LncRNA GHET1 predicts a poor prognosis of the patients with non-small cell lung cancer

LncRNA GHET1 and LncRNA ZXF2 as New Biomarkers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Relation to Clinicopathological Variables

Background: The utilization of molecular techniques in detecting cancer has resulted in an improved prediction of outcomes. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent illness that is frequently detected in its late stages. Therefore, finding molecular biomarkers that lead to the early detection of OSCC is of great importance. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the expression levels of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) and lncRNA ZXF2 in OSCC patients and their relationship with clinical pathology variables due to biomarker discovery and early diagnosis of OSCC. Methods: Tissue sampling was performed after selecting 30 OSCC patients and 30 healthy individuals from Emam-Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Then, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed from these samples, using the relevant kits and their quantity and quality were measured, using nanodrop and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. For molecular biomarker identification and validation, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was utilized to assess the expression of lncRNA GHET1 and lncRNA ZXF2. Data analysis was done, using GraphPad prism V.8 software. Results: The results showed that the expressions of both lncRNA GHET1 and lncRNA ZXF2 in OSCC tumor tissue increased compared to normal tissue (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that lncRNA GHET1 and lncRNA ZXF2 have the capability to be employed as biomarkers for OSCC detection. However, no significant relationship was observed between lncRNA GHET1 and lncRNA ZXF2 expressions with clinicopathological variables such as tumor stage and grade as well as patients' age. Conclusions: LncRNA GHET1 and lncRNA ZXF2 have the potential to be used as biomarkers in the early detection of OSCC and evaluating their expression in clinical settings are recommended. The use of these biomarkers in the early detection of OSCC can prevent the high mortality rate of OSCC patients. In the current study, the important role of the studied lncRNAs in OSCC diagnosis was shown. However, further studies are needed to confirm this.

A novel glycosyltransferase-related lncRNA signature correlates with lung adenocarcinoma prognosis

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Previous studies have shown the increase in glycosylation level, and abnormal expressions of related enzymes are closely related to various cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the proliferation, metabolism, and migration of cancer cells, but the underlying role of glycosyltransferase (GT)-related lncRNAs in LUAD remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We abstracted 14,056 lncRNAs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and 257 GT-related genes from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) database. Univariate, LASSO-penalized, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to construct a GT-related lncRNA prognosis model.

Results

A total of 2,726 GT-related lncRNAs were identified through Pearson's correlation analysis, and eight of them were utilized to construct a GT-related lncRNA model. The overall survival (OS) of the low-risk group continued to be superior to that of the high-risk group according to the subgroups classified by clinical features. The risk model was proved to have independent prognostic characteristics for LUAD by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The status of the tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant immunotherapy response was significantly different between the two risk groups. The candidate drugs aimed at LUAD subtype differentiation were identified.

Conclusion

We constructed a risk model comprising eight GT-related lncRNAs which was identified as an independent predictor of prognoses to predict patient survival and guide-related treatments for patients with LUAD.

Pyroptosis-Related LncRNA Signatures Correlate With Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis

Background

Pyroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death, accompanied by an intense inflammatory response. Previous studies have shown that pyroptosis can modify long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA), thereby affecting the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, the underlying role of pyroptosis-related lncRNA in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of pyrolysis-related lncRNA in patients with LUAD.

Methods

A total of 454 LUAD samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to identify the pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Unsupervised consensus clustering was used to identify the various LUAD molecular subtypes. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was conducted to construct a prognostic signature.

Results

An 11-lncRNA prognostic signature out of 19 identified pyroptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs was constructed. The patients with LUAD were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group had higher score values and mortality. The immune score, stromal score, and estimate score were lower in the high-risk group. The risk score was an independent predictor for OS in multivariate Cox regression analyses (HR > 1, p < 0.01). BTLA, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA, and CD47 were lower expressed in the high-risk group.

Conclusions

Our study identified an 11-pyroptosis-related lncRNA signature. These findings could further clarify the role of pyroptosis in LUAD and guide the prognosis and individualized treatment of patients.

Long non-coding RNA GHET1 promotes thyroid cancer cell proliferation and invasion

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the role of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) gastric carcinoma proliferation-enhancing transcript 1 (GHET1) on thyroid cancer (TC) behavior in vitro.

METHODS

TC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were obtained after surgical excision from 43 patients with TC. The expression of LncRNA GHET1 was analyzed by real-time (RT) PCR. Human papillary thyroid cancer cell lines (TPC-1, BCPAP) were used to examine the role of LncRNA GHET1 in vitro. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK8 and cell colony formation assays. Transwell and wound-healing assays were used to detect the invasion and migration of thyroid cancer cells.

RESULTS

Our results showed that LncRNA GHET1 was significantly more upregulated in TC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. LncRNA GHET1 was also increased in thyroid cancer cell lines compared to normal thyroid cell lines. The upregulation of LncRNA GHET1 was significantly associated with tumor invasion, gender, and lymph node metastasis in patients with thyroid cancer. The in vitro studies showed that silencing LncRNA GHET1 in BCPAP cells inhibited cell proliferation, cell invasion, and migration. Silencing of LncRNA GHETI also promoted the cell apoptotic rate, caused an increase in the cell population at the G0/G1 phase, and decreased the cell population at the S phase. In contrast, the overexpression of LncRNA GHET1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, inhibited cell apoptosis, and increased cell population at the S phase in TPC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA GHET1 dysregulation might be involved in the carcinogenesis of thyroid cancer. LncRNA GHET1 could be used as a potential molecular marker and molecular target for TC.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals a WNT signaling pathway-based gene signature prognostic for non-small cell carcinoma

The value of combining multiple candidate genes into a panel to improve biomarker performance is increasingly emphasized. Genes associated with WNT signaling are widely-reported to provide prognostic signatures in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Screening of genes involved in this signaling pathway facilitated selection of an optimal candidate biomarker gene combination and development of an NSCLC prognostic model based on expression of these genes. Risk scores derived from the model performed well in predicting survival; in the training dataset, samples achieving a high risk score exhibit a shorter survival interval (median survival time 34.8 months, 95% CI 31.1-41.0) than did samples achieving a low risk score (median survival time 72.0 months, 95% CI 59.3-87.5, p=2e-11), and exhibited higher oncogene and lower tumor suppressor gene expression. Receiver-operator characteristic curves based on three-year survival demonstrate that the model outperformed clinical prognostic indicators. In addition, the model was validated in four independent cohorts, demonstrating robust NSCLC prognostic value. Correlation analyses reveal that the model offers efficacy independent of other clinical indicators. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) reveals that the model reflects variable tissue functional states relevant to NSCLC biology. In summary, the signature model shows potential as a valuable and robust NSCLC prognostic indicator.

Prognostic significance of LncRNA GHET1 expression in various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dysregulated expression of long non-coding RNA gastric carcinoma high expressed transcript 1 (lncRNA GHET1) has been observed in several cancers, however, definite conclusion on the prognostic value of lncRNA GHET1 expression in human cancers has not been determined. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic significance of lncRNA GHET1 expression in cancers.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Meta-analyses of overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological features were conducted.

RESULTS

Ten studies were finally analyzed in the present study. High lncRNA GHET1 expression was associated with shorter OS than low lncRNA GHET1 expression in cancers (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.93-3.47, P<0.01). Online cross-validation using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data observed similar results (HR = 1.10, P<0.05). When compared with low lncRNA GHET1 expression, high lncRNA GHET1 expression was related to larger tumor size (P<0.01), worse differentiation (P<0.01), earlier distant metastasis (P=0.02), earlier lymph node metastasis (P<0.01) and more advanced clinical stage (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

High lncRNA GHET1 expression is associated with worse cancer prognosis and can serve as a promising prognostic factor of human cancers.

Clinicopathological and Prognostic Value of Gastric Carcinoma Highly Expressed Transcript 1 in Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Long noncoding RNA gastric cancer highly expressed transcript 1 (lncRNA GHET1) is often reported to be abnormally expressed in multiple cancers, but the situation is different in different cancers. Therefore, a meta-analysis is necessary to clarify the value of lncRNA GHET1 as a prognostic indicator in cancer.

Methods

Relevant research studies on lncRNA GHET1 and cancer were retrieved from three electronic literature databases of Web of Science, PubMed, and OVID. Meanwhile, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to explore the relationship between lncRNA GHET1 expression and survival of cancer patients. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated to assess the association of lncRNA GHET1 expression with pathological parameters of cancer patients.

Results

The meta-analysis included a total of 11 studies involving 714 cancer patients. The pooled HR suggests that high lncRNA GHET1 expression is associated with poor overall survival. In addition, high expression of lncRNA GHET1 was found to be associated with larger tumor size, poor histological grade, high tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis.

Conclusions

High lncRNA GHET1 expression can predict poor survival and pathological parameters. And lncRNA GHET1 could serve as a new indicator in multiple cancers.

Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA GHET1 in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

A number of studies have demonstrated the critical role of long non-coding RNA gastric cancer high expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) in many cancers. This meta-analysis provides an evidence-based evaluation of the prognostic role of GHET1 in cancer.

Materials and methods

Literature searches were conducted in several databases including Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the role of GHET1 in cancer. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018111252).

Results

Sixteen studies, containing 1315 patients, were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that GHET1 overexpression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cancer. Moreover, up-regulation of GHET1 expression predicted larger tumor size, positive lymph node metastasis, positive distant metastasis, and advanced TNM (tumor-node-metastases) stage in human cancers.

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between up-regulation of GHET1 and both poor prognosis and advanced clinicopathological cancer characteristics. GHET1 may be a potential prognostic predictor for human cancers.

Neuroepithelial Cell Transforming Gene 1 Acts as an Oncogene and Is Mediated by miR-22 in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abnormal expression of neuroepithelial cell transforming gene 1 (NET1) has been authenticated in many human cancers, including lung cancer. We have previously reported that NET1 functioned as an oncogene and promoted human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth and migration. However, the correlation between NET1 and its upstream miRNAs needed further illustration. Our present work demonstrated that miR-22 had a relatively low expression, and NET1 had a relatively high expression in both NSCLC samples and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared with corresponding normal controls. Moreover, miR-22 directly regulated NET1 and was verified to weaken cancer cell proliferation and migration, as well as enhance cell apoptosis by suppressing NET1. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of miR-22 can be reversed via overexpressing NET1 using an ectopic expression vector in NSCLC cells. Our findings showed that miR-22/NET-1 axis may contribute to the inhibition of NSCLC growth and migration and represents a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Blocking long noncoding RNA MALAT1 restrained the development of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose

The long non-coding RNA MALAT1 is a predictive marker in several solid tumors with highly conserved sequences. However, the role of non-coding RNA in development of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear.

Methods

Tumor tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues of 24 patients were collected. We detected the expression of MALAT1 in laryngeal cancer tissues and hypopharyngeal cancer tissues. Moreover, we developed a MALAT1 silencing model in human laryngeal tumor cells by transfecting MALAT1 small interfering RNA into human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 and pharyngeal carcinoma cell line FaDu with Lipofectamine 2000 system. Cell cycle analysis, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Transwell assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate the impact of MALAT1 depletion on laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer cell’s growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration.

Results

MALAT1 was significantly up-regulated in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. MALAT1 down-regulation induced the increased apoptosis of both cell lines and suppressed cells’ proliferation. Cells were arrested in G1/G2 phase and cells of S phase were significantly decreased. Down-regulation of MALAT1 expression can also inhibit the migration and invasion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell (Hep-2) and hypopharyngeal cancer cell (FaDu).

Conclusion

In summary, our deactivation model of MALAT1 disentangled the active function of it as a regulator of gene expression governing the hallmarks of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Blocking this long non-coding RNA may restrain the development of laryngeal cancer.

The Value of lncRNA GHET1 as a Prognostic Factor for Survival of Chinese Cancer Outcome: A Meta-Analysis

Aim

There is increasing evidence that high expression levels of the gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), are associated with cancer prognosis and may be used as a valuable biomarker for cancer patients. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze existing data to reveal potential clinical applications of GHET1 for cancer prognosis and tumor progression. All of these studies included in this meta-analysis were collected through a variety of retrieval strategies; and the enrolled articles were qualified via the meta-analysis of enrolled studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklists.

Materials and Methods

The literature collection was performed by a comprehensive search through electronic databases for studies published on or before March 10, 2019. These included the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, and three Chinese databases: CNKI, Weipu, and Wanfang. Seven studies that met the specified criteria were analyzed in the present research.

Results

The combined results indicate that an elevated GHET1 expression level is significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.87–3.08, p < 0.001) and tumor progression (III/IV vs. I/II: HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.48–2.18, p < 0.001) in multiple cancers. The elevated GHET1 expression was also associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (HR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.86–3.20, p < 0.001) in Chinese cancer patients. Conclusions. The present findings indicate that an increased GHET1 expression level is associated with poor OS, tumor progression, and LNM in patients with multiple tumors and may serve as a useful prognostic biomarker in Chinese cancer patients.

Overexpression of LncRNA GHET1 predicts an unfavourable survival and clinical parameters of patients in various cancers

Recently, increasing studies have reported that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) is highly expressed in variety of cancers and relevant to poor prognosis of cancer patients. Nevertheless, the results were inconsistent and the systematic analysis of lncRNA GHET1 in cancers has not been inspected. Thus, we aim to evaluate the relationship between lncRNA GHET1 expression and clinical outcomes in human cancers. We searched keywords in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrial.gov. Stata SE12.0 software was used in the quantitative meta‐analysis. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) were calculated to evaluate the clinical significance of lncRNA GHET1. Twelve studies totalling 761 patients with cancers were included for analysis. The pooled results of this study indicated that high lncRNA GHET1 expression level was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS, HR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.75‐3.02) in human cancers. The statistical significance was also detected in subgroup analysis stratified by analysis method, cancer type, sample size and follow‐up time respectively. In addition, the elevated lncRNA GHET1 expression was also significantly related to more advanced clinical stage, earlier lymph node metastasis, earlier distant metastasis and bigger tumour size. LncRNA GHET1 may serve as a promising biomarker for prognosis in Asians with cancers.

GHET1 acts as a prognostic indicator and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in cervical cancer

Gastric carcinoma proliferation enhancing transcript 1 (GHET1) has been suggested to serve as a promising oncogenic lncRNA in various types of human cancer. However, the role of GHET1 remained unknown in cervical cancer. In our study, we found GHET1 expression was markedly elevated in cervical cancer tissue specimens and cell lines compared with adjacent normal cervical tissue specimens and human normal cervical cell line, respectively. Then, we found high expression of GHET1 is a useful biomarker to discriminate cervical cancer tissues from non-tumorous tissues, and associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and poor histological grade in cervical cancer patients. The survival analysis showed high GHET1 expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in cervical cancer patients. Knockdown of GHET1 expression markedly inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The loss-of-function study indicated knockdown of GHET1 expression markedly inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, GHET1 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA in cervical cancer.

LncRNA TP73-AS1 promoted the progression of lung adenocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT pathway

Lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) is one of the most common malignancies that threats human health worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play significant roles in tumorigenesis and might be novel biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and treatment of cancers. TP73-AS1 is a newly discovered lncRNA involved in the tumorigenesis and development of several cancers. However, its role in LAD has not been investigated yet. In the present study, we first found that TP73-AS1 expression was markedly increased in LAD tissues and cell lines and its overexpression was strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Then the loss/gain-of-function assays elucidated that TP73-AS1 contributed to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and the in vivo experiments illustrated that its knockdown inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. What was more, we discovered that phosphoinositide 3-kinase and AKT (PI3K/AKT) pathway was activated both in LAD tissues and cell lines but inactivated under TP73-AS1 silence. Moreover, the activation of this pathway could rescue the inhibitory effects of TP73-AS1 suppression on LAD cellular processes partially. These data suggested that TP73-AS1 served as an oncogene in LAD partially through activating PI3K/AKT pathway and it could be a potential target for diagnosis and treatment of LAD.

Long Noncoding RNA LINC00460 Promotes the Gefitinib Resistance of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor by Sponging miR-769-5p

The vital roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis are increasingly important. This work aims to investigate the role of lncRNA LINC00460 in the gefitinib resistance of NSCLC cells and discover its relevant mechanism. Our finding reveals that the expression of lncRNA LINC00460 is upregulated in the gefitinib-resistant NSCLC tissue and cells, and closely correlated with advanced tumor stage and clinical poor prognosis outcome. Gain and loss functional assays are performed in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells (A549/GR), stating that LINC00460 facilitates the 50% inhibitive concentration of gefitinib for NSCLC cells, multidrug-resistant-related proteins (P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP), as well as the invasion. In vivo, LINC00460 silencing represses the tumor growth. Bioinformatics prediction tools and luciferase analysis confirm that the upregulated LINC00460 sponged miR-769-5p in NSCLC cells; moreover, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is identified as a direct target gene of miR-769-5p. Verification experiments confirm that the restoration of EGFR could weaken the sensibility of NSCLC cells toward the gefitinib. In conclusion, our result demonstrates that LINC00460 plays a pivotal role in gefitinib resistance of NSCLC cells by targeting EGFR through sponging miR-769-5p. This finding might serve as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Potential Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs and Long Noncoding RNAs in Anticancer Therapies

MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs have long been investigated due to their roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancers and regulators of tumorigenesis, and the potential regulatory roles of these molecules in anticancer therapies are attracting increasing interest as more in-depth studies are performed. The major clinical therapies for cancer include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted molecular therapy. MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs function through various mechanisms in these approaches, and the mechanisms involve direct targeting of immune checkpoints, cooperation with exosomes in the tumor microenvironment, and alteration of drug resistance through regulation of different signaling pathways. Herein we review the regulatory functions and significance of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in three anticancer therapies, especially in targeted molecular therapy, and their mechanisms.

lncRNA PCAT6 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating miR-330-5p

Background

Investigating the roles of lncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 6 (PCAT6) in modulating the growth and aggressiveness of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell.

Method

The levels of PCAT6 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time PCR assay. MTT as well as colony formation assays were applied to explore the effect of PCAT6 on the growth of NSCLC cell in vitro. Wound healing and Transwell assays were utilized to analyze the impact of PCAT6 on the migration and invasion of NSCLC cell. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to prove that miR-330-5p was the target of PCAT6. Colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays were applied to demonstrate that PCAT6 promoted NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion through binding miR-330-5p. Finally, xenograft model was used to explore the role of PCAT6 in the tumor growth of NSCLC cell in vivo.

Results

PCAT6 was highly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and non-tumorigenic bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. Downregulation of PCAT6 markedly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cell. Moreover, down-expression of PCAT6 significantly increased the level of miR-330-5p in NSCLC cell. Further functional experiments indicated that down-expression of miR-330-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of PCAT6 on NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that lncRNA PCAT6 facilitates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cell via competitively binding to miR-330-5p.