Long non-coding RNA Lnc-408 promotes invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cell by regulating LIMK1

Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles and Their Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Pursuing knowledge about circular RNA (circRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles and their competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC) was the focus of this research. Expression patterns of circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were searched for in relation to HBV-related HCC using whole-transcriptome sequencing. The expression levels of chosen circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The potential connections and roles of ceRNA were deduced via bioinformatics research. The sum of 284 circRNAs, 2,927 lncRNAs, 693 miRNAs, and 5566 mRNAs were discovered to be expressed at considerably different levels in HBV-related HCC tissue and adjacent normal tissue. And the most significantly up- and down-regulated circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were verified in HBV-related HCC by qRT-PCR. The circRNA/miRNA/mRNA and lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks of HBV-related HCC were established, and the ceRNA regulatory networks revealed the gene expression mechanisms controlled by ncRNAs. Collectively, we revealed the contribution of various circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles and identified their ceRNA regulatory networks in HBV-related HCC, providing a theoretical basis for further exploration.

Long noncoding RNAs as regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer: A recent review

AIMS

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently occurring cancer in women worldwide. BC patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages which are characterized by low survival rates. Distant metastasis is considered a leading cause of mortalities among BC patients. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a transdifferentiation program that is necessary for cancer cells to acquire metastatic potential. In the last decade, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) proved their significant contribution to different hallmarks of cancer, including EMT and metastasis. The primary aim of our review is to analyze recent studies concerning the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs implicated in EMT regulation in BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We adopted a comprehensive search on databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: lncRNAs, EMT, breast cancer, and therapeutic targeting.

KEY FINDINGS

The different roles of lncRNAs in the mechanisms and signaling pathways governing EMT in BC were summarized. LncRNAs could induce or inhibit EMT through WNT/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Notch, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways as well as via their interaction with histone modifying complexes and miRNAs.

SIGNIFICANCE

LncRNAs are key regulators of EMT and BC metastasis, presenting potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Further research is necessary to investigate the practical application of lncRNAs in clinical therapeutics.

Multiple roles of LncRNA-BMNCR on cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting miR-145/CBFB axis in BMECs

Bovine mastitis is one of the most serious and costly disease affecting dairy cattle production. The present study explored the inflammatory response and autoprotective mechanism of a novel specific high expression BMNCR (bovine mastitis related long non-coding RNA) in S. aureus induced mastitis by miR-145/CBFB axis in dairy cows from the perspective of molecular genetics. In bovine mammary epithelial cells, we preformed loss of function experiments to detect changes in cytokine, proliferation and apoptosis by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry and EdU staining. The results demonstrated that BMNCR significantly increased cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation. However, the secretion of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 were enhanced after knock-down BMNCR. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that BMNCR could target 8 miRNAs, in-depth analyses indicated that BMNCR acts as a molecular sponge for bta-miR-145 and CBFB was one of 23 target gene of bta-miR-145 . The results of the present study demonstrated that the role of BMNCR in S. aureus induced mastitis can be mediated by sponge bta-miR-145 activating CBFB expression. BMNCR could be a potential target for mastitis diagnosis and therapy, which may enrich the theoretical research of therapeutic intervention, and further increase milk yield and improve milk quality.

Tumor-derived exosomal linc00881 induces lung fibroblast activation and promotes osteosarcoma lung migration

Osteosarcoma (OS) commonly metastasizes to the lung, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Exosomes play a crucial role in tumor migration, including OS lung migration. However, the underlying mechanism by which exosome-derived long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to lung migration in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. This study presents a newly discovered lncRNA, linc00881, derived from OS exosomes. Our study shows that linc00881 promotes the migration of OS cells to the lung and induces the conversion of normal lung fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Subsequently, we found that exosomal linc00881 secreted by OS cells can regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in HFL-1 cells by sponging miR-29c-3p, thereby activating the NF-κB signaling in lung fibroblasts. Finally, we discovered that pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, were secreted through the linc00881/miR-29c-3p/MMP2 axis. These results suggest that OS-derived exosomes can mediate the intercellular crosstalk between OS cells and lung fibroblasts, ultimately impacting OS lung migration. Our study provides a potential target for the treatment of OS lung migration.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in breast cancer: The crosstalk with oncogenic and onco-suppressor factors in regulation of cancer hallmarks

Low oxygen level at tumor microenvironment leads to a condition, known as hypoxia that is implicated in cancer progression. Upon hypoxia, HIF-1α undergoes activation and due to its oncogenic function and interaction with other molecular pathways, promotes tumor progression. The HIF-1α role in regulating breast cancer progression is described, Overall, HIF-1α has upregulation in breast tumor and due to its tumor-promoting function, its upregulation is in favor of breast tumor progression. HIF-1α overexpression prevents apoptosis in breast tumor and it promotes cell cycle progression. Silencing HIF-1α triggers cycle arrest and decreases growth. Migration of breast tumor enhances by HIF-1α signaling and it mainly induces EMT in providing metastasis. HIF-1α upregulation stimulates drug resistance and radio-resistance in breast tumor. Furthermore, HIF-1α signaling induces immune evasion of breast cancer. Berberine and pharmacological intervention suppress HIF-1α signaling in breast tumor and regulation of HIF-1α by non-coding RNAs occurs. Furthermore, HIF-1α is a biomarker in clinic.

Long non‑coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets in non‑small cell lung cancer (Review)

Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be closely associated with the occurrence and progression of NSCLC. In addition, lncRNAs have been documented to participate in the development of drug resistance and radiation sensitivity in patients with NSCLC. Due to their extensive functional characterization, high tissue specificity and sex specificity, lncRNAs have been proposed to be novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC. Therefore, in the current review, the functional classification of lncRNAs were presented, whilst the potential roles of lncRNAs in NSCLC were also summarized. Various physiological aspects, including proliferation, invasion and drug resistance, were all discussed. It is anticipated that the present review will provide a perspective on lncRNAs as potential diagnostic molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC.

Novel Histopathological Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer: Implications and Perspectives

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Despite the significant progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment over the last few years, the approach to disease detection and therapy still does not include histopathological biomarkers. The dissemination of PCa is strictly related to the creation of a premetastatic niche, which can be detected by altered levels of specific biomarkers. To date, the risk factors for biochemical recurrence include lymph node status, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), body mass index (BMI), pathological Gleason score, seminal vesicle invasion, extraprostatic extension, and intraductal carcinoma. In the future, biomarkers might represent another prognostic factor, as discussed in many studies. In this review, we focus on histopathological biomarkers (particularly CD169 macrophages, neuropilin-1, cofilin-1, interleukin-17, signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3), LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), CD15, AMACR, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), Appl1, Sortilin, Syndecan-1, and p63) and their potential application in decision making regarding the prognosis and treatment of PCa patients. We refer to studies that found a correlation between the levels of biomarkers and tumor characteristics as well as clinical outcomes. We also hypothesize about the potential use of histopathological markers as a target for novel immunotherapeutic drugs or targeted radionuclide therapy, which may be used as adjuvant therapy in the future.

RUNX1-IT1 favors breast cancer carcinogenesis through regulation of IGF2BP1/GPX4 axis

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women and the leading cause of cancer deaths, with complicated pathogenesis that is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as a critical driver of breast cancer tumorigenesis. RUNX1 intronic transcript 1 (RUNX1-IT1) was notably overexpressed in human breast cancer tissues, and knockdown of RUNX1-IT1 inhibited breast cancer cell viability and invasion, as well as tumor growth in orthotopic transplantation model. Further, RUNX1-IT1 repressed ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, via increasing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Specifically, RUNX1-IT1 directly bound to N6-methyladenosine m⁶A reader IGF2BP1 and promoted the formation of (insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1) IGF2BP1 liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) biomolecular condensates, resulting in more IGF2BP1 occupation on GPX4 mRNA, increasing GPX4 mRNA stability. Moreover, high RUNX1-IT1 was linked to poor prognosis, and a strong positive correlation between RUNX1-IT1 and GPX4 was observed in clinical breast cancer tissues. Taken together, our data reveal that RUNX1-IT1 promotes breast cancer carcinogenesis through blocking ferroptosis via elevating GPX4, targeting of the previously unappreciated regulatory axis of RUNX1-IT1/IGF2BP1/GPX4 may be a promising treatment for patient with breast cancer.

E prostanoid receptor-3 promotes oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced human aortic smooth muscle cells inflammation

AIM

The progression of atherosclerosis can lead to the occurrence of multiple cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, etc.). E prostanoid receptor-3 (EP3) is known to participate in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which EP3 modulates the development of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ApoE^-/- mice were used to construct in vivo model of atherosclerosis. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to construct in vitro model of atherosclerosis. mRNA expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR, and western blot was applied to assess the protein levels. CCK-8 assay was applied to assess the cell viability. The inflammatory cytokines levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry was applied to assess cell apoptosis. In vivo experiment was constructed to investigate the impact of EP3 in atherosclerosis development. L-798106 (EP3 inhibitor) significantly inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in atherosclerosis in vivo. EP3 inhibitor (L-798106) significantly reversed ox-LDL-caused HASMCs injury via inhibiting the apoptosis and inflammatory responses (P < 0.05). The levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HASMCs were elevated by ox-LDL, whereas L-798106 or knockdown of cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) notably restored this phenomenon (P < 0.05). EP3 overexpression further aggravated ox-LDL-induced inflammation in HASMCs, and EP3 up-regulated the levels of IL-17 and ICAM-1 in ox-LDL-treated HASMCs (P < 0.05). EP3 up-regulation promoted the inflammatory responses in ox-LDL-treated HASMCs through mediation of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/CREB/IL-17/ICAM-1 axis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

EP3 inhibitor alleviates ox-LDL-induced HASMC inflammation via mediation of cAMP/PKA/CREB/IL-17/ICAM-1 axis. Our study might shed new lights on discovering novel strategies against atherosclerosis.

Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNA in Breast Cancer

The landscape of pervasive transcription in eukaryotic genomes has made space for the identification of thousands of transcripts that are difficult to frame in a specific functional category. A new class has been broadly named as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and shortly defined as transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides with no or limited coding potential. So far, about 19,000 lncRNAs genes have been annotated in the human genome (Gencode 41), nearly matching the number of protein-coding genes. A key scientific priority is the functional characterization of lncRNAs, a major challenge in molecular biology that has encouraged many high-throughput efforts. LncRNA studies have been stimulated by the enormous clinical potential that these molecules promise and have been based on the characterization of their expression and functional mechanisms. In this review, we illustrate some of these mechanisms as they have been pictured in the context of breast cancer.

Novel splice variants of LINC00963 suppress colorectal cancer cell proliferation via miR-10a/miR-143/miR-217/miR-512-mediated regulation of PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Emerging evidence has shown lncRNAs play important roles in signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. However, only a few functional lncRNAs have been extensively researched, especially in CRC-related signaling pathways. Looking for novel candidate regulators of CRC incidence and progression, using available RNA-seq and microarray datasets, LINC00963 was introduced as a bona fide oncogenic-lncRNA. Consistently, RT-qPCR results showed that LINC00963 was up-regulated in CRC tissues. However, our attempt to amplify the full-length lncRNA from cDNA resulted in the discovery of two novel variants (LINC00963-v2 & LINC00963-v3) that surprisingly, were downregulated in CRC tissues, detected by RT-qPCR. Overexpression of LINC00963-v2/-v3 in HCT116 and SW480 cells resulted in downregulation of the major oncogenes and upregulation of the main tumor suppressor genes involved in PI3K and Wnt signaling, verified through RT-qPCR, western blotting, and TOPFlash assays. Mechanistic studies revealed that LINC00963-v2/-v3 exert their effect on PI3K and Wnt signaling through sponging miR-10a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-217, and miR-512-3p, which in turn these miRNAs are fine-regulators of PTEN, APC1, and Axin1 tumor suppressor genes verified by dual-luciferase assay and RT-qPCR. At cellular levels, LINC00963-v2/-v3 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, viability, and migration while increasing the apoptosis of CRC cell lines, detected by PI flow cytometry, colony formation, MTT, RT-qPCR, wound-healing, Transwell, AnnexinV-PE/7AAD, caspase3/7 activity assays, and Hoechst/PI-AO/EB staining. Overall, our results indicate that LINC00963-v2 & -v3 are novel tumor suppressor ceRNAs that attenuate the PI3K and Wnt pathways during CRC incidence and these lncRNAs may serve as potential targets for CRC therapy.

KCNQ1OT1 sponges miR-34a to promote malignant progression of malignant melanoma via upregulation of the STAT3/PD-L1 axis

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma is a leading cause of skin cancer-related death. In over 30% of cases, the melanoma is invasive and has a metastatic phenotype. KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) was previously identified as an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Our study intends to uncover the mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 functioning in melanoma.

METHODS

qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blotting were used to investigate mechanisms of the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, on its downstream genes in melanoma tissues, cells as well as the impact on CD8+ T cells. Proliferation, apoptosis, and migration/invasion were assessed in melanoma cells to evaluate the effects of KCNQ1OT1, miR-34a, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The RNA interactions were determined by dual-luciferase reporter, and melanoma cells were co-cultured with CD8+ T cells to study immune evasion. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells toward melanoma cells. The in vivo tumorigenic potential of KCNQ1OT1 was defined using xenograft models.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 was upregulated in melanoma tissues leading to a poor prognosis, and knocking down it inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. KCNQ1OT1 regulated the progression of the melanoma via its action as a miR-34a sponge. STAT3 was found to be a downstream target of miR-34a, resulting in transcriptional regulation of Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). KCNQ1OT1 regulated STAT3 by targeting miR-34a. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 reduced PD-L1 level, enhanced CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, and proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of CD8+ T cells.

CONCLUSION

Melanoma cells overexpressed KCNQ1OT1, which influenced the miR-34a/STAT3 axis, to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 inhibited CD8+ T cell function, also via the miR-34a/STAT3/PD-L1 axis, thus promoting immune evasion of melanoma cells. The current findings expose a potential therapeutic target of melanoma.

lncRNA HCG11 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Malignant Behaviors via Sponging miR-26b-5p

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of gastrointestinal cancer with an increasing incidence. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have raised great concern because of wide participation in human diseases, including cancers. However, whether lncRNA HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) played a functional role in CRC remained to be elucidated. Herein, we utilized qRT-PCR to analyze the expression of HCG11 and found that HCG11 was highly expressed in CRC cells. Besides, HCG11 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but facilitated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, supported by bioinformatics analyses and mechanism assays, HCG11, mainly located in cell cytoplasm, was confirmed to competitively bind to miR-26b-5p to modulate the expression of the target messenger RNA (mRNA), namely, cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 19 (ARPP19). ARPP19 was detected to be upregulated in CRC cells, and ARPP19 silence was verified to inhibit the malignant behaviors of CRC cells. Rescue experiments validated that miR-26b-5p inhibition or ARPP19 overexpression could countervail the inhibitory influences of HCG11 silence on CRC cell biological behaviors in vitro. To conclude, HCG11, upregulated in CRC cells, could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibit cell apoptosis via targeting miR-26b-5p/ARPP19 axis.

Targeting Gastric Cancer Stem Cells to Enhance Treatment Response

Gastric cancer (GC) was the fourth deadliest cancer in the world in 2020, and about 770,000 people died from GC that year. The death of patients with GC is mainly caused by the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of GC cells. The cancer stem cell theory defines cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a key factor in the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of cancer. It considers targeting gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) to be an effective method for the treatment of GC. For GCSCs, genes or noncoding RNAs are important regulatory factors. Many experimental studies have found that some drugs can target the stemness of gastric cancer by regulating these genes or noncoding RNAs, which may bring new directions for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer. Therefore, this review mainly discusses related genes or noncoding RNAs in GCSCs and drugs that target its stemness, thereby providing some information for the treatment of GC.

LIMK2 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates With Tumor Immune Cell Infiltration in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Previous research found that LIM domain kinase 2 (LIMK2) expression correlated with a poor prognosis in many cancers. However, its role in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has not yet been clarified. Our study aimed to clarify the role of LIMK2 in LUSC prognosis prediction and explore the relationship between LIMK2 and immune infiltration in LUSC. In this study, we first analyzed the expression level and prognostic value of LIMK2 across cancers. Subsequently, we explored the association of LIMK2 expression with immune infiltrating cells and immune checkpoints. our study found that LIMK2 was highly expressed and positively associated with the overall survival of LUSC. Moreover, our study further indicated that LIMK2 expression was significantly negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in LUSC. Finally, we confirmed upstream regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) of LIMK2, and the PVT1 and DHRS4-AS1/miR-423-5p/LIMK2 regulatory axes were successfully constructed in LUSC. Put together, LIMK2 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlates with tumor immune cell infiltration in LUSC, and the expression of LIMK2 is regulated by the PVT1 and DHRS4-AS1/miR-423-5p axes.

LINC00982 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells Through the miR-765/DPF3 Axis

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignant tumors in female adults. The long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 00982 (LINC00982) has been regarded as a cancer suppressor in several human cancers. However, the function and the underlying mechanisms of LINC00982 have not been studied in BC. The present study found that LINC00982 was significantly downregulated in BC tumor tissues, and the low LINC00982 level predicts a poor prognosis of BC. Through the overexpression and suppression of LINC00982 in two BC cell lines, we found that LINC00982 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing the activity of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay has been used to verify that LINC00982 functions as a molecular sponge for miR-765, which could target DPF3. The relative expression of miR-765 decreased with LINC00982 overexpressing, and DPF3 increased at the same time. In addition, the suppression of cell malignant phenotype caused by overexpression of LINC00982 can be reversed by inhibition of DPF3. To verify the function of LINC00982 in vivo, the BC cells were implanted in nude mice and the results suggested the tumor growth and malignant phenotype were suppressed by LINC00982. In this study, we prove that LINC00982 regulates the growth and development of BC through STAT3/NF-κB signal pathway, mediated by the miR-765/DPF3 axis. LINC00982 may function as a target molecule to take part in the prognosis and therapy of BC.

Long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (LncRNA NEAT1) upregulates Cyclin T2 (CCNT2) in laryngeal papilloma through sponging miR-577/miR-1224-5p and blocking cell apoptosis

Long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (Lnc-NEAT1) is a crucial mediator in cancer progression, which is associated with poor prognosis of patients with laryngeal papilloma (LP). Herein, we aimed to determine how Lnc-NEAT1 promotes LP development. q-PCR, MTT, EDU and Western blotting were performed to determine that Lnc-NEAT1 facilitates LP cell proliferation and hinders cell apoptosis. LncBase database, q-PCR, GEPIA online database, Dual luciferase reporter and RIP assays were utilized to confirm that Lnc-NEAT1 sponged miR-577/miR-1224-5p and negatively mediated CCNT2. Western blotting, MTT and EDU were used to confirm that Lnc-NEAT1 promoted LP cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis through CCNT2. Lnc-NEAT1 was highly expressed in LP, and enhanced LP cell proliferation, and it was inhibited by Lnc-NEAT1 depleting. Concerning the underlying mechanism, it was found that Lnc-NEAT1 could functionally sponge microRNA-577 (miR-577) and microRNA-1224-5p (miR-1224-5p) and up-regulate Cyclin T2 (CCNT2) in LP cells. Notably, CCNT2 knockdown blocked Lnc-NEAT1-induced LP cell proliferation, and rescued cell apoptosis, which was specifically indicated by restoration of Bax, Cleaved caspase 3 and Cleaved caspase 9. Lnc-NEAT1 played a carcinogenic role in LP through mediating miR-577 or miR-1224-5p/CCNT2 axis, which may provide promising insights for the treatment of LP.

SNHG22 promotes migration and invasion of trophoblasts via miR-128-3p/PCDH11X axis and activates PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) act as an indispensable role in the Preeclampsia (PE)-related trophoblast function, while its relationship with Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 22 (SNHG22) remains unknown. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA SNHG22 in the Preeclampsia (PE)-related trophoblasts function and the underlying mechanism.

METHOD

Normal placentas and placentas from PE patients were collected to detect the expression of lncRNA SNHG22. Then, trophoblasts HTR-8/Svneo and JEG-3 were purchased, cultured, and treated to investigate the roles of lncRNA SNHG22 on cell migration and invasion as well as its underlying regulatory mechanism.

RESULTS

The SNHG22 was downregulated in PE patients, and it was found that SNHG22 overexpression could drive migration and invasion of trophoblasts, while SNHG22 depletion exerted a suppressive effect. Mechanistically, SNHG22 was validated to regulate microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p), and Protocadherin 11 X-Linked (PCDH11X) was identified as the target gene of miR-128-3p. Furthermore, it was found that SNHG22 acted as a promoter in the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells in a miR-128-3p/PCDH11X dependent manner, and SNHG22 silencing weakened the activation of PCDH11X-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling pathways through inhibiting miR-128-3p, thereby preventing migration and invasion of trophoblasts.

CONCLUSION

SNHG22 acted as a driver in the migration and invasion of trophoblasts and may be considered a candidate for the amelioration of PE.