microRNA-1/133a and microRNA-206/133b clusters: dysregulation and functional roles in human cancers

Exercise-induced extracellular vesicles in reprogramming energy metabolism in cancer

Cancer is caused by complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, making prevention strategies, including exercise, a promising avenue for intervention. Physical activity is associated with reduced cancer incidence and progression and systemic anti-cancer effects, including improved tumor suppression and prolonged survival in preclinical models. Exercise impacts the body's nutrient balance and stimulates the release of several exercise-induced factors into circulation. The mechanisms of how exercise modulates cancer energy metabolism and the tumor microenvironment through systemic effects mediated, in part, by extracellular vesicles (EVs) are still unknown. By transferring bioactive cargo such as miRNAs, proteins and metabolites, exercise-induced EVs may influence cancer cells by altering glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, potentially shifting metabolic plasticity - a hallmark of cancer. This short review explores the roles of EVs in cancer as mediators to reprogram cellular energy metabolism through exchanging information inside the tumor microenvironment, influencing immune cells, fibroblast and distant cells. Considering this knowledge, further functional studies into exercise-induced EVs and cellular energy production pathways could inform more specific exercise interventions to enhance cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes.

Glioma-Derived Exosomes and Their Application as Drug Nanoparticles

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the Central Nervous System (CNS) with a low survival rate. The malignancy of GBM is sustained by a bidirectional crosstalk between tumor cells and the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). This mechanism of intercellular communication is mediated, at least in part, by the release of exosomes. Glioma-Derived Exosomes (GDEs) work, indeed, as potent signaling particles promoting the progression of brain tumors by inducing tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy or radiation. Given their nanoscale size, exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thus becoming not only a promising biomarker to predict diagnosis and prognosis but also a therapeutic target to treat GBM. In this review, we describe the structural and functional characteristics of exosomes and their involvement in GBM development, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. In addition, we discuss how exosomes can be modified to be used as a therapeutic target/drug delivery system for clinical applications.

microRNA-1 Regulates Metabolic Flexibility in Skeletal Muscle via Pyruvate Metabolism

MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) is the most abundant miRNA in adult skeletal muscle. To determine the function of miR-1 in adult skeletal muscle, we generated an inducible, skeletal muscle-specific miR-1 knockout (KO) mouse. Integration of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from miR-1 KO muscle with Argonaute 2 enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation sequencing (AGO2 eCLIP-seq) from human skeletal muscle identified miR-1 target genes involved with glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism. The loss of miR-1 in skeletal muscle induced cancer-like metabolic reprogramming, as shown by higher pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 (PKM2) protein levels, which promoted glycolysis. Comprehensive bioenergetic and metabolic phenotyping combined with skeletal muscle proteomics and metabolomics further demonstrated that miR-1 KO induced metabolic inflexibility as a result of pyruvate oxidation resistance. While the genetic loss of miR-1 reduced endurance exercise performance in mice and in C. elegans, the physiological down-regulation of miR-1 expression in response to a hypertrophic stimulus in both humans and mice causes a similar metabolic reprogramming that supports muscle cell growth. Taken together, these data identify a novel post-translational mechanism of adult skeletal muscle metabolism regulation mediated by miR-1.

From sweat to hope: The role of exercise-induced extracellular vesicles in cancer prevention and treatment

The benefits of regular physical exercise on cancer prevention, as well as reducing fatigue, treatment side effects and recurrence, and improving quality of life and overall survival of cancer patients, are increasingly recognised. Initial studies showed that the concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) increases during physical activity and that EVs carry biologically active cargo. These EVs are released by blood cells, skeletal muscle and other organs involved in exercise, thus suggesting that EVs may mediate tissue crosstalk during exercise. This possibility triggered a great interest in the study of the roles of EVs in systemic adaptation to exercise and in their potential applications in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. This review presents studies exploring the concentration and molecular cargo of EVs released during exercise. Furthermore, we discuss putative stimuli that may trigger EV release from various cell types, the biological functions and the impact of exercise-induced EVs on cancer development and progression. Understanding the interplay between exercise, EVs, and cancer biology may offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies and preventive measures for cancer.

Myostatin's marvels: From muscle regulator to diverse implications in health and disease

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is a pivotal regulator of skeletal muscle growth in mammals. Its discovery has sparked significant interest due to its multifaceted roles in various physiological processes and its potential therapeutic implications. This review explores the diverse functions of myostatin in skeletal muscle development, maintenance and pathology. We delve into its regulatory mechanisms, including its interaction with other signalling pathways and its modulation by various factors such as microRNAs and mechanical loading. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting myostatin for the treatment of muscle-related disorders, including cachexia, muscular dystrophy and heart failure. Additionally, we examine the impact of myostatin deficiency on craniofacial morphology and bone development, shedding light on its broader implications beyond muscle biology. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, this review underscores the importance of further research into myostatin's intricate roles and therapeutic potential in human health and disease.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of non-coding RNA-modulated apoptotic signaling in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a significant and vision-endangering complication associated with diabetes mellitus, constitutes a substantial portion of acquired instances of preventable blindness. The progression of DR appears to prominently feature the loss of retinal cells, encompassing neural retinal cells, pericytes, and endothelial cells. Therefore, mitigating the apoptosis of retinal cells in DR could potentially enhance the therapeutic approach for managing the condition by suppressing retinal vascular leakage. Recent advancements have highlighted the crucial regulatory roles played by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in diverse biological processes. Recent advancements have highlighted that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), act as central regulators in a wide array of biogenesis and biological functions, exerting control over gene expression associated with histogenesis and cellular differentiation within ocular tissues. Abnormal expression and activity of ncRNAs has been linked to the regulation of diverse cellular functions such as apoptosis, and proliferation. This implies a potential involvement of ncRNAs in the development of DR. Notably, ncRNAs and apoptosis exhibit reciprocal regulatory interactions, jointly influencing the destiny of retinal cells. Consequently, a thorough investigation into the complex relationship between apoptosis and ncRNAs is crucial for developing effective therapeutic and preventative strategies for DR. This review provides a fundamental comprehension of the apoptotic signaling pathways associated with DR. It then delves into the mutual relationship between apoptosis and ncRNAs in the context of DR pathogenesis. This study advances our understanding of the pathophysiology of DR and paves the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Biological, diagnostic and therapeutic implications of exosomes in glioma

Despite therapeutic advances, overall survival in glioblastoma is dismal. To optimize progress, a more detailed understanding of glioma's molecular, cellular, and intercellular pathophysiology is needed. Recent investigation has revealed a vital role for exosomes in inter-cellular signaling, tumor cell support, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes carry miRNAs, lncRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, immune regulatory molecules, nucleic acids, and lipids; however, the composition of exosome cargo is variable depending on the cell of origin. Specific exosomal miRNA contents such as miR-21, miR-301a, miR-151a, miR-148a, and miR-5096 are altered in high-grade glioma. Unique proteomic, genomic, and miRNA signatures of tumor exosomes have been associated with disease pathobiology, temozolomide resistance, immunosuppression, and tumor proliferation. Exosomes hold promise for tissue diagnostic glioma diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy. This review summarizes the current understanding of exosomes, their crucial role in glioma pathology, and future directions for their use in diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed database was reviewed for papers written in English and publication dates of 1981-2023, using the search string "Exosome", "Extracellular vesicles", "Glioma", "Exosomes in glioma".

Effective extracellular vesicles in glioma: Focusing on effective ncRNA exosomes and immunotherapy methods for treatment

This comprehensive article explores the complex field of glioma treatment, with a focus on the important roles of non-coding RNAsRNAs (ncRNAs) and exosomes, as well as the potential synergies of immunotherapy. The investigation begins by examining the various functions of ncRNAs and their involvement in glioma pathogenesis, progression, and as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Special attention is given to exosomes as carriers of ncRNAs and their intricate dynamics within the tumor microenvironment. The exploration extends to immunotherapy methods, analyzing their mechanisms and clinical implications in the treatment of glioma. By synthesizing these components, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ncRNAs, exosomes, and immunotherapy interact, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of glioma research and therapeutic strategies.

Downregulation of Serum miR-133b and miR-206 Associate with Clinical Outcomes of Progression as Monitoring Biomarkers for Metastasis Colorectal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Noncoding RNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) biomarkers can play a role in cancer carcinogenesis and progression. Specific KRAS and EGFR mutation are associated with CRC development playing a role in controlling the cellular process as epigenetic events. Circulating serum miRs can serve for early diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of CRC as biomarkers but it is still unclear, clinically.

OBJECTIVE

To determine potential biomarkers of circulating serum miR-133b and miR-206 in CRC patients Methods: Bioinformatic prediction of microRNA was screened followed by TargetScanHuman7.2, miRTar2GO, miRDB, MiRanda, and DIANA-microT-CDS. Forty-four CRC serum (19 locally advanced, 23 distant advanced CRC) and 12 normal serum samples were subsequently extracted for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and miR validation. The candidate circulating serum miR-133b and miR-206 were validated resulting in a relative expression via quantitative RT-PCR. Relative expression was normalized to the spike-internal control and compared to normal samples as 1 using the -2ΔΔCt method in principle.

RESULTS

Our results represented 9 miRs of miR-206, miR-155-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-193a-3p, miR-30a- 5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-543, miR-877-5p relate to KRAS-specific miRs, whereas, 9 miRs of miR-133b, miR-302a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-302d-3p, miR-302e, miR-520a-3p, miR-520b, miR-520c- 3p and miR-7-5p relevance to EGFR-specific miRs by using the bioinformatic prediction tools. Our results showed a decreased expression level of circulating serum miR-133b as well as miR-206 associating with CRC patients (local and advanced metastasis) when compared to normal (P < 0.05), significantly.

CONCLUSION

The circulating serum miR-133b and miR-206 can serve as significant biomarkers for monitoring the clinical outcome of progression with metastatic CRC patients. Increased drug-responsive CRC patients associated with crucial molecular intervention should be further explored, clinically.

MiR-206 may regulate mitochondrial ROS contribute to the progression of Myocardial infarction via TREM1

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality. To better understand its molecular and cellular mechanisms, we used bioinformatic tools and molecular experiments to explore the pathogenesis and prognostic markers. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using GSE60993 and GSE66360 datasets. Hub genes were identified through pathway enrichment analysis and PPI network construction, and four hub genes (AQP9, MMP9, FPR1, and TREM1) were evaluated for their predictive performance using AUC and qRT-PCR. miR-206 was identified as a potential regulator of TREM1. Finally, miR-206 was found to induce EC senescence and ER stress through upregulating mitochondrial ROS levels via TREM1. These findings may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of MI and identifying potential prognostic markers.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling in Preeclampsia

Placentation is a key and tightly regulated process that ensures the normal development of the placenta and fetal growth. Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy-related disorder involving about 5-8% of all pregnancies and clinically characterized by de novo maternal hypertension and proteinuria. In addition, PE pregnancies are also characterized by increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. ROS activate NRF2, allowing its binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE) region present in the promoter of several antioxidant genes such as heme oxygenase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase that neutralize ROS, protecting cells against oxidative stress damages. In this review, we analyze the current literature regarding the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in preeclamptic pregnancies, discussing the main cellular modulators of this pathway. Moreover, we also discuss the main natural and synthetic compounds that can regulate this pathway in in vivo and in vitro models.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Basic Biology and Immuno-Oncolytic Viruses

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer. TNBC diagnoses account for approximately one-fifth of all breast cancer cases globally. The lack of receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2, CD340) results in a lack of available molecular-based therapeutics. This increases the difficulty of treatment and leaves more traditional as well as toxic therapies as the only available standards of care in many cases. Recurrence is an additional serious problem, contributing substantially to its higher mortality rate as compared to other breast cancers. Tumor heterogeneity also poses a large obstacle to treatment approaches. No driver of tumor development has been identified for TNBC, and large variations in mutational burden between tumors have been described previously. Here, we describe the biology of six different subtypes of TNBC, based on differential gene expression. Subtype differences can have a large impact on metastatic potential and resistance to treatment. Emerging antibody-based therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have available targets for small subsets of TNBC patients, leading to partial responses and relatively low overall efficacy. Immuno-oncolytic viruses (OVs) have recently become significant in the pursuit of effective treatments for TNBC. OVs generally share the ability to ignore the heterogeneous nature of TNBC cells and allow infection throughout a treated tumor. Recent genetic engineering has allowed for the enhancement of efficacy against certain tumor types while avoiding the most common side effects in non-cancerous tissues. In this review, TNBC is described in order to address the challenges it presents to potential treatments. The OVs currently described preclinically and in various stages of clinical trials are also summarized, as are their strategies to enhance therapeutic potential.

PTB Regulates the Metabolic Pathways and Cell Function of Keloid Fibroblasts through Alternative Splicing of PKM

Keloids, benign fibroproliferative cutaneous lesions, are characterized by abnormal growth and reprogramming of the metabolism of keloid fibroblasts (KFb). However, the underlying mechanisms of this kind of metabolic abnormality have not been identified. Our study aimed to investigate the molecules involved in aerobic glycolysis and its exact regulatory mechanisms in KFb. We discovered that polypyrimidine tract binding (PTB) was significantly upregulated in keloid tissues. siRNA silencing of PTB decreased the mRNA levels and protein expression levels of key glycolytic enzymes and corrected the dysregulation of glucose uptake and lactate production. In addition, mechanistic studies demonstrated that PTB promoted a change from pyruvate kinase muscle 1 (PKM1) to PKM2, and silencing PKM2 substantially reduced the PTB-induced increase in the flow of glycolysis. Moreover, PTB and PKM2 could also regulate the key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Assays of cell function demonstrated that PTB promoted the proliferation and migration of KFb in vitro, and this phenomenon could be interrupted by PKM2 silencing. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PTB regulates aerobic glycolysis and the cell functions of KFb via alternative splicing of PKM.

Study of MicroRNA (miR-221-3p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-9-5p) Expressions in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the common types of cancer. Its progression follows a transition from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) such as oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Epigenetic modifiers, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), have an appreciable role in the regulation of various carcinogenic pathways which are being used as biomarkers. miRNAs may also be helpful in the differentiation of oral submucous fibrosis from oral squamous cell carcinoma. Three miRNAs, miR-221-3p, miR133a-3p, and miR-9-5p, were found differentially expressed in many cancers in the literature search supported by our preliminary database search-based screening. The literature and our functional enrichment analysis in an earlier study have reported these miRNAs to regulate carcinogenesis at various steps. In the present study, the expression of these miRNAs was examined in 34 histopathologically confirmed OSCC, 30 OSMF, and 29 control (healthy volunteers) human samples. There was a significant downregulation of miRNA-133a-3p in OSCC compared to OSMF and controls, whereas there was up-regulation in oral submucous fibrosis compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the expression of miR-221-3p between OSCC and OSMF, but an upregulation in OSCC compared to controls. miR-9-5p was also found upregulated in both OSCC and OSMF. Further, miR-133a-3p expression was negatively correlated with age, smoking, drinking status, and AJCC staging, whereas miR-9-5p expression was only positively associated with tobacco/ areca nut chewing. The ROC plots, logistic regression model generated, and the correlation between the expression of miR-9-5p and miR-133a-3p in blood and tissue suggests that these could be used as risk stratification biomarkers.

Regulation of muscle stem cell fate

Skeletal muscle plays a critical role in human health. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) serve as the major cell type contributing to muscle regeneration by directly differentiating to mature muscle cells. MuSCs usually remain quiescent with occasionally self-renewal and are activated to enter cell cycle for proliferation followed by differentiation upon muscle injury or under pathological conditions. The quiescence maintenance, activation, proliferation, and differentiation of MuSCs are tightly regulated. The MuSC cell-intrinsic regulatory network and the microenvironments work coordinately to orchestrate the fate transition of MuSCs. The heterogeneity of MuSCs further complicates the regulation of MuSCs. This review briefly summarizes the current progress on the heterogeneity of MuSCs and the microenvironments, epigenetic, and transcription regulations of MuSCs.

microRNA-206 prevents hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis via down-regulating CREB5 and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and has continued to increase in incidence worldwide. Moreover, the involvement of microRNAs (miRs) has been reported in the development and progression of HCC. Here, we investigated the role of miR-206 in HCC growth and metastasis. HCC-related microarray datasets were harvested to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC samples followed by prediction of downstream target genes. The dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the target-binding relationship between miR-206 and CREB5. The human HCC cell line MHCC97-H was cultured in vitro and transfected with miR-206 mimic/inhibitor or sh-/oe-CREB5 for analyzing MHCC97-H cell biological functions. The orthotopic xenograft model of HCC mice was constructed to observe the tumorigenic ability of HCC cells in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis found that miR-206 may be involved in HCC growth and metastasis by targeting CREB5 and regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo animal experiments found that CREB5 was significantly overexpressed in mouse HCC tissues. In HCC cells, miR-206 can target down-regulate the expression of CREB5, thereby inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments confirmed that overexpression of miR-206 could inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by down-regulating CREB5 expression, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that miR-206 could down-regulate the expression of CREB5 and inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby preventing HCC growth and metastasis.Abbreviations: HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HBV or HCV: hepatitis B or C virus; miRNAs: microRNAs; CREB: cAMP response element-binding protein; CRE: cAMP response elements.

Deregulated miRNA clusters in ovarian cancer: Imperative implications in personalized medicine

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and fatal types of gynecological cancer. OC is usually detected at the advanced stages of the disease, making it highly lethal. miRNAs are single-stranded, small non-coding RNAs with an approximate size ranging around 22 nt. Interestingly, a considerable proportion of miRNAs are organized in clusters with miRNA genes placed adjacent to one another, getting transcribed together to result in miRNA clusters (MCs). MCs comprise two or more miRNAs that follow the same orientation during transcription. Abnormal expression of the miRNA cluster has been identified as one of the key drivers in OC. MC exists both as tumor-suppressive and oncogenic clusters and has a significant role in OC pathogenesis by facilitating cancer cells to acquire various hallmarks. The present review summarizes the regulation and biological function of MCs in OC. The review also highlights the utility of abnormally expressed MCs in the clinical management of OC.

Hsa-miR-133a-3p, miR-1-3p, GOLPH3 and JUP combination results in a good biomarker to distinguish between prostate cancer and non-prostate cancer patients

The incidence and mortality of Prostate Cancer (PCa) worldwide correlate with age and bad dietary habits. Previously, we investigated the mRNA/miRNA role on PCa development and progression using high fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Here our main goal was to investigate the effect of HFD on the expression of PCa-related miRNAs and their relevance in PCa patients. We identified 6 up- and 18 down-regulated miRNAs in TRAMP-C1 mice prostate tumors under HFD conditions using miRNA microarrays. Three down-regulated miRNAs: mmu-miR-133a-3p, -1a-3p and -29c-3p were validated in TRAMP-C1 mice prostate tumor by stem-loop RT-qPCR. Hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p expression levels were significantly decreased in PCa compared to normal tissues while hsa-miR-133a-3p was found to be further decreased in metastatic prostate cancer tumors compared to non-metastatic PCa. We examined the promoter region of hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p genes and compared methylation at these loci with mature miRNA expression. We found that hsa-miR-1-2/miR-133a-1 cluster promoter hypermethylation decreased hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p expression in PCa. GOLPH3 and JUP, two hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p predicted target genes, were up-regulated in PCa. ROC analysis showed that the combination of hsa-miR-133a-3p, miR-1-3p, GOLPH3 and JUP is a promising panel biomarker to distinguish between PCa and normal adjacent tissue (NAT). These results link PCa aggressiveness to the attenuation of hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p expression by promoter hypermethylation. Hsa-miR-133a-3p and miR-1-3p down-regulation may enhance PCa aggressiveness in part by targeting GOLPH3 and JUP.

Enhanced genomic stability of new miRNA-regulated oncolytic coxsackievirus B3

Genetic modification of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) by inserting target sequences (TS) of tumor-suppressive and/or organ-selective microRNAs (miRs) into viral genome can efficiently eliminate viral pathogenesis without significant impacts on its oncolytic activity. Nonetheless, reversion mutants (loss of miR-TS inserts) were identified as early as day 35 post-injection in ∼40% immunodeficient mice. To improve the stability, here we re-engineered CVB3 by (1) replacing the same length of viral genome at the non-coding region with TS of cardiac-selective miR-1/miR-133 and pancreas-enriched miR-216/miR-375 or (2) inserting the above miR-TS into the coding region (i.e., P1 region) of viral genome. Serial passaging of these newly established miR-CVB3s in cultured cells for 20 rounds demonstrated significantly improved stability compared with the first-generation miR-CVB3 with 5'UTR insertion of miR-TS. The safety and stability of these new miR-CVB3s was verified in immunocompetent mice. Moreover, we showed that these new viruses retained the ability to suppress lung tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Finally, we observed that miR-CVB3 with insertion in P1 region was more stable than miR-CVB3 with preserved length of the 5'UTR, whereas the latter displayed significantly higher oncolytic activity. Overall, we presented here valid strategies to enhance the genomic stability of miR-CVB3 for virotherapy.

A new miRNA-Modified coxsackievirus B3 inhibits triple negative breast cancer growth with improved safety profile in immunocompetent mice

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) displays great oncolytic activity against various cancer cells. Previously, we demonstrated that adding targeting sequences (TS) of miR-145/143, which are downregulated in cancer compared with normal cells, into CVB3 genome drastically attenuates tissue toxicity, while retaining its oncolytic activity towards lung tumor. Here we extended to assess miR-modified CVB3 in breast cancer therapy. We generated a new miRNA-CVB3 by inserting TS of muscle-specific miR-1 and pancreas-selective miR-216 into the above miR-145/143-modified CVB3. We found that this newly established CVB3 (termed miR-CVB3-1.1) is safe without triggering noticeable pathogenesis when applied to immunocompetent mice. In vitro studies revealed that miR-CVB3-1.1 can infect and lyse a wide range of breast cancer cells. Animal experiments using a syngeneic breast cancer mouse model showed that intratumoral inoculation of miR-CVB3-1.1 significantly suppresses tumor growth and metastasis, associated with productive viral growth and enhanced immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we observed substantially reduced toxicity and prolonged survival in mice treated with miR-CVB3-1.1 compared with wild-type CVB3. Together, our results support miR-CVB3-1.1 as a promising candidate, which can be further evaluated for clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Pan-cancer analysis of microRNA expression profiles highlights microRNAs enriched in normal body cells as effective suppressors of multiple tumor types: A study based on TCGA database

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently deregulated in various types of cancer. While antisense oligonucleotides are used to block oncomiRs, delivery of tumour-suppressive miRNAs holds great potential as a potent anti-cancer strategy. Here, we aim to determine, and functionally analyse, miRNAs that are lowly expressed in various types of tumour but abundantly expressed in multiple normal tissues.

METHODS

The miRNA sequencing data of 14 cancer types were downloaded from the TCGA dataset. Significant differences in miRNA expression between tumor and normal samples were calculated using limma package (R programming). An adjusted p value < 0.05 was used to compare normal versus tumor miRNA expression profiles. The predicted gene targets were obtained using TargetScan, miRanda, and miRDB and then subjected to gene ontology analysis using Enrichr. Only GO terms with an adjusted p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. All data from wet-lab experiments (cell viability assays and flow cytometry) were expressed as means ± SEM, and their differences were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (Student's t test, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

By compiling all publicly available miRNA profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pan-Cancer Project, we reveal a small set of tumour-suppressing miRNAs (which we designate as 'normomiRs') that are highly expressed in 14 types of normal tissues but poorly expressed in corresponding tumour tissues. Interestingly, muscle-enriched miRNAs (e.g. miR-133a/b and miR-206) and miRNAs from DLK1-DIO3 locus (e.g. miR-381 and miR-411) constitute a large fraction of the normomiRs. Moreover, we define that the CCCGU motif is absent in the oncomiRs' seed sequences but present in a fraction of tumour-suppressive miRNAs. Finally, the gain of function of candidate normomiRs across several cancer cell types indicates that miR-206 and miR-381 exert the most potent inhibition on multiple cancer types in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal a pan-cancer set of tumour-suppressing miRNAs and highlight the potential of miRNA-replacement therapies for targeting multiple types of tumour.

ZNF117 regulates glioblastoma stem cell differentiation towards oligodendroglial lineage

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly disease without effective treatment. Because glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to tumor resistance and recurrence, improved treatment of GBM can be achieved by eliminating GSCs through inducing their differentiation. Prior efforts have been focused on studying GSC differentiation towards the astroglial lineage. However, regulation of GSC differentiation towards the neuronal and oligodendroglial lineages is largely unknown. To identify genes that control GSC differentiation to all three lineages, we performed an image-based genome-wide RNAi screen, in combination with single-cell RNA sequencing, and identified ZNF117 as a major regulator of GSC differentiation. Using patient-derived GSC cultures, we show that ZNF117 controls GSC differentiation towards the oligodendroglial lineage via the Notch pathway. We demonstrate that ZNF117 is a promising target for GSC differentiation therapy through targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing nanoparticles. Our study suggests a direction to improve GBM treatment through differentiation of GSCs towards various lineages.

Micro RNA differential expression profile in canine mammary gland tumor by next generation sequencing

Canine mammary gland tumors are very common and represent a potential model of human breast cancer, and microRNA (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these tumors. Accordingly, we aimed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in canine mammary gland tumors using next generation sequencing (NGS), with subsequent confirmatory qPCR and target gene analyses. Mammary gland tissue was collected from healthy dogs (n=7) and dogs with suspected tumors (n=80). A subset of samples was analyzed with NGS to identify differentially expressed miRNAs with CLC Genome Workbench. Normal (n=10), tumor-adjacent (n=6), and tumor-bearing (n=76) mammary gland tissue samples were analyzed for the identified miRNAs using qPCR. An in silico analysis (TargetScan) was performed to predict the miRNAs' target genes using gene ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database (DAVID). We identified four miRNAs (cfa-miR-1-3p, cfa-miR-133a-3p, cfa-miR-133b-3p, and cfa-miR-133c-3p) as down regulated in canine mammary gland tumor tissues relative to normal and tumor adjacent tissues. KEGG analysis revealed the potential target genes of cfa-miR-1-3p are related to the Rap1 signaling pathway, adherens junction, and Ras signaling pathway, and those of the miR-133 family are related to the TGF-beta signaling pathway, synaptic vesicle cycle, and sphingolipid signaling pathway. In combination, these target genes are related to the regulation of transcription and DNA binding transcription (GO analysis), and the Hippo signaling pathway, adherens junction, and endocytosis (KEGG analysis). Accordingly, we suggest these four miRNAs are promising potential biomarker candidates for canine mammary gland tumors warranting further investigation.

LILRB4 promotes tumor metastasis by regulating MDSCs and inhibiting miR-1 family miRNAs

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a population of immune suppressive cells that are involved in tumor-associated immunosuppression, and dominate tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we report that the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 4 (LILRB4, murine ortholog gp49B) orchestrates the polarization of MDSCs to exhibit pro-tumor phenotypes. We found that gp49B deficiency inhibited tumor metastases of cancer cells, and reduced tumor-infiltration of monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) in tumor-bearing mice. Gp49B^−/− MDSCs inhibited pro-tumor immune responses, such as activation of Treg cells, promotion of cancer cell migration, and stimulation of tumor angiogenesis. Treatment of wild-type tumor-bearing mice with gp49B^−/− M-MDSCs reduced cancer metastasis. Furthermore, gp49B knockout affected plasma exosome composition in terms of increased miR-1 family microRNAs (miRNAs) expression, which correlates with the upregulation of gp49B^−/− MDSC-derived anti-tumor miRNAs. Collectively, our findings reveal that LILRB4/gp49B promotes MDSC-mediated tumor metastasis by regulating the M2-polarization of MDSCs and suppressing the secretion of miR-1 family miRNAs, which facilitate tumor migration and invasion.

Abbreviations

CTLA-4: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4; FBS: fetal bovine serum; G-MDSCs: granulocytic-MDSCs; GP49B: glycoprotein 49B; HE: hematoxylin-eosin; ICI: immune checkpoint inhibitor; ITIM: immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif; LILRB4: leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4; M-CSF: macrophage colony stimulating factor; MDSC: myeloid-derived suppressor cell; M-MDSC: monocytic MDSC; MMP-9: metallopeptidase-9; mAb: monoclonal antibody; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PD-1: programmed death-1; PD-L1: programmed death ligand-1; PMN-MDSC: polymorphonuclear-MDSC; qRT-PCR: quantitative reverse transcription PCR; TAM: tumor associated macrophage; TME: tumor microenvironment; TMM: trimmed mean of M value; VEGFA: vascular endothelial growth factor A

Novel Angiogenic Regulators and Anti-Angiogenesis Drugs Targeting Angiogenesis Signaling Pathways: Perspectives for Targeting Angiogenesis in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis. In recent years, angiogenesis inhibitors have attracted more and more attention as potential lung cancer treatments. Current anti-angiogenic drugs targeting VEGF or receptor tyrosine kinases mainly inhibit tumor growth by reducing angiogenesis and blocking the energy supply of lung cancer cells. However, these drugs have limited efficiency, raising concerns about limited scope of action and mechanisms of patient resistance to existing drugs. Therefore, current basic research on angiogenic regulators has focused more on screening carcinogenic/anticancer genes, miRNAs, lncRNAs, proteins and other biomolecules capable of regulating the expression of specific targets in angiogenesis signaling pathways. In addition, new uses for existing drugs and new drug delivery systems have received increasing attention. In our article, we analyze the application status and research hotspots of angiogenesis inhibitors in lung cancer treatment as a reference for subsequent mechanistic research and drug development.

MicroRNAs in Pulmonary Hypertension, from Pathogenesis to Diagnosis and Treatment

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal and untreatable disease, ultimately leading to right heart failure and eventually death. microRNAs are small, non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression and influence various biological processes. Changes in microRNA expression levels contribute to various cardiovascular disorders, and microRNAs have been shown to play a critical role in PH pathogenesis. In recent years, numerous studies have explored the role of microRNAs in PH, focusing on the expression profiles of microRNAs and their signaling pathways in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) or pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), PH models, and PH patients. Moreover, certain microRNAs, such as miR-150 and miR-26a, have been identified as good candidates of diagnosis biomarkers for PH. However, there are still several challenges for microRNAs as biomarkers, including difficulty in normalization, specificity in PH, and a lack of longitudinal and big sample-sized studies. Furthermore, microRNA target drugs are potential therapeutic agents for PH treatment, which have been demonstrated in PH models and in humans. Nonetheless, synthetic microRNA mimics or antagonists are susceptible to several common defects, such as low drug efficacy, inefficient drug delivery, potential toxicity and especially, off-target effects. Therefore, finding clinically safe and effective microRNA drugs remains a great challenge, and further breakthrough is urgently needed.

Impact of miR-1/miR-133 Clustered miRNAs: PFN2 Facilitates Malignant Phenotypes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Based on our original RNA sequence-based microRNA (miRNA) signatures of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it was revealed that the expression levels of miR-1-3p, miR-206, miR-133a-3p, and miR-133b were significantly suppressed in cancer specimens. Seed sequences of miR-1-3p/miR-206 and miR-133a-3p/miR-133b are identical. Interestingly, miR-1-3p/miR-133a-3p and miR-206/miR-133b are clustered in the human genome. We hypothesized that the genes coordinately controlled by these miRNAs are closely involved in the malignant transformation of HNSCC. Our in silico analysis identified a total of 28 genes that had putative miR-1-3p/miR-133a-3p and miR-206/miR-133b binding sites. Moreover, their expression levels were upregulated in HNSCC tissues. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that expression of PFN2 and PSEN1 were independent prognostic factors for patients with HNSCC (p < 0.05). Notably, four miRNAs (i.e., miR-1-3p, miR-206, miR-133a-3p, and miR-133b) directly bound the 3′untranslated region of PFN2 and controlled expression of the gene in HNSCC cells. Overexpression of PFN2 was confirmed in clinical specimens, and its aberrant expression facilitated cancer cell migration and invasion abilities. Our miRNA-based strategy continues to uncover novel genes closely involved in the oncogenesis of HNSCC.

The Role of Androgen Receptor and microRNA Interactions in Androgen-Dependent Diseases

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid hormone receptor family of nuclear transcription factors. It is present in the primary/secondary sexual organs, kidneys, skeletal muscles, adrenal glands, skin, nervous system, and breast. Abnormal AR functioning has been identified in numerous diseases, specifically in prostate cancer (PCa). Interestingly, recent studies have indicated a relationship between the AR and microRNA (miRNA) crosstalk and cancer progression. MiRNAs are small, endogenous, non-coding molecules that are involved in crucial cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, or differentiation. On the one hand, AR may be responsible for the downregulation or upregulation of specific miRNA, while on the other hand, AR is often a target of miRNAs due to their regulatory function on AR gene expression. A deeper understanding of the AR–miRNA interactions may contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools as well as to providing new therapeutic approaches. While most studies usually focus on the role of miRNAs and AR in PCa, in this review, we go beyond PCa and provide insight into the most recent discoveries about the interplay between AR and miRNAs, as well as about other AR-associated and AR-independent diseases.

Current Understanding of Exosomal MicroRNAs in Glioma Immune Regulation and Therapeutic Responses

Exosomes, the small extracellular vesicles, are released by multiple cell types, including tumor cells, and represent a novel avenue for intercellular communication via transferring diverse biomolecules. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were demonstrated to be enclosed in exosomes and therefore was protected from degradation. Such exosomal miRNAs can be transmitted to recipient cells where they could regulate multiple cancer-associated biological processes. Accumulative evidence suggests that exosomal miRNAs serve essential roles in modifying the glioma immune microenvironment and potentially affecting the malignant behaviors and therapeutic responses. As exosomal miRNAs are detectable in almost all kinds of biofluids and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of glioma, they might be served as promising biomarkers for gliomas. We reviewed the novel findings regarding the biological functions of exosomal miRNAs during glioma pathogenesis and immune regulation. Furthermore, we elaborated on their potential clinical applications as biomarkers in glioma diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response prediction. Finally, we summarized the accessible databases that can be employed for exosome-associated miRNAs identification and functional exploration of cancers, including glioma.

Glutamine-Derived Aspartate Biosynthesis in Cancer Cells: Role of Mitochondrial Transporters and New Therapeutic Perspectives

Simple Summary

In recent years, aspartate has been increasingly acknowledged as a critical player in the metabolism of cancer cells which use this metabolite for nucleotide and protein synthesis and for redox homeostasis. Most intracellular aspartate derives from the mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. To date at least four mitochondrial transporters have been involved in this metabolic pathway. Their involvement appears to be cancer type-specific and dependent on glutamine availability. Targeting these mitochondrial transporters may represent a new attractive strategy to fight cancer. The aim of this review is to dissect the role of each of these transporters in relation to the type of cancer and the availability of nutrients in the tumoral microenvironment.

Abstract

Aspartate has a central role in cancer cell metabolism. Aspartate cytosolic availability is crucial for protein and nucleotide biosynthesis as well as for redox homeostasis. Since tumor cells display poor aspartate uptake from the external environment, most of the cellular pool of aspartate derives from mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. At least four transporters are involved in this metabolic pathway: the glutamine (SLC1A5_var), the aspartate/glutamate (AGC), the aspartate/phosphate (uncoupling protein 2, UCP2), and the glutamate (GC) carriers, the last three belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF). The loss of one of these transporters causes a paucity of cytosolic aspartate and an arrest of cell proliferation in many different cancer types. The aim of this review is to clarify why different cancers have varying dependencies on metabolite transporters to support cytosolic glutamine-derived aspartate availability. Dissecting the precise metabolic routes that glutamine undergoes in specific tumor types is of upmost importance as it promises to unveil the best metabolic target for therapeutic intervention.

Age-Related Exosomal and Endogenous Expression Patterns of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206 in Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscle growth and maintenance depend on two tightly regulated processes, myogenesis and muscle regeneration. Both processes involve a series of crucial regulatory molecules including muscle-specific microRNAs, known as myomiRs. We recently showed that four myomiRs, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206, are encapsulated within muscle-derived exosomes and participate in local skeletal muscle communication. Although these four myomiRs have been extensively studied for their function in muscles, no information exists regarding their endogenous and exosomal levels across age. Here we aimed to identify any age-related changes in the endogenous and muscle-derived exosomal myomiR levels during acute skeletal muscle growth. The four endogenous and muscle-derived myomiRs were investigated in five skeletal muscles (extensor digitorum longus, soleus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps) of 2-week–1-year-old wild-type male mice. The expression of miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b was found to increase rapidly until adolescence in all skeletal muscles, whereas during adulthood it remained relatively stable. By contrast, endogenous miR-206 levels were observed to decrease with age in all muscles, except for soleus. Differential expression of the four myomiRs is also inversely reflected on the production of two protein targets; serum response factor and connexin 43. Muscle-derived exosomal miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b levels were found to increase until the early adolescence, before reaching a plateau phase. Soleus was found to be the only skeletal muscle to release exosomes enriched in miR-206. In this study, we showed for the first time an in-depth longitudinal analysis of the endogenous and exosomal levels of the four myomiRs during skeletal muscle development. We showed that the endogenous expression and extracellular secretion of the four myomiRs are associated to the function and size of skeletal muscles as the mice age. Overall, our findings provide new insights for the myomiRs’ significant role in the first year of life in mice.

Involvement of Non-Coding RNAs in Chemo- and Radioresistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The crucial treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is radiation therapy supplemented by chemotherapy. However, long-term radiation therapy can cause some genetic and proteomic changes to produce radiation resistance, leading to tumour recurrence and poor prognosis. Therefore, the search for new markers that can overcome the resistance of tumor cells to drugs and radiotherapy and improve the sensitivity of tumor cells to drugs and radiotherapy is one of the most important goals of pharmacogenomics and cancer research, which is important for predicting treatment response and prognosis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may play important roles in regulating chemo- and radiation resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by controlling the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair, as well as other signalling pathways. Recent research has suggested that selective modulation of ncRNA activity can improve the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, providing an innovative antitumour approach based on ncRNA-related gene therapy. Therefore, ncRNAs can serve as biomarkers for tumour prediction and prognosis, play a role in overcoming drug resistance and radiation resistance in NPC, and can also serve as targets for developing new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss the involvement of ncRNAs in chemotherapy and radiation resistance in NPC. The effects of these molecules on predicting therapeutic cancer are highlighted.

An integrated analysis of DNA promoter methylation, microRNA regulation, and gene expression in gastric adenocarcinoma

Background

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), a common type of gastric cancer, poses a significant public health threat worldwide. This study aimed to determine the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of GAC.

Methods

HTSeq-FPKM raw data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma data collection. Subsequently, the limma package in R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Differentially methylated genes (DMGs), DEGs, and differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in normal, and tumor tissues of the same patients were screened and compared using R software tools. A functional enrichment analysis was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for various DEGs, DMGs, promoter methylation, and miRNAs. DEG-specific methylation and transcription factors were analyzed using ENCODE ChIP-seq.

Results

DEGs were centrally modified by the histone trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). Upstream transcription factors of DEGs were enriched in different ChIP-seq clusters, such as Forkhead Box M1, E2F Transcription Factor 4, and suppressor of zest 12. Integrated regulatory networks of DEGs, promoter methylation, and miRNAs were constructed. Two miRNAs (hsa-mir-1 and hsa-mir-133a) and four DEGs (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 12, transcription factor AP-2 alpha, solute carrier family 5 member 7, and cadherin 19) separately played important roles in the integrated regulatory network. Therefore, these DEGs, DMGs, promoter methylation, and miRNAs may play an important role in GAC pathogenesis.

Conclusions

In summary, the present study results provide insights into the oncogenesis and progression of GAC, thus accelerating the development of novel targeted GAC therapies.

The miR-133a, TPM4 and TAp63γ Role in Myocyte Differentiation Microfilament Remodelling and Colon Cancer Progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the regulation of a number of physiological functions. miR-133a and other muscular miRs (myomiRs) play a key role in muscle cell growth and in some type of cancers. Here, we show that miR133a is upregulated in individuals that undertake physical exercise. We used a skeletal muscle differentiation model to dissect miR-133a's role and to identify new targets, identifying Tropomyosin-4 (TPM4). This protein is expressed during muscle differentiation, but importantly it is an essential component of microfilament cytoskeleton and stress fibres formation. The microfilament scaffold remodelling is an essential step in cell transformation and tumour progression. Using the muscle system, we obtained valuable information about the microfilament proteins, and the knowledge on these molecular players can be transferred to the cytoskeleton rearrangement observed in cancer cells. Further investigations showed a role of TPM4 in cancer physiology, specifically, we found that miR-133a downregulation leads to TPM4 upregulation in colon carcinoma (CRC), and this correlates with a lower patient survival. At molecular level, we demonstrated in myocyte differentiation that TPM4 is positively regulated by the TA isoform of the p63 transcription factor. In muscles, miR-133a generates a myogenic stimulus, reducing the differentiation by downregulating TPM4. In this system, miR-133a counteracts the differentiative TAp63 activity. Interestingly, in CRC cell lines and in patient biopsies, miR-133a is able to regulate TPM4 activity, while TAp63 is not active. The downregulation of the miR leads to TPM4 overexpression, this modifies the architecture of the cell cytoskeleton contributing to increase the invasiveness of the tumour and associating with a poor prognosis. These results add data to the interesting question about the link between physical activity, muscle physiology and protection against colorectal cancer. The two phenomena have in common the cytoskeleton remodelling, due to the TPM4 activity, that is involved in stress fibres formation.

Non-coding RNAs in cancer-associated cachexia: clinical implications and future perspectives

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by skeletal muscle loss, with or without adipose atrophy, irreversible through nutritional support, in the context of systemic inflammation and metabolic disorders. It is mediated by inflammatory reaction and affects almost 50% of all cancer patients, due to prominent systemic inflammation associated with the disease. The comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that are implicated in cancer cachexia sheds light on its pathogenesis and lays the foundations for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Recently, ncRNAs, like microRNAs as well as lncRNAs and circRNAs seem to regulate pathways that are implicated in cancer cachexia pathogenesis, as it has been observed in animal models and in cancer cachexia patients, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Moreover, increasing evidence highlights the involvement of circulating and exosomal ncRNAs in the activation and maintenance of systemic inflammation in cancer and cancer-associated cachexia. In that context, the present review focuses on the clinical significance of ncRNAs in cancer-associated cachexia.

miR-133b targets tagln2 and functions in tilapia oogenesis

microRNAs (miRNAs) are important components of non-coding RNAs that participate in diverse life activities by regulating gene expression at the post transcriptional level through base complementary pairing with 3'UTRs of target mRNAs. miR-133b is a member of the miR-133 family, which play important roles in muscle differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recently, miR-133b was reported to affect estrogen synthesis by targeting foxl2 in mouse, while its role in fish reproduction remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we isolated the complete sequence of miR-133b, which was highly expressed in tilapia ovary at 30 and 90 dah (days after hatching) and subsequently decreased at 120 to 150 dah by qPCR. Interestingly, only a few oogonia were remained in the antagomir-133b treated tilapia ovary, while phase I and II oocytes were observed in the ovaries of the control group. Unexpectedly, the expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1a, as well as estradiol levels in serum were increased in the treated group. Furthermore, tagln2, an important factor for oogenesis, was predicted as the target gene of miR-133b, which was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter vector experiments. miR-133b and tagln2 were co-expressed in tilapia ovaries. Taken together, miR-133b may be involved in the early oogenesis of tilapia by regulating tagln2 expression. This study enriches the understanding of miR-133b function during oogenesis and lays a foundation for further study of the regulatory network during oogenesis.

MicroRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a possible challenge as biomarkers, determinants for the choice of therapy and targets for personalized molecular therapies

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are referred to a group of heterogeneous cancers that include structures of aerodigestive tract such as oral and nasal cavity, salivary glands, oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, and local lymph nodes. HNSCC is characterized by frequent alterations of several genes such as TP53, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, NOTCH1, and MET as well as copy number increase in EGFR, CCND1, and PIK3CA. These genomic alterations play a role in terms of resistance to chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and prediction of patient outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded noncoding RNAs which are about 19-25 nucleotides. They are involved in the tumorigenesis of HNSCC including dysregulation of cell survival, proliferation, cellular differentiation, adhesion, and invasion. The discovery of the stable presence of the miRNAs in all human body made them attractive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or as targets for novel therapeutic ways, enabling personalized treatment for HNSCC. In recent times the number of papers concerning the characterization of miRNAs in the HNSCC tumorigenesis has grown a lot. In this review, we discuss the very recent studies on different aspects of miRNA dysregulation with their clinical significance and we apologize for the many past and most recent works that have not been mentioned. We also discuss miRNA-based therapy that are being tested on patients by clinical trials.

miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters overcome HGF induced gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancers with EGFR sensitive mutations

It has been reported that clustered miRNAs can be transcribed coordinately and exhibit similar functions by regulating the same targets. miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b are well-characterized miRNA clusters. However, the effect of these clusters on EGFR-TKI resistance is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated HGF overexpression was able to induce gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancers with EGFR sensitive mutations. miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters could overcome HGF induced gefitinib resistance. Furthermore, the clusters were more effective than individual miRNA. Transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that multiple pathways, including 'EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance' pathway, were involved in anti-resistance mechanisms of miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters. Western blotting results confirmed the inhibitory effect of miRNA clusters on MET expression and downstream pathway activation. In conclusion, miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters are able to exhibit the synergetic effect on overcoming HGF-induced gefitinib resistance in NSCLC and the mechanisms are through targeting multiple genes related to gefitinib resistance.

Rebuilding the Vascular Network: In vivo and in vitro Approaches

As the material transportation system of the human body, the vascular network carries the transportation of materials and nutrients. Currently, the construction of functional microvascular networks is an urgent requirement for the development of regenerative medicine and in vitro drug screening systems. How to construct organs with functional blood vessels is the focus and challenge of tissue engineering research. Here in this review article, we first introduced the basic characteristics of blood vessels in the body and the mechanism of angiogenesis in vivo, summarized the current methods of constructing tissue blood vessels in vitro and in vivo, and focused on comparing the functions, applications and advantages of constructing different types of vascular chips to generate blood vessels. Finally, the challenges and opportunities faced by the development of this field were discussed.

Analysis of a Preliminary microRNA Expression Signature in a Human Telangiectatic Osteogenic Sarcoma Cancer Cell Line

Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) is an aggressive variant of osteosarcoma (OS) with distinctive radiographic, gross, microscopic features, and prognostic implications. Despite several studies on OS, we are still far from understanding the molecular mechanisms of TOS. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated not only that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in OS tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis, but also that the presence in high-grade types of OS of cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays an important role in tumor progression. Despite these findings, nothing has been described previously about the expression of miRNAs and the presence of CSCs in human TOS. Therefore, we have isolated/characterized a putative CSC cell line from human TOS (TOS-CSCs) and evaluated the expression levels of several miRNAs in TOS-CSCs using real-time quantitative assays. We show, for the first time, the existence of CSCs in human TOS, highlighting the in vitro establishment of this unique stabilized cell line and an identification of a preliminary expression of the miRNA profile, characteristic of TOS-CSCs. These findings represent an important step in the study of the biology of one of the most aggressive variants of OS and the role of miRNAs in TOS-CSC behavior.

Emerging roles of MiR-133a in human cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of cancer-relevant genes via binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the target mRNAs. MiR-133a, as a miRNA, participate in tumorigenesis, progression, autophagy and drug-resistance in various malignancies. Based on the recent insights, we discuss the functions of miR-133a in physiological and pathological processes and its potential effects on cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

miR-206 as a prognostic and sensitivity biomarker for platinum chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

Drug resistance is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We found a subset of miRNAs associated with the response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in EOC by microarray, and miR-206 was one of the most significant miRNAs. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prognostic and platinum-resistance predictive value of miR-206 in EOC patients and to investigate the functional roles of miR-206 in regulating the platinum resistance of EOC and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

MiRNA expression profiling in EOC specimens was performed using a TaqMan miRNA array. miR-206 expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Overexpression of miR-206 in EOC cell lines was achieved by the stable transfection of a recombinant plasmid. In vitro assays of cisplatin cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, transwell invasion and cell scratching were employed. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression was detected by Western blotting. Murine xenograft models were used to determine the effects of miR-206 on platinum resistance in vivo.

Results

miR-206 expression was increased in primary platinum-resistant EOC. High miR-206 expression was related to poor prognosis in EOC patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy and predicted chemoresistance to platinum treatment. Overexpression of miR-206 in cisplatin-sensitive EOC cell lines significantly increased cell viability, migration and invasion in the presence of cisplatin and decreased cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Cx43, a target gene of miR-206, was negatively regulated by miR-206 in EOC cell lines and significantly related to better prognosis in patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy (KmPlot). miR-206 had high expression and Cx43 had low expression in platinum-sensitive EOC cell lines compared with resistant ones. In vivo murine xenograft models showed that miR-206 profoundly promoted the chemoresistance of EOC to cisplatin treatment.

Conclusion

miR-206 was highly expressed in primary platinum-resistant EOCs and functionally promoted platinum resistance in part by downregulating Cx43 expression, thereby providing a useful biomarker for prognostic and platinum-resistance prediction.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Canine Osteosarcoma: A New Future?

Sarcomas are frequent in dogs and canine species are excellent animal models for studying the human counterpart. However, osteosarcomas are a rare form of sarcoma with high death rates in humans and dogs. miRNAs are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The discovery of miRNAs could give a contribute in the diagnosis and prognosis of different types of tumors in animal species, as already in humans. The differentiated expression of miRNAs is a frequent finding in cancers and is related to their pathogenesis in many cases. Most canine and human sarcomas show similar miRNA aberrations. Lower levels of miR-1 and miR-133b in canine osteosarcoma tissues were found to increase tumorigenesis through a higher expression of their target genes MET and MCL1. The overexpression of miR-9 promotes a metastatic phenotype in canine osteosarcomas and its capacity as a prognostic biomarker for the disease is currently being evaluated. MicroRNAs at the 14q32 locus could be used as prognostic biomarkers, since their decreased expression has been associated with poor prognosis in canine and human osteosarcomas. Furthermore, a decreased expression of miR-34a in osteosarcoma tumour cells has been associated with shorter disease-free survival times and its reintroduction as a synthetic prodrug shows good potential as a novel therapeutic target to fight the disease. Circulating miR-214 and miR-126 are significantly increased in a broad-spectrum cancer and have the ability to successfully predict the prognosis of dogs. However, further studies are needed to make the use of miRNAs as biomarkers a common practice.

MicroRNAs in the anticancer effects of celecoxib: A systematic review

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is known as an important enzyme in the inflammation process that has tumorigenesis function in various cancers through the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell proliferation, migration, and invasion that lead to metastasis. Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can selectively target COX-2, suppress downstream pathways, and finally lead to anticancer potentiality. microRNAs (miRNAs), as a class of small noncoding RNAs, play pivotal roles in cancers through the tumor-suppressive or oncogenic effects, by post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes. In this regard, shreds of evidence have shown that, COX-2 reveals its action through miRNA regulation. So, in this systematic review, we aimed to highlight the tumorigenic role of COX-2 in cancer development and the therapeutic effects of celecoxib, as a selective COX-2 drug, through the regulation of miRNAs.

miR-206 enforces a slow muscle phenotype

Striated muscle is a highly specialized collection of tissues with contractile properties that vary according to functional needs. Although muscle fiber types are established postnatally, lifelong plasticity facilitates stimulus-dependent adaptation. Functional adaptation requires molecular adaptation, which is partially provided by miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. miR-206 is a muscle-specific miRNA enriched in slow muscles. We investigated whether miR-206 drives the slow muscle phenotype or is merely an outcome. We found that miR-206 expression increases in both physiological (including female sex and endurance exercise) and pathological conditions (muscular dystrophy and adrenergic agonism) that promote a slow phenotype. Consistent with that observation, the slow soleus muscle of male miR-206-knockout mice displays a faster phenotype than wild-type mice. Moreover, left ventricles of male miR-206 knockout mice have a faster myosin profile, accompanied by dilation and systolic dysfunction. Thus, miR-206 appears to be necessary to enforce a slow skeletal and cardiac muscle phenotype and to play a key role in muscle sexual dimorphisms.

Role of exosomes in malignant glioma: microRNAs and proteins in pathogenesis and diagnosis

Malignant gliomas are the most common and deadly type of central nervous system tumors. Despite some advances in treatment, the mean survival time remains only about 1.25 years. Even after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, gliomas still have a poor prognosis. Exosomes are the most common type of extracellular vesicles with a size range of 30 to 100 nm, and can act as carriers of proteins, RNAs, and other bioactive molecules. Exosomes play a key role in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy or radiation. Recent evidence has shown that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) can be detected in the extracellular microenvironment, and can also be transferred from cell to cell via exosome secretion and uptake. Therefore, many recent studies have focused on exosomal miRNAs as important cellular regulators in various physiological and pathological conditions. A variety of exosomal miRNAs have been implicated in the initiation and progression of gliomas, by activating and/or inhibiting different signaling pathways. Exosomal miRNAs could be used as therapeutic agents to modulate different biological processes in gliomas. Exosomal miRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cells could also be used for glioma treatment. The present review summarizes the exosomal miRNAs that have been implicated in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. Moreover, exosomal proteins could also be involved in glioma pathogenesis. Exosomal miRNAs and proteins could also serve as non-invasive biomarkers for prognosis and disease monitoring. Video Abstract.

Diagnostic performance for declined microRNA-133a in pancreatic cancer

MicroRNA-133a (MiR-133a) is proven to exhibit a decreasing tendency in several cancers, as well as pancreatic cancer. Through the present study, we inspected performance for serum miR-133a in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Serum samples were collected from 110 pancreatic cancer and 64 healthy persons. Relative messenger RNA level for miR-133a in serum specimens was gauged adopting quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and compared betwixt two groups employing the Student t test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis evaluated miR-133a performance in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. MiR-133a displayed a declining trend among pancreatic cancer samples, compared to the healthy controls (P < .001). The reduced miR-133a degree held strong relation to tumor dimension (P = .002), vessel invasion (P = .004), tumor lymph node metastasis stage (P = .002), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001). In addition, ROC analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve value was 0.893, accompanied by a sensitivity of 90.6% and a specificity of 87.2%, revealing fine execution for serum miR-133a in diagnosing cancer. The downregulation of miR-133a might possess a tight relation to hostile advancement in pancreatic cancer. Serum miR-133a could function as a potential diagnostic indicator for pancreatic cancer.

miRNA Clusters with Down-Regulated Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer and Their Regulation

Regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been extensively studied with respect to colorectal cancer (CRC), since CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Transcriptional control of miRNAs creating clusters can be, to some extent, estimated from cluster position on a chromosome. Levels of miRNAs are also controlled by miRNAs "sponging" by long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Both types of miRNA regulation strongly influence their function. We focused on clusters of miRNAs found to be down-regulated in CRC, containing miR-1, let-7, miR-15, miR-16, miR-99, miR-100, miR-125, miR-133, miR-143, miR-145, miR-192, miR-194, miR-195, miR-206, miR-215, miR-302, miR-367 and miR-497 and analysed their genome position, regulation and functions. Only evidence provided with the use of CRC in vivo and/or in vitro models was taken into consideration. Comprehensive research revealed that down-regulated miRNA clusters in CRC are mostly located in a gene intron and, in a majority of cases, miRNA clusters possess cluster-specific transcriptional regulation. For all selected clusters, regulation mediated by long ncRNA was experimentally demonstrated in CRC, at least in one cluster member. Oncostatic functions were predominantly linked with the reviewed miRNAs, and their high expression was usually associated with better survival. These findings implicate the potential of down-regulated clusters in CRC to become promising multi-targets for therapeutic manipulation.

Down-regulation of EDN1 gene expression by circulating miR-206 is associated with risk of preeclampsia

To study the correlation between circulating microRNA-206 (miR-206) levels and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels, and to explore its association with preeclampsia (PE) risk.Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCT) was used to compare the plasma miR-206 levels in 200 PE patients and 200 healthy controls. The correlation between miR-206 and ET-1 levels in plasma of PE patients was analyzed by Pearson analysis. MiR-206 was transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells cells and ET-1 expression was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RT-PCR results showed that plasma miR-206 levels in PE patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .01). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of plasma miR-206 level in the diagnosis of PE was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.92-0.96). Plasma ET-1 levels in PE patients were significantly lower than those in the control group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P < .01). The area under the curve of plasma ET-1 level in the diagnosis of PE was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.90-0.95). The level of miR-206 in plasma was negative correlated with ET-1 level (r = -0.37, P < .01). The expression level of ET-1 was significantly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells cells transfected with miR-206.miR-206 can down-regulate the expression of EDN1 gene, which may be related to the increased risk of preeclampsia.