Project description:Cervical cancer, a common cancer in women, has become a serious social burden. Kinetochore-associated protein 1 (KNTC1) that regulates the cell cycle by regulating mitosis is related to the malignant behavior of different types of tumors. However, its role in the development of cervical cancer remains unclear. In this study, we initially explored the role of KNTC1 in cervical cancer. KNTC1 expression and relevant information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and dataset GSE63514 in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for bioinformatics analyses. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities. Protein expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were measured by western blotting. Nude mouse models of subcutaneous xenograft tumor were constructed to analyze tumor growth in vivo. CCK8 and colony formation assay results demonstrated that the proliferation rate of SiHa and C-33A cells decreased when KNTC1 was silenced. Western blot and Transwell assays indicated that KNTC1 knockdown weakened the invasion and migration abilities of SiHa and C-33A cells and decreased the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In-vivo experiments suggested that the inhibition of KNTC1 reduced tumor growth. Taken together, our study showed that KNTC1 plays an important role in cervical cancer. Further, we verified the promotional effect of KNTC1 on cervical cancer through in-vivo and in-vitro experiments and speculated that KNTC1 might mediate tumor invasion via MMP9 and MMP2.
Project description:BackgroundCancer invasion and metastasis develops through a series of steps that involve the loss of cell to cell and cell to matrix adhesion, degradation of extracellular matrix and induction of angiogenesis. Different protease systems (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) are involved in these steps. MMP-10, one of the lesser studied MMPs, is limited to epithelial cells and can facilitate tumor cell invasion by targeting collagen, elastin and laminin. Enhanced MMP-10 expression has been linked to poor clinical prognosis in some cancers, however, mechanisms underlying a role for MMP-10 in tumorigenesis and progression remain largely unknown. Here, we report that MMP-10 expression is positively correlated with the invasiveness of human cervical and bladder cancers.MethodsUsing commercial tissue microarray (TMA) of cervical and bladder tissues, MMP-10 immunohistochemical staining was performed. Furthermore using a panel of human cells (HeLa and UROtsa), in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed in which MMP-10 was overexpressed or silenced and we noted phenotypic and genotypic changes.ResultsExperimentally, we showed that MMP-10 can regulate tumor cell migration and invasion, and endothelial cell tube formation, and that MMP-10 effects are associated with a resistance to apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that increasing MMP-10 expression stimulates the expression of HIF-1α and MMP-2 (pro-angiogenic factors) and PAI-1 and CXCR2 (pro-metastatic factors), and accordingly, targeting MMP-10 with siRNA in vivo resulted in diminution of xenograft tumor growth with a concomitant reduction of angiogenesis and a stimulation of apoptosis.ConclusionTaken together, our findings show that MMP-10 can play a significant role in tumor growth and progression, and that MMP-10 perturbation may represent a rational strategy for cancer treatment.
Project description:BackgroundAs one of the most common gynaecological malignant tumors, cervical cancer (CC) has become an important public health issue. Emerging evidence has revealed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of biological functions in cancers, including CC. And the oncogenic role of LINC00441 has been verified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But the molecular mechanism and biological functions of LINC00441 in CC remain unknown.MethodsqRT-PCR analysis detected the expression of genes in CC tissues or cells. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell, western blot assays as well as animal studies were conducted to analyze the function of LINC00441 in CC. Luciferase reporter, RIP and RNA pull down assays were applied to verify the binding relations among the indicated genes.ResultsLINC00441 was upregulated in CC tissues and cells. Further, LINC00441 depletion repressed cell proliferation and motility in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. LINC00441 could sponge miR-450b-5p to upregulate RAB10 expression. Finally, miR-450b-5p inhibitor or RAB10 upregulation counteracted LINC00441 knockdown-mediated function on the development of CC.ConclusionsLINC00441 drives CC progression by targeting miR-450b-5p/RAB10 axis, which might provide new idea for researching CC-related molecular mechanism.
Project description:ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the biological function of circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0000228 in the cervical cancer (CC).Materials and methodsIn this experimental study, the GSE113696 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). GEO2R was employed to obtain differentially expressed circRNA between CC tissues and matched paracancerous tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were employed to detect circ_0000228, microRNA-337-3p (miR-337-3p ) and transforming growth factor, beta receptor I (TGFBR1) expression levels in the CC tissues and cells. Following gain-of-function and loss-of-function models establishment, CCK-8 and BrdU tests were conducted to examine cell proliferation. Transwell experiment was executed to examine CC cells migration and invasion. A lung metastasis model was utilized to determine the ability of circ_0000228 on the lung metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter experiment and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were applied to verify the targeting relationship among miR-337-3p , circ_0000228, and TGFBR1.ResultsCirc_0000228 expression in the CC tissues and cells was up-modulated. Circ_0000228 overexpression markedly enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while knocking down circ_0000228 remarkably repressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MiR-337-3p could be adsorbed by circ_0000228. TGFBR1 was identified as a target gene of miR-337-3p that indirectly and positively modulated bycirc_0000228 in the CC cells.ConclusionCirc_0000228 up-modulates TGFBR1 by targeting miR-337-3p to enhance CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Also, Circ_0000228 is a promising therapeutic target for the CC.
Project description:BackgroundThe long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) JPX is a molecular switch for X-chromosome inactivation. Accumulating studies have shown that the aberrant expression and function of lncRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the functional importance and mechanism of the action of lncRNA JPX in cervical cancer (CC) remain unknown.MethodIn this study, qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate the mRNA or protein expression of JPX, miR-25-3p and SOX4 in CC tissues and cell lines. StarBase v2.0 database, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to explore the relationship between JPX and miR-25-3p. EdU assay, CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were utilized to evaluate the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells. The tumor xenograft assay in nude mice was performed to demonstrate the role of the JPX/miR-25-3p/SOX4 axis in CC.ResultsWe found that JPX was markedly upregulated, whereas miR-25-3p was markedly downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines, and the expression of JPX was negatively correlated with miR-25-3p in CC tissues. Moreover, overexpression of JPX increased proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells, whereas knockdown of JPX decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells. In contrast to JPX, overexpression of miR-25-3p decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells. In addition, knockdown of JPX was found to inhibit HeLa cell viability and tumor development via up-regulating the expression of miR-25-3p and inhibiting the expression of SOX4.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that JPX promotes cervical cancer progression through modulating the miR-25-3p/SOX4 axis, and may serve as a potential target for CC therapy.
Project description:BACKGROUND The tripartite motif-containing protein 59 (TRIM59) is an important member of the TRIM family, which regulates biological processes. However, the relationship between TRIM59 and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is not clear. MATERIAL AND METHODS The TRIM59 expression level was detected in EOC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, and wound healing assay were performed to determine the effects of TRIM59 on EOC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Silencing of the expression of TRIM59 in EOC cells and expression of FAK/AKT/MMP pathway-related protein were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Through bioinformatics analysis, TRIM59 was found to be highly expressed in EOC and was correlated with prognosis of patients. TRIM59 was upregulated in EOC tissues and cells. Silencing TRIM59 significantly suppressed EOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In terms of molecular mechanism, silencing TRIM59 inhibited the FAK/AKT/MMP pathway. CONCLUSIONS TRIM59 is a biomarker for the prognosis of EOC. It is also oncogenic and a potential target for EOC therapy.
Project description:BACKGROUND:In past decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have achieved increasing attention because of its regulatory role in different kinds of cancers. However, how circAGFG1 regulates cervical cancer (CC) is still largely undiscovered. This study aims to evaluate the role of a novel circRNAs and related molecular mechanism in CC cells. METHODS:High or low level of circAGFG1 was detected in CC cells or normal cell line with qRT-PCR. The proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells were assessed with loss-of function assays. The downstream miRNA and mRNA of circAGFG1 were searched out and proved by using bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments. Recue assays were designed to confirm the role of circAGFG1/miR-370-3p/RAF1 axis in CC cell activities. RESULTS:The levels of circAGFG1 was abundant in CC cells in comparison with normal cervical cell End1/E6E7. The inhibitory effect of decreased circAGFG1 level on the proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells was assessed. CircAGFG1 and miR-370-3p were localized in the cytoplasm and they can interact with each other. Moreover, miR-370-3p was downregulated in CC cells. We also determined the negative effect of miR-370-3p on RAF1. CircAGFG1 could promote RAF1 expression by absorbing miR-370-3p, thereby activating RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. circAGFG1 promoted proliferation and migration of CC cells via enhancing the activity of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway by sponging miR-370-3p and further regulating RAF1. CONCLUSION:The results of this study provided new evidence that circAGFG1 acted as a vital regulator in cervical cancer proliferation and migration, giving great promise to apply it as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy in CC treatment.
Project description:Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are group of noncoding RNAs derived from back-splicing events. Accumulating evidence certifies the critical roles of circRNAs in human tumorigenesis. However, the role and biogenesis of circRNAs in cervical cancer are still unclear. Here, a novel identified circRNA, circSLC26A4, was found to be upregulated in cervical cancer tissue and cells. Clinically, the high expression of circSLC26A4 was related to the poor survival of cervical cancer patients. Functionally, cellular experiments indicated that circSLC26A4 knockdown repressed the proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, circSLC26A4 acted as the sponge of miR-1287-5p; moreover, miR-1287-5p targeted the 3' UTR of HOXA7 mRNA. Mechanistically, RNA binding protein (RBP) quaking (QKI) was identified to interact with the QKI response elements (QREs) in SLC26A4 gene introns, thereby promoting circSLC26A4 biogenesis. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that circSLC26A4 facilitates cervical cancer progression through the QKI/circSLC26A4/miR-1287-5p/HOXA7 axis, which might bring novel therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer.
Project description:Circular RNA (CircRNA) is related to tumor development. Nevertheless, the regulation and function of hsa_circ_0006692 and its interactions with miR-205-5p and CDK19 in the development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were un-explored. The correlations of expression levels of hsa_circ_0006692 in NSCLC specimens and cells with pathological characteristics were studied. The interactions of hsa_circ_0006692 with miR-205-5p and CDK19 were assessed with real-time PCR, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The roles of hsa_circ_0006692 on cell growth, invasion, and migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo were evaluated. Hsa_circ_0006692 was over-expressed in 60 cases of NSCLC specimens and cells, which was positively correlated with TNM stage, tumor size, and invasion of the lung basal layer. The results of the in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the over-expression of hsa_circ_0006692 facilitated NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion, cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and the activation of BCL-2, CCND1, and PCNA. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays indicated that hsa_circ_0006692 sponged miR-205-5p, which targeted CDK19 and facilitated the malignant behaviors of lung cancer cells. Hsa_circ_0006692 modulated EMT of lung cancer cells via the stimulation of CDH1, CDH2, VIMENTIN, and MMP7. This study revealed that hsa_circ_0006692 promoted NSCLC progression via enhancing cell growth, invasion, and metastasis through sponging mir-205-5p, up-regulating the downstream oncogene CDK19 and modulating EMT of lung cancer cells. The circ-0006692/mir-205-5p/CDK19 axis might serve as a prognosis biomarker and target for drugs aimed against NSCLC.
Project description:Background: Metastasis represents an advanced stage of cancers, and matrix metalloproteinases are critical regulators. Calcium signal is crucial for appropriate cell behaviors. The efficacy and effects of calcium channel blockers in treating cancers are individually differ from each other. Here, we attempt to investigate the effects of nicardipine, a FDA-approved calcium channel blocker, in advanced breast cancers. Methods: We analyzed the influence of nicardipine on the colony-forming ability of triple negative breast cancer cell lines. Using cell culture inserts, cell migration was also examined. The expression of regulatory proteins was evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. Results: We have confirmed that nicardipine inhibits the breast cancer cells migration and colony formation. In addition, we also revealed that nicardipine increases the Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. The inhibition of HO-1 abrogates nicardipine-reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. Moreover, the end products of HO-1, namely, CO, Fe2+, and biliverdin (will converted to bilirubin), also decreases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Conclusion: These findings suggest that nicardipine-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-9 reduction is regulated by Nrf2/HO-1 axis and its catalytic end products. Therefore, nicardipine may be a potential candidate for repurposing against advanced breast cancers.