Insights into the Role of LncRNAs and miRNAs in Glioma Progression and Their Potential as Novel Therapeutic Targets

Regulatory interplay between lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 and miR-17-5p in non-small cell lung cancer progression: Implications for novel therapeutic strategies

BackgroundMicroRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by regulating its target genes. Advances in molecular biology highlight the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer, yet the mechanistic interactions between miR-17-5p and lncRNAs in NSCLC remain underexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigated the regulatory interplay between miR-17-5p and lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 and evaluated their potential as targets for NSCLC therapy.MethodsA comprehensive set of technologies, including cell transfection, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), bioinformatics analysis, and functional assays (proliferation, migration, apoptosis), was employed to examine the role of miR-17-5p and lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 in NSCLC.ResultsElevated lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 expression was observed in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Functional assays revealed that miR-17-5p directly downregulates lncRNA-FGD5-AS1, thereby modulating key oncogenic processes. Overexpression of miR-17-5p reduced tumor cell proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-17-5p inhibition elevated lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 levels and reversed these effects.ConclusionThe findings identify the miR-17-5p/lncRNA-FGD5-AS1 regulatory axis as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC. By integrating molecular and technological approaches, this study offers insights into precision oncology and highlights the potential for advanced RNA-based interventions.

Identification and characterization of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA tripartite network of sulfur mustard exposed patients

BACKGROUND

Alkylating cellular DNA, sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that causes severe damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Exposure can result in painful burns, chronic lung disease, immune system suppression, and an increased chance of developing cancer. The symptoms of itching, redness, and blistering are frequently followed by long-term genetic and psychological damage. By exploring the interaction between microRNA (miRNA), mRNA, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in these patients, it is possible to identify gene expression patterns that could reduce cancer risk or improve treatment outcomes.

METHODS

The purpose of this study is to examine transcriptome data from PBMC samples obtained from sulfur mustard exposed patients (Mild, Moderate, Severe) and healthy Control, separated into six groups (SC, SMo, SMi, MoMi, MoC, and MiC). miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA interactions were explored using miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA tools and databases, such as miRTarBase, miRDB, miRNET, miRcode, and DIANA. A tripartite mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network was modeled with the aid of Cytoscape software, and functional analyses were performed to gain an understanding of molecular pathways using GO and KEGG functional analyses.

RESULTS

By extracting miRNAs shared between lncRNAs and mRNAs, six groups were identified and Cytoscape software was used to visualize the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Betweenness, closeness, and degree filters identified key genes, with INO80D and lncRNAs MINCR, LINC00662, NEAT1, and DHRS4-AS1, along with miRNAs hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-124-3p, and hsa-let-7b-5p as the main players in all groups.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between key genes involved in chemical injuries and their association with genes implicated in lung cancer is highlighted in this study. By targeting these genes and their proteins, we can improve treatment strategies for sulfur mustard exposed patients and potentially reduce lung cancer risk.

The role of lncRNAs in the interplay of signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms in glioma

Gliomas, highly aggressive tumors of the central nervous system, present overwhelming challenges due to their heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most malignant form, underscores this clinical urgency due to dismal prognosis despite aggressive treatment regimens. Recent advances in cancer research revealed signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that intricately govern glioma progression, offering multifaceted targets for therapeutic intervention. This review explores the dynamic interplay between signaling events and epigenetic regulation in the context of glioma, with a particular focus on the crucial roles played by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Through direct and indirect epigenetic targeting, ncRNAs emerge as key regulators shaping the molecular landscape of glioblastoma across its various stages. By dissecting these intricate regulatory networks, novel and patient-tailored therapeutic strategies could be devised to improve patient outcomes with this devastating disease.

Epigenetic Biomarkers in Thrombophilia-Related Pregnancy Complications: Mechanisms, Diagnostic Potential, and Therapeutic Implications: A Narrative Review

Pregnancy complications associated with thrombophilia represent significant risks for maternal and fetal health, leading to adverse outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss, and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). They are caused by disruptions in key physiological processes, including the coagulation cascade, trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and immune control. Recent advancements in epigenetics have revealed that non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying these RNAs, play crucial roles in the regulation of these biological processes. This review aims to identify the epigenetic biomarkers that are the best candidates for evaluating thrombophilia-related pregnancy complications and for assessing the efficacy of anticoagulant and antiaggregant therapies. We emphasize their potential integration into personalized treatment plans, aiming to improve the risk assessment and therapy strategies for thrombophilic pregnancies. Future research should focus on validating these epigenetic biomarkers and establishing standardized protocols to enable their integration into clinical practice, paving the way for a precision medicine approach in obstetric care.

Epigenetic biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: Diagnostic and prognostic relevance

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of cognitive decline in the aging population, presenting a critical need for early diagnosis and effective prognostic tools. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, have emerged as promising biomarkers for AD due to their roles in regulating gene expression and potential for reversibility. This review examines the current landscape of epigenetic biomarkers in AD, emphasizing their diagnostic and prognostic relevance. DNA methylation patterns in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are highlighted for their strong associations with AD pathology. Alterations in DNA methylation at specific CpG sites have been consistently observed in AD patients, suggesting their utility in early detection. Histone modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, also play a crucial role in chromatin remodelling and gene expression regulation in AD. Dysregulated histone acetylation and methylation have been linked to AD progression, making these modifications valuable biomarkers. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), further contribute to the epigenetic regulation in AD. miRNAs can modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and have been found in altered levels in AD, while lncRNAs can influence chromatin structure and gene expression. The presence of these non-coding RNAs in biofluids like blood and cerebrospinal fluid positions them as accessible and minimally invasive biomarkers. Technological advancements in detecting and quantifying epigenetic modifications have propelled the field forward. Techniques such as next-generation sequencing, bisulfite sequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays offer high sensitivity and specificity, enabling the detailed analysis of epigenetic changes in clinical samples. These tools are instrumental in translating epigenetic research into clinical practice. This review underscores the potential of epigenetic biomarkers to enhance the early diagnosis and prognosis of AD, paving the way for personalized therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes. The integration of these biomarkers into clinical workflows promises to revolutionize AD management, offering hope for better disease monitoring and intervention.

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.

Genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic landscape of glioblastoma

The mostly aggressive and extremely malignant type of central nervous system is Glioblastoma (GBM), which is characterized by an extremely short average survival time of lesser than 16 months. The primary cause of this phenomenon can be attributed to the extensively altered genome of GBM, which is characterized by the dysregulation of numerous critical signaling pathways and epigenetics regulations associated with proliferation, cellular growth, survival, and apoptosis. In light of this, different genetic alterations in critical signaling pathways and various epigenetics regulation mechanisms are associated with GBM and identified as distinguishing markers. Such GBM prognostic alterations are identified in PI3K/AKT, p53, RTK, RAS, RB, STAT3 and ZIP4 signaling pathways, metabolic pathway (IDH1/2), as well as alterations in epigenetic regulation genes (MGMT, CDKN2A-p16INK4aCDKN2B-p15INK4b). The exploration of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that specifically target these pathways is utmost importance to enhance the future medication for GBM. This study provides a comprehensive overview of dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms and signaling pathways due to mutations, methylation, and copy number alterations of in critical genes in GBM with prevalence and emphasizing their significance.

Unraveling the role of LncRNAs in glioblastoma progression: insights into signaling pathways and therapeutic potential

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer, characterized by its poor prognosis and low survival rate despite current treatment modalities. Because GBM is lethal, clarifying the pathogenesis's underlying mechanisms is important, which are still poorly understood. Recent discoveries in the fields of molecular genetics and cancer biology have demonstrated the critical role that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play in the molecular pathophysiology of GBM growth. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins. They are significant epigenetic modulators that control gene e expression at several levels. Their dysregulation and interactions with important signaling pathways play a major role in the malignancy and development of GBM. The increasing role of lncRNAs in GBM pathogenesis is thoroughly examined in this review, with particular attention given to their regulation mechanisms in key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and p53. It also looks into lncRNAs' potential as new biomarkers and treatment targets for GBM. In addition, the study discusses the difficulties in delivering lncRNA-based medicines across the blood-brain barrier and identifies areas that need more research to advance lncRNA-oriented treatments for this deadly cancer.

Role of long noncoding RNAs in the regulation of alternative splicing in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly severe primary brain tumor. Despite extensive research, effective treatments remain elusive. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in both cancer and normal biology. They influence alternative splicing (AS), which is crucial in cancer. Advances in lncRNA-specific microarrays and next-generation sequencing have enhanced understanding of AS. Abnormal AS contributes to cancer invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, therapeutic resistance, and tumor development, including glioma. lncRNA-mediated AS affects several cellular signaling pathways, promoting or suppressing cancer malignancy. This review discusses the lncRNAs regulating AS in glioblastoma and their mechanisms.

Long non-coding RNAs; potential contributors in cancer chemoresistance through modulating diverse molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

One of the mainstays of cancer treatment is chemotherapy. Drug resistance, however, continues to be the primary factor behind clinical treatment failure. Gene expression is regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in several ways, including chromatin remodeling, translation, epigenetic, and transcriptional levels. Cancer hallmarks such as DNA damage, metastasis, immunological evasion, cell stemness, drug resistance, metabolic reprogramming, and angiogenesis are all influenced by LncRNAs. Numerous studies have been conducted on LncRNA-driven mechanisms of resistance to different antineoplastic drugs. Diverse medication kinds elicit diverse resistance mechanisms, and each mechanism may have multiple contributing factors. As a result, several lncRNAs have been identified as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for identifying and managing cancers. This compels us to thoroughly outline the crucial roles that lncRNAs play in drug resistance. In this regard, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the recently discovered functions of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis and chemoresistance of cancer. As a result, the current research might offer a substantial foundation for future drug resistance-conquering strategies that target lncRNAs in cancer therapies.

Hidden regulators: the emerging roles of lncRNAs in brain development and disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical players in brain development and disease. These non-coding transcripts, which once considered as "transcriptional junk," are now known for their regulatory roles in gene expression. In brain development, lncRNAs participate in many processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. They employ their effect through a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through interactions with chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and other regulatory molecules. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altered expression and function of specific lncRNAs have been implicated with disrupted neuronal connectivity, impaired synaptic plasticity, and aberrant gene expression pattern, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Moreover, lncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurological diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the diversity of lncRNA structure and functions in brain development and disease. This holds promise for unravelling the complexity of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Biopolymer-Based Aerogels as Smart Platforms for Targeted Drug Delivery

Cancer stands as a leading cause of global mortality, with chemotherapy being a pivotal treatment approach, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies. The primary goal of these therapies is to inhibit the growth of cancer cells specifically, while minimizing harm to healthy dividing cells. Conventional treatments, often causing patient discomfort due to side effects, have led researchers to explore innovative, targeted cancer cell therapies. Thus, biopolymer-based aerogels emerge as innovative platforms, showcasing unique properties that respond intelligently to diverse stimuli. This responsiveness enables precise control over the release of anticancer drugs, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The significance of these aerogels lies in their ability to offer targeted drug delivery with increased efficacy, biocompatibility, and a high drug payload. In this comprehensive review, the author discuss the role of biopolymer-based aerogels as an emerging functionalized platforms in anticancer drug delivery. The review addresses the unique properties of biopolymer-based aerogels showing their smart behavior in responding to different stimuli including temperature, pH, magnetic and redox potential to control anticancer drug release. Finally, the review discusses the application of different biopolymer-based aerogel in delivering different anticancer drugs and also discusses the potential of these platforms in gene delivery applications.

EPIC-0628 abrogates HOTAIR/EZH2 interaction and enhances the temozolomide efficacy via promoting ATF3 expression and inhibiting DNA damage repair in glioblastoma

The efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) treatment in glioblastoma (GBM) is influenced by various mechanisms, mainly including the level of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and the activity of DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways. In our previous study, we had proved that long non-coding RNA HOTAIR regulated the GBM progression and mediated DDR by interacting with EZH2, the catalytic subunit of PRC2. In this study, we developed a small-molecule inhibitor called EPIC-0628 that selectively disrupted the HOTAIR-EZH2 interaction and promoted ATF3 expression. The upregulation of ATF3 inhibited the recruitment of p300, p-p65, p-Stat3 and SP1 to the MGMT promoter. Hence, EPIC-0628 silenced MGMT expression. Besides, EPIC-0628 induced cell cycle arrest by increasing the expression of CDKN1A and impaired DNA double-strand break repair via suppressing the ATF3-p38-E2F1 pathway. Lastly, EPIC-0628 enhanced TMZ efficacy in GBM in vitro and vivo. Hence, this study provided evidence for the combination of epigenetic drugs EPIC-0628 with TMZ for GBM treatment through the above mechanisms.