Knockdown long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 suppresses colorectal cancer through modulating miR-193a-3p/KRAS

Targeting and engineering long non-coding RNAs for cancer therapy

RNA therapeutics (RNATx) aim to treat diseases, including cancer, by targeting or employing RNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Amongst the most promising targets are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate oncogenic molecular networks in a cell type-restricted manner. lncRNAs are distinct from protein-coding genes in important ways that increase their therapeutic potential yet also present hurdles to conventional clinical development. Advances in genome editing, oligonucleotide chemistry, multi-omics and RNA engineering are paving the way for efficient and cost-effective lncRNA-focused drug discovery pipelines. In this Review, we present the emerging field of lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, with emphasis on the unique strengths and challenges of lncRNAs within the broader RNATx framework. We outline the necessary steps for lncRNA therapeutics to deliver effective, durable, tolerable and personalized treatments for cancer.

Exploring the role of lncrna neat1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types: A review

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, contributing significantly to a diverse range of cellular processes, including apoptosis. One such lncRNA is NEAT1, which is elevated in several types of cancer and aid in cancer growth. However, recent studies have also demonstrated that the knockdown of NEAT1 can inhibit cancer cells proliferation, movement, and infiltration while enhancing apoptosis. This article explores the function of lncRNA NEAT1 knockdown in regulating apoptosis across multiple cancer types. We explore the existing understanding of NEAT1's involvement in the progression of malignant conditions, including its structure and functions. Additionally, we investigate the molecular mechanisms by which NEAT1 modulates the cell cycle, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, movement, and infiltration in diverse cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and retinoblastoma. Furthermore, we review the recent studies investigating the therapeutic potential of NEAT1 knockdown in cancer treatment. Targeting the lncRNA NEAT1 presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating cancer. It has shown the ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in various cancer types.

Targeting lncRNA NEAT1 Hampers Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (lnc-NEAT1) is closely implicated in neurological diseases, while its implication in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rarely reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lnc-NEAT1 knockdown on neuron injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress in AD, as well as its interaction with downstream targets and pathways. APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were injected with negative control or lnc-NEAT1 interference lentivirus. Besides, AD cellular model was constructed by amyloid β treatment in mice primary neuron cells; then, knockdown of lnc-NEAT1 and microRNA-193a was performed alone or in combination. In vivo experiments revealed that Lnc-NEAT1 knockdown improved cognition in AD mice reflected by Morrison water maze and Y-maze assays. Besides, lnc-NEAT1 knockdown reduced injury and apoptosis, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, repressed oxidative stress level, and activated adenosine cyclophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) pathways in hippocampi of AD mice. Notably, lnc-NEAT1 down-regulated microRNA-193a both in vitro and in vivo and acted as a decoy of microRNA-193a. In vitro experiments showed that lnc-NEAT1 knockdown decreased apoptosis and oxidative stress, improved cell viability, also activated CREB/BDNF and NRF2/NQO1 pathways in AD cellular model. Meanwhile, microRNA-193a knockdown showed the opposite effects, which also attenuated lnc-NEAT1 knockdown-mediated reduction in injury, oxidative stress, and CREB/BDNF and NRF2/NQO1 pathways of AD cellular model. In conclusion, lnc-NEAT1 knockdown reduces neuron injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress through activating microRNA-193a mediated CREB/BDNF and NRF2/NQO1 pathways in AD.

lncRNA NEAT1 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Increasing Inflammation

Background. Colorectal cancer is a digestive tract malignant tumor, ranking the second mortality and the third incidence cancer worldwide. The abnormal expression of NEAT1 is related to the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. However, the specific mechanism of NEAT1 mediated-inflammatory pathway in the progression of colorectal cancer is still unclear. Methods. In this study, expression of NEAT1 in colorectal cancer patients was analyzed by bioinformatics. Clinical samples including peripheral blood and colorectal cancer tissues were collected for qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assay. The role of NEAT1 in the colorectal cancer progression was further confirmed by both in-vivo and in-vitro functional experiments. Results. By bioinformatics prediction, it is found that NEAT1 expression level is significantly higher in the peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. In-vitro functional studies indicated that NEAT1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells by mediating inflammatory response. In-vivo tumorigenesis experiments showed that NEAT1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth. Conclusion. Abnormal high expression level of NEAT1 in colorectal cancer tissues and cells leads to poor prognosis. Mechanistically, NEAT1 triggers off the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells through promoting the inflammatory reaction. Clinically, the expression level of NEAT1 in serum may be a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer.

The Long and the Short of It: NEAT1 and Cancer Cell Metabolism

Simple Summary

Altered metabolism is a hallmark of most cancers. The way that cancer cells regulate their energy production to fuel constant proliferation has been of interest with the hope that it may be exploited therapeutically. The long noncoding RNA, NEAT1, is often dysregulated in tumours. NEAT1 RNA can be transcribed as two isoforms with different lengths, with each variant responsible for different functions. This review explores how the isoforms contribute to cancer metabolism.

Abstract

The long noncoding RNA NEAT1 is known to be heavily dysregulated in many cancers. A single exon gene produces two isoforms, NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2, through alternative 3′-end processing. As the longer isoform, NEAT1_2 is an essential scaffold for nuclear paraspeckle formation. It was previously thought that the short NEAT1_1 isoform only exists to keep the NEAT1 locus active for rapid paraspeckle formation. However, a recent glycolysis-enhancing function for NEAT1_1, contributing to cancer cell proliferation and the Warburg effect, has been demonstrated. Previous studies have mainly focused on quantifying total NEAT1 and NEAT1_2 expression levels. However, in light of the NEAT1_1 role in cancer cell metabolism, the contribution from specific NEAT1 isoforms is no longer clear. Here, the roles of NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 in metabolism and cancer progression are discussed.

Molecular Interactions of the Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 in Cancer

As one of the best-studied long noncoding RNAs, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of cancers. NEAT1, especially its isoform NEAT1-1, facilitates the growth and metastasis of various cancers, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. NEAT1 can be elevated via transcriptional activation or stability alteration in cancers changing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells. NEAT1 can also be secreted from other cells and be delivered to cancer cells through exosomes. Hence, elucidating the molecular interaction of NEAT1 may shed light on the future treatment of cancer. Herein, we review the molecular function of NEAT1 in cancer progression, and explain how NEAT1 interacts with RNAs, proteins, and DNA promoter regions to upregulate tumorigenic factors.

Emerging roles for lncRNA-NEAT1 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer death in the world that arises from the glandular and epithelial cells of the large intestine, during a series of genetic or epigenetic alternations. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has opened a separate window of research in molecular and translational medicine. Emerging evidence has supported that lncRNAs can regulate cell cycle of CRC cells. LncRNA NEAT1 has been verified to participate in colon cancer development and progression. NEAT1 as a competing endogenous RNA could suppress the expression of miRNAs, and then regulate molecules downstream of these miRNAs. In this review, we summarized emerging roles of NEAT1 in CRC cells.

Recent advances of NEAT1-miRNA interactions in cancer

With high incidence rate, cancer is the main cause of death in humans. Non-coding RNAs, as novel master regulators, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), play important roles in the regulation of tumorigenesis. lncRNA NEAT1 has recently gained much attention, as it is dysregulated in a broad spectrum of cancers, where it acts as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene. Accumulating evidence shows that NEAT1 is correlated with the process of carcinogenesis, including proliferation, invasion, survival, drug resistance, and metastasis. NEAT1 is considered to be a biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of different cancer types. The mechanisms by which NEAT1 plays a critical role in cancers are mainly via interactions with miRNAs. NEAT1-miRNA regulatory networks play significant roles in tumorigenesis, which has attracted much attention from researchers around the world. In this review, we summarize the interaction of NEAT1 with miRNAs in the regulation of protein-coding genes in cancer. A better understanding of the NEAT1-miRNA interactions in cancer will help develop new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches.

Mig-6 Inhibits Autophagy in HCC Cell Lines by Modulating miR-193a-3p

Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays an important role in many types of cancers by interacting with EGFR. However, its molecular mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with miRNAs need to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether Mig-6 could promote apoptosis and the inhibition of autophagy via its downstream miRNA in HCC cell lines. We used two cell lines, HepG2 and HLE, to establish Mig-6 overexpression and knockdown experiments, as well as miR-193a mimic and inhibitor experiments. The miRNA microarray profiling was also used to verify Mig-6-regulated miRNA. We found that Mig-6 induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy of HCC cell lines. miR-193a-3p is a Mig-6-regulated miRNA in the Mig-6-overexpression model. It affected the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells, at least partly by regulating the expression of TGF-β2. Additionally, the relationship between Mig-6 and transforming growth factor TGF-β2 was explored in depth for the first time. These findings revealed an important role of Mig-6 in the apoptosis and autophagy of HCC cells by regulating miR-193a-3p, providing a novel insight into the therapeutic target in HCC.

NEAT1 as a competing endogenous RNA in tumorigenesis of various cancers: Role, mechanism and therapeutic potential

The nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is upregulated in a variety of human cancer types. Increasing evidence has shown that the elevation of NEAT1 in cancer cells promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion and inhibits cell apoptosis. It is also known that lncRNAs act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) to alter the expression levels of their target genes in the development of cancers. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this observation. In this review, specific emphasis was placed on NEAT1's role in tumor development. We also summarize and discuss the feedback roles of NEAT1/miRNA/target network in the progression of various cancers. As our understanding of the role of NEAT1 during tumorigenesis improves, its therapeutic potential as a biomarker and/or target for cancer also becomes clearer.

Tumor suppressor miR-193a-3p enhances efficacy of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer

Patients with BRAF‐mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) have a poor prognosis despite recent therapeutic advances such as combination therapy with BRAF, MEK, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that can improve the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib (DAB) and MEK inhibitor trametinib (TRA), we screened 240 miRNAs in BRAF‐mutated CRC cells and identified five candidate miRNAs. Overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p, one of the five screened miRNAs, in CRC cells inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Reverse‐phase protein array analysis revealed that proteins with altered phosphorylation induced by miR‐193a‐3p were involved in several oncogenic pathways including MAPK‐related pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p in BRAF‐mutated cells enhanced the efficacy of DAB and TRA through inhibiting reactivation of MAPK signaling and inducing inhibition of Mcl1. Inhibition of Mcl1 by siRNA or by Mcl1 inhibitor increased the antiproliferative effect of combination therapy with DAB, TRA, and anti‐EGFR antibody cetuximab. Collectively, our study demonstrated the possibility that miR‐193a‐3p acts as a tumor suppressor through regulating multiple proteins involved in oncogenesis and affects cellular sensitivity to MAPK‐related pathway inhibitors such as BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and/or anti‐EGFR antibodies. Addition of miR‐193a‐3p and/or modulation of proteins involved in the miR‐193a‐3p–mediated pathway, such as Mcl1, to EGFR/BRAF/MEK inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy against BRAF‐mutated CRC.

Metastatic colorectal cancer: Perspectives on long non-coding RNAs and promising therapeutics

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has long been lethal despite the continuous efforts of researchers worldwide to discover and improve therapeutic regimens. Thanks to the emergence of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which has strongly reshaped our inherent perspectives on the pathophysiological patterns of disease, research in the field has been reinvigorated. Here, we focus on current understanding of the modes of action of lncRNAs, and review their regulatory roles in metastatic colorectal cancer, and discuss correlated potential lncRNA-based therapeutics. All of the discussed studies share clear and promising perspectives on future diagnostic and therapeutic remedies for metastatic colorectal cancer.

LncRNA NEAT1 accelerates breast cancer progression through regulating miR-410-3p/ CCND1 axis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and usually occurs in women. Studies have shown that lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) contributes to breast cancer progression. This study intends to further investigate the molecular mechanism of NEAT1 in breast cancer.

METHODS

The expression levels of NEAT1, miR-410-3p and Cyclin D1 (CCND1) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in breast cancer tissues and cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were performed to determine the relationship between NEAT1 and overall survival. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay analyzed cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to examine cell migration and invasion. The protein levels of CCND1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) were measured by western blot. The target relationship was predicted by bioinformatics analysis, and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Xenograft analysis was used to evaluate the tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

NEAT1 and CCND1 were upregulated, while miR-410-3p was down-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cells. Higher NEAT1 expression level was associated with lower survival rate of breast cancer patients. Knockdown of miR-410-3p restored silenced NEAT1-mediated the inhibition of on proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells. In addition, NEAT1 regulated CCND1 expression by sponging miR-410-3p in breast cancer cells. NEAT1 knockdown blocked the tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

NEAT1 induced breast cancer progression by regulating the miR-410-3p/CCND1 axis, indicating that NEAT1 may be a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

RNA Interference and Nanotechnology: A Promising Alliance for Next Generation Cancer Therapeutics

Cancer is a significant health hazard of the 21st century, and GLOBOCAN predicts increasing cancer incidence in the coming decades. Though several conventional treatment modalities exist, most of them end up causing off-target and debilitating effects, and drug resistance acquisition. Advances in our understanding of tumor molecular biology offer alternative strategies for precise, robust, and potentially less toxic treatment paradigms for circumventing the disease at the cellular and molecular level. Several deregulated molecules associated with tumorigenesis have been developed as targets in RNA interference (RNAi) based cancer therapeutics. RNAi, a post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism, has significantly gained attention because of its precise multi-targeted gene silencing. Although the RNAi approach is favorable, the direct administration of small oligonucleotides has not been fruitful because of their inherent lower half-lives and instability in the biological systems. Moreover, the lack of an appropriate delivery system to the primary site of the tumor that helps determine the potency of the drug and its reach, has limited the effective medical utilization of these bio-drugs. Nanotechnology, with its unique characteristics of enhanced permeation and better tumor-targeting efficiency, offers promising solutions owing to the various possibilities and amenability for modifications of the nanoparticles to augment cancer therapeutics. Nanoparticles could be made multimodal, by designing and synthesizing multiple desired functionalities, often resulting in unique and potentially applicable biological structures. A small number of Phase I clinical trials with systemically administered siRNA molecules conjugated with nanoparticles have been completed and the results are promising, indicating that, these new combinatorial therapies can successfully and safely be used to inhibit target genes in cancer patients to alleviate some of the disease burden. In this review, we highlight different types of nano-based delivery strategies for engineering Nano-RNAi-based bio drugs. Furthermore, we have highlighted the insights gained from current research that are entering the preclinical evaluation and information about initial clinical developments, shaping the future for next generation cancer therapeutics.

Long Noncoding RNA JAKMIP2-AS1 Promotes the Growth of Colorectal Cancer and Indicates Poor Prognosis

Background

The identification of cancer-associated long noncoding RNAs and the investigation of their molecular and biological functions are important for understanding the molecular biology and progression of cancer. JAKMIP2-AS1 has not been reported in the literature, especially in the context of colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression pattern of JAKMIP2-AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and evaluate its biological role and clinical significance in tumor progression.

Methods

JAKMIP2-AS1 expression was analyzed in 56 CRC tissues and nine CRC cell lines by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches were used to investigate the biological functions of JAKMIP2-AS1. The effect of JAKMIP2-AS1 on proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays. Subcutaneous injection of cells was used to study proliferation in BALB/c nude male mice. Proliferation-related protein levels were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Differences between groups were tested for significance using Student's t-test (two-tailed).

Results

JAKMIP2-AS1 was highly expressed in both CRC samples and cell lines compared with the corresponding normal counterparts. The upregulation of JAKMIP2-AS1 expression promoted the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, patients with high levels of JAKMIP2-AS1 expression had a relatively poor prognosis. Inhibition of JAKMIP2-AS1 by RNAi decreased the proliferation of CRC cells in vitro and impeded cell growth in vivo. Ki-67 and PCNA levels were affected by JAKMIP2-AS1 knockdown or overexpression in vivo.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that JAKMIP2-AS1 is significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and regulates CRC cell proliferation. Thus, JAKMIP2-AS1 may represent a new marker of poor prognosis and is a potential therapeutic target for CRC intervention.

The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum lncRNA NEAT1 in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent types of gastrointestinal tract cancers. Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been shown to be closely associated with the progression of CRC. The aim of the current study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in CRC.

Methods

The expression levels and diagnostic value of serum NEAT1 were evaluated in the training and validation cohorts. Then, the prognosis value of serum NEAT1 in CRC was further explored.

Results

The expression levels of serum NEAT1 were significantly higher in CRC, especially in metastatic CRC, than in colorectal adenoma and healthy controls. In addition, serum NEAT1 could well differentiate metastatic CRC from non-metastatic CRC and CRC from colorectal adenoma or healthy controls. Moreover, the metastatic CRC cells secreted more NEAT1 than the control cells. Upregulation of serum NEAT1 was significantly associated with poor clinical outcome of CRC, and serum NEAT1 was identified as an independent prognostic factor for CRC.

Conclusion

Serum NEAT1 might be a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC.

LncRNA UCA1 Affects the Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Apoptosis of Hepatic Carcinoma Cells by Targeting MicroRNA-193a-3p

Objective/Background

Hepatic carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth lethal cancer in the world, but its relationship with lncRNA urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1)/microRNA-193a-3p axis remains unclear, so this study would explore the relationship.

Methods

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was carried out to quantify lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p in HCC tissues and cells, and relevant overexpression or inhibition vectors were constructed to analyze the influences of lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p on HCC cells. A Transwell assay was used to measure invasion and migration of HCC cells, and a Western blot assay to quantify protein biomarkers of apoptosis, invasion, and migration, a MTT assay to determine cell viability, a flow cytometry to detect cell cycle, and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay to analyze the correlation between lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA-193a-3p.

Results

LncRNA UCA1 was increased in HCC, while microRNA-193a-3p was decreased. Down-regulated lncRNA UCA1 could up-regulate microRNA-193a-3p, and down-regulated lncRNA UCA1 or up-regulated microRNA-193a-3p would strengthen cell apoptosis and weaken cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Furthermore, lncRNA UCA1 could negatively regulate microRNA-193a-3p by binding to it.

Conclusion

LncRNA UCA1 promotes malignant hyperproliferation of HCC cells by repressing microRNA-193a-3p.

NEAT1/miR-193a-3p/SOX5 axis regulates cartilage matrix degradation in human osteoarthritis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were reported to be involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this work was to explore the functional role of lncRNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in OA. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression of microRNA (miR-193a)-3p, NEAT1, and sex-determining region Y-box protein 5 (SOX5), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-8 in OA cartilage tissue and chondrocytes. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis of chondrocytes. The protein levels of extracellular matrix ACAN, collagen type II α1 chain (Col2a1), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-13, a disintegrin, and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-5 and SOX5 were determined using western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the target relationship among NEAT1, miR-193a-3p, and SOX5. We found that miR-193a-3p expression was downregulated, while NEAT1 and SOX5 were upregulated in OA cartilage tissue and chondrocytes. Both upregulation of miR-193a-3p and knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed inflammation, apoptosis, and reduced the protein levels of MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5, while elevating ACAN and Col2a1 expression in chondrocytes. NEAT1 targeted miR-193a-3p, and SOX5 was targeted by miR-193a-3p. Silencing of miR-193a-3p reversed the NEAT1 knockdown-mediated effect on the inflammation, apoptosis, and production of the extracellular matrix. The introduction of SOX5 abolished the impact of the upregulation of miR-193a-3p on inflammation, apoptosis, and production of extracellular matrix in chondrocytes. In conclusion, NEAT1/miR-193a-3p/SOX5 axis regulates cartilage matrix degradation in human OA.

An Integrated Three-Long Non-coding RNA Signature Predicts Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, whose morbidity and mortality gradually increased. Here, we aimed to identify and access prognostic long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with overall survival (OS) in CRC. Firstly, RNA expression profiles were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and 439 CRC patients were enrolled as a training set. Univariate Cox analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis (LASSO) were performed to identify the prognostic lncRNAs. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to establish a prognostic risk formula including three lncRNAs (AP003555.2, AP006284.1, and LINC01602). The low-risk group had a better OS than the high-risk group (P < 0.0001), and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 3- and 5-year OS were 0.712 and 0.674, respectively. Then, we evaluated the signature in a clinical validation set which were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. Compared with the low-risk group, patients' OS were found to be significantly worse in the high-risk group (P = 0.0057). The AUCs of 3- and 5-year OS were 0.701 and 0.694, respectively. Finally, we constructed an lncRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA) competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to explore the potential function of three differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these DElncRNAs were involved with several cancer-related pathways. In summary, our data provide evidence that the three-lncRNA signature could serve as an independent biomarker to predict prognosis in CRC. This study will also suggest that these three lncRNAs potentially participate in the progression of CRC.

lncRNA PTAR promotes NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging microRNA‑101

MicroRNA (miR)‑101 copy loss is an early event in the development of human lung cancer, and it occurs in 29% of all lung cancer incidences. In addition, miR‑101 expression in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to be downregulated. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanisms of the long non‑coding (lnc)‑RNA pro‑transition associated RNA (PTAR) on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in association with miR‑101. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression of lncRNA PTAR in 30 paired human NSCLC tissues and the corresponding para‑tumor tissues. PTAR was amplified and cloned into the expression vector pCDNA3.1. Then, PTAR‑overexpression plasmids or small interfering (si)‑RNA‑PTAR was transfected into A549 cells for 48 h, after which cell proliferation and the cell cycle distribution were evaluated. In addition, Transwell chamber and cell scratch‑wound assays were conducted to analyze A549 cell migration and invasion. A luciferase activity assay was evaluated to determine the interaction between PTAR and miR‑101. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines, lncRNA PTAR expression was upregulated compared with normal lung tissues and cell lines, respectively. Additionally, PTAR transfection was observed to promote A549 cell proliferation, migration and invasion; opposing effects were observed with siRNA‑PTAR transfection. The luciferase activity assay revealed that PTAR could act as a sponge to bind miR‑101. Thus, miR‑101 plays a role in NSCLC tumorigenesis and progression. In conclusion, lncRNA PTAR was proposed to promote NSCLC cell growth through sponging and inactivating miR‑101, which may be a possible mechanism underlying miR‑101 copy loss in human NSCLC.

MicroRNA-592 suppresses the malignant phenotypes of thyroid cancer by regulating lncRNA NEAT1 and downregulating NOVA1

Numerous studies have demonstrated that various microRNAs (miRs) are aberrantly expressed in thyroid cancer and play critical roles in thyroid cancer malignancy. The aberrant expression of miR‑592 has frequently been reported in multiple human cancer types; however, its expression profile and functions in thyroid cancer remain poorly understood. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to determine the expression profile of miR‑592 in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. The regulatory effects of miR‑592 upregulation on thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo were investigated using a CCK‑8 assay, migration and invasion assays, and a xenograft tumor model, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying miR‑592‑mediated suppression of the aggressive phenotypes of thyroid cancer cells were explored in detail. The results indicated that miR‑592 was significantly downregulated in thyroid cancer samples, and its downregulation was associated with lymph node metastasis and tumor‑node‑metastasis stage. Patients with thyroid cancer and low miR‑592 expression exhibited shorter overall survival than patients with high miR‑592 expression. Overexpression of miR‑592 resulted in decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in thyroid cancer. In addition, neuro‑oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) was identified as a novel target gene of miR‑592 in thyroid cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic NOVA1 expression may effectively abolish the tumor‑suppressing effects of miR‑592 overexpression in thyroid cancer cells. Notably, the lncRNA NEAT1 was proposed to function as a sponge of miR‑592 in thyroid cancer cells, thereby regulating NOVA1 expression. Finally, resuming miR‑592 expression significantly impaired thyroid cancer tumor growth in vivo. The results indicated that the NEAT1/miR‑592/NOVA1 pathway may play regulatory roles in thyroid cancer malignancy in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Therefore, this pathway may be an effective target for treating patients with this disease.

LncRNA BLACAT1 regulates VASP expression via binding to miR-605-3p and promotes giloma development

Glioma, an aggressive tumor in brain, presents a very poor prognosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that dysfunction of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is closely related to giloma development. However, the roles of lncRNA BLACAT1 in glioma are not unknown. In this study, we utilized in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BLACAT1 on glioma cells. BLACAT1 levels were increased in glioma tissues. Upregulation of BLACAT1 showed poor prognosis. Silencing of BLACAT1 markedly repressed glioma proliferation, migration, and invasion, and suppressed glioma growth in vivo. We also illustrated that BLACAT1 worked as the sponge for miR-605-3p and promoted VASP expression. miR-605-3p was downregulated in glioma and repressed glioma proliferation, migration, and invasion. And VASP is upregulated and contributed to glioma progression. Summarily, this study highlights the important roles of BLACAT1/miR-605-3p/VASP axis in glioma progression.

Knockdown long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 suppresses colorectal cancer through modulating miR-193a-3p/KRAS

The nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (abbreviated as NEAT1), a nuclear sufficient long noncoding RNA (abbreviated as lncRNA), has aroused a rising concern in recent years. As uncovered by reports, the increase in NEAT1 is related to the deteriorated prognosis of lung cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and colorectal cancer (abbreviated as CRC). Thus far, the mechanism of NEAT1 has not been elucidated by the existing researches. The impact of knockdown of both NEAT1 and its predicted downstream miR‐193a‐3p in CRC cells was examined here to delve into their interactions and mechanisms. Additionally, the target of miR‐193a‐3p, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (abbreviated as KRAS), was also predicted by bioinformatics algorithms. Small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit NEAT1, as well as overexpression or knockdown of miR‐193a‐3p, were adequately drawn upon to confirm that NEAT1 serves as a miR‐193a‐3p sponge or competing endogenous RNA, to impact miR‐193a‐3p's further functions, including modulating KRAS proteins, both in vitro and in vivo. Generally, lncRNA NEAT1/hsa‐miR‐193a‐3p/KRAS axis was substantiated in CRC cells and could provide novel insight into both diagnostic and therapeutic advancement in CRC.