The Role of MicroRNA in the Regulation of Tumor Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Krüppel-like factor 4 modulates the miR-101/COL10A1 axis to inhibit renal fibrosis after AKI by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can progress to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD), which reduces quality of life and increases the economic burden on patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying renal fibrosis following AKI remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)/miR-101/Collagen alpha-1X (COL10A1) axis could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis after AKI in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced renal fibrosis and HK-2 cells by gene silencing, overexpression, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and ELISA. Compared with the Sham group, I/R induced renal tubular and glomerular injury and fibrosis, and increased the levels of BUN, serum Scr and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), Col10a1 and Vimentin expression, but decreased E-cadherin expression in the kidney tissues of mice at 42 days post-I/R. Similarly, hypoxia promoted fibroblastic morphological changes in HK-2 cells and enhanced NGAL, COL10A1, Vimentin, and α-SMA expression, but reduced E-cadherin expression in HK-2 cells. These pathological changes were significantly mitigated in COL10A1-silenced renal tissues and HK-2 cells. KLF4 induces miR-101 transcription. More importantly, hypoxia upregulated Vimentin and COL10A1 expression, but decreased miR-101, KLF4, and E-cadherin expression in HK-2 cells. These hypoxic effects were significantly mitigated or abrogated by KLF4 over-expression in the HK-2 cells. Our data indicate that KLF4 up-regulates miR-101 expression, leading to the downregulation of COL10A1 expression, inhibition of EMT and renal fibrosis during the pathogenic process of I/R-related renal fibrosis.

Quinazoline sulfonamide derivatives targeting MicroRNA-34a/MDM4/p53 apoptotic axis with radiosensitizing activity

Aim: New quinazoline benzenesulfonamide hybrids 4a-n were synthesized to determine their cytotoxicity and effect on the miR-34a/MDM4/p53 apoptotic pathway. Materials & methods: Cytotoxicity against hepatic, breast, lung and colon cancer cell lines was estimated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: Compound 4d was the most potent against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells, with potential apoptotic activity verified by a significant upregulation of miR-34a and p53 gene expressions. The apoptotic effect of 4d was further investigated and showed downregulation of miR-21, VEGF, STAT3 and MDM4 gene expression. Conclusion: The anticancer and apoptotic activities of 4d were enhanced post irradiation by a single dose of 8 Gy γ-radiation. Docking analysis demonstrated a valuable affinity of 4d toward VEGFR2 and MDM4 active sites.

Tumor Suppressor MicroRNAs in Clinical and Preclinical Trials for Neurological Disorders

Cancers and neurological disorders are two major types of diseases in humans. We developed the concept called the "Aberrant Cell Cycle Disease (ACCD)" due to the accumulating evidence that shows that two different diseases share the common mechanism of aberrant cell cycle re-entry. The aberrant cell cycle re-entry is manifested as kinase/oncoprotein activation and tumor suppressor (TS) inactivation, which are associated with both tumor growth in cancers and neuronal death in neurological disorders. Therefore, some cancer therapies (e.g., kinase/oncogene inhibition and TS elevation) can be leveraged for neurological treatments. MicroRNA (miR/miRNA) provides a new style of drug-target binding. For example, a single tumor suppressor miRNA (TS-miR/miRNA) can bind to and decrease tens of target kinases/oncogenes, producing much more robust efficacy to block cell cycle re-entry than inhibiting a single kinase/oncogene. In this review, we summarize the miRNAs that are altered in both cancers and neurological disorders, with an emphasis on miRNA drugs that have entered into clinical trials for neurological treatment.

The underlying mechanism and targeted therapy strategy of miRNAs cross-regulating EMT process through multiple signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

The consistent notion holds that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, and clinical treatment failure treatment failure are affected by the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. meanwhile, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial biological process that controls the development of HCC. miRNAs regulate the intermediation state of EMTor mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MTE)thereby regulating HCC progression. Notably, miRNAs regulate key HCC-related molecular pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, TGF-β pathway, and RAS/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed how miRNAs produce EMT effects by multiple signaling pathways and their potential significance in the pathogenesis and treatment response of HCC. emphasizing their molecular pathways and progression in HCC initiation. Additionally, we also pay attention to regulatory mechanisms that are partially independent of signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize and propose miRNA-targeted therapy and diagnosis and defense strategies forHCC. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during HCC disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Consequently, we summarize the latest progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.

Role of a Polyphenol-Enriched Blueberry Preparation on Inhibition of Melanoma Cancer Stem Cells and Modulation of MicroRNAs

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer known for its high mortality rate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that significantly contribute to tumour recurrence and differentiation. Epigenetic-specific changes involving miRNAs maintain CSCs. Plant polyphenols have been reported to be involved in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy, with miRNAs being the novel effectors in their biological activities. A polyphenol-enriched blueberry preparation (PEBP) derived from fermented blueberries has demonstrated promising chemopreventative properties on breast cancer stem cells by influencing inflammatory pathways and miRNAs. In our current investigation, we seek to unveil the impact of PEBP on inhibiting melanoma development and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our study employs various human cell lines, including an ex vivo cell line derived from a patient's metastatic tumour. We found that it elevates miR-200c, increasing E-cadherin expression and inhibiting miR-210-3p through NF-κB signalling, impacting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a critical process in cancer progression. PEBP increases the SOCS1 expression, potentially contributing to miR-210-3p inhibition. Experiments involving miRNA manipulation confirm their functional roles. The study suggests that PEBP's anti-inflammatory effects involve regulating miR-200c and miR-210 expression and their targets in EMT-related pathways. The overall aim is to provide evidence-based supportive care and preclinical evaluation of PEBP, offering a promising strategy for skin cancer chemoprevention.

Clinical significance and immune characteristics analysis of miR-221-3p and its key target genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) facilitates the advancement of breast cancer (BC) through the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our research aimed to utilize bioinformatics to discover possible EMT-related target genes (ETGs) of miR-221-3p and examine their roles in breast cancer.

METHODS

We employed bioinformatics techniques to identify ten key ETGs of miR-221-3p. Subsequently, we conducted an extensive analysis of both miR-221-3p and the ten ETGs, including clinical significance and immune characteristics.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-221-3p was notably higher in Basal-like BC compared to other subtypes and adjacent normal tissue. Our pathway analysis suggested that miR-221-3p might regulate EMT through the MAPK signaling pathway by targeting its ETGs. Among the ETGs, seven core genes (EGFR, IGF1, KDR, FGF2, KIT, FGFR1, and FGF1) exhibited downregulation in BC. Conversely, ERBB2, SDC1, and MMP14 showed upregulation in BC and displayed potential diagnostic value. The analysis of prognostication indicated that increased levels of SDC1 and MMP14 were correlated with an unfavorable prognosis, whereas elevated expression of KIT was associated with a more favorable prognosis. The infiltration of various immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) exhibited positive correlations with most ETGs and miR-221-3p. SDC1 exhibited a greater tumor mutational burden (TMB) score, while ERBB2, KDR, FGF2, KIT, FGFR1, and FGF1 showed lower TMB scores. Furthermore, decreased ERBB2 and KDR expression levels were correlated with elevated microsatellite instability (MSI) scores. Elevated expression of ETGs was linked to decreased mRNA stemness indices (mRNAsi), whereas miR-221-3p displayed the opposite pattern. Most ETGs and miR-221-3p expression exhibited a negative correlation with IC50 values for drugs. Among the ETGs, amplification was the most significant genetic alteration, except for IGF1.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, miR-221-3p acts as a unique indicator for Basal-like BC. The examination revealed ten essential ETGs of miR-221-3p, some of which show potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers. The in-depth examination of these ten ETGs and miR-221-3p indicates their participation in the development of BC, emphasizing their promise as innovative targets for therapy in BC patients.

Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p/Homeobox A13 axis modulates the expression of β-catenin gene in human epithelial cells

Intercellular adhesion is a key function for epithelial cells. The fundamental mechanisms relying on epithelial cell adhesion have been partially uncovered. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p (hsa-miR-1249-3p) plays a role in the epithelial mesenchymal transition in carcinoma cells, but its physiological function in epithelial cells is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of hsa-miR-1249-3p on epithelial cell functions. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was overexpressed in human epithelial cells and uterine cervical tissues, compared to cervical carcinoma cells and precancerous tissues, respectively. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was analyzed to verify its regulatory function on Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) target gene and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin. Functional experiments indicated that hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition prompted the mRNA and protein overexpression of HOXA13 which, in turn, led to the β-catenin protein expression. Moreover, hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition induced a strong colony forming ability in epithelial cells, suggesting the miR involvement in cell adhesion machinery. These data indicate that hsa-miR-1249-3p regulates the expression of HOXA13 and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin, possible resulting in cell adhesion modification in epithelial cells. This study will allow the set-up of further investigations aimed at exploring the relationship between the hsa-miR-1249-3p/HOXA13 axis and downstream cell adhesion genes.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in age-associated thymic involution: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications

The thymus is a critical immune organ with endocrine and immune functions that plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. However, with aging, the thymus undergoes degenerative changes leading to decreased production and output of naive T cells and the secretion of thymic hormones and related cytokines, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of various age-associated diseases. Therefore, identifying essential processes that regulate age-associated thymic involution is crucial for long-term control of thymic involution and age-associated disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-established process involved in organ aging and functional impairment through tissue fibrosis in several organs, such as the heart and kidney. In the thymus, EMT promotes fibrosis and potentially adipogenesis, leading to thymic involution. This review focuses on the factors involved in thymic involution, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormones, from the perspective of EMT. Furthermore, current interventions for reversing age-associated thymic involution by targeting EMT-associated processes are summarized. Understanding the key mechanisms of thymic involution through EMT as an entry point may promote the development of new therapies and clinical agents to reverse thymic involution and age-associated disease.

Identification and comprehensive analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition related target genes of miR-222-3p in breast cancer

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial mechanism that microRNA-222-3p (miR-222-3p) promotes breast cancer (BC) progression. Our study aimed to identify EMT-associated target genes (ETGs) of miR-222-3p for further analysis of their roles in BC based on bioinformatics tools.

Methods

Based on bioinformatics analysis, we identified 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p. Then, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p, including pathway enrichment analysis of ETGs, differential expression, clinical significance, correlation with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), stemness, drug sensitivity, and genetic alteration.

Results

The expression of miR222-3p in basal-like BC was significantly higher than in other subtypes of BC and the normal adjacent tissue. Pathway analysis suggested that the ETGs might regulate the EMT process via the PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Six of the 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p identified were down-expressed in BC, which were EGFR, IL6, NRP1, NTRK2, LAMC2, and PIK3R1, and SERPINE1, MUC1, MMP11, and BIRC5 were up-expressed in BC, which also showed potential diagnostic values in BC. Prognosis analysis revealed that higher NTRK2 and PIK3R1 expressions were related to a better prognosis, and higher BIRC5 and miR-222-3p expressions were related to a worse prognosis. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p were positively correlated with various infiltration of various immune cells and ICGs expression. Lower TMB scores were correlated with higher expression of MUC1 and NTRK2, and higher BIRC5 was related to a higher TMB score. Lower expression of MUC1, NTRK2, and PIK3R1 were associated with higher MSI scores. Higher expression of ETGs was associated with lower mRNAsi scores, except BIRC5 and miR-222-3p conversely. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p expression were negatively correlated with the drug IC50 values. The analysis of the genetic alteration of the ETGs suggested that amplification was the main genetic alteration of eight ETGs except for NTRK2 and PIK3R1.

Conclusion

MiR-222-3p might be a specific biomarker of basal-like BC. We successfully identify 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p, some might be useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p indicated that they might be involved in the development of BC, which might be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of BC.

Modulation of AKT Pathway-Targeting miRNAs for Cancer Cell Treatment with Natural Products

Many miRNAs are known to target the AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) pathway, which is critical for the regulation of several cell functions in cancer cell development. Many natural products exhibiting anticancer effects have been reported, but their connections to the AKT pathway (AKT and its effectors) and miRNAs have rarely been investigated. This review aimed to demarcate the relationship between miRNAs and the AKT pathway during the regulation of cancer cell functions by natural products. Identifying the connections between miRNAs and the AKT pathway and between miRNAs and natural products made it possible to establish an miRNA/AKT/natural product axis to facilitate a better understanding of their anticancer mechanisms. Moreover, the miRNA database (miRDB) was used to retrieve more AKT pathway-related target candidates for miRNAs. By evaluating the reported facts, the cell functions of these database-generated candidates were connected to natural products. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the natural product/miRNA/AKT pathway in the modulation of cancer cell development.

MiR-182 Is Upregulated in Prostate Cancer and Contributes to Tumor Progression by Targeting MITF

Altered expression of microRNA-182-5p (miR-182) has been consistently linked with many cancers, but its specific role in prostate cancer remains unclear. In particular, its contribution to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this setting has not been well studied. Therefore, this paper profiles the expression of miR-182 in prostate cancer and investigates how it may contribute to progression of this disease. In vitro experiments on prostate cancer cell lines and in silico analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) datasets were performed. PCR revealed miR-182 expression was significantly increased in prostate cancer cell lines compared to normal prostate cells. Bioinformatic analysis of TCGA PRAD data similarly showed upregulation of miR-182 was significantly associated with prostate cancer and clinical markers of disease progression. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed a significant association of miR-182 and its target genes with EMT. The EMT-linked gene MITF (melanocyte inducing transcription factor) was subsequently shown to be a novel target of miR-182 in prostate cancer cells. Further TCGA analysis suggested miR-182 expression can be an indicator of patient outcomes and disease progression following therapy. In summary, this is the first study to report that miR-182 over-expression in prostate cancer may contribute to EMT by targeting MITF expression. We propose miR-182 as a potentially useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer and other malignancies.

Pharmacological impact of microRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Prevailing insights on molecular pathways, diagnosis, and nanomedicine treatment

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a disease that most commonly produce tumours from the lining of the epithelial cells of the lips, larynx, nasopharynx, mouth, or oro-pharynx. It is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. About one to two percent of all neo-plasm-related deaths are attributed to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is responsible for about six percent of all cancers. MicroRNAs play a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, stress response, triggering apoptosis, and other physiological process. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and provide new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In this work, the role of molecular signaling pathways related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is emphasized. We also provide an overview of MicroRNA downregulation and overexpression and its role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In recent years, MicroRNA nano-based therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been explored. In addition, nanotechnology-based alternatives have been discussed as a promising strategy in exploring therapeutic paradigms aimed at improving the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and attenuating their cytotoxicity. This article also provides information on ongoing and recently completed clinical trials for therapies based on nanotechnology.

Do Tumor Mechanical Stresses Promote Cancer Immune Escape?

Immune evasion-a well-established cancer hallmark-is a major barrier to immunotherapy efficacy. While the molecular mechanisms and biological consequences underpinning immune evasion are largely known, the role of tissue mechanical stresses in these processes warrants further investigation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) features physical abnormalities (notably, increased fluid and solid pressures applied both inside and outside the TME) that drive cancer mechanopathologies. Strikingly, in response to these mechanical stresses, cancer cells upregulate canonical immune evasion mechanisms, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy. Consideration and characterization of the origins and consequences of tumor mechanical stresses in the TME may yield novel strategies to combat immunotherapy resistance. In this Perspective, we posit that tumor mechanical stresses-namely fluid shear and solid stresses-induce immune evasion by upregulating EMT and autophagy. In addition to exploring the basis for our hypothesis, we also identify explicit gaps in the field that need to be addressed in order to directly demonstrate the existence and importance of this biophysical relationship. Finally, we propose that reducing or neutralizing fluid shear stress and solid stress-induced cancer immune escape may improve immunotherapy outcomes.

Cellular phenotypic transitions in diabetic nephropathy: An update

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes and is the most common cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal fibrosis is the final pathological change in DN. It is widely believed that cellular phenotypic switching is the cause of renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Several types of kidney cells undergo activation and differentiation and become reprogrammed to express markers of mesenchymal cells or podocyte-like cells. However, the development of targeted therapy for DN has not yet been identified. Here, we discussed the pathophysiologic changes of DN and delineated the possible origins that contribute to myofibroblasts and podocytes through phenotypic transitions. We also highlight the molecular signaling pathways involved in the phenotypic transition, which would provide valuable information for the activation of phenotypic switching and designing effective therapies for DN.

STAT3 Inhibitors: A Novel Insight for Anticancer Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) is a family of intracellular cytoplasmic transcription factors involved in many biological functions in mammalian signal transduction. Among them, STAT3 is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Despite the advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the past decade, the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor. STAT3 has been shown to play a pro-cancer role in a variety of cancers, and inhibitors of STAT3 are used in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We reviewed the relationship between STAT3 and pancreatic cancer and the latest results on the use of STAT3 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer, with the aim of providing insights and ideas around STAT3 inhibitors for a new generation of chemotherapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer.