The lncRNA-MALAT1/miR-330-3p Axis Promotes Growth and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Through Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A: A Genetic and Cell Evaluation Study

SUMMARY: Overexpression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in various tumor tissues and cell lines was found to promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of MALAT1 in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the correlation between long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), MALAT1, MicroRNAs (miRNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in gastric cancer and to disclose underlying mechanism. The correlation between MALAT1 levels and clinical features was analyzed by bioinformatics data and human samples. The expression of MALAT1 was down regulated in AGS cells to detect the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion characteristics, as well as the effects on signal pathways. Furthermore, we validated the role of MALAT1/miR-330-3p axis in GC by dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Expression of MALAT1 was higher in cancer tissues than in para-cancerous tissues. The high MALAT1 level predicted malignancy and worse prognosis. Down-regulation of MALAT1 expression in AGS cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting VEGFA. By dual luciferase reporter gene assay and miR-330-3p inhibitor treatment, we demonstrate that MALAT1 sponged miR-330-3p in GC, leading to VEGFA upregulation and activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. The MALAT1/miR-330-3p axis regulates VEGFA through the mTOR signaling pathway and promotes the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Se descubrió que la sobreexpresión del transcrito 1 de adenocarcinoma de pulmón asociado a metástasis (MALAT1) en varios tejidos tumorales y líneas celulares promueve la proliferación, migración e invasión de células tumorales. Sin embargo, el papel de MALAT1 en el cáncer gástrico (CG) aún no está claro. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la correlación entre los ARN no codificantes de cadena larga (lncRNA), MALAT1, los microARN (miARN) y el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular A (VEGFA) en el cáncer gástrico y revelar el mecanismo subyacente. La correlación entre los niveles de MALAT1 y las características clínicas se analizó mediante datos bioinformáticos y muestras humanas. La expresión de MALAT1 se reguló negativamente en las células AGS para detectar las características de proliferación, migración e invasión celular, así como los efectos sobre las vías de señales. Además, validamos el papel del eje MALAT1/miR- 330-3p en GC mediante ensayos de genes indicadores de luciferasa dual. La expresión de MALAT1 fue mayor en tejidos cancerosos que en tejidos paracancerosos. El alto nivel de MALAT1 predijo malignidad y peor pronóstico. La regulación negativa de la expresión de MALAT1 en células AGS inhibió la proliferación, migración e invasión celular al apuntar a VEGFA. Mediante un ensayo de gen indicador de luciferasa dual y un tratamiento con inhibidor de miR-330-3p, demostramos que MALAT1 esponjaba miR-330-3p en GC, lo que lleva a la regulación positiva de VEGFA y la activación de la vía de señalización mTOR. El eje MALAT1/miR-330-3p regula VEGFA a través de la vía de señalización mTOR y promueve el crecimiento y la metástasis del cáncer gástrico.

Clinical significance of long non-coding RNA NORAD in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that may cause joint deformities and seriously affect the normal life of the patients. In order to enable patients to receive timely attention and treatment, this study developed new diagnostic markers by exploring the expression and molecular mechanism of the long non-coding RNA NORAD (NORAD) in RA. Methods Participants including 77 RA patients and 52 healthy persons were enrolled, and the corresponding clinical data and serum samples were obtained. The NORAD and miR-204-5p expression were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The content of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Luciferase activity reporter assay demonstrated the association between NORAD and miR-204-5p. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of NORAD, and Pearson's correlation analysis was applied for the correlation analysis. Results NORAD was enriched in RA serum with high diagnostic value. Simultaneously, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were also upregulated (P < 0.001). The C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (Anti-CCP) levels in RA patients were generally elevated (P < 0.001). NORAD was positively correlated with the levels of clinical indicators and inflammatory factors (P < 0.0001). Mechanistically, NORAD may affect the progression of RA by targeting and negatively regulating miR-204-5p. Conclusions There is a correlation between NORAD and the processes of RA, and NORAD has the potential to predict and diagnose the occurrence of RA.

LncRNA XIST promotes neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy by regulating miR-101-3p/VEGFA

ABSTRACT Objective: This study sought to investigate the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) XIST on the microRNA (miR)-101-3p/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) axis in neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Materials and methods: Serum of patients with DR was extracted for the analysis of XIST, miR-101-3p, and VEGFA expression levels. High glucose (HG)-insulted HRMECs and DR model rats were treated with lentiviral vectors. MTT, transwell, and tube formation assays were performed to evaluate cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis, and ELISA was conducted to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down experiments were used to validate the relationships among XIST, miR-101-3p, and VEGFA. Results: XIST and VEGFA were upregulated and miR-101-3p was downregulated in serum from patients with DR. XIST knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, vessel tube formation, and inflammatory response in HG-treated HRMECs, whereas the above effects were nullified by miR-101-3p inhibition or VEGFA overexpression. miR-101-3p could bind to XIST and VEGFA. XIST promoted DR development in rats by regulating the miR-101-3p/VEGFA axis. Conclusions: LncRNA XIST promotes VEGFA expression by downregulating miR-101-3p, thereby stimulating angiogenesis and inflammatory response in DR.

Autoimmunity-related LINC01934 and AP002954.4 lncRNA polymorphisms may be effective in pediatric celiac disease: a case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Various studies have reported that certain long non-coding RNA levels are unusually low in the intestines of celiac disease patients, suggesting that this may be associated with the inflammation observed in celiac disease. Despite these studies, the research aimed at uncovering the potential role of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like celiac disease remains insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we plan to assess long non-coding RNA polymorphisms associated with autoimmunity in children diagnosed with celiac disease according to the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition criteria. METHODS: DNA was isolated from paraffin tissue samples of 88 pediatric celiac disease patients and 74 healthy pediatric individuals. Single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of five long non-coding RNA polymorphisms associated with autoimmunity (LINC01934-rs1018326, IL18RAP-rs917997, AP002954.4-rs10892258, UQCRC2P1-rs6441961, and HCG14 rs3135316) was conducted using the TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays with the LightCycler 480. RESULTS: In our study, the genotypic and allelic frequency distribution of LINC01934-rs1018326 and AP002954.4-rs10892258 polymorphisms was found to be statistically significant in the comparison between the two groups (p<0.05). According to the multiple genetic model analyses, the LINC01934-rs1018326 polymorphism was observed to confer a 1.14-fold risk in the recessive model and a 1.2-fold risk in the additive model for pediatric celiac disease. Similarly, the AP002954.4-rs10892258 polymorphism was found to pose a 1.40-fold risk in the dominant model and a 1.7-fold risk in the additive model. CONCLUSION: Our study results draw attention to the LINC01934-rs1018326 and AP002954.4-rs10892258 polymorphisms in celiac disease and suggest that these polymorphisms may be associated with inflammation in autoimmune diseases like celiac disease.

Intervention Mechanism of Biejiajian Wan on Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β Signal Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Biejiajian Wan in the intervention of primary liver cancer based on long non-coding RNA SNHG5 （lncRNA SNHG5）/micro RNA-26a-5p （miRNA-26a-5p）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） signal axis. MethodDouble luciferase reporting assay was used to verify the targeted interaction between lncRNA SNHG5 and miRNA-26a-5p， miRNA-26a-5p， and GSK-3β in HepG2 cells. Nude-mouse transplanted tumor model of human HepG2 were established and randomly divided into model group， Biejiajian Wan low-dose group （0.5 g·kg-1）， medium-dose group （1.0 g·kg-1）， and high-dose group （2.0 g·kg-1）， and sorafenib group （100 mg·kg-1）， with 10 mice in each group. The mice were given intragastric administration of normal saline or drug for 28 days， and the tumor volume was measured at different time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histological changes of tumors. The nucleic acid levels of lncRNA SNHG5， miRNA-26a-5p， GSK-3β， and β-catenin mPNA in tumor tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin in tumor tissue were detected by western blot. ResultCompared with the SNHG5-WT （wild type） + miRNA NC （negative control） group， the relative luciferase activities of the SNHG5-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA NC group， the relative luciferase activity of the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the tumor volume of Biejiajian Wan low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cells in the tumor tissue of nude mice in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan were sparsely arranged with necrocytosis， which showed concentration-dependent changes. Compared with the model group， the expression levels of lncRNA SNHG5， GSK-3β， and β-catenin were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression of miRNA-26a-5p was increased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin were decreased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBiejiajian Wan may affect the necrosis of liver cancer cells through lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β signal axis and thus play an anti-tumor role. This research will provide more theoretical basis for the clinical application of Biejiajian Wan.

lncRNA NEAT1 promotes the expression of EZH2 in gastric cancer cells and improves cell proliferation and migration through inhibiting hsa-miR-450b-5p / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#目的：筛选果蝇Zeste基因增强子同源物2（EZH2）基因上游miRNA及lncRNA，分析其在胃癌细胞中的表达并验证其间的靶向关系，探讨它们对胃癌细胞增殖、迁移和凋亡的影响。方法：通过ENCORI、miRDB和Target Scan数据库查询并分析、筛选EZH2上游miRNA（has-miR-450b-5p），ENCORI数据库和DAINA数据库筛选has-miR-450b-5p上游lncRNA（lncRNA NEAT1），预测hsa-miR-450b-5p、lncRNA NEAT1与EZH2之间的结合位点，双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证hsa-miR-450b-5p与lncRNA NEAT1的结合关系。采用qPCR和WB法检测lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2在正常胃黏膜细胞（GES-1）与胃癌细胞（MGC-803、SGC-7901和MKN-28）中的表达量。按转染物的不同将MGC-803和SGC-7901细胞分为hsa-miR-450b-5p-mimic组、mimic-NC组、si-NEAT1组和si-NC组，转染36~48 h后qPCR法验证过表达及敲减效果；通过qPCR、WB法检测观察过表达hsa-miR-450b-5p对细胞中lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA、蛋白表达的影响，以及敲减lncRNA NEAT1对hsa-miR-450b-5p和EZH2 mRNA表达的影响；CCK-8法、划痕愈合实验和流式细胞术分别检测敲减EZH2或敲减lncRNA NEAT1对细胞增殖、迁移和凋亡能力的影响。结果：生物信息学分析筛选获得EZH2上游miRNA和lncRNA为has-miR-450b-5p和lncRNA NEAT1，双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证了两者间存在靶向关系。lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA、蛋白在胃癌细胞中均呈高表达（均P<0.05）。与mimic-NC组相比，hsa-miR-450b-5p-mimic组MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞中miR-450b-5p水平均显著升高，而EZH2 mRNA、蛋白和lncRNA NEAT1的表达量均显著降低（P<0.05或P<0.01）；与si-NC组相比，si-NEAT1组MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞中lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA的表达量均显著降低（均P<0.01），SGC-7901细胞中hsa-miR-450b-5p表达量显著升高（P<0.05）。敲减EZH2或敲减lncRNA NEAT1后，MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞的增殖、迁移能力均显著降低（均P<0.01）。结论：lncRNA NEAT1 和EZH2在胃癌细胞中均呈高表达，lncRNA NEAT1可通过hsa-miR-450b-5p促进EZH2的表达并提高胃癌MGC-803和SGC-7901细胞的增殖和迁移能力。

Effect of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 on chemotherapy sensitivity of vincristine-resistant in retinoblastoma cells / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA-HIF1A-AS1(lncRNA HIF1A-AS1)on the chemotherapy sensitivity of vincristine(VCR)-resistant in retinoblastoma(RB)cells by regulating the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α).METHODS: The human RB VCR-resistant cell line SO-RB50/VCR was established, expression of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in SO-RB50 and SO-RB50/VCR cells were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR); inhibition of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 expression or simultaneous overexpression of HIF-1α in SO-RB50/VCR cells, and then median inhibitory concentration(IC50)of VCR and cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected in SO-RB50/VCR cells; the protein expressions of HIF-1α, multidrug resistance associate protein(MRP)and P-glycoprotein(P-gp)were measured by Western blot.RESULTS: Compared with SO-RB50 cells, the expression levels of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 and HIF-1α protein in SO-RB50/VCR cells were increased(P&#x003C;0.05); after inhibiting the expression of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 in SO-RB50/VCR cells, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased(P&#x003C;0.05), optical density(OD450), the IC50 value of VCR on cells and the expression levels of HIF-1α, MRP and P-gp proteins were significantly reduced(P&#x003C;0.05); overexpression of HIF-1α attenuates the inhibitory effect of down-regulated lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 expression on drug resistance in SO-RB50/VCR cells.CONCLUSION: The lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 was highly expressed in SO-RB50/VCR cells, and inhibition of lncRNA HIF1A-AS1 expression reduced VCR resistance in SO-RB50/VCR cells by down-regulating HIF-1α expression.

Si-Wu-Tang attenuates liver fibrosis via regulating lncRNA H19-dependent pathways involving cytoskeleton remodeling and ECM deposition / 中国天然药物

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing response characterized by the agglutination of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is known for treating gynecological diseases and liver fibrosis. Our previous studies demonstrated that long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) was markedly upregulated in fibrotic livers while its deficiency markedly reversed fibrogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which SWT influences H19 remain unclear. Thus, we established a bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis model to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of SWT on various cells in the liver. Our results showed that SWT markedly improved ECM deposition and bile duct reactions in the liver. Notably, SWT relieved liver fibrosis by regulating the transcription of genes involved in the cytoskeleton remodeling, primarily in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and influencing cytoskeleton-related angiogenesis and hepatocellular injury. This modulation collectively led to reduced ECM deposition. Through extensive bioinformatics analyses, we determined that H19 acted as a miRNA sponge and mainly inhibited miR-200, miR-211, and let7b, thereby regulating the above cellular regulatory pathways. Meanwhile, SWT reversed H19-related miRNAs and signaling pathways, diminishing ECM deposition and liver fibrosis. However, these protective effects of SWT were diminished with the overexpression of H19 in vivo. In conclusion, our study elucidates the underlying mechanisms of SWT from the perspective of H19-related signal networks and proposes a potential SWT-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts prevent liver fibrosis via targeting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong in Chinese, CX) is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cerebrovascular, gynecologic and hepatic diseases. Our previous study found that CX extracts significantly reduced collagen contraction force of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Here, this study aimed to compare the protection of different CX extracts on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis and investigate plausible underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#The active compounds of CX extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology was used to determine potential targets of CX against hepatic fibrosis. Bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis were evaluated by serologic testing and histopathological evaluation. The expression of targets of interest was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Different CX extracts were identified by tetramethylpyrazine, ferulic acid and senkyunolide A. Based on the network pharmacological analysis, 42 overlap targets were obtained via merging the candidates targets of CX and liver fibrosis. Different aqueous, alkaloid and phthalide extracts of CX (CXAE, CXAL and CXPHL) significantly inhibited diffuse severe bile duct hyperplasia and thus suppressed hepatic fibrosis by decreasing CCCTC binding factor (CTCF)-c-MYC-long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) pathway in the BDL-induced mouse model. Meanwhile, CX extracts, especially CXAL and CXPHL also suppressed CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway and inhibited ductular reaction in cholangiocytes stimulated with taurocholate acid (TCA), lithocholic acid (LCA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), as illustrated by decreased bile duct proliferation markers.@*CONCLUSION@#Our data supported that different CX extracts, especially CXAL and CXPHL significantly alleviated hepatic fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia via inhibiting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway, providing novel insights into the anti-fibrotic mechanism of CX.

Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of Anoikis-related LncRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the prognostic value and immune infiltration landscape of anoikis-related long noncoding RNAs (arlncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods RNA-seq and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the TCGA database, and anoikis-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards and Harmonizome databases. Coexpression, differential, and WGCNA analyses were performed to screen differentially expressed arlncRNAs closely related to the occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. A prognostic risk model was then constructed based on the arlncRNAs, and its predictive efficacy was further validated. Finally, consensus clustering was used to identify the molecular subtypes associated with anoikis in lung adenocarcinoma. Results Seven prognostic arlncRNAs were identified, and the prognostic risk models established based on them had AUC values of ROC curves greater than 0.7. Survival and immune infiltration analyses revealed that low-risk patients had high overall survival and immune infiltration, implying that they experienced good immune treatment effects. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that the high-risk patients were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents than the low-risk patients. According to the expression of model genes, subtypes C1 and C2 were identified through consensus clustering, and C1 showed a good prognosis. Conclusion The prognostic risk model based on the seven arlncRNAs can effectively predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. The results of immune-related and drug sensitivity analyses provide a reference for the precise individualized treatment of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Study of long non-coding RNA Tug 1 expression in Egyptian colorectal adenocarcinoma patients

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal tumors worldwide. In Egypt, most CRC cases occur in individuals > 40 years old. TUG1 has been proved to be disrupted in different malignancies and may have a critical role in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. However, its role in CRC has not been adequately studied. Materials / Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the expression levels of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), in nonmetastatic and metastatic CRC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues as control. Results: LncRNA TUG1 expression was significantly upregulated in both nonmetastatic and metastatic CRC tissues, in comparison with the adjacent noncancerous tissue. It was found that TUG1 could have a possible prognostic role in CRC, by comparing the sensitivity and specificity of TUG1 with those of CEA and CA19-9. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that the LncRNA TUG1 participates in the malignant behaviors of CRC cells. (AU)

LncRNA ZFAS1 contributes to osteosarcoma progression via miR-520b and miR-520e-mediated inhibition of RHOC signaling

ABSTRACT Objectives: We examined the expression of Lnc-ZFAS1 in osteosarcoma and comprehensively evaluated its effects on osteosarcoma in vitro and vivo. Moreover, we revealed the regulatory mechanism between Lnc-ZFAS1 and miR-520b/miR-520e-mediated RHOC and provided a novel clue for ameliorating osteosarcoma. Method: The expression of Long non-coding RNA Zinc Finger Antisense 1 (LncRNA ZFAS1) osteosarcoma tissues and normal tissues in the TCGA database was analyzed. Then, LncRNA ZFAS1 expression was further verified in clinical samples and osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS and KHOS), as well as the human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19 by qRT-PCR. Thereafter, LncRNA ZFAS1 was overexpressed or silenced to explore its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The fundamental mechanism through which Lnc-ZFAS1 affects osteosarcoma progression was further investigated and verified. Results: We found that LncRNA ZFAS1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma, and Lnc-ZFAS1 overexpression facilitated osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, while Lnc-ZFAS1 silence exerted reverse influence. Mechanistically, Lnc-ZFAS1 functionally acted as a sponger of microRNA-520b (miR-520b) and micro-RNA-520e (miR-520e) to up-regulate Ras Homologue C (RHOC). In addition, depleted Lnc-ZFAS1 restrained osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, which could be rescued by RHOC overexpression. Lnc-ZFAS1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma and Lnc-ZFAS1 could exert promoted impact upon osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro. Conclusions: Lnc-ZFAS1 acted sponger of miR-520b and miR-520e to promote RHOC, indicating that Lnc-ZFAS1/miR-520b/RHOC and Lnc-ZFAS1/miR-520e/RHOC axes might serve as potential therapeutic strategies against osteosarcoma.

Overexpression of lncRNA-MEG3 inhibits endometrial cell proliferation and invasion via miR-21-5p/DNMT3B/Twist

Abstract Recent studies have found that lncRNA-MEG3(MEG3) plays an important role in the development of EMs (Endometriosis), but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MEG3 on the proliferation, invasion of EMs cells. The authors used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-21-5p in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, MTT and Transwell to detect cell proliferation and invasion, western blotting assay to detect the expression of DNMT3B and Twist, MSP to detect the methylation of Twist. The present study's detection results showed that MEG3 was lowly expressed in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, and overexpression of MEG3 could down-regulate miR-21-5p and inhibit endometrial cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 upregulated the expression of DNMT3B and promoted the methylation of TWIST. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that MEG3 is downregulated in EMs tissues, and overexpression of MEG3 can promote the activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B by downregulating miR-21-5p, thereby promoting the methylation of Twist, downregulating Twist level to inhibits hESCs cells proliferation and invasion.

Screening crucial lncRNAs and genes in osteoarthritis by integrated analysis

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases with high morbidity worldwide, marked by degradation of the cartilage and bone, joint instability, stiffness, joint space stenosis and subchondral sclerosis. Due to the elusive mechanism of osteoarthritis (OA), we aimed to identify potential markers for OA and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying OA. Methods Expression profiles data of OA were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in OA. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed. Then, nearby DEmRNAs of DElncRNAs was obtained. Moreover, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of nearby DEmRNAs of DElncRNAs was performed. Finally, expression validation of selected mRNAs and lncRNAs was performed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results In total, 2080 DEmRNAs and 664 DElncRNAs were determined in OA. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Endocytosis and Rap1 signaling pathway were significantly enriched KEGG pathways in OA. YWHAB, HSPA8, NEDD4L and SH3KBP1 were four hub proteins in PPI network. The AC093484.4/TRPV2 interact pair may be involved in the occurrence and development of OA. Conclusion Our study identified several DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs associated with OA. The molecular characters could provide more information for further study on OA.

Clinical significance of LncRNA-MIAT as a non-invasive diagnostic marker of nonHodgkin's lymphoma associated with occult hepatitis C virus infection

Aims: the current research aimed to investigate LncRNA-MIAT in patients with nonHodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and to assess its correlation with clinicopathological features and treatment protocols of NHLs among Egyptian patients with Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI). Patients & Methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients with NHL and 30 healthy subjects as the control group. All subjects were screened for HCV-RNA in both plasma and PBMCs. RT-PCR determined lncRNA-MIAT. Results: lncRNA-MIAT relative expression level was upregulated in NHL groups (2.73±0.86) compared to controls (1.06±0.07), P ˂0.001*. Among NHL, patients with OCI (3.2±0.63) had significantly higher levels of lncRNA-MIAT compared to HCV (2.6±1.08) and non-HCV (2.4±0.4), P ˂0.001*. Additionally, the relative expression levels of lncRNA-MIAT were significantly positively correlated with laboratory and clinicopathological features of NHL. Interestingly, concerning the treatment of DLBCLNHL, there were significantly higher levels of lncRNA-MIAT in no treatment subgroup (n=10, 3.31±0.95) compared to successfully treated subgroups [CHOP (n=7, 1.58±0.34) and R-CHOP (n=3, 11.16±0.21), P ˂0.001* Conclusions: lncRNA-MIAT level was upregulated in NHL patients, particularly patients with OCI. Thus, circulatory lncRNA-MIAT may serve as a promising non-invasive diagnostic marker for NHL associated with OCI

Construction of CeRNA network of differential LncRNAs in THP-1 cells infected by Dengue virus type Ⅲ and its antibody dependent enhancement / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo establish models of Dengue virus type Ⅲ（DENV-3,DV-3）infection and antibody dependent enhancement(ADE)infection at the acute monocytic leukemia cells(THP-1),investigate the differential expression of long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs),map the competitive endogenous RNA(CeRNA)regulatory network and predict the translation function of LncRNAs.MethodsThe culture supernatant was harvested 6 d after C6/36 cells were infected with DENV-3,the virus titer was determined by CCID50,and the type and full-length genome amplification were identified by PCR;The DENV-3 standard plasmid was amplified,identified by PCR,and the standard curve was drawn;THP-1 cells were divided into negative control group(THP-1),direct infection group(DV-3),ADE group and blank control group[1640(-)]. After 48 h of infection,the total RNA was extracted and the copy number of intracellular virus nucleic acid was measured;Through the whole transcriptome sequencing technology,the CeRNA regulatory network was constructed for the top five up-regulated and down-regulated LncRNAs in THP-1 vs DENV3,THP-1 vs ADE,DENV3 vs ADE groups,and the functions of their coding proteins were analyzed.ResultsC6/36 cells infected with DENV-3 for 3 d showed obvious cell fusion,vacuoles and abscission;The virus had a titer of about 1. 0 × 104. 64PFU/mL and was identified as DENV-3 by PCR specific primers,of which the complete gene sequence was obtained;The number of viral nucleic acid copies in ADE group was significantly higher than those in DV-3 group and blank control group;In THP-1 vs DENV-3,the expression of cytohesin interacting protein(CYTIP)was predicted to be up-regulated;In THP-1 vs ADE,the expression of kinesin family5A(KIF5A)was predicted to be down-regulated;In DENV-3 vs ADE,the expression of cluster differentiation antigen 9(CD9)and insulin like growth factor 2(IGF2)was predicted to be up-regulated. All of these differential LncRNAs had open reading frames(ORFs). Except Lnc-SH3BP1 and Lnc-RPL41,all of the other LncRNAs had internal ribosome binding site(IRES).ConclusionIn DENV-3 infection of THP-1 cells and ADE infection mediated by DENV-3,the expression of LncRNAs has changed significantly,and may regulate the process of infection through a variety of biological functions,which is helpful for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of ADE infection.

Expression of long non-coding RNA FRAPT in triple-negative breast cancer and its biological significance / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA FRAPT(lncRNA FRAPT) in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) cells and analyze its effects on proliferation,cell cycle and drug resistance of TNBC cells.Methods Using scRNASeqDB and TCGA on-line bioinformatics database,the expression of lncRNA FRAPT in TNBC and its correlation with prognosis were detected;TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with si-lncRNA FRAPT and si-Ctrl(negative control) by using Lipofectamine~(TM) 2000 respectively,of which the proliferation and cell cycle changes after transfection were detected by SRB test and flow cytometry,and the drug resistance to chemotherapy drug paclitaxel(PTX)was detected.Results The expression of lncRNA FRAPT was up-regulated in TNBC tissues and cells,and its high expression was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of TNBC patients(Hazard Ratio=1.66,P=0.047).Silencing lncRNA FRAPT significantly inhibited the proliferation of TNBC cells,with the cell cycle arrested in G1 phase,while increased the sensitivity of TNBC cells to PTX.Conclusion LncRNA FRAPT was highly expressed in TNBC and related to tumor prognosis-Silencing lncRNA FRAPT inhibited proliferation and cell cycle of TNBC,and increased the sensitivity to chemotherapy drug PTX.

Long non-coding RNA C2dat1 involved in diabetic renal interstitial fibrosis by influencing CaMK2D/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To study the changes in long non-coding RNA C2dat1 expression in kidney tissues of rats at different stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and its relationship with renal interstitial fibrosis.Methods:Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups with 24 rats in each group: control group and DKD group. The rats in the control group were fed with ordinary diet, while those in the DKD group were fed with high-fat diet and drank water freely. After eight weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted for 12 h with free access to water. Then, the DKD group was given a one-time intrabitoneal injection of streptozotocin and the control group was given an equal dose of sodium citrate buffer. After 72 h, the random peripheral blood glucose concentration (≥ 16.7 mmol/L for three consecutive days) and urine sugar (positive) were tested to assess the establishment of the diabetes model. Urine, blood and kidney samples were collected at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. The urinary protein excretion rate within 24 h, urinary creatinine and serum total cholesterol were measured by automatic biochemical apparatus. Pathological changes in kidney tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ delta (CaMK2D), p65, p50, α-SMA and E-cardherin was detected by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of lncRNA C2dat1 and CaMK2D. The relationship of lncRNA C2dat1 with α-SMA, E-cardherin and CaMK2D was analyzed by correlation analysis. In in vitro experiment, renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2 were induced by high glucose. The expression of lncRNA C2dat1 and CaMK2D in HK-2 cells was detected by qPCR after 24, 48 and 72 h of intervention. Results:The rats in the DKD group showed typical symptoms such as polydipsia, polyphagia, significant weight loss and increased blood glucose as compared with the rats in the control group. Results of the biochemical tests revealed that compared with the control group, the DKD group had increased 24 h excretion rate of urinary protein, decreased urinary creatinine and up-regulated total cholesterol. HE staining showed that the rats in the control group had intact glomeruli, normal basement membrane and no mesangial hyperplasia or inflammatory cell infiltration. However, enlarged glomeruli and evenly thickened basement membrane were observed in the DKD group. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the expression of CaMK2D, p50 and α-SMA was higher in the DKD group than in the control group, while the expression of E-cardherin was lower in the DKD group. qPCR results showed that the expression of lncRNA C2dat1 and CaMK2D at mRNA level was higher in the DKD group than in the control group. In in vitro experiment, the expression of lncRNA C2dat1 and CaMK2D at mRNA level was also higher in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose than in the control group. Correlation analysis indicated that lncRNA C2dat1 was positively correlated with α-SMA and CaMK2D, but negatively correlated with E-cardherin. Conclusions:During the progression of DKD, the high expression of lncRNA C2dat1 might promote diabetic renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating the expression of CaMK2D to activate the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Promising roles of non-exosomal and exosomal non-coding RNAs in the regulatory mechanism and as diagnostic biomarkers in myocardial infarction / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Non-exosomal non-coding RNAs (non-exo-ncRNAs) and exosomal ncRNAs (exo-ncRNAs) have been associated with the pathological development of myocardial infarction (MI). Accordingly, this analytical review provides an overview of current MI studies on the role of plasma non-exo/exo-ncRNAs. We summarize the features and crucial roles of ncRNAs and reveal their novel biological correlations via bioinformatics analysis. The following contributions are made: (1) we comprehensively describe the expression profile, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and "pre-necrotic" biomarkers of non-exo/exo-ncRNAs for MI; (2) functional enrichment analysis indicates that the target genes of ncRNAs are enriched in the regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway and cellular response to chemical stress, etc.; (3) we propose an updated and comprehensive view on the mechanisms, pathophysiology, and biomarker roles of non-exo/exo-ncRNAs in MI, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the clinical management of MI.

Clinical significance of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in prognosis and immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：采用生物信息学方法探索与肾透明细胞癌(ccRCC)组织中铁死亡相关的lncRNA，并探讨其与免疫细胞浸润及患者预后的相关性，为ccRCC患者提供新的分子靶点。方法：从癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库下载ccRCC的转录本数据和临床数据，利用单样本基因集富集分析(ssGSEA)及相关性分析获得与铁死亡相关的lncRNA；通过单因素和多因素回归分析构建与铁死亡相关的lncRNA特征图，分析其与预后的关系；利用R软件分析铁死亡相关lncRNA与肿瘤免疫细胞浸润和药物敏感性之间的关系。构建铁死亡相关RNA网络，并通过qPCR验证中国人ccRCC组织和癌旁组织（取自2019年12月至2021年03月间在西南医科大学附属医院手术切除8例标本）中关键lncRNA的表达。结果：Kaplan-Meier分析表明，铁死亡评分高的患者总OS率低于铁死亡评分低的患者。单因素和多因素回归分析确定11个ccRCC铁死亡相关lncRNA可评估患者预后，并构建ccRCC患者1、3、5年预后预测列线图。免疫细胞浸润分析表明，铁死亡相关lncRNA与ccRCC免疫细胞浸润密切相关，其中LINC01871、PRKAR1B-AS1和CYTOR是调节肿瘤免疫细胞浸润的关键lncRNA。化疗药物敏感性分析表明，高风险患者对甲氨蝶呤、紫杉醇、顺铂和多柔比星更为敏感。构建的包含3个lncRNA、15个miRNA和15个mRNA的RNA网络中，验证实验显示LINC01871、LINC00472和CYTOR在ccRCC组织中显著上调。结论：通过生物信息学方法获得11个与铁死亡相关的lncRNA，证明其与ccRCC组织免疫细胞浸润、化疗药物敏感性和患者预后相关，为探索ccRCC铁死亡相关lncRNA标志物提供重要参考。