1
|
Ertunc O, Smearman E, Zheng Q, Hicks JL, Brosnan-Cashman JA, Jones T, Gomes-Alexandre C, Trabzonlu L, Meeker AK, De Marzo AM, Heaphy CM. Chromogenic detection of telomere lengths in situ aids the identification of precancerous lesions in the prostate. Prostate 2024; 84:148-157. [PMID: 37849074 PMCID: PMC10843147 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are terminal chromosomal elements that are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. The measurement of telomere content provides useful diagnostic and prognostic information, and fluorescent methods have been developed for this purpose. However, fluorescent-based tissue assays are cumbersome for investigators to undertake, both in research and clinical settings. METHODS A robust chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) approach was developed to visualize and quantify telomere content at single cell resolution in human prostate tissues, both frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE). RESULTS This new assay (telomere chromogenic in situ hybridization ["Telo-CISH"]) produces permanently stained slides that are viewable with a standard light microscope, thus avoiding the need for specialized equipment and storage. The assay is compatible with standard immunohistochemistry, thereby allowing simultaneous assessment of histomorphology, identification of specific cell types, and assessment of telomere status. In addition, Telo-CISH eliminates the problem of autofluorescent interference that frequently occurs with fluorescent-based methods. Using this new assay, we demonstrate successful application of Telo-CISH to help identify precancerous lesions in the prostate by the presence of markedly short telomeres specifically in the luminal epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, with fewer restrictions on the types of tissues that can be tested, and increased histologic information provided, the advantages presented by this novel chromogenic assay should extend the applicability of tissue-based telomere length assessment in research and clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ertunc
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erica Smearman
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qizhi Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica L. Hicks
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Tracy Jones
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Levent Trabzonlu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alan K. Meeker
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angelo M. De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher M. Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsatsakis A, Oikonomopoulou T, Nikolouzakis TK, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis M, Flamourakis M, Renieri E, Fragkiadaki P, Iliaki E, Bachlitzanaki M, Karzi V, Katsikantami I, Kakridonis F, Hatzidaki E, Tolia M, Svistunov AA, Spandidos DA, Nikitovic D, Tsiaoussis J, Berdiaki A. Role of telomere length in human carcinogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:78. [PMID: 37232367 PMCID: PMC10552730 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is considered the most important clinical, social and economic issue regarding cause‑specific disability‑adjusted life years among all human pathologies. Exogenous, endogenous and individual factors, including genetic predisposition, participate in cancer triggering. Telomeres are specific DNA structures positioned at the end of chromosomes and consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, which, together with shelterin proteins, facilitate the maintenance of chromosome stability, while protecting them from genomic erosion. Even though the connection between telomere status and carcinogenesis has been identified, the absence of a universal or even a cancer‑specific trend renders consent even more complex. It is indicative that both short and long telomere lengths have been associated with a high risk of cancer incidence. When evaluating risk associations between cancer and telomere length, a disparity appears to emerge. Even though shorter telomeres have been adopted as a marker of poorer health status and an older biological age, longer telomeres due to increased cell growth potential are associated with the acquirement of cancer‑initiating somatic mutations. Therefore, the present review aimed to comprehensively present the multifaceted pattern of telomere length and cancer incidence association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Tatiana Oikonomopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Evaggelia Iliaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Bachlitzanaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Fotios Kakridonis
- Department of Spine Surgery and Scoliosis, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andrey A. Svistunov
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ertunc O, Smearman E, Zheng Q, Hicks JL, Brosnan-Cashman JA, Jones T, Gomes-Alexandre C, Trabzonlu L, Meeker AK, De Marzo AM, Heaphy CM. Chromogenic detection of telomere lengths in situ aids the identification of precancerous lesions in the prostate. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.04.535575. [PMID: 37066381 PMCID: PMC10104079 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are terminal chromosomal elements that are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. The measurement of telomere content provides useful diagnostic and prognostic information, and fluorescent methods have been developed for this purpose. However, fluorescent-based tissue assays are cumbersome for investigators to undertake, both in research and clinical settings. Here, a robust chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) approach was developed to visualize and quantify telomere content at single cell resolution in human prostate tissues, both frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE). This new assay ("Telo-CISH") produces permanently stained slides that are viewable with a standard light microscope, thus avoiding the need for specialized equipment and storage. The assay is compatible with standard immunohistochemistry, thereby allowing simultaneous assessment of histomorphology, identification of specific cell types, and assessment of telomere status. In addition, Telo-CISH eliminates the problem of autofluorescent interference that frequently occurs with fluorescent-based methods. Using this new assay, we demonstrate successful application of Telo-CISH to help identify precancerous lesions in the prostate by the presence of markedly short telomeres specifically in the luminal epithelial cells. In summary, with fewer restrictions on the types of tissues that can be tested, and increased histologic information provided, the advantages presented by this novel chromogenic assay should extend the applicability of tissue-based telomere length assessment in research and clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ertunc
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Erica Smearman
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Qizhi Zheng
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jessica L. Hicks
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | | | - Tracy Jones
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | | | - Levent Trabzonlu
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Alan K. Meeker
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angelo M. De Marzo
- The Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher M. Heaphy
- The Department of Medicine, Boston University, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Department Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lv Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Ren X, Wang M, Tian S, Hou P, Shi B, Yang Q. Long telomere length predicts poor clinical outcome in esophageal cancer patients. Pathol Res Pract 2016; 213:113-118. [PMID: 28027815 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal telomere length is widely reported in various human cancers, and it is considered to be an important hallmark of cancer. However, there is remarkably little consensus on the value of telomere length in the prognostic evaluation of esophageal cancers. Here, we attempted to determine the association of variable telomere length with clinical outcome of esophageal cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using real-time quantitative PCR, we examined relative telomere lengths (RTL) in a cohort of esophageal cancer and normal esophageal tissues, and statistically investigated the association between RTL and clinical outcomes of esophageal cancer patients. RESULTS The majority of esophageal cancers in this study had longer RTLs as compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Enhanced tumor RTL was associated with smoking habit, poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and cancer related death. In particular, a close relationship between longer RTL and poor survival was fully demonstrated by using cox regression and Kaplan-Maier survival curves. CONCLUSIONS We found frequent telomere elongation in esophageal cancer tissues, and demonstrated longer RTL may be an independent poor prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Department of Rheumatology, Xi'an No. 5 Hospital, Xi'an 710082, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinru Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojuan Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meichen Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijia Tian
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bingyin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ribero S, Mangino M, Bataille V. Skin phenotypes can offer some insight about the association between telomere length and cancer susceptibility. Med Hypotheses 2016; 97:7-10. [PMID: 27876133 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of telomere biology in cancer has been studied for a wide variety of different cancers but the association with telomere length has been controversial. This is because some cancers have been found to be associated with longer telomeres in circulating white cells whilst other cancer types are more common in individuals with shorter telomeres. Hence, there has been some skepticism as to whether telomere length may be helpful in estimating cancer risk. For melanoma, however, results have been fairly consistent showing that longer telomeres are associated with an increased risk. This link was first discovered because of a link between longer telomeres and a high number of naevi. In contrast, for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, the relationship is reversed with higher risk in individuals with shorter telomeres. Differences in skin phenotypes with the presence of high number of naevi versus photoageing with solar elastosis and solar keratoses have already been valuable for dermatologists as the former phenotype is associated with melanoma whilst the latter is more common in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The hypothesis is that the differences in cutaneous phenotypes already observed by dermatologists for skin cancers may, in fact, be useful as well for cancer prediction in general as it may reflect underlying telomere biology. This manuscript will address the evidence for links between telomere biology, skin phenotypes and cancer risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ribero
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - M Mangino
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK
| | - V Bataille
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK; Department of Dermatology, West Herts NHS Trust, Herts, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li S, Li F, Niu R, Zhang H, Cui A, An W, Wang X. Mir-192 suppresses apoptosis and promotes proliferation in esophageal aquamous cell caicinoma by targeting Bim. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2015; 8:8048-8056. [PMID: 26339371 PMCID: PMC4555699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs of endogenous origin. Accumulating studies have shown aberrant miRNA expression plays an important role in many tumor types. However, the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) development remain poorly understood. In the present study, we assayed expression level of miR-192 in ESCC tissues and cell lines by real-time PCR, and defined the target gene and biological function by luciferase reporter assay, Western blot and apoptosis assay. We first verified that the expression level of miR-192 was significantly increased in ESCC tissues and cancer cells. Moreover, miR-192 over-expression inhibited cells apoptosis and promoted ESCC cells proliferation. We further demonstrated that miR-192 directly targeted 3'-UTR of Bim gene, and inhibited its protein expression. Importantly, Bim could reduce ESCC cells apoptosis ability induced by miR-192. These data suggest an important role of miR-192 in the molecular etiology of ESCC and implicate the potential application of miR-192 in ESCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cancer Center, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Ren Niu
- Department of Cancer Center, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Helin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Airong Cui
- Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenting An
- Department of Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Department of Cancer Center, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu X, Song N, Liu Y, Liu Y, Li J, Ding J, Tong Z. Efficient induction of anti-tumor immune response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via dendritic cells expressing MAGE-A3 and CALR antigens. Cell Immunol 2015; 295:77-82. [PMID: 25863743 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the various treatment options for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), its prognosis is still very poor with a 5-year survival rate of only 14-22%. Recently, among the various therapeutic approaches, the focus has shifted to immunotherapy, specifically immunotherapy involving dendritic cells (DCs), which depends on their maturation and antigen presentation to effector immune cells. Recent studies have suggested that melanoma-associated antigen 3 (MAGE-A3) is a potential immunotherapeutic target and also a candidate for the development of an anti-tumor vaccine. Calreticulin (CALR) has been shown to support induction of DC maturation. Therefore, in this study, we overexpressed MAGE-A3 and CALR on DCs and studied their potential to generate anti-tumor immune responses. We observed that adenovirus (Ad)-infected DCs overexpressing CALR and MAGE-A3 showed enhanced expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR markers. Also, these DCs secreted higher levels of interleukin (IL)-12, which induces the T helper type 1 cell (Th1) response, and a lower level of IL-10, a negative regulator of the Th1 response. Furthermore, CALR/MAGE-A3-infected DCs stimulated CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which in turn secreted higher levels of interferon-γ, which induced cytotoxic effects on ESCC cells expressing MAGE-A3. In conclusion, our results revealed the potential of CALR/MAGE-A3-infected DCs to elicit a MAGE-A3-specific anti-tumor immunogenic response in ESCC. This proof-of-principle study may promote the future design and development of DC-based effective immunotherapy against ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| | - Na Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| | - JiJia Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| | - Jianqiao Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| | - Zhuang Tong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, LiaoNing Cancer Hospital & Institute, DaLian Medical University Clinical Oncology College, Shenyang 110042, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang Y, Duan Y, Zhou H. MicroRNA-27a directly targets KRAS to inhibit cell proliferation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2014; 9:471-477. [PMID: 25436011 PMCID: PMC4246996 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small non-coding RNA that negatively regulate gene expression levels by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of specific target mRNAs. To investigate the role of miR-27a in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), TargetScan software was used to predict the target gene of miR-27a. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), which has been implicated as a regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation, was identified as a potential target gene of miR-27a and, thus, was the focus of the present study. Luciferase activity in cells transfected with miR-27a mimics was 48% lower when compared with that of the miRNA-negative control. Furthermore, expression levels of the K-ras protein were reduced by ≤50% in cells cotransfected with an expression vector containing miR-27a and miR-27a binding sequences, when compared with the control. The expression level of miR-27a was significantly lower in ESCC cell lines and tissues when compared with healthy esophageal epithelial cells and tissues. However, the expression level of the target gene, KRAS was upregulated and ESCC cell proliferation was significantly inhibited following miR-27a mimic or small interfering K-ras transfection. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the expression level of miR-27a was low in ESCC and that miR-27a directly targets the KRAS gene, resulting in inhibited cell proliferation in esophageal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Duan
- Department of Radiology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|