LncRNA CTC-497E21.4 promotes the progression of gastric cancer via modulating miR-22/NET1 axis through RhoA signaling pathway

Uncovering the ceRNA Network Related to the Prognosis of Stomach Adenocarcinoma Among 898 Patient Samples

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) patients are often associated with significantly high mortality rates and poor prognoses worldwide. Among STAD patients, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play key roles in regulating one another at the post-transcriptional stage by competing for shared miRNAs. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the roles of lncRNAs in the ceRNA network of STAD, uncovering the molecular biomarkers for target therapy and prognosis. Specifically, a multitude of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs (i.e., 898 samples in total) was collected and processed from TCGA. Cytoplasmic lncRNAs were kept for evaluating overall survival (OS) time and constructing the ceRNA network. Differentially expressed mRNAs in the ceRNA network were also investigated for functional and pathological insights. Interestingly, we identified one ceRNA network including 13 lncRNAs, 25 miRNAs, and 9 mRNAs. Among them, 13 RNAs were found related to the patient survival time; their individual risk score can be adopted for prognosis inference. Finally, we constructed a comprehensive ceRNA regulatory network for STAD and developed our own risk-scoring system that can predict the OS time of STAD patients by taking into account the above.

Decoding the regulatory landscape of lncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for gastric and colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) are major contributors to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in understanding molecular mechanisms and improved drug treatments, the overall survival rate for patients remains unsatisfactory. Metastasis and drug resistance are major challenges contributing to the high mortality rate in both CRC and GC. Recent research has shed light on the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of these cancers. LncRNAs regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications and interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. They can serve as miRNA precursors or pseudogenes, modulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Additionally, circulating lncRNAs have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of drug therapy response in CRC and GC. This review explores the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and CRC/GC, encompassing their roles in cancer development, progression, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets in these malignancies. The interplay between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and tumor microenvironment is also highlighted, emphasizing their impact on the complexity of cancer biology. Understanding the regulatory landscape and molecular mechanisms governed by lncRNAs in CRC and GC is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and paves the way for further exploration of lncRNAs as key players in the management of CRC and GC.

NET1 is a critical regulator of spindle assembly and actin dynamics in mouse oocytes

BACKGROUND

Neuroepithelial transforming gene 1 (NET1) is a RhoA subfamily guanine nucleotide exchange factor that governs a wide array of biological processes. However, its roles in meiotic oocyte remain unclear. We herein demonstrated that the NET1-HACE1-RAC1 pathway mediates meiotic defects in the progression of oocyte maturation.

METHODS

NET1 was reduced using a specific small interfering RNA in mouse oocytes. Spindle assembly, chromosomal alignment, the actin cap, and chromosomal spreads were visualized by immunostaining and analyzed under confocal microscopy. We also applied mass spectroscopy, and western blot analysis for this investigation.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that NET1 was localized to the nucleus at the GV stage, and that after GVBD, NET1 was localized to the cytoplasm and predominantly distributed around the chromosomes, commensurate with meiotic progression. NET1 resided in the cytoplasm and significantly accumulated on the spindle at the MI and MII stages. Mouse oocytes depleted of Net1 exhibited aberrant first polar body extrusion and asymmetric division defects. We also determined that Net1 depletion resulted in reduced RAC1 protein expression in mouse oocytes, and that NET1 protected RAC1 from degradation by HACE1, and it was essential for actin dynamics and meiotic spindle formation. Importantly, exogenous RAC1 expression in Net1-depleted oocytes significantly rescued these defects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that NET1 exhibits multiple roles in spindle stability and actin dynamics during mouse oocyte meiosis.

Cell-in-Cell-Mediated Entosis Reveals a Progressive Mechanism in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly malignancy with high intratumoral heterogeneity. There is a lack of effective therapeutics for PDAC. Entosis, a form of nonapoptotic regulated cell death mediated by cell-in-cell structures (CICs), has been reported in multiple cancers. However, the role of entosis in PDAC progression remains unclear.

METHODS

CICs were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. The formation of CICs was induced by suspension culture. Through fluorescence-activated cell sorting and single-cell RNA sequencing, entosis-forming cells were collected and their differential gene expression was analyzed. Cell functional assays and mouse models were used to investigate malignant phenotypes. Clinical correlations between entosis and PDAC were established by retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Entosis was associated with an unfavorable prognosis for patients with PDAC and was more prevalent in liver metastases than in primary tumors. The single-cell RNA sequencing results revealed that several oncogenes were up-regulated in entosis-forming cells compared with parental cells. These highly entotic cells demonstrated higher oncogenic characteristics in vitro and in vivo. NET1, neuroepithelial cell transforming gene 1, is an entosis-related gene that plays a pivotal role in PDAC progression and is correlated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Entosis is correlated with PDAC progression, especially in liver metastasis. NET1 is a newly validated entosis-related gene and a molecular marker of poor outcomes. PDAC cells generate a highly aggressive subpopulation marked by up-regulated NET1 via entosis, which may drive PDAC progression.

Src stimulates Abl-dependent phosphorylation of the guanine exchange factor Net1A to promote its cytosolic localization and cell motility

The neuroepithelial cell transforming gene 1 (Net1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase RhoA that promotes cancer cell motility and metastasis. Two isoforms of Net1 exist, Net1 and Net1A, both of which are sequestered in the nucleus in quiescent cells to prevent aberrant RhoA activation. Many cell motility stimuli drive cytosolic relocalization of Net1A, but mechanisms controlling this event are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that epithelial growth factor stimulates protein kinase Src- and Abl1-dependent phosphorylation of Net1A to promote its cytosolic localization. We show that Abl1 efficiently phosphorylates Net1A on Y373, and that phenylalanine substitution of Y373 prevents Net1A cytosolic localization. Furthermore, we found that Abl1-driven cytosolic localization of Net1A does not require S52, which is a phosphorylation site of a different kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, that inhibits nuclear import of Net1A. However, we did find that MKK7-stimulated cytosolic localization of Net1A does require Y373. We also demonstrate that aspartate substitution at Y373 is sufficient to promote Net1A cytosolic accumulation, and expression of Net1A Y373D potentiates epithelial growth factor-stimulated RhoA activation, downstream myosin light chain 2 phosphorylation, and F-actin accumulation. Moreover, we show that expression of Net1A Y373D in breast cancer cells also significantly increases cell motility and Matrigel invasion. Finally, we show that Net1A is required for Abl1-stimulated cell motility, which is rescued by expression of Net1A Y373D, but not Net1A Y373F. Taken together, this work demonstrates a novel mechanism controlling Net1A subcellular localization to regulate RhoA-dependent cell motility and invasion.

Roles of non-coding RNAs in the metabolism and pathogenesis of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is featured as the second most common malignancy of the urinary tract worldwide with few treatments leading to high incidence and mortality. It stayed a virtually intractable disease, and efforts to identify innovative and effective therapies are urgently needed. At present, more and more evidence shows the importance of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) for disease-related study, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse types of malignancies. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulated functions of ncRNAs are closely associated with the pathogenesis of numerous cancers including BC. The detailed mechanisms underlying the dysregulated role of ncRNAs in cancer progression are still not fully understood. This review mainly summarizes recent findings on regulatory mechanisms of the ncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, in cancer progression or suppression and focuses on the predictive values of ncRNAs-related signatures in BC clinical outcomes. A deeper understanding of the ncRNA interactive network could be compelling framework for developing biomarker-guided clinical trials.

AAV-Net1 facilitates the trans-differentiation of supporting cells into hair cells in the murine cochlea

Mechanosensitive hair cells (HCs) in the cochlear sensory epithelium are critical for sound detection and transduction. Mammalian HCs in the cochlea undergo cytogenesis during embryonic development, and irreversible damage to hair cells postnatally is a major cause of deafness. During the development of the organ of Corti, HCs and supporting cells (SCs) originate from the same precursors. In the neonatal cochlea, damage to HCs activates adjacent SCs to act as HC precursors and to differentiate into new HCs. However, the plasticity of SCs to produce new HCs is gradually lost with cochlear development. Here, we delineate an essential role for the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Net1 in SC trans-differentiation into HCs. Net1 overexpression mediated by AAV-ie in SCs promoted cochlear organoid formation and HC differentiation under two and three-dimensional culture conditions. Also, AAV-Net1 enhanced SC proliferation in Lgr5-EGFP^CreERT2 mice and HC generation as indicated by lineage tracing of HCs in the cochleae of Lgr5-EGFP^CreERT2/Rosa26-tdTomato^loxp/loxp mice. We further found that the up-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling in AAV-Net1-transduced cochleae might be responsible for the SC proliferation and HC differentiation. Also, Net1 overexpression in SCs enhanced SC proliferation and HC regeneration and survival after HC damage by neomycin. Taken together, our study suggests that Net1 might serve as a potential target for HC regeneration and that AAV-mediated gene regulation may be a promising approach in stem cell-based therapy in hearing restoration.

Regulation of Hepatocytes in G0 and G1 Phases by NOTCH3 mRNA, miR-369-3p, and rno-Rmdn2_0006 during the Initial Stage of Rat Liver Regeneration

The key event of liver regeneration initiation (LRI) is the switch of hepatocytes from the G0 phase to the G1 phase. This study aimed to use the data from large-scale quantitatively detecting and analyzing (LQDA) to reveal the regulation of hepatocytes in the G0 or G1 phase by competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) during LRI. The hepatocytes of the rat liver right lobe were isolated 0, 6, and 24 h after partial hepatectomy. Their ceRNA expression level was measured using LQDA, and the correlation among their expression, interaction, and role was revealed by ceRNA comprehensive analysis. The expression of neurogenic loci notch homologous protein 3 (NOTCH3) mRNA was upregulated in 0 h, but the expression of miR-369-3p and rno-Rmdn2_0006 of hepatocytes did not change significantly. Meanwhile, the expression of the G0 phase-related gene CDKN1c was promoted by NOTCH3 upregulation, and the expression of the G1 phase-related gene PSEN2 was inhibited by NOTCH3 downregulation. On the contrary, the expression of NOTCH3 mRNA and rno-Rmdn2_0006 was upregulated at 6 h, but the expression of miR-136-3p was downregulated. The expression of the G1 phase-related genes CHUK, DDX24, HES1, NET1, and STAT3 was promoted by NOTCH3 upregulation, and the expression of the G0 phase-related gene CDKN1a was inhibited by NOTCH3 downregulation. These results suggested that the ceRNAs and the NOTCH3-regulated G0 phase- and G1 phase-related genes showed a correlation in expression, interaction, and role. They together regulated the hepatocytes in the G0 phase at 0 h and in the G1 phase at 6 h. These findings might help understand the mechanism by which ceRNA together regulated the hepatocytes in the G0 or G1 phase.

Epigenetic signatures in gastric cancer: current knowledge and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the world and accounts for 7.7% of all cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis of GC is critical in terms of prognosis, and aberrations at the molecular level, especially epigenetic alterations, manifest much earlier than histological findings. In recent years, there has been a great deal of research on the epigenomic profile of GC, and epigenetic alterations seem to play a more important role than genetic factors. With the introduction of epigenetic drugs into clinical use in the last decade, the importance of the epigenetic background of GC has increased considerably.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize the role of methylation changes, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of GC and how these signatures can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in clinical management.

EXPERT OPINION

Epigenetic alterations take place before most genetic aberrations observed in GC and may have an initiating role in the pathogenesis of GC. They can be used as biomarkers in risk calculation, early diagnosis, and evaluation of prognosis of GC, as well as treatment targets.

Roles of H19/miR-29a-3p/COL1A1 axis in COE-induced lung cancer

Occupational lung cancer caused by coke oven emissions (COE) has attracted increasing attention, but the mechanism is not clear. Many evidences show ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) networks play important regulatory roles in cancers. In this study, we aimed to construct and verify the ceRNA regulatory network in the occurrence of COE-induced lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). We performed RNA sequencing with lung bronchial epithelial cell (16HBE) and COE induced malignant transformed cell (Rf). Furthermore, we analyzed RNA sequencing data of LUSC and adjacent tissues in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Combined our data and TCGA data to determine the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs. lncBASE, miRDB and miRTarBase were used to predict the binding relationship between lncRNA and miRNA, miRNA and mRNA. Based on these, we construct the ceRNA network. FREMSA, dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western-blot were used to verify the regulatory axis. CCK8 assay, phalloidin staining, p53 detection were used to explore the roles of this axis in the COE induced malignant transformation. Results showed 7 lncRNAs, 7 miRNAs and 146 mRNAs were identified. Among these, we constructed a ceRNA network including 1 lncRNA, 2 miRNAs and 9 mRNAs. Further verification confirmed the trend of lncRNA H19, miR-29a-3p and COL1A1 were consistent with sequencing results. H19 and COL1A1 were significantly higher in Rf than in 16HBE and miR-29a-3p was reverse. Regulatory investigation revealed H19 increased COL1A1 expression by sponging miR-29a-3p. Knockdown of H19, COL1A1 or overexpression of miR-29a-3p in Rf cells could inhibit cell proliferation, increased cell adhesion and p53 level. However, knockdown of H19 while suppressing the miR-29a-3p partially rescue the malignant phenotype of Rf caused by H19. In conclusion, all these indicated H19 functioned as a ceRNA to increase COL1A1 by sponging miR-29a-3p and promoted COE-induced cell malignant transformation.

Non-coding RNAs and epithelial mesenchymal transition in cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic development during which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, and the underlying mechanisms confer malignant features to carcinoma cells such as dissemination throughout the organism and resistance to anticancer treatments. During the past decades, an entire class of molecules, called non-coding RNA (ncRNA), has been characterized as a key regulator of almost every cellular process, including EMT. Like protein-coding genes, ncRNAs can be deregulated in cancer, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The various forms of ncRNAs, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, transfer RNA-derived RNA fragments, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs can orchestrate the complex regulatory networks of EMT at multiple levels. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying ncRNAs in EMT can provide fundamental insights into cancer metastasis and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we describe recent advances in the understanding of ncRNAs in EMT and provide an overview of recent ncRNA applications in the clinic.

Exosomal-long non-coding RNAs journey in colorectal cancer: Evil and goodness faces of key players

Exosomes are nano-vesicles (NVs) secreted by cells and take part in cell-cell communications. Lately, these exosomes were proved to have dual faces in cancer. Actually, they can contribute to carcinogenesis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). On the other hand, they can be potential targets for cancer treatment. CRC is one of the most frequent tumors worldwide, with incidence rates rising in the recent decades. In its early stage, CRC is asymptomatic with poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, finding a non-invasive, early diagnostic biomarker tool and/or suitable defender to combat CRC is mandatory. Exosomes provide enrichment and safe setting for their cargos non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and proteins, whose expression levels can be upregulated ordown-regulated in cancer. Hence, exosomes can be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools for cancer. Moreover, exosomes can provide a novel potential therapeutic modality for tumors via loading with specific chemotherapeutic agents, with the advantage of possible tumor targeting. In this review, we will try to collect and address recent studies concerned with exosomes and their cargos' implications for CRC diagnosis and/or hopefully, treatment.

Circ_0000745 promotes acute lymphoblastic leukemia progression through mediating miR-494-3p/NET1 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have shown important regulatory roles in tumorigenesis. However, the role and working mechanism of circ_0000745 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) development remain largely unclear.

METHODS

The expression of circ_0000745, sperm antigen with calponin homology and coiled-coil domains 1 (SPECC1), microRNA-494-3p (miR-494-3p), and neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay. Flow cytometry was performed to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) was assessed to analyze cell glycolysis. Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Ferroptosis was assessed through measuring the intracellular levels of iron and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were conducted to validate the interaction between miR-494-3p and circ_0000745 or NET1.

RESULTS

Circ_0000745 expression was elevated in ALL patients and cell lines. Circ_0000745 knockdown restrained cell cycle progression and glycolysis and triggered cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Circ_0000745 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-494-3p in ALL cells. miR-494-3p silencing partly diminished circ_0000745 knockdown-induced anti-tumor effects in ALL cells. NET1 was a target of miR-494-3p, and miR-494-3p overexpression-induced anti-tumor influences were partly counteracted by the accumulation of NET1 in ALL cells. Circ_0000745 can positively regulate NET1 expression by sponging miR-494-3p in ALL cells.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0000745 contributed to ALL development partly by binding to miR-494-3p to induce NET1 expression.0020.

Long non-coding RNAs: Biogenesis, functions, and clinical significance in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumor types and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its morbidity and mortality are very high due to a lack of understanding about its pathogenesis and the slow development of novel therapeutic strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a length of more than 200 nt. They play crucial roles in a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological processes by regulating the expression of genes involved in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, metastasis, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis. The aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been found in various cancer types. A growing amount of evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs are involved in many aspects of GC pathogenesis, including its occurrence, metastasis, and recurrence, indicating their potential role as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets of GC. This review systematically summarizes the biogenesis, biological properties, and functions of lncRNAs and highlights their critical role and clinical significance in GC. This information may contribute to the development of better diagnostics and treatments for GC.

Autophagy and gastrointestinal cancers: the behind the scenes role of long non-coding RNAs in initiation, progression, and treatment resistance

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of complex disorders that affect different organs, including esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Recently, an explosion in nucleic acid-based technologies has led to the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been found to possess unique regulatory functions. This class of RNAs is >200 nucleotides in length, and is characterized by their lack of protein coding. LncRNAs exert regulatory effects in GI cancer development by affecting different functions such as the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, apoptosis, glycolysis and angiogenesis. Over the past few decades, considerable evidence has revealed the important role of autophagy in both GI cancer progression and suppression. In addition, recent studies have confirmed a significant correlation between lncRNAs and the regulation of autophagy. In this review, we summarize how lncRNAs play a behind the scenes role in the pathogenesis of GI cancers through regulation of autophagy.

RHO GTPase-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Cancers

RHO GTPases are critical signal transducers that regulate cell adhesion, polarity, and migration through multiple signaling pathways. While all these cellular processes are crucial for the maintenance of normal cell homeostasis, disturbances in RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways contribute to different human diseases, including many malignancies. Several members of the RHO GTPase family are frequently upregulated in human tumors. Abnormal gene regulation confirms the pivotal role of lncRNAs as critical gene regulators, and thus, they could potentially act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. lncRNAs most likely act as sponges for miRNAs, which are known to be dysregulated in various cancers. In this regard, the significant role of miRNAs targeting RHO GTPases supports the view that the aberrant expression of lncRNAs may reciprocally change the intensity of RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in lncRNA research, with a specific focus on their sponge effects on RHO GTPase-targeting miRNAs to crucially mediate gene expression in different cancer cell types and tissues. We will focus in particular on five members of the RHO GTPase family, including RHOA, RHOB, RHOC, RAC1, and CDC42, to illustrate the role of lncRNAs in cancer progression. A deeper understanding of the widespread dysregulation of lncRNAs is of fundamental importance for confirmation of their contribution to RHO GTPase-dependent carcinogenesis.

Roles of ncRNAs as ceRNAs in Gastric Cancer

Although ignored in the past, with the recent deepening of research, significant progress has been made in the field of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Accumulating evidence has revealed that microRNA (miRNA) response elements regulate RNA. Long ncRNAs, circular RNAs, pseudogenes, miRNAs, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) form a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network that plays an essential role in cancer and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high degree of malignancy. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism and treatment of GC, but GC’s mortality rate is still high. Studies have shown a complex ceRNA crosstalk mechanism in GC. lncRNAs, circRNAs, and pseudogenes can interact with miRNAs to affect mRNA transcription. The study of the involvement of ceRNA in GC could improve our understanding of GC and lead to the identification of potential effective therapeutic targets. The research strategy for ceRNA is mainly to screen the different miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, pseudogenes, and mRNAs in each sample through microarray or sequencing technology, predict the ceRNA regulatory network, and, finally, conduct functional research on ceRNA. In this review, we briefly discuss the proposal and development of the ceRNA hypothesis and the biological function and principle of ceRNAs in GC, and briefly introduce the role of ncRNAs in the GC’s ceRNA network.

Long non-coding RNA TUG1 aggravates cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury by sponging miR-493-3p/miR-410-3p

Background

Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury (CIRI) affects bodily function by causing irreversible damage to brain cells. The diverse pathophysiological course factors hinder the research work to go deeper. Long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to be related to CIRI. This study explored the undefined regulatory pathway of TUG1 in CIRI.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to test the expression of TUG1, microRNA (miR)-493-3p and miR-410-3p. The viability and apoptosis of oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygen (OGD/R) model cells were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assay, respectively. The determination of inflammatory factors of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α was presented by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The oxidative stress was performed by measuring the generation of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and the activity of superoxide dismutase. Cytotoxicity was presented by measuring the generation of lactate dehydrogenase. Western blot assay was devoted to assessing the level of apoptosis-related factors (cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-9) and the protein level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway-related factors in neuro-2a cells treated by OGD/R. Besides, online database starBase was applied to predict the potential binding sites of TUG1 to miR-493-3p and miR-410-3p, which was further confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter system.

Results

The expression of TUG1 was upregulated, while miR-493-3p or miR-410-3p was downregulated in the serum of CIRI and OGD/R model cells. Meanwhile, knockdown of TUG1 eliminated the suppression in proliferation, the promotion in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as the cytotoxicity in OGD/R model cells. Interestingly, the inhibition of miR-493-3p or miR-410-3p allayed the above effects. In addition, TUG1 harbored miR-493-3p or miR-410-3p and negatively regulated their expression. Finally, the TUG1 activated JNK and p38 MAPK pathways by sponging miR-493-3p/miR-410-3p.

Conclusion

TUG1 motivated the development of CIRI by sponging miR-493-3p/miR-410-3p to activate JNK and p38 pathways. The novel role of TUG1 in CIRI may contribute to the advancement of CIRI treatment.

Emerging role of lncRNAs in the regulation of Rho GTPase pathway

The Ras homolog (Rho) family of small GTPases comprise several proteins with prominent roles in regulation of cell cycle transition, cell migration, and remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. Expression of these proteins is regulated by several factors among them are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The impact of lncRNAs on Rho GTPases signaling can be exerted through direct modulation of expression of these proteins or influencing expression of miRNAs that negatively regulate Rho GTPases. LINC00974/miR-122/RhoA, MALAT1/miR-429/RhoA, ZFAS1/miR-3924/RhoA/ROCK2, PCAT6/miR-326/RhoA/ROCK, SMILR/miR-141/RhoA/ROCK, DAPK1/miR-182/RhoA, GAS5/miR663a/RhoB, H19/miR-15b/CDC42/PAK1, TDRG1/miR-93/RhoC, TUG1/miR-498/CDC42, UCA1/miR-18a/Cdc42 and UCA1/miR-182/Cdc42 are examples of lncRNAs/miRNAs axes that regulate Rho GTPases. In the present manuscript, we describe the role of lncRNAs on Rho GTPases.

Baicalin suppresses lung cancer growth phenotypes via miR-340-5p/NET1 axis

As a malignant disease, lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Baicalin is derived from Radix Scutellariae and has anti-tumor effects, however, its role in lung cancer remains unknown. Here, functional assays suggested baicalin suppressed in vitro lung cancer phenotypes. We used micro (mi)RNA array analysis to explore baicalin effects on miRNA expression. We observed baicalin increased miR-340-5p expression, whereas inhibition of this expression abolished anti-tumor effects of baicalin. Furthermore, neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET1) functioned as a miR-340-5p target, and acted in a baicalin-dependent manner to regulate lung cancer progression. Thus, baicalin elicited antitumor activities by affecting the miR-340-5p/NET1 axis, suggesting a new approach to lung cancer clinical management.

LINC00665 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to facilitate tumor progression of colorectal cancer via upregulating CTNNB1

Background LINC00665 is a newly identified oncogene, which has been reported to be oncogene in various cancers. Nevertheless, its role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains obscure to the extent. This study aimed at exploring the role and mechanism of LINC00665 in CRC progression. Materials and methods RNA and protein expression were detected via qRT-PCR and western blot. Functional assays were conducted to investigate the role of LINC00665 in the CRC cellular processes. TOP/FOP assay was performed to detect the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mechanism investigations were carried out to explore the regulatory relationship among genes. Results LINC00665 was overtly expressed in CRC cell lines at high levels. Functionally, silencing of LINC00665 could curb in vitro CRC cell growth, migration and invasion, while stimulating cell apoptosis. Mechanically, LINC00665 sponged miR-214-3p to up-regulate CTNNB1 expression, consequently activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, LINC00665 could bind to U2AF2 and enhance the association between U2AF2 and CTNNB1, increasing the stability of CTNNB1. CTNNB1 overexpression could reverse the suppressive effects of LINC00665 downregulation. Conclusion LINC00665 stimulates CRC progression through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which hopefully might be a therapeutic target for CRC.

Molecular Mechanism of 73HOXC-AS1-Activated Wntβ-Catenin Signaling and eIF4AIII in Promoting Progression of Gastric Cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed at exploring the regulatory mechanism of 73HOXC-AS1 overexpression plasmid-activated Wntβ-catenin classic signaling pathway and eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4AIII) expression increased by lentivirus-eIF4AIII-RNAi (44682-1) (LV-eIF4AIII-RNAi (44682-1)).

METHODS

Focusing on the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer, the human gastric cancer cell line BGC823 (University Experimental Center) was taken as the research object and was transfected after subculture. According to the different ways of transfection, the cells were divided into the P1 group (LV-eIF4AIII-RNAi (44682-1) overexpressed plasmid), the P2 group (pcDNA-HOXC-AS1 overexpressed plasmid), the P3 group (LV-eIF4AIII-RNAi (44682-1) + pcDNA-HOXC-AS1), and the P4 group (no transfection, control group). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay, Western blotting was adopted to detect Wnt3a and P-GSK3β proteins, Transwell assay was adopted to detect the ability of cell migration and invasion, and cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results show that the protein expression levels of Wnt3a and P-GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β) in the P1 and P4 groups were lower than those in the P2 and P3 groups (P < 0.05). The cell activity and clone number of BGC823 in the P3 group were higher than those in the P1, P2, and P4 groups (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of BGC823 cells in the P3 group was significantly higher than those in the P1, P2, and P4 groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of BGC823 cells in the P3 group at the S phase was significantly higher than those in the P1, P2, and P4 groups, while the proportion in the G2 phase was significantly lower than those in the P1, P2, and P4 groups (P < 0.05). The number of migrating and invading BGC823 cells in the P3 group was significantly higher than those in the P1, P2, and P4 groups, while the number of migrating BGC823 cells in the P4 group was significantly lower than those in the P1 and P2 groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 73HOXC-AS1 overexpression plasmid-activated Wntβ-catenin classic signaling pathway and eIF4AIII expression increased by LV-eIF4AIII-RNAi (44682-1) could act together on BGC823 cells to improve cell proliferation activity, migration, and invasion; inhibit cell apoptosis; and prevent cells from entering the S phase.

LncRNA LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via the miR-485-5p/DPAGT1 axis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Esophageal carcinoma has been regarded as one of the top 10 common malignancies globally. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important subtype of esophageal carcinoma with approximately 20% survival rate. Long noncoding RNAs were documented to regulate the occurrence or progression of several tumors. However, neither the biological role nor the molecular mechanism of LINC00467 has been explored. This research is aimed to investigating the regulatory mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

METHODS

In this study, a series of experiments including reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit-8, luciferase reporter, western blot, and RNA immunoprecipitation were designed and conducted to explore the potential function and mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

RESULTS

According to experimental results, we found out upregulated LINC00467 improved cell proliferation, but hindered cell apoptosis. In mechanism, miR-485-5p was predicted, screened out, and validated to combine with LINC00467, which displayed lower expression in ESCC. Additionally, miR-485-5p negatively regulated and directly targeted DPAGT1. Rescue assays suggested that DPAGT1 amplification was able to recover the influence of LINC00467 deficiency on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of LINC00467 suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We proved that LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in ESCC by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via miR-485-5p/DPAGT1 axis. This may provide a potential diagnostic marker for ESCC treatment.

TRPM2-AS Promotes Bladder Cancer by Targeting miR-22-3p and Regulating GINS2 mRNA Expression

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) refers to the malignancy growth that spreads from the bladder linings to the bladder muscles. However, the impact of miR-22-3p and lncRNA TRPM2-AS on this tumor has generated divergent views in the literature. This research aimed to study the effects of lncRNA TRPM2-AS on BLCA and its interaction with miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA.

Methods

qRT-PCR was employed to measure the expression of TRPM2-AS, miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA in bladder tissues and cells. The subcellular localization of TRPM2-AS in T24 and 5637 cell lines was identified using a cell fractionation system. Luciferase assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay were later performed to validate the direct binding relationship between TRPM2-AS, miR-22-3p and GINS2 mRNA. Several experiments were conducted to determine the viability, proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis of the cell lines.

Results

Findings indicated that TRPM2-AS was significantly upregulated in BLCA tissues and cell lines. Apart from that, it was observed that TRPM2-AS knockdown significantly inhibited the viability, proliferation and colony formation of BCLA cells, but it promoted the apoptosis of the BCLA cells. A significant downstream target of TRPM2-AS, miR-22-3p was found to show a lower expression level in BLCA tissues and cell lines. However, the inhibition of miR-22-3p considerably enhanced BLCA cell phenotypes. As well as discovering that GINS2 mRNA was a downstream target of miR-22-3p and was significantly upregulated in BLCA, experimental results also indicated that the knockdown of GINS2 suppressed BLCA cell phenotypes.

Conclusion

This research confirmed that TRPM2-AS could promote BCLA by binding to miR-22-3p to increase GINS2 expression. This novel interactome in BLCA cell lines might provide more insights into BLCA therapy.

ASB16-AS1 up-regulated and phosphorylated TRIM37 to activate NF-κB pathway and promote proliferation, stemness, and cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ASB16 antisense RNA 1 (ASB16-AS1) is recognized as an oncogene in several cancer types, but its relation to GC is unknown. Tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37) has been proven to accelerate the development of gastric cancer (GC), whereas the molecular mechanism assisted ASB16-AS1 and TRIM37 in regulating GC progression remains unclear.

METHODS

Differentially expressed lncRNAs in GC samples were analyzed based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were applied to determine the proliferative ability of GC cells. Stem cell-like phenotype of GC cells was assessed by sphere formation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), pulldown, and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were performed to verify the interplay of RNA molecules.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 was upregulated in GC samples according to GEO data and qRT-PCR analysis. ASB16-AS1 strengthened the proliferative ability and stem cell-like characteristics in GC cells. More importantly, ASB16-AS1 encouraged GC cell growth in vivo. Mechanistically, ASB16-AS1 strengthened TRIM37 expression by sequestering miR-3918 and miR-4676-3p. ASB16-AS1 activated NF-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by cooperating with ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM) to induce TRIM37 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

In summary, ASB16-AS1 exerted oncogenic functions in GC through modulating TRIM37 expression at both mRNA and protein levels.

DGCR5 is activated by PAX5 and promotes pancreatic cancer via targeting miR-3163/TOP2A and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Long noncoding RNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) has been shown to be highly associated with cancer development. However, the biological role and molecular mechanism of DGCR5 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of DGCR5 in PC. It was revealed that DGCR5 was highly expressed in PC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in PC patients. Furthermore, DGCR5 depletion inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion by increasing apoptosis and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in vitro. Moreover, xenograft assay validated that DGCR5 promotes PC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DGCR5 was found to act as a ceRNA by sponging miR-3163 to regulate DNA topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOP2A) and inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, it was found that DGCR5 downregulation could enhance the sensitivity of PC cells to gemcitabine, and ChIP assay showed that PAX5 (Paired Box 5) could bind to the promoter region of DGCR5 and increase its transcription. The results of the present study indicated that DGCR5 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PC.

LncRNAs in cancer: Regulatory and therapeutic implications

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a class of RNAs that do not code for proteins but are critical in regulating diverse cellular processes and maintaining cell function. In doing so, they have, in recent years, added a potentially new and significant layer of biological regulation. These are more than 200 nucleotides in length and are implicated in a range of diseases and therefore have emerged as potential tools for possible therapeutic intervention. For a disease as complex as cancer, emerging technologies suggest the presence of mutations on genomic loci that do not encode proteins, but give rise to lncRNAs. Aberrant signatures of lncRNAs are now a consistent feature of almost all types of cancers and their associated complications. Analysis and characterisation of functional pathways that lncRNAs are involved with suggest that lncRNAs interact with the chromatin, the protein or with the RNA to demonstrate their cellular effects to modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis and cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs, their implications in diverse types of cancer and their possible therapeutic utility.

Non-coding RNAs underlying chemoresistance in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health issue in the Western world. Current clinical imperatives for this disease include the identification of more effective biomarkers to detect GC at early stages and enhance the prevention and treatment of metastatic and chemoresistant GC. The advent of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long-non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which GC cells acquire features of therapy resistance. ncRNAs play critical roles in normal physiology, but their dysregulation has been detected in a variety of cancers, including GC. A subset of ncRNAs is GC-specific, implying their potential application as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. Hence, evaluating the specific functions of ncRNAs will help to expand novel treatment options for GC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we summarize some of the well-known ncRNAs that play a role in the development and progression of GC. We also review the application of such ncRNAs in clinical diagnostics and trials as potential biomarkers. Obviously, a deeper understanding of the biology and function of ncRNAs underlying chemoresistance can broaden horizons toward the development of personalized therapy against GC.

The Long Non-Coding RNA NEAT1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating miR-103a/ STAMBPL1 Axis

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be critical post-transcriptional regulators in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LncRNA NEAT1 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC.

Material and Methods:

The expression of LncRNA NEAT1 was examined in clinical samples and GC cell lines. GC cell lines (SGC-7901 and BGC-823) and human normal gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) were employed. The correlation between NEAT1, miR-103a and STAMBPL1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability was determined by CCK8 assay. Cell invasion capacity was examined by Transwell assay. The protein level of STAMBPL1 was analyzed by western blotting.

Results:

LncRNA NEAT1 was found to be up-regulated in GC cell lines. Further studies identified LncRNA NEAT1 as a direct target of miR-103a. Moreover, NEAT1 knockdown and miR-103a overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and cell invasion. NEAT1 knockdown and miR-103a overexpression also decreased STAMBPL1 levels.

Conclusion:

Our study indicated that LncRNA NEAT1 was up-regulated in GC cells and tissues. NEAT1 was targeted and inhibited by miR-103a and acted as an oncogene, which promoted the malignant behavior of GC cells. This regulatory effect of NEAT1 may be associated with STAMBPL1. Therefore, NEAT1 could be used as a biomarker for predicting the progression of GC.

Identification of a competing endogenous RNA axis related to gastric cancer

Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathways play pivotal roles in the formation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Employing multi-omics analysis, we sought to identify a ceRNA network associated with GC progression. We analyzed3Gene Expression Omnibus datasets as well as data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to identify genes that were differentially expressed in GC tissues. A total of 84 upregulated genes and 106 downregulated genes were found. Enrichment analysis indicated that some pathways were strongly linked with tumor formation and progression. We also screened hub genes to establish a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. We ultimately identified 8 hub genes, 6 key miRNAs and 4 key lncRNAs that interact within a common ceRNA network. Correlation analysis and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the regulatory effect of the ceRNA network in GC. A knockdown assay confirmed that the DLGAP1-AS1/miR-203a-3p/THBS2 axis is a ceRNA network involved in GC progression. In this study, we elucidated the role of the DLGAP1-AS1/miR-203a-3p/THBS2 ceRNA network in the progression of GC. These molecules maybe evaluated as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for GC.

LOXL1-AS1 contributes to the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through miR-589-5p/TRAF6 axis

Background

LOXL1-AS1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays crucial roles in various cancers. However, the functional role of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma remains unclear. Thus we planned to probe into the function and underlying mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma.

Methods

Gene expression was evaluated in laryngocarcinoma cells using RT-qPCR. The ability of cell proliferation and migration was assessed by CCK8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The interaction among LOXL1-AS1, miR-589-5p and TRAF6 was detected by Ago2-RIP, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LOXL1-AS1 was overexpressed in laryngocarcinoma cells. Silencing of LOXL1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT in laryngocarcinoma. Moreover, miR-589-5p, the downstream of LOXL1-AS1, directly targeted TRAF6 in laryngocarcinoma. Importantly, LOXL1-AS1 augmented TRAF6 expression in laryngocarcinoma cells by sequestering miR-589-5p. Besides, miR-589-5p worked as a tumor-inhibitor while TRAF6 functioned as a tumor-facilitator in laryngocarcinoma. Of note, rescue experiments both in vitro and in vivo validated that LOXL1-AS1 aggravated the malignancy in laryngocarcinoma by targeting miR-589-5p/TRAF6 pathway.

Conclusions

LOXL1-AS1 promotes the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through absorbing miR-589-5p to upregulate TRAF6 expression.

CircPSMC3 alleviates the symptoms of PCOS by sponging miR-296-3p and regulating PTEN expression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common female endocrine disease that causes anovulatory infertility, still lacks promising strategy for the accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutics of PCOS attributed to its unclear aetiology. In this study, we determined the abnormal reduction in circPSMC3 expression by comparing the ovarian tissue samples of PCOS patients and normal individuals. The symptom relief caused by up-regulation of circPSMC3 in PCOS model mice suggested the potential for further study. In vitro functional experiments confirmed that circPSMC3 can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis by blocking the cell cycle in human-like granular tumour cell lines. Mechanism study revealed that circPSMC3 may play its role through sponging miR-296-3p to regulate PTEN expression. Collectively, we preliminarily characterized the role and possible insights of circPSMC3/miR-296-3p/PTEN axis in the proliferation and apoptosis of KGN cells. We hope that this work provides some original and valuable information for the research of circRNAs in PCOS, not only to better understand the pathogenesis but also to help provide new clues for seeking for the future therapeutic target of PCOS.

Long non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer: New emerging biological functions and therapeutic implications

Gastric cancer (GC) is currently the fourth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcriptional products with more than 200 nucleotides, are not as well-characterized as protein-coding RNAs. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that maladjustments of diverse lncRNAs may play key roles in multiple genetic and epigenetic phenomena in GC, affecting all aspects of cellular homeostasis, such as proliferation, migration, and stemness. However, the full extent of their functionality remains to be clarified. Considering the lack of viable biomarkers and therapeutic targets, future research should be focused on unravelling the intricate relationships between lncRNAs and GC that can be translated from bench to clinic. Here, we summarized the state-of-the-art advances in lncRNAs and their biological functions in GC, and we further discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles. We aim to shed light on the interrelationships between lncRNAs and GC with respect to their potential therapeutic applications. With better understanding of these relationships, the biological functions of lncRNAs in GC development will be exploitable, and promising new strategies developed for the prevention and treatment of GC.

Long Noncoding RNA RGMB-AS1 Acts as a microRNA-574 Sponge Thereby Enhancing the Aggressiveness of Gastric Cancer via HDAC4 Upregulation

Purpose

The long noncoding RNA RGMB-AS1 plays an important part in the genesis and progression of multiple human cancers. Nonetheless, little is known regarding its expression, roles, and mechanisms of action in gastric cancer (GC). This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between RGMB-AS1 and GC and illustrating the mechanisms of action of RGMB-AS1 therein.

Methods

RGMB-AS1 expression in GC was measured via reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. A series of experiments including Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow-cytometric analysis of apoptosis, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and in vivo tumorigenesis experiment were conducted to test the effects of RGMB-AS1 on the malignant phenotype of GC cells. The molecular events behind the oncogenic actions of RGMB-AS1 in GC were elucidated through subcellular fractionation, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

RGMB-AS1 upregulation was confirmed in GC tissues and cell lines. Higher RGMB-AS1 expression was associated with adverse clinical parameters and negatively correlated with patient overall survival. RGMB-AS1 knockdown inhibited GC cell proliferation, facilitated apoptosis, and reduced migration and invasion in vitro. Further experiments revealed that RGMB-AS1 knockdown decreased the tumor growth of GC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, RGMB-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA upregulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) by sponging microRNA-574 (miR-574). Rescue experiments indicated that miR-574 inhibition and HDAC4 reintroduction reversed the effects of the RGMB-AS1 knockdown on GC cells.

Conclusion

The RGMB-AS1–miR-574–HDAC4 regulatory network contributes to the malignancy of GC, thereby offering a novel target for the diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of GC.

LINC01436, regulating miR-585 and FBXO11, is an oncogenic lncRNA in the progression of gastric cancer

Accumulating studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial modulators in cancer biology. In this work, we investigated the function and related mechanisms of LINC01436 in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). We demonstrated that LINC01436 was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues of GC samples, and its overexpression was correlated with a worse prognosis for the patients. In the GC cell line BGC823 cells, LINC01436 knockdown repressed the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells; conversely, in GC cell line AGS cells, overexpression of LINC01436 showed the opposite effects. We then demonstrated that miR-585, a tumor suppressor, could bind to both LINC01436 and the 3'-UTR of F-box protein 11 (FBOX11), and LINC01436 was proved to sponge miR-585 and repress it, and indirectly promoted the expression of FBOX11. Collectively, these results suggested that LINC01436 was an oncogenic lncRNA in GC and promoted proliferation and metastasis of GC cell via regulating miR-585 and FBOX11.