scholarly journals The Roles of the Let-7 Family of MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Cancer Stemness

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2415
Author(s):  
Yuxi Ma ◽  
Na Shen ◽  
Max S. Wicha ◽  
Ming Luo
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Cancer Therapeutics ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Tumor Initiating Cells ◽  
Cancer Stemness ◽  
Metastatic Relapse

Cancer has long been viewed as a disease of normal development gone awry. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), also termed as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are increasingly recognized as a critical tumor cell population that drives not only tumorigenesis but also cancer progression, treatment resistance and metastatic relapse. The let-7 family of microRNAs (miRNAs), first identified in C. elegans but functionally conserved from worms to human, constitutes an important class of regulators for diverse cellular functions ranging from cell proliferation, differentiation and pluripotency to cancer development and progression. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the roles of let-7 miRNAs in regulating cancer stemness. We outline several key RNA-binding proteins, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in the regulation of let-7 biogenesis, maturation and function. We then highlight key gene targets and signaling pathways that are regulated or mutually regulated by the let-7 family of miRNAs to modulate CSC characteristics in various types of cancer. We also summarize the existing evidence indicating distinct metabolic pathways regulated by the let-7 miRNAs to impact CSC self-renewal, differentiation and treatment resistance. Lastly, we review current preclinical studies and discuss the clinical implications for developing let-7-based replacement strategies as potential cancer therapeutics that can be delivered through different platforms to target CSCs and reduce/overcome treatment resistance when applied alone or in combination with current chemo/radiation or molecularly targeted therapies. By specifically targeting CSCs, these strategies have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of cancer therapies.

scholarly journals The Role of circRNAs in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Associated Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1173
Author(s):  
Patrizia Bonelli ◽  
Antonella Borrelli ◽  
Franca Maria Tuccillo ◽  
Franco Maria Buonaguro ◽  
Maria Lina Tornesello
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Oral Cancers ◽  
A Cell

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of “non-coding RNAs” that originate from non-sequential back-splicing of exons and/or introns of precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). These molecules are generally produced at low levels in a cell-type-specific manner in mammalian tissues, but due to their circular conformation they are unaffected by the cell mRNA decay machinery. circRNAs can sponge multiple microRNAs or RNA-binding proteins and play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. Many circRNAs have been shown to be aberrantly expressed in several cancer types, and to sustain specific oncogenic processes. Particularly, in virus-associated malignancies such as human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital carcinoma and oropharyngeal and oral cancers, circRNAs have been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, as well as in drug resistance, and some are useful diagnostic and prognostic markers. HPV-derived circRNAs, encompassing the HPV E7 oncogene, have been shown to be expressed and to serve as transcript for synthesis of the E7 oncoprotein, thus reinforcing the virus oncogenic activity in HPV-associated cancers. In this review, we summarize research advances in the biogenesis of cell and viral circRNAs, their features and functions in the pathophysiology of HPV-associated tumors, and their importance as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in anogenital and oropharyngeal and oral cancers.

scholarly journals Identification of Novel RNA Binding Proteins Influencing Circular RNA Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7477
Author(s):  
Rok Razpotnik ◽  
Petra Nassib ◽  
Tanja Kunej ◽  
Damjana Rozman ◽  
Tadeja Režen
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Bioinformatics Analyses ◽  
Published Evidence

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized as having a role in cancer development. Their expression is modified in numerous cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, little is known about the mechanisms of their regulation. The aim of this study was to identify regulators of circRNAome expression in HCC. Using publicly available datasets, we identified RNA binding proteins (RBPs) with enriched motifs around the splice sites of differentially expressed circRNAs in HCC. We confirmed the binding of some of the candidate RBPs using ChIP-seq and eCLIP datasets in the ENCODE database. Several of the identified RBPs were found to be differentially expressed in HCC and/or correlated with the overall survival of HCC patients. According to our bioinformatics analyses and published evidence, we propose that NONO, PCPB2, PCPB1, ESRP2, and HNRNPK are candidate regulators of circRNA expression in HCC. We confirmed that the knocking down the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2), known to be involved in the maintenance of the adult liver phenotype, significantly changed the expression of candidate circRNAs in a model HCC cell line. By understanding the systemic changes in transcriptome splicing, we can identify new proteins involved in the molecular pathways leading to HCC development and progression.

scholarly journals Lin28, a major translation reprogramming factor, gains access to YB-1-packaged mRNA through its cold-shock domain

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Samsonova ◽  
Krystel El Hage ◽  
Bénédicte Desforges ◽  
Vandana Joshi ◽  
Marie-Jeanne Clément ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Cold Shock ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Core Component ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cold Shock Domain ◽  
Global Translation

AbstractThe RNA-binding protein Lin28 (Lin28a) is an important pluripotency factor that reprograms translation and promotes cancer progression. Although Lin28 blocks let-7 microRNA maturation, Lin28 also binds to a large set of cytoplasmic mRNAs directly. However, how Lin28 regulates the processing of many mRNAs to reprogram global translation remains unknown. We show here, using a structural and cellular approach, a mixing of Lin28 with YB-1 (YBX1) in the presence of mRNA owing to their cold-shock domain, a conserved β-barrel structure that binds to ssRNA cooperatively. In contrast, the other RNA binding-proteins without cold-shock domains tested, HuR, G3BP-1, FUS and LARP-6, did not mix with YB-1. Given that YB-1 is the core component of dormant mRNPs, a model in which Lin28 gains access to mRNPs through its co-association with YB-1 to mRNA may provide a means for Lin28 to reprogram translation. We anticipate that the translational plasticity provided by mRNPs may contribute to Lin28 functions in development and adaptation of cancer cells to an adverse environment.

scholarly journals Comprehensive landscape and future perspectives of circular RNAs in colorectal cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Long ◽  
Zhi Lin ◽  
Liang Li ◽  
Min Ma ◽  
Zhixing Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
New Class ◽  
Functional Peptides ◽  
Mirna Sponges

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common hereditary tumor that is often fatal. Its pathogenesis involves multiple genes, including circular RNAs (circRNAs). Notably, circRNAs constitute a new class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a covalently closed loop structure and have been characterized as stable, conserved molecules that are abundantly expressed in tissue/development-specific patterns in eukaryotes. Based on accumulating evidence, circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in CRC tissues, cells, exosomes, and blood from patients with CRC. Moreover, numerous circRNAs have been identified as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors that mediate tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoradiation resistance in CRC. Although the regulatory mechanisms of circRNA biogenesis and functions remain fairly elusive, interesting results have been obtained in studies investigating CRC. In particular, the expression of circRNAs in CRC is comprehensively modulated by multiple factors, such as splicing factors, transcription factors, specific enzymes and cis-acting elements. More importantly, circRNAs exert pivotal effects on CRC through various mechanisms, including acting as miRNA sponges or decoys, interacting with RNA binding proteins, and even translating functional peptides. Finally, circRNAs may serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the clinical practice of CRC. In this review, we discuss the dysregulation, functions and clinical significance of circRNAs in CRC and further discuss the molecular mechanisms by which circRNAs exert their functions and how their expression is regulated. Based on this review, we hope to reveal the functions of circRNAs in the initiation and progression of cancer and highlight the future perspectives on strategies targeting circRNAs in cancer research.

scholarly journals Current Understanding of Circular RNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongjiang Liu ◽  
Yundong Zou ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Yundi Tang ◽  
Jianping Guo
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common and potentially fatal autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. To date, its etiology and pathogenesis remains elusive. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous non-coding RNAs with covalently closed loop structure. Growing evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs may play an essential role in regulation of gene expression and transcription by acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, impacting cell survival and proliferation by interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and strengthening mRNA stability by forming RNA-protein complexes duplex structures. The expression patterns of circRNAs exhibit tissue-specific and pathogenesis-related manner. CircRNAs have implicated in the development of multiple autoimmune diseases, including SLE. In this review, we summarize the characteristics, biogenesis, and potential functions of circRNAs, its impact on immune responses and highlight current understanding of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of SLE.

scholarly journals The effective function of circular RNA in colorectal cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandana Ameli-Mojarad ◽  
Melika Ameli-Mojarad ◽  
Mahrooyeh Hadizadeh ◽  
Chris Young ◽  
Hosna Babini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Colorectal Tumorigenesis ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Mirna Sponges ◽  
Mechanisms Of Development

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common type of cancer worldwide. Late detection plays role in one-third of annual mortality due to CRC. Therefore, it is essential to find a precise and optimal diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the identification and treatment of colorectal tumorigenesis. Covalently closed, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs, which can have the same function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, as regulators of splicing and transcription, and as interactors with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Therefore, circRNAs have been investigated as specific targets for diagnostic and prognostic detection of CRC. These non-coding RNAs are also linked to metastasis, proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and drug resistance, illustrating the importance of understanding their involvement in the molecular mechanisms of development and progression of CRC. In this review, we present a detailed summary of recent findings relating to the dysregulation of circRNAs and their potential role in CRC.

scholarly journals The Emerging Roles of the RNA Binding Protein QKI in Cardiovascular Development and Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinyun Chen ◽  
Jianwen Yin ◽  
Dayan Cao ◽  
Deyong Xiao ◽  
Zhongjun Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Binding Property ◽  
Cardiovascular Development ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Unique Cell ◽  
Carboxy Terminal ◽  
And Function

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have a broad biological and physiological function and are critical in regulating pre-mRNA posttranscriptional processing, intracellular migration, and mRNA stability. QKI, also known as Quaking, is a member of the signal transduction and activation of RNA (STAR) family, which also belongs to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K- (hnRNP K-) homology domain protein family. There are three major alternatively spliced isoforms, QKI-5, QKI-6, and QKI-7, differing in carboxy-terminal domains. They share a common RNA binding property, but each isoform can regulate pre-mRNA splicing, transportation or stability differently in a unique cell type-specific manner. Previously, QKI has been known for its important role in contributing to neurological disorders. A series of recent work has further demonstrated that QKI has important roles in much broader biological systems, such as cardiovascular development, monocyte to macrophage differentiation, bone metabolism, and cancer progression. In this mini-review, we will focus on discussing the emerging roles of QKI in regulating cardiac and vascular development and function and its potential link to cardiovascular pathophysiology.

scholarly journals Insights into the multifaceted role of circular RNAs: implications for Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis and diagnosis

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Epaminondas Doxakis
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Age Related ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, age-related, neurodegenerative disease whose etiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations remain incompletely understood. As a result, care focuses primarily on symptoms relief. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of mostly noncoding RNAs that accumulate with aging in the brain and are increasingly shown to regulate all aspects of neuronal and glial development and function. They are generated by the spliceosome through the backsplicing of linear RNA. Although their biological role remains largely unknown, they have been shown to regulate transcription and splicing, act as decoys for microRNAs and RNA binding proteins, used as templates for translation, and serve as scaffolding platforms for signaling components. Considering that they are stable, diverse, and detectable in easily accessible biofluids, they are deemed promising biomarkers for diagnosing diseases. CircRNAs are differentially expressed in the brain of patients with PD, and growing evidence suggests that they regulate PD pathogenetic processes. Here, the biogenesis, expression, degradation, and detection of circRNAs, as well as their proposed functions, are reviewed. Thereafter, research linking circRNAs to PD-related processes, including aging, alpha-synuclein dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress is highlighted, followed by recent evidence for their use as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for PD.

scholarly journals Roles of Splicing Factors in Hormone-Related Cancer Progression

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiko Takeiwa ◽  
Yuichi Mitobe ◽  
Kazuhiro Ikeda ◽  
Kuniko Horie-Inoue ◽  
Satoshi Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Mrna Isoforms ◽  
Targeting Therapy ◽  
Biological Phenomena ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins ◽  
Prostate Cancers ◽  
Mrna Precursor

Splicing of mRNA precursor (pre-mRNA) is a mechanism to generate multiple mRNA isoforms from a single pre-mRNA, and it plays an essential role in a variety of biological phenomena and diseases such as cancers. Previous studies have demonstrated that cancer-specific splicing events are involved in various aspects of cancers such as proliferation, migration and response to hormones, suggesting that splicing-targeting therapy can be promising as a new strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the splicing regulation by RNA-binding proteins including Drosophila behavior/human splicing (DBHS) family proteins, serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) in hormone-related cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers.

scholarly journals Control of Cytokine mRNA Expression by RNA-binding Proteins and microRNAs

2012 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 651-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Palanisamy ◽  
A. Jakymiw ◽  
E.A. Van Tubergen ◽  
N.J. D’Silva ◽  
K.L. Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Mrna Stability ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Pharyngeal Cancer ◽  
Cytokine Mrna ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation ◽  
The Stability

Cytokines are critical mediators of inflammation and host defenses. Regulation of cytokines can occur at various stages of gene expression, including transcription, mRNA export, and post- transcriptional and translational levels. Among these modes of regulation, post-transcriptional regulation has been shown to play a vital role in controlling the expression of cytokines by modulating mRNA stability. The stability of cytokine mRNAs, including TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8, has been reported to be altered by the presence of AU-rich elements (AREs) located in the 3′-untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of the mRNAs. Numerous RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs bind to these 3′UTRs to regulate the stability and/or translation of the mRNAs. Thus, this paper describes the cooperative function between RNA-binding proteins and miRNAs and how they regulate AU-rich elements containing cytokine mRNA stability/degradation and translation. These mRNA control mechanisms can potentially influence inflammation as it relates to oral biology, including periodontal diseases and oral pharyngeal cancer progression.

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