scholarly journals Blocking circ-SCMH1 (hsa_circ_0011946) suppresses acquired DDP resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells both in vitro and in vivo by sponging miR-338-3p and regulating LIN28B

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Qiu ◽  
Bin Qiao ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Zheng Fang ◽  
Lu Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) could participate in cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (DDP) resistance of human cancers. However, circRNAs role in DDP resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression remains largely undeveloped. Here, we attempted to explore the role of circ-SCMH1 (ID hsa_circ_0011946) in acquired DDP resistance. Methods Expression of circ-SCMH1, microRNA (miR)-338-3p and Lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting, and their interactions were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assay. DDP resistance was assessed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transwell assays, western blotting, and xenograft experiment. Transmission electron microscopic analysis, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting confirmed the characterizations of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Results Circ-SCMH1 was upregulated in DDP-resistant OSCC tissues and cells (SCC-15/DDP and CAL-27/DDP). Circ-SCMH1 knockdown suppressed the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of DDP, colony formation, and migration/invasion in SCC-15/DDP and CAL-27/DDP cells, but promoted apoptosis rate and apoptotic proteins (Bax and cleaved-caspase-3) expression. However, silencing miR-338-3p abrogated above effects, and overexpressing miR-338-3p mimicked that. Similarly, miR-338-3p overexpression role could be counteracted by restoring LIN28B. Moreover, interfering circ-SCMH1 retarded tumor growth of SCC-15/DDP cells in vivo with DDP treatment or not. Mechanistically, circ-SCMH1 directly sponged miR-338-3p in regulating LIN28B, a target gene for miR-338-3p. Notably, circ-SCMH1 was an EVs cargo, and DDP-resistant OSCC cells-derived EVs could provoke circ-SCMH1 upregulation in parental cells. Conclusion Circ-SCMH1 contributes to chemoresistance of DDP-resistant OSCC cells partially via EVs secretion and circ-SCMH1/miR-338-3p/LIN28B axis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Rui Yao

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods : The expression of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p was detected in OSCC tissues and cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to examine the effects of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the directly binding condition between lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p in OSCC cells. Subsequently, a tumor xenograft model was used to determine the function of HOXA-AS3 in OSCC growth in vivo . Results: The relative expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 was observably upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines compared with the para-cancerous tissues and normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK), respectively. Knockdown of HOXA-AS3 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and colony formation of OSCC in vitro and in vivo . Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays showed that HOXA-AS3 directly bound to miR-218-5p. Moreover, the expression of miR-218-5p was negatively regulated by HOXA-AS3, and there was an inverse correlation between them. Silencing miR-218-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 knockdown on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. Conclusion: In summary, our study illustrated lncRNA HOXA-AS3 promoted cancer cell proliferation in OSCC possibly by inhibiting miR-218-5p for the first time, which provides a new target or a potential diagnostic biomarker of the treatment for OSCC.


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Shuhong Zhang ◽  
Zhonghan Min ◽  
Zhongwei Yu ◽  
Huaiwei Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of current research is to elucidate the role and mechanism of circ_0011946 in the functional behaviors of OSCC cells. Methods Circ_0011946, microRNA (miR)-216a-5p, B cell lymphoma-2-like 2 protein (BCL2L2) abundances were exposed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by MTT, colony formation assay, transwell, wound-healing and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Target correlation was tested by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. An in vivo xenograft experiment was employed to investigate the function of circ_0011946 on tumor growth in vivo. Results Circ_0011946 and BCL2L2 levels were increased, while miR-216a-5p level was decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0011946 knockdown impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in OSCC cells. Circ_0011946 functioned as a sponge for miR-216a-5p, and BCL2L2 was targeted by miR-216a-5p. Besides, miR-216a-5p or BCL2L2 knockdown partly attenuated the inhibitory influences of circ_0011946 silence or miR-216a-5p overexpression on OSCC cell progression. Furthermore, circ_0011946 post-transcriptionally regulated BCL2L2 through sponging miR-216a-5p. Moreover, circ_0011946 knockdown constrained OSCC tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion Circ_0011946 silence repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis through the regulation of the miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ze-nan Zheng ◽  
Guang-zhao Huang ◽  
Qing-qing Wu ◽  
Heng-yu Ye ◽  
Wei-sen Zeng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer. Our previous studies confirmed that dysregulation function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC007271.3 was associated with a poor prognosis and overexpression of AC007271.3 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms of AC007271.3 dysregulation remained obscure.Methods: Bioinformatics databases were used to predicted the potential down-stream targeted of AC007271.3 and verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Core promoter region of AC007271.3 was identified by luciferase activity assay and the potential transcription factor on it was verified by ChIP assay. Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to detect the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, respectively. Animal experiments confirmed the metastatic ability in vivo.Results: AC007271.3 functioned as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding to miR-125b-2-3p and upregulated the expression of Slug, which is a direct target of miR-125b-2-3p. AC007271.3 enhanced the expression of Slug and inhibited the expression of E-cadherin to promote the migration and invasion in OSCC cells. The expression of AC007271.3 was promoted by canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Conclusion: Our study showed that the classical NF-κB pathway-activated AC007271.3 regulates EMT by miR-125b-2-3p / Slug / E-cadherin axis to promote the development of OSCC, implicating it as a novel potential target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanling Wang ◽  
Bo Tao ◽  
Jiaying Li ◽  
Xiaoqun Mao ◽  
Wei He ◽  
...  

Melatonin exerts anti-cancer roles in various types of cancers. However, to the best of our knowledge, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of melatonin and its underlying mechanism in OSCC. MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays proved that melatonin played anti-tumor effects in OSCC cells by inhibiting cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that miR-25-5p was significantly upregulated after melatonin treatment. Further, miR-25-5p might be involved in melatonin-induced inhibitory effects on the biological behavior of OSCC. The expression of miR-25-5p was decreased in tumor tissues and OSCC cells detected by RT-qPCR. MTT assay, colony formation assay, and TUNEL staining indicated miR-25-5p overexpression inhibited OSCC cell viability, proliferation, and induced OSCC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, wound healing, transwell invasion assay, and animal experiments suggested that miR-25-5p might exert suppressive effects on the migration, invasion, and tumor formation of OSCC cells, while miR-25-5p knockdown exhibited the opposite effects in OSCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis, western blot analysis, and luciferase reporter assay suggested that neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9) was proved to be a putative target for miR-25-5p. The role of NEDD9 in inhibiting OSCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration was verified with NEDD9 siRNA transfection. Thus, melatonin exerted anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, and anti-migrative effects on OSCC via miR-25-5p/NEDD9 pathway. Melatonin could be applied as a potential novel drug on treating OSCC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yilong Ai ◽  
Haigang Wei ◽  
Siyuan Wu ◽  
Zhe Tang ◽  
Xia Li ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMacrophage-derived exosomes (Mφ-Exos) are involved in tumor onset, progression, and metastasis, but their regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not fully understood. RBPJ is implicated in macrophage activation and plasticity. In this study, we assessed the role of Mφ-Exos with RBPJ overexpression (RBPJ-OE Mφ-Exos) in OSCC.Materials and MethodsThe long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiles in RBPJ-OE Mφ-Exos and THP-1-like macrophages (WT Mφ)-Exos were evaluated using lncRNA microarray. Then the functions of Mφ-Exo-lncRNA in OSCC cells were assessed via CCK-8, EdU, and Transwell invasion assays. Besides, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were adopted to confirm interactions. Ultimately, a nude mouse model of xenografts was used to further analyze the function of Mφ-Exo-lncRNAs in vivo.ResultsIt was uncovered that lncRNA LBX1-AS1 was upregulated in RBPJ-OE Mφ-Exos relative to that in WT Mφ-Exos. RBPJ-OE Mφ-Exos and LBX1-AS1 overexpression inhibited OSCC cells to proliferate and invade. Meanwhile, LBX1-AS1 knockdown boosted the tumor to grow in vivo. The effects of RBPJ-OE Mφ-Exos on OSCC cells can be reversed by the LBX1-AS1 knockdown. Additionally, mechanistic investigations revealed that LBX1-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-182-5p to regulate the expression of FOXO3.ConclusionExo-LBX1-AS1 secreted from RBPJ-OE Mφ inhibits tumor progression through the LBX1-AS1/miR-182-5p/FOXO3 pathway, and LBX1-AS1 is probably a diagnostic biomarker and potential target for OSCC therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xiaoqiang Chen ◽  
Chen Li ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Shuchun Lin ◽  
Xuehan Yi ◽  
...  

Purpose. This study aims to explore the function of metformin in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) and the underlying mechanism. Methods. Cell viability, colony formation, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle were investigated using cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation, and flow cytometry assay. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The target relationship was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. An animal study was implemented to clarify the effect of metformin in vivo. Results. Metformin suppressed HSCC cell viability and colony formation ability and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and circ_0003214 overexpression weakened these effects. Circ_0003214 regulated A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) expression via targeting miR-489-3p. Besides, miR-489-3p restoration reversed the role of circ_0003214, and ADAM10 knockdown reversed miR-489-3p inhibition-mediated effect. Moreover, metformin blocked tumor growth via the circ_0003214-miR-489-3p-ADAM10 axis in vivo. Conclusion. Metformin inhibits HSCC progression through the circ_0003214/miR-489-3p/ADAM10 pathway.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Rui Yao

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods The expression of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p was detected in OSCC tissues and cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to examine the effects of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the directly binding condition between lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p in OSCC cells. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was employed to verify the interaction between HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p. Results The relative expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 was observably upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines compared with the para-cancerous tissues and normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK), respectively. Knockdown of HOXA-AS3 significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of OSCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that HOXA-AS3 directly bound to miR-218-5p. Moreover, the expression of miR-218-5p was negatively regulated by HOXA-AS3, and there was an inverse correlation between them. Silencing miR-218-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 knockdown on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. Conclusion In summary, our study illustrated lncRNA HOXA-AS3 promoted cancer cell proliferation in OSCC possibly by sponging miR-218-5p for the first time, which provides a new target or a potential diagnostic biomarker of the treatment for OSCC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1717-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Liu ◽  
Jia Peng ◽  
Huili Wang ◽  
Lei Li ◽  
Xiujie Wen ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an oncogene in various types of cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oxysophocarpine (OSC) is a natural alkaloid that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanism underlying the effects of OSC on the growth and metastasis of OSCC are unclear. Methods: Nrf2 levels were determined in OSCC tissues and non-cancerous specimens by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The effects of OSC on OSCC cell growth and metastasis were explored (1) using 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine staining and Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound-healing, Transwell, and tube formation assays in vitro; and (2) by establishing a xenograft nude mouse model in vivo. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of OSC on the growth and metastasis of OSCC were investigated in vitro by western blotting, caspase-3 activity, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and in vivo by western blotting and IHC assays. Results: The expression levels of Nrf2 in OSCC tissues and in cell lines were much higher than in non-cancerous tissues and normal oral keratinocytes. The upregulation of Nrf2 was positively correlated with a high incidence of lymph node metastasis and advanced histological grade and TNM stage, but inversely associated with differentiation and survival of OSCC patients. OSC reduced the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in OSCC cells. OSC also inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and pro-angiogenesis of OSCC cells. Moreover, OSC induced cell cycle arrest, enhanced apoptosis of OSCC cells in vitro, and decreased OSCC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, OSC reduced the aggressive behavior of OSCC cells by inactivation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that OSC inhibits the growth and metastasis of OSCC by targeting the Nrf2/ HO-1 axis, suggesting that OSC may be a potential therapeutic agent for OSCC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yang ◽  
Xing-Hua Cao ◽  
Ke-Feng Luan ◽  
Yun-Dong Huang

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy with increasing mortality and high recurrence. Ferroptosis is an emerging programed cell death and plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported as a type of critical regulators in OSCC development. In this study, we identified the function of circular RNA FNDC3B (circFNDC3B) in regulating ferroptosis during the malignant progression of OSCC. Our data demonstrated that the silencing of circFNDC3B by shRNA inhibited GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression and enhanced ROS, iron, and Fe2+ levels in OSCC cells. CircFNDC3B knockdown reinforced erastin-induced inhibitory effect on OSCC cells. The depletion of circFNDC3B repressed cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis of OSCC cells. Mechanically, circFNDC3B was able to increase SLC7A11 by targeting miR-520d-5p. The overexpression of SLC7A11 reversed circFNDC3B depletion or miR-520d-5p-induced ferroptosis phenotypes of OSCC cells. Moreover, tumorgenicity assays in nude mice showed that the depletion of circFNDC3B repressed OSCC cell growth in vivo. Taken together, we concluded that circFNDC3B attenuated ferroptosis of OSCC cells and contributed to OSCC progression by regulating the miR-520d-5p/SLC7A11 axis. CircFNDC3B, miR-520d-5p, and SLC7A11 may serve as potential therapeutic targets of OSCC.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Lu ◽  
Yanhai Che ◽  
Hongze Che ◽  
Min Hu

Abstract BackgroundA number of non-coding circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been implicated in the modulation of gene expression in cancer models. We therefore sought to explore if circZNF236 has a role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsWe first examined circZNF236 expression in 32 pairs of OSCC and noncancerous tissues. We then investigated a functional role for circZNF236 using knockdown and overexpression approaches in OSCC cancer cell lines. Cell counting kit-8, wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry were employed to assess circZNF236 function in vitro. The association between circZNF236 and miR-145-5p, or that between miR-145-5p and malignant brain tumour domain containing 1 (MBTD1) was predicted by bioinformatics and demonstrated by dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA pull-down assays as well as RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. A mouse OSCC xenograft model was employed to demonstrate the impacts of circZNF236 inhibition on tumor development in vivo. ResultsOSCC tissues and cells had higher levels of circZNF236 expression compared with normal controls. Furthermore, high circZNF2361 levels in patients with OSCC correlated with a poor prognosis. CircZNF236 silencing decreased the malignant properties of OSCC cells and suppressed OSCC tumor formation in the mouse model. We then noticed that miR-145-5p can be regulated by circZNF236, and that circZNF2361 promoted OSCC development by absorbing miR-145-5p and consequently upregulating MBTD1 expression.ConclusionCircZNF236 modulates OSCC via an miR-145-5p/MBTD1 axis. These results support the potential of circZNF236 as a treatment target for OSCC.


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