scholarly journals CircRTN4 promotes pancreatic cancer progression through a novel CircRNA-miRNA-lncRNA pathway and stabilizing epithelial-mesenchymal transition protein

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Hin Wong ◽  
Ut Kei Lou ◽  
Frederic Khe-Cheong Fung ◽  
Joanna H. M. Tong ◽  
Chang-hua Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Metastasis ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Mouse Tumor ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in many biological processes. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the critical roles of circRNAs in cancer remains largely unexplored. We aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of circRTN4 with critical roles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods CircRTN4 expression level was examined in PDAC primary tumors. The oncogenic roles of circRTN4 in PDAC tumor growth and metastasis were studied in mouse tumor models. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay and miRNA pulldown assay were performed to study the novel circRTN4-miRNA-lncRNA pathway. To identify circRTN4-interacting proteins, we performed circRNA-pulldown and mass spectrometry in PDAC cells. Protein stability assay and 3-Dimensional structure modeling were performed to reveal the role of circRTN4 in stabilizing RAB11FIP1. Results CircRTN4 was significantly upregulated in primary tumors from PDAC patients. In vitro and in vivo functional studies revealed that circRTN4 promoted PDAC tumor growth and liver metastasis. Mechanistically, circRTN4 interacted with tumor suppressor miR-497-5p in PDAC cells. CircRTN4 knockdown upregulated miR-497-5p to inhibit the oncogenic lncRNA HOTTIP expression. Furthermore, we identified critical circRTN4-intercting proteins by circRNA-pulldown in PDAC cells. CircRTN4 interacted with important epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- driver RAB11FIP1 to block its ubiquitination site. We found that circRTN4 knockdown promoted the degradation of RAB11FIP1 by increasing its ubiquitination. Also, circRTN4 knockdown inhibited the expression of RAB11FIP1-regulating EMT-markers Slug, Snai1, Twist, Zeb1 and N-cadherin in PDAC. Conclusion The upregulated circRTN4 promotes tumor growth and liver metastasis in PDAC through the novel circRTN4-miR-497-5p-HOTTIP pathway. Also, circRTN4 stabilizes RAB11FIP1 to contribute EMT. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals MiR-149-3p promotes the cisplatin resistance and EMT in ovarian cancer through downregulating TIMP2 and CDKN1A

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Wang ◽  
Lingxia Liu
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cisplatin Resistance ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer (OC), a kind of gynecological cancer, is characterized by high mortality rate, with microRNAs (miRNAs) playing essential roles in it. However, the clinical significance of miRNAs and their molecular mechanisms in OC are mostly unknown. Methods miR-149-3p expression was predicted through Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data in OC and confirmed by q-PCR in various OC cells and tissues from patients with different clinical characteristics. Moreover, its roles in terms of proliferation, migration and invasion were measured by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays in OC cells including cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive cells. And its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition was also assessed through detecting related protein expression. Additionally, its potential targets were verified by dual luciferase assay and Ago-RIP assay. Finally, its oncogenic functions were explored in vivo. Results In data from GSE79943, GSE131790, and TCGA, miR-149-3p was found to be highly expressed in OC tissues and associated with poor survival. In metastasis and chemoresistant tissues and cisplatin-resistant OC cells, its high expression was confirmed. In terms of tumorigenic effects, miR-149-3p knockdown in cisplatin-resistant OC cells inhibited its cisplatin resistance and other malignant phenotypes, while miR-149-3p overexpression in cisplatin-resistant OC cells led to contrary results. Mechanistically, miR-149-3p targeted 3’UTR of CDKN1A and TIMP2 to function as an oncogenic miRNA. Conclusion In brief, miR-149-3p promoted cisplatin resistance and EMT in OC by downregulating CDKN1A and TIMP2, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for OC treatment.

scholarly journals PD-L1 Blockade by Atezolizumab Downregulates Signaling Pathways Associated with Tumor Growth, Metastasis, and Hypoxia in Human Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Saleh ◽  
Rowaida Z. Taha ◽  
Varun Sasidharan Nair ◽  
Nehad M. Alajez ◽  
Eyad Elkord
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Triple Negative ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer, which shows resistance to common breast cancer therapies, as it lacks the expression of the most common breast cancer targets. Therefore, TNBC treatment remains a challenge. Targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), for example, atezolizumab, has revolutionized the treatment for various cancer types. However, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting PD-L1 in TNBC is currently under investigation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which the human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231, expressing PD-L1, responds to atezolizumab, using RNA-Seq. Transcriptome analysis revealed 388 upregulated and 362 downregulated genes in response to atezolizumab treatment. The expression of selected genes, from RNA-Seq data, was subsequently validated using RT-qPCR in the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells following atezolizumab treatment. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that atezolizumab downregulates genes promoting cell migration/invasion and metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell growth/proliferation/survival, and hypoxia. On the contrary, genes associated with apoptosis and DNA repair were upregulated in response to atezolizumab treatment. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed that a significant number of these genes are related to the NF-kB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and CD40 signaling pathways. Using functional assays, we confirmed that atezolizumab increases MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis/necrosis, and reduces their proliferation and viability. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms/signaling pathways by which atezolizumab exerts inhibitory effects on TNBC, thereby inhibiting EMT/metastasis, tumor growth/survival, and the induction of hypoxia.

scholarly journals Metastatic suppression by DOC2B is mediated by inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and induction of senescence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samatha Bhat ◽  
Divya Adiga ◽  
Vaibhav Shukla ◽  
Kanive Parashiva Guruprasad ◽  
Shama Prasada Kabekkodu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Vesicle Trafficking ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Anoikis Resistance ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Intracellular Vesicle

AbstractSenescence induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) events are the opposite sides of the spectrum of cancer phenotypes. The key molecules involved in these processes may get influenced or altered by genetic and epigenetic changes during tumor progression. Double C2-like domain beta (DOC2B), an intracellular vesicle trafficking protein of the double C2 protein family, plays a critical role in exocytosis, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular vesicle trafficking. DOC2B is repressed by DNA promoter hypermethylation and functions as a tumor growth regulator in cervical cancer. To date, the molecular mechanisms of DOC2B in cervical cancer progression and metastasis is elusive. Herein, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms regulated by DOC2B and its impact on senescence and EMT are described. DOC2B inhibition promotes proliferation, growth, and migration by relieving G0/G1-S arrest, actin remodeling, and anoikis resistance in Cal27 cells. It enhanced tumor growth and liver metastasis in nude mice with the concomitant increase in metastasis-associated CD55 and CD61 expression. Inhibition of EMT and promotion of senescence by DOC2B is a calcium-dependent process and accompanied by calcium-mediated interaction between DOC2B and CDH1. In addition, we have identified several EMT and senescence regulators as targets of DOC2B. We show that DOC2B may act as a metastatic suppressor by inhibiting EMT through induction of senescence via DOC2B-calcium-EMT-senescence axis. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Potential Anti-Metastatic Role of the Novel miR-CT3 in Tumor Angiogenesis and Osteosarcoma Invasion

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 705
Author(s):  
Lavinia Raimondi ◽  
Alessia Gallo ◽  
Nicola Cuscino ◽  
Angela De Luca ◽  
Viviana Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Angiogenesis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
P38 Map Kinase ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Molecular Profile ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Vimentin Expression ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor mainly occurring in young adults and derived from primitive bone-forming mesenchyme. OS develops in an intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) where cellular function regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) may affect communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Therefore, miRNAs are considered potential therapeutic targets in cancer and one of the goals of research is to accurately define a specific signature of a miRNAs, which could reflect the phenotype of a particular tumor, such as OS. Through NGS approach, we previously found a specific molecular profile of miRNAs in OS and discovered 8 novel miRNAs. Among these, we deepen our knowledge on the fifth candidate renamed now miR-CT3. MiR-CT3 expression was low in OS cells when compared with human primary osteoblasts and healthy bone. Through TargetScan, VEGF-A was predicted as a potential biological target of miR-CT3 and luciferase assay confirmed it. We showed that enforced expression of miR-CT3 in two OS cell lines, SAOS-2 and MG-63, reduced expression of VEGF-A mRNA and protein, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Enforced expression of miR-CT3 also reduced OS cell migration and invasion as confirmed by soft agar colony formation assay. Interestingly, we found that miR-CT3 behaves inducing the activation of p38 MAP kinase pathway and modulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins, in particular reducing Vimentin expression. Overall, our study highlights the novel role of miR-CT3 in regulating tumor angiogenesis and progression in OS cells, linking also to the modulation of EMT proteins.

scholarly journals CREB3 Transactivates lncRNA ZFAS1 to Promote Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis by Modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3 Regulatory Axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Gang Wang ◽  
Yuan Le ◽  
Liping Wei ◽  
Lian Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Papillary Thyroid ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

The incidence rate of thyroid carcinoma ranks ninth among human malignancies, and it accounts for the most frequent malignancy in endocrine-related tumors. This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 in the metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the potential molecular mechanisms. Both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were highly expressed in thyroid carcinoma and PTC cell, as measured by the q-PCR and TCGA database. In addition, ZFAS1 induced TPC-1 metastasis through inducing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Besides, ZFAS1 knockdown by siRNA induced miR-373-3p expression and reduced MMP3 expression, as quantified by q-PCR and Western blotting. According to the luciferase assay, both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were classified as the direct targets of miR-373-3p. However, MMP3 itself did not affect ZFAS1. Using the online prediction tool, CREB3 was predicted as the transcription factor (TF) of ZFAS1 that contained two binding sites on its promoter region, and CREB3 was positively correlated with ZFAS1 in thyroid carcinoma cohorts. Results from the dual-luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR indicated that both the two binding sites were essential for the transcription of ZFAS1. In conclusion, CREB3 activated lncRNA ZFAS1 at the transcriptional level to promote PTC metastasis by modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3.

scholarly journals Targeting MYC as a Therapeutic Intervention for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

2017 ◽  
Vol 102 (7) ◽  
pp. 2268-2280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisuke Enomoto ◽  
Xuguang Zhu ◽  
Sunmi Park ◽  
Li Zhao ◽  
Yuelin J. Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Myc Gene ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion

Abstract Context: Recent studies showed that transcription of the MYC gene is driven by the interaction of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins with acetylated histones on chromatin. JQ1, a potent inhibitor that effectively disrupts the interaction of BET proteins with acetylated histones, preferentially suppresses transcription of the MYC gene. We recently reported that JQ1 decreased thyroid tumor growth and improved survival in a mouse model of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) by targeting MYC transcription. The role of MYC in human ATC and whether JQ1 can effectively target MYC as a treatment modality have not been elucidated. Objective: To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of JQ1, we evaluated its efficacy in human ATC cell lines and xenograft models. Design: We determined the effects of JQ1 on proliferation and invasion in cell lines and xenograft tumors. We identified key regulators critical for JQ1-affected proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Results: JQ1 markedly inhibited proliferation of four ATC cell lines by suppression of MYC and elevation of p21and p27 to decrease phosphorylated Rb and delay cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. JQ1 blocked cell invasion by attenuating epithelial-mesenchymal transition signals. These cell-based studies were further confirmed in xenograft studies in which the size and rate of tumor growth were inhibited by JQ1 via inhibition of p21-cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase-Rb-E2F signaling. Conclusions: These results suggest targeting of the MYC protein could be a potential treatment modality for human ATC for which effective treatment options are limited.

scholarly journals LncRNA ST7-AS1, by regulating miR-181b-5p/KPNA4 axis, promotes the malignancy of lung adenocarcinoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-Hang Hu ◽  
Zi-Teng Zhang ◽  
Hai-Xiang Wei ◽  
Lu Ning ◽  
Jiang-Shan Ai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Growing evidence suggests that suppressor of tumorigenicity 7 antisense RNA 1 (ST7-AS1) is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). However, little is known on its clinical significance, biological functions, or molecular mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The expression of ST7-AS1 and miR-181b-5p were examined by qRT-PCR. The correlations between ST7-AS1 level and different clinicopathological features were analysed. In vitro, LUAD cells were examined for cell viability, migration and invasion by MTT, wound healing and Transwell assay, respectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers were detected by Western blot. The regulations between ST7-AS1, miR-181b-5p, and KPNA4 were examined by luciferase assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pulldown. Both gain- and loss-of-function strategies were used to assess the importance of different signalling molecules in malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells. The in vivo effect was analysed using the xenograft and the experimental metastasis mouse models. Results ST7-AS1 was upregulated in LUAD tissues or cell lines, correlated with tumours of positive lymph node metastasis or higher TNM stages, and associated with shorter overall survival of LUAD patients. ST7-AS1 essentially maintained the viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of LUAD cells. The oncogenic activities of ST7-AS1 were accomplished by sponging miR-181b-5p and releasing the suppression of the latter on KPNA4. In LUAD tissues, ST7-AS1 level positively correlated with that of KPNA4 and negatively with miR-181b-5p level. In vivo, targeting ST7-AS1 significantly inhibited xenograft growth and metastasis. Conclusions ST7-AS1, by regulating miR-181b-5p/KPNA4 axis, promotes the malignancy of LUAD cells. Targeting ST7-AS1 and KPNA4 or up-regulating miR-181b-5p, therefore, may benefit the treatment of LUAD.

scholarly journals SIRT1 promotes EMT, migration and invasion by regulating mTORC1/4E-BP1 in colorectal cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peifeng Liu ◽  
Xiaojing Chen ◽  
Shaolan Qin ◽  
Yan Zhou ◽  
Bo Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Liver Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Metastasis, rather than primary tumors, was accounted for the most cases of cancer death in colorectal cancer(CRC). The understanding of the underlying mechanism associated with tumor metastasis would improve the patient’s miserable fate. SIRT1 has been identified to play a role in tumorigenesis and progression of malignant tumors, especially in keeping the characteristics of cancer stem cells(CSCs) in CRC. This study was conducted to investigate the role of SIRT1 in the regulation of metastasis and the underlying mechanism in colorectal cancer. Methods We detected the expression of SIRT1 in 42 metastatic CRC patients. The relationship between SIRT1 and time to metastasis was also analyzed. Then the SIRT1 activity was regulated to investigate the liver metastasis in BALB/c mice. SIRT1 was knocked down to evaluate the effect on migration and invasion. Besides, exogenetic SIRT1 to assess the motile ability by wound healing assay and transwell assay. We then further explored the underlying mechanism. Results SIRT1 was overexpressed in 67% CRC metastatic patients and associated with reduced time to metastasis. High SIRT1 activity by resveratrol was companied with more liver metastasis in vivo. SIRT1 deficiency increased E-cadherin, while reduced Vimentin and Snail, attenuated migration and invasion significantly in CT26 and SW620 cells. Meanwhile, the exogenetic SIRT1 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and elevated the migratory ability in SW480 cells. Further studies demonstrated that mTORC1 related genes were elevated while 4E-BP1 decayed by SIRT1 overexpression. The promotion of metastasis induced by SIRT1 overexpression could be abolished by mTOR inhibition, while the stemness of cells was not changed. Conclusions Collectively, our findings illustrated that SIRT1 was a functional regulator in the promotion of metastasis in CRC via mTORC1-4E-BP1 axis. SIRT1 was a potential independent prognostic factor of CRC metastatic patients after tumor resection, which provided a promising treatment target in CRC.

scholarly journals Silencing of the Long Non-Coding RNA TTN-AS1 Attenuates the Malignant Progression of Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating the miR-16-1-3p/TFAP4 Axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianghai Meng ◽  
Zhenjun Zhang ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Qingguo Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumor Model ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Long Non Coding Rna

ObjectivesOsteosarcoma (OS) is a type of bone malignancy. This study attempted to explore the effect of long non-coding RNA TTN-AS1 (TTN-AS1) on OS and to determine its molecular mechanisms.MethodsThe expression of TTN-AS1, microRNA-16-1-3p (miR-16-1-3p), and transcription factor activating enhancer binding protein 4 (TFAP4) in OS was assessed using qRT-PCR. The OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound-healing, and transwell assays. N-cadherin and MMP-2 protein level was determined with western blot. Interactions between TTN-AS1 and miR-16-1-3p or TFAP4 and miR-16-1-3p were confirmed using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, an OS xenograft tumor model was constructed to assess the effect of TTN-AS1 on tumor growth.ResultsTTN-AS1 and TFAP4 expression was increased in OS, while miR-16-1-3p expression was decreased. TTN-AS1 silencing restrained OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, N-cadherin and MMP-2 protein expression, and hindered tumor growth. MiR-16-1-3p overexpression retarded the malignant behavior of OS cells. TTN-AS1 played a carcinostatic role by down-regulating miR-16-1-3p in the OS cells. Moreover, miR-16-1-3p inhibition or TFAP4 elevation weakened the suppressive effect of TTN-AS1 silencing on OS cell tumor progression.ConclusionTTN-AS1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cells via mediating the miR-16-1-3p/TFAP4 axis. TTN-AS1 may be a critical target for improving OS.

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