MicroRNA-27a-3p regulates epithelial to mesenchymal transition via targeting YAP1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Tiny messengers, big Impact: Exosomes driving EMT in oral cancer

Exosomes are indispensable extracellular vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and are crucial for both healthy and pathological conditions, including cancer. The capacity of exosomes to echo the molecular characteristics of their cells of origin, including malignant cells, makes them indispensable tools for diagnosing and tracking disease progression in the field of oncology. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which has been identified as the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, has been linked to numerous risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and inadequate oral hygiene. Exosomes pointedly influence the advancement of oral cancer via promoting tumor cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion through the alteration of the tumor microenvironment. A critical apparatus in cancer metastasis is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), during which cancer cells acquire improved migratory and invasive properties. EMT plays a role in metastasis, resistance to treatment, and evasion of the immune response. Exosomes facilitate EMT in oral cancer by delivering bioactive molecules that influence EMT signaling pathways. These exosomes inspire EMT in recipient cells, by this means enhancing tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aims to identify the specific exosomal components and signaling pathways that are tangled in EMT, in that way providing new avenues for targeted therapies designed to hinder the metastasis of oral cancer.

EBV-Induced LINC00944: A Driver of Oral Cancer Progression and Influencer of Macrophage Differentiation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection as well as long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) associated EBV infection, have been linked to OSCC development and are known to influence cancer progression. LINC00944 is associated with various cancers and immune cells, but its role in oral cancer remains underexplored. This study investigated the role of EBV-induced LINC00944 in OSCC and its impact on the tumor microenvironment. The LINC00944 expression was analyzed from a database of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues, and its expression in EBV-positive and EBV-negative OSCC cell lines was examined via qRT-PCR. We overexpressed LINC00944 in SCC25 and ORL-48T oral cancer cell lines and evaluated its impact on migration and invasion ability using wound healing and transwell experiments. Additionally, we studied its influence on macrophage differentiation. The results showed that LINC00944 expression was higher in HNSCC than in normal tissues and was linked to EBV-positive OSCC cell lines. LINC00944 overexpressed-OSCC cell lines significantly increased cellular motility and invasiveness. Additionally, LINC00944 was secreted in a cultured medium, delivered to macrophages, and promoted macrophage differentiation into the M1 subtype. Predicted interactions suggested that LINC00944 targets miRNAs that regulate NFKB1 and RELA. In conclusion, EBV-induced LINC00944 contributes to OSCC progression by enhancing tumor cell migration, invasion, and macrophage differentiation, potentially regulating these processes through NFKB1 and RELA. These findings provide valuable directions for LINC00944's future studies on its mechanisms and suggest that it could be a target of study in EBV-associated OSCC.

Effect of the polyphenol flavonoids fisetin and quercetin on the adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells

Fisetin and quercetin, polyphenol flavonoids, have been shown to have a wide range of beneficial pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-cancer. Our previous work shows that fisetin also affects the specification of the adipogenic-osteogenic lineage of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by modulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Although quercetin has a structure similar to that of fisetin, its effects on the functional properties of hMSCs have not yet been investigated. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of quercetin on the various properties of hMSCs, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation capacity toward adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. The results show that while fisetin increases hMSC adipogenic differentiation, quercetin inhibited adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The inhibition is mediated, at least in part, by the activation of hippo signaling and up-regulation of miR-27b, which inhibits the expression of genes involved in all critical steps of lipid droplet biogenesis, resulting in a decrease in the number of lipid droplets in hMSCs. It is possible that the lack of hydroxylation of the 5 position on the A ring of quercetin could be responsible for its different effect on the adipogenic-osteogenic lineage specification of hMSCs compared with fisetin. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation suggested that fisetin and quercetin possibly bind to serine / threonine protein kinases 4 (STK4/MST1), which is an upstream kinase responsible for LATS phosphorylation. Taken together, our results demonstrate more insight into the mechanism underlying the role of flavonoid fisetin and quercetin in the regulation of adipogenesis.

MiR-27a inhibits the growth and metastasis of multiple myeloma through regulating Th17/Treg balance

BACKGROUND

The imbalance between T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cells plays a key role in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

The gene expression profiles of MM were acquired and examined from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE72213). Our research involved experimental investigations conducted using the MOPC-MM mouse model. Dysregulation of Treg and Th17 cells was evaluated through flow cytometry, while the levels of inflammatory factors were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell proliferation was gauged using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was quantified via flow cytometry. Cell metastasis capabilities were determined by conducting transwell assays. To confirm the relationship between miR-27a and PI3K, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed. Finally, proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were assessed using western blotting.

RESULTS

MiR-27a exhibited reduced expression levels in MM. Moreover, it exerted control over the equilibrium of Th17 and Treg cells while reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators such as TGF-β1 and IL-10 in an in vivo setting. Elevated miR-27a levels led to the inhibition of cell viability, colony formation capacity, migratory and invasive traits in an in vitro context. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was identified as a direct target of miR-27a and could reverse the effects induced by miR-27a in MM cells. Notably, PI3K was directly targeted by miR-27a.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that miR-27a inhibited MM evolution by regulating the Th17/Treg balance. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by miR-27a may play a potential mechanistic role.

The significance of Hippo pathway protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction

The Hippo pathway consists of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1/2 (MST1/2), large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2), and yes-associated protein (YAP)1. Herein, we present the first report on the significance of major Hippo pathway protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

The analyses included oral epithelial dysplasia (OED, n = 7), carcinoma in situ (CIS, n = 14), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, n = 109).

Results

Cytoplasmic expression of MST1, LATS1, and LATS2 was low in OED, CIS, and OSCC. The cytoplasmic expression of MST2 was high in OED (5/7 cases), CIS (9/14 cases), and poorly differentiated OSCC (8/8 cases) but was low/lost in a proportion of differentiated OSCC (60/101 cases). The expression of YAP1 was associated with differentiation; low YAP expression was significantly more frequent in well-differentiated OSCC (35/71 cases), compared to moderately and poorly differentiated OSCC (11/38 cases). An infiltrative invasion pattern was associated with a high expression of MST2 and high expression of YAP1. The high expression of YAP1 was associated with features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as the loss of E-cadherin and high expression of vimentin, laminin 5, and Slug. High expression of protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 1 or 5, which positively regulates YAP activity, was associated with the high expression of YAP1 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Among the major Hippo pathway proteins, MST2 displayed a distinctive expression pattern in a significant proportion of differentiated OSCC, suggesting a possible differential role for MST2 depending on the course of OSCC progression. A high YAP1 expression may indicate aggressive OSCC with EMT via PRMTs at the invasive front.

Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of oral cancer

Oral cancer (OC) is a widely observed neoplasm on a global scale. Over time, there has been an increase in both its fatality and incidence rates. Oral cancer metastasis is a complex process that involves a number of cellular mechanisms, including invasion, migration, proliferation, and escaping from malignant tissue through either lymphatic or vascular channels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a crucial class of short non-coding RNAs recognized as significant modulators of diverse cellular processes and exert a pivotal influence on the carcinogenesis pathway, functioning either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in metastasis at several stages, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and colonization. This regulation is achieved by targeting key genes involved in these pathways by miRNAs. This paper aims to give a contemporary analysis of OC, focusing on its molecular genetics. The current literature and emerging advancements in miRNA dysregulation in OC are thoroughly examined. This project would advance OC diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and therapeutic implications.

Detection of YAP1 and AR-V7 mRNA for Prostate Cancer Prognosis Using an ISFET Lab-On-Chip Platform

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cause of male cancer-related death worldwide. The gold standard of treatment for advanced PCa is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, eventual failure of ADT is common and leads to lethal metastatic castration-resistant PCa. As such, the detection of relevant biomarkers in the blood for drug resistance in metastatic castration-resistant PCa patients could lead to personalized treatment options. mRNA detection is often limited by the low specificity of qPCR assays which are restricted to specialized laboratories. Here, we present a novel reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay and have demonstrated its capability for sensitive detection of AR-V7 and YAP1 RNA (3 × 10¹ RNA copies per reaction). This work presents a foundation for the detection of circulating mRNA in PCa on a non-invasive lab-on-chip device for use at the point-of-care. This technique was implemented onto a lab-on-chip platform integrating an array of chemical sensors (ion-sensitive field-effect transistors) for real-time detection of RNA. Detection of RNA presence was achieved through the translation of chemical signals into electrical readouts. Validation of this technique was conducted with rapid detection (<15 min) of extracted RNA from prostate cancer cell lines 22Rv1s and DU145s.

The interplay between noncoding RNA and YAP/TAZ signaling in cancers: molecular functions and mechanisms

The Hippo signaling pathway was found coordinately modulates cell regeneration and organ size. Its dysregulation contributes to uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation. YAP/TAZ are two critical effectors of the Hippo pathway and have been demonstrated essential for the initiation or growth of most tumors. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been shown to play critical roles in the development of many cancers. In the past few decades, a growing number of studies have revealed that ncRNAs can directly or indirectly regulate YAP/TAZ signaling. YAP/TAZ also regulate ncRNAs expression in return. This review summarizes the interactions between YAP/TAZ signaling and noncoding RNAs together with their biological functions on cancer progression. We also try to describe the complex feedback loop existing between these components.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects

Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.

Hsa_circ_0000527 Downregulation Suppresses the Development of Retinoblastoma by Modulating the miR-27a-3p/HDAC9 Pathway

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence indicates that the progression of retinoblastoma (RB) may involve circRNA dysfunction. We aimed to disclose the role of hsa_circ_0000527 and its potential functional mechanism in RB.

METHODS

The expression of hsa_circ_0000527, miR-27a-3p and histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) mRNA was monitored using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Functional assays, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, were investigated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry assay. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins and HDAC9 protein was detected by western blot. The targeting relationship between miR-27a-3p and hsa_circ_0000527 or HDAC9 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Besides, Xenograft models were constructed to confirm the effect of hsa_circ_0000527 in vivo.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0000527 and HDAC9 were upregulated, while miR-27a-3p was downregulated in RB tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0000527 downregulation repressed RB cell proliferation and induced RB cell apoptosis. MiR-27a-3p was a target of hsa_circ_0000527, and hsa_circ_0000527 suppressed the expression of miR-27a-3p. MiR-27a-3p inhibition reversed the role of hsa_circ_0000527 downregulation. In addition, HDAC9 was a target of miR-27a-3p, and hsa_circ_0000527 indirectly regulated HDAC9 expression by targeting miR-27a-3p. MiR-27a-3p restoration inhibited RB cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, which was reversed by HDAC9 overexpression. Hsa_circ_0000527 downregulation could inactivate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, hsa_circ_0000527 downregulation blocked tumor growth rate in vivo.

CONCLUSION

hsa_circ_0000527 downregulation blocked the progression of RB by regulating the miR-27a-3p/HDAC9 pathway, which might be associated with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

The local anesthetic ropivacaine suppresses progression of breast cancer by regulating miR-27b-3p/YAP axis

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Ropivacaine is a widely used local anesthetic and presents potential anti-tumor activity. Nevertheless, the function of ropivacaine in breast cancer development remains elusive. Here, we tried to investigate the impact of ropivacaine on breast cancer progression and the underlying mechanism. Significantly, we revealed that ropivacaine was able to reduce the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Ropivacaine could attenuate the invasion and migration in the cells. Mechanically, ropivacaine could enhance the miR-27b-3p expression and miR-27b-3p inhibited breast cancer progression in breast cancer cells. MiR-27b-3p targeted YAP in the breast cancer cells. Ropivacaine decreased the breast cancer progression by modulating miR-27b-3p/YAP axis in vitro. Ropivacaine could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, we discovered that the local anesthetic ropivacaine inhibits the progression of breast cancer via the miR-27b-3p/YAP axis. Our finding presents novel insights into the mechanism of ropivacaine inhibiting the development of breast cancer. Ropivacaine may potentially serve as an anti-tumor candidate in the therapeutic strategy of breast cancer.

MiR-27a-3p enhances the cisplatin sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in drug resistance, and it is reported that miR-27a-3p regulated the sensitivity of cisplatin in breast cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer. However, the relationship between miR-27a-3p and chemosensitivity of cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unclear, especially the underlying mechanism was unknown. In the present study, we analyzed miR-27a-3p expression levels in 372 tumor tissues and 49 adjacent tissues in HCC samples from TCGA database, and found that the miR-27a-3p was down-regulated in HCC tissues. The level of miR-27a-3p was associated with metastasis, Child–Pugh grade and race. MiR-27a-3p was regarded as a favorable prognosis indicator for HCC patients. Then, miR-27a-3p was overexpressed in HepG2 cell, and was knocked down in PLC cell. Next, we conducted a series of in vitro assays, including MTT, apoptosis and cell cycle assays to observe the biological changes. Further, inhibitor rate and apoptosis rate were detected with pre- and post-cisplatin treatment in HCC. The results showed that overexpression of miR-27a-3p repressed the cell viability, promoted apoptosis and increased the percentage of cells in G₀/G₁ phase. Importantly, overexpression of miR-27a-3p significantly increased the inhibitor rate and apoptosis rate with cisplatin intervention. Besides, we found that miR-27a-3p added cisplatin sensitivity potentially through regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, miR-27a-3p acted as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC cells, and it could be useful for modulating cisplatin sensitivity in chemotherapy.

MicroRNAs as Modulators of Oral Tumorigenesis-A Focused Review

Oral cancers constitute the majority of head and neck tumors, with a relatively high incidence and poor survival rate in developing countries. While the five-year survival rates of the oral cancer patients have increased to 65%, the overall survival for advanced stages has been at 27% for the past ten years, emphasizing the necessity for further understanding the etiology of the disease, diagnosis, and formulating possible novel treatment regimens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of small non-coding RNA, have emerged as master modulators of gene expression in various cellular and biological process. Aberrant expression of these dynamic molecules has been associated with many human diseases, including oral cancers. The deregulated miRNAs have been shown to control various oncogenic processes, including sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death activating invasion and metastasis, and inducing angiogenesis. Hence, the aberrant expression of miRNAs associated with oral cancers, makes them potential candidates for the investigation of functional markers, which will aid in the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and development of novel therapeutic regimens. This review presents a holistic insight into our understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating various hallmarks of oral tumorigenesis.

MicroRNA profile in the squamous cell carcinoma: prognostic and diagnostic roles

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are human malignancies associated with both genetic and environmental factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of small non-coding RNAs have prominent roles in the development of this kind of cancer. Expressions of several miRNAs have been demonstrated to be increased in HNSCC samples vs. non-malignant tissues. In silico prediction tools and functional analyses have confirmed the function of some miRNAs in the modulation of cancer-associated targets, thus indicating these miRNAs as onco-miRs. Moreover, numerous miRNAs have been down-regulated in HNSCC samples. Their targets mostly enhance cell proliferation or inhibit apoptosis. miRNAs signature has practical implications in the diagnosis, staging, and management of HNSC. Most notably, numerous miRNAs have been shown to alter response of tumor cells to anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin and doxorubicin. Circulating levels of these small transcripts have been suggested as promising biomarkers for diagnosis of HNSCC. In the present manuscript, we sum up the available literature regarding the miRNAs signature in HNSCC and their role as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers.

Participation of MicroRNAs in the Treatment of Cancer with Phytochemicals

Cancer is a global health concern and one of the main causes of disease-related death. Even with considerable progress in investigations on cancer therapy, effective anti-cancer agents and regimens have thus far been insufficient. There has been compelling evidence that natural phytochemicals and their derivatives have potent anti-cancer activities. Plant-based anti-cancer agents, such as etoposide, irinotecan, paclitaxel, and vincristine, are currently being applied in medical treatments for patients with cancer. Further, the efficacy of plenty of phytochemicals has been evaluated to discover a promising candidate for cancer therapy. For developing more effective cancer therapy, it is required to apprehend the molecular mechanism deployed by natural compounds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been realized to play a pivotal role in regulating cellular signaling pathways, affecting the efficacy of therapeutic agents in cancer. This review presents a feature of phytochemicals with anti-cancer activity, focusing mainly on the relationship between phytochemicals and miRNAs, with insights into the role of miRNAs as the mediators and the regulators of anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals.

FBLN5 is targeted by microRNA‑27a‑3p and suppresses tumorigenesis and progression in high‑grade serous ovarian carcinoma

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies; however, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Fibulin-5 (FBLN-5) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of ECM structures, regulating cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In the present study, the expression of FBLN-5, as determined by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, was significantly increased in normal fallopian tube (FT) samples compared with that in HGSOC samples, and decreased FBLN5 expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis of HGSOC. Functional characterization revealed that FBLN5 overexpression significantly inhibited migration, invasion and proliferation abilities of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, micro (mi)RNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) was revealed to be increased in HGSOC, and dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-27a-3p was functioned as a negative regulator of FBLN5 by directly binding with its 3′-untranslated region. Collectively, FBLN5 expression was associated with prognosis, proliferation, and metastasis in HGSOC. We hypothesized that FBLN5 was targeted by miR-27a-3p and may serve as a biomarker and provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of HGSOC.

The roles of microRNAs in the stemness of oral cancer cells

Oral cancer (OC), which is the most common form of head and neck cancers, has one of the lowest (~50%) overall 5-year survival rates. The main reasons for this high mortality rate are diagnosis of OC in advanced stages in most patients and spread to distant organs via lymph node metastasis. Many studies have shown that a small population of cells within the tumor plays vital roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of the tumor, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and recurrence. These cells, identified as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are the main reasons for the failure of current treatment modalities. Deregulated expressions of microRNAs are closely related to tumor prognosis, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, microRNAs play important roles in regulating the functions of CSCs. Until now, the roles of microRNAs in the acquisition and maintenance of OC stemness have not been elucidated in detail yet. Here in this review, we summarized significant findings and the latest literature to better understand the involvement of CSCs in association with dysregulated microRNAs in oral carcinogenesis. Possible roles of these microRNAs in acquisition and maintenance of CSCs features during OC pathogenesis were summarized.

Expression of NANOG and Its Regulation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

Results of previous studies suggest that NANOG may be an important prognostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but there are contradictory results regarding NANOG expression patterns on mRNA and protein levels, and the mechanisms of its regulation are poorly understood. Our aim was to analyze the expression and diagnostic significance of NANOG in OSCC, and the possible mechanisms of its regulation, i.e., protein regulators on mRNA level (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, AGR2, and NOTCH1), methylation status, copy number variation, and regulatory miRNAs, miR-145, miR-335, miR-150, miR-34a, miR-128, and miR-27a.

Methods

Our study included 120 patients with OSCC. Expression of NANOG protein and mRNA was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Expression of regulatory factors, miRNAs, and copy number variation was performed using qPCR. Methylation status of NANOG promoter was determined using PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

We detected upregulation of NANOG and OCT4 and downregulation of NOTCH1 and AGR2 mRNA in OSCC with lymph node metastases compared to OSCC without lymph node metastases. We observed a strong positive correlation between mRNAs of NANOG and those of its protein regulators OCT4, SOX2, NOTCH1, AGR2, and KLF4. The expression of NANOG was in positive correlation with the expression of miR-34a. There was also a correlation between T status of OSCC and the expression of miR-335 and miR-150 and a correlation of miR-150 with the N status of T2 OSCC. NANOG promoter methylation and copy number variation were only observed in a small proportion of samples.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the diagnostic significance of NANOG in OSCC and provide information on NANOG expression patterns on both mRNA and protein levels. They also suggest that protein regulators and microRNAs might play a crucial role, whereas methylation of its promoter and copy number variation probably have a minor role in the regulation of NANOG expression in OSCC.

Functional Landscape of Dysregulated MicroRNAs in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Implications

MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and its elucidation could potentially provide information on patient outcome. A growing body of translational research on miRNA biology is focusing on precision oncology, aiming to decode the miRNA regulatory network in the development and progression of cancer. Tissue-specific expression and stable presence in all body fluids are unique features of miRNAs, which could be potentially exploited in the clinical setting. Recent understanding of miRNA properties has led them to be useful, attractive, and potential tools either as biomarkers (distinct miRNA expression signature) for diagnosis and prognostic outcomes or as targets for novel therapeutic entities, enabling personalized treatment for OSCC. In this review, we discuss recent research on different aspects of alterations in miRNA profiles along with their clinical significance and strive to identify probable potential miRNA biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC. We also discuss the current understanding and scope of development of miRNA-based therapeutics against OSCC.

MicroRNA-495 confers inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma through the HOXC6-mediated TGF-β signaling pathway

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with high morbidity and ranks sixth among malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs), which drive the proliferation and spread of OSCC. Therefore, based on the alteration of aberrantly expressed miR-495 and homeobox C6 (HOXC6) by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) analysis, we subsequently explore the potential effect of miR-495 on the progression of CSCs in OSCC.

Methods

After the isolation of CSCs from the clinical tissue samples of OSCC patients, the expression of miR-495 and HOXC6 was determined, followed by the validation of the relationship between miR-495 and HOXC6. Subsequently, gain- and loss-function approach was performed to detect the role of miR-495 and HOXC6 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle entry, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CSCs in OSCC, as well as the tumor growth in vivo.

Results

HOXC6 was highly expressed while miR-495 was poorly expressed in OSCC. HOXC6 was verified to be a target gene of miR-495, and miR-495 could inhibit the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. CSCs with miR-495 overexpression or HOXC6 silencing exhibited reversed EMT process; reduced abilities of proliferation, migration, and invasion; and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, inhibited tumor growth was observed in vivo after injection with miR-495 agomir or sh-HOXC6. In contrast, the downregulation of miR-495 showed an induced role in the progression of OSCC.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that miR-495 may suppress HOXC6 to inhibit EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis of CSCs in OSCC by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway.

MiR-27b suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chemoresistance in lung cancer by targeting Snail1

HEADING AIMS

MicroRNA-27b (miR-27b) has been shown to play a role in the progression of many different forms of cancer, but its specific relevance in the context of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains uncertain. As such, this study sought to explore the role of miR-27b in NSCLC and the mechanisms whereby it functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We quantified miR-27b and target gene expression via quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).We then used functional including proliferation assays, migration assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting to explore the mechanisms whereby miR-27b functions in vitro and in vivo. We additionally confirmed miR-27b target genes via luciferase reporter assay.

KEY FINDINGS

We observed a marked decrease in miR-27b expression in NSCLC patient samples relative to paracancerous control tissues. We further found that altering miR-27b expression levels in vitro affected NSCLC tumor cell migration, proliferation, and ability to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Through the use of target prediction algorithms we identified Snail to be a miR-27b target protein that was suppressed when this miRNA was highlight expressed. Lastly, we found miR-27b expression to increase NSCLC cell sensitivity to cisplatin through its ability to target Snail.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results clearly demonstrate that miR-27b can suppress NSCLC tumor development and progression, highlighting this miR-27b/Snail1 axis as putative target for the therapeutic treatment of NSCLC.

CircRNA cRAPGEF5 inhibits the growth and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma via the miR-27a-3p/TXNIP pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reported to act as important regulators in cancers. CircRNA RAPGEF5 (cRAPGEF5) is derived from exons 2-6 of the RAPGEF5 gene and may promote papillary thyroid cancer progression. However, the role of cRAPGEF5 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. In this study, we found cRAPGEF5 to be significantly downregulated in RCC tissues. Among 245 RCC cases, cRAPGEF5 downregulation correlated positively with aggressive clinical characteristics and independently predicted poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Functional assays demonstrated that cRAPGEF5 suppresses RCC proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA Immunoprecipitation and circRNA in vivo precipitation assays showed that cRAPGEF5 functions as a sponge of oncogenic miR-27a-3p, which targets the suppressor gene TXNIP. Interactions between miR-27a-3p and cRAPGEF5 or TXNIP were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. In conclusion, cRAPGEF5 plays a role in suppressing RCC via the miR-27a-3p/TXNIP pathway and may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for RCC patients.

The Effects of Dapagliflozin on Systemic and Renal Vascular Function Display an Epigenetic Signature

CONTEXT

Mechanisms mediating the cardiovascular and renal protection exerted by SGLT2 inhibitors are still partially unknown. We investigated whether dapagliflozin modulates systemic and renal vascular function and structure, and induces epigenetic modifications.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to 4-week treatment with dapagliflozin 10 mg or hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) 12.5 mg. Routine analyses; plasma renin activity; aldosterone, catecholamine, and 24-hour urinary electrolyte levels; flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery; carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV); augmentation index; and resistive index and dynamic renal resistive index (DRIN) were measured at baseline and after treatment. Circulating miRNAs (miRs) related to heart failure (miR30e-5p, miR199a-3p), endothelial dysfunction (miR27b and miR200b), and renal function (miR130b-3p, miR21-5p) were assessed and related to the effects of treatments.

RESULTS

Dapagliflozin and HCT marginally lowered blood pressure. Fasting glucose was lowered, whereas 24-hour diuresis, glycosuria, and osmolar clearance were increased by dapagliflozin (P < 0.001 for all), without affecting sodium excretion and glomerular filtration rate. Magnesium levels significantly increased after dapagliflozin treatment (P = 0.02). Neither dapagliflozin nor HCT modified FMD or PWV. DRIN did not vary in the dapagliflozin group, whereas it increased in the HCT group (P = 0.047 for time by treatment interaction). Both treatments induced variations in the expression of some miRs; dapagliflozin, but not HCT, significantly up-regulated miR30e-5p and downregulated miR199a-3p.

CONCLUSION

A putative epigenetic regulation of the protecting cardiovascular effect exerted by SGLT2 inhibitors was found. Dapagliflozin might exert nephroprotection by preserving renal vasodilating capacity.

Prospective applications of microRNAs in oral cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules that are generally encoded by endogenous genes and exert suppressive effects on post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes by translation repression or degradation of mRNA. This subsequently mediates activation or blocking of downstream signaling pathways associated with oral malignancies. Aberrant levels of certain miRNAs have been identified in cell experiments, clinical carcinomatous specimens, saliva, serum or plasma samples of patients with oral malignancies. miRNAs are associated with multiple aspects of oral cancer, including tumor growth, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metastasis, glycometabolism, radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity. miRNAs have the potential to be used in clinical applications as minimally invasive or non-invasive tools for early diagnosis and prognosis by the detection of serum, plasma and saliva levels, and may provide a new ancillary or additional reference index of traditional pathological grading and clinical staging. Furthermore, miRNAs may be used as prognostic biomarkers or targets for novel therapies for oral cancer.

microRNA-27a-3p Down-regulation Inhibits Malignant Biological Behaviors of Ovarian Cancer by Targeting BTG1

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly malignant tumor. MicroRNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) was a tumor oncogene in various cancers. However, the role and mechanism of miR-27a-3p in ovarian cancer are still unknown. In this study, we found that miR-27a-3p over-expression could significantly promote the viability of SK-OV-3 cells, enhance cell migration and invasion, and reduce cell apoptosis. Besides, results from western blot assay showed that miR-27a-3p over-expression could increase Bcl-2 protein expression and decrease Bax protein expression. Furthermore, TargetScan and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that BTG anti-proliferation factor 1 (BTG1) was a direct target of miR-27a-3p. In addition, we found that miR-27a-3p down-regulation suppressed SK-OV-3 cell viability, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. All the effects of miR-27a-3p down-regulation on SK-OV-3 cells were reversed by BTG1-siRNA. Therefore, miR-27a-3p/BTG1 axis may be a new potential target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

miR-27a-3p regulates proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells by potentially targeting BTG1

microRNA (miR/miRNA)-27a-3p has been reported to be abnormally expressed in various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) has also been implicated with CRC. However, the association between miR-27a-3p and BTG1 in CRC, to the best of our knowledge, has not been investigated. In order to assess whether miR-27a-3p is associated with CRC, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed on 20 paired CRC and paracancerous tissues for miRNA analysis. For the screening and validation of miR-27a-3p expression in colon cancer, several colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116, HCT8, SW480, HT29, LOVO and Caco2) and the normal colorectal epithelial cell line NCM460 were examined. The highest expression levels of miR-27a-3p were detected in the HCT-116, which was selected for further experimentation. The HCT-116 cells were divided into control, miR-27a-3p mimic and inhibitor groups, and cell proliferation was tested using an MTT assay. Additionally, miR-27a-3p inhibitor/mimic or BTG1 plasmid were transfected into the HCT-116 cells, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle distributions. TUNEL analysis was performed to detect apoptosis. Protein levels of factors in the downstream signaling pathway mediated by miR-27a-3p [ERK/mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)] were detected. miR-27a-3p was revealed to be overexpressed in human CRC tissues and colon cancer cell lines. Knockdown of miR-27a-3p suppressed proliferation of HCT-116 cells and apoptosis was increased. It further markedly upregulated expression levels of BTG1 and inhibited activation of proteins of the ERK/MEK signaling pathway. In addition, overexpression of BTG1 in HCT-116 cells triggered G₁/S phase cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis via the ERK/MEK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the effects of miR-27a-3p on colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were similar to those of the tumor suppressor gene BTG1. The miR-27a-3p/BTG1 axis may have potential implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in CRC.

Verteporfin suppresses the proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells via inhibiting YAP1

Purpose: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, it is unknown whether verteporfin, a YAP1 inhibitor, can inhibit HNSCC cells as well as the molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods: YAP1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in human head and neck carcinoma tissues (n=70). CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometric analysis, wound-healing assay and Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to evaluated the effects of verteporfin on the six HNSCC cell lines (three HPV-positive and three HPV-negative). The transcription and protein expression levels of YAP1 and its associated genes were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The effects of verteporfin on HNSCC cells in vivo were assessed by a xenograft model.

Results: YAP1 expression was significantly higher in carcinoma tissues than in tumor-adjacent normal tissues (n=10). A CCK-8 assay showed that the inhibitory effects of verteporfin on HNSCC cells were markedly enhanced by light activation. Verteporfin significantly inhibited HNSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at the S/G2 phase. Verteporfin significantly attenuated the expression of genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (YAP1, Snail, CTNNB1 and EGFR) and stemness (Oct4 and YAP1) and increased E-cadherin expression in HNSCC cells. Furthermore, verteporfin significantly inhibited PD-L1 expression in HNSCC cells. However, the expression levels of HPV-16 E6 and E7 did not change with VP treatment. The anticancer effect of verteporfin on HNSCC was confirmed by the inhibition of xenograft growth in vivo.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that YAP1 overexpression is involved in HNSCC tumorigenesis and verteporfin is a potential therapeutic drug for HNSCC.

Facile and Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensors for MicroRNA Detection Based on DNA Origami Nanostructures

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as the promising molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and enhanced understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cancers as well as certain diseases. Here, a facile, label-free, and amplification-free electrochemical biosensor was developed to detect miRNA by using DNA origami nanostructure-supported DNA probes, with methylene blue (MB) serving as the hybridization redox indicator, for the first time. Specifically, the use of cross-shaped DNA origami nanostructures containing multiple single-stranded DNA probes at preselected locations on each DNA nanostructure could increase the accessibility and the recognition efficiency of the probes (due to the rational controlled density of DNA probes). The successful immobilization of DNA origami probes and their hybridization with targeted miRNA-21 molecules was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry methods. A differential pulse voltammetry technique was employed to record the oxidation peak current of MB before and after target hybridization. The linear detection range of this biosensor was from 0.1 pM to 10.0 nM, with a lower detection limit of 79.8 fM. The selectivity of the miRNA biosensor was also studied by observing the discrimination ability of single-base mismatched sequences. Because of the larger surface area and unprecedented customizability of DNA origami nanostructures, this strategy demonstrated great potential for sensitive, selective, and label-free determination of miRNA for translational biomedical research and clinical applications.

MiR-27a: A Novel Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target in Tumors

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, time sequencing, conserved and small non-coding RNA molecules (19-25 bp long) that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to the partial sequence homology of the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger (m)RNA. The miRNA-27 family consists of miR-27a and miR-27b, which are transcribed from different chromosomes and different in nucleotide at the 3' end. It has been reported that miR-27a was located on chromosome 19 and played a vital role in tumor development. Increasing evidences support a vital role for miR-27a in modulating polymorphisms, tumorigenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Apart from it, miR-27a could affect drug sensitivity, treatment of cancer and patients prognosis. The miR-27a could be an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in several types of cancer, including colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the role of miR-27a in tumor biology and clinical significance in detail and offer novel insights into molecular targeting therapy for human cancers.

miR-27a promotes endothelial-mesenchymal transition in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by suppressing BMP signaling

AIM

Growing evidence suggests that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) play key roles in pulmonary arterial remodeling during pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. miR-27a has been shown to promote proliferation of pulmonary arterial cells during PAH, but its role in EndMT remains unexplored. This study was designed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-27a in EndMT during PAH.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were exposed in hypoxia (10% O₂) for 3 weeks to induce PAH, and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were exposed in hypoxia (1% O₂) for 48 h to induce EndMT. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, real-time PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect the expressions of RNAs and proteins, and luciferase assay was used to verify the putative binding site of miR-27a.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that hypoxia up-regulated miR-27a in the tunica intima of rat pulmonary arteries and HPAECs, and that inhibition of miR-27a suppressed hypoxia-induced EndMT. Furthermore, elevated expression of miR-27a suppressed bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling by targeting Smad5, thereby lessening Id2-mediated repression of the 2 critical mediators of EndMT (Snail and Twist).

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data unveiled a novel role of miR-27a in EndMT during hypoxia-induced PAH. Thus, targeting of miR-27a-related pathway may be therapeutically harnessed to treat PAH.

Long non-coding RNA CRNDE regulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The present study aimed to investigate whether the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) can promote the migration and invasion of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells via the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CAL-27 and SCC-15 cells were classified into a control group, a small interfering negative control (si-NC) group (cells transfected with control siRNA) and an si-CRNDE group (cells transfected with CRNDE siRNA). The expression of CRNDE in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. An MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was performed to determine cell apoptosis, wound-healing and Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate cell metastasis, and immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to measure the expression of proteins associated with EMT. Tumor-bearing mouse models were established, and the tumor volumes were recorded. An immunohistochemical assay was performed to determine the expression of EMT-related proteins. CRNDE expression was increased in OSCC tissues and cell lines compared with that in normal tissues and cell lines. Compared with the control group, the si-CRNDE group displayed a reduction in the expression of CRNDE, in the proliferation, migration and invasion of cells, in the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail, and in the expression of proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, an increase was displayed in the apoptosis of cells and the expression of E-cadherin. Compared with the control group of tumor-bearing nude mice, the sh-CRNDE group demonstrated slowed tumor growth, reduced tumor weight and elevated E-cadherin, as well as reduced expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail. In conclusion, silencing CRNDE may inhibit EMT, thus decreasing the migration and invasion of human OSCC cells by repressing the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby restricting cell growth and promoting cell apoptosis.

Tumor suppression effect of targeting periostin with siRNA in a nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The incidence of laryngeal carcinoma is increasing, however, the mechanism is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of periostin gene silencing by siRNA on tumor inhibition, in a novel nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and to explore possible inhibitory mechanisms.

METHODS

Tumors were established in nude mice by transplantation of LSCC AMC-HN-8 cell line. Forty-eight nude mice were randomly divided into groups of eight each, and treated with high (1.0 OD) or low (0.5 OD) doses of periostin-siRNA or appropriate control solutions. Tumor growth was observed and used to calculate an inhibition rate (%). Routine pathological and electron microscopic examination were used to determine tumor apoptosis and proliferation. Changes in periostin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice treated by high dose periostin-siRNA compared to untreated and those treated with low dose periostin-siRNA (P < 0.05). Pathological examination showed increased tumor necrosis and apoptotic changes in treated mice, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. Periostin mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in tumors from mice treated with high dose periostin-siRNA, compared to controls and low-dose periostin-siRNA treatment groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Periostin silencing was associated with growth inhibition of tumor cells in a nude mouse model of LSCC. The underlying mechanism may be due to receptor-mediated induction of relevant signal transduction pathways that modulate the microenvironment needed for cancer cell survival. Periostin is expected to become a new target for cancer therapy.

Invasion-Related Factors as Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Review

It is well recognized that the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In solid epithelial cancer, the first step during the process of metastasis is the invasion of cancer cells into the underlying stroma, breaching the basement membrane (BM)—the natural barrier between epithelium and the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). The ability to invade and metastasize is a key hallmark of cancer progression, and the most complicated and least understood. These topics continue to be very active fields of cancer research. A number of processes, factors, and signaling pathways are involved in regulating invasion and metastasis. However, appropriate clinical trials for anti-cancer drugs targeting the invasion of OSCC are incomplete. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on invasion-related factors and emerging molecular determinants which can be used as potential for diagnostic and therapeutic targets in OSCC.

IKBKE regulates cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human malignant glioma via the Hippo pathway

IKBKE is increased in several types of cancers and is associated with tumour malignancy. In this study, we confirmed that IKBKE promoted glioma proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Then, we further discovered that IKBKE increased Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and TEA domain family member 2 (TEAD2), two important Hippo pathway downstream factors, to induce an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), thus contributing to tumour invasion and metastasis. We also testified that YAP1 and TEAD2 promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in malignant glioma. Furthermore, we constructed nude mouse subcutaneous and intracranial models to verify that IKBKE could attenuate U87-MG tumourigenicity in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that IKBKE plays a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of malignant glioma cells in vitro and in vivo by impacting on the Hippo pathway. Therefore, targeting IKBKE may become a new strategy to treat malignant glioma.

Salivary extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs as potential biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Several studies in the past have investigated the expression of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in saliva as potential biomarkers. Since miRNAs associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to be protected from enzymatic degradation, we evaluated whether salivary EVs from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were enriched with specific subsets of miRNAs.

METHODS

OSCC patients and controls were matched with regards to age, gender and risk factors. Total RNA was extracted from salivary EVs and the differential expression of miRNAs was evaluated by qRT-PCR array and qRT-PCR. The discrimination power of up-regulated miRNAs as biomarkers in OSCC patients versus controls was evaluated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

A preliminary qRT-PCR array was performed on samples from 5 OSCC patients and 5 healthy controls whereby a subset of miRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed. On the basis of these results, a cohort of additional 16 patients and 6 controls were analyzed to further confirm the miRNAs that were up-regulated or selectively expressed in the previous pilot study. The following miRNAs: miR-302b-3p and miR-517b-3p were expressed only in EVs from OSCC patients and miR-512-3p and miR-412-3p were up-regulated in salivary EVs from OSCC patients compared to controls with the ROC curve showing a good discrimination power for OSCC diagnosis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested the possible involvement of the miRNAs identified in pathways activated in OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this work, we suggest that salivary EVs isolated by a simple charge-based precipitation technique can be exploited as a non-invasive source of miRNAs for OSCC diagnosis. Moreover, we have identified a subset of miRNAs selectively enriched in EVs of OSCC patients that could be potential biomarkers.

Long non-coding RNA H1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by acting as a ceRNA of miR‑138 and releasing EZH2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play pivotal roles in various types of human cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the potential mechanisms of action of lncRNAs in OSCC remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to further explore the potential mechanisms of action of lncRNAs in OSCC. We first analyzed Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to investigate aberrantly expressed lncRNAs which may be involved in the development of OSCC. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression levels of lncRNA H19. In addition, the correlation between H19 expression and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with OSCC was statistically analyzed. The effects of H19 expression on OSCC cells were examined by using overexpression and RNA interference approaches in vitro and in vivo. To examine the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were performed. In addition, the correlation between H19 and microRNA (miR)‑138 was detected. H19 was found to be upregulated in OSCC tissues and its high expression level was associated with the TNM stage and nodal invasion, and also correlated with a shorter overall survival of patients with OSCC. The knockdown of H19 significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis in vitro; it also suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. In addition, H19 was found to regulate the expression of oncogene enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) by competing with miR‑138; the inhibition of miR‑138 attenuated the inhibitory effects of H19 knockdown on OSCC cells. On the whole, our findings suggest that H19 functions as an oncogene by inhibiting miR‑138 and facilitating EZH2 expression in OSCC. Thus, lncRNA H1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

MicroRNA-27a functions as an oncogene in human osteosarcoma by targeting CCNG1

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of malignant tumor arising from bone in children and adolescents. Accumulating evidences have shown the aberrant expression of numerous miRNAs is associated with the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. The present study was conducted to investigate miR-27a expression in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. In the present study, quantitative RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression levels of miRNA and mRNA in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. Transwell assays were used to detect the effects of miR-27a on the invasive and migratory potential of cells. Luciferase reporter and western blot analysis were conducted to confirm cyclin G1 (CCNG1) as the target gene of miR-27a. The results showed that miR-27a was significantly upregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. The western blot analysis revealed that the overexpression of miR-27a suppressed CCNG1 protein expression. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that CCNG1 is a direct target of miR-27a in osteosarcoma cells. The results suggest that miR-27a downregulates CCNG1 expression in osteosarcoma and acts as an oncogene directly targeting CCNG1. Thus, the miR-27a/CCNGI axis is a potential therapeutic target for human osteosarcoma.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 coordinates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition/proliferation dichotomy in gastric cancer cells

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is up-regulated and promotes migration, invasion and proliferation in wide range of cancers. However, we for the first time identify that PRMT1 promotes migration and invasion and inhibits proliferation in gastric cancer cells, a phenomenon called "migration-proliferation dichotomy". First, we find that PRMT1 overexpression promotes migration and invasion and inhibits proliferation, whereas PRMT1 knockdown reverses the above abilities. Next, PRMT1 reduces the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and increases the expression of mesenchymal markers including N-cadherin, Vimentin, snail and β-catenin in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, our studies show that PRMT1 silencing promotes the phosphorylation of LATS1, and then induces YAP phosphorylation, while overexpression of PRMT1 down-regulates the phosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP, indicating that PRMT1 inhibits EMT probably via Hippo signaling. Collectively, the present study reveals important roles of PRMT1 in progression of gastric cancer. Given the dual functions of PRMT1, it is as a potential drug target of gastric cancer with extreme caution.

Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: clinical and preclinical advances in therapy and monitoring

The concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which describes the dynamic flux within the spectrum of phenotypic states that invasive carcinoma cells may reside, is being increasingly recognised for its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The myriad of events that are able to induce EMP, as well as the more recently characterised control loops, results in dynamic transitions of cancerous epithelial cells to more mesenchymal-like phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the reverse transition from mesenchymal phenotypes to an epithelial one. The significance of EMP, in its ability to drive local invasion, generate cancer stem cells and facilitate metastasis by the dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), highlights its importance as a targetable programme to combat cancer morbidity and mortality. The focus of this review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on the strategies currently in development to combat cancer progression via inhibition of specific facets of EMP. The prevalence of relapse due to therapy resistance and metastatic propensity that EMP endows should be considered when designing therapy regimes, and such therapies should synergise with existing chemotherapeutics to benefit efficacy. To further improve upon EMP-targeted therapies, it is imperative to devise monitoring strategies to assess the impact of such treatments on EMP-related phenomenon such as CTC burden, chemosensitivity/-resistance and micrometastasis in patients.

Biomarker MicroRNAs for Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identified Based on Gene Expression Data and MicroRNA-mRNA Network Analysis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most malignant tumors with high mortality rate worldwide. Biomarker discovery is critical for early diagnosis and precision treatment of this disease. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules which often regulate essential biological processes and are good candidates for biomarkers. By integrative analysis of both the cancer-associated gene expression data and microRNA-mRNA network, miR-148b-3p, miR-629-3p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-142-3p were screened as novel diagnostic biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma based on their unique regulatory abilities in the network structure of the conditional microRNA-mRNA network and their important functions. These findings were confirmed by literature verification and functional enrichment analysis. Future experimental validation is expected for the further investigation of their molecular mechanisms.

Role and underlying mechanisms of the interstitial protein periostin in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors

Invasion and metastasis are the major characteristics of malignant tumors and are complex processes involving multiple genes. Gene regulation is a precise, large and complex biological control system, and its underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Mesenchymal-specific genes are expressed primarily by mesenchymal cells, and the expression products of these genes are molecules with various structures and functions, including secreted proteins and extracellular matrix proteins. The periostin gene has been newly identified as a mesenchymal-specific gene and an extracellular-matrix secreted protein. Periostin is able to bind to various subtypes of integrin receptors on the surface of the cell membrane. This triggers relevant signal transduction pathways to alter the microenvironment of cancer cells in order to facilitate their survival, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis as well as enhance the tolerance to hypoxia and chemicals. Therefore, periostin is associated with the grade of malignancy, level of invasion and prognosis of malignant tumors. The in-depth study of periostin may provide an effective marker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a novel treatment target.

MicroRNA-27a-3p Modulates the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway to Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Stem Cells by Targeting SFRP1

This study aimed to elucidate how microRNA27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) modulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous carcinoma stem cells (OSCSCs) by targeting secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1). Flow cytometry was used to sort OSCSCs from the SCC-9 and Tca8113 cell lines. The OSCSCs were randomly assigned into the miR-27a-3p inhibitors group, the miR-27a-3p inhibitors-NC group, the si-SFRP1 group, the si-SFRP1 + miR-27a-3p inhibitors group and the blank group. A luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence and Transwell assays were performed to detect luciferase activity, SFRP1, and cell migration and invasion, respectively. The mRNA expression of miR-27a-3p, SFRP1 and EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB1) were detected using qRT-PCR. The protein expression of SFRP1, EMT markers and the proteins of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting. OSCSCs showed up-regulated miR-27a-3p, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, vimentin, N-cadherin and ZEB1 and down-regulated SFRP1 and E-cadherin. MiR-27a-3p targeted SFRP1. Down-regulated miR-27a-3p resulted in increased E-cadherin and SFRP1 but decreased vimentin, N-cadherin, ZEB1, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, and invasive and migratory cells. Silenced SFRP1 reversed this effect. We found that miR-27a-3p modulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote EMT in OSCSCs by down-regulating SFRP1.