 increased CDK8 gene expression. These findings revealed that miR-567 may be a tumor suppressor in A549 NSCLC cells through regulating CDK8 gene expression and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

Circ-LAMP1 contributes to the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma via miR-556-5p and miR-567 mediated YY1 activation

Dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) executes important regulatory roles in carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, few studies focused on the mechanisms of circRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). qRT‐PCR was applied to verify the dysregulated circRNAs in CCA. Fisher's exact test, Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox regression model were utilized to investigate the clinical implications of circ‐LAMP1 in the patients with CCA. The viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of CCA cells were detected after silencing/overexpression of circ‐LAMP1. Xenograft and lung metastasis assays were performed to verify the in vitro results. The regulatory networks of circ‐LAMP1 were unveiled by bioinformatic analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays. Up‐regulation of circ‐LAMP1 was found in CCA tissue samples and cell lines. Enhanced level of circ‐LAMP1 was linked to clinical severity, high post‐operative recurrence and poor prognosis for the patients with CCA. Gain/loss‐of‐function assays confirmed the oncogenic role of circ‐LAMP1 in mediating cell growth, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Nevertheless, the level of circ‐LAMP1 had no effect on normal biliary epithelium proliferation and apoptosis. Animal study further verified the in vitro data. Mechanistically, circ‐LAMP1 directly sponged miR‐556‐5p and miR‐567, thereby releasing their suppression on YY1 at post‐transcriptional level. Rescue assay indicated that the oncogenic role of circ‐LAMP1 is partially dependent on its modulation of YY1 in CCA. In summary, this study suggested that circ‐LAMP1 might be used as a promising biomarker/therapeutic target for CCA.

Specific inhibition of FGF5-induced cell proliferation by RNA aptamers

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is a crucial regulator of hair growth and an oncogenic factor in several human cancers. To generate FGF5 inhibitors, we performed Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment and obtained novel RNA aptamers that have high affinity to human FGF5. These aptamers inhibited FGF5-induced cell proliferation, but did not inhibit FGF2-induced cell proliferation. Surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that one of the aptamers, F5f1, binds to FGF5 tightly (K_d = 0.7 ± 0.2 nM), but did not fully to FGF1, FGF2, FGF4, FGF6, or FGFR1. Based on sequence and secondary structure similarities of the aptamers, we generated the truncated aptamer, F5f1_56, which has higher affinity (K_d = 0.118 ± 0.003 nM) than the original F5f1. Since the aptamers have high affinity and specificity to FGF5 and inhibit FGF5-induced cell proliferation, they may be candidates for therapeutic use with FGF5-related diseases or hair disorders.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Mild Cognitive Impairment Associated with Alzheimer's Disease in Mice by Modulating the miR-567/NEUROD2/PSD95 Axis

BACKGROUND

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a typical symptom of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is driven by the dysfunction of microRNAs (miRs). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique for handling neuropsychiatric disorders and has universally effects on the functions of miRs. In the current study, the improvement effects of rTMS on MCI associated with AD were explored by focusing on miR-567/NEUROD2/PSD95 axis.

METHODS

MCI was induced in mice using scopolamine and was treated with rTMS of two frequencies (1 Hz and 10 Hz). The changes in cognitive function, brain structure, neurotrophic factor levels, and activity of miR-567/NEUROD2/PSD95 axis were assessed. The interaction between rTMS and miR-567 was further verified by inducing the level of miR-567 in AD mice.

RESULTS

The administrations of rTMS improved the cognitive function of AD mice and attenuated brain tissue destruction, which were associated with the restored production of BDNF and NGF. Additionally, rTMS administrations suppressed the expression of miR-567 and up-regulated the expressions of NEUROD2 and PSD95, which contributed to the improved condition in central nerve system. With the induced level of miR-567, the effects of rTMS were counteracted: the learning and memorizing abilities of mice were impaired, the brain neuron viability was suppressed, and the production of neurotrophic factors was suppressed even under the administration of rTMS. The changes in brain function and tissues were associated with the inhibited expressions of NEUROD2 and PSD95.

CONCLUSION

The findings outlined in the current study demonstrated that rTMS treatment could protect brain against AD-induced MCI without significant side effects, and the function depended on the inhibition of miR-567.

MiR-1224-5p Activates Autophagy, Cell Invasion and Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Osteosarcoma Cells by Directly Targeting PLK1 Through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumors with a poor overall prognosis. MiR-1224-5p plays an important role in cancer, but its function and mechanism in OS have not been studied.

Materials and Methods

The expression of miR-1224-5p and PLK1 was detected by qRT-PCR in OS cells, adjacent tissues, and cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-1224-5p and PLK1. The expression of miR-1224-5p and PLK1 was intervened by transfection with miR-1224-5p mimic, NC mimic, pc-NC and PLK1, respectively. MTT, colony formation assay, Transwell and flow cytometry were used to observe the cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of PLK1, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in the cells.

Results

We found that miR-1224-5p was down-regulated and PLK1 expression was up-regulated in OS tissues and cells. On the other hand, it is further confirmed that PLK1 was a target gene of miR-1224-5p. Overexpression of miR-1224-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion while promoted the apoptosis of OS cells, whereas overexpression of PLK1 promoted the proliferation, invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of OS cells. In the miR-1224-5p group (overexpression of miR-1224-5p), PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein phosphorylation levels were significantly reduced, while autophagic activity was significantly activated, and the degree of EMT was significantly reduced. But the results in the PLK1 group (overexpression of PLK1) were the opposite. In addition, overexpression of miR-1224-5p reversed the effect of PLK1 upregulation on OS cells.

Conclusion

MiR-1224-5p targets PLK1 to inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thus mediating the proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy and EMT in OS cells.

Advances in the role of miRNAs in the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the skeletal system in the clinic. It mainly occurs in adolescent patients and the pathogenesis of the disease is very complicated. The distant metastasis may occur in the early stage, and the prognosis is poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs of about 18–25 nt in length that are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of genes. miRNAs can regulate target gene expression by promoting the degradation of target mRNAs or inhibiting the translation process, thereby the proliferation of OS cells can be inhibited and the apoptosis can be promoted; in this way, miRNAs can affect the metabolism of OS cells and can also participate in the occurrence, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence of OS. Some miRNAs have already been found to be closely related to the prognosis of patients with OS. Unlike other reviews, this review summarizes the miRNA molecules closely related to the development, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OS in recent years. The expression and influence of miRNA molecule on OS were discussed in detail, and the related research progress was summarized to provide a new research direction for early diagnosis and treatment of OS.

MicroRNA-431-5p Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of Osteosarcoma Through Targeting PANX3

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the regulatory role of miR-431-5p on the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma (OS) and the underlying mechanism involving pannexin 3 (PANX3).

Methods

qRT-PCR was applied to measure the expression of miR-431-5p in OS tissues and cells. PANX3 and miR-431-5p were overexpressed in U2OS and HOS cells. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and FITC/PI double staining assay, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration and invasion. The protein expression of cleave-caspase-3 and MMP-2/-9 was detected by Western blot. The target relationship between miR-431-5p and PANX3 was predicated by ENCORI and identified by DLR assay. The anti-tumor effect of miR-431-5p was further analyzed in a xenograft tumor model in mice.

Results

MiR-431-5p expression was down-regulated in OS tissues and negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Over-expression of miR-431-5p induced cell apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, up-regulated cleave-caspase-3, and down-regulated MMP-2 and -9 in OS cells. Over-expression of miR-431-5p also inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts in mice. In addition, PANX3 was a target of miR-431-5p. Over-expression of PANX3 reversed the anti-tumor effect of miR-431-5p mimics on U2OS and HOS cells.

Conclusion

Up-regulation of miR-431-5p suppressed the tumorigenesis of OS via targeting PANX3.

Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Drug Resistance by Regulating miR-129-5p-Mediated LARP1 in Osteosarcoma

KCNQ1OT1 exerts an important role in various cancers, but its role in osteosarcoma (OS) and the potential mechanism remain to be clarified. In the present research, we aimed to explore the effect of KCNQ1OT1 on osteosarcoma and further explore the special molecular mechanism. The expression of KCNQ1OT1 was analyzed in tumor and adjacent tissues of 30 patients with osteosarcoma by RT-PCR. Cell proliferation and invasion were explored using MTT and transwell assay, respectively. Luciferase reporter analysis and pull-down assay were performed to determine the binding activity of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-129-5p. The result revealed that KCNQ1OT1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. KCNQ1OT1-siRNA inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells. The luciferase reporter assay and pull-down assay demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 directly interact with miR-129-5p. In addition, miR-129-5p binds to LARP1 directly, and LARP1 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells. What is more, KCNQ1OT1 promoted proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance via inhibiting the expression of miR-129-5p and further promoting the expression of miR-129-5p-mediated LARP1. Collectively, it suggests that downregulation of KCNQ1OT1 inhibits proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance by regulating miR-129-5p-mediated LARP1 in osteosarcoma cells.

A novel circRNA, circNUP98, a potential biomarker, acted as an oncogene via the miR-567/ PRDX3 axis in renal cell carcinoma

In recent years, plenty of studies found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) were essential players in the initiation and progression of various cancers including the renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the knowledge about the circRNAs in carcinogenesis is still limited. Dysregulated expression of circNUP98 in RCC tissues was identified by the circular RNA microarray. RT‐PCR was performed to measure the expression of circNUP98 in 78 pairs of RCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Survival analysis was conducted to explore the association between the expression of circNUP98 and the prognosis of RCC. The function and underlying mechanisms of circSMC3 in RCC cells were investigated by RNAi, CCK‐8, Western blotting, bioinformatic analysis, ChIP assay, circRIP assay and dual luciferase reporter assay. CircNUP98 was up‐regulated in both RCC tissues and cell lines, and high expression of circNUP98 was correlated with poor prognosis of RCC patients. Silencing of circSMC3 inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner in RCC cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that silencing of circ NUP98 inhibited RCC progression by down‐regulating of PRDX3 via up‐regulation of miR‐567. Furthermore, STAT3 was identified as an inducer of circ NUP98 in RCC cells. CircNUP98 acts as an oncogene by a novel STAT3/circ NUP98/miR‐567/PRDX3 axis, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of RCC.

Upregulation of FTX Promotes Osteosarcoma Tumorigenesis by Increasing SOX4 Expression via miR-214-5p

BACKGROUND

Long-chain non-coding RNA (LncRNA) plays a key role in the biological processes of tumors. LncRNA-FTX has been the invasion of tumors. However, its function and mechanism in osteosarcoma have not been studied.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was measured the expression levels of FTX and miR-214-5p in osteosarcoma. The protein levels of SRY-related HMG box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) were detected by Western Blot. Cholecystokinin (CCK-8) assay, cell colony formation and Transwell assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI assay were analyzed the effects of FTX and miR-214-5p on cell proliferation, cell invasion and apoptosis. The relationship between FTX, miR-214-5p and SOX4 was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase. The tumor changes in mice were detected by vivo experiments in nude mice.

RESULTS

The expression levels of FTX were increased in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with the expression levels of miR-214-5p. FTX could modulate the expression of miR-214-5p in osteosarcoma cell lines. sh-FTX inhibited the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma. FTX could regulate the growth of osteosarcoma through miR-214-5p. The knockdown of miR-214-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of sh-FTX on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and growth in mice. Furthermore, FTX regulated the expression of SOX4 by acting as a sponge of miR-214-5p in osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

FTX could promote proliferation, invasion and inhibited apoptosis by regulating miR-214-5p/SOX4 axis in osteosarcoma, suggesting that FTX might be a potential target for osteosarcoma treatment.

Therapeutic modulation of RNA-binding protein Rbm38 facilitates re-endothelialization after arterial injury

Aims

Delayed re-endothelialization after balloon angioplasty in patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease impairs vascular healing and leads to neointimal proliferation. In the present study, we examined the effect of RNA-binding motif protein 38 (Rbm38) during re-endothelialization in a murine model of experimental vascular injury.

Methods and results

Left common carotid arteries of C57BL/6 mice were electrically denudated and endothelial regeneration was evaluated. Profiling of RNA-binding proteins revealed dysregulated expression of Rbm38 in the denudated and regenerated areas. We next tested the importance of Rbm38 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) and analysed its effects on cellular proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Rbm38 silencing in vitro demonstrated important beneficial functional effects on migratory capacity and proliferation of endothelial cells. In vivo, local silencing of Rbm38 also improved re-endothelialization of denuded carotid arteries. Luciferase reporter assay identified miR-98 and let-7f to regulate Rbm38 and the positive proliferative properties of Rbm38 silencing in vitro and in vivo were mimicked by therapeutic overexpression of these miRNAs.

Conclusion

The present data identified Rbm38 as an important factor of the regulation of various endothelial cell functions. Local inhibition of Rbm38 as well as overexpression of the upstream regulators miR-98 and let-7f improved endothelial regeneration in vivo and thus may be a novel therapeutic entry point to avoid endothelial damage after balloon angioplasty.

Bioinformatics analysis of aberrantly expressed exosomal lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (CAL-27 vs. oral epithelial) cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent form of malignant tumour in the oral cavity and its early detection is critical for improving the prognosis of affected patients. The present study aimed to isolate and confirm exosomes derived from the supernatant of the OSCC cell line CAL-27 and human oral epithelial cells (HOECs), analyze long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles and determine the diagnostic value based on bioinformatics analyses. The results indicated that the particles isolated from the supernatant of CAL-27 and HOECs were either round or oval, had a size range of 30–150 nm and were enriched with ALG-2 interacting protein X (ALIX) and tumour susceptibility 101 proteins (TSG101). These characteristics confirmed that these particles were exosomes. Three lncRNAs (NR-026892.1, NR-126435.1 and NR-036586.1) were selected as potential diagnostic biomarkers for OSCC. The expression levels of the selected lncRNAs were significantly different in CAL-27-exo vs. HOEC-exo, as well as in whole cells (CAL-27 vs. HOECs) (P<0.001). The expression levels of the three lncRNAs confirmed by quantitative PCR were consistent with the sequencing data. In conclusion, various lncRNAs were aberrantly expressed between cancerous and non-cancerous exosomes, suggesting that they may serve as biomarkers for cancer.

The miR-567/RPL15/TGF-β/Smad axis inhibits the stem-like properties and chemo-resistance of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most significant contributor to cancer-related mortality in China. GC treatment is often hindered by metastasis and chemoresistance, which leads to poor prognosis. This study set out to investigate the role of miR-567 on the stem-like properties and chemo-resistance of GC cells, as well as its potential molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The expression of miR-567 in GES-1, AGS, SCG-7901, MGC-803, SUN-16, and MKN1 cell lines was detected by Real-time PCR. AGS cells were transfected with NC or miR-567 mimics and RPL15 3'UTR (wt) or RPL15 3'UTR (mut) using Lipofectamine 2000. CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were detected the effect of miR-567/RPL15/TGF-β/Smad on gastric cancer cell viability and proliferation, respectively. Western blot were used to analyze the effects of miR-567/RPL15/TGF-β/Smad on protein levels of SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1A1, TGF-β1, TGFβ-R1, SMAD1, P-SMAD1, SMAD2 and P-SMAD2.

RESULTS

The results showed that the expression of miR-567 was down-regulated in GC cell lines. TargetScan and luciferase report assay indicated that RPL15 was the target of miR-567. Functional analysis discovered that the overexpression of miR-567 inhibited the microsphere formation of AGS stem cells, while PRL15 overexpression promoted the formation of microspheres in AGS cells. Through Western blot analysis, miR-567 overexpression was further revealed to inhibit the expression of stem-like marker proteins (SOX2, NANOG, and ALDH1A1). Furthermore, PRL15 overexpression was found to significantly promote the growth of AGS/DDP cells, while miR-567 overexpression reversed the effect of PRL15 on cisplatin-resistant cell growth. The relationship between miR-567 and the TGF-β1/TGFβ-R1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway was also shown. The addition of TGF-β/Smad pathway inhibitor LY 3200882 significantly inhibited the expression of PRL-15, TGF-β1, TGF-R1, p-Smad1, and p-sSmad2, while reversing the effect of miR-567 inhibitor on stem-like properties and chemical resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, this study elucidated the effect of miR-567 on the stem-like properties and chemical resistance of GC cells via the RPL15 /TGF-beta/Smad axis.

miR-155 Regulates the Proliferation of Glioma Cells Through PI3K/AKT Signaling

Objective: Micro-RNA plays a critical role in the pathological process of gliomas. Previous research showed that the level of miR-155 was significantly increased in many cancers, including gliomas. However, the mechanism of glioma is still unknown. Method: To investigate the regulatory function of miR-155 on glioma U87-MG cells and its effects on related signaling pathways. After transfection of miR-155 mimic and inhibitor, the level of miR-155 were applied to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence index, invasive ability and cell migration at different time points (0, 24, 24 h, respectively) by CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, β-galactosidase (β-gal) staining, transwell and scratch test, respectively. The effect of miR-155 on PI3K/AKT signal pathway was observed at meantime. Results: Compared with the control group, after miR-155 mimic transfection, U87-MG cell viability, cell migration rate and invasiveness were increased, while apoptosis and senescence were significantly decreased, which was the opposite on miR-155 inhibitor transfection. The phosphorylation levels of miR-155, PI3K, AKT, PI3K, and AKT in U87-MG cells intervened with miR-155 mimic also increased significantly, while the levels of PTEN, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 mRNA, and protein declined significantly, with statistically significant difference. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, miR-155 inhibitor group were on the contrary. Conclusion: The study indicated that miR-155 take charge a key function in regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma U87-MG cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and has anti-glioma effects by inhibition of miR-155, which provided ideas for further clinical treatment of glioma patients.

Exosome-transmitted miR-567 reverses trastuzumab resistance by inhibiting ATG5 in breast cancer

Trastuzumab is commonly used in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER-2+) breast cancer, but its efficacy is often limited by the emergence of chemoresistance. Recent studies indicate that exosomes act as vehicles for exchange of genetic cargo between heterogeneous populations of tumor cells, engendering a transmitted drug resistance for cancer development and progression. However, the specific contribution of breast cancer-derived exosomes is poorly understood. In this study, publicly available expression profiling data from breast cancer and bioinformatics analyses were used to screen potential miRNAs in trastuzumab resistance. A series of gain- or loss-functional assays were performed to define the function of miR-567 and ATG5 in trastuzumab resistance and autophagy, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that miR-567 was significantly decreased in trastuzumab-resistant patients compared with responding patients. Moreover, miR-567 was also downregulated in trastuzumab-resistant cells compared with parental cells. Overexpression of miR-567 reversed chemoresistance, whereas silence of miR-567 induced trastuzumab resistance, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, enhanced miR-567 could be packaged into exosomes, incorporated into receipt cells, suppressing autophagy and reversed chemoresistance by targeting ATG5. To conclude, exosomal miR-567 plays a key role in reversing trastuzumab resistance via regulating autophagy, indicating it may be a promising therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for breast cancer patients.