MicroRNA-134 suppresses cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells via targeting of GOLPH3

Roles of Rictor alterations in gastrointestinal tumors (Review)

Gastrointestinal tumors account for five of the top 10 causes of mortality from all cancers (colorectal, liver, stomach, esophageal and pancreatic cancer). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is commonly dysregulated in various human cancers. As a core component of the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), Rictor is a key effector molecule of the PI3K/Akt pathway. A high alteration rate of Rictor has been observed in gastrointestinal tumors, and such Rictor alterations are often associated with resistance to chemotherapy and related adverse clinical outcomes. However, the exact roles of Rictor in gastrointestinal tumors remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to critically discuss the following: i) Mutation and biological characteristics of Rictor in tumors with a detailed overview of Rictor in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy and drug resistance; ii) the role of Rictor in tumors of the digestive system, particularly colorectal, hepatobiliary, gastric, esophageal and pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma; and iii) the current status and prospects of targeted therapy for Rictor by inhibiting Akt activation. Despite the growing realization of the importance of Rictor/mTORC2 in cancer, the underlying mechanistic details remain poorly understood; this needs to change in order for the development of efficient targeted therapies and re‑sensitization of therapy‑resistant cancers to be made possible.

The Implications for Clinical Practice of Circulating miR144-3p and miR190a-5p as Promising Diagnostic Biomarkers for Thyroid Nodule Differentiation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thyroid cancer, a prevalent endocrine malignancy, often presents as thyroid nodules, whose benign or malignant nature is challenging to determine. This study aims to identify circulating miRNA panels that may distinguish between benign nodules, papillary thyroid cancer, and normal thyroid conditions, building on extensive research into miRNAs as potential thyroid cancer biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As a cross-sectional case-control study the study revealed the quantification of the 17-miRNA panel was evaluated using qRT-PCR method on 60 blood samples, comprising 25 patients diagnosed with PTC, 24 patients with benign lesions, and 11 healthy controls.

RESULTS

We found that seven miRNAs, including miR144-3p and miR190a-5p, exhibited statistically significant variations in their expression levels, and miR144-3p exhibited the most superior diagnostic capability in distinguishing between malignant and healthy groups, as well as between benign and healthy groups. The concurrent utilization of miR144-3p, miR148a-3p, and miR190a-5p resulted in an enhancement of sensitivity from 76% to 88%.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that miR144-3p and miR190a-5p exhibit potential as biomarkers for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules and healthy individuals, and further investigation is necessary to evaluate their clinical significance.

Intracellular Compartmentalization: A Key Determinant of MicroRNA Functions

Being an integral part of the eukaryotic transcriptome, miRNAs are regarded as vital regulators of diverse developmental and physiological processes. Clearly, miRNA activity is kept in check by various regulatory mechanisms that control their biogenesis and decay pathways. With the increasing technical depth of RNA profiling technologies, novel insights have unravelled the spatial diversity exhibited by miRNAs inside a cell. Compartmentalization of miRNAs adds complexity to the regulatory circuits of miRNA expression, thereby providing superior control over the miRNA function. This review provides a bird's eye view of miRNAs expressed in different subcellular locations, thus affecting the gene regulatory pathways therein. Occurrence of miRNAs in diverse intracellular locales also reveals various unconventional roles played by miRNAs in different cellular organelles and expands the scope of miRNA functions beyond their traditionally known repressive activities.

Evaluation of the Oncogene Function of GOLPH3 and Correlated Regulatory Network in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is an oncoprotein localized in the Golgi apparatus. Abnormal GOLPH3 expression is potentially related to carcinogenesis. However, the potential biological regulation network of GOLPH3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains to be determined.

Methods

Expression of GOLPH3 was identified in LUAD via TIMER, Oncomine, Lung Cancer Explorer (LCE), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and UALCAN database. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier plotter. GOLPH3 alterations were analyzed through cBioPortal. LinkedOmics was used to perform functional analysis and predict interacted targets. The protein–protein interaction network was constructed by GeneMANIA. In addition, candidate miRNAs and lncRNAs targeting GOLPH3 were generated to construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and survival analysis of ceRNA was performed using LnCeVar. The mRNA or protein expression of TUG1, miR-142-5p, and GOLPH3 in Beas-2B and LUAD cells was verified using qPCR or Western blotting. CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to detect the ability of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Results

Overexpression of GOLPH3 was identified in LUAD. UALCAN analysis showed that upregulated GOLPH3 was linked to different pathological features of LUAD patients. Importantly, high GOLPH3 expression indicated a negative correlation with the first progression (FP) in LUAD patients. GOLPH3 alterations were also found. Moreover, co-expressed genes with GOLPH3 were analyzed; and they were involved in ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Functional network analysis indicated GOLPH3 regulated T-cell receptor signaling pathway and interferon signaling pathway with kinase and transcription factor targets. Notably, TUG1/miR-142-5p/GOLPH3 affected overall survival of LUAD patients. GOLPH3 expression was decreased in the cells with overexpression of miR-142-5p and TUG1 knockdown. GOLPH3 reduction inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

Upregulation of GOLPH3 has a positive correlation with clinicopathological subtypes and poor FP in LUAD. GOLPH3 promoted LUAD progression. Moreover, TUG1 may act as ceRNA to regulate GOLPH3 expression by competitive binding miR-142-5p.

MicroRNA-134 inhibits tumor stem cell migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinomas via downregulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by inhibiting LAMC2 expression

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the mouth. Some studies have found that multiple microRNAs (miRs) participate in OSCC physiological and pathological processes.

METHODS

We explored the mechanism of action of miR-134 in OSCC involving the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Different bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the potential genes and their related miRs in OSCC. Tumor stem cells were separated from OSCCs through magnetic cell sorting. Regulatory pattern between miR-134 and LAMC2 in OSCC was evaluated by ectopic expression, knockdown and reporter assay experiments. The expression of miR-134, LAMC2, genes in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and apoptosis-related genes was detected. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell invasion by scratch test, cell migration by Transwell assay, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell growth and migration by xenograft tumor in nude mice. LAMC2 was predicted as the crucial factor related to OSCC using different chip data, and miR-134 was predicted to specifically bind LAMC2 in all five databases.

RESULTS

Overexpressed miR-134 or silenced LAMC2 was observed to inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion of OSCC cells, growth of subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice, as well as promote OSCC cell apoptosis. LAMC2, a target gene of miR-134, decreased following miR-134 promotion, while the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was inactivated following LAMC2 knockdown. Furthermore, we also observed that the effect of overexpressed miR-134 was enhanced when LAMC2 was knocked down.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-134-mediated direct downregulation of LAMC2 inhibits migration and invasion of tumor stem cells in OSCC by suppressing the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

GOLPH3 inhibition reverses oxaliplatin resistance of colon cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether GOLPH3 regulated oxaliplatin (L-OHP) resistance of colon cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

METHODS

HCT116/L-OHP cells were divided into Blank, Control/GOLPH3 shRNA, BEZ235 (a PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor), and GOLPH3 + BEZ235 groups followed by the detection with MTT, soft agar colony formation, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. Mice bearing HCT116/L-OHP xenografts were randomized into Control, L-OHP, NC/GOLPH3 shRNA, L-OHP + NC/GOLPH3 shRNA groups. The expressions of Ki67, Caspase-3, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HCT116/L-OHP cells had increased GOLPH3 expression compared to HCT116 cells, which positively regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HCT116/L-OHP cells. BEZ235 declined IC50 of HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP, decreased the expressions of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2, ATP7A, ATP7B, MATE1, p-gp, MRP1 and BCRP, induced cell apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, and arrested cells at G0/G1, which was reversed by GOLPH3 overexpression. L-OHP and GOLPH3 shRNA decreased tumor volume and reduced expression of Ki67 in tumor tissues with the increased Caspase-3. Meanwhile, the combined treatment had the better treatment effect.

CONCLUSION

GOLPH3 inhibition reduced proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCT116/L-OHP cells, and also reversed the L-OHP resistance of HCT116/L-OHP, which may be associated with the suppression of P13K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

A novel protective role for microRNA-3135b in Golgi apparatus fragmentation induced by chemotherapy via GOLPH3/AKT1/mTOR axis in colorectal cancer cells

Chemotherapy activates a novel cytoplasmic DNA damage response resulting in Golgi apparatus fragmentation and cancer cell survival. This mechanism is regulated by Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3)/Myo18A/F-actin axis. Analyzing the functions of miR-3135b, a small non-coding RNA with unknown functions, we found that its forced overexpression attenuates the Golgi apparatus fragmentation induced by chemotherapeutic drugs in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. First, we found that miR-3135b is downregulated in CRC cell lines and clinical tumors. Bioinformatic predictions showed that miR-3135b could be regulating protein-encoding genes involved in cell survival, resistance to chemotherapy, and Golgi dynamics. In agreement, ectopic transfection of miR-3135b in HCT-15 cancer cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, sensitized cells to 5-fluoruracil (5-FU), and promoted late apoptosis and necrosis. Also, miR-3135b overexpression impaired the cell cycle progression in HCT-15 and SW-480 cancer cells. Because GOLPH3, a gene involved in maintenance of Golgi structure, was predicted as a potential target of miR-3135b, we studied their functional relationships in response to DNA damage induced by chemotherapy. Immunofluorescence and cellular ultrastructure experiments using antibodies against TGN38 protein, a trans-Golgi network marker, showed that 5-FU and doxorubicin treatments result in an apoptosis-independent stacks dispersal of the Golgi ribbon structure in both HCT-15 and SW-480 cells. Remarkably, these cellular effects were dramatically hindered by transfection of miR-3135b mimics. In addition, our functional studies confirmed that miR-3135b binds to the 3'-UTR of GOLPH3 proto-oncogene, and also reduces the levels of p-AKT1 (Ser473) and p-mTOR (Ser2448) signaling transducers, which are key in cell survival and autophagy activation. Moreover, we found that after treatment with 5-FU, TGN38 factor coimmunolocalizes with beclin-1 autophagic protein in discrete structures associated with the fragmented Golgi, suggesting that the activation of pro-survival autophagy is linked to loss of Golgi integrity. These cellular effects in autophagy and Golgi dispersal were reversed by miR-3135b. In summary, we provided experimental evidence suggesting for the first time a novel role for miR-3135b in the protection of chemotherapy-induced Golgi fragmentation via GOLPH3/AKT1/mTOR axis and protective autophagy in colorectal cancer cells.

Mechanisms of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor Microenvironment in Helicobacter pylori-Induced Gastric Cancer

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common human pathogens, affecting half of the world's population. Approximately 20% of the infected patients develop gastric ulcers or neoplastic changes in the gastric stroma. An infection also leads to the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition within gastric tissue, increasing the probability of gastric cancer development. This paper aims to review the role of H. pylori and its virulence factors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated with malignant transformation within the gastric stroma. The reviewed factors included: CagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A) along with induction of cancer stem-cell properties and interaction with YAP (Yes-associated protein pathway), tumor necrosis factor α-inducing protein, Lpp20 lipoprotein, Afadin protein, penicillin-binding protein 1A, microRNA-29a-3p, programmed cell death protein 4, lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 4β, cancer-associated fibroblasts, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The review summarizes the most recent findings, providing insight into potential molecular targets and new treatment strategies for gastric cancer.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) promotes endometrial carcinoma cell invasion and migration by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND:

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a novel oncogene overexpressed in several human cancers, but specific contributions to endometrial carcinoma (EC) have not been examined. The aims of this study were to evaluate the GOLPH3 expression in EC and investigate its functions in EC cell proliferation, migration, and survival.

METHODS:

The expression levels of GOLPH3 in EC patient samples and EC cell lines (HEC-1A, KLE, RL95-2, and Ishikawa) were examined using qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Further, EC cell lines with either ectopic GOLPH3 overexpression or knockdown were established, and the effects on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were investigated in vitro using cell viability and transwell assays and in mice following cell injection.

RESULTS:

Compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues, expression of GOLPH3 was significantly upregulated in EC tissues (P< 0.05), and the expression level of GOPLPH3 was related to the grade of the tumor (P< 0.05). The expression of GOLPH3 was also higher in all four EC cell lines than endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) (P< 0.05). Moreover, GOLPH3 expression was greater in EC cell lines with high invasive capacity than in non-invasive EC cells (P< 0.05). Knockdown of GOLPH3 inhibited EC cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in vitro. Further, knockdown of GOLPH3 also inhibited EC cell invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, GOLPH3 overexpression promoted proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study provides evidence that GOLPH3 promotes EMT and metastasis of EC cells and predicts the risk of EC progression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for this malignancy.

The Great Escape: how phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases and PI4P promote vesicle exit from the Golgi (and drive cancer)

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) is a membrane glycerophospholipid and a major regulator of the characteristic appearance of the Golgi complex as well as its vesicular trafficking, signalling and metabolic functions. Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, and in particular the PI4KIIIβ isoform, act in concert with PI4P to recruit macromolecular complexes to initiate the biogenesis of trafficking vesicles for several Golgi exit routes. Dysregulation of Golgi PI4P metabolism and the PI4P protein interactome features in many cancers and is often associated with tumour progression and a poor prognosis. Increased expression of PI4P-binding proteins, such as GOLPH3 or PITPNC1, induces a malignant secretory phenotype and the release of proteins that can remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis and enhance cell motility. Aberrant Golgi PI4P metabolism can also result in the impaired post-translational modification of proteins required for focal adhesion formation and cell–matrix interactions, thereby potentiating the development of aggressive metastatic and invasive tumours. Altered expression of the Golgi-targeted PI 4-kinases, PI4KIIIβ, PI4KIIα and PI4KIIβ, or the PI4P phosphate Sac1, can also modulate oncogenic signalling through effects on TGN-endosomal trafficking. A Golgi trafficking role for a PIP 5-kinase has been recently described, which indicates that PI4P is not the only functionally important phosphoinositide at this subcellular location. This review charts new developments in our understanding of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase function at the Golgi and how PI4P-dependent trafficking can be deregulated in malignant disease.

Long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 promotes proliferation and invasion in gastric cancer by regulating miR-134-5p/YWHAZ axis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to research the function of lncRNA LUCAT1 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Human gastric cancer tissues and paracancer tissues were obtained from 98 patients undergoing surgical resection in our hospital. The human gastric cancer cell lines (HGC27, BGC823, MGC803, SGC7901 and AGS), and normal gastric mucosal cell line GSE1 were used to research the role of lncRNA LUCAT1. ShRNAs specifically targeting lncRNA LUCAT1, miR-134-5p mimic, miR-134-5p inhibitor and their related controls were transfected into cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of lncRNA LUCAT1, miR-134-5p and YWHAZ. The cell proliferation of SGC7901 cells was determined by CCK8 kit. Colony formation assay was undertaken. Cell apoptosis assay was processed using the Annexin V-FITC / propidium iodide (annxinV/PI) apoptosis detection kit. Migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. Tumor xenograft model was conducted to calculate the size and weight of the tumors. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interactions among lncRNA LUCAT1, miR-134-5p and YWHAZ.

RESULTS

LncRNA LUCAT1 was confirmed to be highly expressed in gastric cancer. Patients with high LUCAT1 level displayed short overall survival and disease-free survival periods. LUCAT1 knockdown or miR-134-5p overexpression decreased the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of SGC7901 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA LUCAT1 could promote proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer by regulating miR-134-5p/YWHAZ axis.

Antitumor Effect of Pyrogallol via miR-134 Mediated S Phase Arrest and Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/Skp2/cMyc Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Though Pyrogallol, one of the natural polyphenols, was known to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in breast and colon cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanisms of Pyrogallol, still remain unclear so far. Here, the antitumor mechanisms of Pyrogallol were elucidated in Hep3B and Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs). Pyrogallol showed significant cytotoxicity and reduced the number of colonies in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Interestingly, Pyrogallol induced S-phase arrest and attenuated the protein expression of CyclinD1, Cyclin E, Cyclin A, c-Myc, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), p-AKT, PI3K, increased the protein expression of p27, and also reduced the fluorescent expression of Cyclin E in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Furthermore, Pyrogallol disturbed the interaction between Skp2, p27, and c-Myc in Huh7 cells. Notably, Pyrogallol upregulated miRNA levels of miR-134, and conversely, miR-134 inhibition rescued the decreased expression levels of c-Myc, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1 and increased the expression of p27 by Pyrogallol in Huh7 cells. Taken together, our findings provide insight that Pyrogallol exerts antitumor effects in HCCs via miR-134 activation-mediated S-phase arrest and inhibition of PI3K/AKT/Skp2/cMyc signaling as a potent anticancer candidate.

MicroRNA-134 prevents the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the PLXNA1-mediated MAPK signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in oncogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). miR-134 is reported to have a tumour-suppressive role but its role in ESCC is not known. The present study was designed to examine whether miR-134 inhibits ESCC development and further explored relevant underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes related to ESCC were identified from microarray gene expression profiles. Immunohistochemical staining and RT-qRCR assays identified elevated PLXNA1 expression levels and low miR-134. The relationship between miR-134 and PLXNA1 was predicted and further verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of miR-134 and PLXNA1 in ESCC cells were modified by miR-134 mimic/inhibitor and siRNA against PLXNA1, respectively. Thereafter, the expression of MAPK signalling pathway-related proteins, as well as the viability, migration, invasion, cell cycle and cell apoptosis of ESCC cells was investigated.

FINDINGS

The results showed that miR-134 could block the MAPK signalling pathway by downregulating PLXNA1. When miR-134 was overexpressed or PLXNA1 was silenced, cell apoptosis was enhanced, the cell cycle was retarded, and the cell proliferation, migration and invasion were suppressed. In vivo experiments confirmed that miR-134 overexpression or PLXNA1 silencing restrained tumour growth and lymph node metastasis.

INTERPRETATION

These findings demonstrate that cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumour metastasis of ESCC can be suppressed by overexpression of miR-134 through downregulating PLXNA1, which subsequently blocks the MAPK signalling pathway. These results provide new potential targets and strategies for the treatment of ESCC.

Silencing of long non-coding RNA NCK1-AS1 inhibits cell proliferation and migration via inhibition of microRNA-134 in cervical cancer

Long non-coding RNA NCK1-antisense 1 (AS1) has recently been demonstrated to promote cell proliferation and induce cell cycle progression through the crosstalk NCK1-AS1/microRNA (miR)-6857/cyclin dependent kinase 1 pathway in cervical cancer. However, the regulatory mechanism of NCK1-AS1 in cervical cancer growth and metastasis remains largely unclear. In the present study, it was identified that NCK1-AS1 was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared with the levels in adjacent non-tumour tissues. High expression levels of NCK1-AS1 were associated with tumour progression and poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. Silencing of NCK1-AS1 expression significantly decreased the levels of proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells, and decreased the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. The results of the luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that there was an miR-134 binding site within the NCK1-AS1 gene in cervical cancer cells. miR-134 was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared with the miR-134 levels in adjacent non-tumour tissues, and the expression level of miR-134 was inversely correlated with the NCK1-AS1 expression levels in cervical cancer tissues. Knockdown of miR-134 attenuated the inhibitory effects of NCK1-AS1 downregulation on the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells. Therefore, the data from the present study suggested that NCK1-AS1 serves a promotive role in cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration by functioning as a molecular sponge for miR-134. NCK1-AS1 may become a novel therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Remifentanil regulates proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by regulating miR-206/GOLPH3

BACKGROUND

Remifentanil is a commonly used anesthetic in clinical practice. In recent years, its new efficacy has been continuously discovered, especially its anti-cancer function. However, the role and mechanism of remifentanil in gastric cancer (GC) are still not clear.

AIM

To investigate the effect of remifentanil on the expression of miR-206, GOLPH3, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in human GC cell lines AGS and MKN-45.

METHODS

The expression of miR-206 and GOLPH3 and the viability and apoptosis of AGS and MKN-45 cells after treatment with 40 nmol/L remifentanil were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, MTT assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell viability and apoptosis of AGS and MKN-45 cells with overexpression of miR-206 or knockdown of GOLPH3 were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The targeting relationship between miR-206 and GOLPH3 was verified by Targetscan online prediction, dual-luciferase assay, and Western blot. After transfection with miR-206 inhibitor or pcDNA-GOLPH3, AGS and MKN-45 cells were treated with 40 nmol/L remifentanil and then detected for cell viability and apoptosis.

RESULTS

After treatment with remifentanil, the expression of miR-206 and apoptosis rate were increased while the expression of GOLPH3 and cell viability were decreased in AGS and MKN-45 cells. Cell viability was decreased and apoptotic rate was increased in AGS and MKN-45 cells after overexpression of miR-206 or knockdown of GOLPH3. The results of Targetscan online prediction, dual-luciferase assay, and Western blot indicted that miR-206 could regulate the expression of GOLPH3 protein. Down-regulation of miR-206 or overexpression of GOLPH3 could reverse the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis of AGS and MKN-45 cells by remifentanil.

CONCLUSION

Remifentanil could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of AGS and MKN-45 cells by regulating the expression of miR-206 and GOLPH3.

MiR-134-5p attenuates neuropathic pain progression through targeting Twist1

Neuropathic pain is a kind of chronic pain because of dysfunctions of somatosensory nerve system. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in neuropathic pain development. This study was designed to investigate the effects of miR-134-5p on the process of neuropathic pain progression in a rat model established by chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). First, we observed that miR-134-5p was significantly decreased in CCI rat models. Overexpression of miR-134-5p strongly alleviated neuropathic pain behaviors including mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, inflammatory cytokine expression, such as IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in CCI rats were greatly repressed by upregulation of miR-134-5p. Twist1 has been widely regarded as a poor prognosis biomarker in diverse diseases. Here, by using bioinformatic analysis, 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Twist1 was predicted to be a downstream target of miR-134-5p in our study. Here, we found that overexpression of miR-134-5p was able to suppress Twist1 dramatically. Furthermore, it was exhibited that Twist1 was increased in CCI rats time-dependently and Twist1 was inhibited in vivo. Subsequently, downregulation of Twist1 in CCI rats could depress neuropathic pain progression via inhibiting neuroinflammation. In conclusion, our current study indicated that miR-134-5p may inhibit neuropathic pain development through targeting Twist1. Our findings suggested that miR-134-5p might provide a novel therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.

MicroRNA-134 deactivates hepatic stellate cells by targeting TGF-β activated kinase 1-binding protein 1

Aberrant expression of microRNAs is associated with liver fibrogenesis. We previously found that microRNA-134 (miR-134) expression was reduced in fibrosis-based hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylinitrosamine. Herein we investigate the role and mechanisms of miR-134 in hepatic fibrosis. Our data show that miR-134 expression is reduced in rat hepatic fibrogenesis induced by carbontetrachloride, bile duct ligation, and dimethylnitrosamine, as well as in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Moreover, miR-134 inhibited HSC proliferation, and decreased the expression of smooth muscle actin and collagen I in HSCs, whereas the miR-134 inhibitor increased HSC activation. MiR-134 also negatively regulated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1-binding protein 1 (TAB1) expression in both human and rat HSCs by directly binding to its 3' untranslated region. Importantly, TAB1 expression was significantly elevated during liver fibrogenesis and HSC activation. Knockdown of TAB1 inhibited the proliferation and fibrogenic behavior of HSCs, and significantly reduced the effect of the miR-134 inhibitor on HSC proliferation. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-134 inhibits the activation of HSCs via directly targeting TAB1, and the restoration of miR-134 or targeting TAB1 is of clinical significance in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

LncRNA GACAT1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion And Migration By Regulating MiR-149-mediated Of ZBTB2 And SP1

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). In our study, we have determined that GACAT1 expression was upregulated in GC. Overexpression of GACAT1 promoted GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We also determined that miR-149 directly interacts with the target site on GACAT1. Furthermore, we investigated that miR-149 downregulated ZBTB2 and SP1 expressions which were induced by GACAT1, miR-149 inhibited GC cell growth and invasion mediated by GACAT1. In conclusion, we found that miR-149 downregulated ZBTB2 and SP1 expressions, and inhibited GC cell progression mediated by GACAT1. Therefore, we indicated that GACAT1 and miR-149 may be potential therapeutic targets for GC.

ATF-3/miR-590/GOLPH3 signaling pathway regulates proliferation of breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. Fast growth is the important character of breast cancer, which makes sure the subsequent metastasize and invasion breast cancer. Golgi related genes GOLPH3 has been reported to regulate many kinds of cancers proliferation. However, its upregulator remains largely unknown. miRNA modulate gene expression by post-transcriptional repression to participate in many signaling pathway of breast cancer cell proliferation. miR-590 has been reported to regulate tumorgenesis and could be regulated by its own target ATF-3. But whether miR-590 can be the modulator of Golgi related genes to regulate the breast cancer proliferation is unclear.

Methods

We performed the bioinformatics analysis of survival rate and expression differences of patients using the data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Both of MTS and BrdU assays were used for cell proliferation analysis. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry .qRT-PCR was used for detecting the cell cycle related gene expression. Student’s t-test or One way anova was used for statistics.

Results

We found the upregulation of GOLPH3 in breast cancer samples compared with normal breast tissues, which also was related to the poor prognosis. Overexpression of GOLPH3 significantly promoted proliferation both of MDA-MB-231 cells (ER negative) and MCF-7 cells (ER positive). We further found that miRNA-590-3p could directly target the 3′-UTR of GOLPH3 mRNA to repress its expression. Overexpression of miR-590-3p inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The rescue experiments indicated that overexpression of GOLPH3 significantly resorted the proliferation inhibited by miR-590-3p. We also found that ATF-3 repressed miR-590-3p expression to modulate miR-590/GOLPH3 pathway to regulate breast cancer cells proliferation.

Conclusions

This study not only suggests that the ATF-3/miR-590/GOLPH3 signaling pathway is critically involved in the proliferation of breast cancer cells, but provides a novel therapeutic target and new insight base on epigenetic regulation for future breast cancer diagnosis and clinical treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4031-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Expression profile of circulating microRNAs in the Correa pathway of progression to gastric cancer

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection causes long-term chronic active gastritis, a risk factor for the intestinal and diffuse forms of gastric cancer. Most gastric cancers develop in a stepwise progression from chronic active gastritis to precursor lesions of gastric cancer. The early detection of gastric cancer improves survival. Studies with recent evidence have proposed circulating-microRNAs as biomarkers of cancer.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the circulating-microRNA profile from H. pylori infection to gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-three patients were enrolled and assigned to the discovery or the validation sets. In the discovery phase, circulating-microRNAs were measured by dye-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a selection of circulating-microRNAs was validated by probe-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A quality control protocol was used.

Results

One hundred and sixty-seven circulating-microRNAs were detected. Precursor lesions of gastric cancer and gastric cancer patients showed the downregulation of eight and five circulating-microRNAs, respectively. We further validated the deregulation of miR-196a-5p in precursor lesions of gastric cancer and the deregulation of miR-134-5p, miR-144-3p and miR-451a in gastric cancer. However, circulating-microRNAs exhibited moderate diagnostic performance due to the overlap of circulating-microRNA expression between non-cancer and cancer patients. miR-144-3p/miR-451a expression levels were correlated. Interestingly, these microRNAs are in 17q11.2, a site of rearrangements associated with gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Circulating-microRNAs are deregulated in precancerous and gastric cancer patients but efforts are needed to improve their diagnostic accuracy.

GSE1 predicts poor survival outcome in gastric cancer patients by SLC7A5 enhancement of tumor growth and metastasis

Gastric cancer remains a malignancy with poor survival outcome. We herein report that GSE1, a proline-rich protein, possesses a role in the progression of human gastric cancer. The expression of GSE1 was observed to be much higher in human gastric cancer tissues compared with normal gastric tissues, and GSE1 expression correlated positively with lymph node metastasis, histological grade, depth of invasion, and clinical stage in gastric cancer patients. Moreover, GSE1 expression was also associated with decreased post-operative relapse-free survival and overall survival in the cohort. The forced expression of GSE1 in gastric cancer cell lines resulted in increased cell proliferation, increased colony formation, enhanced cell migration, and invasion. Furthermore, forced expression of GSE1 also increased tumor size and enhanced lung metastasis in xenograft models. The depletion of endogenous GSE1 with shRNAs decreased the oncogenicity and invasiveness of gastric cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo In addition, GSE1 was determined to be a direct target of miR-200b and miR-200c. Furthermore, GSE1 positively regulated the downstream gene SLC7A5 (also known as LAT-1), which was scanned and verified from mRNA sequencing. GSE1 therefore possesses an oncogenic role in human gastric cancer, and targeted therapeutic approaches to inhibit GSE1 function in gastric cancer warrant further consideration.

mTOR signaling-related MicroRNAs and Cancer involvement

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNAs, 18-23 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been closely associated with the development of cancer. In the process of tumorigenesis, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays important roles, and the mTOR signaling pathway is aberrant in various types of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, prostate cancer, as well as others. However, the relationship between miRNAs and the mTOR signaling pathway is indistinct. Herein, we not only summarize the progress of miRNAs and the mTOR signaling pathway in cancers, but also highlight their role in the diagnosis and treatment in the clinic.

[Impact of GOLPH3 expression in cumulus granulosa cells on outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of GOLPH3 expression in cumulus granulosa cells on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

METHODS

A total of 119 women receiving ICSI due to male infertility at our center between April, 2012 and June, 2014 were enrolled in the study. Cumulus granulosa cells were collected from the women for detection of GOLPH3 expressions using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. GOLPH3 expression rate was compared between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI, and the associations of GOLPH3 expression with the laboratory indicators of ICSI outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Immunocytochemistry showed that GOLPH3 expression was located mainly in in the plasma of the cumulus granulosa cells. The rate and intensity of GOLPH3 expression in the cumulus granulosa cells differed significantly between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI (P<0.05). GOLPH3 expression was found to positively correlate with the numbers of punctured follicles, grade III oocyte cumulus complex, ICSI oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleavage, high quality embryos, blastocysts, high quality blastocysts, and frozen embryos (all P<0.01). The results of RTPCR and Western blotting revealed significant differences in GOLPH3 expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels in the cumulus granulosa cells between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups after ICSI (t=14.560, P=0.000). Western blot analysis revealed significant difference of GOLPH3 protein expression in cumulus granulosa cells between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI.

CONCLUSION

GOLPH3 expression in the cumulus granulosa cells plays an important role in the development of oocytes and promotion of conception to affect the outcomes of ICSI.

MiR-93-5p promotes gastric cancer-cell progression via inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway

MiR-93-5p has been previously found to be associated with gastric cancer (GC) tumorigenesis; however, the current understanding of its function in this context remains largely incomplete. In the present study, we showed that miR-93-5p was upregulated in GC tissues. We also demonstrated that miR-93-5p overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of SGC-7901 cells in vitro, and conversely, that endogenously silencing miR-93-5p expression induced the opposite effects in HGC-27 cells. Overexpression of miR-93-5p was found to inactivate the Hippo pathway, and furthermore, miR-93-5p knockdown activated Hippo signaling. MiR-93-5p upregulation was also shown to inhibit the expression of two well-characterized Hippo pathway regulators, protocadherin Fat 4 (FAT4), and large tumor suppressors 2 (LATS2), at both the mRNA and protein level. Additionally, the results of bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-93-5p directly targets the 3'-UTR of FAT4 and LATS2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR-93-5p promotes GC-cell progression via the inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway, and thus, represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.