Investigations into the effects and related upstream/downstream regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNA WT1-AS in the maintenance and development of gastric cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be responsible for almost all malignant phenotypes (e.g. heterogeneity, uncontrolled growth, metastasis, recurrence, chemoresistance) of tumors. Long non-coding RNA WT1 antisense RNA (WT1-AS) has been found to be involved in the regulation of lung cancer cell stemness. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of WT1-AS in the maintenance and development of gastric cancer stem cells (GSCs) have not been investigated. Methods mRNA and protein expression was measured by RT-qPCR and western blot. CCK8 and Soft agar colony formation assays were performed to assess cell viability and colony clone formation ability. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Cell transwell and wound healing analyses were carried out to assess cell migration ability. In vitro angiogenesis and 3D spheroid cultures assays were also performed. Moreover, in vitro experiments were carried out to explore the function of WT1-AS on tumor growth, metastasis and cell stemness. The upstream transcription factors or downstream genes of WT1-AS were screened through Bioinformatics, dual-luciferase assays and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Results Our present study demonstrated that WT1-AS knockdown or wilms tumor 1 (WT1) overexpression improved GSC proliferative and migratory capacities, promoted GSC EMT, enhanced GSC stemness, inhibited GSC apoptosis, potentiated the resistance of GSCs to 5-FU and induced HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro. WT1-AS loss or WT1 increase facilitated the formation of in-vitro 3D GSC aggregates. WT1-AS ameliorated the malignant phenotypes of GSCs by down-regulating WT in vitro. Additionally, WT1-AS inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, and reduced tumor stemness in GSCs-derived xenografts (s.c., i.p., and i.v.) in vivo. Furthermore, XBP1 was identified as an upstream regulator of WT1-AS in GSCs. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR data suggested that PSPH, GSTO2, FYN, and PHGDH might be the downstream targets of WT1-AS in GSCs. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that WT1-AS weakened the stem-cell like behaviors and characteristics of GSCs in vitro and in vivo by down-regulating WT1. Also, some upstream regulators and downstream targets of WT1-AS were identified in GSCs. Investigations on the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex phenotypes of GSCs might contribute to the better management of headaches in cancers.

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LINC01605, regulated by the EP300-SMYD2 complex, potentiates the binding between METTL3 and SPTBN2 in colorectal cancer

Cancer Cell International ◽

10.1186/s12935-021-02180-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Meng Yue ◽

Tao Liu ◽

Guoqiang Yan ◽

Xiaofan Luo ◽

Lei Wang

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Metastatic Potential ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Related Factors ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Tumor Related Death ◽

Validation Experiments

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CC) is one of the major contributors to tumor-related death worldwide, and its main cause of death is distant metastasis. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01605 has been implicated in CC. However, its role in metastasis of CC remains elusive. The goal of the study is to uncover the biological function and molecular mechanism of LINC01605 in CC. Methods The differentially expressed lncRNAs were first screened from GSE97300, GSE84983, GSE110715, GSE70880, and GSE75970 microarrays. The correlation between the expression of LINC01605 and the clinical phenotypes of enrolled CC patients (n = 134) was subsequently analyzed. The upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms of LINC01605 in CC were identified through bioinformatics and RNA-seq analyses. Finally, the effects of related factors on CC cell growth and metastasis were confirmed through functional validation experiments. Results LINC01605, significantly highly expressed in CC, was a prognostic factor for patients with CC. Functional experiments revealed that LINC01605 knockdown inhibited the proliferatory and metastatic potential of CC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, LINC01605 was regulated by SMYD2-EP300-mediated modifications of histone H3K4me3 as well as H3K27ac. LINC01605 was found to bind to METTL3 and promote the m6A modification of SPTBN2 mRNA, thereby facilitating the translation of SPTBN2. Conclusions Overexpression of LINC01605, regulated by SMYD2-EP300-mediated H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modifications, bound to METTL3 protein to promote m6A modification of SPTBN2 mRNA, leading to the development of CC.

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LncRNA MTX2-6 Suppresses Cell Proliferation by Acting as ceRNA of miR-574-5p to Accumulate SMAD4 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology ◽

10.3389/fcell.2021.654746 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Li ◽

Xu Han ◽

Yan Gu ◽

Jixiang Wu ◽

Jianxiang Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Long Non Coding Rna

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been one of the key causes of cancer deaths worldwide. It has been found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is related to the generation and progression of various cancers (including ESCC). However, there are still many lncRNAs related to ESCC whose functions and molecular mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we first reported that lncRNA MTX2-6 was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. The decreased expression of MTX2-6 is closely related to larger tumor and worse prognosis of ESCC patients. Through a series of functional experiments, we detected that overexpressed MTX2-6 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Further studies showed that MTX2-6 exerts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding miR-574-5p and elevates the expression of SMAD4 in ESCC. In summary, our results clarify the tumor suppressor roles of MTX2-6/miR-574-5p/SMAD4 axis in the progression of ESCC and provide emerging therapeutic targets for ESCC patients.

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Pituitary Transcriptomic Study Reveals the Differential Regulation of lncRNAs and mRNAs Related to Prolificacy in Different FecB Genotyping Sheep

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes10020157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 157 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Jian Zheng ◽

Zhibo Wang ◽

Hua Yang ◽

Xiaolei Yao ◽

Pengcheng Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Pituitary Cells ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Hu Sheep

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) have been identified as important regulators in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis associated with sheep prolificacy. However, their expression pattern and potential roles in the pituitary are yet unclear. To explore the potential mRNAs and lncRNAs that regulate the expression of the genes involved in sheep prolificacy, we used stranded specific RNA-seq to profile the pituitary transcriptome (lncRNA and mRNA) in high prolificacy (genotype FecB BB, litter size = 3; H) and low prolificacy sheep (genotype FecB B+; litter size = 1; L). Our results showed that 57 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 298 DE mRNAs were found in the pituitary between the two groups. The qRT-PCR results correlated well with the RNA-seq results. Moreover, functional annotation analysis showed that the target genes of the DE lncRNAs were significantly enriched in pituitary function, hormone-related pathways as well as response to stimulus and some other terms related to reproduction. Furthermore, a co-expression network of lncRNAs and target genes was constructed and reproduction related genes such as SMAD2, NMB and EFNB3 were included. Lastly, the interaction of candidate lncRNA MSTRG.259847.2 and its target gene SMAD2 were validated in vitro of sheep pituitary cells. These differential mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hu sheep prolificacy.

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IL-17B/IL-17RB signaling cascade contributes to self-renewal and tumorigenesis of cancer stem cells by regulating Beclin-1 ubiquitination

Oncogene ◽

10.1038/s41388-021-01699-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Qingli Bie ◽

Hui Song ◽

Xinke Chen ◽

Xiao Yang ◽

Shuo Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor ◽

Beclin 1 ◽

Signaling Cascade ◽

Interleukin 17 ◽

Self Renewal

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by robust self-renewal and tumorigenesis and are responsible for metastasis, drug resistance, and angiogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of CSC homeostasis are incompletely understood. This study demonstrated that the interleukin-17 (IL-17)B/IL-17RB signaling cascade promotes the self-renewal and tumorigenesis of CSCs by inducing Beclin-1 ubiquitination. We found that IL-17RB expression was significantly upregulated in spheroid cells and Lgr5-positive cells from the same tumor tissues of patients with gastric cancer (GC), which was closely correlated with the degree of cancer cell differentiation. Recombinant IL-17B (rIL-17B) promoted the sphere-formation ability of CSCs in vitro and enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Interestingly, IL-17B induced autophagosome formation and cleavage-mediated transformation of LC3 in CSCs and 293T cells. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy activation by ATG7 knockdown reversed rIL-17B-induced self-renewal of GC cells. In addition, we showed that IL-17B also promoted K63-mediated ubiquitination of Beclin-1 by mediating the binding of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 to Beclin-1. Silencing IL-17RB expression abrogated the effects of IL-17B on Beclin-1 ubiquitination and autophagy activation in GC cells. Finally, we showed that IL-17B level in the serum of GC patients was positively correlated with IL-17RB expression in GC tissues, and IL-17B could induce IL-17RB expression in GC cells. Overall, the results elucidate the novel functions of IL-17B for CSCs and suggest that the intervention of the IL-17B/IL-17RB signaling pathway may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer.

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Disulfiram and copper combination therapy targets NPL4, cancer stem cells and extends survival in a medulloblastoma model

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0251957 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0251957

Author(s):

Riccardo Serra ◽

Tianna Zhao ◽

Sakibul Huq ◽

Noah Leviton Gorelick ◽

Joshua Casaos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Western Blotting ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Protein Localization ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Group 3

Background Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common brain malignancy in children, and is still responsible for significant mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved inhibitor of Aldehyde-Dehydrogenase (ALDH), and Copper (Cu++) in human SSH-driven and Group 3 MB. The molecular mechanisms, effect on cancer-stem-cells (CSC) and DNA damage were investigated in xenograft models. Methods The cytotoxic and anti-CSC effects of DSF/Cu++ were evaluated with clonogenic assays, flow-cytometry, immunofluorescence, western-blotting. ONS76, UW228 (SHH-driven with Tp53m), D425med, D283 and D341 (Group 3) cell-lines were used. In vivo survival and nuclear protein localization protein-4 (NPL4), Ki67, Cleaved-Caspase-3, GFAP and NeuN expression were assessed in two Group 3 MB xenografts with immunohistochemistry and western-blotting. Results Significant in vitro cytotoxicity was demonstrated at nanomolar concentrations. DSF/Cu++ induced cell-death through NPL4 accumulation in cell-nucleus and buildup of poly-ubiquitylated proteins. Flow-cytometry demonstrated a significant decrease in ALDH+, Nestin+ and CD133+ following treatment, anti-CSC effect was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. DSF/Cu++ prolonged survival, and increased nuclear NPL4 expression in vivo. Conclusions Our data suggest that this combination may serve as a novel treatment, as monotherapy or in combination with existing therapies, for aggressive subtypes of pediatric MB.

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Propagation and Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells: A Major Influence of the Long Non-Coding RNA H19

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9122613 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 2613

Author(s):

Clément Lecerf ◽

Evodie Peperstraete ◽

Xuefen Le Bourhis ◽

Eric Adriaenssens

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Major Influence ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Different Types ◽

Cancer Types ◽

Improve Patient Management ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Improve Patient

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a rare population of tumor cells that exhibit stem cell properties with the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation. These cells are now widely accepted to be responsible for tumor initiation, development, resistance to conventional therapies, and recurrence. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of CSCs is essential to improve patient management in terms of diagnostics and therapies. CSCs are regulated by signals of the tumor microenvironment as well as intrinsic genetic and epigenetic modulators. H19, the first identified lncRNA is involved in the development and progression of many different cancer types. Recently, H19 has been demonstrated to be implicated in the regulation of CSCs in different types of cancers. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role and mechanisms of action of H19 in the regulation of CSCs. We summarize how H19 may regulate CSC division and cancer cell reprogramming, thus affecting metastasis and drug resistance. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of H19.

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In vitro and in vivo effects of miRNA-19b/20a/92a on gastric cancer stem cells and the related mechanism

International Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.7150/ijms.21164 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 86-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Qianwen Shao ◽

Jing Xu ◽

Xin Guan ◽

Bing Zhou ◽

Wei Wei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Gastric Cancer Stem Cells ◽

In Vivo Effects

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The long non-coding RNA lnc-HLX-2-7 is oncogenic in group 3 medulloblastomas

10.1101/2020.06.08.140251 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Keisuke Katsushima ◽

Bongyong Lee ◽

Haritha Kunhiraman ◽

Cuncong Zhong ◽

Rabi Murath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rna Sequencing ◽

Therapeutic Target ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Potential Therapeutic Target ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Group 3 ◽

Induced Apoptosis ◽

Long Non Coding Rna

AbstractBackgroundMedulloblastoma (MB) is an aggressive brain tumor that predominantly affects children. Recent high-throughput sequencing studies suggest that the non-coding RNA genome, in particular long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), contributes to MB sub-grouping. Here we report the identification of a novel lncRNA, lnc-HLX-2-7, as a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target in group 3 MBs.MethodsPublicly available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from 175 MB patients were interrogated to identify lncRNAs that differentiate between MB subgroups. After characterizing a subset of differentially expressed lncRNAs in vitro and in vivo, the group 3-enriched lncRNA lnc-HLX2-7 was deleted by CRISPR/Cas9 in the MB cell line D425 Med. Intracranially injected tumors were further characterized by bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing.Resultslnc-HLX-2-7 is highly upregulated in group 3 MB cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and primary MBs compared to other MB sub-groups as assessed by qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Depletion of lnc-HLX-2-7 with antisense oligonucleotides or CRISPR/Cas9 significantly reduced cell proliferation and 3D colony formation and induced apoptosis. lnc-HLX-2-7-deleted D425 Med cells injected into mouse cerebella produced smaller tumors than those derived from parental cells. Pathway analysis revealed that lnc-HLX2-7 modulated oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sirtuin signaling pathways. The MYC oncogene regulated lnc-HLX-2-7, and the small molecule BET-bromodomain (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 reduced lnc-HLX2-7 expression.Conclusionslnc-HLX-2-7 is oncogenic in MB and represents a promising novel molecular marker and a potential therapeutic target in group 3 MBs in children.Key pointslnc-HLX-2-7 is highly upregulated in group 3 medulloblastomas compared to other sub-groups.In vitro and in vivo studies strongly support an oncogenic role for lnc-HLX2-7 in group 3 medulloblastoma.lnc-HLX-2-7 may be a novel biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in group 3 medulloblastoma.Importance of the studyGroup 3 medulloblastomas are associated with poor clinical outcomes, are difficult to subtype clinically, and their biology is poorly understood. In an effort to address these problems, we identified a group 3-specific long non-coding RNA, lnc-HLX-2-7, in an in silico analysis of 175 medulloblastomas and confirmed its expression in group 3 medulloblastoma cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and FFPE samples. CRISPR/Cas9 deletion and antisense oligonucleotide knockdown of lnc-HLX-2-7 significantly reduced cell growth and 3D colony formation and induced apoptosis. Deletion of lnc-HLX-2-7 in cells injected into mouse cerebellums reduced tumor growth compared to parental cells, and RNA sequencing of these tumors revealed lnc-HLX-2-7-associated modulation of cell viability and cell death signaling pathways. The oncogene MYC regulates lnc-HLX-2-7, and its expression can be controlled by the BET-bromodomain (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1. lnc-HLX-2-7 is a candidate biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in group 3 medulloblastomas in children.

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Requirement of transcription factor NME2 for the maintenance of the stemness of gastric cancer stem-like cells

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-04234-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Yaxin Qi ◽

Jun Wei ◽

Xiaobo Zhang

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Transcription Factor ◽

Transcription Factors ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase ◽

Gastric Cancer Stem Cells ◽

New Perspective

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs), which can self-renew and produce heterogeneous cancer cells, are the key factors during tumorigenesis. Transcription factors take essential effects on CSCs. However, the role of transcription factors in regulating the stemness of gastric cancer stem-like cells has not been well explored. In this investigation, it was found that transcription factor NME2 (NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 2) was upregulated in gastric cancer stem-like cells that sorted from the solid tumors of patients with gastric cancer and gastric cancer cell lines. NME2 could preserve the stemness of gastric cancer stem-like cells via suppressing their apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo data revealed that NME2 was crucial for maintaining the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells by enhancing the expression of anti-apoptosis genes. Consequently, our data contributed a new perspective to the relationship between transcription factor and the stemness maintenance of gastric cancer stem cells.

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Chemotoxicity-induced exosomal lncFERO regulates ferroptosis and stemness in gastric cancer stem cells

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-04406-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Haiyang Zhang ◽

Meng Wang ◽

Yi He ◽

Ting Deng ◽

Rui Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Cell Death ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Gastric Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽

Sphere Formation

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) are an important cause of tumor recurrence and drug resistance. As a new type of cell death that relies on iron ions and is strictly regulated by intracellular and extracellular signals, the role of ferroptosis in tumor stem cells deserves extensive attention. Mass spectrum was applied to screen for ferroptosis-related proteins in gastric cancer (GC). Sphere-formation assay was used to estimate the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs). Exosomal lnc-ENDOG-1:1 (lncFERO) was isolated by ultracentrifugation. Ferroptosis was induced by erastin and was assessed by detecting lipid ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell death. Furthermore, a series of functional in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of lncFERO on regulating ferroptosis and chemosensitivity in GCSCs. Here, we showed that stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD1) played a key role in regulating lipid metabolism and ferroptosis in GCSCs. Importantly, exosomal lncFERO (exo-lncFERO) derived from GC cells was demonstrated to promote SCD1 expression by directly interacting with SCD1 mRNA and recruiting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), which resulted in the dysregulation of PUFA levels and the suppression of ferroptosis in GCSCs. Moreover, we found that hnRNPA1 was also involved in lncFERO packing into exosomes in GC cells, and both in vitro and in vivo data suggested that chemotoxicity induced lncFERO secretion from GC cells by upregulating hnRNPA1 expression, leading to enhanced stemness and acquired chemo-resistance. All these data suggest that GC cells derived exo-lncFERO controls GCSC tumorigenic properties through suppressing ferroptosis, and targeting exo-lncFERO/hnRNPA1/SCD1 axis combined with chemotherapy could be a promising CSC-based strategy for the treatment of GC.

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