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Pawaskar R, Huang KZ, Pham H, Nagrial A, Wong M, O’Neill S, Pleass H, Yuen L, Lam VWT, Richardson A, Pang T, Nahm CB. Systematic Review of Preoperative Prognostic Biomarkers in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:698. [PMID: 38398089 PMCID: PMC10886549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is an uncommon malignancy with generally poor prognosis. Surgery is the primary curative treatment; however, the perioperative mortality and morbidity rates are high, with a low 5-year survival rate. Use of preoperative prognostic biomarkers to predict survival outcomes after surgery for pCCA are not well-established currently. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarise preoperative biomarkers associated with survival in pCCA, thereby potentially improving treatment decision-making. The Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases were searched, and a systematic review was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. English-language studies examining the association between serum and/or tissue-derived biomarkers in pCCA and overall and/or disease-free survival were included. Our systematic review identified 64 biomarkers across 48 relevant studies. Raised serum CA19-9, bilirubin, CEA, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and tumour MMP9, and low serum albumin were most associated with poorer survival; however, the cutoff values used widely varied. Several promising molecular markers with prognostic significance were also identified, including tumour HMGA2, MUC5AC/6, IDH1, PIWIL2, and DNA index. In conclusion, several biomarkers have been identified in serum and tumour specimens that prognosticate overall and disease-free survival after pCCA resection. These, however, require external validation in large cohort studies and/or in preoperatively obtained specimens, especially tissue biopsy, to recommend their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishaan Pawaskar
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
| | | | - Helen Pham
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Adnan Nagrial
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Mark Wong
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Siobhan O’Neill
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Henry Pleass
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
| | - Lawrence Yuen
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
| | - Vincent W. T. Lam
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
- Macquarie University Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Arthur Richardson
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tony Pang
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
| | - Christopher B. Nahm
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (R.P.); (H.P.); (H.P.); (L.Y.); (V.W.T.L.); (A.R.); (T.P.)
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Surgical Innovations Unit, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.N.); (M.W.)
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Garcia-Borja E, Siegl F, Mateu R, Slaby O, Sedo A, Busek P, Sana J. Critical appraisal of the piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer and cancer stem cells. Biomark Res 2024; 12:15. [PMID: 38303021 PMCID: PMC10836005 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs play an important role in various disease states, including cancer. PIWI proteins, a subfamily of Argonaute proteins, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were originally described as germline-specific molecules that inhibit the deleterious activity of transposable elements. However, several studies have suggested a role for the piRNA-PIWI axis in somatic cells, including somatic stem cells. Dysregulated expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in human tumors implies that, analogously to their roles in undifferentiated cells under physiological conditions, these molecules may be important for cancer stem cells and thus contribute to cancer progression. We provide an overview of piRNA biogenesis and critically review the evidence for the role of piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer stem cells. In addition, we examine the potential of piRNAs and PIWI proteins to become biomarkers in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Garcia-Borja
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Siegl
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rosana Mateu
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleksi Sedo
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Busek
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Sana
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Sohn EJ, Oh SO. P-Element-Induced Wimpy Testis Proteins and P-Element-Induced Wimpy Testis-Interacting RNAs Expression in Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2023; 27:56-64. [PMID: 36853842 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2022.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA and are predominantly expressed in germline cells. piRNAs function as gene regulators and potential biomarkers for the development of a number of malignancies. The biological importance of piRNAs in ovarian cancer is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of piRNAs in ovarian cancer stem cells and compared it with that in adherent cells. Methods: To assess changes in the expression levels of PIWIL1/HIWI, PIWIL2/HILI, PIWIL3, and PIWIL4/HIWI2, we used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Changes in piRNA expression levels in ovarian cancer stem cells were analyzed using Arraystar piRNA microarray screening. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to determine the potential functions of piRNAs. Results: Using microarray analysis, we identified a cohort of differentially expressed piRNAs. Fifteen piRNAs, including DQ570763 and DQ597396, were downregulated, and 58 piRNAs were upregulated when compared with those in adherent A2780 and SKOV3 cells (p > 0.05, >2.0, respectively). GO functions of the downregulated piRNAs (DQ570763 and DQ570797) suggest that their roles are commonly associated with the Golgi apparatus. In addition, A2780-SP and SKOV3-SP cells had higher PIWIL3 and PIWIL4 mRNA levels than adherent cells (A2780 and SKOV3). Moreover, we determined, using receiver operating characteristic plot, that the expression level of PIWIL4 was lower in responders than in nonresponders after treatment with platins in patients with ovarian cancer. Finally, in ovarian cancer, PIWIL4 expression was associated with somatic mutations of dynein axonemal heavy chain 2, signal induced proliferation associated 1 like 2, YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein 1, TBC1 domain family member 8, and LPS responsive Beige-like anchor protein. Conclusion: Our study showed that PIWI proteins and piRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Sohn
- College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
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Kishani Farahani R, Soleimanpour S, Golmohammadi M, Soleimanpour-lichaei HR. PIWIL2 Regulates the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Colony Formation of Colorectal Cancer Cell Line. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 21:e3176. [PMID: 36811102 PMCID: PMC9938935 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2022.307054.3176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Tumor cells proliferation and apoptosis inhibition are the mechanisms through which the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) progression, metastasis and chemoresistance are promoted pathologically, offering clinical advantages for characterizing their molecular regulators. Objectives In this study, to unravel the role of PIWIL2 as a potential CRC oncogenic regulator, we examined the effect of its overexpression on proliferation, apoptosis and colony formation of SW480 colon cancer cell line. Material and Methods Established SW480-P (overexpression of PIWIL2) and SW480-control (SW480-empty vector) cell lines were cultured in DMEM containing 10% FBS with 1% penicillin-streptomycin. The total DNA and RNA was extracted for further experiments. Real-Time PCR and western blotting assay were performed to measure the differential expression of proliferation associated genes including the expression of cell cycle and anti-apoptotic genes as well as Ki-67 and PIWIL2 in both cell lines. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, doubling time assay and the colony formation rate of transfected cells was measured with the 2D colony formation assay. Results At the molecular level, PIWIL2 overexpression was associated with significant up-regulation of cyclin D1, STAT3, BCL2-L1, BCL2-L2 and Ki-67 genes. MTT and doubling time assay showed that PIWIL2 expression induced time-related effects on proliferation rate of SW480 cells. Moreover, SW480-P cells had markedly greater capacity to form colonies. Conclusions PIWIL2 plays important roles to promote cancer cell proliferation and colonization via the cell cycle acceleration and inhibition of apoptosis, the mechanisms through which this gene seems to contribute to CRC development, metastasis and chemoresistance, hence potentially highlighting PIWIL2 targeted therapy as a valuable tool for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kishani Farahani
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Hamid Reza Soleimanpour-lichaei
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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Chattopadhyay T, Biswal P, Lalruatfela A, Mallick B. Emerging roles of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI proteins in head and neck cancer and their potential clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188772. [PMID: 35931391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are among the well-known neoplasms originating in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, the survival rates of the patients are low, which has posed a major therapeutic challenge. A growing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), for instance, microRNAs, have been identified whose abnormal expression patterns have been implicated in HNSCC. However, more recently, several seminal research has shown that piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a promising and young class of small ncRNA, are linked to the emergence and progression of cancer. They can regulate transposable elements (TE) and gene expression through multiple mechanisms, making them potentially more powerful regulators than miRNAs. Hence, they can be more promising ncRNAs candidates for cancer therapeutic intervention. Here, we surveyed the roles and clinical implications of piRNAs and their PIWI proteins partners in tumorigenesis and associated molecular processes of cancer, with a particular focus on HNSCC, to offer a new avenue for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic interventions for the malignancy, improving patient's outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Chattopadhyay
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Priyajit Biswal
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Anthony Lalruatfela
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Bibekanand Mallick
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India.
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Tan X, Mi T, Zhang Z, Jin L, Wang Z, Wu X, Wang J, Li M, Zhanghuang C, He D. Multiple transcriptome analysis of Piwil2-induced cancer stem cells, including piRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs reveals the mechanism of tumorigenesis and development. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6885-6898. [PMID: 35182325 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells play important roles in the process of tumorigenesis. Our research group obtained cancer stem cell-like cells named Piwil2-iCSCs by reprogramming human preputial fibroblasts (FBs) with the PIWIL2 gene, but the mechanism of Piwil2-iCSCs is still unclear. METHODS We sequenced the piRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs of Piwil2-iCSCs and FBs, and analyzed the differences. Gene Ontology (GO) and, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on the differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs. In addition, we analyzed the variable shear events and fusion genes in the Piwil2-iCSCs. Target gene prediction and functional enrichment analysis were performed for the DE miRNAs. RESULTS A total of 1119 DE mRNAs, 220 DE piRNAs, and 440 DE miRNAs were obtained between the Piwil2-iCSCs and FBs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the genes with upregulated expression were mainly involved in DNA repair, mismatch repair, base excision repair, and nucleotide excision repair. Genes with downregulated expression were mainly involved in the TGF-β receptor signaling pathway, senescence and autophagy in cancer. More frequent shear events occurred in Piwil2-iCSCs and FBs, especially in intron retention (IR) events. We also identified three fusion genes MCM3AP-C21orf58, LRRFIP2-CAV3 and TMEM184B-DMC1. Enrichment analysis of DE miRNAs showed that they were associated with apoptosis, the TGF-β signaling pathway, and the stem cell regulatory signaling pathway. In particular, target gene prediction of the top three miRNAs with upregulated expression showed that they targeted SMAD, GREM1 and other genes to participate in the regulation of TGF-β and other pathways. CONCLUSION PIWIL2-induced cancer stem cells have significantly altered levels of miRNAs, piRNAs and mRNAs.TGF-β, autophagy, apoptosis and other pathways may play an important role in stem cell development. The occurrence of alternative splicing and fusion genes may be related to the occurrence of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Tan
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Mi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Jin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Mujie Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghao Zhanghuang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China. .,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou S, Yang S, Li F, Hou J, Chang H. P-element Induced WImpy protein-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2 regulates tumor cell progression, apoptosis, and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211053158. [PMID: 34738477 PMCID: PMC8573518 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211053158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective P-element Induced WImpy protein-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2 (PIWIL2) is a reported oncogene strongly associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the potential function of PIWIL2 in oral cancer is still largely unclear. Methods In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of PIWIL2 expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and tissues. We also examined its function in OSCC pathogenesis by knocking down PIWIL2 expression with short hairpin RNAs, followed by phenotypic experiments focused on cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis rates. Results We found that PIWIL2 was overexpressed in OSCC cell lines and tissues and significantly correlated with the malignancy stage. Furthermore, knockdown of PIWIL2 in a human OSCC cell line Tca8113 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Silencing PIWIL2 expression also significantly suppressed the migration and invasion abilities of Tca8113 cells. Conclusions Collectively, our results suggest a functional role of PIWIL2 in regulating OSCC pathogenesis. Our data imply that PIWIL2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jingying Hou
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
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Lee E, Lokman NA, Oehler MK, Ricciardelli C, Grutzner F. A Comprehensive Molecular and Clinical Analysis of the piRNA Pathway Genes in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010004. [PMID: 33374923 PMCID: PMC7792616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers, its development and progression remain poorly understood. The piRNA pathway is important for transposon defense and genome stability. piRNA maturation and function involve a number of genes known as the piRNA pathway genes. These genes have recently been implicated in cancer development and progression but information about their role in OC is limited. Our work aimed to provide a better understanding of the roles of piRNA pathway genes in OC. Through analyzing changes in the abundance of 10 piRNA pathway genes, we discovered gene expression differences in benign vs. cancer, chemosensitive vs. chemoresistant and post hormone treatment in OC samples and cells. Furthermore, we observed the differential effects of these genes on patient survival and OC cell invasion. Overall, this work supports a role of the piRNA pathway genes in OC progression and encourages further study of their clinical relevance. Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, yet molecular mechanisms underlying its origin and progression remain poorly understood. With increasing reports of piRNA pathway deregulation in various cancers, we aimed to better understand its role in OC through a comprehensive analysis of key genes: PIWIL1-4, DDX4, HENMT1, MAEL, PLD6, TDRD1,9 and mutants of PIWIL1 (P1∆17) and PIWIL2 (PL2L60). High-throughput qRT-PCR (n = 45) and CSIOVDB (n = 3431) showed differential gene expression when comparing benign ovarian tumors, low grade OC and high grade serous OC (HGSOC). Significant correlation of disparate piRNA pathway gene expression levels with better progression free, post-progression free and overall survival suggests a complex role of this pathway in OC. We discovered PIWIL3 expression in chemosensitive but not chemoresistant primary HGSOC cells, providing a potential target against chemoresistant disease. As a first, we revealed that follicle stimulating hormone increased PIWIL2 expression in OV-90 cells. PIWIL1, P1∆17, PIWIL2, PL2L60 and MAEL overexpression in vitro and in vivo decreased motility and invasion of OVCAR-3 and OV-90 cells. Interestingly, P1∆17 and PL2L60, induced increased motility and invasion compared to PIWIL1 and PIWIL2. Our results in HGSOC highlight the intricate role piRNA pathway genes play in the development of malignant neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Lee
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Noor A. Lokman
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.A.L.); (M.K.O.)
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Martin K. Oehler
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.A.L.); (M.K.O.)
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.A.L.); (M.K.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (F.G.); Tel.: +61-8-8313-8255 (C.R.); +61-8-8313-4812 (F.G.)
| | - Frank Grutzner
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (F.G.); Tel.: +61-8-8313-8255 (C.R.); +61-8-8313-4812 (F.G.)
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9
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Tamtaji OR, Behnam M, Pourattar MA, Hamblin MR, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Mirzaei H, Asemi Z. PIWI-interacting RNAs and PIWI proteins in glioma: molecular pathogenesis and role as biomarkers. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:168. [PMID: 33109195 PMCID: PMC7590611 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00657-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, and is a major health problem throughout the world. Today, researchers have discovered many risk factors that are associated with the initiation and progression of gliomas. Studies have shown that PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI proteins are involved in tumorigenesis by epigenetic mechanisms. Hence, it seems that piRNAs and PIWI proteins may be potential prognostic, diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers in the treatment of glioma. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between piRNAs and PIWI proteins and some of the molecular and cellular pathways in glioma. Here, we summarize recent evidence and evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which piRNAs and PIWI proteins are involved in glioma. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | | | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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10
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Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world. In recent years, non-coding RNA has been a hot topic in liver cancer research. piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs) are a new type of small non-coding RNA, which are formed by the PIWI proteins interacting with RNA. The latest research shows that piRNA and PIWI proteins are abnormally expressed in various cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, breast, etc. piRNA plays an important regulatory role in liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the biological function of piRNAs and new progress in the development of liver cancer, and new targets and ideas for piRNA and PIWI proteins in the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Xu
- Graduate School of Nursing, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Huzhou Cent Hosp, Affiliated Cent Hops Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Huzhou Cent Hosp, Affiliated Cent Hops Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Graduate School of Nursing, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Han
- Department of Oncology, Huzhou Cent Hosp, Affiliated Cent Hops Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
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11
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Mentis AFA, Dardiotis E, Romas NA, Papavassiliou AG. PIWI family proteins as prognostic markers in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2289-2314. [PMID: 31814070 PMCID: PMC11104808 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-element-induced-wimpy-testis-(PIWI)-like proteins are implicated in germ cells' regulation and detected in numerous cancer types. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to associate, for the first time, the prognosis in cancer patients with intratumoral expression of PIWI family proteins. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched, and studies investigating the association between intratumoral mRNA or protein expression of different PIWI family proteins and survival, metastasis, or recurrence of various cancer types were reviewed. Study qualities were assessed using the REMARK criteria. Studies' heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 index and Cochran Q test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger's regression. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for different PIWI family proteins separately. Specifically, log of calculated HR was pooled using random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-six studies (4299 participants) were included. The pooled HR of mortality in high versus low expression of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, and PIWIL4 was 1.87 (95% CI: 1.31-2.66, p < 0.05), 1.09 (95% CI: 0.58-2.07, p = 0.79), and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.25-0.76, p < 0.05), respectively. The pooled HR of recurrence in high versus low expression of PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.20-2.49, p < 0.05) and 1.98 (95% CI: 0.65-5.98, p = 0.23), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Highly variable results were observed for different cancer types. Higher PIWIL1 and lower piwil4 and PIWIL4 expression levels could potentially indicate worse prognosis in cancer. These proteins' expressions could be used for personalized prognosis and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Nicholas A Romas
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street - Bldg. 16, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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12
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Li G, Ni A, Tang Y, Li S, Meng L. RNA binding proteins involved in regulation of protein synthesis to initiate biogenesis of secondary tumor in hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8680. [PMID: 32219019 PMCID: PMC7087493 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment (TM) in close contact with cancer cells is highly related to tumor growth and cancer metastasis. This study is to explore the biogenesis mechanism of a secondary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the function of RNA binding proteins (RBPs)-encoding genes in the physiological microenvironment (PM). Methods The healthy and HCC mice were used to isolate the PM, pre-tumor microenvironment (PTM), and TM. The samples were analyzed using the technology of RNA-seq and bioinformatics. The differentially expressed RBPs-encoding genes (DERs) and differentially expressed DERs-associated genes (DEDs) were screened to undergo GO and KEGG analysis. Results 18 DERs and DEDs were identified in the PTM vs. PM, 87 in the TM vs. PTM, and 87 in the TM vs. PM. Those DERs and DEDs participated in the regulation of gene expression at the levels of chromatin conformation, gene activation and silencing, splicing and degradation of mRNA, biogenesis of piRNA and miRNA, ribosome assemble, and translation of proteins. Conclusion The genes encoding RBPs and the relevant genes are involved in the transformation from PM to PTM, then constructing the TM by regulating protein synthesis. This regulation included whole process of biological genetic information transmission from chromatin conformation to gene activation and silencing to mRNA splicing to ribosome assemble to translation of proteins and degradation of mRNA. The abnormality of those functions in the organic microenvironments promoted the metastasis of HCC and initiated the biogenesis of a secondary HCC in a PM when the PM encountered the invasion of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genliang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Anni Ni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Yulian Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Shubo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Lingzhang Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
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13
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Cheng Y, Wang Q, Jiang W, Bian Y, zhou Y, Gou A, Zhang W, Fu K, Shi W. Emerging roles of piRNAs in cancer: challenges and prospects. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:9932-9946. [PMID: 31727866 PMCID: PMC6874451 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
PiRNAs are a small class of non-coding small RNAs newly discovered in recent years. Millions of piRNAs have been discovered to date, and more than 20,000 piRNA genes have been found in the human genome. Due to the relatively small number of studies related to piRNA, our understanding of piRNAs is very limited. Currently, the clear biological function of piRNAs is transposon mobilization inhibition by promoting transcript degradation and regulating chromatin formation. In addition, piRNAs can form piRNA-PIWI protein complexes with some members of the PIWI branch of the Argonaute protein. Based on these biological functions, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are important in maintaining the genomic integrity of germline cells. Because of this, the popularity of piRNAs research has been focused on its role in germline cells for a long time after the discovery of piRNAs. As the field of research expands, there is growing evidence that piRNAs and PIWI proteins are abnormally expressed in various types of cancers, which may be potential cancer biomarkers and cancer therapeutic targets. In this review, we will focus on the relationship between piRNAs and PIWI proteins and cancers based on previous research, as well as their significance in cancer detection, grading and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cheng
- Jiangsu Research Center for Primary Health Development and General Practice Education, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yonghua Bian
- Jiangsu Research Center for Primary Health Development and General Practice Education, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Yang zhou
- Jiangsu Research Center for Primary Health Development and General Practice Education, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Anxing Gou
- Jiangsu Research Center for Primary Health Development and General Practice Education, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihong Shi
- Jiangsu Research Center for Primary Health Development and General Practice Education, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
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14
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Zhai XH, Xiao J, Yu JK, Sun H, Zheng S. Novel sphingomyelin biomarkers for brain glioma and associated regulation research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:6207-6213. [PMID: 31788096 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common malignant tumor types of the central nervous system. It is necessary to identify biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for glioma. The purpose of the present study was to distinguish lipid biomarkers with differential expression patterns in glioma tissues and normal brain tissues by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-imaging and MALDI-time of flight (TOF)-mass spectrometry (MS). Additionally, identification of lipid biomarkers was performed to describe novel therapeutic targets for glioma treatment. A total of six tissues from three patients with glioma and three control patients with traumatic brain injury were analyzed using UltrafleXtreme MALDI-TOF/TOF. The expression levels of 15 lipid peaks were higher in the TBT samples compared with in the GBT samples. The expression levels of another 16 lipid peaks were higher in the GBT samples compared with in the TBT samples. 14 peaks were identified as sphingomyelins using MS/MS. Additional results were also obtained from experiments using the glioma cell line U373-MG. These results indicated that treatment with the drug desipramine (Desi) inhibited the accumulation of ceramide on the cell membranes of glioma U373-MG cells. Treatment with Desi inhibited the activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and inhibited the activation of proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China.,Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China
| | - Jie-Kai Yu
- Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
| | - Shu Zheng
- Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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15
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Liu Y, Dou M, Song X, Dong Y, Liu S, Liu H, Tao J, Li W, Yin X, Xu W. The emerging role of the piRNA/piwi complex in cancer. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:123. [PMID: 31399034 PMCID: PMC6688334 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs) constitute novel small non-coding RNA molecules of approximately 24-31 nucleotides in length that often bind to members of the piwi protein family to play regulatory roles. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that in addition to the mammalian germline, piRNAs are also expressed in a tissue-specific manner in a variety of human tissues and modulate key signaling pathways at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. In addition, a growing number of studies have shown that piRNA and PIWI proteins, which are abnormally expressed in various cancers, may serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumor diagnostics and treatment. However, the functions of piRNAs in cancer and their underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss current findings regarding piRNA biogenetic processes, functions, and emerging roles in cancer, providing new insights regarding the potential applications of piRNAs and piwi proteins in cancer diagnosis and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Liu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Mei Dou
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xuxia Song
- The Laboratory of Biomedical Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yanhan Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Si Liu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Haoran Liu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jiaping Tao
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xunhua Yin
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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16
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Weng W, Li H, Goel A. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and cancer: Emerging biological concepts and potential clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1871:160-169. [PMID: 30599187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a very recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), with approximately 20,000 piRNA genes already identified within the human genome. These short RNAs were originally described as key functional regulators for the germline maintenance and transposon silencing. However, due to our limited knowledge regarding their function, piRNAs were for a long time assumed to be the "dark matter" of ncRNAs in our genome. However, recent evidence has now changed our viewpoint of their biological and clinical significance in various diseases, as newly emerging data reveals that aberrant expression of piRNAs is a unique and distinct feature in many diseases, including multiple human cancers. Furthermore, their altered expression in cancer patients has been significantly associated with clinical outcomes, highlighting their important biological functional role in disease progression. Functionally, piRNAs maintain genomic integrity by silencing transposable elements, and are capable of regulating the expression of specific downstream target genes in a post-transcriptional manner. Moreover, accumulating evidences demonstrates that analogous to other small ncRNAs (e.g. miRNAs) piRNAs have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles in cancer development. In this article, we discuss emerging insights into roles of piRNAs in a variety of cancers, reveal new findings underpinning various mechanisms of piRNAs-mediated gene regulation, and highlight their potential clinical significance in the management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Weng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200090, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Hanhua Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Ajay Goel
- Center for Gastrointestinal Research, Center for Translational Genomics and Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor Research Institute and Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246-2017, USA.
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