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J Cancer 2017; 8(19):4141-4154. doi:10.7150/jca.22076 This issue Cite

Review

Post-transcriptional Regulation of Genes Related to Biological Behaviors of Gastric Cancer by Long Noncoding RNAs and MicroRNAs

Wenjing Liu^1,2, Rui Ma², Yuan Yuan^1,3

1. Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, P R China;
2. Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, NO. 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, P R China;
3. National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xi'an, 110001 China.

✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Yuan Yuan, Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, North Nanjing Street 155#, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China Telephone: +86-024-83282153; fax: +86-024-83282383, Email: yuanyuanedu.cn More

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs play critical roles in regulating protein-coding genes and comprise two major classes: long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). LncRNAs regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels via multiple action modes. LncRNAs can also function as endogenous competitive RNAs for miRNAs and indirectly regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. By binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of target genes, miRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Herein, we conducted a review of post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs and miRNAs of genes associated with biological behaviors of gastric cancer.

Keywords: ncRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, gastric cancer, post-transcriptional regulation.

Introduction

In humans, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) cannot be translated into protein and can be divided into 2 major categories according to their lengths: long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) [1]. LncRNAs exceed 200 nucleotides (nt) in length [2], whereas sncRNAs are less than 200 nt in length and include microRNAs of approximately 21 to 24 nt and Piwi-interacting RNAs [3]. It has been suggested that ncRNAs can regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels, thereby participating in physiological and pathological processes [2, 4].

Post-transcriptional control refers to the regulation of gene expression after RNA transcription. It is a primary mechanism by which ncRNAs regulate gene expression, which is extensively involved in biology, evolution, and pathology [5-7]. LncRNAs mainly form RNA-RNA duplexes with mRNAs, occupy the binding sites of mRNAs and transacting factors [8], and influence mRNAs degradation and stability, thus regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. LncRNAs can also act as translational regulators to modulate protein expression, degradation, transportation, distribution, and modification. Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs is mainly mediated by specific binding to the 3ʹ-UTR of target genes and leads to cytoplasmic degradation and translational inhibition. Aberrant control by lncRNAs and miRNAs is closely related to various human diseases, including cancer [9, 10], and contributes to tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, induction of tumor angiogenesis, and drug resistance [11]. Currently, mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs and miRNAs in cancer have become a hot topic.

Gastric cancer is one of the five most lethal malignant tumors in China, following lung and bronchial cancer [12]. A variety of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are involved in multistage and multistep of gastric carcinogenesis. In recent years, lncRNAs and miRNAs have been found to modulate biological behaviors of tumor cells and influence prognosis of patients. Identification of post-transcriptional regulation in gastric cancer can help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in genesis and development of gastric cancer, thus providing new clues for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

We conducted a review of mechanisms involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. These mechanisms can be mediated by lncRNAs, miRNAs, and their interactions, causing a series of alterations in gastric cancer. The aims of this review were to summarize the mechanisms of post-transcriptional control of gene expression by which lncRNAs and miRNAs affect biological behaviors in gastric cancer, providing a theoretical basis for the identification of biomarkers for risk assessment and prognosis in gastric cancer as well as therapeutic targets.

Post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs in the expression of genes related to biological behaviors of gastric cancer

Most lncRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and processed with a 5ʹ cap and polyadenylation, similar to mRNA transcripts [13, 14]. The major differences between lncRNAs and mRNAs are that lncRNAs have little protein-coding capacity [15], contain fewer exons, and have weaker splicing and polyadenylation potentials [16]. Recent proteomic analysis has suggested that a putative lncRNA may encode short proteins or “micropeptides” [17]. Many lncRNAs function as molecular signals [18], decoys [19], guide molecules [20], or scaffolds [21]; these activities may be mediated by the expression of related genes, precipitating subcellular localization of lncRNAs to the nucleus or cytoplasm [22]. LncRNAs influence post-transcriptional regulation of genes associated with gastric cancer mainly by altering the process of mRNA degradation and stability and by regulating the expression, degradation, transportation, distribution, and modification of proteins. Therefore, lncRNAs are involved in proliferation, apoptosis, the EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance and contribute to a series of changes in biological behaviors of gastric cancer (Table 1, Figure 1, 3).

Post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs on the expression of genes related to proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer

Cell proliferation and apoptosis, when functioning appropriately, facilitate maintenance of a steady state, contributing to adaptability to the microenvironment of the human body. If the proliferative function overwhelms that of cellular apoptosis, tumorigenesis may occur. GHET1 (gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1), an intergenic RNA, is located on chromosome 7 and has a length of 1913 nt. High expression of GHET1 is strongly related to poor prognosis in cancer [23]. Yang et al. demonstrated an association between GHET1 and IGF2BP1 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1) in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down. Moreover, GHET1 enhances the interaction between IGF2BP and c-Myc mRNA. Consequently, GHET1 increases the stability and expression of c-Myc mRNA, enhances the numbers of EdU (ethyl deoxyuridine)-positive nuclei, and promotes proliferation of GC cells as well as colony formation.

The lncRNA GAS5 (growth arrest-specific transcript 5) is located on chromosome 1q25.1 and has a length of 650 nt [24]. It has been reported that GAS5, as a tumor suppressor, is down-regulated in gastric cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other malignant tumors [25-27]. Liu et al. determined that GAS5 was associated with the transcriptional activator YBX1 protein (human Y-box binding protein 1) and that GAS5 depletion promoted protein turnover of YBX1, inhibited the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21, decreased the percentage of cells arrested in G1 phase, and accelerated the cell cycle [28].

Linc-POU3F3 (long intergenic noncoding RNA POU3F3) is positioned on chromosome 2q12.1 and has a length of 2874 nt [29]. Expression of linc-POU3F3 is significantly increased in esophageal carcinoma and colorectal cancer and is strongly related to tumor size [29-31]. By using RIP and western blot, Xiong et al. found that up-regulation of linc-POU3F3 could directly combine with TGF-beta, caused the up-regulation of TGF-beta and phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, activated the TGF-beta signaling pathway, ultimately enhanced proliferation of GC cells [31].

TINCR (terminal differentiation-induced ncRNA) is a noncoding RNA located on human chromosome 19p13.3 that has an approximate length of 3700 nt and regulates human epidermal differentiation [32]. Xu et al. demonstrated that highly expressed TINCR could mediate stability and degradation of KLF2 mRNA by acting with TINCR-STAU1, resulting in decreased expression of CDKN1A/P21 and CDKN2B/P15, accelerated cell growth, redistribution of G0/G1 and S phases of the cell cycles well as promotion of cell proliferation, and suppressed apoptosis of GC cells [33].

 Figure 1 

Post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs on the expression of genes related to biological behaviors of gastric cancer. LncRNAs influence post-transcriptional regulation of genes associated with biological behaviors in gastric cancer by altering the process of mRNA degradation and stability or by regulating the expression, degradation, transportation, distribution, and modification of proteins.

MALAT1 (lung adenocarcinoma metastasis-related transcript 1) is located on chromosome 11q13 and has a length of approximately 6.7 kb [34, 35]. MALAT1 is primarily localized to nuclear splice spots and modulates distribution and phosphorylation of SR (serine/arginine) splicing factors [36, 37]. Up-regulated MALAT1 is strongly linked to poor prognosis in GC [38]. Wang et al. [39] found that the expression of MALAT1 and SF2/ASF protein were significant higher in GC cells. Depletion of MALAT1 may prohibit the distribution of SF2/ASF in the nucleus, thereby inhibiting cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. These authors noted that MALAT1 might affect cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by mediating nuclear distribution of SF2/ASF and its expression in gastric cancer.

Post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs in the expression of genes related to the EMT and metastasis of gastric cancer

The EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) has significant effects on tumor invasion and metastasis. In the EMT, epithelial cells obtain migratory abilities and morphologically transform into mesenchymal cells, leading to cell invasion and migration [40]. Slug, a key regulator of the EMT, is highly expressed during this process and is notably associated with malignant phenotypes in GC [41]. Investigators have demonstrated that phosphorylated Slug protein—mediated by GSK3β—proceeds through ubiquitination and proteasome degradation in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer [42, 43]. Yu et al. [41] reported that linc00261 might promote degradation of Slug protein as well as inhibition of the EMT and of GC cell invasion by facilitating the interaction between Slug and GSK3β. The vivo data in an animal model indicated that overexpression of linc00216 alleviated GC cell metastasis of the lung. Fan et al. [44] found that up-regulation of linc00261 inhibited the EMT by decreasing N-cadherin, Vimentin, and FN1 proteins and played vital roles in preventing migration, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells.

The lncRNA PVT1 is an intergenic noncoding RNA positioned on chromosome 8q24, close to MYC gene [45]. Up-regulation of PVT1 is found in various malignant tumors [46, 47] and is associated with invasion depth, lymphatic metastasis, regional lymph nodes, and more advanced malignant tumor stage [48, 49]. Xu et al. [50] found that PVT1 interacted with FOXM1 and promoted expression of FOXM1 protein in GC cells. FOXM1 activates transcription of PVT1 by directly binding to its promoter, forming a positive feedback loop of PVT1-FOXM1 that enhances growth and metastasis of GC cells [50]. In addition, PVT1 overexpression significantly facilitates lung metastases in nude mice [50].

The lncRNA SNHG5 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 5) is positioned on chromosome 6q14.3 and is down regulated in many malignant tumors [19]. Expression of SNHG5 is correlated with TNM (Tumor Node Metastasis) stage and tumor embolus [51]. Zhao et al. [51] demonstrated that SNHG5 prevented translocation of MTA2 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus by interacting with MTA2 in the cytosol, activated MTA2-mediated signal pathways, such as KAI-1 and E-cadherin, suppressed growth of GC cells, colony formation, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, growth of SNHG5-overexpressing cells is inhibited substantially in subcutaneous xenografts, resulting in fewer lung metastatic nodules [51].

The lncRNA WT1-AS is an antisense transcript of WT1 (Wilms' tumor gene) [52] that is positioned on chromosome 11p13. Significant down-regulation of WT1-AS is correlated with tumor size and clinical stage in GC tissues [53]. WT1-AS undergoes aberrant splicing in acute myeloid leukemia, suggesting a vital role of this lncRNA in malignant tumors [54]. Du et al. [53] found that WT1-AS overexpression in GC cells reduced the phosphorylation level of ERK protein without affecting the mRNA expression of ERK. WT1-AS may regulate ERK phosphorylation, thereby remarkably inhibiting cell proliferation, clonal formation, migration, and invasion in GC by elevating the percentage of cells in the G1/G0 phase and reducing the ratio of cells in the S and G2/M phases.

The lncRNA KRT7-AS (KRT7 antisense RNA 1) is an antisense transcript that is positioned on chromosome 12q13. Huang et al. [55] demonstrated that the lncRNAs KRT7-AS was remarkable up-regulated and possessed the same expression pattern with KRT7 in GC tissues and cells. KRT7-AS upregulates the mRNA and protein expression of KRT7 and prevents KRT7 mRNA from being degraded by forming an RNA-RNA duplex. This enhances cell growth, proliferation, and migration and increases cell percentages in the S+G1/M stage. In addition, researchers have found that the secondary structure of the RNA-RNA duplex close to the poly(A) tail protects KRT7 mRNA from being degraded by the ribonucleolytic RNA exosome or by miRNAs [56]. KRT7-AS may facilitate transportation from nuclear to cytoplasm of KRT7 mRNA and its interaction with ribosomes.

Post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs in the expression of genes related to multidrug resistance (MDR) and angiogenesis in gastric cancer

Multidrug resistance comprises a series of pathological processes involving gene expression or suppression and distribution and utilization of chemotherapy drugs in tumor cells [57, 58]. Several studies have suggested that many lncRNAs participate in multidrug resistance, including ANRIL [59], AK022798 [60], MRUL [61], and CASC9 [62]. Zhang et al. [63] found that up-regulation of PVT1 in GC elevated the mRNA and protein expression of MDR1 and MRP1—which are involved in cisplatin resistance—thereby inhibiting cell apoptosis. Lan et al. [59] observed that ANRIL was up-regulated in cisplatin- and 5-FU-resistant GC tissues and cells; down-regulation of ANRIL in GC cells led to inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; promotion of apoptosis; reduction of mRNA and protein of MDR1 and MRP1; and reversal of chemotherapy resistance in GC cells.

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM)—a recently described concept in tumor angiogenesis—provides blood nutrition for sustainable growth of tumor cells [64, 65]. Li et al. [66] found that MALAT1, highly expressed in GC tissues, was positively correlated with VM and endothelial vessel (EV) density and promoted migration, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells. MALAT1 affects VM formation and angiogenesis by mediating the expression of VM-related proteins and associated signaling pathways.

Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in the expression of genes related to biological behaviors of gastric cancer

MiRNAs are sncRNAs with lengths of approximately 22 nt that regulate target genes at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs silence or inhibit target genes through 5ʹ seed sequences of 2 to 8 nt that interact with the 3ʹ-UTR of mRNAs completely or incompletely. More than 50% of miRNAs are positioned near tumor-related areas or brittle loci in the genome [67], suggesting that miRNAs participate in carcinogenesis. MiRNAs are involved in proliferation, apoptosis, the EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance by affecting post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs, which resulting in a series of changes related to biological behaviors in gastric cancer (Table 2, Figure 2, 3).

Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in the expression of genes related to proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer

MiR-24 is up-regulated in GC [68], and its expression is closely related to cancer behaviors [69]. Bioinformatics analyses predicted that miR-24 might be the upstream regulator of BCL2L11 [68], an important mediator of cell apoptosis [70, 71]. By means of the luciferase assay, Zhang et al. [68] confirmed that miR-24 directly binded to the 3'-UTR of BCL2L11 mRNA and inhibited mRNA expression of BCL2L11 post-transcriptionally, thus promoted cell proliferation and migration, inhibited apoptosis in GC.

MiR-1207-5p and miR-1266 are remarkable lower in GC tissues. Up-regulation of miR-1266 is correlated with a longer survival time [72, 73]. Chen et al. [72] screened 14 down-regulated miRNAs that potentially regulated hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) using a combination of an miRNA array and bioinformatics analysis in GC tissues. These authors found that miR-1207-5p and miR-1226 repressed hTERT expression at the post-transcriptional level by directly combining with its 3ʹ-UTR, suppressing the G1-to-S transition. Moreover, miR-1207-5p- and miR-1226-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation prohibit growth of transplanted SGC-7901 cells in xenografts in nude mice.

 Figure 2 

Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in the expression of genes related to biological behaviors of gastric cancer. MiRNAs, produced or epigenetically mediated by lncRNAs, silence target genes through interacting with the 3ʹ-UTR, resulting in a series of changes related to biological behaviors in gastric cancer.

MiR-7 plays a tumor suppressor role, inhibiting cell proliferation and other biological behaviors; miR-7 is down-regulated in numerous tumors [74]. Zhao et al. [75] determined that miR-7 had a lower expression in GC tissues and was negatively correlated with expression of the target genes RELA and FOS. When over-expressed, miR-7 targets the 3ʹ-UTR of RELA and FOS, inhibits their protein expression, represses cell proliferation, induces cells to arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and prohibits growth of GC cells in xenografts in nude mice. MiR-7 also mediates RELA indirectly by suppressing the protein level of IKKɛ; in turn, IKKɛ/RELA inhibits miR-7, forming a miR-7/IKKɛ/RELA feedback loop that regulates proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis of GC.

MiR-338-3p is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and GC tissues [76, 77]. It was found that miR-338-3p served as a tumor suppressor by decreasing cell proliferation, and inducing cell cycle progression from G1 to S and cell apoptosis [77]. Guo et al. [77] also determined that miR-338-3p targeted the 3ʹ-UTR of P-Rex2a, thus directly inhibiting its translation. Mechanistically, miR-338-3p activates PTEN and suppresses phosphorylation of AKT by silencing P-Rex2a; in turn, this represses cell proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest in G1-S, and promotes apoptosis of GCs.

 Figure 3 

The interactions between lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs. A. There are several links between lncRNAs and miRNAs in GC: lncRNAs produce miRNAs through intracellular splicing; lncRNAs silence miRNAs by epigenetically mediation; lncRNAs regulate the expression of transcripts by combining competitively with miRNAs, called ceRNAs mechanism. B. MiRNAs affect post-transcriptional regulation by interacting with the 3ʹ-UTR of mRNAs. C. LncRNAs compete with mRNAs to combine with miRNAs.

Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in the expression of genes related to the EMT and metastasis in gastric cancer

MiR-181a-5p is up-regulated in breast cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia [78, 79]. Overexpression of miR-181a-5p affects TNM stage, UICC stage, and invasion into vessels and nerves [80]. In an analysis of how miR-181a-5p regulates RASSF6, Mi et al. [80] found that miR-181a-5p negatively controlled RASSF6 mRNA and protein by combining with the 3ʹ-UTR. Ectopic expression of miR-181a-5p facilitates cell proliferation, invasion, and the EMT, and elevates the ratio of cells in the S phase and peritoneal metastasis in vitro and in vivo; these effects can be partially reversed by overexpression of RASSF6.

MiR-149 is methylated—and thusobviously decreased—in gastric cancer and is closely related to tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging [81, 82]. Down-regulation of miR-149 is related to cell differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and more advanced TNM stage [81, 82]. Li et al. [82] found that miR-149 prevented fibroblast activation and inhibited carcinogenesis of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by targeting the 3ʹ-UTR of IL-6 mRNA to negatively regulate IL-6expression. Suppression of miR-149 in GC promotes IL-6 expression, indicating that CAFs enhance the EMT and stem-like characteristics of GC cells according to the miR-149/IL-6 axis, which promotes GC.

MiR-3978 is substantially decreased in gastric cancer, especially in peritoneal metastasis [83], indicating that down-regulation of miR-3978 might be predictive for poor prognosis in GC. By using a murine model, Zhang et al. [83] found that LGMN (which encodes legumain) might be a potential target of miR-3978 because miR-3978 inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and restrained peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer by interacting with the 3ʹ-UTR of LGMN and suppressing legumain protein. Legumain is dramatically increased in metastatic gastric cancer, suggesting that this factor is also indicative for poor prognosis [84, 85].

MiR-217 is significantly decreased in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), exhibiting anticancer characteristics [86, 87]. Chen et al. [88] found that miR-217 was suppressed in GC tissues and cells and was strongly correlated with poor differentiation, metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and large tumor size. MiR-217 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells and restrains liver and lung metastasis in xenografts in nude mice; in contrary, EZH2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-217 could reduce luciferase activity of Wt-EZH2-3'-UTR and protein expression of EZH2 by binding to the 3ʹ-UTR of EZH2 mRNA, which revealed the regulatory mechanism of miR-217/EZH2 in proliferation, migration, and invasion in GC.

Post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in the expression of genes related to MDR and angiogenesis in gastric cancer

The miR-29 family contains three members (miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c) and is known for inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion in gastric cancer [89]. Wang et al. [90] found that down-regulated miR-29c was correlated with more widespread venous invasion and more aggressive TNM stage in gastric cancer. MiR-29c is elevated by cisplatin and docetaxel treatment in GC cells and inhibits migration, invasion, and liver and lung metastases in GC cells in nude mice. MiR-29c is up-regulated by certain chemotherapeutic drugs in GC cells, which prohibits its recently described target catenin-δ, resulting in suppressed proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells and reversal of drug resistance in GC cells [90].

MiR-939 is deregulated in gastric cancer tissues [91]. Zhang et al. [92] found that overexpression of miR-939 in GC cells sharply suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; induced apoptosis; and promoted 5-fluorouracil-induced sensitivity in GC cells. Subsequent studies demonstrated that miR-939 expression was associated with reduced cell migration, improved chemosensitivity, and decreased expression of SLC342 mRNA and protein; specifically, miR-939 combined with the 3ʹ-UTR of SLC34A2, and blocked the SLC34A2/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.

Both miR-125a and miR-126 regulate tumor angiogenesis by mediating expression of VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) [93, 94]. Dai et al. [94] demonstrated that miR-125a was significantly decreased in GC and was inversely related to microvessel density (MVD) and VEGF-A expression. Down-regulation of miR-125a facilitates VEGF-A secretion and promotes Akt phosphorylation, thereby promoting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MiR-125 also inhibits tumor angiogenesis by binding to the 3ʹ-UTR of VEGF-A mRNA, thus suppressing mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A. Chen et al. [93] showed that transfected lenti-miR-126 substantially inhibited tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of xenografts in nude mice by reducing expression of VEGF-A in GC cells.

Post-transcriptional regulation associated with interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs of the expression of genes related to biological behaviors in gastric cancer

An understanding of the associations between lncRNAs and miRNAs can lend insight into the mechanisms that modulate GC. There are several relationships between lncRNAs and miRNAs in GC: (1) lncRNAs produce miRNAs through intracellular splicing; (2) lncRNAs silence miRNAs by epigenetically mediating the promoters of miRNAs, thus enhancing target genes indirectly; (3) lncRNAs act as endogenous “miRNA sponges” that combine competitively with miRNAs via miRNA response elements (MREs) and regulate the expression of transcripts, a process called the ceRNAs (competing endogenous RNAs) mechanism. LncRNAs and miRNAs are involved cooperatively in proliferation, apoptosis, the EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance by affecting post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs to produce a series of changes in biological behaviors associated with gastric cancer (Table 3, Figure 1, 2, 3).

Post-transcriptional regulation of interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs affecting the expression of genes related to proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer

H19, located on chromosome 11p15, is thought to have carcinogenic effects on malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer [95-97]. H19 gives rise to miR-675, a vital medium in H19-induced carcinogenesis [98-100]. H19 enhances cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by producing miR-675, which suppresses mRNA and protein expression of RUNX1 (tumor-suppressor runt domain transcription factor 1) [101]. H19/miR-675 axis accelerates the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by deregulating miR-675 target, RUNX1, and promotes proliferation, colony formation, and migration of GC cells [102]. Zhou et al. [103] noted that H19 binded to miR-141 at a specific sequence and attenuated the negative effect of miR-141 on its target gene ZEB1, thereby promoting proliferation and migration of GC cells.

The lncRNA ANRIL, located on chromosome 9p21, has been identified in familial melanoma [104] where it is mainly expressed in the nucleus. Up-regulation of ANRIL is strongly linked to higher TNM stage and tumor size [105]. Zhang et al. determined that ANRIL inhibited miR-99a/miR-449a by recruiting PRC2 to combine with and inducing methylation of the promoters of miR-99a/miR-449a. In this way, ANRIL indirectly enhances the expression of mTOR and CDK6. Down-regulated miR-449a activates ANRIL indirectly, generating a positive feedback loop that promotes proliferation, cell cycle progression, and diminishes apoptosis in GC cells.

SNHG5 has been demonstrated to lower in GC. To illuminate the potential effect, Zhao et al. [106] found that SNHG5 decreased expression of miR-32 post-transcriptionally, whereas miR-32 inhibited SNHG5 in an Ago-2-dependent manner. It was suggested that miR-32 inhibited KLF4 in a similar way, while overexpression of SNHG5 activated KLF4 mRNA via its 3ʹ-UTR as a decoy for miR-32. This miR-32 mimic also attenuates SNHG5-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. This study suggested an essential role of SNHG5/miR-32/KLF4 in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells.

The lncRNA BC032469 is highly expressed in GC and is correlated with tumor survival time and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), BC032469 is negatively correlated with miR-1207-5p [107]. Lu et al. [107] indicated that BC032469 inhibits miR-1207-5p by directly interacting with the complementary sequence of miR-1207-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of BC032469 substantially enhances expression of hTERT protein and cell proliferation, which are lowered by miR-1207. This study suggested that BC032469 modulates GC cell proliferation, colony formation, and the G1-S transformation. Hence, this lncRNA might act as a ceRNA to downregulate hTERT via miR-1207-5p.

The lncRNA FER1L4 is obviously decreased in gastric cancer [108], and FER1L4 and PTEN are targeted by miR-106a-5p [109]. Down-regulated FER1L4 liberates miR-106a-5p, thus diminishing mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and regulating GC cell proliferation as well as cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S [109]. Shao et al. [110] constructed a regulatory network of RMRP-miR-206-Cyclin D2 and determined that RMRP promoted cell growth and proliferation and regulated the G0/G1 to S transition by functioning as a ceRNA of miR-206 and regulating Cyclin D2.

Post-transcriptional regulation of interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the expression of genes related to the EMT and metastasis in gastric cancer

Down-regulated E-cadherin and expression of mesenchymal hallmarks such as vimentin are key markers of the EMT transition [111, 112]. HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), located on chromosome 12q13, is the first identified lncRNA to exhibit trans-transcriptional regulation. Elevated expression of HOTAIR is closely related to lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion [113]. HOTAIR silences miR-34a which is mediated by histone modification of the miR-34a promoter. This enhances the targets of miR-34a (C-Met and Snail), and induces the EMT among epithelial cells in GC. Another study indicated that HOTAIR interacted competitively with miR-331-3p as a ceRNA to upregulate HER2 expression, which was negatively mediated by miR-331-3p post-transcriptionally; this ultimately promoted growth, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells and inhibited apoptosis [114].

H19 enhances the EMT and metastasis of GC in several ways. Li et al. [96] identified three candidate RNA-binding proteins as H19 co-expressing ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) using GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes). It was demonstrated that H19 upregulated the expression of ISM1 protein by combining with it directly. These researchers also demonstrated that H19 and miR-675 exert similar functions: down-regulation of the miR-675 target gene CALN1 and promotion of invasion and metastasis of GC cells. Others have noted that H19 inhibits metastasis and expression of EMT markers in hepatocellular carcinoma [115]. The function H19 exerts on carcinogenesis may be related to its target protein ISM1, which promotes endothelial cell growth or apoptosis depending on its physiological state [116].

The lncRNA CCAT1 (colon cancer-related transcript 1) is transcribed upstream of the c-Myc gene [117] and is identified by Nissan et al. [118], occurring primarily in colon cancer. CCAT1 is localized mainly in the nucleus. Overexpression of CCAT1 is highly associated with TNM stage in GC [119]. Zhou et al. found thatCCAT1 siRNA prevented gastric cancer cells from migration, which could be reversed by miR-490 inhibitors. In addition, miR-490 decreases translation of its target mRNA hnRNPA1 by combining with its 3ʹ-UTR and miR-490 inhibitors enhance hnRNPA1, which can be reversed by CCAT1 siRNA.

The lncRNA XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) plays crucial roles in cell proliferation and chromosome maintenance [120]. XIST is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues, and its expression is strongly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage [121, 122]. XIST is negatively associated with miR-101 in GC, and miR-101downregulates its target EZH2 (enhancer of zest homolog 2) [121]; while XIST knockdown decreases EZH2, and miR-101 inhibitor increases EZH2. Ma et al. [122] suggested that the lncRNA XIST promoted expression of the target gene of miR-497—MACC1—by decreasing miR-497 as a ceRNA, thus promoting GC cell proliferation and invasion as well as accelerating the G1/S transition.

Post-transcriptional regulation of interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the expression of genes related to MDR and angiogenesis in gastric cancer

HOTAIR is notably elevated in cisplatin-resistant cells and tissues in GC [123]. Moreover, HOTAIR accelerates cisplatin resistance in GC cells by targeting miR-126 and promotes the expression of the miR-126-target genes VEGFA and PIK3R2 [123]. Endothelial cells specifically expressing miR-126 inhibits VEGFA and PIK3R2 expression—mediated by the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling activity—and resists angiogenesis [124]. UCA1 is significant higher in gastric cancer [125, 126], and knockdown of UCA1 upregulates miR-27b in MDR gastric cancer cells. Down-regulation of UCA1 or overexpression of miR-27b, sensitizes GC cells to adriamycin (ADR), cisplatin (DDP), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapeutic agents, suppresses the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and enhances cleaved caspase-3, inducing apoptosis of GC cells. These effects suggest that the UCA1-miR-27b axis participate in regulation of chemosensitivity in GC cells.

Conclusions and Future Perspectives

We described the interactions effects between the two important categories of ncRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs on post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression related to biological behaviors of gastric cancer. In GC cells, lncRNAs can regulate genes associated with protein translation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, the EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance. MiRNAs silencing of target gene expression involves interactions with the 3ʹ-UTR. Interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs are responsible for post-transcriptional regulation. The most important mechanism is that lncRNAs act as ceRNAs to attenuate the negative function that miRNAs exert on target genes. In this way, lncRNAs and miRNAs can participate in carcinogenesis.

With the accumulating research in the life sciences, our knowledge of ncRNAs has expanded. We can obtain lncRNAs expression profiles and screen specific lncRNAs in tissues from the current databases, or by gene chip and sequencing to explore new lncRNAs. There are a variety of lncRNAs in the genome, which regulate gene expression and epigenetic through multiple modes. We should focus on the further classification of lncRNAs, such as gene structure, genomic mapping, cellular localization, regulation methods, involved biological behaviors of cancerous cell and other aspects to identify the functions of lncRNAs.

The secondary structure of lncRNAs may be closely related to their functions [127]; however, examinations of secondary structure are particularly challenging. Additional research is warranted to summarize whether changes in secondary structure of lncRNAs can affect interactions with other molecules, such as proteins, and thus influence carcinogenesis. Such knowledge could further elucidate the mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation by lncRNAs and miRNAs in cancer, which may shed a new insight for molecular therapy and clinical diagnosis in cancer.

Presently, many lncRNAs have dysregulated expression in cancer tissues. It remains unclear whether ncRNAs can turn into valid targets for molecular therapies in cancer in the context of interactions with mRNAs, and proteins. Bioinformatics and functional analyses have indicated that lncRNAs and miRNAs modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally via interactions with mRNAs, proteins and mutual effects. The effects are to influence proliferation, apoptosis, the EMT, metastasis, multidrug resistance, and angiogenesis, suggesting a potential value of ncRNAs for the treatment of GC.

Abbreviations

5-FU: 5-fluorouracil; ADR: adriamycin; bHLH: helix-loop-helix; CAFs: cancer-associated fibroblasts; CCAT1: colon cancer-related transcript 1; ccRCC: clear cell renal cell carcinoma; ceRNA: competing endogenous RNA; DDP: cisplatin; EdU: ethyl deoxyuridine; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ER/PR: estrogen receptor /progesterone receptor; EV: endothelial vessel; EZH2: enhancer of zest homolog 2; HOTAIR: HOX transcript antisense RNA; GAS5: growth arrest-specific transcript 5; GHET1: gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1; GO: Gene Ontology; hTERT: human telomerase reverse transcriptase; HUVECs: human umbilical vein endothelial cells; IGF2BP1: insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1; IKKɛ: IκB kinase; KAI-1: CD82 molecule; KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; KRT7-AS: KRT7 antisense RNA 1; Linc-POU3F3: long intergenic noncoding RNA POU3F3; MALAT1: lung adenocarcinoma metastasis-related transcript 1; MDR: multidrug resistance; MREs: miRNA response elements; MVD: microvessel density; NcRD: nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase; NEAT2: nuclear-enriched transcript 2; nrRNA: nuclear-retained regulator; PCA3: prostate cancer associated 3; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Pol II: polymerase II; RIP: RNA immunoprecipitation; RNPs: ribonucleoproteins; RUNX1: tumor-suppressor runt domain transcription factor 1; SNHG5: small nucleolar RNA host gene 5; SR: serine/arginine; TINCR: terminal differentiation-induced ncRNA; TNM: Tumor Node Metastasis; VEGF-A: vascular endothelial growth factor A; VM: Vasculogenic mimicry; WT1: Wilms' tumor gene; XIST: X-inactive specific transcript; YBX1: human Y-box binding protein 1.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Science and Technology Support Program (2015BAI13B07) and the National Natural Science Foundation (81772987).

Competing Interests

The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

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Author contact

Corresponding author: Dr. Yuan Yuan, Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, North Nanjing Street 155#, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China Telephone: +86-024-83282153; fax: +86-024-83282383, Email: yuanyuanedu.cn

Received 2017-7-25
Accepted 2017-10-10
Published 2017-11-12

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