MicroRNA-409: Molecular functions and clinical applications in cancer

Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for high mortality rates in cancer patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression can improve the cancer diagnosis in the early stages of the tumor progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in regulation of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and migration. Since, deregulation of miR-409 has been reported in a wide range of cancers, in the present review, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of miR-409 during tumor progression and invasion. It has been shown that miR-409 functions as a tumor suppressor in different tumor types. MiR-409 can reduce tumor cell proliferation, growth, and migration by regulation of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, transcription factors, and cellular adhesion. This review can be an effective step in introducing miR-409 as a non-invasive marker in cancer patients.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.

MicroRNA-495: a therapeutic and diagnostic tumor marker

Therapeutic and diagnostic progresses have significantly reduced the mortality rate among cancer patients during the last decade. However, there is still a high rate of mortality among cancer patients. One of the important reasons involved in the high mortality rate is the late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages that causes the failure of therapeutic strategies in these patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression has an important role in introducing the efficient early detection markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as stable factors in body fluids are always considered as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic markers. In the present review, we investigated the role of miR-495 in tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-495 has mainly a tumor suppressor function through the regulation of transcription factors and tyrosine kinases as well as cellular processes such as multidrug resistance, chromatin remodeling, and signaling pathways. This review can be an effective step towards introducing the miR-495 as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as a suitable target in tumor therapy.

PRC2 mediated KLF2 down regulation: a therapeutic and diagnostic axis during tumor progression

Surgery and chemo-radiotherapy are used as the common first-line treatment options in many cancers. However, tumor relapse is observed in many cancer patients following such first-line treatments. Therefore, targeted therapy according to the molecular cancer biology can be very important in reducing tumor recurrence. In this regard, a wide range of monoclonal antibodies against the growth factors and their receptors can offer more targeted treatment in cancer patients. However, due to the importance of growth factors in the normal biology of body cells, side effects can also be observed following the application of growth factor inhibitors. Therefore, more specific factors should be introduced as therapeutic targets with less side effects. Krüppel-like factors 2 (KLF2) belongs to the KLF family of transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. KLF2 deregulations have been also reported during the progression of many tumors. In the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms of KLF2 during tumor growth and invasion. It has been shown that the KLF2 as a tumor suppressor is mainly inhibited by the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) through the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) recruitment. This review is an effective step towards introducing the KLF2 as a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic target in cancer patients.

MicroRNAs as the Critical Regulators of Forkhead Box Protein Family in Pancreatic, Thyroid, and Liver Cancers

The metabolism of human body is mainly regulated by the pancreas, liver, and thyroid using the hormones or exocrine secretions that affect the metabolic processes from food digestion to intracellular metabolism. Therefore, metabolic organ disorders have wide clinical symptoms that severely affect the quality of patient's life. The pancreatic, liver, and thyroid cancers as the main malignancies of the metabolic system have always been considered as one of the serious health challenges worldwide. Despite the novel therapeutic modalities, there are still significant high mortality and recurrence rates, especially in liver and pancreatic cancer patients which are mainly related to the late diagnosis. Therefore, it is required to assess the molecular bases of tumor progressions to introduce novel early detection and therapeutic markers in these malignancies. Forkhead box (FOX) protein family is a group of transcription factors that have pivotal roles in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. They function as oncogene or tumor suppressor during tumor progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also involved in regulation of cellular processes. Therefore, in the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs during pancreatic, thyroid, and liver tumor progressions through FOX regulation. It has been shown that miRNAs were mainly involved in tumor progression via FOXM and FOXO targeting. This review paves the way for the introduction of miR/FOX axis as an efficient early detection marker and therapeutic target in pancreatic, thyroid, and liver tumors.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of Forkhead box protein family during gynecological and breast tumor progression and metastasis

Gynecological and breast tumors are one of the main causes of cancer-related mortalities among women. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, tumor relapse is observed in a high percentage of these patients due to the treatment failure. Late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages is one of the main reasons for the treatment failure and recurrence in these tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in progression of these tumors to introduce the efficient early diagnostic markers. Fokhead Box (FOX) is a family of transcription factors with a key role in regulation of a wide variety of cellular mechanisms. Deregulation of FOX proteins has been observed in different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of non-coding RNAs have important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in cellular mechanisms. They are also the non-invasive diagnostic markers due to their high stability in body fluids. Considering the importance of FOX proteins in the progression of breast and gynecological tumors, we investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of the FOX proteins in these tumors. MicroRNAs were mainly involved in progression of these tumors through FOXM, FOXP, and FOXO. The present review paves the way to suggest a non-invasive diagnostic panel marker based on the miRNAs/FOX axis in breast and gynecological cancers.

Role of forkhead box proteins in regulation of doxorubicin and paclitaxel responses in tumor cells: A comprehensive review

Chemotherapy is one of the common first-line therapeutic methods in cancer patients. Despite the significant effects in improving the quality of life and survival of patients, chemo resistance is observed in a significant part of cancer patients, which leads to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) are used as the first-line drugs in a wide range of tumors; however, DOX/PTX resistance limits their use in cancer patients. Considering the DOX/PTX side effects in normal tissues, identification of DOX/PTX resistant cancer patients is required to choose the most efficient therapeutic strategy for these patients. Investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in DOX/PTX response can help to improve the prognosis in cancer patients. Several cellular processes such as drug efflux, autophagy, and DNA repair are associated with chemo resistance that can be regulated by transcription factors as the main effectors in signaling pathways. Forkhead box (FOX) family of transcription factor has a key role in regulating cellular processes such as cell differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and proliferation. FOX deregulations have been associated with resistance to chemotherapy in different cancers. Therefore, we discussed the role of FOX protein family in DOX/PTX response. It has been reported that FOX proteins are mainly involved in DOX/PTX response by regulation of drug efflux, autophagy, structural proteins, and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-kb, and JNK. This review is an effective step in introducing the FOX protein family as the reliable prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer patients.

Molecular biology of microRNA-342 during tumor progression and invasion

Cancer is considered as one of the main causes of human deaths and health challenges in the world. Various factors are involved in the high death rate of cancer patients, including late diagnosis and drug resistance that result in treatment failure and tumor recurrence. Invasive diagnostic methods are one of the main reasons of late tumor detection in cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular tumor biology to introduce efficient non-invasive markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulation of the cellular mechanisms such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. MiRNAs deregulations have been also frequently shown in different tumor types. Here, we discussed the molecular mechanisms of miR-342 during tumor growth. MiR-342 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor by the regulation of transcription factors and signaling pathways such as WNT, PI3K/AKT, NF-kB, and MAPK. Therefore, miR-342 mimics can be used as a reliable therapeutic strategy to inhibit the tumor cells growth. The present review can also pave the way to introduce the miR-342 as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker in cancer patients.

Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-216a during tumor progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the members of non-coding RNAs family are involved in post-transcriptional regulation by translational inhibiting or mRNA degradation. They have a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and migration. MiRNAs aberrations have been reported in various cancers. Considering the importance of these factors in regulation of cellular processes and their high stability in body fluids, these factors can be suggested as suitable non-invasive markers for the cancer diagnosis. MiR-216a deregulation has been frequently reported in different cancers. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms of the miR-216a during tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-216a mainly functioned as a tumor suppressor through the regulation of signaling pathways and transcription factors. This review paves the way to suggest the miR-216a as a probable therapeutic and diagnostic target in cancer patients.

Cell cycle related long non-coding RNAs as the critical regulators of breast cancer progression and metastasis

Cell cycle is one of the main cellular mechanisms involved in tumor progression. Almost all of the active molecular pathways in tumor cells directly or indirectly target the cell cycle progression. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in cell cycle regulation in tumor cells. Since, early diagnosis has pivotal role in better cancer management and treatment, it is required to introduce the non-invasive diagnostic markers. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have higher stability in body fluids in comparison with mRNAs. Therefore, they can be used as efficient non-invasive markers for the early detection of breast cancer (BCa). In the present review we have summarized all of the reported lncRNAs involved in cell cycle regulation in BCa. It has been reported that lncRNAs mainly affect the cell cycle in G1/S transition through the CCND1/CDK4-6 complex. Present review paves the way of introducing the cell cycle related lncRNAs as efficient markers for the early detection of BCa.

MicroRNA-506 as a tumor suppressor in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma by regulation of WNT and NOTCH signaling pathways

Objectives

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive thyroid tumor type that has a poor prognosis due to its high therapeutic resistance. Since ATC accounts for half of thyroid cancer-related deaths, it is required to introduce novel therapeutic targets to increase survival in ATC patients. WNT and NOTCH signaling pathways are the pivotal regulators of cell proliferation and migration that can be regulated by microRNAs. We assessed the role of miR-506 in the regulation of cell migration, apoptosis, and drug resistance via NOTCH and WNT pathways in ATC cells.

Materials and Methods

The levels of miR-506 expressions were assessed in ATC cells and tissues. The levels of NOTCH, WNT, and EMT-related gene expressions were also assessed in miR-506 ectopic expressed cells compared with controls. Cell migration and drug resistance were also evaluated to assess the role of miR-506 in the regulation of ATC aggressiveness.

Results

There were significant miR-506 down-regulations in ATC cells and clinical samples compared with normal cells and margins. MiR-506 suppressed NOTCH and WNT signaling pathways through LEF1, DVL, FZD1, HEY2, HES5, and HEY2 down-regulations, and APC and GSK3b up-regulations. MiR-506 significantly inhibited ATC cell migration and EMT (P=0.028). Moreover, miR-506 significantly increased Cisplatin (P=0.004), Paclitaxel (P<0.0001), and Doxorubicin (P=0.0014) sensitivities in ATC cells.

Conclusion

MiR-506 regulated EMT, cell migration, and chemoresistance through regulation of WNT and NOTCH signaling pathways in ATC cells. Therefore, after confirmation with animal studies, it can be introduced as an efficient novel therapeutic factor for ATC tumors.

The expression of long non-coding RNA LINC01389, LINC00365, RP11-138J23.1, and RP11-354K4.2 in gastric cancer and their impacts on EMT

BACKGROUND

Epithelial cancers acquire the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which leads tumor cells to invade and metastasize to adjacent and distant tissues. The mechanisms involved in EMT phenotype are controlled by numerous markers as well as signalling pathways. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were introduced that play the regulatory role in EMT via crosstalk with EMT-related transcription factors and signalling pathways. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of four lncRNAs in human GC and elucidate their probable role in EMT procedure and the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

The expression profile of lncRNAs (LINC01389, LINC00365, RP11-138J23.1, and RP11-354K4.2) and mRNAs (TWIST1, MMP13, MAML1, CD44s, and SALL4) between eighty-three GC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The significant downregulation of LINC00365 (66.3%) and RP11-354K4.2 (62.7%) were observed in GC samples; while the upregulation of LINC01389, RP11-138J23.1, TWIST1, MMP13, MAML1, CD44s, and SALL4 were found in 67.5%, 45.8%, 56.6%, 44.6%, 59%, 55.4%, and 62.7% tumors samples at the mRNA level, respectively. Dysregulation of these lncRNAs and EMT-related markers was significantly related to each other in a variety of clinicopathological features of patients (P < 0.05), indicating positive correlations between LINC01389, LINC00365, RP11-138J23.1, and RP11-354K4.2 with EMT status in GC.

CONCLUSION

These EMT-regulating lncRNAs may play a key role in transforming gastric epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype and can be novel therapeutic targets for GC. Our results highlight the importance of discovering new lncRNAs involved in gastric carcinogenesis. Detailed molecular mechanisms of these noncoding-coding markers in GC are urgently required.

Inhibitory role of LINC00332 in gastric cancer progression through regulating cell EMT and stemness

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common lethal malignancies worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying GC early detection are poorly understood. Identifying potential coding and non-coding markers and related pathways in the GC progression is essential. Some Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) reportedly play vital roles during gastric GC development. However, the clinical significance and biological function of LINC00332 in GC remain largely unclear.

METHODS

The gene expression patterns of GC from an RNAseq dataset (GSE122401) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to recognize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DELs) between normal and GC samples through several bioinformatic analysis. The expression of LINC00332 and MMP-13 as a target gene was quantified in fresh frozen tissues obtained from GC patients. In addition, we investigated the potential function of LINC00332 in silico and in vitro.

RESULTS

The expressions of LINC00332 and MMP-13 were significantly downregulated and upregulated in GC tissues, respectively. A significant inverse correlation between LINC00332 and MMP-13 mRNA expression was observed in tumor samples. The mRNA expression level of mesenchymal markers, stem cell factors, and MMP genes were significantly decreased after the LINC00332 ectopic expression, while epithelial markers expression was significantly increased. The LINC00332 overexpression markedly repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and did not induce apoptosis in AGS cells. In addition, LINC00332 overexpression notably promoted the E-cadherin protein expression. Moreover, LINC00332 significantly decreased the cisplatin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that LINC00332 may be a critical anti-EMT factor and provided a new efficient therapeutic strategy for GC treatment.

Role of microRNAs in regulation of WNT signaling pathway in urothelial and prostate cancers

Background

Urothelial cancer (UC) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most common cancers among men with a high ratio of mortality in advanced-stages. The higher risk of these malignancies among men can be associated with higher carcinogens exposure. Molecular pathology of UC and PCa is related to the specific mutations and aberrations in some signaling pathways. WNT signaling is a highly regulated pathway that has a pivotal role during urothelial and prostate development and homeostasis. This pathway also plays a vital role in adult stem cell niches to maintain a balance between stemness and differentiation. Deregulation of the WNT pathway is frequently correlated with tumor progression and metastasis in urothelial and prostate tumors. Therefore, regulatory factors of WNT pathways are being investigated as diagnostic or prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets during urothelial and prostate tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a pivotal role in WNT signaling regulation in which there are interactions between miRNAs and WNT signaling pathway during tumor progression. Since, the miRNAs are sensitive, specific, and noninvasive, they can be introduced as efficient biomarkers of tumor progression.

Main body

In present review, we have summarized all of the miRNAs that have been involved in regulation of WNT signaling pathway in urothelial and prostate cancers.

Conclusions

It was observed that miRNAs were mainly involved in regulation of WNT signaling in bladder cancer cells through targeting the WNT ligands and cytoplasmic WNT components such as WNT5A, WNT7A, CTNNB1, GSK3β, and AXIN. Whereas, miRNAs were mainly involved in regulation of WNT signaling in prostate tumor cells via targeting the cytoplasmic WNT components and WNT related transcription factors such as CTNNB1, GSK3β, AXIN, TCF7, and LEF1. MiRNAs mainly functioned as tumor suppressors in bladder and prostate cancers through the WNT signaling inhibition. This review paves the way of introducing a noninvasive diagnostic panel of WNT related miRNAs in urothelial and prostate tumors.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of cell migration and invasion in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most frequent endocrine malignancies that is more common among females. Tumor recurrence is one of the most important clinical manifestations in differentiated TC which is associated with different factors including age, tumor size, and histological features. Various molecular processes such as genetic or epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs are also involved in TC progression and metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process during tumor invasion and migration that affects the initiation and transformation of early-stage tumors into invasive malignancies. A combination of transcription factors, growth factors, signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulations affect the thyroid cell migration and EMT process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important molecular factors involved in tumor metastasis by regulation of EMT-activating signaling pathways. Various miRNAs are involved in the signaling pathways associated with TC metastasis which can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Since, the miRNAs are sensitive, specific, and non-invasive, they can be suggested as efficient and optimal biomarkers of tumor invasion and metastasis. In the present review, we have summarized all of the miRNAs which have been significantly involved in thyroid tumor cells migration and invasion. We also categorized all of the reported miRNAs based on their cellular processes to clarify the molecular role of miRNAs during thyroid tumor cell migration and invasion. This review paves the way of introducing a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic panel of miRNAs in aggressive and metastatic TC patients.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms as important risk factors of diabetes among Middle East population

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that leads to the dysfunction of various tissues and organs, including eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes prevalence is 8.8% globally among whom about 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes. There are not any significant clinical manifestations in the primary stages of diabetes. Therefore, screening can be an efficient way to reduce the diabetic complications. Over the recent decades, the prevalence of diabetes has increased alarmingly among the Middle East population, which has imposed exorbitant costs on the health care system in this region. Given that the genetic changes are among the important risk factors associated with predisposing people to diabetes, we examined the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pathogenesis of diabetes among Middle East population. In the present review, we assessed the molecular pathology of diabetes in the Middle East population that paves the way for introducing an efficient SNP-based diagnostic panel for diabetes screening among the Middle East population. Since, the Middle East has a population of 370 million people; the current review can be a reliable model for the introduction of SNP-based diagnostic panels in other populations and countries around the world.

Kindlin1 As a Sex and Location Specific Diagnostic Marker in Gastric Cancer Patients

Background & Objective:

Gastric cancer (GC) is considered one of the main reasons for cancer-related mortalities among Iranians. Kindlin-1 is an adhesion protein member of integrin-interacting proteins, regulating integrin activation through direct interaction with β-integrin. Therefore, kindlin-1 can be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and adhesion. In the present study, we assessed the possible role of kindlin-1 in GC progression and metastasis.

Methods:

KINDLIN1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was assessed in tumor tissues from 80 GC patients in comparison with normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

The levels of KINDLIN1 expressions were significantly correlated with sex (P=0.05) and tumor location (P=0.002). KINDLIN1 expression was also significantly associated with lymph node metastasis among the Helicobacter Pylori (HP)-negative cases (P=0.001). Moreover, a significant association between age and KINDLIN1 expression was observed among the HP-positive cases (P=0.039).

Conclusion:

In the present study, we introduced KINDLIN1 as a location-specific marker for cardia gastric carcinoma. Moreover, it was observed that KINDLIN1 could be used as a gender-dependent diagnostic marker of GC patients.

Molecular mechanisms of the microRNA-132 during tumor progressions

Cancer as one of the leading causes of human deaths has always been one of the main health challenges in the world. Despite recent advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a high mortality rate among cancer patients. Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for the high ratio of cancer related deaths. Therefore, it is required to introduce novel early detection methods. Various molecular mechanisms are associated with the tumor progression and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) family that has important functions in regulation of the cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, they have higher stability in body fluids compared with mRNAs which can be introduced as non-invasive diagnostic markers in cancer patients. MiR-132 has important functions as tumor suppressor or oncogene in different cancers. In the present review, we have summarized all of the studies which have been reported the role of miR-132 during tumor progressions. We categorized the miR-132 target genes based on their cell and molecular functions. Although, it has been reported that the miR-132 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor, it has also oncogenic functions especially in pancreatic tumors. MiR-132 mainly exerts its roles during tumor progressions by regulation of the transcription factors and signaling pathways. Present review clarifies the tumor specific molecular mechanisms of miR-132 to introduce that as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic marker in various cancers.

The Level of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Autophosphorylation is Correlated with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Migration

Background

The MET receptor is a critical member of cancer-associated receptor tyrosine kinases and plays an important role in different biological activities, including differentiation, migration, and cell proliferation.

Methods

In this study, novel MET inhibitors were introduced and applied on esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line KYSE-30, and the level of proliferation and migration, as well as the activated form of MET receptor protein were assessed in the examined cells. The human KYSE-30 cell line was cultured according to ATCC recommendations. The mRNA level of the MET gene was measured in the examined cell line using the quantitative RT-PCR assay. Cytotoxicity evaluation test was performed at different concentrations of heterocyclic anti-MET compounds (i.e. D1, D2, D5, D6, D7, and D8). Finally, the capability of these compounds in MET receptor inhibition was evaluated using the migration assay and Western blot. All experiments were performed in triplicate and repeated three times with similar results.

Results

Cell growth and proliferation were significantly inhibited (p ≤ 0.05) by all the above-mentioned compounds. Moreover, the majority of compounds significantly prevented the cell migration (p ≤ 0.05) and inhibited MET autophosphorylation. Interestingly, the level of phosphorylated MET was significantly correlated with KYSE-30 cell migration.

Conclusion

The obtained data introduced and confirmed the biological activities of the mentioned novel compounds in KYSE-30 cells and proposed that the therapeutic inhibition of MET with these compounds may be a powerful approach for inhibiting cancer cell migration and proliferation although some structural optimizations are needed to improve their inhibitory functions.

MAEL as a diagnostic marker for the early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignancies among Iranians and is categorized as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Various environmental and genetic factors are involved in this malignancy. Despite the recent advances in therapeutic modalities there is still a noticeable mortality rate among such patients which can be related to the late diagnosis. Regarding high ratio of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Iran, therefore it is required to assess molecular biology of ESCC to introduce novel diagnostic markers. In present study we assessed the role of Maelstrom (MAEL) cancer testis gene in biology of ESCC among Iranian patients.

Methods

Forty-five freshly normal and tumor tissues were enrolled to evaluate the levels of MAEL mRNA expression using Real time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

MAEL under and over expressions were observed in 12 (26.7%) and 9 (20%) of patients, respectively. MAEL fold changes were ranged between -4.33 to -1.87 (mean SD: -2.90± 0.24) and 1.92 to 7.72 (mean SD: 3.97± 0.69) in under and over expressed cases, respectively. There was a significant association between stage and MAEL expression in which majority of MAEL over expressed tumors (8/9, 88.9%) were in stage I/II (p<0.001). There was also a significant correlation between MAEL expression and depth of invasion in which tumor with T1/2 had higher levels of MAEL expression compared with T3/4 tumors (p=0.017). Moreover, there were significant correlations between MAEL expression, tumor size (p=0.028), and grade (p=0.003) among male patients.

Conclusions

Our data showed that the MAEL was mainly involved in primary stages of tumor progression and it has a declining expression levels toward the advanced stages and higher depth of tumor invasions. Therefore, MAEL can be efficiently introduced as an early detection marker among Iranian ESCC patients.

MAEL Cancer-Testis Antigen as a Diagnostic Marker in Primary Stages of Gastric Cancer with Helicobacter pylori Infection

PURPOSE

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world. Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are involved in tumor progression of various cancers. These markers have not any expression or minimally expression in normal tissues, highlighting them as efficient methods for molecular targeted therapy. In the present study, we assessed the role of MAEL as a CTA in biology of GC and risk of Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) infection.

METHODS

Levels of MAEL mRNA expression in 80 GC tumor tissues were compared to their corresponding normal margins using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between MAEL expression and tumor stage (p = 0.050). There were also significant correlations between MAEL expression and tumor grade (p = 0.015) and depth of invasion (p = 0.030) among the H pylori negative cases.

CONCLUSIONS

MAEL is probably associated with aggressiveness of primary-stage tumors and can be introduced as an efficient marker for the early detection and also H pylori infected tumors in GC patients.

Contribution of KCTD12 to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

It has been shown that the expression of potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 12 (KCTD12) as a regulator of GABAB receptor signaling is reversely associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. In present study we examined the probable role of KCTD12 in regulation of several signaling pathways and chromatin remodelers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

KCTD12 ectopic expression was done in KYSE30 cell line. Comparative quantitative real time PCR was used to assess the expression of stem cell factors and several factors belonging to the WNT/NOTCH and chromatin remodeling in transfected cells in comparison with non-transfected cells.

Results

We observed that the KCTD12 significantly down regulated expression of NANOG, SOX2, SALL4, KLF4, MAML1, PYGO2, BMI1, BRG1, MSI1, MEIS1, EGFR, DIDO1, ABCC4, ABCG2, and CRIPTO1 in transfected cells in comparison with non-transfected cells. Migration assay showed a significant decrease in cell movement in ectopic expressed cells in comparison with non-transfected cells (p = 0.02). Moreover, KCTD12 significantly decreased the 5FU resistance in transfected cells (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

KCTD12 may exert its inhibitory role in ESCC through the suppression of WNT /NOTCH, stem cell factors, and chromatin remodelers and can be introduced as an efficient therapeutic marker.

Association of Two CD44 Polymorphisms with Clinical Outcomes of Gastric Cancer Patients

Objective:

CD44 is an important cell adhesion molecule that plays a key role in growth, invasion, proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. CD44 protein over-expression is associated with a poor prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) and previous studies have shown that CD44 gene polymorphisms could affect survival and recurrence. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that polymorphisms impacting on the CD44 signaling pathway may predict clinical outcomes in patients with GC.

Materials and Methods:

DNA was extracted from blood of 150 healthy individuals and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue of 150 patients. The two polymorphisms rs187116 and rs7116432 were studied by RFLP-PCR and sequencing techniques.

Results:

There was a strong significant correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD44 gene, tumor recurrence, and overall survival (p <0.0001). The existence of a significant relationship between tumor recurrence and overall survival was proved in this study, with at least one allele G for the polymorphism rs187116 and at least one allele A for polymorphism rs7116432.

Conclusion:

These results provide evidence of a relationship between CD44 gene polymorphisms and clinical outcomes in our GC patients. This result could help identify individuals with GC who have a high risk of tumor recurrence.

Four novel mutations of the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes in Iranian patients with maple syrup urine disease

BACKGROUND

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic autosomal recessive disorder caused by dysfunction of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. Mutations in the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes are responsible for MSUD. The current study analyzed seven Iranian MSUD patients genetically and explored probable correlations between their genotype and phenotype.

METHODS

The panel of genes, including BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT, was evaluated, using routine the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing method. In addition, protein modeling (homology and threading modeling) of the deduced novel mutations was performed. The resulting structures were then analyzed, using state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to better understand the structural and functional effects caused by mutations.

RESULTS

Seven mutations were detected in seven patients, including four novel pathogenic mutations in BCKDHA (c.1198delA, c.629C>T), BCKDHB (c.652C>T) and DBT (c.1150A>G) genes. Molecular modeling of the novel mutations revealed clear changes in the molecular energy levels and stereochemical traits of the modeled proteins, which may be indicative of strong correlations with the functional modifications of the genes. Structural deficiencies were compatible with the observed phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Any type of MSUD can show heterogeneous clinical manifestations in different ethnic groups. Comprehensive molecular investigations would be necessary for differential diagnosis.

Correlation Between Meis1 and Msi1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors are critical regulators of cell fate, stem cell functions, and gastrointestinal development. They require three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins such as Meis1 to enhance their transcriptional efficiencies. There are complicated associations between different signaling pathways such as the Wnt and NOTCH and tumor progression. It has been investigated that GSK-3 as an important component of the Wnt pathway facilitates the expression of HOX target genes. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the probable correlation between Wnt, NOTCH, and HOX genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and metastasis through the correlational study between the Msi1 as an important activator for both of the NOTCH and Wnt pathways and Meis1.

METHODS

Levels of Meis1 and Msi1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in 51 ESCC patients were compared to the normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Only 3 out of 51 (5.9 %) cases had Meis1/Msi1 overexpression and also 3/51 (5.9 %) cases had Meis1/Msi1 underexpression. There was a significant correlation between the Msi1 and Mesi1 mRNA expression (p = 0.037). All of the Msi1/Meis1 underexpressed tumors were poorly differentiated (p = 0.003). Meis1 under/Msi1 overexpressed cases also were in T3 tumor depth of invasion (p = 0.019). And there was a significant correlation between the Msi1/Meis1 underexpression and gender (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that Meis1 may have a positive feedback with Msi1 during the ESCC progression.

Sexual orientation and medical history among Iranian people with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To report sexual orientation, relationship status and medical history of Iranian people with Differences of Sex Development (DSD) who were raised female.

METHODS

Our participants consisted of nineteen 46,XY individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and eighteen 46,XX individuals with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) who were raised as females and older than 13years. As well as their relationship status and detailed medical history, an expert psychiatrist assessed their sexual orientation by a semi-structured psychiatric interview with them and, where applicable, their parents.

RESULTS

Five percent of CAH participants and 42% of CAIS participants were in a relationship, which was significantly different. All CAH individuals had been diagnosed at birth; 89% of CAIS had been diagnosed after puberty and due to primary amenorrhea and 11% were diagnosed in childhood due to inguinal hernia. Genital reconstructive surgery had been performed in 100% of CAH participants and 37% of CAIS. Regarding sexual contact experiences and sexual fantasies (androphilic, gynephilic or both), no significant differences were found. However, CAH females had significantly more gynephilic dreams (P=0.045).

CONCLUSION

This study, notable as one of the rare from a non-western culture, described sexual, medical and socioeconomic status of 46,XX CAH and 46,XY CAIS individuals living in Iran. Although broadly in line with previous findings from Western cultures, Iranian CAH individuals had fewer romantic relationships, but in contrast to previous studies their sexual orientation was only different from CAIS in the contents of sexual dreams.

The role of BRAF V600E mutation as a potential marker for prognostic stratification of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract Papillary carcinoma is the most prevalent malignancy of thyroid gland, and its incidence has been recently increased. The BRAF(V600E) mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The role of BRAF(V600E) mutation as a potential prognostic factor has been controversially reported in different studies, with short-term follow-up. In this study, we evaluated the role of BRAF(V600E) mutation as a potential marker for prognostic stratification of patients with PTC in long-term follow-up. We studied 69 PTC patients with a mean follow-up period of 63.9 months (median: 60 m). The BRAF(V600E) mutation was analyzed by PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism and sequencing. The correlation between the presence or absence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation, clinicopathological features and prognosis of PTC patients were studied. The BRAF(V600E) mutation was found in 28 of 69 (40.6%) PTC patients, and it was significantly more frequent in older patients (p < 0.001), in advanced tumor stages (p = 0.006) and in patients with history of radiation exposure (p = 0.037). Incomplete response to treatment in PTC patients was significantly correlated with certain clinicopathological characteristics (follow-up time, distant metastases, advanced stage, first thyroglobulin (fTg) level, history of reoperation and external radiotherapy and delay in iodine therapy) but it was not related to the presence of BRAF(V600E) mutation. Prevalence of BRAF(V600E) mutation was 40.6% in patients with papillary thyroid cancer in northeast of Iran. The BRAF(V600E) mutation was associated with older age and advanced tumor stage but was not correlated with incomplete response during follow-up.