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Grätz C, Schuster M, Brandes F, Meidert AS, Kirchner B, Reithmair M, Schelling G, Pfaffl MW. A pipeline for the development and analysis of extracellular vesicle-based transcriptomic biomarkers in molecular diagnostics. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101269. [PMID: 38552453 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are shed by every cell type and can be found in any biofluid. They contain different molecules that can be utilized as biomarkers, including several RNA species which they protect from degradation. Here, we present a pipeline for the development and analysis of extracellular vesicle-associated transcriptomic biomarkers that our group has successfully applied multiple times. We highlight the key steps of the pipeline and give particular emphasis to the necessary quality control checkpoints, which are linked to numerous available guidelines that should be considered along the workflow. Our pipeline starts with patient recruitment and continues with blood sampling and processing. The purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles is explained in detail, as well as the isolation and quality control of extracellular vesicle-associated RNA. We point out the possible pitfalls during library preparation and RNA sequencing and present multiple bioinformatic tools to pinpoint biomarker signature candidates from the sequencing data. Finally, considerations and pitfalls during the validation of the biomarker signature using RT-qPCR will be elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grätz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
| | - Martina Schuster
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Brandes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Agnes S Meidert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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2
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Lin YH, Su CH, Chen HM, Wu MS, Pan HA, Chang CN, Cheng YS, Chang WT, Chiu CC, Teng YN. MicroRNA-320a enhances LRWD1 expression through the AGO2/FXR1-dependent pathway to affect cell behaviors and the oxidative stress response in human testicular embryonic carcinoma cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3973-3988. [PMID: 38385979 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular cancer is fairly rare but can affect fertility in adult males. Leucine-rich repeats- and WD repeat domain-containing protein 1 (LRWD1) is a sperm-specific marker that mainly affects sperm motility in reproduction. Our previous study demonstrated the impact of LRWD1 on testicular cancer development; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS In this study, various plasmids associated with LRWD1 and miR-320a manipulation were used to explore the roles and regulatory effects of these molecules in NT2D1 cellular processes. A Dual-Glo luciferin-luciferase system was used to investigate LRWD1 transcriptional activity, and qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to determine gene and protein expression. RESULTS The results suggested that miR-320a positively regulated LRWD1 and positively correlated with NT2D1 cell proliferation but negatively correlated with cell migration and invasion ability. In addition, the miRNA-ribonucleoprotein complex AGO2/FXR1 was shown to be essential in the mechanism by which miR-320a regulates LRWD1 mRNA expression. As miR-320a was required to regulate LRWD1 expression through the AGO2 and FXR1 complex, eEF2 and eLF4E were also found to be involved in miR-320a increasing LRWD1 expression. Furthermore, miR-320a and LRWD1 were responsive to oxidative stress, and NRF2 was affected by the presence of miR-320a in response to ROS stimulation. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing the role of miR-320a in upregulating the testicular cancer-specific regulator LRWD1 and the importance of the AGO2/FXR1 complex in miR-320a-mediated upregulation of LRWD1 during testicular cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsiung Lin
- Center for Lipid Biosciences, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Su
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Mei Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Syuan Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-An Pan
- An-An Women and Children Clinic, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ning Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsan Chang
- Department of Surgery, Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ni Teng
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan 700, Taiwan
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3
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Solaguren-Beascoa M, Gámez-Valero A, Escaramís G, Herrero-Lorenzo M, Ortiz AM, Minguet C, Gonzalo R, Bravo MI, Costa M, Martí E. Phospho-RNA-Seq Highlights Specific Small RNA Profiles in Plasma Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11653. [PMID: 37511412 PMCID: PMC10380198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) are bioactive molecules that can be detected in biofluids, reflecting physiological and pathological states. In plasma, sRNAs are found within extracellular vesicles (EVs) and in extravesicular compartments, offering potential sources of highly sensitive biomarkers. Deep sequencing strategies to profile sRNAs favor the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs), the best-known class of sRNAs. Phospho-RNA-seq, through the enzymatic treatment of sRNAs with T4 polynucleotide kinase (T4-PNK), has been recently developed to increase the detection of thousands of previously inaccessible RNAs. In this study, we investigated the value of phospho-RNA-seq on both the EVs and extravesicular plasma subfractions. Phospho-RNA-seq increased the proportion of sRNAs used for alignment and highlighted the diversity of the sRNA transcriptome. Unsupervised clustering analysis using sRNA counts matrices correctly classified the EVs and extravesicular samples only in the T4-PNK treated samples, indicating that phospho-RNA-seq stresses the features of sRNAs in each plasma subfraction. Furthermore, T4-PNK treatment emphasized specific miRNA variants differing in the 5'-end (5'-isomiRs) and certain types of tRNA fragments in each plasma fraction. Phospho-RNA-seq increased the number of tissue-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) fragments in the EVs compared with the extravesicular fraction, suggesting that phospho-RNA-seq favors the discovery of tissue-specific sRNAs in EVs. Overall, the present data emphasizes the value of phospho-RNA-seq in uncovering RNA-based biomarkers in EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Solaguren-Beascoa
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Gámez-Valero
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Georgia Escaramís
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Herrero-Lorenzo
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana M Ortiz
- Grifols Scientific Innovation Office, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Minguet
- Grifols Scientific Innovation Office, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gonzalo
- Grifols Scientific Innovation Office, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Eulàlia Martí
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Thakur A, Kumar M. AntiVIRmiR: A repository of host antiviral miRNAs and their expression along with experimentally validated viral miRNAs and their targets. Front Genet 2022; 13:971852. [PMID: 36159991 PMCID: PMC9493126 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.971852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs play an essential role in promoting viral infections as well as modulating the antiviral defense. Several miRNA repositories have been developed for different species, e.g., human, mouse, and plant. However, ‘VIRmiRNA’ is the only existing resource for experimentally validated viral miRNAs and their targets. We have developed a ‘AntiVIRmiR’ resource encompassing data on host/virus miRNA expression during viral infection. This resource with 22,741 entries is divided into four sub-databases viz., ‘DEmiRVIR’, ‘AntiVmiR’, ‘VIRmiRNA2’ and ‘VIRmiRTar2’. ‘DEmiRVIR’ has 10,033 differentially expressed host-viral miRNAs for 21 viruses. ‘AntiVmiR’ incorporates 1,642 entries for host miRNAs showing antiviral activity for 34 viruses. Additionally, ‘VIRmiRNA2’ includes 3,340 entries for experimentally validated viral miRNAs from 50 viruses along with 650 viral isomeric sequences for 14 viruses. Further, ‘VIRmiRTar2’ has 7,726 experimentally validated targets for viral miRNAs against 21 viruses. Furthermore, we have also performed network analysis for three sub-databases. Interactions between up/down-regulated human miRNAs and viruses are displayed for ‘AntiVmiR’ as well as ‘DEmiRVIR’. Moreover, ‘VIRmiRTar2’ interactions are shown among different viruses, miRNAs, and their targets. We have provided browse, search, external hyperlinks, data statistics, and useful analysis tools. The database available at https://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/manojk/antivirmir would be beneficial for understanding the host-virus interactions as well as viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Thakur
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- *Correspondence: Manoj Kumar,
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5
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Morais RDVS, Sogorb-González M, Bar C, Timmer NC, Van der Bent ML, Wartel M, Vallès A. Functional Intercellular Transmission of miHTT via Extracellular Vesicles: An In Vitro Proof-of-Mechanism Study. Cells 2022; 11:2748. [PMID: 36078156 PMCID: PMC9455173 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by GAG expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. AAV5-miHTT is an adeno-associated virus serotype 5-based vector expressing an engineered HTT-targeting microRNA (miHTT). Preclinical studies demonstrate the brain-wide spread of AAV5-miHTT following a single intrastriatal injection, which is partly mediated by neuronal transport. miHTT has been previously associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs), but whether EVs mediate the intercellular transmission of miHTT remains unknown. A contactless culture system was used to evaluate the transport of miHTT, either from a donor cell line overexpressing miHTT or AAV5-miHTT transduced neurons. Transfer of miHTT to recipient (HEK-293T, HeLa, and HD patient-derived neurons) cells was observed, which significantly reduced HTT mRNA levels. miHTT was present in EV-enriched fractions isolated from culture media. Immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization experiments showed that the signal for miHTT and EV markers co-localized, confirming the transport of miHTT within EVs. In summary, we provide evidence that an engineered miRNA-miHTT-is loaded into EVs, transported across extracellular space, and taken up by neighboring cells, and importantly, that miHTT is active in recipient cells downregulating HTT expression. This represents an additional mechanism contributing to the widespread biodistribution of AAV5-miHTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto D. V. S. Morais
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Sogorb-González
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Citlali Bar
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki C. Timmer
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Leontien Van der Bent
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Morgane Wartel
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Vallès
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Distefano R, Nigita G, Le P, Romano G, Acunzo M, Nana-Sinkam P. Disparities in Lung Cancer: miRNA Isoform Characterization in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:773. [PMID: 35159038 PMCID: PMC8833952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of targeted therapeutics, immunotherapy, and strategies for early detection, lung cancer carries a high mortality. Further, significant racial disparities in outcomes exist for which the molecular drivers have yet to be fully elucidated. The growing field of Epitranscriptomics has introduced a new layer of complexity to the molecular pathogenesis of cancer. RNA modifications can occur in coding and non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs, possibly altering their gene regulatory function. The potential role for such modifications as clinically informative biomarkers remains largely unknown. Here, we concurrently profiled canonical miRNAs, shifted isomiRs (templated and non-templated), and miRNAs with single-point modification events (RNA and DNA) in White American (W) and Black or African American (B/AA) lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. We found that while most deregulated miRNA isoforms were similar in W and B/AA LUAD tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues, there was a subgroup of isoforms with deregulation according to race. We specifically investigated an edited miRNA, miR-151a-3p with an A-to-I editing event at position 3, to determine how its altered expression may be associated with activation of divergent biological pathways between W and B/AA LUAD patients. Finally, we identified distinct race-specific miRNA isoforms that correlated with prognosis for both Ws and B/AAs. Our results suggested that concurrently profiling canonical and non-canonical miRNAs may have potential as a strategy for identifying additional distinct biological pathways and biomarkers in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Distefano
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (R.D.); (G.N.)
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (R.D.); (G.N.)
| | - Patricia Le
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (P.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Giulia Romano
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (P.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Mario Acunzo
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (P.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Patrick Nana-Sinkam
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (P.L.); (G.R.)
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7
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Turning Data to Knowledge: Online Tools, Databases, and Resources in microRNA Research. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1385:133-160. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08356-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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8
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Glogovitis I, Yahubyan G, Würdinger T, Koppers-Lalic D, Baev V. miRGalaxy: Galaxy-Based Framework for Interactive Analysis of microRNA and isomiR Sequencing Data. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225663. [PMID: 34830818 PMCID: PMC8616193 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary MicroRNAs are essential regulators of gene expression and potential non-invasive biomarker candidates for various human cancers as they can be detected in bodily fluids. Several tools have been developed to analyze small RNA-sequencing data; however, they have limitations and restrictions such as lack of optimal configuration, parameterization, and interoperability with other tools and platforms. miRGalaxy is an open-source, Galaxy-based framework for analyzing NGS data focusing on microRNAs and their sequence variants—isomiRs. Galaxy is a web-based platform for data-intensive biomedical research, allowing user-friendly analysis and accessibility to hundreds of tools. miRGalaxy is designed specifically for identifying and classifying human microRNAs and isomiRs, as well as detecting deregulated microRNAs and isomiRs between two test groups, summarized by output visualization. By examining the differential expression of individual isomiR species across samples, miRGalaxy can help discover novel biomarkers. Abstract Tools for microRNA (miR) sequencing data analyses are broadly used in biomedical research. However, the complexity of computational approaches still remains a challenge for biologists with scarce experience in data analytics and bioinformatics. Here, we present miRGalaxy, a Galaxy-based framework for comprehensive analysis of miRs and their sequence variants—miR isoforms (isomiRs). Though isomiRs are commonly reported in deep-sequencing experiments, their detailed structure complexity and specific differential expression (DE) remain not fully examined by the majority of the available analysis tools. miRGalaxy encompasses biologist-user-friendly tools and workflows dedicated to the analysis of the isomiR-ome and its complex behavior in various biological samples. miRGalaxy is developed as a modular, accessible, redistributable, shareable, and user-friendly framework for scientists working with small RNA (sRNA)-seq data. Due to its modular workflow, advanced users can customize the steps and tools for their needs. In addition, the framework provides an analysis report where the significant output results are summarized in charts and visualizations. miRGalaxy can be accessed via preconfigured Docker image flavor and a Toolshed installation if the user already has a running Galaxy instance. Over the last decade, studies on the expression of miRs and isomiRs in normal and deregulated tissues have led to the discovery of their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. The detection of miRs in biofluids further expanded the exploration of the miR repertoire as a source of liquid biopsy biomarkers. Here we show the miRGalaxy framework application for in-depth analysis of the sRNA-seq data from two different biofluids, milk and plasma, to identify, annotate, and discover specific differentially expressed miRs and isomiRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Glogovitis
- Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv, Tzar Assen 24, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.G.); (G.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.W.); (D.K.-L.)
| | - Galina Yahubyan
- Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv, Tzar Assen 24, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.G.); (G.Y.)
| | - Thomas Würdinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.W.); (D.K.-L.)
| | - Danijela Koppers-Lalic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.W.); (D.K.-L.)
| | - Vesselin Baev
- Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv, Tzar Assen 24, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.G.); (G.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Dragomir MP, Knutsen E, Calin GA. Classical and noncanonical functions of miRNAs in cancers. Trends Genet 2021; 38:379-394. [PMID: 34728089 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in microRNAs (miRNAs) expression are causative in the initiation and progression of human cancers. The molecular events responsible for the widespread differential expression of miRNAs in malignancy are exemplified by their location in cancer-associated genomic regions, epigenetic mechanisms, transcriptional dysregulation, chemical modifications and editing, and alterations in miRNA biogenesis proteins. The classical miRNA function is synonymous with post-transcriptional repression of target protein genes. However, several studies have reported miRNAs functioning outside this paradigm and some of these novel modes of regulation of gene expression have been implicated in cancers. Here, we summarize key aspects of miRNA involvement in cancer, with a special focus on these lesser-studied mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea P Dragomir
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Zelli V, Compagnoni C, Capelli R, Corrente A, Cornice J, Vecchiotti D, Di Padova M, Zazzeroni F, Alesse E, Tessitore A. Emerging Role of isomiRs in Cancer: State of the Art and Recent Advances. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091447. [PMID: 34573429 PMCID: PMC8469436 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of Next Generation Sequencing technologies brought with it the discovery of several microRNA (miRNA) variants of heterogeneous lengths and/or sequences. Initially ascribed to sequencing errors/artifacts, these isoforms, named isomiRs, are now considered non-canonical variants that originate from physiological processes affecting the canonical miRNA biogenesis. To date, accurate IsomiRs abundance, biological activity, and functions are not completely understood; however, the study of isomiR biology is an area of great interest due to their high frequency in the human miRNome, their putative functions in cooperating with the canonical miRNAs, and potential for exhibiting novel functional roles. The discovery of isomiRs highlighted the complexity of the small RNA transcriptional landscape in several diseases, including cancer. In this field, the study of isomiRs could provide further insights into the miRNA biology and its implication in oncogenesis, possibly providing putative new cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers as well. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the state of research on isomiRs in different cancer types, including the most common tumors such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer, as well as in the less frequent tumors, as for example brain tumors and hematological malignancies, will be summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Zelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, Via Petrini, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Compagnoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Roberta Capelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessandra Corrente
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Jessica Cornice
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Monica Di Padova
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessandra Tessitore
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.Z.); (C.C.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (D.V.); (M.D.P.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, Via Petrini, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0862433518; Fax: +39-0862433131
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Abstract
Canonically, microRNAs (miRNAs) control mRNA expression. However, studies have shown that miRNAs are also capable of targeting non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs and miRNAs. The latter, termed a miRNA:miRNA interaction, is a form of self-regulation. In this Review, we discuss the three main modes of miRNA:miRNA regulation: direct, indirect and global interactions, and their implications in cancer biology. We also discuss the cell-type-specific nature of miRNA:miRNA interactions, current experimental approaches and bioinformatic techniques, and how these strategies are not sufficient for the identification of novel miRNA:miRNA interactions. The self-regulation of miRNAs and their impact on gene regulation has yet to be fully understood. Investigating this hidden world of miRNA self-regulation will assist in discovering novel regulatory mechanisms associated with disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Hill
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Health Technologies, Faculty of Engineering and IT, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Nham Tran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Health Technologies, Faculty of Engineering and IT, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.,The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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