Long Noncoding RNA DANCR Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling through MiR-216a Inhibition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The NcRNA/Wnt axis in lung cancer: oncogenic mechanisms, remarkable indicators and therapeutic targets

Early diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) is challenging, treatment options are limited, and treatment resistance leads to poor prognosis and management in most patients. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a vital role in the occurrence, progression, and therapeutic response of LC. Recent studies indicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as epigenetic regulators that can promote or inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with Wnt proteins, receptors, signaling transducers, and transcriptional effectors, thereby affecting LC cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and treatment resistance. Deepening our understanding of the regulatory network between ncRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway will help overcome the limitations of current LC diagnosis and treatment methods. This article comprehensively reviews the regulatory mechanisms related to the functions of ncRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in LC, examining their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, aiming to offer new promising perspectives for LC diagnosis and treatment.

Expression study of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway associated lncRNAs in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses affecting any age group. The mechanism and etiology of schizophrenia are extremely complex and multiple signaling pathways recruit genes implicated in the etiology of this disease. While the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in this disorder has been verified, the impact of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with this pathway has not been studied in schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to examine the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin-related lncRNAs, namely CCAT2, SNHG5, PTCSC3, and DANCR, as well as the CTNNB1 gene encoding beta-catenin protein in two groups of schizophrenia patients (drug-naïve and medicated) compared with healthy individuals. This study included 50 medicated patients in the remission phase of the disease, 25 drug-naive patients in the acute phase, and 50 control subjects. There was no significant difference in CTNNB1 gene expression in the medicated patients compared to controls (P value = 0.9754). However, the expression of this gene was significantly decreased in drug-naïve first-episode patients compared with controls (P value < 0.001). In contrast, expression of DANCR, PTCSC3, SNHG5, and CCAT2 genes was significantly higher in medicated (P values < 0.001, < 0.001, = 0.01, < 0.001, respectively) and drug-naive first-episode patients (P value < 0.001) compared to control subjects. ROC curve analysis revealed that DANCR, PTCSC3, SNHG5, and CCAT2 genes had diagnostic power with specificity and sensitivity of 80% and above in separation between study subgroups. In brief, our data demonstrated dysregulation of Wnt/β pathway related genes and lncRNAs in the peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia and their potential as biomarkers for this disorder.

The regulatory role and therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNA in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the predominant subtype. Recent advances in transcriptome sequencing have highlighted the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in NSCLC, with lncRNAs influencing gene expression through epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Despite the growing understanding of lncRNAs, challenges such as delayed diagnosis and drug resistance continue to complicate NSCLC management. This review explores novel findings in the role of lncRNAs (e.g., MALAT1, HOTAIR, and GAS5) in NSCLC, with a particular focus on their encoded small peptides and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. We further discuss how the interplay between lncRNAs, their encoded peptides, and m6A modifications can provide new strategies for improving NSCLC diagnosis, treatment, and overcoming drug resistance. This review also highlights emerging research avenues that could lead to innovative clinical interventions in NSCLC.

LncRNA DANCR-V1 is a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathways in colorectal cancer: an in vitro and in silico study

BACKGROUND

DANCR is an oncogenic lncRNA associated with advanced colorectal cancer, one of the most common malignancies worldwide. This lncRNA has a new variant, DANCR-V1, whose function is not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of DANCR-V1 and its regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer.

METHOD AND RESULT

Bioinformatics analysis and RT-qPCR showed that DANCR-V1 expression was higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal pairs obtained from microarray data and 20 samples, respectively. LncRNA subcellular localization and hsa-miR-222 binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Dual luciferase assays confirmed that miR-222-mediated downregulation of DANCR-V1 through its targeting, and RT-qPCR showed that overexpression of miR-222 decreased the level of DANCR-V1. Functionally, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD-related genes changed under DANCR-V1 overexpression in the SW480 cell line, while their expression was reversed following miR-222 overexpression. Finally, at the cellular level, overexpression of DANCR-V1 elevated the proliferation and migration rates of SW480 cells, as determined using flow cytometry, western blotting and scratch assays.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that DANCR-V1 is a novel transcript variant that has crucial crosstalk with miR-222 via negative feedback and plays a critical role in colorectal cancer progression through Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling modulation.

Crosstalk between lncRNAs and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in lung cancers: From cancer progression to therapeutic response

Lung cancer (LC) is considered to have the highest mortality rate around the world. Because there are no early diagnostic signs or efficient clinical alternatives, distal metastasis and increasing numbers of recurrences are a challenge in the clinical management of LC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been recognized as a critical regulator involved in the progression and treatment response to LC. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been shown to influence LC occurrence and progress. Therefore, discovering connections between Wnt signaling pathway and lncRNAs may offer new therapeutic targets for improving LC treatment and management. In this review, the purpose of this article is to present possible therapeutic approaches by reviewing particular relationships, key processes, and molecules associated to the beginning and development of LC.

Illuminating the pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2: Insights into competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) regulatory networks

The appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 triggered a significant economic and health crisis worldwide, with heterogeneous molecular mechanisms that contribute to its development are not yet fully understood. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapy, it continues to rank among the top three global causes of mortality due to infectious illnesses. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), being integral components across nearly all biological processes, demonstrate effective importance in viral pathogenesis. Regarding viral infections, ncRNAs have demonstrated their ability to modulate host reactions, viral replication, and host-pathogen interactions. However, the complex interactions of different types of ncRNAs in the progression of COVID-19 remains understudied. In recent years, a novel mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation known as "competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)" has been proposed. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and viral ncRNAs function as ceRNAs, influencing the expression of associated genes by sequestering shared microRNAs. Recent research on SARS-CoV-2 has revealed that disruptions in specific ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) contribute to the abnormal expression of key infection-related genes and the establishment of distinctive infection characteristics. These findings present new opportunities to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This progress paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of ceRNETs, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms involved. Further exploration of these mechanisms holds promise for enhancing our ability to prevent viral infections and develop effective antiviral treatments.

Current concepts of the crosstalk between lncRNA and E2F1: shedding light on the cancer therapy

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a distinctive subset of RNA molecules with limited protein-coding potential, which exert crucial impacts on various biological activities. In the context of cancer, dysregulated lncRNAs function as essential regulators that affect tumor initiation and malignant progression. These lncRNAs serve as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) through sponging microRNAs and regulating the expression of targeted genes. Moreover, they also directly bind to RNA-binding proteins, which can be integrated into a complex mechanistic network. E2F1, an extensively studied transcription factor, mediates multiple malignant behaviors by regulating cell cycle progression, tumor metastasis, and therapeutic response. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating the E2F1 pathway. This review aims to elucidate the intricate gene regulatory programs between lncRNAs and E2F1 in cancer progression. We elaborate on distinct mechanistic networks involved in cancer progression, emphasizing the potential of the lncRNAs/E2F1 axes as promising targets for cancer therapy. Additionally, we provide novel perspectives on current evidence, limitations, and future directions for targeting lncRNAs in human cancers. Fully deciphering the intricate network of lncRNA/E2F1-mediated regulatory mechanisms in cancer could facilitate the translation of current findings into clinical course, such efforts ultimately significantly improve the clinical prognosis of cancer patients.

New evidence for a role of DANCR in cancers: a comprehensive review

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and poses a substantial threat to public health. Studies have revealed that Long noncoding RNA DANCR is a cytoplasmic lncRNA whose aberrant expression plays a pivotal role in various cancer types. Within tumour biology, DANCR exerts regulatory control over crucial processes such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, cellular energy metabolism reprogramming, and apoptosis. By acting as a competitive endogenous RNA for miRNAs and by interacting with proteins and mRNAs at the molecular level, DANCR contributes significantly to cancer progression. Elevated DANCR levels have also been linked to heightened resistance to anticancer drugs. Moreover, the detection of circulating DANCR holds promise as a valuable biomarker for aiding in the clinical differentiation of different cancer types. This article offers a comprehensive review and elucidation of the primary functions and molecular mechanisms through which DANCR influences tumours.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4-Induced Up-Regulated LINC01278 Enhances Proliferation and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via the MicroRNA-877-5p/Activating Transcription Factor 4 Axis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific effects of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4)-induced long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 1278 (LINC01278) on the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells involved in the microRNA (miR)-877-5p/activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) axis.

METHODS

NSCLC tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue were collected. Human normal lung epithelial cell BEAS-2B and human NSCLC cell lines (H1299, H1975, A549, H2228) were collected. The expression levels of STAT4, LINC01278, miR-877-5p, and ATF4 were detected. A549 cells were screened for subsequent experiments. The proliferation ability of cells was detected by colony formation experiment. Cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. Scratch test and transwell assay were used to detect the migration and invasion ability of cells. Biological function of LINC01278 in NSCLC was confirmed by xenograft experiments.

RESULTS

Low expression miR-877-5p and high expression of STAT4, LINC01278 and ATF4 were detected in NSCLC. Silenced LINC01278 in A549 cell depressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but facilitated cell apoptosis. LINC01278 was positively correlated with STAT4 and could directly bind to miR-877-5p. Upregulating miR-877-5p suppressed NSCLC cell progression, while downregulating miR-877-5p had the opposite effect. Upregulating miR-877-5p abrogated the effects of silenced LINC01278 on NSCLC cell progression. MiR-877-5p targeted ATF4. ATF4 upregulation could partly restore the carcinogenic effect of LINC01278 in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our data supports that STAT4-induced upregulation of LINC01278 promotes NSCLC progression by modulating the miR-877-5p/ATF4 axis, suggesting a novel direction for NSCLC treatment.

LINC01559 promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by disrupting the ubiquitination of vimentin

BACKGROUND

Distant metastasis is the major cause of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)-associated mortality. However, molecular mechanisms involved in LUAD metastasis remain to be fully understood. While the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer development, progression, and treatment resistance is being increasingly appreciated, the list of dysregulated lncRNAs that contribute to LUAD pathogenesis is also rapidly expanding.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to interrogate publicly available LUAD datasets. In situ hybridization and qRT-PCR assays were used to test lncRNA expression in human LUAD tissues and cell lines, respectively. Wound healing as well as transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to examine LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro. LUAD metastasis was examined using mouse models in vivo. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation were carried out to test RNA-protein associations. Cycloheximide-chase assays were performed to monitor protein turnover rates and Western blotting was employed to test protein expression.

RESULTS

The expression of the lncRNA LINC01559 was commonly upregulated in LUADs, in particular, in those with distant metastasis. High LINC01559 expression was associated with poor outcome of LUAD patients and was potentially an independent prognostic factor. Knockdown of LINC01559 diminished the potential of LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro and reduced the formation of LUAD metastatic lesions in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01559 binds to vimentin and prevents its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, leading to promotion of LUAD cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

LINC01559 plays an important role in LUAD metastasis through stabilizing vimentin. The expression of LINC01559 is potentially an independent prognostic factor of LUAD patients, and LINC01559 targeting may represent a novel avenue for the treatment of late-stage LUAD.

Paclitaxel-induced inhibition of NSCLC invasion and migration via RBFOX3-mediated circIGF1R biogenesis

We previously reported that circIGF1R is significantly downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and tissues. It inhibits cancer cell invasion and migration, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The invasion and migration of NSCLC cells was analyzed by routine in vivo and in vitro functional assays. Fluorescent in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms. Mechanism of action of paclitaxel-induced RBFOX3-mediated inhibition of NSCLC invasion and migration was investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Our study reveals that circIGF1R acts as a Competing Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1270, thereby regulating Van-Gogh-like 2 (VANGL2) expression and subsequently inhibiting NSCLC cell invasion and migration via the Wnt pathway. We also found that RNA binding protein fox-1 homolog 3 (RBFOX3) enhances circIGF1R biogenesis by binding to IGF1R pre-mRNA, which in turn suppresses migration and invasion in NSCLC cells. Additionally, the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel was shown to impede NSCLC invasion and migration by inducing RBFOX3-mediated circIGF1R biogenesis.RBFOX3 inhibits the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells through the circIGF1R/ miR-1270/VANGL2 axis, circIGF1R has the potential to serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspective of long noncoding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: it takes a village

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct subtype of RNA that lack protein-coding capacity but exert significant influence on various cellular processes. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), dysregulated lncRNAs act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LncRNAs directly modulate gene expression, act as competitive endogenous RNAs by interacting with microRNAs or proteins, and associate with RNA binding proteins. Moreover, lncRNAs can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and influence cellular metabolism, cancer cell stemness, and angiogenesis by engaging various signaling pathways. Notably, lncRNAs have shown great potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in liquid biopsies and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. This comprehensive review elucidates the significant roles and diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs in NSCLC. Furthermore, we provide insights into the clinical relevance, current research progress, limitations, innovative research approaches, and future perspectives for targeting lncRNAs in NSCLC. By summarizing the existing knowledge and advancements, we aim to enhance the understanding of the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in NSCLC and stimulate further research in this field. Ultimately, unraveling the complex network of lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC could potentially lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1/miR-410-3p/Wnt7b axis promotes the proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 has a common gene imbalance in various cancers and tumours, which plays an important role in regulating its biological function. However, there are few studies on lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in the pathogenesis of RA. In the present study, we established an adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat model to obtain primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs);The subcellular localisation of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) assay; Cell proliferation of FLSs was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay;IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blots(WB) and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of lncRNA OIP5-AS1/miR-410-3p/wnt7b signal axis and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway related indicators in FLSs. FISH assay confirmed the presence of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in the cytoplasm, suggesting that it acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). qRT-PCR showed that the expression of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 was upregulated in FLSs, while the expression of miR-410-3p was downregulated in FLSs. We also found that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and inflammation of FLSs. Moreover, the expression of Wnt7b, the downstream target gene of miR-410-3p, and the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway were also inhibited by lncRNA OIP5-AS1 knockdown. These results suggested that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by regulating the miR-410-3p/Wnt7b signalling axis, thereby participating in the occurrence and development of RA.

[Research Progress of LncRNA SNHGs in Regulating the Biological Behavior of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest incidence and mortality rate in China, and its occurrence and development mechanism and treatment methods are the current research focuses. In recent years, the emergence of drugs targeting various tumor driver genes has significantly improved patients' survival and quality of life, setting off a wave of research on new therapeutic targets. Among them, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a crucial role in the malignant behavior of tumors, which has attracted widespread attention. Shown by a large number of studies, partial members of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) family are aberrantly expressed in many maliglant tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and participate in cell proliferation, invasion and migration, which may act as a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and can be a therapeutic target of NSCLC. In this review, we comprehensively summarize and explore the recent investigation of SNHGs in NSCLC in order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
.

Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-216a during tumor progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the members of non-coding RNAs family are involved in post-transcriptional regulation by translational inhibiting or mRNA degradation. They have a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and migration. MiRNAs aberrations have been reported in various cancers. Considering the importance of these factors in regulation of cellular processes and their high stability in body fluids, these factors can be suggested as suitable non-invasive markers for the cancer diagnosis. MiR-216a deregulation has been frequently reported in different cancers. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms of the miR-216a during tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-216a mainly functioned as a tumor suppressor through the regulation of signaling pathways and transcription factors. This review paves the way to suggest the miR-216a as a probable therapeutic and diagnostic target in cancer patients.

Non Coding RNAs as Regulators of Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy histologically characterized by the replacement of myocardium by fibrofatty infiltration, cardiomyocyte loss, and inflammation. ACM has been defined as a desmosomal disease because most of the mutations causing the disease are located in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Interestingly, the instable structures of these intercellular junctions in this disease are closely related to a perturbed Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Imbalance in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and also in the crosslinked Hippo pathway leads to the transcription of proadipogenic and profibrotic genes. Aiming to shed light on the mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulate the progression of the pathological ACM phenotype, the study of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has emerged as a potential source of actionable targets. ncRNAs comprise a wide range of RNA species (short, large, linear, circular) which are able to finely tune gene expression and determine the final phenotype. Some share recognition sites, thus referred to as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and ensure a coordinating action. Recent cancer research studies regarding the key role of ceRNAs in Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulation pave the way to better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ACM.

The integrated comprehension of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 implication on human diseases

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a non-protein-coding RNA with a length of more than 200 nucleotides. Studies have shown that lncRNAs have vital impacts on various pathological processes and participate in the development of human diseases, usually through acting as competing endogenous RNAs to modulate miRNA expression and biological functions. lncRNA HOXA Cluster Antisense RNA 3 (HOXA-AS3) was a newly discovered lncRNA and has been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed in many diseases. Moreover, HOXA-AS3 expression was closely correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics in cancer patients. In addition, HOXA-AS3 exhibited significant properties in regulating several biological processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, HOXA-AS3 has provided promising values in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies of several diseases such as liver cancer, glioma, lung cancer, oral cancer, gastric cancer, and even atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the abnormal expression of HOXA-AS3 in several human disorders and some pathobiological processes and its clinical characteristics, followed by a summary of HOXA-AS3 functions, regulatory mechanisms, and clinical application potential.

Regulating Oncogenic LncRNA DANCR with Targeted ECO/siRNA Nanoparticles for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing noncoding RNA (DANCR) is a proven oncogenic lncRNA across multiple cancer types. Its effects on cancer cell migration and invasion position it as a potential target for therapy on multiple levels of gene regulation. DANCR is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common lung cancer subtype with poor patient survival. To effectively deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) against DANCR for NSCLC therapy, we used arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-(1-aminoethyl)-iminobis[N-oleicylcysteinyl-1-aminoethyl)propionamide] (ECO)/small interfering RNA against DANCR (siDANCR) nanoparticles to transfect A549 and NCI-H1299 cells. Over 90% DANCR silencing was observed along with inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and spheroid formation relative to transfection with negative control siRNA in RGD-PEG-ECO nanoparticles. DANCR knockdown further showed efficacy in reducing migration and invasion of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-inhibitor resistant NSCLC along with resensitization to the inhibitor. RGD-PEG-ECO/siDANCR demonstrated silencing for up to 7 d following a single transfection. The results suggest nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference against DANCR as a potential approach for NSCLC treatment by regulating cell migration and invasion in addition to improving EGFR inhibitor response.

Long non-coding RNAs and exosomal lncRNAs: Potential functions in lung cancer progression, drug resistance and tumor microenvironment remodeling

Among the different kinds of tumors threatening human life, lung cancer is one that is commonly observed in both males and females. The aggressive behavior of lung cancer and interactions occurring in tumor microenvironment enhances the malignancy of this tumor. The lung tumor cells have demonstrated capacity in developing chemo- and radio-resistance. LncRNAs are a category of non-coding RNAs that do not encode proteins, but their aberrant expression is responsible for tumor development, especially lung cancer. In the present review, we focus on both lncRNAs and exosomal lncRNAs in lung cancer, and their ability in regulating proliferation and metastasis. Cell cycle progression and molecular mechanisms related to lung cancer metastasis such as EMT and MMPs are regulated by lncRNAs. LncRNAs interact with miRNAs, STAT, Wnt, EZH2, PTEN and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to affect progression of lung cancer cells. LncRNAs demonstrate both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting functions in lung cancer. They can be considered as biomarkers in lung cancer and especially exosomal lncRNAs present in body fluids are potential tools for minimally invasive diagnosis. Furthermore, we discuss regulation of lncRNAs by anti-cancer drugs and genetic tools as well as the role of these factors in therapy response of lung cancer cells.

A review on the role of DANCR in the carcinogenesis

DANCR is an RNA gene located on chr4. This gene has several splice variants. Up-regulation of DANCR has been reported in many types of cancers. This lncRNA is mainly located in the cytoplasm and regulates genes expression at post-transcriptional level. In fact, it acts as a molecular sponge for a variety of miRNAs, including miR-874-3P, miR-335, miR-149, miR-4319, miR-758-3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-874-3p, miR-33a-5p, miR-335-5p, miR-145-3p, miR-665, miR-345-5p and miR-125b-5p. DANCR also regulates activity of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, ERK/SMAD, MAPK, IL-6/JAK1/STAT3, Smad2/3, p53, FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathways. In the current narrative review article, we summarize the roles of DANCR in the carcinogenesis, with an especial emphasis on its role in the development of osteosarcoma and lung, liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

The Roles of Noncoding RNAs in the Development of Osteosarcoma Stem Cells and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the common bone tumor in children and adolescents. Because of chemotherapy resistance, the OS patients have a poor prognosis. The one reason of chemotherapeutic resistance is the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs represent a small portion of tumor cells with the capacity of self-renewal and multipotency, which are associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. Recently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to critically regulate CSCs. Therefore, in this review article, we described the role of ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, in regulating CSCs development and potential mechanisms. Specifically, we discussed the role of multiple miRNAs in targeting CSCs, including miR-26a, miR-29b, miR-34a, miR-133a, miR-143, miR-335, miR-382, miR-499a, miR-1247, and let-7days. Moreover, we highlighted the functions of lncRNAs in regulating CSCs in OS, such as B4GALT1-AS1, DANCR, DLX6-AS1, FER1L4, HIF2PUT, LINK-A, MALAT1, SOX2-OT, and THOR. Due to the critical roles of ncRNAs in regulation of OS CSCs, targeting ncRNAs might be a novel strategy for eliminating CSCs for OS therapy.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: The Role in Tumor Microenvironment

The development of various therapeutic interventions, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, have effectively induced tumor remission for patients with advanced lung cancer. However, few cancer patients can obtain significant and long-lasting therapeutic effects for the limitation of immunological nonresponse and resistance. For this case, it’s urgent to identify new biomarkers and develop therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy. Over the past decades, tumor microenvironment (TME)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gradually become well known to us. A large number of existing studies have indicated that TME-related lncRNAs are one of the major factors to realize precise diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Herein, this paper discusses the roles of lncRNAs in TME, and the potential application of lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in lung cancer.

Long Non-coding RNA DANCR in Cancer: Roles, Mechanisms, and Implications

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DANCR (also known as ANCR)—differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA, was first reported in 2012 to suppress differentiation of epithelial cells. Emerging evidence demonstrates that DANCR is a cancer-associated lncRNA abnormally expressed in many cancers (e.g., lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma). Increasing studies suggest that the dysregulation of DANCR plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic analyses show that DANCR can serve as miRNA sponges, stabilize mRNAs, and interact with proteins. Recent research reveals that DANCR can be detected in many body fluids such as serum, plasma, and exosomes, providing a quick and convenient method for cancer monitor. Thus DANCR can be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for various types of cancer. This review focuses on the role and mechanism of DANCR in cancer progression with an emphasis on the clinical significance of DANCR in human cancers.

Acrid-release and bitter-downbearing therapy and banxia xiexin decoction regulate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, inhibit proliferation and invasion, and induce apoptosis in gastric cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the efficacy of the acrid-release and bitter-downbearing therapy and Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) in treating gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

BXD was decocted, and serum containing medicine was prepared from rats. The SNU-16 cells were cultured with different concentrations of BXD serum (25, 50, 100 μL/mL). Then, those were treated with BXD and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator (LiCl) and divided into three groups: Control group, BXD group and BXD+LiCl group. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was detected by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Cell activity, clone formation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis in each group were examined by MTT, clone formation test, Transwell and flow cytometry. The oxidative stress measures in cells of each group were tested by an oxidative stress kit.

RESULTS

With increasing BXD concentration, the clonogenic ability of cells was inhibited. BXD can inhibit cell activity, clone formation, invasion and metastasis, promote oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis. It can also inhibit the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. A Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activator could partially inhibit the action of BXD.

CONCLUSION

BXD participates in GC treatment by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus inhibiting GC cell activity and clone formation, promoting oxidative stress, and inducing apoptosis.

Mechanistic role of DANCR in the choreography of signaling pathways in different cancers: Spotlight on regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and JAK/STAT pathways by oncogenic long non-coding RNA

Discovery of non-coding RNAs has paradigmatically shifted our understanding of the multifaceted nature of cancer. It is becoming progressively more understandable that long non-coding RNAs play fundamental role in regulation of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. DANCR has started to gain remarkable appreciation because of its central role in cancer onset and progression. In this review we have attempted to summarize emerging aspects of DANCR-mediated regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and JAK/STAT pathways in different cancers. We have also discussed how DANCR epigenetically inactivated tumor suppressors to promote cancer. There is sufficient experimental evidence related to oncogenic role of DANCR in variety of cancers. However, there is a need to uncover how DANCR modulates various other oncogenic pathways in different cancers.