miR-221 inhibits autophagy and targets TP53INP1 in colorectal cancer cells

Molecular functions of microRNAs in colorectal cancer: recent roles in proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and chemoresistance

MiRNAs (microRNAs) constitute a group of diminutive molecules of non-coding RNA intricately involved in regulating gene expression. This regulation is primarily accomplished through the binding of miRNAs to complementary sequences situated in the 3'-UTR of the messenger RNA (mRNA) target; as a result, they are degraded or repressed. The multifaceted biogenesis of miRNAs is characterized by a meticulously orchestrated sequence of events encompassing transcription, processing, transportation, and decay. Colorectal cancer stands as a pervasive and formidable ailment, afflicting millions across the globe. Colorectal cancer is not well diagnosed early, and metastasis rates are high, which results in low survival rates in advanced stages. The genesis and progression of colorectal cancer are subject to the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors, among which miRNAs play a pivotal role. When it comes to colorectal cancer, miRNAs have a dual character, depending on the genes they target, functioning as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes and the prevailing cellular milieu. Their impact extends to modulating critical facets of colorectal cancer pathogenesis, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and radiotherapy response. The discernible potential of miRNAs which are used as biomarkers to diagnose colorectal cancer, prognosis, and treatment response has come to the forefront. Notably, miRNAs are easily found and detected readily in a variety of biological fluids, including saliva, blood, urine, and feces. This prominence is attributed to the inherent advantages of miRNAs over conventional biomarkers, including heightened stability, specificity, sensitivity, and accessibility. Various investigations have pinpointed miRNA signatures or panels capable of differentiating colorectal cancer patients from their healthy counterparts, predicting colorectal cancer stage and survival, and monitoring colorectal cancer recurrence and therapy response. Although there has been research on miRNAs in various diseases, there has been less research on miRNAs in cancer. Moreover, updated results of preclinical and clinical studies on miRNA biomarkers and drugs are required. Nevertheless, the integration of miRNAs as biomarkers for colorectal cancer is not devoid of challenges and limitations. These encompass the heterogeneity prevalent among colorectal cancer subtypes and stages, the variability in miRNA expression across different tissues and individuals, the absence of standardized methodologies for miRNA detection and quantification, and the imperative for validation through extensive clinical trials. Consequently, further research is imperative to conclusively establish the clinical utility and reliability of miRNAs as colorectal cancer biomarkers. MiR-21 demonstrates carcinogenic characteristics by targeting several tumor suppressor genes, which encourages cell division, invasion, and metastasis. On the other hand, by controlling the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the tumor suppressor miRNA miR-34a prevents CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, in colorectal cancer, the miR-200 family increases chemotherapy sensitivity while suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). As an oncogene, the miR-17-92 cluster targets elements of the TGF-β signaling pathway to encourage the growth of CRC cells. Finally, miR-143/145, which is downregulated in CRC, influences apoptosis and the progression of the cell cycle. These miRNAs affect pathways like Wnt, TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and EMT, making them potential clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent research related to miRNAs, their role in tumor progression and metastasis, and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. In addition, we combined miRNAs' roles in tumorigenesis and development with the therapy of CRC patients, leading to novel perspectives on colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.

An approach for an enhanced anticancer activity of ferulic acid-loaded polymeric micelles via MicroRNA-221 mediated activation of TP53INP1 in caco-2 cell line

Ferulic acid (FA) has powerful antioxidant and antitumor activities, but it has low bioavailability owing to its poor water solubility. Our aim is to formulate polymeric mixed micelles loaded with FA to overcome its poor solubility and investigate its potential anticancer activity via miRNA-221/TP53INP1 axis-mediated autophagy in colon cancer. A D-optimal design with three factors was used for the optimization of polymeric mixed micelles by studying the effects of each of total Pluronics mixture (mg), Pluronic P123 percentage (%w/w), and drug amount (mg) on both entrapment efficiency (EE%) and particle size. The anticancer activity of FA and Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) mixed micelles formula (O2) was assessed by MTT and flow cytometry. O2 showed an EE% of 99.89%, a particle size of 13.86 nm, and a zeta potential of - 6.02 mv. In-vitro drug release studies showed a notable increase in the release rate of FA from O2, as compared to the free FA. The (IC50) values for FA from O2 and free FA were calculated against different cell lines showing a prominent IC50 against Caco-2 (17.1 µg/ml, 191 µg/ml respectively). Flow cytometry showed that FA caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in Caco-2. RT-PCR showed that O2 significantly increased the mRNA expression level of Bax and CASP-3 (4.72 ± 0.17, 3.67 ± 0.14), respectively when compared to free FA (2.59 ± 0.13, 2.14 ± 0.15), while miRNA 221 levels were decreased by the treatment with O2 (0.58 ± 0.02) when compared to free FA treatment (0.79 ± 0.03). The gene expression of TP53INP1 was increased by the treatment with O2 compared to FA at P < 0.0001. FA-loaded TPGS mixed micelles showed promising results for enhancing the anticancer effect of FA against colorectal cancer, probably due to its enhanced solubility. Thus, FA-loaded TPGS mixed micelles could be a potential therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer by targeting miRNA-221/TP53INP1 axis-mediated autophagy.

Novel insights on perils and promises of miRNA in understanding colon cancer metastasis and progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third highest frequent malignancy and ultimate critical source of cancer-associated mortality around the world. Regardless of latest advances in molecular and surgical targeted medicines that have increased remedial effects in CRC patients, the 5-year mortality rate for CRC patients remains dismally low. Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) execute an essential part in the development and spread of CRC. The miRNAs are a type of short non-coding RNA that exhibited to control the appearance of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. miRNA expression profiling is already being utilized in clinical practice as analytical and prognostic biomarkers to evaluate cancer patients' tumor genesis, advancement, and counteraction to drugs. By modulating their target genes, dysregulated miRNAs are linked to malignant characteristics (e.g., improved proliferative and invasive capabilities, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, and promotion of angiogenesis). This review presents an updated summary of circulatory miRNAs, tumor-suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs, and the potential reasons for dysregulated miRNAs in CRC. Further we will explore the critical role of miRNAs in CRC drug resistance.

Non-coding RNA and autophagy: Finding novel ways to improve the diagnostic management of bladder cancer

Major fraction of the human genome is transcribed in to the RNA but is not translated in to any specific functional protein. These transcribed but not translated RNA molecules are called as non-coding RNA (ncRNA). There are thousands of different non-coding RNAs present inside the cells, each regulating different cellular pathway/pathways. Over the last few decades non-coding RNAs have been found to be involved in various diseases including cancer. Non-coding RNAs are reported to function both as tumor enhancer and/or tumor suppressor in almost each type of cancer. Urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder is the second most common urogenital malignancy in the world. Over the last few decades, non-coding RNAs were demonstrated to be linked with bladder cancer progression by modulating different signalling pathways and cellular processes such as autophagy, metastasis, drug resistance and tumor proliferation. Due to the heterogeneity of bladder cancer cells more in-depth molecular characterization is needed to identify new diagnostic and treatment options. This review emphasizes the current findings on non-coding RNAs and their relationship with various oncological processes such as autophagy, and their applicability to the pathophysiology of bladder cancer. This may offer an understanding of evolving non-coding RNA-targeted diagnostic tools and new therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer management in the future.

The expression of apoptosis related genes in HK-2 cells overexpressing PPM1K was determined by RNA-seq analysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious disease that endangers human health. It is reported that inhibiting renal cell apoptosis can delay the progress of CKD. Our previous study found that the mice with protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1K (PPM1K) gene deletion had obvious symptoms of glomerular vascular and interstitial vascular dilatation, congestion and hemorrhage, glomerular hemorrhage and necrosis, interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation, decreased urinary creatinine clearance, and increased urinary protein level. In addition, studies have found that PPM1K is essential for cell survival, apoptosis and metabolism. However, no study has confirmed that PPM1K can inhibit renal cell apoptosis. In this study, PPM1K was overexpressed in human kidney-2 cells (HK-2), and the biological process of differentially expressed genes and its effect on apoptosis were comprehensively screened by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Through sequencing analysis, we found that there were 796 differentially expressed genes in human renal tubular epithelial cells transfected with PPM1K gene, of which 553 were down-regulated and 243 were up-regulated. Enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes may play an important role in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. In the GO analysis functional pathway list, we also found that multiple genes can be enriched in apoptosis related pathways, such as G0S2, GADD45A, TRIB3, VEGFA, NUPR1 and other up-regulated genes, and IL-6, MAGED1, CCL2, TP53INP1 and other down-regulated genes. Then we verified these differentially expressed genes by RT-PCR, and found that only the RT-PCR results of G0S2, VEGFA and NUPR1 were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. We believe that G0S2, VEGFA, NUPR1 and other genes may participate in the apoptosis process of HK-2 cells induced by PPM1K.In conclusion, these findings provide some data support for the study of HK-2 cell apoptosis mechanism, and also provide a scientific theoretical basis for further study of the effect of PPM1K on kidney disease.

An updated review of the pre-clinical role of microRNAs and their contribution to colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of malignancy-related mortality worldwide. It was well-identified that microRNAs (miRNAs) decisively participate in cellular biological pathways; in a way that their deregulated expression causes CRC progression. miRNAs can control the translation and degradation of mRNAs by binding to various molecular targets involved in different biological processes, including growth, apoptosis, cell cycle, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, etc. The functions of these dysregulated miRNAs may be either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive. Therefore, these miRNAs can be contributed to prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches in CRC. In this study, we reviewed the tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions of miRNAs in CRC and assessed their molecular activities in CRC development. However, further investigation for the involvement of dysregulated miRNAs in CRC progression is required.

Crucial Roles of microRNA-Mediated Autophagy in Urologic Malignancies

Urologic oncologies are major public health problems worldwide. Both microRNA and autophagy, separately or concurrently, are involved in a variety of the cellular and molecular processes of multiple cancers, including urologic malignancies. In this review, we have summarized the related studies and found that microRNA-mediated autophagy acted as carcinogenic factors or suppressors in prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer. MiRNAs, targeted genes, and the different signaling pathways constitute a complex network that orchestrates autophagy regulation, militating the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects in urologic malignancies. Aberrant expression of miRNAs may induce the dysregulation of the autophagy process, resulting in tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to anticancer therapies. Targeting specific miRNAs for autophagy modulation may present as reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or promising therapeutic strategies for urologic oncologies.

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Melatonin Mediate via miRNAs in Cancer

miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved non-coding ribonucleic acids with a length of between 19 and 25 nucleotides. Because of their ability to regulate gene expression, miRNAs have an important function in the controlling of various biological processes, such as cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Owing to the long-standing regulative potential of miRNAs in tumor-suppressive pathways, scholars have recently paid closer attention to the expression profile of miRNAs in various types of cancer. Melatonin, an indolic compound secreted from pineal gland and some peripheral tissues, has been considered as an effective anti-tumor hormone in a wide spectrum of cancers. Furthermore, it induces apoptosis, inhibits tumor metastasis and invasion, and also angiogenesis. A growing body of evidence indicates the effects of melatonin on miRNAs expression in broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer. Due to the long-term effects of the regulation of miRNAs expression, melatonin could be a promising therapeutic factor in the treatment of cancers via the regulation of miRNAs. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the effects of melatonin on miRNAs expression in various types of cancers.

AKR1B10 negatively regulates autophagy through reducing GAPDH upon glucose starvation in colon cancer

Autophagy is considered to be an important switch for facilitating normal to malignant cell transformation during colorectal cancer development. Consistent with other reports, we found that the membrane receptor Neuropilin1 (NRP1) is greatly upregulated in colon cancer cells that underwent autophagy upon glucose deprivation. However, the mechanism underlying NRP1 regulation of autophagy is unknown. We found that knockdown of NRP1 inhibits autophagy and largely upregulates the expression of aldo-keto reductase family 1 B10 (AKR1B10). Moreover, we demonstrated that AKR1B10 interacts with and inhibits the nuclear importation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and then subsequently represses autophagy. Interestingly, we also found that an NADPH-dependent reduction reaction could be induced when AKR1B10 interacts with GAPDH, and the reductase activity of AKR1B10 is important for its repression of autophagy. Together, our findings unravel a novel mechanism of NRP1 in regulating autophagy through AKR1B10.

miR-590-5p may regulate colorectal cancer cell viability and migration by targeting PDCD4

Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the roles of miR-590-5p in CRC are not completely understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the expression of miR-590-5p and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) in CRC tissues and healthy adjacent tissues via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Furthermore, human CRC cells were cultured in vitro and transfected with miR-590-5p inhibitor. CRC cell viability, migration and invasion were evaluated by conducting MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Additionally, the relative expression of PDCD4 and phosphorylated-Smad2/3 was analyzed via western blotting. miR-590-5p was significantly upregulated and PDCD4 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with healthy adjacent tissues. Moreover, the results indicated that miR-590-5p knockdown inhibited cell viability and migration by altering the expression of PDCD4, transforming growth factor-β and phosphorylated-Smad2/3. PDCD4 was identified as a direct target of miR-590-5p. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR-590-5p may regulate CRC cell viability and migration, indicating that miR-590-5p may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

LncRNA NR_027471 Functions as a ceRNA for miRNA-8055 Leading to Suppression of Osteosarcoma by Regulating the Expression of TP53INP1

Osteosarcoma is a malignancy with high aggressiveness and poor prognosis, which occurs mainly in children. The therapeutic strategy against osteosarcoma includes surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although the treatment of osteosarcoma has been improved in recent years, there is a large proportion of patients with incurable osteosarcoma. Investigation of the mechanism of osteosarcoma progression would be of great help in discovering therapeutic targets for this disease. Long non-coding RNAs play critical roles in the pathogenesis of different types of cancer. The current study showed that long non-coding RNA NR_027471 was downregulated in osteosarcoma cells. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that upregulation of NR_027471 impeded the viability, proliferation, and invasion of osteosarcoma, as well as induced cell cycle arrest at G1. In addition, binding of miR-8055 to NR_027471 was demonstrated, thereby influencing the expression of tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1). Knockdown of NR_027471 promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition by inhibiting E-cadherin and increasing the expression of zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), Snail, and fibronectin. These results suggested that overexpression of NR_027471 upregulated TP53INP1 by sponging to miR-8055, leading to suppression of osteosarcoma cell proliferation and progression.

The effect of miRNA and autophagy on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a concern because of its high recurrence rate and metastasis rate, low early diagnosis rate and poor therapeutic effect. At present, various studies have shown that autophagy is closely connected with the occurrence and progression of CRC. Autophagy is a highly cytosolic catabolic process involved in lysosomes in biological evolution. Cells degrade proteins and damaged organelles by autophagy to achieve material circulation and maintain cell homeostasis. Moreover, microRNAs are key regulators of autophagy, and their mediated regulation of transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels plays an important role in autophagy in CRC cells. This review focuses on the recent research advances of how autophagy and related microRNAs are involved in affecting occurrence and progression of CRC and provides a new perspective for the study of CRC treatment strategies.

MiR-221/222 promote migration and invasion, and inhibit autophagy and apoptosis by modulating ATG10 in aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma

MicroRNA (miRNA) has been reported to exert important functions in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). However, the role of miRNA in aggressive PTC (APTC) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the diagnostic potentials and mechanisms of miR-221/222 in APTC. Results showed that miR-221/222 were markedly up-regulated in PTC, compared with the adjacent normal tissue (ANT). A high expression of miR-221/222 were associated with a primary tumor, regional lymph node, and distant metastasis (TNM) stage, multicentricity, lymph node metastasis, and extra-thyroidal extension. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that miR-221/222 could be used as APTC diagnostic markers. Moreover, miR-221/222 tremendously promoted migration and invasion and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in PTC cells. A luciferase assay showed that miR-221/222 inhibited the fluorescent activity of autophagy-related protein 10 (ATG10). Furthermore, miR-221/222 decreased ATG10 mRNA and protein levels. Silencing of ATG10 significantly abrogated the effect of miR-221/222 on apoptosis and autophagy. We suggested that miR-221/222 can promote migration and invasion, and inhibit autophagy and apoptosis by targeting ATG10 in APTC.

Transcriptome Profiling of Bovine Macrophages Infected by Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis Depicts Foam Cell and Innate Immune Tolerance Phenotypes

Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne's disease (JD), also known as paratuberculosis, in ruminants. The mechanisms of JD pathogenesis are not fully understood, but it is known that MAP subverts the host immune system by using macrophages as its primary reservoir. MAP infection in macrophages is often studied in healthy cows or experimentally infected calves, but reports on macrophages from naturally infected cows are lacking. In our study, primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from cows diagnosed as positive (+) or negative (–) for JD were challenged in vitro with live MAP. Analysis using next-generation RNA sequencing revealed that macrophages from JD(+) cows did not present a definite pattern of response to MAP infection. Interestingly, a considerable number of genes, up to 1436, were differentially expressed in JD(–) macrophages. The signatures of the infection time course of 1, 4, 8, and 24 h revealed differential expression of ARG2, COL1A1, CCL2, CSF3, IL1A, IL6, IL10, PTGS2, PTX3, SOCS3, TNF, and TNFAIP6 among other genes, with major effects on host signaling pathways. While several immune pathways were affected by MAP, other pathways related to hepatic fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation, lipid homeostasis, such as LXR/RXR (liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor) activation pathways, and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis or atherosclerosis) also responded to the presence of live MAP. Comparison of the profiles of the unchallenged MDMs from JD(+) vs. JD(–) cows showed that 868 genes were differentially expressed, suggesting that these genes were already affected before monocytes differentiated into macrophages. The downregulated genes predominantly modified the general cell metabolism by downregulating amino acid synthesis and affecting cholesterol biosynthesis and other energy production pathways while introducing a pro-fibrotic pattern associated with foam cells. The upregulated genes indicated that lipid homeostasis was already supporting fat storage in uninfected JD(+) MDMs. For JD(+) MDMs, differential gene expression expounds long-term mechanisms established during disease progression of paratuberculosis. Therefore, MAP could further promote disease persistence by influencing long-term macrophage behavior by using both tolerance and fat-storage states. This report contributes to a better understanding of MAP's controls over the immune cell response and mechanisms of MAP survival.

Role of miR-221/222 in Tumor Development and the Underlying Mechanism

MicroRNA-221/222 (miRNA-221/222, miR-221/222) is a noncoding microRNA which is widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and deeply involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expressions. According to recent studies, abnormal expressions of miR-221/222 are closely related to the occurrence and development of various kinds of malignant tumors. The role of miR-221/222 in tumor development and their potential molecular mechanism in various cancers, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial carcinoma, are summarized and reviewed in this paper. Moreover, the potential translational biomarker role of abnormal miR-221/222 level in tumor or blood circulation for tumor diagnosis is also discussed.

Downregulation of microRNA-3934-5p induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells by targeting TP53INP1

Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumour in the world. miRNAs are a group of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that act on target genes to serve critical roles in many biological processes. Presently, the expression and role of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines and to assess the role of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma. In the current study, the results revealed that miR-3934-5p was significantly upregulated in neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines. The data also identified TP53INP1 as a direct target gene of miR-3934-5p, which was negatively regulated by miR-3934-5p. The present study further demonstrated that TP53INP1 was downregulated in both neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, the results of the current study indicate that miR-3934-5p downregulation may induce apoptosis and inhibit neuroblastoma cell viability. However, these effects were reversed via TP53INP1-siRNA. Data from the current study indicates that the miR-3934-5p/TP53INP1 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for neuroblastoma treatment.

Downregulation of miR-3934-5p enhances A549 cell sensitivity to cisplatin by targeting TP53INP1

Tumor protein p53-inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) is a tumor suppressor associated with malignant tumor metastasis. In addition, it has been reported that hsa-microRNA (miR)-3934 serves key roles in various types of lung cancer, including small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) and non-SCLC (NSCLC). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of miR-3934-5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis, and on sensitivity to cisplatin (DDP). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting were conducted for the analysis of mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Furthermore, the target of miR-3934-5p was investigated using a luciferase reporter assay and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that miR-3934-5p was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and A549 cells. Increases in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and the expression of miR-3934-5p were observed in the A549/DDP group. miR-3934-5p mimic promoted the expression of miR-3934-5p and the IC₅₀ of the A549 cells. miR-3934-5p inhibitor downregulated miR-3934-5p and reduced the IC₅₀ of A549/DDP cells. miR-3934-5p was revealed to target the 3'-untranslated region of TP53INP1. The downregulation of miR-3934-5p significantly suppressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of A549/DDP cells, which were reversed by transfection with TP53INP1 small interfering (si)RNA. The protein and mRNA expression levels of TP53INP1, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated-X and p21 were significantly increased, whereas those of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased in the miR-3934-5p inhibitor group, which was significantly reduced by TP53INP1 siRNA transfection. miR-3934-5p, as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC, may promote the sensitivity of cells to DDP by targeting TP53INP1, associated with the suppression of cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG12 promotes proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by acting as a molecular sponge of microRNA-16

Long non-coding (lnc)RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) has an oncogenic role in various common human cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of SNHG12 in CRC cells have remained largely elusive, and the investigation thereof was the purpose of the present study. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to examine the expression of lncRNA and microRNA (miR). Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were used to assess cell proliferation and invasion. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm a predicted targeting association between lncRNA and miR. It was observed that SNHG12 was markedly upregulated in CRC tissues when compared with that in adjacent non-tumour tissues, and its high expression was associated with CRC progression, as well as poor prognosis of patients. In addition, the expression of SNHG12 was higher in CRC cell lines when compared with that in a normal intestinal epithelial cell line. Knockdown of SNHG12 significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation and invasion, while ectopic overexpression of SNHG12 had the opposite effect. A Bioinformatics analysis predicted that SNHG12 and miR-16 have complementary binding sites, which was confirmed by a luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression levels of miR-16 were markedly decreased in CRC tissues and cell lines compared with those in normal tissues or cells, and were inversely correlated with the expression levels of SNHG12 in CRC tissues. Furthermore, silencing of miR-16 eliminated the suppressive effects of SNHG12 knockdown on CRC cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SNHG12 promotes CRC cell proliferation and invasion, at least in part, by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-16, suggesting that SNHG12 may be a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

LncRNA GAS5-mediated miR-1323 promotes tumor progression by targeting TP53INP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: MiR-1323 was identified in 2006. Until now, the roles and mechanisms of miR-1323 in the progression of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions, roles and mechanisms of miR-1323 in HCC development.

Methods: QRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expressions of miR-1323, GAS5 and TP53INP1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay and flow cytometry assay were conducted to evaluate the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells. Luciferase assay was used to identify microRNA-target interaction.

Results: Firstly, our results showed that miR-1323 promoted proliferation and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis of HCC cells. Secondly, we found that TP53INP1 was a direct target of miR-1323 and could reverse the effects of miR-1323 on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells. Thirdly, our results showed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 and miR-1323 could interact with each other and affect biological processes of HCC cells. Furthermore, we identified the negative correlations between miR-1323 and TP53INP1, and between miR-1323 and GAS5 in tumor tissues of patients with HCC.

Conclusion: Taken together, our study revealed the important roles of GAS5/miR-1323/TP53INP1 axis in HCC progression. This study also provided promising strategies for targeted therapy of patients with HCC.

Emerging microRNA biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one abundant class of small, endogenous non-coding RNAs, which regulate various biological processes by inhibiting expression of target genes. miRNAs have important functional roles in carcinogenesis and development of colorectal cancer (CRC), and emerging evidence has indicated the feasibility of miRNAs as robust cancer biomarkers. This review summarizes the progress in miRNA-related research, including study of its oncogene or tumour-suppressor roles and the advantages of miRNA biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, treatment and recurrence prediction. Along with analytical technique improvements in miRNA research, use of the emerging extracellular miRNAs is feasible for CRC diagnosis and prognosis.

Role of MicroRNAs Induced by Chinese Herbal Medicines Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Brief Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, noncoding small RNAs that regulate gene expression, and consequently several important functions including early embryo development, cell cycle, programmed cell death, cell differentiation, and metabolism. While there are no effective treatments available against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), some Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to regulate growth, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Many studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicines regulate the expression of miRNAs and this may be associated with their ability to control the development of HCC. In this article, the effects of Chinese herbal medicines on the expression of miRNAs and their functions in the regulation of HCC have been reviewed and discussed. miRNAs such as miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 mediated by Chinese herbal medicines may be good biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.

lncRNA GAS5 Reverses EMT and Tumor Stem Cell-Mediated Gemcitabine Resistance and Metastasis by Targeting miR-221/SOCS3 in Pancreatic Cancer

Dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) mediating chemotherapeutic drug effects and metastasis in pancreatic cancer (PC) are key reasons for the poor prognosis of this disease. lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) is reported to be a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers. However, the functions of GAS5 and its related miRNAs in PC are poorly understood. This study explored the potential functions and mechanisms of GAS5 in PC gemcitabine resistance and metastasis. The results show that overexpression of GAS5 suppressed the proliferation, migration, gemcitabine resistance, stem cell-like properties, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC cells by directly binding to and suppressing miR-221 expression and enhancing suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression. The effects of miR-221 overexpression on proliferation, migration, gemcitabine resistance, stem cell-like properties, and EMT inhibition were reversed by SOCS3 overexpression in PC cells. Additionally, GAS5 promoted gemcitabine-induced tumor growth and metastasis inhibition, as determined by Ki-67 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), bioluminescence imaging, and the detection of cell-like properties and EMT in vivo. Thus, lncRNA GAS5 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-221, and it suppressed cell growth, metastasis, and gemcitabine resistance in PC by regulating the miR-221/SOCS3 pathway mediating EMT and tumor stem cell self-renewal.