Progression Of Gastric Cancer Cells Research Articles

GSTM3 deficiency impedes DNA mismatch repair to promote gastric tumorigenesis via CAND1/NRF2-KEAP1 signaling

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most severe gastric diseases worldwide. However, the molecular basis that drives tumorigenesis and progression is not completely understood, which hinders the efficacy and development of therapeutic options. Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are a group of phase II detoxification enzymes that maintain redox homeostasis; however, their roles in cancers are not well defined. Here, we revealed that the expression of GST family members is significantly impaired in GC tissues. Glutathione-S-transferase mu 3 (GSTM3), a member of GST family, is dramatically downregulated in cancerous tissues and has been identified as an independent prognostic factor in GC associated with tumor differentiation, inhibiting GC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, GSTM3 is transcriptionally activated by NRF2/KEAP1 signaling. As a feedback loop, GSTM3 binds to Cullin-associated and neddylation-dissociated 1 protein (CAND1), an exchange factor for integrating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) into Cul3-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL3), to disrupt nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/KEAP1 binding and prevent NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to its activation. A deficiency in glutathione S-Transferase Mu 3 (GSTM3) reduces DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene expression and increases mutagenesis via CAND1/NRF2 binding. Importantly, GSTM3/NRF2 and KEAP1 were negatively and positively associated with the genomic signature for microsatellite instability, respectively. Clinically, GSTM3, NRF2, and MutS homolog 6 (MSH6) were positively correlated in the GC specimens. This study uncovered a reciprocal regulation between GSTM3 and NRF2 and established a functional and clinical link between GSTM3-NRF2/KEAP1 and MMR during GC cell proliferation and progression, thus providing potential therapeutic targets for GC.

TSPAN31 regulates the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the METTL1/CCT2 pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide, but the molecular mechanism of GC has not been fully elucidated. Tetraspanin 31 (TSPAN31) has been rarely studied in human malignant tumors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TSPAN31 on GC. We analyzed GC tissues through high-throughput sequencing technology and chose TSPAN31 with high expression. The expression of TSPAN31 in GC was analyzed through bioinformatics website and qRT-PCR. The protein level of TSPAN31 in GC tissues was determined by western blot and immunochemistry. The proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of GC cells were detected by the cell counting kit-8, transwell, and apoptosis experiments. METTL1 and CCT2 that may co-express with TSPAN31 were predicted by the GEPIA database, and analyzed the correlation between the expression levels of TSPAN31, METTL1 and CCT2. The results shows TSPAN31 was highly expressed in GC tissues, and high expression of TSPAN31 was found to result in poor prognosis of patients with GC. TSPAN31 could regulate the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of GC cells. The relative expression levels of TSPAN31, METTL1 and CCT2 in GC were positively correlated. Low expression of TSPAN31 could partially reverse the effect of high expression of METTL1 and CCT2 on the tumor progression of GC cells. In conclusion, TSPAN31 was highly expressed in GC tissues and led to poor prognosis of patients with GC. TSPAN31 may regulate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of GC cells. This regulatory mechanism may be achieved through co-expression with METTL1 and CCT2.

MiR-100-loaded liposomal nanoparticles inhibit migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through targeting trefoil factor 1 to mediate stromal cell derived factor-1a/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 signaling pathway

Abnormal expression of miR-100 is indicated to influence the progression of gastric cancer (GC). As a carrier of miR-100, liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) can accelerate the entry of miR-100 into cells and improve drug effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism whereby LNPs carrying miR-100 impact invasiveness of GC cells to provide a new strategy for managing the disorder. Human GC cells were treated with empty vectors, miR-100 mimic, and miR-100-loaded LNPs. SDF-1a/CXCR4 inhibitor was established as control group. Upon treatments, RT-qPCR was used to determine miR-100 expression in GC cells and Transwell and scratch assay was used to assess cell migration and invasion. Luciferase-reporter gene assay and Western blot analysis detected the interaction between miR-100 and SDF-1a/CXCR4 signaling pathway. Treatment with miR-100-loaded LNPs obtained the highest expression of miR-100, even higher than transfection with miR-100 mimic (P < 0.05), without difference between miR-100 mimic group and empty vector group (P > 0.05). With amplified bands of 610 bp detected in the miR-100-loaded LNPs, the nanoparticles dramatically decreased cell migration and invasion with the lowest number of migrated cells and migration speed and healing rate among all the groups. Empty vector and miR-10 mimic exerted similar effect on cell migration and invasion (P > 0.05). With binding regions between them, miR-100 was indicated as the target gene of TFF1. The fluorescence intensity of mutant plasmid was greater than that of wild-type plasmid (P < 0.05). Moreover, the miR-100-loaded LNPs resulted in decreased SDF-1a/CXCR4 expression, lower than that of the other groups. Isolated overexpression of miR-100 or empty vector similarly down-regulated SDF-1a/CXCR4.Collectively, the miR-100 loaded with LNPs effectively up-regulates miR-100 expression and inhibits GC cell progression through targeting TFF1 protein and regulating the SDF-1a/CXCR4 signaling pathway.

Astragaloside IV exhibits anti-tumor function in gastric cancer via targeting circRNA dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (circDLST)/miR-489-3p/ eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1(EIF4A1) pathway

ABSTRACT Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an inartificial saponin separated from astragalus membranaceus, which has exhibited key anti-tumor regulation in some cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators in malignant development of gastric cancer (GC). Herein, we focused on the molecular mechanism of AS-IV with circRNA dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (circDLST) in GC. CircDLST, microRNA-489-3p (miR-489-3p), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1) levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase-chain reaction and western blot. Cell functions were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay. The interaction between miR-489-3p and circDLST or EIF4A1 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft tumor assay was adopted to check the role of circDLST and AS-IV in vivo. CircDLST and EIF4A1 were upregulated but miR-489-3p was downregulated in GC cells. AS-IV restrained cell proliferation and metastasis in GC cells by downregulating circDLST. CircDLST served as a miR-489-3p sponge, and miR-489-3p inhibition reversed anti-tumor function of AS-IV. EIF4A1 was a target for miR-489-3p and circDLST sponged miR-489-3p to regulate EIF4A1. AS-IV suppressed GC cell progression via circDLST-mediated downregulation of EIF4A1. Also, AS-IV recued tumor growth in vivo via targeting circDLST to regulate miR-489-3p/EIF4A1 axis. AS-IV inhibited the development of GC through circDLST/miR-489-3p/EIF4A1 axis.

USP49 mediates tumor progression and poor prognosis through a YAP1-dependent feedback loop in gastric cancer.

The importance of the Hippo-Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) pathway in gastric carcinogenesis and metastasis has attracted considerable research attention; however, the regulatory network of YAP1 in gastric cancer (GC) is not completely understood. In this study, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 49 (USP49) was identified as a novel deubiquitinase of YAP1, knockdown of USP49 inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance, and peritoneal metastasis of GC cells. Overexpression of USP49 showed opposing biological effects. Moreover, USP49 was transcriptionally activated by the YAP1/TEAD4 complex, which formed a positive feedback loop with YAP1 to promote the malignant progression of GC cells. Finally, we collected tissue samples and clinical follow-up information from 482 GC patients. The results showed that USP49 expression was high in GC cells and positively correlated with the expression of YAP1 and its target genes, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61). Survival and Cox regression analysis showed that high USP49 expression was associated with poor prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, patients with high USP49 and YAP1 expression had extremely short overall survival. The findings of this study reveal that the aberrant activation of the USP49/YAP1 positive feedback loop plays a critical role in the malignant progression of GC, thus providing potential novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for GC.

Autonomous and intercellular chemokine signaling elicited from mesenchymal stem cells regulates migration of undifferentiated gastric cancer cells.

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play critical roles in regulating progression of various types of cancer. We have previously shown that Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in MSCs induces expression of CXCL16, and that CXCL16 secreted from MSCs then binds to its cognate receptor CXCR6 on the surface of an undifferentiated gastric cancer cell line MKN45 cells, eventually leading to proliferation and migration of MKN45 cells. However, it remains unclear about a possible involvement of another (other) cytokine(s) in regulating progression of gastric cancer. Here, we show that CXCL16-CXCR6 signaling is also activated in MSCs through cell-autonomous machinery, leading to upregulated expression of CCL5. We further show that CCR1 and CCR3, receptors of CCL5, are expressed on the surface of MKN45 cells, and that CCL5 secreted from MSCs promotes migration of MKN45 cells presumably via its binding to CCR1/CCR3. These data indicate that cell-autonomous CXCL16-CXCR6 signaling activated in MSCs upregulates expression of CCL5, and that subsequent activation of CCL5-CCR1/3 signaling in MKN45 cells through intercellular machinery can promote migration of MKN45 cells. Collectively, these findings postulate the presence of orchestrated chemokine signaling emanated from MSCs to regulate progression of undifferentiated gastric cancer cells.

Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 silencing inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by regulating GSK-3β phosphorylation and β-catenin nuclear translocation

ABSTRACT Previous studies on the mechanism of proliferation and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells have shown promising perspectives for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2) in gastric cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, as well as in tumor-bearing nude mouse models. The expression levels of LMTK2 were determined in gastric cancer cell lines. In addition, the effects of LMTK2 silencing or overexpression on cell proliferation were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8, BrdU and colony formation assays. Cell cycle progression was analyzed using flow cytometry and western blotting. The expression levels of proteins associated with the β-catenin pathway were assessed using western blot analysis. A tumor-bearing nude mouse model was established by injecting gastric cancer cells, and the effect of LMTK2 knockdown or overexpression on tumor growth was examined. The expression levels of LMTK2 were found to be upregulated in all gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, LMTK2 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression. LMTK2 knockdown also inhibited the activation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling, as evidenced by reduced GSK-3β phosphorylation and nuclear β-catenin levels. LMTK2 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth, whereas overexpression accelerated this process. In conclusion, LMTK2 silencing can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo by regulating GSK-3β phosphorylation and β-catenin nuclear translocation.

Study on the Expression of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 in Gastric Cancer and the Mechanism Promoting Gastric Cancer Progression Based on the Extraction Method of Nanomagnetic Beads.

The oncogenic role of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (B3GNT3) in several cancers is well documented. However, the expression, function, and mechanism of B3GNT3 in gastric cancer (GC) remain to be investigated. Here, we extracted RNA using the nanomagnetic bead method and investigated B3GNT3 expression in GC and its mechanism for promoting malignant progression of GC using bioinformatics, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blot (WB). The results showed that the upregulation of B3GNT3 expression was positively related to original T phase, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage but negatively related to GC prognosis. Meanwhile, the knockdown of the B3GNT3 gene significantly suppressed the growth and infiltration of GC cells. In addition, B3GNT3 promoted the malignant progression of GC cells by upregulating EphA2 transcription and subsequently activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This work reveals for the first time the upregulation and protumor role of B3GNT3 in GC and highlights the potential clinical applications of B3GNT3/EphA2/AKT signaling in GC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction.

MicroRNA-30c-2-3p targets STRIP2 to suppress malignant progression of gastric cancer cells.

MicroRNA plays a crucial part in genesis and development of gastric cancer (GC). We uncovered that microRNA-30c-2-3p was down-regulated in GC tissue and cell lines. Suppression of microRNA-30c-2-3p promoted progression of GC cells in vitro. STRIP2 was confirmed as a target for microRNA-30c-2-3p. MicroRNA-30c-2-3p overexpression remarkably suppressed cell malignant behaviours, while reintroduction of STRIP2 partially restored the anticancer effect of microRNA-30c-2-3p. Taken together, these findings suggested that microRNA-30c-2-3p acted as a candidate tumour suppressor in GC by directly targeting STRIP2. Therefore, microRNA-30c-2-3p can be used as a towardly GC therapeutic target.

MiR-139-3p/Kinesin family member 18B axis suppresses malignant progression of gastric cancer

ABSTRACT miR-139-3p exerts tumor-suppressing functions in various cancers. We analyzed and identified that miR-139-3p expression was notably low in gastric cancer (GC) via edgeR differential analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. The binding relationship between Kinesin Family Member 18B (KIF18B) and miR-139-3p was predicted by bioinformatics databases, and verified through dual-luciferase assay. Western blot and qRT-PCR results also indicated that miR-139-3p restrained KIF18 expression at mRNA and protein levels. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry assays were introduced to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle, respectively, where the results indicated that upregulating miR-139-3p inhibited proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of GC cells, while caused cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, the results of rescue experiments illustrated that miR-139-3p hampered the progression of GC cells by targeting and suppressing KIF18B. To sum up, we concluded that miR-139-3p suppressed GC progression by targeting KIF18B.

Knockdown circZNF131 Inhibits Cell Progression and Glycolysis in Gastric Cancer Through miR-186-5p/PFKFB2 Axis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent and heterogeneous malignancy in the digestive system. Increasing studies have suggested that circular RNAs are implicated in GC pathogenesis. This study aimed to explore the biological role and underlying mechanism of circRNA zinc finger protein 131 (circZNF131) in GC. The expression pattern of circZNF131, microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2) mRNA in GC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The stability of circZNF131 was verified using ribonuclease R assay. Functional experiments were performed by colony formation assay for cloning ability analysis, transwell assay and wounding healing assay for cell metastasis, and flow cytometry for cell apoptosis. Glycolysis metabolism was investigated by determining the levels of glucose uptake and lactate production. The protein detection of apoptosis- or glycolysis-associated markers, PFKFB2, and Ki-67 was implemented by western blot or immunohistochemistry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the interaction between miR-186-5p and circZNF131 or PFKFB2. The role of circZNF131 on tumor growth in nude mice was investigated via xenograft tumor assay. Expression analysis indicated that circZNF131 was upregulated in GC tissues and cells in a stable structure. Functional analyses showed that circZNF131 knockdown suppressed GC cell colony formation ability, migration, invasion and glycolysis metabolism, and induced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, miR-186-5p was a target of circZNF131, and miR-186-5p could bind to PFKFB2. Rescue experiments presented that miR-186-5p inhibition reversed the effects of circZNF131 knockdown on GC cell growth and glycolysis, and PFKFB2 overexpression abolished the impacts of miR-186-5p restoration on GC cell progression. Moreover, circZNF131 could positively modulate PFKFB2 expression via sponging miR-186-5p. In vivo, circZNF131 knockdown hindered GC tumor growth by regulating the miR-186-5p/PFKFB2 axis. circZNF131 could exert an oncogenic role in GC malignant development through the miR-186-5p/PFKFB2 axis, which might provide novel targets for GC treatment.

Silencing CDCA8 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells and induces apoptosis by blocking the Akt pathway


 
 
 
 Purpose: To investigate the effect of cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) on malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC) cells.
 Methods: Short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) were transfected into two gastric cell lines to knock down expression of CDCA8. Transfection efficiency was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Then, Cell Counting Kit 8 and colony formation and Transwell assays were utilized to explore the effect of CDCA8 knockdown on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells. Flow cytometry was conducted to analyze the effect of CDCA8 knockdown on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. The relationship between CDCA8, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and Akt pathway activity was determined by western blot analysis.
 Results: Proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells were significantly inhibited by CDCA8 knockdown. Knockdown of CDCA8 induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptosis, and inhibited EMT and Akt pathway activity.
 Conclusion: Knockdown of CDCA8 inhibits GC growth and metastasis in vitro by reducing Akt pathway activity. Thus, this molecule presents a potential strategy for the management of GC.
 
 
 

High ATF4 Expression Is Associated With Poor Prognosis, Amino Acid Metabolism, and Autophagy in Gastric Cancer.

BackgroundThe role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) underlying gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression levels and biological functions of ATF4 in GC.MethodsExpression of ATF4 was detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Cox regression was used for survival analysis and the construction of the nomogram. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the intracellular localization of ATF4. Knockdown and overexpression of ATF4 in GC cells followed by wound healing and Transwell assays, EdU and Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) staining, and cell cycle detection were performed to examine its function in vitro. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to assess the autophagy levels upon ATF4 silencing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to determine gene enrichment. SPSS 22.0 software, GraphPad Prism 7.0, and R version 3.6.1 were used for statistical analysis.ResultsATF4 expression was upregulated in GC cells and tissues compared with corresponding normal tissues. Survival analysis suggested that a high ATF4 expression was strongly associated with worse overall survival (OS) of GC patients (p < 0.001). The nomogram and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that ATF4 was a highly sensitive and specific prognostic marker of GC [C-index = 0.797, area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 3-year OS = 0.855, and AUC of 5-year OS = 0.863]. In addition, ATF4 knockdown inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression of GC cells in vitro, while overexpression of ATF4 exerted the opposite effects. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ATF4 could promote GC progression possibly by regulating asparagine (Asn) metabolism and autophagy pathways. Further experiments indicated that ATF4 expression was significantly positively correlated with ASNS expression. The inhibition of cell clone formation in Asn-deprived conditions was more significant in the shATF4 group. Finally, we found that ATF4 promoted autophagy through regulating the mTORC1 pathway in GC cells.ConclusionThese findings suggested that ATF4 can significantly promote GC development and serve as an independent prognostic factor for GC.

CircABCB10 Promotes Malignant Progression of Gastric Cancer Cells by Preventing the Degradation of MYC

Objective To investigate the role of circABCB10 in gastric cancer and the molecular mechanism of promoting malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by preventing the degradation of MYC by hsa-miR-1252-5p. Methods The expression of circABCB10 in gastric cancer tissues and cells was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. MTT, Transwell, clone formation, and TUNEL assay were used to detect the effects of circABCB10 on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. A subcutaneous tumor-bearing model was established to study the inhibitory effect of knockdown circABCB10 on gastric cancer proliferation. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to verify the regulatory effect of circABCB10 on miR-1252-5p and the regulatory effect of miR-1252-5p on MYC. Results Compared with paracancerous tissues and gastric mucosal epithelial cells, the expression of circABCB10 was significantly increased in human gastric cancer tissues and gastric cancer cells. circABCB10 knockout significantly decreased cell viability and invasion ability and promoted cell apoptosis (P < 0.01). Subcutaneous tumor-bearing experiments in nude mice demonstrated that circABCB10 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. circABCB10 can act as a sponge for miR-1252-5p in gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, MYC is the target gene of miR-1252-5p. Overexpression of miR-1252-5p and knockdown of MYC reversed the promoting effect of circABCB10 on gastric cancer. Conclusion circABCB10 can promote the proliferation, invasion, and clonal formation of gastric cancer cells by targeting miR-1252-5p and upregulating the expression of MYC. circABCB10/miR-1252-5p/MYC constitutes the regulatory mechanism of ceRNA.

ARHGAP11A Promotes the Malignant Progression of Gastric Cancer by Regulating the Stability of Actin Filaments through TPM1.

The mechanism underlying the poor prognosis of gastric cancer, including its high degree of malignancy, invasion, and metastasis, is extremely complicated. Rho GTPases are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. ARHGAP11A, in the Rho GTPase activating protein family, is highly expressed in gastric cancer, but its function and mechanism have not yet been explored. In this study, the effect of ARHGAP11A on the occurrence and development of gastric cancer and the mechanism related to this effect were studied. The expression of ARHGAP11A was increased in gastric cancer cells and tissues, and high ARHGAP11A expression in tissues was related to the degree of tumor differentiation and poor prognosis. Moreover, ARHGAP11A knockout significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion in vitro and significantly inhibited the tumorigenic ability of gastric cancer cells in nude mice in vivo. Further studies revealed that ARHGAP11A promotes the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by interacting with TPM1 to affect cell migration and invasion and the stability of actin filaments. These results suggest that ARHGAP11A plays an important role in gastric cancer and may become a useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer patients.

MiR-181a-2-3p Stimulates Gastric Cancer Progression via Targeting MYLK.

Background: The abnormal expression of miRNAs facilitates tumorigenesis and development. miR-181a-2-3p is up-regulated in various cancers, yet its mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. Objective: To understand mechanism of miR-181a-2-3p stimulating GC cell progression via targeting Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MYLK) expression. Methods: Downstream genes of miRNA of interest were predicted in TargetScan and miRTarBase. qRT-PCR and western blot were applied to assess miR-181a-2-3p and MYLK expression in GC cells and normal cells. Dual-luciferase and RIP assays were completed to assess binding of miR-181a-2-3p and MYLK. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted for detecting viability of AGS and SNU-1 cells, while Transwell tested migratory and invasive abilities of cells. Nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was performed to assay tumor growth in vivo. Results: miR-181a-2-3p was notably increased in human GC cell lines, while MYLK was remarkably down-regulated. RIP and dual-luciferase assay disclosed that miR-181a-2-3p targeted MYLK and repressed MYLK. Forced miR-181a-2-3p expression fostered GC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and fostered tumor growth in vivo. Promoting effect of miR-181a-2-3p on GC cells was reversed when miR-181a-2-3p and MYLK were simultaneously overexpressed. Conclusion: miR-181a-2-3p facilitated GC cell progression by targeting MYLK, and it may be a pivotal prognostic biomarker in investigating molecular mechanism of GC.

LncRNA THAP7-AS1, transcriptionally activated by SP1 and post-transcriptionally stabilized by METTL3-mediated m6A modification, exerts oncogenic properties by improving CUL4B entry into the nucleus.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in different cancer types, and thus have emerged as important regulators of the initiation and progression of human cancers. However, the biological functions and the underlying mechanisms responsible for their functions in gastric cancer (GC) remain poorly understood. Here, by lncRNA microarray, we identified 1414 differentially expressed lncRNAs, among which THAP7-AS1 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues compared with non-tumorous gastric tissues. High expression of THAP7-AS1 was correlated with positive lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis. SP1, a transcription factor, could bind directly to the THAP7-AS1 promoter region and activate its transcription. Moreover, the m6A modification of THAP7-AS1 by METTL3 enhanced its expression depending on the "reader" protein IGF2BP1-dependent pathway. THAP7-AS1 promoted GC cell progression. Mechanistically, THAP7-AS1 interacted with the 1-50 Amino Acid Region (nuclear localization signal) of CUL4B through its 1-442 nt Sequence, and it promoted interaction between nuclear localization signal (NLS) and importin α1, and improved the CUL4B protein entry into the nucleus, repressing miR-22-3p and miR-320a expression by CUL4B-catalyzed H2AK119ub1 and the EZH2-mediated H3K27me3, subsequently activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote GC progression. Moreover, LV-sh-THAP7-AS1 treatment could suppress GC growth, invasion and metastasis, indicating that THAP7-AS1 may act as a promising molecular target for GC therapies. Taken together, our results show that THAP7-AS1, transcriptionally activated by SP1 and then modified by METTL3-mediated m6A, exerts oncogenic functions, by promoting interaction between NLS and importin α1 and then improving the CUL4B protein entry into the nucleus to repress the transcription of miR-22-3p and miR-320a.

CircCOL1A1 Promotes the Progression of Gastric Cancer Cells through Sponging miR-145 to Enhance RABL3 Expression.

Circular RNA has been reported to be a new noncoding RNA which plays important roles in tumor progression. One of the most common functions of circular RNA is to regulate microRNA expression by acting as a microRNA sponge. However, the circular RNA expression profile and function remain mostly unclear in gastric cancer. In the study, we explored the expression and function of circCOL1A1 (hsa_circ_0044556) in gastric cancer. We performed RT-PCR with divergent primers, mRNA stability assay, and RNase R digestion assay to characterize circCOL1A1 in gastric cancer cell lines. qRT-PCR was applied to detect the level of circCOL1A1 in both gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were carried out to detect the influence of circCOL1A1 on gastric cancer cells by performing CCK8, migration, and invasion assays. The regulation of the downstream genes was identified by qRT-PCR, western blot assay, dual luciferase assay, and RNA pull-down assay. The results showed that circCOL1A1 was highly expressed in both gastric cancer cells and tissues. Silence of circCOL1A1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. circCOL1A1 regulated the expression of miR-145 by acting as a microRNA sponge, and the influence of circCOL1A1 could be abrogated by miR-145 mimics. Our research shows that miR-145 plays its functions through targeting and regulating RABL3. Inhibition of circCOL1A1/miR-145/RABL3 could effectively suppress gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. circCOL1A1 also promote the transformation of M1 into M2 macrophage. Our study identified circCOL1A1 as a novel oncogenic circRNA and will provide more information for gastric cancer therapy.

MiR-490-5p Restrains Progression of Gastric cancer through DTL Repression.

Gastric cancer (GC) accounts for a main cause of cancer-related deaths. This study sought for molecular mechanism of miR-490-5p/DTL axis in affecting GC progression, thus bringing new hope for treatment of GC. Expression data of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in GC tissue from TCGA database were analyzed. MiR-490-5p and DTL mRNA expression levels in GC were evaluated with qRT-PCR. Cell viability was confirmed with CCK-8 method. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed with flow cytometry. Cell migratory and invasive potential was proved with Transwell assay. The targeted relationship between DTL and miR-490-5p was analyzed with dual-luciferase assay. The results indicated a decreased miR-490-5p level in GC cells. MiR-490-5p upregulation hampered proliferation, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis. DTL was the target of and inversely associated with miR-490-5p, and it could remarkably induce the carcinogenesis of GC. MiR-490-5p mediated GC cell progression by DTL repression. In conclusion, miR-490-5p and DTL may be valuable in diagnosis and treatment for GC.

Silencing of hsa_circ_0000515 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells by Sponging miR-615-5p In Vitro

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to participate in the molecular mechanism of human cancers. This study investigates the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0000515 in gastric cancer (GC) cells and the underlying mechanism associated with microRNA-615-5p (miR-615-5p). qRT-PCR analysis showed the upregulation of hsa_circ_0000515 and downregulation of miR-615-5p in GC cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments indicated that suppression of hsa_circ_0000515 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay highlighted that hsa_circ_0000515 was able to act as a ceRNA of miR-615-5p. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0000515 could interact with splicing factors and bind miR-615-5p to regulate progression of GC cells. Deficiency of miR-615-5p reverses the inhibitory roles of si-hsa_circ_0000515 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. The findings highlighted the promising uses of hsa_circ_0000515 as a likely novel target for gastric cancer treatment.