Electronic Journal of Biotechnology

SNORD3A acts as a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in gastric cancer

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Although SNORD3A has been implicated in cancer progression, its specific roles and underlying mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) remain poorly understood. We analysed SNORD3A expression using TCGA data and evaluated patient survival via Kaplan‒Meier curves. Additionally, we conducted GO-KEGG enrichment analysis to identify relevant biological processes and signaling pathways, while ssGSEA was used to assess the correlation between SNORD3A and cancer immune infiltrates. Furthermore, we explored the relationship between SNORD3A and immunotherapy response through TIDE. We verified SNORD3A expression using real-time qPCR and assessed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays.

Results: Our results revealed that SNORD3A was significantly upregulated in GC, with high expression correlating with poor survival. SNORD3A and related genes were primarily enriched in the insulin/insulin-related growth factor signaling pathway. We also observed negative associations between SNORD3A expression and several immune cells, including activated dendritic cells, CD56bright natural killer cells, central memory CD8 T cells, effector memory CD8 T cells, effector memory CD4 T cells, eosinophils, immature dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells, MDSCs, memory B cells, monocytes, neutrophil cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and T follicular helper cells. High SNORD3A expression also correlated with a poorer response to immunotherapy. Finally, inhibition of SNORD3A suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that SNORD3A plays a catalytic role in the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of GC and may have potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.

Unraveling SARS-CoV-2-associated lncRNAs' prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma-survival, immunity, and chemotherapy responses

Qianhui Zhou, Ting Yuan, Zhimin Xie, Ying Chen — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study investigates the link between SARS-CoV-2-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). LUAD is a prevalent and aggressive lung cancer type. The study aims to identify prognostic lncRNAs and construct a predictive model while shedding light on potential therapeutic targets during the COVID-19 era.

Results: Eight SARS-CoV-2-associated lncRNAs with significant prognostic value in LUAD were identified, forming a robust prognostic risk model. The model exhibited strong predictive performance, with high area under the ROC curve (AUC) values at one, three, and five years. Furthermore, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor, correlating with the cancer stage. Notably, differences in immune function, drug sensitivity, and immune checkpoint expression were observed between high- and low-risk groups.

Conclusions: This study unveils eight SARS-CoV-2-associated lncRNAs as valuable prognostic markers in LUAD, yielding a reliable prognostic risk model. Additionally, the model's ability to predict patient outcomes and its correlation with cancer stage underscores its clinical utility. The observed variances in immune function, drug sensitivity, and immune checkpoint expression suggest potential avenues for personalized LUAD treatment strategies. Clinicians can utilize the prognostic risk model to predict LUAD patient outcomes, informing treatment decisions. The insights into immune function, drug sensitivity, and immune checkpoints offer opportunities for tailored therapies, potentially enhancing patient outcomes. This study underscores the importance of considering the interplay between SARS-CoV-2-associated factors and cancer biology, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1, a potential biomarker for glaucoma, accelerates glaucoma progression via microRNA-93-5p/Homeobox box 3 axis

ZhaoLian Xie, Hui Wang, LinLin Liu, HaiQing Zhang, Jing Liu — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Glaucoma is marked by retinal neuron death in the ganglion cell layer, leading to irreversible vision loss. Aberrant long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression is associated with glaucoma. The study was to explore the latent molecular mechanism of lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-stimulated glaucoma.

Results: The data demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 expression was elevated in glaucoma patients, serving as a diagnostic biomarker of glaucoma. Rats injected with NMDA developed visual loss and retinopathy and expressed high KCNQ1OT1. After treating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with NMDA, cell proliferation was suppressed and apoptosis was augmented. Silenced KCNQ1OT1 or HOXB3 or elevated miR-93-5p alleviated NMDA-induced suppression of RGC growth. KCNQ1OT1 mediated miR-93-5p expression by targeting homeobox box 3 (HOXB3). The protection of silenced KCNQ1OT1 in NMDA-treated RGCs was turned around by elevated HOXB3.

Conclusions: Overall, KCNQ1OT1 accelerates glaucoma progression via miR-93-5p/HOXB3 axis.

miR-379-3p inhibits fat grafting survival and angiogenesis by targeting SOCS1-mediated adipose inflammation

JingLin Zhu, FangNing Zhao, XueFeng Han, FaCheng Li — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This research probed the relevant mechanism of miR-379-3p by regulating suppressor of cytokine signaling1 (SOCS1) in the processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis in fat grafting. An increasing body of research indicates the involvement of miRNA/mRNA pathways in the process of fat transplantation, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated.

Results: miR-379-3p knockdown improved the survival rate of adipocytes, promoted adipose tissue angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress levels. miR-379-3p targeted SOCS1. SOCS1 upregulation improved adipose tissue survival and angiogenesis and reduced inflammation. miR-379-3p affected adipose tissue survival, angiogenesis, and inflammation by targeting SOCS1 expression.

Conclusions: miR-379-3p inhibits fat grafting survival and angiogenesis by targeting SOCS1 to mediate adipose inflammation, suffering a novel way to improve fat grafting technique development.

Bacillus mojavensis isolated from aguamiel and its potential as a probiotic bacterium

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Millenary fermented beverages are a source of industrially important microorganisms. Aguamiel and pulque are traditional Mexican beverages of pre-Hispanic origin, with a microbial diversity that contributes to the different fermentations (lactic, alcoholic and acetic). The aim of this research was to characterize the Bacillus mojavensis (BF2A1) strain isolated from aguamiel and determine its probiotic potential. The strain was identified through Mass Spectrometry (MS), molecular techniques, as well as morphological and biochemical profiling. The probiotic activity of the BF2A1 strain and its response during the gastric simulation was determined.

Results: The strain BF2A1 is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus, positive for catalase, gamma-hemolysis, citrate, ornithine, grows at 7.5% NaCl, and acetoin, but negative for motility, indole, and methyl red. Its taxonomic identity was determined as B. mojavensis both by MALDI-TOF MS and sequencing of 16S rDNA. Its probiotic potential was demonstrated as BF2A1 was tolerant to pH 2 (OD_620nm 0.289 ± 0.012), 0.3% bile salts (OD_620nm 0.103 ± 0.089), 8% NaCl (OD_620nm 0.254 ± 0.096), and 1% lysozyme (OD_620nm 1.342 ± 0.078) compared to the probiotic strain Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830TM (Laclei). The antagonistic effect of BF2A1 against Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), and Candida albicans (ATCC60193) showed 25.5%, 8% and, 65% inhibitory growing effect, respectively. BF2A1 in the gastric simulation showed only a reduction of 1–2 log CFU/mL and showed after the intestinal phase a survival rate of 84.4% as compared to the control strains.

Conclusions: This study shows that BF2A1 isolated from aguamiel is a bacterium with probiotic properties that can be used in different areas of Biotechnology.