MiRNAs Action and Impact on Mitochondria Function, Metabolic Reprogramming and Chemoresistance of Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review

LncRNA ENSSSCG00000035331 Alleviates Hippocampal Neuronal Ferroptosis and Brain Injury Following Porcine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation by Regulating the miR-let7a/GPX4 Axis

BACKGROUND

Following successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, those survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) often suffer from severe brain injury, and the latter can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Emerging evidence implicates that ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of post-resuscitation brain injury, and its regulatory mechanisms remain to be investigated. Recently, some studies manifested that long noncoding RNAs could be critical regulators of cell ferroptosis in diverse ischemia-reperfusion injuries of vital organs. This study was designed to explore the role and mechanism of a newly screened long noncoding RNA ENSSSCG00000035331 in alleviating post-resuscitation hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis and further investigate its potential regulation by a novel antioxidant sulforaphane.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Healthy male pigs and mice were used to establish the models of CA and resuscitation in vivo. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model using primary porcine hippocampal neurons was constructed to replicate post-resuscitation brain injury in vitro. We found that the expression of ENSSSCG00000035331 was significantly decreased in the post-resuscitation impaired hippocampus using RNA sequencing analysis and verification. Subsequently, ENSSSCG00000035331 overexpression significantly reduced ferroptosis-related ferrous iron and reactive oxygen species production while markedly increased glutathione and further alleviated post-resuscitation brain injury. Mechanistically, ENSSSCG00000035331 interacted with miR-let7a, then inhibited its binding with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA and finally promoted the recovery of the latter's translation after H/R stimulation. In addition, sulforaphane treatment significantly increased ENSSSCG00000035331 and GPX4 expression while markedly decreased miR-let7a expression and hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis and finally alleviated post-resuscitation brain injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlighted that ENSSSCG00000035331 was a critical regulator of hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis after CA and resuscitation by targeting the miR-let7a/GPX4 axis, and additionally, sulforaphane might be a promising therapeutic agent for alleviating post-resuscitation brain injury by regulating the signaling axis mentioned above.

WBP1 regulates mitochondrial function and ferroptosis to modulate chemoresistance in colorectal cancer

Chemoresistance continues to pose a significant challenge in managing colorectal cancer (CRC), resulting in unfavorable outcomes for patients. Recent findings indicate that ferroptosis, an innovative type of regulated cell death, might influence chemoresistance. In this research, we explored how WW domain-binding protein 1 (WBP1) affects mitochondrial function, cell growth, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance in CRC cells. By employing both genetic and pharmacological methods, we found that WBP1 is essential for maintaining mitochondrial respiration in CRC cells. WBP1 depletion impaired mitochondrial function, leading to reduced cell proliferation and increased ferroptosis. Exogenous mitochondria from wild-type cells restored mitochondrial function, cell proliferation, and suppressed ferroptosis in WBP1-deficient cells, indicating that mitochondrial function acts downstream of WBP1. Importantly, we demonstrated that targeting WBP1 or its mediated mitochondrial function sensitized chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin by inducing ferroptosis. Furthermore, we analyzed transcriptome data from CRC patients, which indicated that increased WBP1 expression correlated with poor outcomes for patients receiving chemotherapy, thus highlighting the clinical significance of our observations. Collectively, our results pinpoint WBP1 as a significant modulator of mitochondrial function and ferroptosis in CRC cells and imply that targeting WBP1 may represent a viable approach to tackling chemoresistance. These insights offer a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways underlying CRC chemoresistance and may guide the development of new treatment options.

Involvement of everolimus‑induced ABCB1 downregulation in drug‑drug interactions

Everolimus is an oral mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy and transplantation. Due to its therapeutic properties, everolimus has been used long-term in clinical practice. Drug interactions with everolimus during gastrointestinal absorption can alter the oral bioavailability of everolimus and/or concomitant drugs. However, the effects of everolimus on gastrointestinal absorption remain unknown. The present study assessed the impact of continuous exposure to everolimus on expression and function of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1 and ABCG2 using a Caco-2 intestinal cell model. Caco-2 subline, Caco/EV, was established by continuously exposing Caco-2 cells to 1 µM everolimus. Cell viability was evaluated using WST-1 assay. mRNA levels were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Transport activity of ABCB1 was evaluated through the cellular accumulation of Rhodamin 123, a substrate for ABCB1. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for everolimus in Caco-2 and Caco/EV cells were 0.31 and 4.33 µM, respectively, indicating 14-fold resistance in Caco/EV cells. Sensitivity to paclitaxel and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin, which are substrates for ABCB1 and ABCG2, respectively, was enhanced in Caco/EV, but not in Caco-2 cells. The IC50 values of cisplatin were comparable in both cell lines. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of ABCB1 and ABCG2 were lower in Caco/EV cells than in Caco-2 cells, and the cellular accumulation of Rhodamine 123 was significantly higher in Caco/EV cells. These findings demonstrated that continuous exposure to everolimus suppressed the expression and function of ABCB1 and ABCG2, suggesting potential drug-drug interactions via the suppression of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in the intestinal tract.

To boldly go where no microRNAs have gone before: spaceflight impact on risk for small-for-gestational-age infants

In the era of renewed space exploration, comprehending the effects of the space environment on human health, particularly for deep space missions, is crucial. While extensive research exists on the impacts of spaceflight, there is a gap regarding female reproductive risks. We hypothesize that space stressors could have enduring effects on female health, potentially increasing risks for future pregnancies upon return to Earth, particularly related to small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. To address this, we identify a shared microRNA (miRNA) signature between SGA and the space environment, conserved across humans and mice. These miRNAs target genes and pathways relevant to diseases and development. Employing a machine learning approach, we identify potential FDA-approved drugs to mitigate these risks, including estrogen and progesterone receptor antagonists, vitamin D receptor antagonists, and DNA polymerase inhibitors. This study underscores potential pregnancy-related health risks for female astronauts and proposes pharmaceutical interventions to counteract the impact of space travel on female health.

Stress-Related Roles of Exosomes and Exosomal miRNAs in Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Exosomes, natural nanovesicles that contain a cargo of biologically active molecules such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, are released from cells to the extracellular environment. They then act as autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine mediators of communication between cells by delivering their cargo into recipient cells and causing downstream effects. Exosomes are greatly enriched in miRNAs, which are small non-coding RNAs that act both as cytoplasmic post-transcriptional repression agents, modulating the translation of mRNAs into proteins, as well as nuclear transcriptional gene activators. Neuronal exosomal miRNAs have important physiologic functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including cell-to-cell communication, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, as well as modulating stress and inflammatory responses. Stress-induced changes in exosomal functions include effects on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation, which can lead to the appearance of various neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. The current knowledge regarding the roles of exosomes in the pathophysiology of common mental disorders is discussed in this review.

Mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics and its involvement in colorectal cancer

The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer have elevated its status as a significant public health concern. Recent research has elucidated the crucial role of mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. Elevated mitochondrial fission or fusion activity can contribute to the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, thereby activating oncogenic pathways that drive cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, excessive mitochondrial fission can induce apoptosis, whereas moderate mitochondrial fusion can protect cells from oxidative stress. This imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics can exert dual roles as both promoters and inhibitors of colorectal cancer progression. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the fusion-fission dynamics and the underlying pathological mechanisms in colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, it offers partial insights into the mitochondrial kinetics in colorectal cancer-associated cells, such as immune and endothelial cells. This review is aimed at identifying key molecular events involved in colorectal cancer progression and highlighting the potential of mitochondrial dynamic proteins as emerging targets for pharmacological intervention.

miR-199a-5p targets DUSP14 to regulate cell proliferation, invasion and stemness in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows the highest morbidity among malignant tumors worldwide. Despite improvements of diagnosis and treatment, patient prognosis remains unfavorable. Therefore, there is a need to discover a novel treatment strategy for NSCLC. DUSP14 is related to various cancers as the regulatory factor for cellular processes. However, its specific roles in NSCLC and the upstream modulator remain largely unclear.

Methods

DUSP14 expression patterns within the lung cancer patient cohort from TCGA database were analyzed using UALCAN online tool. Different databases including miRDB, starbase, and Targetscan were employed to screen the upstream regulator of DUSP14. DUSP14 and miR-199a-5p expression was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot techniques. To confirm binding interaction of DUSP14 with miR-199a-5p, we conducted a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability, migration, and stemness properties were assessed using CCK-8, EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) incorporation, transwell invasion, and sphere formation assays. The effect of DUSP14 silencing on tumorigenesis was assessed with the NSCLC cell xenograft mouse model.

Results

Our study discovered that DUSP14 exhibited high expression within NSCLC tumor samples, which is related to the dismal prognostic outcome in NSCLC patients. Silencing DUSP14 impaired NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and tumor sphere formation. Besides, we identified miR-199a-5p as the upstream regulatory factor for DUSP14, and its expression was negatively related to DUSP14 level within NSCLC tissues. Introducing miR-199a-5p recapitulated the function of DUSP14 silencing in NSCLC cell aggressiveness and stemness. Moreover, knocking down DUSP14 efficiently inhibited tumor formation in NSCLC cells of the xenograft model.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that DUSP14 is negatively regulated by miR-199a-5p within NSCLC, whose overexpression is required for sustaining NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and stemness.

Insights into the roles of non-coding RNAs and angiogenesis in glioblastoma: An overview of current research and future perspectives

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive type of primary brain cancer with a poor prognosis, and despite intensive research, survival rates have not significantly improved. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of GBM pathogenesis, including angiogenesis, which is essential for tumor growth and invasion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as regulators of angiogenesis in GBM. miRNAs such as miR-21, miR-10b, and miR-26a promote angiogenesis by targeting anti-angiogenic factors, while lncRNAs such as H19 and MALAT1 inhibit angiogenesis by regulating pro-angiogenic factors. CircRNAs, such as circSMARCA5 and circBACH2, also regulate angiogenesis through various mechanisms. Similarly, signaling pathways such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway play critical roles in angiogenesis and have been targeted for GBM therapy. However, resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies is a significant obstacle in clinical practice. Developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting ncRNAs and angiogenesis is a promising approach for GBM. Potential targets include miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and downstream signaling pathways that regulate angiogenesis. This review highlights the critical roles of ncRNAs and angiogenesis in GBM pathogenesis and the potential for new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways to improve the prognosis and quality of life for GBM patients.

Why Is Surgery Still Done after Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer in Romania?

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are high in Romania compared to other European countries, particularly for locally advanced cervical cancer cases, which are predominant at the time of diagnosis. Widely accepted therapeutic guidelines indicate that the treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer consists of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (total dose 85-90 Gy at point A), with surgery not being necessary as it does not lead to improved survival and results in significant additional morbidity. In Romania, the treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer differs, involving lower-dose chemoradiotherapy (total dose 60-65 Gy at point A), followed by surgery, which, under these circumstances, ensures better local control. In this regard, we attempted to evaluate the role and necessity of surgery in Romania, considering that in our study, residual lesions were found in 55.84% of cases on resected specimens, especially in cases with unfavorable histology (adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma). This type of surgery was associated with significant morbidity (28.22%) in our study. The recurrence rate was 24.21% for operated-on patients compared to 62% for non-operated-on patients receiving suboptimal concurrent chemotherapy alone. In conclusion, in Romania, surgery will continue to play a predominant role until radiotherapy achieves the desired effectiveness for local control.

Sickle Cell Disease Update: New Treatments and Challenging Nutritional Interventions

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a distinctive and often overlooked illness in the 21st century, is a congenital blood disorder characterized by considerable phenotypic diversity. It comprises a group of disorders, with sickle cell anemia (SCA) being the most prevalent and serious genotype. Although there have been some systematic reviews of global data, worldwide statistics regarding SCD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality remain scarce. In developed countries with a lower number of sickle cell patients, cutting-edge technologies have led to the development of new treatments. However, in developing settings where sickle cell disease (SCD) is more prevalent, medical management, rather than a cure, still relies on the use of hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and analgesics. This is a disease that affects red blood cells, consequently affecting most organs in diverse manners. We discuss its etiology and the advent of new technologies, but the aim of this study is to understand the various types of nutrition-related studies involving individuals suffering from SCD, particularly in Africa. The interplay of the environment, food, gut microbiota, along with their respective genomes collectively known as the gut microbiome, and host metabolism is responsible for mediating host metabolic phenotypes and modulating gut microbiota. In addition, it serves the purpose of providing essential nutrients. Moreover, it engages in direct interactions with host homeostasis and the immune system, as well as indirect interactions via metabolites. Nutrition interventions and nutritional care are mechanisms for addressing increased nutrient expenditures and are important aspects of supportive management for patients with SCD. Underprivileged areas in Sub-Saharan Africa should be accompanied by efforts to define and promote of the nutritional aspects of SCD. Their importance is key to maintaining well-being and quality of life, especially because new technologies and products remain limited, while the use of native medicinal plant resources is acknowledged.

Heavy Metal Exposure: Molecular Pathways, Clinical Implications, and Protective Strategies

Heavy metals are often found in soil and can contaminate drinking water, posing a serious threat to human health. Molecular pathways and curation therapies for mitigating heavy metal toxicity have been studied for a long time. Recent studies on oxidative stress and aging have shown that the molecular foundation of cellular damage caused by heavy metals, namely, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial stress, share the same pathways as those involved in cellular senescence and aging. In recent aging studies, many types of heavy metal exposures have been used in both cellular and animal aging models. Chelation therapy is a traditional treatment for heavy metal toxicity. However, recently, various antioxidants have been found to be effective in treating heavy metal-induced damage, shifting the research focus to investigating the interplay between antioxidants and heavy metals. In this review, we introduce the molecular basis of heavy metal-induced cellular damage and its relationship with aging, summarize its clinical implications, and discuss antioxidants and other agents with protective effects against heavy metal damage.

Extracellular vesicles-associated miRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer: from tumor biology to clinical relevance

Breast cancer (BC), a heterogeneous group of diseases, is the most frequent type and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Tumor heterogeneity directly impacts cancer progression and treatment, as evidenced by the patients´ diverse prognosis and treatment responses across the distinct molecular subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for 10-20% of all diagnosed BC cases, is an aggressive BC subtype with a challenging prognosis. Current treatment options include systemic chemotherapy and/or target therapies based on PARP and PD-L1 inhibitors for eligible patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in TNBC tumorigenesis. These molecules are present both intracellularly and released into biofluids, packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Emerging evidence indicates that EVs-associated miRNAs (EVs-miRNAs), transferred from parental to recipient cells, are key mediators of cell-to-cell communication. Considering their stability and abundance in several biofluids, these molecules may reflect the epigenomic composition of their tumors of origin and contribute to mediate tumorigenesis, similar to their intracellular counterparts. This review provides the current knowledge on EVs-miRNAs in the TNBC subtype, focusing on their role in regulating mRNA targets involved in tumor phenotypes and their clinical relevance as promising biomarkers in liquid biopsies.

Differentially Expressed Genes, miRNAs and Network Models: A Strategy to Shed Light on Molecular Interactions Driving HNSCC Tumorigenesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for hundreds thousands deaths annually. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed in an advanced stage and only a percentage respond favorably to therapies. To help fill this gap, we hereby propose a retrospective in silico study to shed light on gene-miRNA interactions driving the development of HNSCC. Moreover, to identify topological biomarkers as a source for designing new drugs. To achieve this, gene and miRNA profiles from patients and controls are holistically reevaluated using protein-protein interaction (PPI) and bipartite miRNA-target networks. Cytoskeletal remodeling, extracellular matrix (ECM), immune system, proteolysis, and energy metabolism have emerged as major functional modules involved in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Of note, the landscape of our findings depicts a concerted molecular action in activating genes promoting cell cycle and proliferation, and inactivating those suppressive. In this scenario, genes, including VEGFA, EMP1, PPL, KRAS, MET, TP53, MMPs and HOXs, and miRNAs, including mir-6728 and mir-99a, emerge as key players in the molecular interactions driving HNSCC tumorigenesis. Despite the heterogeneity characterizing these HNSCC subtypes, and the limitations of a study pointing to relationships that could be context dependent, the overlap with previously published studies is encouraging. Hence, it supports further investigation for key molecules, both those already and not correlated to HNSCC.