Proliferation-promoting roles of linear and circular PVT1 are independent of their ability to bind miRNAs in B-cell lymphoma

Plasmacytoma Variant Translocation 1 (PVT1) is a long non-coding RNA located at 8q24.21 immediately downstream of MYC. Both the linear and circular PVT1 transcripts contribute to cancer pathogenesis by binding microRNAs. However, little is known about their roles in B-cell lymphoma. Here we studied their expression patterns, role in growth, and ability to bind miRNAs in B-cell lymphoma. Linear PVT1 transcripts were downregulated in B-cell cell lymphoma lines compared to germinal center B cells, while circPVT1 levels were increased. Two Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines had a homozygous deletion including the 5' region of the PVT1 locus, resulting in a complete lack of circPVT1 and 5' linear PVT1 transcripts. Inhibition of both linear and circular PVT1 decreased growth of Burkitt lymphoma, while the effects on Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma were less pronounced. Overexpression of circPVT1 promoted growth of B-cell lymphoma lacking or having low endogenous circPVT1 levels. Contrary to other types of cancer, linear and circular PVT1 transcripts did not interact with miRNAs in B-cell lymphoma. Overall, we showed an opposite expression pattern of linear and circular PVT1 in B-cell lymphoma. Their effect on growth was independent of their ability to bind miRNAs.

Anti-miR-93-5p therapy prolongs sepsis survival by restoring the peripheral immune response

Sepsis remains a leading cause of human death and currently has no pathogenesis-specific therapy. Hampered progress is partly due to a lack of insight into deep mechanistic processes. In the last decade, deciphering the functions of small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in sepsis pathogenesis became a dynamic research topic. To screen for new miRNA targets for sepsis therapeutics, we used human samples for miRNA array from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from sepsis patients and controls, blood samples from two cohorts of sepsis patients, and multiple animal models: mouse cecum ligation-puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis, mouse viral miRNA challenge, and baboon Gram-positive and Gram-negative sepsis models. miR-93-5p met the criteria for a therapeutic target, being overexpressed in baboons that died early after induction of sepsis, downregulated in humans who survived after sepsis, and correlated with negative clinical prognosticators for sepsis. Therapeutically, inhibiting miR-93-5p prolonged the overall survival of mice with CLP-induced sepsis, with a stronger effect in older mice. Mechanistically, anti-miR-93-5p therapy reduced inflammatory monocytes and increased circulating effector memory T cells, especially the CD4+ subset. AGO2-immunoprecipitation in miR-93-knockout T cells identified important regulatory receptors, such as CD28, as direct miR-93-5p target genes. In conclusion, miR-93-5p is a potential therapeutic target in sepsis through regulating both innate and adaptive immunity with possibly more benefit for the elderly than the young patients.

The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Chromosomal Instability in Cancer

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is characterized by an increased frequency of changes in chromosome structure or number and is regarded as a hallmark of cancer. CIN plays a prevalent role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression by assisting the cancer cells' phenotypic adaptation to stress, which have been tightly linked to therapy resistance and metastasis. Both CIN-inducing and CIN-repressing agents are being clinically tested for the treatment of cancer to increase CIN levels to unsustainable levels leading to cell death or to decrease CIN levels to limit the development of drug resistance, respectively. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been fundamentally implicated in CIN. The miR-22, miR-26a, miR-28, and miR-186 target important checkpoint proteins involved in mediating chromosomal stability and their expression modulation has been directly related to CIN occurrence. lncRNAs derived from telomeric, centrosomal, and enhancer regions play an important role in mediating genome stability, while specific lncRNA transcripts including genomic instability inducing RNA called Ginir, P53-responsive lncRNA termed as GUARDIN, colon cancer-associated transcript 2, PCAT2, and ncRNA activated by DNA damage called NORAD have been shown to act within CIN-associated pathways. In this review, we discuss how these ncRNAs either maintain or disrupt the stability of chromosomes and how these mechanisms could be exploited for novel therapeutic approaches targeting CIN in cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chromosomal instability increases tumor heterogeneity and thereby assists the phenotypic adaptation of cancer cells, causing therapy resistance and metastasis. Several microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs that have been causally linked to chromosomal instability could represent novel therapeutic targets. Understanding the role of non-coding RNAs in regulating different genes involved in driving chromosomal instability will give insights into how non-coding RNAs can be utilized toward modifying chemotherapeutic regimens in different cancers.

The lncRNA KTN1-AS1 co-regulates a variety of Myc-target genes and enhances proliferation of Burkitt lymphoma cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many normal and oncogenic pathways through a diverse repertoire of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. LncRNAs that are under tight regulation of well-known oncogenic transcription factors such as c-Myc (Myc) are likely to be functionally involved in their disease-promoting mechanisms. Myc is a major driver of many subsets of B cell lymphoma and to date remains an undruggable target. We identified three Myc-induced and four Myc-repressed lncRNAs by use of multiple in vitro models of Myc-driven Burkitt lymphoma and detailed analysis of Myc binding profiles. We show that the top Myc-induced lncRNA KTN1-AS1 is strongly upregulated in different types of B cell lymphoma compared with their normal counterparts. We used CRISPR-mediated genome editing to confirm that the direct induction of KTN1-AS1 by Myc is dependent on the presence of a Myc E-box-binding motif. Knockdown of KTN1-AS1 revealed a strong negative effect on the growth of three BL cell lines. Global gene expression analysis upon KTN1-AS1 depletion shows a strong enrichment of key genes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway as well as co-regulation of many Myc-target genes, including a moderate negative effect on the levels of Myc itself. Our study suggests a critical role for KTN1-AS1 in supporting BL cell growth by mediating co-regulation of a variety of Myc-target genes and co-activating key genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Therefore, KTN1-AS1 may represent a putative novel therapeutic target in lymphoma.

Ablation of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 activates antioxidant pathway and alleviates sepsis in mice

The metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript1 (MALAT1) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and is known for its role in cancer development and prognosis. In this study, we report that MALAT1 plays an important role in regulating acute inflammatory responses in sepsis. In patient samples, MALAT1 expression was positively correlated with severity of sepsis. In cultured macrophages, LPS treatment significantly induced MALAT1 expression, while genetic ablation of MALAT1 greatly reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, MALAT1-ablated mice had significantly increased survival rates in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis and LPS-induced endotoxemia. One novel and salient feature of MALAT1-ablated mice is greatly reduced ROS level in macrophages and other cell types and increased glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in macrophages, suggesting an increased antioxidant capacity. We showed a mechanism for MALAT1 ablation leading to enhanced antioxidant capacity is through activation of methionine cycle by epitranscriptomical regulation of methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A). MAT2A 3′UTR can be methylated by METTL16 which was known to directly bind to MALAT1. MALAT1 ablation was found to reduce methylation in MAT2A hairpin1 and increase MAT2A protein levels. Our results suggest a MALAT1-METTL16-MAT2A interactive axis which may be targeted for treatments of sepsis.

Noncoding RNA therapeutics - challenges and potential solutions

Therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancers, as well as many other diseases. Over the past decade, substantial effort has been made towards the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, employing mostly antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, with several gaining FDA approval. However, trial results have so far been ambivalent, with some studies reporting potent effects whereas others demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity. Alternative entities such as antimiRNAs are undergoing clinical testing, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are gaining interest. In this Perspective, we discuss key challenges facing ncRNA therapeutics - including issues associated with specificity, delivery and tolerability - and focus on promising emerging approaches that aim to boost their success.

MiR-378a-3p Is Critical for Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Growth

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules with important gene regulatory roles in normal and pathophysiological cellular processes. Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an MYC-driven lymphoma of germinal center B (GC-B) cell origin. To gain further knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of BL, we performed small RNA sequencing in BL cell lines and normal GC-B cells. This revealed 26 miRNAs with significantly different expression levels. For five miRNAs, the differential expression pattern was confirmed in primary BL tissues compared to GC-B cells. MiR-378a-3p was upregulated in BL, and its inhibition reduced the growth of multiple BL cell lines. RNA immunoprecipitation of Argonaute 2 followed by microarray analysis (Ago2-RIP-Chip) upon inhibition and ectopic overexpression of miR-378a-3p revealed 63 and 20 putative miR-378a-3p targets, respectively. Effective targeting by miR-378a-3p was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays for MAX Network Transcriptional Repressor (MNT), Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1), Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4), and lncRNA Just Proximal To XIST (JPX), and by Western blot for IRAK4 and MNT. Overexpression of IRAK4 and MNT phenocopied the effect of miR-378a-3p inhibition. In summary, we identified miR-378a-3p as a miRNA with an oncogenic role in BL and identified IRAK4 and MNT as miR-378a-3p target genes that are involved in its growth regulatory role.

Intricate crosstalk between MYC and non-coding RNAs regulates hallmarks of cancer

Myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) plays an important role in the regulation of many cellular processes, and its expression is tightly regulated at the level of transcription, translation, protein stability, and activity. Despite this tight regulation, MYC is overexpressed in many cancers and contributes to multiple hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, it has become clear that noncoding RNAs add a crucial additional layer to the regulation of MYC and its downstream effects. So far, twenty-five microRNAs and eighteen long noncoding RNAs that regulate MYC have been identified. Thirty-three miRNAs and nineteen lncRNAs are downstream effectors of MYC that contribute to the broad oncogenic role of MYC, including its effects on diverse hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we give an overview of this extensive, multilayered noncoding RNA network that exists around MYC. Current data clearly show explicit roles of crosstalk between MYC and ncRNAs to allow tumorigenesis.

Targeted epigenetic editing of SPDEF reduces mucus production in lung epithelial cells

Airway mucus hypersecretion contributes to the morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Reducing mucus production is crucial for improving patients' quality of life. The transcription factor SAM-pointed domain-containing Ets-like factor (SPDEF) plays a critical role in the regulation of mucus production and, therefore, represents a potential therapeutic target. This study aims to reduce lung epithelial mucus production by targeted silencing SPDEF using the novel strategy, epigenetic editing. Zinc fingers and CRISPR/dCas platforms were engineered to target repressors (KRAB, DNA methyltransferases, histone methyltransferases) to the SPDEF promoter. All constructs were able to effectively suppress both SPDEF mRNA and protein expression, which was accompanied by inhibition of downstream mucus-related genes [anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), mucin 5AC (MUC5AC)]. For the histone methyltransferase G9A, and not its mutant or other effectors, the obtained silencing was mitotically stable. These results indicate efficient SPDEF silencing and downregulation of mucus-related gene expression by epigenetic editing, in human lung epithelial cells. This opens avenues for epigenetic editing as a novel therapeutic strategy to induce long-lasting mucus inhibition.

Inhibition of the miR-155 target NIAM phenocopies the growth promoting effect of miR-155 in B-cell lymphoma

Several studies have indicated an important role for miR-155 in the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma. Highly elevated levels of miR-155 were indeed observed in most B-cell lymphomas with the exception of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the oncogenic role of miR-155 in B-cell lymphoma are not well understood. To identify the miR-155 targets relevant for B-cell lymphoma, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation of Argonaute 2 in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cells upon miR-155 inhibition and in BL cells upon ectopic expression of miR-155. We identified 54 miR-155-specific target genes in BL cells and confirmed miR-155 targeting of DET1, NIAM, TRIM32, HOMEZ, PSIP1 and JARID2. Five of these targets are also regulated by endogenous miR-155 in HL cells. Both overexpression of miR-155 and inhibition of expression of the novel miR-155 target gene NIAM increased proliferation of BL cells. In primary B-cell lymphoma NIAM-positive cases have significant lower levels of miR-155 as compared to NIAM-negative cases, suggesting that NIAM is also regulated by miR-155 in primary B-cell lymphoma. Thus, our data indicate an oncogenic role for miR-155 in B-cell lymphoma which involves targeting the tumor suppressor NIAM.

Long Noncoding RNA Expression Profiling in Normal B-Cell Subsets and Hodgkin Lymphoma Reveals Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg Cell-Specific Long Noncoding RNAs

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a malignancy of germinal center (GC) B-cell origin. To explore the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HL, we studied lncRNA expression patterns in normal B-cell subsets, HL cell lines, and tissues. Naive and memory B cells showed a highly similar lncRNA expression pattern, distinct from GC-B cells. Significant differential expression between HL and normal GC-B cells was observed for 475 lncRNA loci. For two validated lncRNAs, an enhanced expression was observed in HL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and lymphoblastoid cell lines. For a third lncRNA, increased expression levels were observed in HL and part of Burkitt lymphoma cell lines. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization on primary HL tissues revealed a tumor cell-specific expression pattern for all three lncRNAs. A potential cis-regulatory role was observed for 107 differentially expressed lncRNA-mRNA pairs localizing within a 60-kb region. Consistent with a cis-acting role, we showed a preferential nuclear localization for two selected candidates. Thus, we showed dynamic lncRNA expression changes during the transit of normal B cells through the GC reaction and widely deregulated lncRNA expression patterns in HL. Three lncRNAs showed a tumor cell-specific expression pattern in HL tissues and might therefore be of value as a biomarker.

Long noncoding RNAs as a novel component of the Myc transcriptional network

Myc is a well-known transcription factor with important roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, and cellular transformation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as an important class of regulatory RNAs. Here, we show that lncRNAs are a main component of the Myc-regulated transcriptional program using the P493-6 tetracycline-repressible myc model. We demonstrate that both Myc-induced mRNAs and lncRNAs are significantly enriched for Myc binding sites. In contrast to Myc-repressed mRNAs, Myc-repressed lncRNAs are significantly enriched for Myc binding sites. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that compared to mRNAs, lncRNAs more often have a specific subcellular localization with a markedly higher percentage of nuclear enrichment within the Myc-repressed lncRNA set. Parallel analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs identified 105 juxtaposed lncRNA-mRNA pairs, indicative for regulation in cis. To support the potential relevance of the Myc-regulated lncRNAs in cellular transformation, we analyzed their expression in primary Myc-high and Myc-low B-cell lymphomas. In total, 54% of the lncRNAs differentially expressed between the lymphoma subsets were identified as Myc-regulated in P493-6 cells. This study is the first to show that lncRNAs are an important factor within the Myc-regulated transcriptional program and indicates a marked difference between Myc-repressed lncRNAs and mRNAs.

Vocal fold paralysis following the anterior approach to the cervical spine

The anterior cervical approach is commonly used for access to the cervical spine. Vocal fold paralysis (VFP), a complication of this approach, is underrepresented in the literature. A review of the database of the Vanderbilt Voice Center revealed 289 patients with VFP, including 16 patients who developed paralysis as a result of an anterior cervical approach. The paralysis was on the right side in all but 1 patient. Compared to patients who developed VFP after thyroidectomy and carotid endarterectomy, patients with VFP after an anterior cervical approach have a higher incidence of aspiration and dysphagia, suggesting the presence of trauma to the superior laryngeal and pharyngeal branches as well as the recurrent branch of the vagus nerve. Two patients had partial return and 1 patient had complete return of vocal fold movement within 10 months. Of the remaining 13 patients, 8 underwent vocal fold medialization with improvement of symptoms. Two patients are 6 and 7 months postinjury and await vocal fold medialization. Two patients are 27 months and 45 months postinjury and are considering vocal fold medialization. The remaining patient was lost to follow-up. An anatomic-geometric analysis of the right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves was performed by using measurements obtained from computed tomography scans of 8 patients with idiopathic unilateral VFP, as well as experience gained through surgical and cadaveric dissections. We conclude 1) the anterior cervical approach may place multiple branches of the vagus nerve at risk; 2) because of anatomic-geometric factors, the right-sided anterior cervical approach may carry a greater risk to the ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve than does the left; and 3) an understanding of the anatomy and geometry presented herein allows relatively safe exposure from either side of the neck.