scholarly journals Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 promotes angiogenesis and immunosuppressive properties of HCC cells by sponging miR-140

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (3) ◽  
pp. C649-C663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhou-Hua Hou ◽  
Xu-Wen Xu ◽  
Xiao-Yu Fu ◽  
Le-Du Zhou ◽  
Shui-Ping Liu ◽  
...  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer in adults. Previous studies in our laboratory found that long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was upregulated in HCC cells, which could affect the metastasis and invasion of HCC. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Herein, we studied the interaction between MALAT1 and miR-140 on the regulation of angiogenesis and immunosuppressive properties. We revealed that the expression of MALAT1 and VEGF-A was significantly increased in HCC cells. Knockdown of MALAT1 in HCC cells suppressed the production of VEGF-A, impaired the angiogenesis of HUVECs, and facilitated the polarization of macrophage toward the M1 subset. Mechanistically, the interaction between MALAT1 and miR-140 or between miR-140 and VEGF-A was confirmed by multiple assays. Besides, a negative correlation between MALAT1 and miR-140 was found in HCC tissues. Furthermore, miR-140 inhibition significantly increased VEGF-A expression, promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs, and redirected the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 subset. In addition, in vivo studies also verified the regulatory network of the MALAT1/miR-140 axis on VEGF-A in HCC progression. In summary, this study revealed the mechanism that MALAT1 worked as a putative HCC promotor via inhibiting miR-140. Therefore, targeting MALAT1 or miR-140 might alleviate the progression of HCC in the future.

Author(s):  
Haitao Xie ◽  
Hui Zhou ◽  
Yan Jiang ◽  
Wenqian Xu ◽  
Leping Zeng ◽  
...  

IntroductionLong non-coding RNA LINC00641 has been reported to regulate tumor progression in several cancers. However, the expression and function of LINC00641 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear.Material and methodsIn this study, we measured the expression of LINC00641 in 79 pairs of HCC and adjacent normal liver tissues. The clinical significance of LINC00641 in HCC was explored. We also investigated the function of LINC00641 in HCC proliferation and invasion.ResultsWe observed that LINC00641 expression was significantly increased in HCC relative to normal tissues (P < 0.0001). High expression of LINC00641 was significantly associated with vascular invasion, advanced TNM stage, and reduced overall survival in HCC patients. Knockdown of LINC00641 inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and invasion of HCC cells. In contrast, overexpression of LINC00641 promoted HCC cell growth and invasiveness. In vivo studies confirmed that knockdown of LINC00641 restrained tumorigenesis of HCC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that LINC00641 inhibited the expression of miR-501-3p, which has been previously reported to act as a tumor suppressor in HCC. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays validated that LINC00641 harbored a target site for miR-501-3p. Rescue experiments demonstrated that LINC00641-induced proliferation and invasion of HCC cells was reversed by co-expression of miR-501-3p.ConclusionsTaken together, LINC00641 contributes to aggressive phenotype of HCC cells by sponging miR-501-3p and represents a promising therapeutic target for this disease.


Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edie-Rosmin Wu ◽  
Ying-Erh Chou ◽  
Yu-Fan Liu ◽  
Kuan-Chun Hsueh ◽  
Hsiang-Lin Lee ◽  
...  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, whose diversified occurrence worldwide indicates a connection between genetic variations among individuals and the predisposition to such neoplasms. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 can have both promotive and inhibitory effects on cancer development, revealing a dual role in tumorigenesis. In this study, the link of H19 gene polymorphisms to hepatocarcinogenesis was assessed between 359 HCC patients and 1190 cancer-free subjects. We found that heterozygotes for the minor allele of H19 rs2839698 (T) and rs3741219 (G) were more inclined to develop HCC (OR, 1.291; 95% CI, 1.003–1.661; p = 0.047, and OR, 1.361; 95% CI, 1.054–1.758; p = 0.018, respectively), whereas homozygotes for the polymorphic allele of rs2107425 (TT) were correlated with a decreased risk of HCC (OR, 0.606; 95% CI, 0.410–0.895; p = 0.012). Moreover, patients who bear at least one variant allele (heterozygote or homozygote) of rs3024270 were less prone to develop late-stage tumors (for stage III/IV; OR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.342–0.937; p = 0.027). In addition, carriers of a particular haplotype of three H19 SNPs tested were more susceptible to HCC. In conclusion, our results indicate an association between H19 gene polymorphisms and the incidence and progression of liver cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiwei Wang ◽  
Guoyong Chen ◽  
Bing Wang ◽  
Zhenhua Yuan ◽  
Guangbo Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer associated with a high mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as regulators in the development and progression of several cancers, and therefore represent an opportunity to uncover new targets for therapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential effect of lncRNA BZRAP1-AS1 on the angiogenesis of HCC. Methods Microarray-based data analysis was initially employed to screen genes and lncRNAs that are differentially expressed in HCC and the candidate BZRAP1-AS1 was identified as a hit. The expression of BZRAP1-AS1 and thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) in HCC tissues and cells were then determined using RT-qPCR. The gene methylation level was measured by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) assays. Next, the interactions between BZRAP1-AS1, DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3b), and THBS1 were assessed by RIP, RNA pull-down and ChIP assays. Finally, the roles of BZRAP1-AS1, DNMT3b and THBS1 in angiogenesis in vitro as well as tumorigenesis in vivo were evaluated by a battery of the gain- and loss-of function experiments. Results BZRAP1-AS1 was identified as a highly expressed lncRNA in HCC tissues and cells. Down-regulation of BZRAP1-AS1 in HCC cells inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. By interacting with DNMT3b, BZRAP1-AS1 induced methylation of the THBS1 promoter and inhibited the transcription of THBS1, resulting in promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs. Moreover, silencing of BZRAP1-AS1 repressed the angiogenesis as well as the tumor growth of HCC in vivo via up-regulating THBS1. Conclusion This study provides evidence that angiogenesis in HCC is hindered by silencing of BZRAP1-AS1. Thus, BZRAP1-AS1 may be a promising marker for the treatment of HCC.


Author(s):  
Junfeng Ye ◽  
Yu Fu ◽  
Zhongfeng Wang ◽  
Jinhai Yu

Abstract Background Some studies have reported the effect of long non-coding RNA forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA FOXP4-AS1) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to discuss the effects of FOXP4-AS1/enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)/trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3)/zinc finger CCCH-type containing 12D (ZC3H12D) axis on HCC. Methods The expression of FOXP4-AS1, EZH2, and ZC3H12D, and abundance of H3K27me3 in HCC tissues and cells were tested. The relationship between FOXP4-AS1 expression and prognosis of HCC patients was analyzed. The biological functions of HCC cells were detected via loss- and gain-of-function assays. The tumor weight and volume in vivo were tested. The interaction between FOXP4-AS1 and EZH2 as well as that between EZH2 and H3K27me3 was verified. Results FOXP4-AS1 and EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 abundance were enhanced while ZC3H12D expression was depressed in HCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of FOXP4-AS1 suppressed biological functions of HCC cells as well as the weight and volume of HCC transplanted tumor. Depleting ZC3H12D reversed the effect of downregulated FOXP4-AS1 on HCC cells. FOXP4-AS1 suppressed ZC3H12D expression via mediating H3K27me3 by recruitment of EZH2. Conclusion The key findings of the present study demonstrate that FOXP4-AS1 suppresses ZC3H12D expression via mediating H3K27me3 by recruitment of EZH2, thus promoting the progression of HCC. Graphical abstract


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3740
Author(s):  
Chunye Zhang ◽  
Ming Yang

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, followed by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). HCC is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and its incidence is rising, associated with an increased prevalence of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, current treatment options are limited. Genetic factors and epigenetic factors, influenced by age and environment, significantly impact the initiation and progression of NAFLD-related HCC. In addition, both transcriptional factors and post-transcriptional modification are critically important for the development of HCC in the fatty liver under inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. The early diagnosis of liver cancer predicts curative treatment and longer survival. However, clinical HCC cases are commonly found in a very late stage due to the asymptomatic nature of the early stage of NAFLD-related HCC. The development of diagnostic methods and novel biomarkers, as well as the combined evaluation algorithm and artificial intelligence, support the early and precise diagnosis of NAFLD-related HCC, and timely monitoring during its progression. Treatment options for HCC and NAFLD-related HCC include immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, peptide treatment, bariatric surgery, anti-fibrotic treatment, and so on. Overall, the incidence of NAFLD-related HCC is increasing, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanism implicated in the progression of NAFLD-related HCC is essential for improving treatment and prognosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 168 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuepei Zou ◽  
Zhonghua Sun ◽  
Shuangming Sun

Abstract Long non-coding RNA (lnc) HCG18 has been reported to contribute progression of a variety of tumours. However, its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In the current study, we intended to uncover the biological functions of HCG18 in HCC. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the expression of HCG18, microRNA-214-3p (miR-214-3p) and centromere protein M (CENPM) messenger RNA (mRNA). The role of HCG18 in the growth and migration were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry in vitro and animal experiments in vivo. The results showed that HCG18 was highly expressed in HCC tissues. HCG18 silencing inhibited the proliferation and migration while induced the apoptosis of HCC cells. Besides, miR-214-3p was down-regulated in HCC cells. Further experiments revealed that miR-214-3p could directly bind to HCG18 and exerted an anti-tumour role to counteracted siHCG18-1-mediated influence in HCC cells. Moreover, miR-214-3p could directly interact with CENPM mRNA and down-regulating the expression of CENPM. While HCG18 could up-regulate the expression of CENPM through acting as a sponge of miR-214-3p. Therefore, those results suggested HCG18 functioned as an oncogene to promote the proliferation and migration of HCC cells via miR-214-3p/CENPM axis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 777-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Jun Sun ◽  
Guo-Yong Chen ◽  
Zhan-Tao Xie

Background/Aims: A growing body of evidence supports the notion that MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as key regulators of tumorigenesis. In the present study, the expression and roles of miRNA-361-5p were explored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression miR-361-5p in HCC tissues and pair-matched adjacent normal tissues. MTT and BrdU assays were used to identify the role of miR-361-5p in the regulation of proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Using bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays and Western blots were used to identify the molecular target of miR-361-5p. nude mice were used to detect the anti-tumor role of miR-361-5p in vivo. Results: miR-361-5p was down-regulated in HCC tissues in comparison to adjacent normal tissues, due to hypermethylation at its promoter region. Overexpression of miR-361-5p suppressed proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) receptor 6 (CXCR6) was identified as a target of miR-361-5p. Indeed, knockdown of CXCR6 photocopied, while overexpression of CXCR6 largely attenuated the anti-proliferative effect of miR-361-5p. More importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that forced expression of miR-361-5p significantly inhibited tumor growth in the nude mice. Conclusion: Our results indicate that miR-361-5p acts as a tumor suppressor and might serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Xu ◽  
Hu Tian ◽  
Chao Guang Luan ◽  
Kai Sun ◽  
peng Jin Bao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in China is considered as a familiar malignant tumor with poor prognosis, high metastasis and disease relapse. Telocytes(TCs) have been verified to participate in progresses of tumorigenesis, invasions and migrations by secreting functional proteins and transmitting cell-to-cell information. Extracellular signal-regulared protein kinase(ERK) signal pathway is a vital mechanism driving cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, but whether this molecular signaling mechanism contributes to matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP) expression of TCs remains unclear. Methods: Telocytes and MMP9 expression in the liver cancer tissues are measured by immunohistochemistry assay, Westen blot assay and RT-PCR technique, meanwhile primary telocytes from liver para-cancer tissues are cultured in vitro. To demonstrate the function of telocytes for hepatocellular carcinoma, the metastatic cancer animal model is established by three typs of liver cancer cell-lines in vivo. Results: In our study, we elucidate that TCs in the para-cancer tissue can promote the metastasis of HCC cells by MMP-9 expression, in vitro and in vivo. PDGF derived from HCC cells has a capacity to activate Ras/ERK signaling pathway of TC as a result of accelerating MMP-9 expression, but it’s no significant for proliferative potential and apoptotic rate of TCs. While tyrosine kinase inhibitors and miR-942-3p suppress MMP-9 expression to make loss functions of TCs. Various mutations of TCs are also tested and single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-9 may be the potentially molecular mechanism of increasing protein expression in the invasive process of HCC. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate two potential mechanisms between HCC cells and TCs, suggesting that TC is a novel marker and target on deciphering reasons of cancer metastasis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guijun He ◽  
Wenfeng Yao ◽  
Liang Li ◽  
Yang Wu ◽  
Guojian Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background LOXL1-AS1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays crucial roles in various cancers. However, the functional role of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma remains unclear. Thus we planned to probe into the function and underlying mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma. Methods Gene expression was evaluated in laryngocarcinoma cells using RT-qPCR. The ability of cell proliferation and migration was assessed by CCK8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The interaction among LOXL1-AS1, miR-589-5p and TRAF6 was detected by Ago2-RIP, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays. Results LOXL1-AS1 was overexpressed in laryngocarcinoma cells. Silencing of LOXL1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT in laryngocarcinoma. Moreover, miR-589-5p, the downstream of LOXL1-AS1, directly targeted TRAF6 in laryngocarcinoma. Importantly, LOXL1-AS1 augmented TRAF6 expression in laryngocarcinoma cells by sequestering miR-589-5p. Besides, miR-589-5p worked as a tumor-inhibitor while TRAF6 functioned as a tumor-facilitator in laryngocarcinoma. Of note, rescue experiments both in vitro and in vivo validated that LOXL1-AS1 aggravated the malignancy in laryngocarcinoma by targeting miR-589-5p/TRAF6 pathway. Conclusions LOXL1-AS1 promotes the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through absorbing miR-589-5p to upregulate TRAF6 expression.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lysann Tietze ◽  
Sonja M. Kessler

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, is challenging to treat due to its typical late diagnosis, mostly at an advanced stage. Therefore, there is a particular need for research in diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. The use of long noncoding (lnc) RNAs can widen the list of novel molecular targets improving cancer therapy. In hepatocarcinogenesis, the role of the lncRNA H19, which has been known for more than 30 years now, is still controversially discussed. H19 was described to work either as a tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo, or to have oncogenic features. This review attempts to survey the conflicting study results and tries to elucidate the potential reasons for the contrary findings, i.e., different methods, models, or readout parameters. This review encompasses in vitro and in vivo models as well as studies on human patient samples. Although the function of H19 in HCC remains elusive, a short outlook summarizes some ideas of using the H19 locus as a novel target for liver cancer therapy.


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