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

PDIA6, which is regulated by TRPM2-AS/miR-424-5p axis, promotes endometrial cancer progression via TGF-beta pathway

PDIA6 have been reported to be involved in a variety of cancers, however, the underlying role in endometrial cancer is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to study the function of PDIA6 in endometrial cancer. Firstly, we verified that PDIA6 was significantly upregulated in endometrial cancer, which was correlated with the progression of endometrial cancer patients. Furthermore, we identified PDIA6 significantly altered the ability of endometrial cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize. In addition, our result illustrated the oncogene effects of PDIA6 in promoting malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells by regulating TGF-β pathway and being modulated by TRPM2-AS/miR-424-5p axis for the first time. Taken together, this study suggested that PDIA6 may be a new candidate target for endometrial cancer therapy.

Contribution and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in the development and progression of human cancers

Long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not code for proteins. They play a significant role in various biological processes, including epigenetics, cell cycle, and cell differentiation. Many studies have shown that the occurrence of human cancer is closely related to the abnormal expression of lncRNA. In recent years, lncRNAs have been a hot topic in cancer research. TRPM2-AS, a novel lncRNA, is aberrantly expressed in many human cancers, and its overexpression is strongly linked to poor clinical outcomes in patients. It has been demonstrated that TRPM2-AS acts as a ceRNA, participates in signaling pathways, and interacts with biological proteins and other molecular mechanisms to regulate gene expression. In addition, it can regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and treatment resistance of cancer cells. As a result, TRPM2-AS may be a potential target for cancer treatment and a possible biomarker for cancer prognosis. This review outlined the expression, biological processes, and molecular mechanisms of TRPM2-AS in various malignancies, and discussed potential therapeutic uses.

MiR-22-3p suppresses NSCLC cell migration and EMT via targeting RAC1 expression

Previous studies have demonstrated the tumor-suppressive function of microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) in several cancers, whereas the significance of miR-22-3p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In this study, we explored the biological function and molecular mechanism of miR-22-3p in NSCLC cells. First, we assessed the expression of miR-22-3p in NSCLC tissues and cells based on RT-qPCR and TCGA database. Compared with normal lung tissues and cells, miR-22-3p expression was dramatically decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. miR-22-3p expression was also correlated with lymph node metastasis and tumor size, but not TNM stages. We further explored the in vitro function of miR-22-3p on the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cells. The results showed that overexpression of miR-22-3p suppressed the migration and EMT of NSCLC cells, whereas silencing miR-22-3p showed the opposite effect. Luciferase assay demonstrated that RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) was the target gene for miR-22-3p. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR-22-3p suppressed the cell migration and EMT via downregulation of RAC1 because the inhibitory effect of miR-22-3p on cell migration and EMT of NSCLC cells was reversed by RAC1 overexpression. Based on these novel data, the miR-22-3p/RAC1 axis may be an alternative target in the therapeutic intervention of NSCLC.

Hsa-miR-22-3p inhibits liver cancer cell EMT and cell migration/ invasion by indirectly regulating SPRY2

The general mechanism for microRNAs to play biological function is through their inhibition on the expression of their target genes. In cancer, microRNAs may accelerate cell senescence, block angiogenesis, decrease energy supplies, repress tumor cell cycle and promote apoptosis to function as the tumor repressors. On the other hand, microRNAs can modulate tumor suppressor molecules to activate oncogene relevant signaling pathway to initiate tumorigenesis and promote tumor progression. By targeting different genes, miR-22 can function as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in different types of cancer. In liver cancer, miR-22 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor via its regulation on different genes. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-22 indirectly regulates SPRY2 by inhibiting CBL, an E3 ligase for SPRY2 that has been confirmed. As one of the modulators of the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling pathway, SPRY2 plays important roles in many developmental and physiological processes, and its deregulation has been reported in different types of cancer and shown to affect cancer development, progression, and metastasis. By inhibiting the expression of CBL, which stabilizes SPRY2, miR-22 indirectly upregulates SPRY2, thereby suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration, and invasion and decreasing the expression of liver cancer stem cell (CSC) marker genes. The inhibitory effects of miR-22 on EMT, cell migration, and invasion can be blocked by the knockdown of SPRY2 expression in miR-22 overexpressing cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR-22 expression inhibits the ERK signaling pathway and that this effect is due to its upregulation of SPRY2. Overall, our study revealed a novel miR-22-3p/CBL/SPRY2/ERK axis that plays an important role in EMT, cell migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells.

lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although immunotherapy approaches such as adoptive T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade have been investigated for the treatment of bladder cancer, their off-target effects and ability to affect only single targets have led to clinical outcomes that are far from satisfactory. Therefore, it is important to identify novel targets that can effectively control tumor growth and metastasis. It is well known that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression. Increasing evidence has shown that dysregulated lncRNAs in bladder cancer are involved in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this review, we focus on the roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks in the regulation of bladder cancer progression. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks to overcome cancer treatment resistance and its association with clinicopathological features and outcomes in bladder cancer patients. We hope this review will stimulate research to develop more effective therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer treatment.

MiR-22-3p regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting KDM3A through the Hippo pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has one of the highest incidences and mortality rates of all malignancies worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in many biological processes of diseases. MiR-22-3p is considered to be involved in cancer progression, but its role in CRC remains unclear. In this study, we detected that in CRC, the level of miR-22-3p is downregulated. MiR-22-3p has antitumor effects in CRC. miR-22-3p can reduce the proliferative, invasive and migrative capacity of CRC cells. Luciferase reporter analyses confirmed that KDM3A was a target of miR-22-3p, which can directly target the 3'UTR of KDM3A and decrease the expression of KDM3A in CRC cells. Our study also confirmed that KDM3A plays a role as an oncogene in CRC. KDM3A overexpression attenuated the tumor suppressor effects of miR-22-3p in CRC cells, demonstrating that miR-22-3p exerts antitumor effects by targeting KDM3A. Overexpression of miR-22-3p in CRC reduced YAP1 expression, whereas overexpression of KDM3A restored the expression of YAP1. In summary, miR-22-3p might inhibit the progression of CRC by targeting KDM3A to regulate the HIPPO signaling pathway, which may provide an opportunity for the treatment of CRC.

Go-Ichi-Ni-San 2: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in human cancers

Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing globally, leading to its rising status as a leading cause of death. The Go-Ichi-Ni-San (GINS) complex plays a crucial role in DNA replication and the cell cycle. The GINS complex consists of four subunits encoded by the GINS1, GINS2, GINS3, and GINS4 genes. Recent findings have shown that GINS2 expression is upregulated in many diseases, particularly tumors. For example, increased GINS2 expression has been found in cervical cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It correlates with the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumors. In addition, high GINS2 expression plays a pro-carcinogenic role in tumor development by promoting tumor cell proliferation and migration, inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis, and blocking the cell cycle. This review describes the upregulation of GINS2 expression in most human tumors and the pathway of GINS2 in tumor development. GINS2 may serve as a new marker for tumor diagnosis and a new biological target for therapy.

lncRNA TRPM2-AS Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Regulating miR-22-3p and FSTL1

Background. In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) relate to many biological processes, which affect the progression of tumors. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 antisense RNA (TRPM2-AS) is reported to play an oncogene-like role in tumors. TRPM2-AS is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), but the mechanism of TRPM2-AS is still unclear. The regulatory mechanism of TRPM2-AS in the occurrence of CRC was explored, so as to find new markers and therapeutic targets for CRC. Methods. TRPM2-AS and miR-22-3p expression in CRC cells were measured through reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Then, TRPM2-AS knockdown cell lines were constructed, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), clone formation, wound healing, and invasion assays were used to detect cell malignant behavior. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) protein was detected by western blotting. The interaction between miR-22-3p and TRPM2-AS or FSTL1 was verified by the luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Subcutaneous xenografts were performed using animal experiments. Results. TRPM2-AS expression in CRC cells was increased, and miR-22-3p expression was decreased in CRC cells. TRPM2-AS inhibition inhibited cell malignant behavior. miR-22-3p has a targeting relationship with TRPM2-AS and FSTL1. In cells, downregulation of TRPM2-AS expression promoted miR-22-3p and inhibited FSTL1 expression, while mimics inhibited FSTL1 expression. miR-22-3p inhibition or FSTL1 overexpression could offset the inhibition of TRPM2-AS downregulation on CRC cells. Conclusions. The TRPM2-AS/miR-22-3p/FSTL1 regulation axis could regulate CRC cell malignant behavior, which may provide a new perspective for interpreting the mechanism of CRC development.

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition via targeting miR-22-3p/TMEM9B in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer, as a malignancy with the highest incidence and mortality in women, seriously threatens women's life and health. Pieces of evidence have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) possess important roles in regulating the occurrence and development of breast cancer.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to explore the expression levels of MIR4435-2HG, miR-22-3p and TMEM9B in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 assay, Colony formation assay, Wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effect of MIR4435-2HG on EMT progress was explored by Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot. RNA pull-down analysis and Dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to validate the interaction between MIR4435-2HG and miR-22-3p, as well as miR-22-3p and TMEM9B.

RESULTS

MIR4435-2HG was notably up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Additionally, down-regulation of MIR4435-2HG restrained the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells. MiR-22-3p expression was down-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and negatively associated with MIR4435-2HG expression. Over-expression of miR-22-3p obviously inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, TMEM9B was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines and negatively associated with miR-22-3p expression. TMEM9B inhibition partially restored the effects of MIR4435-2HG/miR-22-3p on the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of breast cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSION

MIR4435-2HG plays a potential tumor-promoting role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, possibly by regulating the miR-22-3p/TMEM9B axis.

Long non-coding RNA TRPM2 antisense RNA as a potential therapeutic target promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one type of aggressive gastrointestinal cancers. The treatment of EC is challenging. Effective therapeutic targets require development. Long non-coding RNA TRPM2 antisense RNA (LncRNA TRPM2-AS) is considering a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for various types of cancer. However, the role of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in EC remains unknown. This study aimed to illustrate effects of LncRNA TRPM2-AS on EC growth and metastasis and potential underlying molecular mechanisms. LncRNA TRPM2-AS expression was determined in both EC tissues and cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation ability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were determined using transwell. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers expression were determined using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, potential lncRNA TRPM2-AS targeting miRNAs were predicted by public databases. The expression of five selected miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. We found that lncRNA TRPM2-AS expression was increased in EC tissues and cell lines compared with respective control. Silencing lncRNA TRPM2-AS suppressed EC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, lncRNA TRPM2-AS knockdown reduced neural cadherin, vimentin, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 gene and protein expressions while increased epithelial cadherin expression. Furthermore, lncRNA TRPM2-AS knockdown promoted microRNA (miR)-1291, miR-6852-5p, and miR-138-5p expressions. Taken together, this study for the first time demonstrates that upregulation of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in EC promotes the growth and metastasis of EC likely through interacting with miR-1291, miR-6852-5p, and miR-138-5p.

MicroRNA-22-3p targeted regulating transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) constrains the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and malignant behavior in osteosarcoma

Various studies have manifested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the modulation of the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma (OS). However, whether miR-22-3p is associated with OS growth remains unclear. In the study, the potential molecular mechanisms of miR-22-3p in OS was explored. It was affirmed that miR-22-3p was associated with distant metastasis and tumor size in OS patients, and reduced in OS tissues and cells while transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) was elevated. Elevated miR-22-3p repressed OS cell progression, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while elevated TCF7L2 was opposite. MiR-22-3p targeted TCF7L2 in OS. In functional rescue experiments, knockdown of miR-22-3p on OS progression and promotion of Wnt/β-catenin were reversed by simultaneous knockdown of TCF7L2. Transplantation experiments in nude mice showed that elevated miR-22-3p repressed OS tumor growth and decreased TCF7L2, Wnt and β-catenin. Shortly, this study suggest that miR-22-3p refrains the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting TCF7L2 and thereby preventing OS deterioration. MiR-22-3p/TCF7L2 axis is supposed to be a candidate molecular target for future OS treatment.

Prognostic value of immune-related lncRNA pairs in patients with bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The characteristics of immune-related long non-coding ribonucleic acids (ir-lncRNAs), regardless of their specific levels, have important implications for the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer.

METHODS

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, original transcript data were analyzed. The ir-lncRNAs were obtained using a coexpression method, and their differentially expressed pairs (DE-ir-lncRNAs) were identified by univariate analysis. The lncRNA pairs were verified using a Lasso regression test. Thereafter, receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and an optimal risk model was established. The clinical value of the model was verified through the analysis of patient survival rates, clinicopathological characteristics, presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and chemotherapy efficacy evaluation.

RESULTS

In total, 49 pairs of DE-ir-lncRNAs were identified, of which 21 were included in the Cox regression model. A risk regression model was established on the premise of not involving the specific expression value of the transcripts.

CONCLUSIONS

The method and model used in this study have important clinical predictive value for bladder cancer and other malignant tumors.