miR-184 Inhibits Tumor Invasion, Migration and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting Notch2

Background/Aims: A recent study found that dysregulated microRNA-184 (miR-184) is involved in the proliferation and survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to evaluate the detailed mechanisms of invasion, migration and metastasis of NPC cells. Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to confirm the expression levels of miR-184 and Notch2. NPC cell invasion and migration were subsequently examined using in vitro cell invasion and wound-healing assays, respectively. MicroRNA (miRNA) target gene prediction databases and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to validate the target genes of miR-184. Results: MiR-184 was downregulated in the NPC cell lines. The miR-184 inhibitor increased the number of invading NPC cells, whereas miR-184 mimics inhibited the invasive ability of such cells. The protein level of E-cadherin decreased, whereas those of N-cadherin and vimentin increased in the anti-miR-184 group. This result showed that miR-184 inhibited NPC cell invasion and metastasis by regulating EMT progression. MiRNA target gene prediction databases indicated the potential of Notch2 as a direct target gene of miR-184. Such a notion was then validated by results of dual-luciferase reporter assay. Notably, shRNANotch2 restrained the EMT and partially abrogated the inhibitory effects of miR-184 on EMT progression in NPC cells. Conclusion: MiR-184 functions as a tumour-suppressive miRNA targeting Notch2 and inhibits the invasion, migration and metastasis of NPC.

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MiR-196b Promotes the Invasion and Migration of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Targeting AQP4

Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment ◽

10.1177/1533033820985868 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 153303382098586

Author(s):

Xuhui Wu ◽

Gongzhi Wu ◽

Huaizhong Zhang ◽

Xuyang Peng ◽

Bin Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽

Cell Invasion ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Invasion And Migration ◽

And Migration ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Objective: We aimed to investigate the mechanism of the regulatory axis of miR-196b/AQP4 underlying the invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. Methods: LUAD miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were downloaded from TCGA database and then differential analysis was used to identify the target miRNA. Target gene for the miRNA was obtained via prediction using 3 bioinformatics databases and intersection with the differentially expressed mRNAs searched from TCGA-LUAD. Then, qRT-PCR and western blot were used to validate the expression of miR-196b and AQP4. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-196b and AQP4. Transwell assay was used to investigate the migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Results: MiR-196b was screened out by differential and survival analyses, and the downstream target gene AQP4 was identified. In LUAD, miR-196b was highly expressed while AQP4 was poorly expressed. Besides, overexpression of miR-196b promoted cell invasion and migration, while overexpression of AQP4 had negative effects. Moreover, the results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay suggested that AQP4 was a direct target of miR-196b. In addition, we also found that overexpressing AQP4 could suppress the promotive effect of miR-196b on cancer cell invasion and migration. Conclusion: MiR-196b promotes the invasion and migration of LUAD cells by down-regulating AQP4, which helps us find new molecular targeted therapies for LUAD.

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Long non-coding RNA BCYRN1 exerts an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer through regulating miR-204-3p/KRAS axis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33110/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Liu Yang ◽

Yinan Zhang ◽

Jun Bao ◽

Ji-Feng Feng

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Reporter Gene ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽

Tumor Tissues ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Background: It has been well documented that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous characteristics of cancer, including proliferation, migration, metastasis, apoptosis, even metabolism. LncRNA BCYRN1 (BCYRN1) is a newly identified brain cytoplasmic lncRNA with 200-nucleotide, which was discovered highly expressed in tumor tissues of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and lung cancer. However, the roles of BCYRN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. This study was designed to reveal the acts of BCYRN1 in the occurrence and progression of CRC.Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of BCYRN1 in tumor tissues and CRC cell lines. Knock down BCYRN1 in CRC cells, evaluate cell proliferation changes by CCK-8 test, EdU test, and Ki-67 and PCNA expression; evaluate cell migration and invasion changes by wound healing assay, Transwell assay and invasion-related protein expression . Through flow cytometry analysis to assess whether BCYRN1 regulates apoptosis of CRC cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene detects the competitive binding of BCYRN1 to miR-204-3p. In vivo experiments to evaluate the effect of BCYRN1 on tumor development. TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene detect the target gene of miR-204-3p. Rescue experiments verified the effect of BCYRN1 on CRC by regulating the effect of miR-204-3p on KRAS.Results: We found that compared with normal tissues and human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs), BCYRN1 levels were significantly increased in tumor tissues and cell lines of CRC. We further determined that knockdown of BCYRN1 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay showed that BCYRN1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the development of CRC through competitively binding to miR-204-3p. Further studies proved that overexpression of miR-204-3p reversed the effects of BCYRN1 on CRC. Next, TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRAS was a target gene of miR-204-3p and negatively regulated by miR-204-3p. A series of rescue experiments showed that BCYRN1 affected the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the effects of miR-204-3p on KRAS. In addition, tumorigenic experiments in CRC model mice confirmed that down-regulated BCYRN1 effectively inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that BCYRN1 plays a carcinogenic role in CRC by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis.

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MiR-877-5p down-regulation of PDK-1 involving in aspirin-induced gastric epithelial cells damage

10.21203/rs.2.23284/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

zongdan jiang ◽

Ran Dan ◽

Zou Jianjun ◽

Wang Zhibing ◽

Wang Zhi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Gastric Epithelial Cells ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽

Mucosal Erosion ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract It has been found that the expression of miR-877-5p is increased in serum of patients taking NSAIDs drugs. However, whether miR-877-5p play a role in aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal erosion remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-877-5p on gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. MiR-877-5p mimic/inhibitor and their oligonucleotides were transfected into GES-1 cells, then GES-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of aspirin (1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mmol/L). The bioinformatics software and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and verify the target gene of miR-877-5p. qRT-PCR and Western Blotting were employed to assess gene and protein expression, and CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR data showed that miR-877-5p level was significantly increased in aspirin incubated GES-1 cells. The proliferation of GES-1 cells were markedly inhibited and apoptosis was significantly induced in the miR-877-5p mimic groups compared to control groups. Using PITA, Targetscan and miRWalk database, the three databases indicated that PDK1 was a target gene of miR-miR-877-5p. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the existence of a direct interaction between miR-877-5p and PDK1 mRNA. Importantly, miR-877-5p knockdown resulted in a significant upregulation of PDK1 mRNA and its encoded protein in GES-1 cells. miR-877-5p plays a role in aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal erosion, which may via down-regulation of targeting PDK1 gene.

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MicroRNA-449b-5p suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting TPD52 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The Journal of Biochemistry ◽

10.1093/jb/mvz057 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 166 (5) ◽

pp. 433-440 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Wei Yin ◽

Lei Shi ◽

Yanjiao Mao

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an important type of head and neck malignant cancer with geographical distribution. MicroRNA-449b-5p (miR-449b-5p) is related to the development of various cancers, while its function in NPC remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role and target gene of miR-449b-5p in NPC. Expressions of miR-449b-5p in NPC cell lines and clinical tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was determined by MTT and colony formation assays. Migration and invasion abilities after different treatment were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to explore the relationship between miR-449b-5p and tumour protein D52 (TPD52). TPD52 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot assay. miR-449b-5p was significantly downregulated in NPC cell lines and clinical tissues than the matched control. Overexpression of miR-449b-5p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-449b-5p directly targeted TPD52. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated downregulation of TPD52 rectified the promotion of cell migration and invasion by miR-449b-5p inhibition. In conclusion, the present study suggests that miR-449b-5p, as a novel tumour-suppressive miRNA against NPC, inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells via inhibiting TPD52 expression.

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Long non-coding RNA BCYRN1 exerts an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer through regulating miR-204-3p/KRAS axis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33110/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Liu Yang ◽

Yinan Zhang ◽

Jun Bao ◽

Ji-Feng Feng

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Reporter Gene ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Background: It has been well documented that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous characteristics of cancer, including proliferation, migration, metastasis, apoptosis, and even metabolism. LncRNA BCYRN1 (BCYRN1) is a newly identified brain cytoplasmic lncRNA with 200 nucleotides that was discovered to be highly expressed in tumour tissues, including those of hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and lung cancer. However, the roles of BCYRN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. This study was designed to reveal the role of BCYRN1 in the occurrence and progression of CRC.Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of BCYRN1 in tumour tissues and CRC cell lines. BCYRN1 was knocked down in CRC cells, and cell proliferation changes were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression assays. Cell migration and invasion changes were evaluated by wound healing, Transwell and invasion-related protein expression assays. Flow cytometry analysis was used to assess whether BCYRN1 regulates the apoptosis of CRC cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene detects the competitive binding of BCYRN1 to miR-204-3p. In vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of BCYRN1 on tumour development. TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were applied to detect the target gene of miR-204-3p. Rescue experiments verified that BCYRN1 affects CRC by regulating the effect of miR-204-3p on KRAS.Results: We found that compared with normal tissues and human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs), CRC tumour tissues and cell lines had significantly increased BCYRN1 levels. We further determined that knockdown of BCYRN1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay showed that BCYRN1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the development of CRC through competitively binding to miR-204-3p. Further studies proved that overexpression of miR-204-3p reversed the effects of BCYRN1 on CRC. Next, TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRAS is a target gene of miR-204-3p and is negatively regulated by miR-204-3p. A series of rescue experiments showed that BCYRN1 affected the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the effects of miR-204-3p on KRAS. In addition, tumorigenesis experiments in a CRC mouse model confirmed that BCYRN1 downregulation effectively inhibited tumour growth.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that BCYRN1 plays a carcinogenic role in CRC by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis.

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Long Non-Coding RNA BCYRN1 Exerts an Oncogenic Rrole in Colorectal Cancer through Regulating miR-204-3p/KRAS Axis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33110/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Liu Yang ◽

Yinan Zhang ◽

Jun Bao ◽

Ji-Feng Feng

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Reporter Gene ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽

Tumor Tissues ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Background: It has been well documented that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous characteristics of cancer, including proliferation, migration, metastasis, apoptosis, even metabolism. LncRNA BCYRN1 (BCYRN1) is a newly identified brain cytoplasmic lncRNA with 200-nucleotide, which was discovered highly expressed in tumor tissues of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and lung cancer. However, the roles of BCYRN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. This study was designed to reveal the acts of BCYRN1 in the occurrence and progression of CRC. Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of BCYRN1 in tumor tissues and CRC cell lines. Knock down BCYRN1 in CRC cells, evaluate cell proliferation changes by CCK-8 test, EdU test, and Ki-67 and PCNA expression; evaluate cell migration and invasion changes by wound healing assay, Transwell assay and invasion-related protein expression . Through flow cytometry analysis to assess whether BCYRN1 regulates apoptosis of CRC cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene detects the competitive binding of BCYRN1 to miR-204-3p. In vivo experiments to evaluate the effect of BCYRN1 on tumor development. TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene detect the target gene of miR-204-3p. Rescue experiments verified the effect of BCYRN1 on CRC by regulating the effect of miR-204-3p on KRAS.Results: We found that compared with normal tissues and human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs), BCYRN1 levels were significantly increased in tumor tissues and cell lines of CRC. We further determined that knockdown of BCYRN1 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay showed that BCYRN1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the development of CRC through competitively binding to miR-204-3p. Further studies proved that overexpression of miR-204-3p reversed the effects of BCYRN1 on CRC. Next, TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRAS was a target gene of miR-204-3p and negatively regulated by miR-204-3p. A series of rescue experiments showed that BCYRN1 affected the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the effects of miR-204-3p on KRAS. In addition, tumorigenic experiments in CRC model mice confirmed that down-regulated BCYRN1 effectively inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that BCYRN1 plays a carcinogenic role in CRC by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis.

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Long non-coding RNA BCYRN1 exerts an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis

Cancer Cell International ◽

10.1186/s12935-020-01543-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Liu Yang ◽

Yinan Zhang ◽

Jun Bao ◽

Ji-Feng Feng

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Reporter Gene ◽

Target Gene ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Background It has been well documented that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous characteristics of cancer, including proliferation, migration, metastasis, apoptosis, and even metabolism. LncRNA BCYRN1 (BCYRN1) is a newly identified brain cytoplasmic lncRNA with 200 nucleotides that was discovered to be highly expressed in tumour tissues, including those of hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and lung cancer. However, the roles of BCYRN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. This study was designed to reveal the role of BCYRN1 in the occurrence and progression of CRC. Methods RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of BCYRN1 in tumour tissues and CRC cell lines. BCYRN1 was knocked down in CRC cells, and cell proliferation changes were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression assays. Cell migration and invasion changes were evaluated by wound healing, Transwell and invasion-related protein expression assays. Flow cytometry analysis was used to assess whether BCYRN1 regulates the apoptosis of CRC cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene detects the competitive binding of BCYRN1 to miR-204-3p. In vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of BCYRN1 on tumour development. TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were applied to detect the target gene of miR-204-3p. Rescue experiments verified that BCYRN1 affects CRC by regulating the effect of miR-204-3p on KRAS. Results We found that compared with normal tissues and human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs), CRC tumour tissues and cell lines had significantly increased BCYRN1 levels. We further determined that knockdown of BCYRN1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay showed that BCYRN1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the development of CRC through competitively binding to miR-204-3p. Further studies proved that overexpression of miR-204-3p reversed the effects of BCYRN1 on CRC. Next, TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRAS is a target gene of miR-204-3p and is negatively regulated by miR-204-3p. A series of rescue experiments showed that BCYRN1 affected the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the effects of miR-204-3p on KRAS. In addition, tumorigenesis experiments in a CRC mouse model confirmed that BCYRN1 downregulation effectively inhibited tumour growth. Conclusions Our findings suggest that BCYRN1 plays a carcinogenic role in CRC by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis.

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Micro-RNA-338-3p Promotes the Development of Atherosclerosis by Targeting Desmin and Promoting Proliferation

Molecular Biotechnology ◽

10.1007/s12033-021-00341-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shiran Yan ◽

Jing Chen ◽

Teng Zhang ◽

Jian Zhou ◽

Ge Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rat Model ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Immunofluorescent Staining ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Cell Phenotype ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Synthetic Cell ◽

Incorporation Assay ◽

Morphologic Changes ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

AbstractAtherosclerosis (AS) is a dynamic and multi-stage process that involves various cells types, such as vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and molecules such as microRNAs. In this study, we investigated how miR-338-3p works in the process of AS. To determine how miR-338-3p was expressed in AS, an AS rat model was established and primary rat VSMCs were cultured. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miR-338-3p expression. Markers of different VSMC phenotypes were tested by Western blot. Immunofluorescent staining was employed to observe the morphologic changes of VSMCs transfected with miR-338-3p mimics. A dual luciferase reporter assay system was used to verify that desmin was a target of miR-338-3p. To further identify the role of miR-338-3p in the development of AS, VSMC proliferation and migration were evaluated by EdU incorporation assay, MTT assay, and wound healing assay. miR-338-3p expression was upregulated in the aortic tissues of an AS rat model and in primary rat VSMCs from a later passage. The transfection of miR-338-3p mimics in VSMCs promoted the synthetic cell phenotype. Bioinformatics analysis proposed desmin as a candidate target for miR-338-3p and the dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed in vivo that desmin was a direct target of miR-338-3p. The MTT and EdU incorporation assay revealed increased cell viability when miR-338-3p mimics were transfected. The increased expression of PCNA was a consistent observation, although a positive result was not obtained with respect to VSMC mobility. In AS, miR-338-3p expression was elevated. Elevated miR-338-3p inhibited the expression of desmin, thus promoting the contractile-to-synthetic VSMC phenotypic transition. In addition to morphologic changes, miR-338-3p enhanced the proliferative but not mobile ability of VSMCs. In summary, miR-338-3p promotes the development of AS.

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159 In vitro Characterization of Potential Pig Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) Ligands and Cell Signaling Pathways Related to CaSR Activation by a Dual-luciferase Reporter Assay

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 82-83

Author(s):

Xiaoya Zhao ◽

Qianru Hui ◽

Paula Azevedo ◽

Karmin O ◽

Chengbo Yang

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Binding Pocket ◽

Extracellular Calcium ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Biased Agonism ◽

Calcium Sensing ◽

Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a pivotal regulator of calcium homeostasis. Our previous study has found that pig CaSR (pCaSR) is widely expressed in intestinal segments in weaned piglets. To characterize the activation of pCaSR by potential ligands and related cell signaling pathways, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed for the ligands screening and molecular docking was utilized to predict the binding mode of identified ligands. Our results showed that the dual-luciferase reporter assay system was well suited for pCaSR research and its ligand screening. The extracellular calcium activated pCaSR in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 4.74 mM through the Gq/11 signaling pathway, EC50 = 2.85 mM through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation signaling pathway, and EC50 = 2.26 mM through the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) activation signaling pathway. Moreover, the activation of pCaSR stimulated by extracellular calcium showed biased agonism through three main signaling pathways: ERK1/2 phosphorylation signaling, Gq/11 signaling, and G12/13 signaling. Both L-Tryptophan and α-casein (90–95) could activate the pCaSR in the presence of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, we characterized the L-tryptophan binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues TRP 70, SER 147, ALA168, SER 169, SER 170, ASP 190, GLU 297, ALA 298, and ILE 416, as well as the α-casein (90–95) binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues PRO188, ASN189, GLU191, HIS192, LYS225, LEU242, ASP480, VAL486, GLY487, VAL513, and TYR514. In conclusion, similar to the human CaSR, the pCaSR also shows biased agonism through three main signaling pathways and both α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are agonists for pCaSR. Furthermore, the binding sites of α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are mainly located within the extracellular domain of pCaSR.

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miR-33a Mediates the Anti-Tumor Effect of Lovastatin in Osteosarcoma by Targeting CYR61

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000495396 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 938-948 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Yazeng Huang ◽

Jun Zhang ◽

Haiyu Shao ◽

Jianwen Liu ◽

Mengran Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protein Expression ◽

Cell Invasion ◽

Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Regulatory Element ◽

Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Osteosarcoma Cell ◽

Reporter Assay ◽

Related Protein ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Background/Aims: Preventing cell metastasis is an effective therapeutic strategy to treat osteosarcoma and improve prognosis. Statins have been found to have anticancer effects in addition to their cholesterol-lowering action. As a new target of statins, cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61) was recently identified to promote cell migration and metastasis in osteosarcoma. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating the regulation of CYR61 expression by statins remain unknown. Methods: Human osteosarcoma cell lines MG63 and SaOS2 were used to clarify the effect of lovastatin on CYR61 expression. Real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA or microRNA (miRNA) levels and western blot was performed to detect protein levels. Cell invasive ability was determined using Transwell assays. Lentivirus encoding CYR61 cDNA or sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) shRNA was used to upregulate CYR61 expression or downregulate SREBP-2 expression. Binding of the CYR61 3’ untranslated region (UTR) and miR-33a was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. Results: We found that lovastatin treatment decreased CYR61 expression, inhibited cell invasion and altered epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-related protein expression, while CYR61 overexpression abolished the effect of lovastatin. Moreover, lovastatin increased the expression of SREBP-2 and miR-33a, which were then downregulated by SREBP-2 silencing. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the CYR61 3′UTR harbored a potential miR-33a binding site and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CYR61 was a target of miR-33a in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, miR-33a could inhibit cell invasion and alter EMT-related protein expression. SREBP-2 silencing or miR-33a inhibitor upregulated CYR61 expression and reversed the effects of lovastatin on cell invasion and EMT-related proteins. Conclusion: Our findings suggest lovastatin suppresses osteosarcoma cell invasion through the SREBP-2/miR-33a/CYR61 pathway.

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