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Zhong Q, Zhao B, She X, Liu X. HMGA2 as a prognostic and immune biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma: Comprehensive analysis of the HMG family and experiments validation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311204. [PMID: 39591457 PMCID: PMC11594397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are complex and not fully understood. This study aims to explore the expression and clinical significance of High Mobility Group (HMG) proteins in HCC to identify potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Bioinformatic analyses were performed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other databases. Expression levels of HMGs were validated in HCC cell lines using qRT-PCR, and functional studies were conducted by knocking down HMGA2.HMG family members, particularly HMGA1, HMGA2, HMGB2, and HMGN1, were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues. High expression levels of these proteins were associated with poor overall survival and disease-specific survival in HCC patients. Knockdown of HMGA2 in HCC cell lines led to reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. HMGA2, along with other HMG family members, emerges as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC. This study provides new insights into the role of HMG proteins in HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
- Laboratory of Metabolic Abnormalities and Vascular Aging Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Baokang Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
- Department of Geriatrics, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiao She
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an, PR China
| | - Xiangjie Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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Sun Q, Lei X, Yang X. CircRNAs as upstream regulators of miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 263:108711. [PMID: 39222752 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
High mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) is widely recognized as a chromatin-binding protein, whose overexpression is observed in nearly all human cancers. It exerts its oncogenic effects by influencing various cellular processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell differentiation, and DNA damage repair. MicroRNA (miRNA) serves as a pivotal gene expression regulator, concurrently modulating multiple genes implicated in cancer progression, including HMGA2. It also serves as a significant biomarker for cancer. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a crucial role in gene regulation primarily by sequestering miRNAs and impeding their ability to enhance the expression of other genes, including HMGA2. Increasingly, studies have underscored the vital role of miRNA/HMGA2 interactions in cancer. Given the significance of circRNA as an upstream regulatory mediator and the complexity of regulatory mechanisms, we hereby present a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role of circRNAs as upstream regulators of the miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancers. This insight may herald a novel direction for future cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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Huang Y, Wei X, Tu M, Lu W, Xu J. CircMAN1A2_009 facilitates YBX1 nuclear localization to induce GLO1 activation for cervical adenocarcinoma cell growth. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:3273-3287. [PMID: 39038813 PMCID: PMC11447891 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms driving the development of cervical adenocarcinoma (CADC) and optimal patient management strategies remain elusive. In this study, we have identified circMAN1A2_009 as an oncogenic circular RNA (circRNA) in CADC. Clinically, circMAN1A2_009 showed significant upregulation in CADC tissues, with an impressive area under the curve value of 0.8075 for detecting CADC. Functional studies, involving both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments, revealed that circMAN1A2_009 suppressed reactive oxygen species accumulation and apoptosis, and boosted cell viability in CADC cells. Conversely, silencing circMAN1A2_009 reversed these effects. Further mechanistic investigations indicated that circMAN1A2_009 interacted with YBX1, facilitating the phosphorylation levels of YBX1 at serine 102 (p-YBX1S102) and facilitating YBX1 nuclear localization through sequence 245-251. This interaction subsequently increased the activity of the glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) promoter, leading to the activation of GLO1 expression. Consistently, inhibition of either YBX1 or GLO1 mirrored the biological effects of circMAN1A2_009 in CADC cells. Additionally, knockdown of YBX1 or GLO1 partially reversed the oncogenic behaviors induced by circMAN1A2_009. In conclusion, our findings propose circMAN1A2_009 as a potential oncogene and a promising indicator for diagnosing and guiding therapy in CADC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Huang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Wei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyan Tu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Qiu W, Zhang S, Yu W, Liu J, Wu H. Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis: Remarkable indicators and potential oncogenic mechanism. Comput Biol Med 2024; 180:108867. [PMID: 39089114 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as key regulators involving in intercellular biological processes, are more prominent in many malignancies, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we conduct a comprehensive review to summarize diverse ncRNAs roles in HCC metastatic mechanism. We focus on four signaling pathways that predominate in HCC metastatic process, including Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, IL-6, and TGF-β pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) employed different mechanisms to participate in the regulation of the key genes in these pathways, typical as interaction with DNA to control transcription, with RNA to control translation, and with protein to control stability. Therefore, ncRNAs may become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Song Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiling Wu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Zou Q, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Liu X, Wang C, Xiang H. CircMMP11 as a prognostic biomarker mediates miR-361-3p/HMGB1 axis to accelerate malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230803. [PMID: 38025527 PMCID: PMC10655683 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As a high metastatic tumor, patients having hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) show poor prognosis. The carcinogenic roles of circMMP11 are generally described in the development of other cancers. However, there is a lack of studies on its involvement in HCC. Therefore, we investigated the potential role and molecular mechanisms of CircMMP11 in the development of HCC in vitro, providing preliminary evidence for the clinical treatment of HCC. First, we examined the expression of CircMMP11 in HCC tissues and cell lines in both clinical and in vitro experiments. We then used a loss-of-function assay to determine CircMMP11's regulatory role on the malignant characteristics of HCC cells. The results showed that high expression of CircMMP11 in HCC was associated with patient overall survival. Serum CircMMP11 had good diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing HCC patients from the control group. In vitro, inhibiting CircMMP11 suppressed the malignant characteristics of human HCC cell lines by directly sequestering miR-361-3p, which further affected the downstream gene HMGB1 expression. In addition, we knocked down CircMMP11 and found that its deletion inhibited the malignant characteristics of HCC cells through the miR-361-3p/HMGB1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Zou
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of The First General Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road Avenue, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Daoqi Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Changsha Kexin Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410205, China
| | - Xinrong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Changfa Wang
- Department of The First General Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Hong Xiang
- Department of Central Lab, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
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Hao Z, Yin C, Wang X, Huo Z, Zhang G, Jiang D, An M. Tetramethylpyrazine promotes angiogenesis and nerve regeneration and nerve defect repair in rats with spinal cord injury. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21549. [PMID: 38027809 PMCID: PMC10656251 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study evaluated the regulatory effect of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model and clarified the neuroprotective mechanism of TMP on SCI. Methods An SCI rat model was generated and treated with TMP injections for two weeks. miR-497-5p and EGFL7 expression changes were evaluated, motor function recovery after SCI was assessed by BBB score test and footprint analysis, lesions of rat spinal cord were assessed by HE staining and TUNEL staining; angiogenesis was assessed by immunoblotting for CD31; inflammatory factor levels were detected by ELISA. EGFL7 was verified as a target of miR-497-5p by bioinformatics website analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay. H2O2-injured neurons were cultured in vitro to explore the effect of TMP. Results After SCI, miR-497-5p was upregulated while EGFL7 was downregulated in rats. TMP inhibited apoptosis and promoted angiogenesis, nerve regeneration, and repair of nerve defects by reducing miR-497-5p and increasing EGFL7 expression. miR-497-5p targeted EGFL7. In addition, TMP hindered neuronal inflammation and apoptosis induced by H2O2in vitro. Conclusion TMP promotes angiogenesis by downregulating miR-497-5p to target EGFL7, and promotes nerve regeneration and repair of nerve defects in rats with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZengTao Hao
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - Chao Yin
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - XiaoLong Wang
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - ZhiQi Huo
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - GuoRong Zhang
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - Dong Jiang
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
| | - Min An
- Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot City, 010000, China
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Xiang P, Ge T, Zhou J, Zhang Y. Protective role of circRNA CCND1 in ulcerative colitis via miR-142-5p/NCOA3 axis. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:18. [PMID: 36658474 PMCID: PMC9850594 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing research indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to determine the role of circRNA CCND1 in UC bio-progression, which has been shown to be downregulated in UC tissues. METHODS Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the levels of circRNA CCND1, miR-142-5p, and nuclear receptor coactivator-3 (NCOA3) in UC tissues and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Caco-2 cells. Target sites of circRNA CCND1 and miR-142-5p were predicted using StarBase, and TargetScan to forecast potential linkage points of NCOA3 and miR-142-5p, which were confirmed by a double luciferase reporter-gene assay. Cell Counting Kit 8 and flow cytometry assays were performed to assess Caco-2 cell viability and apoptosis. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were detected using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits. RESULTS CircRNA CCND1 was downregulated in UC clinical samples and LPS-induced Caco-2 cells. In addition, circRNA CCND1 overexpression suppressed LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory responses in Caco-2 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter-gene assays showed that miR-142-5p could be linked to circRNA CCND1. Moreover, miR-142-5p was found to be highly expressed in UC, and its silencing inhibited LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Importantly, NCOA3 was found downstream of miR-142-5p. Overexpression of miR-142-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of circRNA CCND1-plasmid on LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells, and the effects of miR-142-5p inhibitor were reversed by si-NCOA3. CONCLUSION CircRNA CCND1 is involved in UC development by dampening miR-142-5p function, and may represent a novel approach for treating UC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xiang
- grid.460072.7Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222000 China
| | - Tingrui Ge
- grid.460072.7Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222000 China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- grid.460072.7Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222000 China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- grid.460072.7Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222000 China
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Guo L, Jia L, Luo L, Xu X, Xiang Y, Ren Y, Ren D, Shen L, Liang T. Critical Roles of Circular RNA in Tumor Metastasis via Acting as a Sponge of miRNA/isomiR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137024. [PMID: 35806027 PMCID: PMC9267010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of new endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are closely related to the carcinogenic process and play a critical role in tumor metastasis. CircRNAs can lay the foundation for tumor metastasis via promoting tumor angiogenesis, make tumor cells gain the ability of migration and invasion by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), interact with immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and other non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, damage the normal immune function or escape the immunosuppressive network, and further promote cell survival and metastasis. Herein, based on the characteristics and biological functions of circRNA, we elaborated on the effect of circRNA via circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by acting as miRNA/isomiR sponges on tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell migration and invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), then explored the potential interactions across different RNAs, and finally discussed the potential clinical value and application as a promising biomarker. These results provide a theoretical basis for the further application of metastasis-related circRNAs in cancer treatment. In summary, we briefly summarize the diverse roles of a circRNA-associated ceRNA network in cancer metastasis and the potential clinical application, especially the interaction of circRNA and miRNA/isomiR, which may complicate the RNA regulatory network and which will contribute to a novel insight into circRNA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lin Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Lulu Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Xinru Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Yangyang Xiang
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Yujie Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Dekang Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lulu Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Tingming Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Niu ZS, Wang WH. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1067-1085. [PMID: 35949213 PMCID: PMC9244981 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i6.1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have covalently closed loop structures at both ends, exhibiting characteristics dissimilar to those of linear RNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrantly expressed circRNAs play crucial roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis and invasive capacity of HCC cells. Certain circRNAs may be used as biomarkers to diagnose and predict the prognosis of HCC. Therefore, circRNAs are expected to become novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Herein, we briefly review the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs, focusing on their roles in HCC to provide new insights for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
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