Molecular Interactions of the Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 in Cancer

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles: Hijacking T cell function through exhaustion

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a vital role in intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These vesicles, secreted by tumor cells, contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that significantly influence immune responses, particularly impacting T-cell function. In cancer, T cell dysfunction and exhaustion-marked by reduced proliferation, diminished cytokine production, and impaired cytotoxic activity-are key barriers to effective immune responses. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) contribute to this dysfunction by carrying immunosuppressive molecules, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and various microRNAs (miRNAs). These TEV-mediated mechanisms promote T cell exhaustion and foster a broader immunosuppressive environment, enabling tumor progression and immune evasion. Furthermore, TEVs have been implicated in resistance to cancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and T cell therapies. Understanding the molecular pathways and cargoes within TEVs that drive T cell dysfunction is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reinvigorating exhausted T cells, enhancing anti-tumor immunity, and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

LncRNA NEAT1 sponges miR-214-3p to promote osteoblast differentiation through regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in aortic valve calcification

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the common valvular disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAVD. This study aims to investigate the role of NEAT1 in CAVD pathogenesis. NEAT1, miR-214-3p and mRNA expressions were determined by qRT-PCR. Protein expressions were detected by Western blotting. Mineralized bone matrix formation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining. The osteogenic phenotype was evaluated by the alkaline phosphatase activity assay. Dual-luciferase assays were employed to confirm the binding interactions between NEAT1 and miR-214-3p, miR-214-3p and PTEN. NEAT1 was up-regulated in calcific aortic valves and after osteogenic induction of valve interstitial cells (VICs). NEAT1 could act as a positive regulator of osteogenic differentiation by repressing miR-214-3p and thereby promote expression of osteoblast-specific markers. Mechanistically, we identified PTEN as a direct target of miR-214-3p. PTEN could regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and participate in osteogenic differentiation. Importantly, NEAT1 could directly interact with miR-214-3p and change of miR-214-3p expression could efficiently reverse PTEN expression and osteogenic differentiation induced by NEAT1. Thus, NEAT1 positively regulated PTEN expression and activated autophagy through sponging miR-214-3p, and promoted osteogenic differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, we elucidates the vital function of NEAT1 as a miRNA sponge in CAVD pathogenesis, and sheds new light on lncRNA-directed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CAVD.

Distinct expression of NEAT1 isoforms in Parkinson's disease models suggests different roles of the variants during the disease course

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Recently long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as possible molecular hubs in the diverse pathomechanisms of the disease. Among them, NEAT1 gained particular interest due to findings suggesting both protective and deleterious effects of this lncRNA in PD models.The aim of this study was to clarify some of the contradictions among data that appeared in recent publications concerning NEAT1 effects. For this, we determined whether pharmacological increase of NEAT1 levels worsened the detrimental effect of MPP + in the SH-SY5Y cell model, and whether the levels of the short and long isoform of the lncRNA changed differently upon short and extended MPTP treatment in an MPTP-induced mouse model of PD. Our findings suggest differential expression of NEAT1/Neat1 isoforms in MPP + /MPTP-induced PD models, which is in accord with the proposed role of the lncRNA in the general stress response. We propose that first an early up-regulation of Neat1_2 is dominant. The level of Neat1_2 then decreases as pathology progresses, resulting in a shift in the ratio of the two isoforms towards a higher level of Neat1_1 accompanied by damage of the central nervous system.

Long non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and clinical application

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major global health burden, often associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a diverse group of non-coding RNA molecules > 200 nucleotides in length, have emerged as critical regulators in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. This review summarizes the mechanisms through which certain lncRNAs regulate chromatin modification, mRNA splicing, and interactions with RNA-binding proteins and contribute to the development and progression of HNSCC. Interaction of lncRNAs with key oncogenic pathways, such as PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin, highlights their importance in tumor progression. The role of lncRNAs, such as ELDR, MALAT1, NEAT1, HOTAIR, and UCA1, which promote cell proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapy resistance is discussed. Moreover, several lncRNAs are being evaluated in clinical trials for their potential as biomarkers, reflecting their clinical significance. We further address the challenges and opportunities for targeting lncRNA therapeutically, highlighting the promise of lncRNA-based interventions for personalized cancer treatment. Gaining insight into the function of lncRNAs in HNSCC could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to potentially improve patient outcomes.

NEAT1 promotes the perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer via the E2F1/GDNF axis

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an insidious onset and high degree of malignancy, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 11 %. Perineural invasion (PNI) is one of the pathological features of pancreatic cancer and provides a pathway for distant tumor metastasis, which leads to a poor prognosis. Although NEAT1 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer, its impact on PNI has not been studied. In this study, we found that NEAT1 facilitates pancreatic cancer metastasis and PNI by regulating E2F1. In vivo experiments showed that NEAT1 promotes PNI in a mouse model. Furthermore, E2F1 is enriched at the promoter region of GDNF and directly participates in its transcriptional regulation. NEAT1 can also recruit P300 to the GDNF promoter region, thereby inducing the H3K27ac modification to further increase chromatin accessibility. This process ultimately facilitates GDNF transcription and tumor innervation, providing a pathway for tumor metastasis.

Plasma Circulating lncRNAs: MALAT1 and NEAT1 as Biomarkers of Radiation-Induced Adverse Effects in Laryngeal Cancer Patients

Background: The majority of head and neck cancers (HNCs) occur in the larynx. In clinical practice, adverse effects are frequently observed in laryngeal cancer (LC) patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Therefore, investigating markers that can predict these unfavorable events is of interest. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers for the early identification of patients susceptible to post-RT toxicity. MALAT1 and NEAT1 regulate various cellular processes, the inflammatory response, and resistance to anti-cancer treatments; however, their impact on the portability of post-RT adverse effects remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of two plasma-circulating lncRNAs, MALAT1 and NEAT1, as predictive biomarkers for post-RT adverse effects in LC patients. Methods: The expression levels of the studied lncRNAs were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in plasma samples obtained from 70 LC patients before the initiation of RT. These levels were then correlated with patient outcomes. Results: A low expression of MALAT1 was associated with a significantly higher probability of anemia, liver failure, and severe malnutrition (OR = 5.36; p = 0.040, OR = 6.07; p = 0.037, OR = 9.75; p < 0.001, respectively) after the completion of RT. Similarly, patients with low NEAT1 expression had a significantly higher risk of anemia, liver failure, and mild or severe malnutrition (OR = 5.26; p = 0.020, OR = 5.70; p = 0.016, OR = 13.09; p = 0.002, respectively). Simultaneous lower expression levels of both lncRNAs were significantly associated with shorter median overall survival (OS) in RT-treated LC patients (HR = 5.44; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The analysis of MALAT1 and NEAT1 expression indicates clinical utility in predicting toxic events induced by RT-based therapy.

An overview of lncRNA NEAT1 contribution in the pathogenesis of female cancers; from diagnosis to therapy resistance

Despite the ongoing progress in detecting and treating cancer, there is still a need for extensive research into the molecular mechanisms involved in the emergence, progression, and resistance to recurrence of female reproductive tissue-specific cancers such as ovarian, breast, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that exhibits increased expression in female tumors. Moreover, elevated levels of NEAT1 have been associated with poorer survival outcomes in cancer patients. NEAT1 plays a pivotal role in driving tumor initiation through modulating the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumor cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, chemoresistance, and radio-resistance. Mechanistically, NEAT1 acts as a scaffold RNA molecule via interacting with EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit), thereby influencing the expression of downstream effectors of EZH2. Additionally, NEAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by microRNAs (miRNAs) sponging, consequently altering the expression levels of their target genes during the development of female cancers. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the latest insights regarding the expression pattern, biological functions, and underlying mechanisms governing the function and regulation of NEAT1 in tumors. Furthermore, particular emphasis is placed on its clinical significance as a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for female cancers.

Unraveling the noncoding RNA landscape in glioblastoma: from pathogenesis to precision therapeutics

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive type IV brain tumor that originates from astrocytes and has a poor prognosis. Despite intensive research, survival rates have not significantly improved. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of carcinogenesis, progression, and increased treatment resistance in GBM cells. They influence angiogenesis, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and invasion in GBM cells. ncRNAs, such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are commonly dysregulated in GBM. miRNAs, such as miR-21, miR-133a, and miR-27a-3p, are oncogenes that increase cell proliferation, metastasis, and migration by targeting TGFBR1 and BTG2. In contrast, lncRNAs, such as HOXD-AS2 and LINC00511, are oncogenes that increase the migration, invasion, and proliferation of cells. CircRNAs, such as circ0001730, circENTPD7, and circFOXO3, are oncogenes responsible for cell growth, angiogenesis, and viability. Developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting ncRNAs, cell migration, and angiogenesis is a promising approach for GBM. By targeting these dysregulated ncRNAs, we can potentially restore a healthy balance in gene expression and influence disease progression. ncRNAs abound within GBM, demonstrating significant roles in governing the growth and behavior of these tumors. They may also be useful as biomarkers or targets for therapy. The use of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) suppressing the oncogene expression of HOTAIR, BCYRN1, and cyrano, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) suppressing the expression of ncRNAs such as MALAT1 and miR-10b, locked nucleic acids (LNAs) suppressing miR-21, and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) suppressing the expression of miR-155 inhibited the PI3K pathway, tumor growth, angiogenesis, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Targeting oncogenic ncRNAs with RNA-interfering strategies such as MOs, ASOs, LNAs, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and PNA approaches may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM. This review emphasizes the critical role of ncRNAs in GBM pathogenesis, as well as the potential for new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways to improve the prognosis and quality of life for GBM patients.

Connecting the dots: LncRNAs in the KRAS pathway and cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as important participants in several biological functions, particularly their complex interactions with the KRAS pathway, which provide insights into the significant roles lncRNAs play in cancer development. The KRAS pathway, a central signaling cascade crucial for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, stands out as a key therapeutic target due to its aberrant activation in many human cancers. Recent investigations have unveiled a myriad of lncRNAs, such as H19, ANRIL, and MEG3, intricately modulating the KRAS pathway, influencing both its activation and repression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional control. These lncRNAs function as fine-tuners, delicately orchestrating the balance required for normal cellular function. Their dysregulation has been linked to the development and progression of multiple malignancies, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal carcinomas, which frequently harbor KRAS mutations. This scrutiny delves into the functional diversity of specific lncRNAs within the KRAS pathway, elucidating their molecular mechanisms and downstream effects on cancer phenotypes. Additionally, it underscores the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these lncRNAs as indicators for cancer detection and assessment. The complex regulatory network that lncRNAs construct within the context of the KRAS pathway offers important insights for the creation of focused therapeutic approaches, opening new possibilities for precision medicine in oncology. However, challenges such as the dual roles of lncRNAs in different cancer types and the difficulty in therapeutically targeting these molecules highlight the ongoing debates and need for further research. As ongoing studies unveil the complexities of lncRNA-mediated KRAS pathway modulation, the potential for innovative cancer interventions becomes increasingly promising.

Exploring potential roles of long non-coding RNAs in cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review

Cancer treatment has long been fraught with challenges, including drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence, making it one of the most difficult diseases to treat effectively. Traditional therapeutic approaches often fall short due to their inability to target cancer stem cells and the complex genetic and epigenetic landscape of tumors. In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field, offering new hope and viable alternatives to conventional treatments. A particularly promising area of research focuses on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and their role in cancer resistance and the modulation of signaling pathways. To address these challenges, we performed a comprehensive review of recent studies on lncRNAs and their impact on cancer immunotherapy. Our review highlights the crucial roles that lncRNAs play in affecting both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby influencing the outcomes of cancer treatments. Key observations from our review indicate that lncRNAs can modify the tumor immune microenvironment, enhance immune cell infiltration, and regulate cytokine production, all of which contribute to tumor growth and resistance to therapies. These insights suggest that lncRNAs could serve as potential targets for precision medicine, opening up new avenues for developing more effective cancer immunotherapies. By compiling recent research on lncRNAs across various cancers, this review aims to shed light on their mechanisms within the tumor immune microenvironment.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment: Targeting long non-coding RNAs

The escalating global incidence of cancer, which results in millions of fatalities annually, underscores the pressing need for effective pharmacological interventions across diverse cancer types. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of RNA molecules that lack protein-coding capacity but profoundly impact gene expression regulation, have emerged as pivotal players in key cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, cellular metabolism, and drug resistance. Among natural compounds, quercetin, a phenolic compound abundantly present in fruits and vegetables has garnered attention due to its significant anticancer properties. Quercetin demonstrates the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis-a process often impaired in malignant cells. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment, with a specific focus on its intricate interactions with lncRNAs. We explore how quercetin modulates lncRNA expression and function to exert its anticancer effects. Notably, quercetin suppresses oncogenic lncRNAs that drive cancer development and progression while enhancing tumor-suppressive lncRNAs that impede cancer growth and dissemination. Additionally, we discuss quercetin's role as a chemopreventive agent, which plays a crucial role in mitigating cancer risk. We address research challenges and future directions, emphasizing the necessity for in-depth mechanistic studies and strategies to enhance quercetin's bioavailability and target specificity. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this review underscores quercetin's promising potential as a novel therapeutic strategy in the ongoing battle against cancer, offering fresh insights and avenues for further investigation in this critical field.

Implications of m5C modifications in ribosomal proteins on oxidative stress, metabolic reprogramming, and immune responses in patients with mid-to-late-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Insights from nanopore sequencing

Background

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a malignancy characterized by a high incidence and recurrence rate. 5-methylcytosine (m5C) RNA modification is a common alteration affecting cancer progression; however, how m5C operates within the tumor microenvironment of HNSCC remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We conducted Nanopore sequencing on 3 pairs of cancer and paracancerous tissues from mid- and late-stage HNSCC, obtaining 132 upregulated genes (transcriptomically upregulated, m5C elevated) and 129 downregulated genes (transcriptomically downregulated, m5C reduced). Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed; a differential gene interaction network (PPI) was constructed, revealing the interactions of each gene with others in the network. Co-expression analysis was performed on the genes within the PPI, unveiling their expression and regulatory relationships. Through GSVA analysis, variations in related pathways under different states were identified. Furthermore, results of m5C in lncRNA were screened, followed by target gene prediction.

Results

Sequencing results from the 3 pairs of mid- and late-stage HNSCC cancer and paracancerous tissues demonstrated that RPS27A, RPL8, and the lncRNAs including differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (DANCR), DCST1 antisense RNA 1 (CCDC144NL-AS1), Growth Arrest-Specific Transcript 5 (GAS5), Nuclear Paraspeckle Assembly Transcript 1 (NEAT1), and Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 3 (SNHG3), etc., under m5Cregulation, have close connections with surrounding genes. The differentially m5Cmodified genes are primarily involved in ribosomal protein synthesis, oxidative stress response, metabolic reprogramming, immunity, and other life processes; pathways like mitochondrial protein import and photodynamic therapy induced unfolded protein response are upregulated in the tumor, while pathways, including the classic P53, are suppressed. Analysis on m5C-regulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) revealed tight associations with RPS27A and RPL8 as well.

Conclusion

Our study identifies the key factors and signaling pathways involving m5C in HNSCC. The findings suggest that ribosome-related genes might regulate ribosomal protein synthesis, oxidative stress response, metabolic reprogramming, and immune response through m5C RNA modification by means like hypoxia and ferroptosis, thereby playing a pivotal role in the onset and progression of HNSCC. Hence, attention should be paid to the role of ribosomes in HNSCC. These findings may facilitate the precision and individualized treatment of patients with mid- and late-stage HNSCC in clinical settings.

MUC1-C regulates NEAT1 lncRNA expression and paraspeckle formation in cancer progression

The MUC1 gene evolved in mammals for adaptation of barrier tissues in response to infections and damage. Paraspeckles are nuclear bodies formed on the NEAT1 lncRNA in response to loss of homeostasis. There is no known intersection of MUC1 with NEAT1 or paraspeckles. Here, we demonstrate that the MUC1-C subunit plays an essential role in regulating NEAT1 expression. MUC1-C activates the NEAT1 gene with induction of the NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 isoforms by NF-κB- and MYC-mediated mechanisms. MUC1-C/MYC signaling also induces expression of the SFPQ, NONO and FUS RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that associate with NEAT1_2 and are necessary for paraspeckle formation. MUC1-C integrates activation of NEAT1 and RBP-encoding genes by recruiting the PBAF chromatin remodeling complex and increasing chromatin accessibility of their respective regulatory regions. We further demonstrate that MUC1-C and NEAT1 form an auto-inductive pathway that drives common sets of genes conferring responses to inflammation and loss of homeostasis. Of functional significance, we find that the MUC1-C/NEAT1 pathway is of importance for the cancer stem cell (CSC) state and anti-cancer drug resistance. These findings identify a previously unrecognized role for MUC1-C in the regulation of NEAT1, RBPs, and paraspeckles that has been co-opted in promoting cancer progression.

Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in human epilepsy

Genome-scale biological studies conducted in the post-genomic era have revealed that two-thirds of human genes do not encode proteins. Most functional non-coding RNA transcripts in humans are products of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, an abundant but still poorly understood class of human genes. As a result of their fundamental and multitasking regulatory roles, lncRNAs are associated with a wide range of human diseases, including neurological disorders. Approximately 40% of lncRNAs are specifically expressed in the brain, and many of them exhibit distinct spatiotemporal patterns of expression. Comparative genomics approaches have determined that 65%-75% of human lncRNA genes are primate-specific and hence can be posited as a contributing potential cause of the higher-order complexity of primates, including human, brains relative to those of other mammals. Although lncRNAs present important mechanistic examples of epileptogenic functions, the human/primate specificity of lncRNAs questions their relevance in rodent models. Here, we present an in-depth review that supports the contention that human lncRNAs are direct contributors to the etiology and pathogenesis of human epilepsy, as a means to accelerate the integration of lncRNAs into clinical practice as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Meta-analytically, the major finding of our review is the commonality of lncRNAs in epilepsy and cancer pathogenesis through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related pathways. In addition, neuroinflammation may be a relevant part of the common pathophysiology of cancer and epilepsy. LncRNAs affect neuroinflammation-related signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa- light- chain- enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase/ protein kinase B (Akt) (PI3K/AKT), with the NF-κB pathway being the most common. Besides the controversy over lncRNA research in non-primate models, whether neuroinflammation is triggered by injury and/or central nervous system (CNS) toxicity during epilepsy modeling in animals or is a direct consequence of epilepsy pathophysiology needs to be considered meticulously in future studies.

Conserved role of hnRNPL in alternative splicing of epigenetic modifiers enables B cell activation

The multifunctional RNA-binding protein hnRNPL is implicated in antibody class switching but its broader function in B cells is unknown. Here, we show that hnRNPL is essential for B cell activation, germinal center formation, and antibody responses. Upon activation, hnRNPL-deficient B cells show proliferation defects and increased apoptosis. Comparative analysis of RNA-seq data from activated B cells and another eight hnRNPL-depleted cell types reveals common effects on MYC and E2F transcriptional programs required for proliferation. Notably, while individual gene expression changes are cell type specific, several alternative splicing events affecting histone modifiers like KDM6A and SIRT1, are conserved across cell types. Moreover, hnRNPL-deficient B cells show global changes in H3K27me3 and H3K9ac. Epigenetic dysregulation after hnRNPL loss could underlie differential gene expression and upregulation of lncRNAs, and explain common and cell type-specific phenotypes, such as dysfunctional mitochondria and ROS overproduction in mouse B cells. Thus, hnRNPL is essential for the resting-to-activated B cell transition by regulating transcriptional programs and metabolism, at least in part through the alternative splicing of several histone modifiers.

Critical role of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in radiotherapy (RT)-resistance of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer: Is there a way to defeat this resistance?

Radiotherapy (RT) is a frequently used treatment for cervical cancer, effectively decreasing the likelihood of the disease returning in the same area and extending the lifespan of individuals with cervical cancer. Nevertheless, the primary reason for treatment failure in cancer patients is the cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy (RT). Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a subset of RNA molecules that do not code for proteins and are longer than 200 nucleotides. They have a significant impact on the regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers biological processes. Recent research has shown that lncRNAs have a significant impact in controlling the responsiveness of GI cancer to radiation. This review provides a concise overview of the composition and operation of lncRNAs as well as the intricate molecular process behind radiosensitivity in GI cancer. Additionally, it compiles a comprehensive list of lncRNAs that are linked to radiosensitivity in such cancers. Furthermore, it delves into the potential practical implementation of these lncRNAs in modulating radiosensitivity in GI cancer.

NEAT1_1 confers gefitinib resistance in lung adenocarcinoma through promoting AKR1C1-mediated ferroptosis defence

Gefitinib is one of the most extensively utilized epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for treating advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients harboring EGFR mutation. However, the emergence of drug resistance significantly compromised the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. Gaining further insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying gefitinib resistance holds promise for developing novel strategies to overcome the resistance and improve the prognosis in LUAD patients. Here, we identified that the inhibitory efficacy of gefitinib on EGFR-mutated LUAD cells was partially dependent on the induction of ferroptosis, and ferroptosis protection resulted in gefitinib resistance. Among the ferroptosis suppressors, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) exhibited significant upregulation in gefitinib-resistant strains of LUAD cells and predicted poor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients who received first-generation EGFR-TKI treatment. Knockdown of AKR1C1 partially reversed drug resistance by re-sensitizing the LUAD cells to gefitinib-mediated ferroptosis. The decreased expression of miR-338-3p contributed to the aberrant upregulation of AKR1C1 in gefitinib-resistant LUAD cells. Furthermore, upregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1_1 (NEAT1_1) sponged miR-338-3p to neutralize its suppression on AKR1C1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA rescue experiment confirmed the NEAT1_1/miR-338-3p/AKR1C1 axis in EGFR-mutated LUAD cells. Gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that the NEAT1_1/miR-338-3p/AKR1C1 axis promoted gefitinib resistance, proliferation, migration, and invasion in LUAD cells. This study reveals the effects of NEAT1_1/miR-338-3p/AKR1C1 axis-mediated ferroptosis defence in gefitinib resistance in LUAD. Thus, targeting NEAT1_1/miR-338-3p/AKR1C1 axis might be a novel strategy for overcoming gefitinib resistance in LUAD harboring EGFR mutation.

The roles of long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in cardiovascular diseases

The morbidity of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) gradually increases worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large class of non-(protein)-coding RNAs with lengths beyond 200 nucleotides. Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNA NEAT1 plays important roles in the pathogenesis of CVDs, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and others. We summarized the current studies of NEAT1 in CVDs, which shed light on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CVDs and understanding the therapeutic potential of NEAT1.

Unraveling NEAT1's complex role in lung cancer biology: a comprehensive review

This review delves into the pivotal role of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 in cancer biology, particularly in lung cancer (LC). It emphasizes NEAT1's unique subcellular localization and active involvement in gene regulation and chromatin remodeling. The review highlights NEAT1's impact on LC development and progression, including cell processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to therapy, positioning it as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. The complex web of NEAT1's regulatory interactions with proteins and microRNAs is explored, alongside challenges in targeting it therapeutically. The review concludes optimistically, suggesting future avenues for research and personalized LC therapies, shedding light on NEAT1's crucial role in LC. See also the Graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Exploring the role of lncrna neat1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types: A review

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, contributing significantly to a diverse range of cellular processes, including apoptosis. One such lncRNA is NEAT1, which is elevated in several types of cancer and aid in cancer growth. However, recent studies have also demonstrated that the knockdown of NEAT1 can inhibit cancer cells proliferation, movement, and infiltration while enhancing apoptosis. This article explores the function of lncRNA NEAT1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types. We explore the existing understanding of NEAT1's involvement in the progression of malignant conditions, including its structure and functions. Additionally, we investigate the molecular mechanisms by which NEAT1 modulates the cell cycle, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, movement, and infiltration in diverse cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and retinoblastoma. Furthermore, we review the recent studies investigating the therapeutic potential of NEAT1 knockdown in cancer treatment. Targeting the lncRNA NEAT1 presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating cancer. It has shown the ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in various cancer types.

Exploration of the Noncoding Genome for Human-Specific Therapeutic Targets-Recent Insights at Molecular and Cellular Level

While it is well known that 98-99% of the human genome does not encode proteins, but are nevertheless transcriptionally active and give rise to a broad spectrum of noncoding RNAs [ncRNAs] with complex regulatory and structural functions, specific functions have so far been assigned to only a tiny fraction of all known transcripts. On the other hand, the striking observation of an overwhelmingly growing fraction of ncRNAs, in contrast to an only modest increase in the number of protein-coding genes, during evolution from simple organisms to humans, strongly suggests critical but so far essentially unexplored roles of the noncoding genome for human health and disease pathogenesis. Research into the vast realm of the noncoding genome during the past decades thus lead to a profoundly enhanced appreciation of the multi-level complexity of the human genome. Here, we address a few of the many huge remaining knowledge gaps and consider some newly emerging questions and concepts of research. We attempt to provide an up-to-date assessment of recent insights obtained by molecular and cell biological methods, and by the application of systems biology approaches. Specifically, we discuss current data regarding two topics of high current interest: (1) By which mechanisms could evolutionary recent ncRNAs with critical regulatory functions in a broad spectrum of cell types (neural, immune, cardiovascular) constitute novel therapeutic targets in human diseases? (2) Since noncoding genome evolution is causally linked to brain evolution, and given the profound interactions between brain and immune system, could human-specific brain-expressed ncRNAs play a direct or indirect (immune-mediated) role in human diseases? Synergistic with remarkable recent progress regarding delivery, efficacy, and safety of nucleic acid-based therapies, the ongoing large-scale exploration of the noncoding genome for human-specific therapeutic targets is encouraging to proceed with the development and clinical evaluation of novel therapeutic pathways suggested by these research fields.

Long Non-Coding RNA LOC339059 Attenuates IL-6/STAT3-Signaling-Mediated PDL1 Expression and Macrophage M2 Polarization by Interacting with c-Myc in Gastric Cancer

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was identified as a novel diagnostic biomarker in gastric cancer (GC). However, the functions of lncRNAs in immuno-microenvironments have not been comprehensively explored. In this study, we explored a critical lncRNA, LOC339059, that can predict the clinical prognosis in GC related to the modulation of PD-L1 and determined its influence upon macrophage polarization via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Methods: To date, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of LOC339059 plays an important role in the pathological processes of GC. It acts as a tumor suppressor, regulating GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. A flow cytometry assay showed that the loss of LOC339059 enhanced PDL1 expression and M2 macrophage polarization. RNA sequencing, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, Chip-PCR, and a luciferase reporter assay revealed the pivotal role of signaling alternation between LOC339059 and c-Myc. Results: A lower level of LOC339059 RNA was found in primary GC tissues compared to adjacent tissues, and such a lower level is associated with a poorer survival period (2.5 years) after surgery in patient cohorts. Moreover, we determined important immunological molecular biomarkers. We found that LOC339059 expression was correlated with PD-L1, CTLA4, CD206, and CD204, but not with TIM3, FOXP3, CD3, C33, CD64, or CD80, in a total of 146 GC RNA samples. The gain of LOC339059 in SGC7901 and AGS inhibited biological characteristics of malignancy, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Furthermore, our data gathered following the co-culture of THP-1 and U937 with genomic GC cells indicate that LOC339059 led to a reduction in the macrophage cell ratio, in terms of CD68+/CD206+, to 1/6, whereas the selective knockdown of LOC339059 promoted the abovementioned malignant cell phenotypes, suggesting that it has a tumor-suppressing role in GC. RNA-Seq analyses showed that the gain of LOC339059 repressed the expression of the interleukin family, especially IL-6/STAT3 signaling. The rescue of IL-6 in LOC339059-overexpressing cells reverted the inhibitory effects of the gain of LOC339059 on malignant cell phenotypes. Our experiments verified that the interaction between LOC339059 and c-Myc resulted in less c-Myc binding to the IL-6 promoter, leading to the inactivation of IL-6 transcription. Conclusions: Our results establish that LOC339059 acts as a tumor suppressor in GC by competitively inhibiting c-Myc, resulting in diminished IL-6/STAT3-signaling-mediated PDL1 expression and macrophage M2 polarization.

The mechanisms and therapeutic potential of long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in fibrosis

Fibrosis is the excess deposition of extracellular matrix involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases and finally leads to the disruption of tissue architecture and failure of organ function. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs with lengths greater than 200 nucleotides and do not code proteins, which regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long noncoding RNA that is widely expressed in mammalian cells and known as essential architectural scaffold for the formation of paraspeckles. Recently, the accumulating studies demonstrated that lncRNA NEAT1 was remarkable upregulated in the development of fibrosis in different organs, such as liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and lung fibrosis. More importantly, knockdown of NEAT1 remarkably alleviated fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarized current studies of NEAT1 in fibrosis and hopefully aid in a better understanding of the mechanisms of fibrosis and the potential of NEAT1 as novel therapeutic target for fibrosis.

LncRNA NEAT1 suppresses cellular senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma via KIF11-dependent repression of CDKN2A

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therapeutic options for advanced HCC are limited, which is due to a lack of full understanding of pathogenesis. Cellular senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest, which plays important roles in the pathogenesis of HCC. Mechanisms underlying hepatocellular senescence are not fully understood. LncRNA NEAT1 acts as an oncogene and contributes to the development of HCC. Whether NEAT1 modulates hepatocellular senescence in HCC is unknown.

METHODS

The role of NEAT1 and KIF11 in cellular senescence and tumor growth in HCC was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), luciferase reporter assays, RNA FISH and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were used to explore the detailed molecular mechanism of NEAT1 and KIF11 in cellular senescence of HCC.

RESULTS

We found that NEAT1 was upregulated in tumor tissues and hepatoma cells, which negatively correlated with a senescence biomarker CDKN2A encoding p16INK4a and p14ARF proteins. NEAT1 was reduced in senescent hepatoma cells induced by doxorubicin (DOXO) or serum starvation. Furthermore, NEAT1 deficiency caused senescence in cultured hepatoma cells, and protected against the progression of HCC in a mouse model. During senescence, NEAT1 translocated into cytosol and interacted with a motor protein KIF11, resulting in KIF11 protein degradation and subsequent increased expression of CDKN2A in cultured hepatoma cells. Furthermore, KIF11 knockdown caused senescence in cultured hepatoma cells. Genetic deletion of Kif11 in hepatocytes inhibited the development of HCC in a mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusively, NEAT1 overexpression reduces senescence and promotes tumor progression in HCC tissues and hepatoma cells, whereas NEAT1 deficiency causes senescence and inhibits tumor progression in HCC. This is associated with KIF11-dependent repression of CDKN2A. These findings lay the foundation to develop potential therapies for HCC by inhibiting NEAT1 and KIF11 or inducing senescence.

Emerging roles of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 in gynecologic cancers

Gynecologic cancers are a worldwide problem among women. Recently, molecular targeted therapy opened up an avenue for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules (> 200 nt) that are not translated into protein, and interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins. LncRNAs were found to play pivotal roles in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a lncRNA that mediates cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in gynecologic cancers by targeting several miRNAs/mRNA axes. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a potent biomarker for the prediction and treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. In this narrative review, we summarized various NEAT1-related signaling pathways that are critical in gynecologic cancers. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) by targeting various signaling pathways involved in its target genes can regulate the occurrence of gynecologic cancers.

The emerging roles of long noncoding RNAs in lymphatic vascular development and disease

Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped uncover what was once uncharted territory in the human genome-the complex and versatile world of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Previously thought of as merely transcriptional "noise", lncRNAs have now emerged as essential regulators of gene expression networks controlling development, homeostasis and disease progression. The regulatory functions of lncRNAs are broad and diverse, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are highly variable, acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to support the important role of lncRNAs in the development and functioning of the lymphatic vasculature and associated pathological processes such as tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis and cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in regulating the key genes and pathways involved in lymphatic vascular development and disease. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets and outline possible strategies for the development of lncRNA-based therapeutics to treat diseases of the lymphatic system.

Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Paraspeckles Expression in Osteosarcoma Tissues

Nuclear paraspeckles are subnuclear bodies contracted by nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) long non-coding RNA, localised in the interchromatin space of mammalian cell nuclei. Paraspeckles have been critically involved in tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. To this date, there are limited findings to suggest that paraspeckles, NEAT1 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) directly or indirectly play roles in osteosarcoma progression. Herein, we analysed NEAT1, paraspeckle proteins (SFPQ, PSPC1 and NONO) and hnRNP members (HNRNPK, HNRNPM, HNRNPR and HNRNPD) gene expression in 6 osteosarcoma tumour tissues using the single-cell RNA-sequencing method. The normalised data highlighted that the paraspeckles transcripts were highly abundant in osteoblastic OS cells, except NEAT1, which was highly expressed in myeloid cell 1 and 2 subpopulations.

LncRNA NEAT1 regulates HCV-induced Hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the miR-9-BGH3 axis

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver diseases, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several cellular entities, including paraspeckles and their related components, are involved in viral pathogenesis and cancer progression. NEAT1 lncRNA is a major component of paraspeckles that has been linked to several malignancies. In this study, analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and validation in HCV-induced HCC tissue and serum samples showed significantly high expression of NEAT1 in patients with liver cancer. Moreover, we found that NEAT1 levels increased upon HCV infection. To further understand the mechanism of NEAT1-induced HCC progression, we selected one of its targets, miR-9-5 p, which regulates BGH3 mRNA levels. Interestingly, miR-9-5 p levels were downregulated upon HCV infection, whereas BGH3 levels were upregulated. Additionally, partial NEAT1 knockdown increased miR-9-5 p levels and decreased BGH3 levels, corroborating our initial results. BGH3 levels were also upregulated in HCV-induced HCC and TCGA tissue samples, which could be directly correlated with NEAT1 levels. As a known oncogene, BGH3 is directly linked to HCC progression mediated by NEAT1. We also found that NEAT1 levels remained upregulated in serum samples from patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA), indicating that NEAT1 might be a molecular trigger that promotes HCC development. Collectively, these findings provide molecular insights into HCV-induced HCC progression via the NEAT1-miR-9-BGH3 axis.