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Cancers
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Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and...
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Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Tumor Microenvironment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 10380

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Simona Taverna

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Interests: extracellular vesicles; exosomes; cell-cell communication; cancer; non-coding RNAs; liquid biopsy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giuseppe Cammarata

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Interests: inflammation; aging; non-coding RNAs; cancer; extracellular vesicles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as mediators of intercellular communication that allow horizontal information exchange between cells. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are selectively packaged into EVs and transferred to proximal and distal target cells, inducing deep phenotypic changes. EVs play a pleiotropic role in cancer and ncRNAs contain in EVs are closely related to a variety of biological aspects of tumorigenesis. Recently, several findings indicate their key roles in cancer initiation and progression. The eclectic information that can be acquired by evaluating the epigenetic biomarkers contained in EVs is an emerging field in oncology that may help in cancer screening, diagnosis, identification of tumour subtypes, prediction of response to therapy and outcome.

We are pleased to invite you to our special Issue “Non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles in cancer crosstalk: diagnostic and therapeutic implications”.

This Special Issue aims to discuss recent findings in knowledge of biology, epigenetic regulation, early detection, innovations in personalized treatment and therapeutics targeting of ncRNAs and the involvement of EV-ncRNAs in molecular mechanism that contribute to cancer development.

Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited, to submissions that cover any relevant topic in ncRNAs shuttled by EVs such as mechanism of action, EV-engineering with ncRNAs, their functional roles in cancer cells, as well as clinical studies proving the role of EV-ncRNAs as potential biomarkers in cancer. Studies focusing on their emerging functional role as targets to cancer treatments are especially welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Simona Taverna
Dr. Giuseppe Cammarata
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • extracellular vesicles
  • exosomes
  • cancer
  • inflammation
  • non-coding RNA
  • microRNAs
  • circular-RNAs
  • piwi-RNAs
  • lnc-RNAs

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
Environmental and Lifestyle Cancer Risk Factors: Shaping Extracellular Vesicle OncomiRs and Paving the Path to Cancer Development
by Valentina Bollati, Paola Monti, Davide Biganzoli, Giuseppe Marano, Chiara Favero, Simona Iodice, Luca Ferrari, Laura Dioni, Francesca Bianchi, Angela Cecilia Pesatori and Elia Mario Biganzoli
Cancers 2023, 15(17), 4317; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15174317 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1189
Abstract
Intercellular communication has been transformed by the discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which play crucial roles in intercellular signaling. These EVs were previously disregarded as cellular debris but are now recognized as vital mediators of biological information [...] Read more.
Intercellular communication has been transformed by the discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which play crucial roles in intercellular signaling. These EVs were previously disregarded as cellular debris but are now recognized as vital mediators of biological information transfer between cells. Furthermore, they respond not only to internal stimuli but also to environmental and lifestyle factors. Identifying EV-borne oncomiRs, a subset of miRNAs implicated in cancer development, could revolutionize our understanding of how environmental and lifestyle exposures contribute to oncogenesis. To investigate this, we studied the plasma levels of EV-borne oncomiRs in a population of 673 women and 238 men with a body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (SPHERE population). The top fifty oncomiRs associated with the three most common cancers in women (breast, colorectal, and lung carcinomas) and men (lung, prostate, and colorectal carcinomas) were selected from the OncomiR database. Only oncomiRs expressed in more than 20% of the population were considered for statistical analysis. Using a Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) model, we explored the interactions between environmental/lifestyle exposures and EV oncomiRs to develop optimized predictor combinations for each EV oncomiR. This innovative approach allowed us to better understand miRNA regulation in response to multiple environmental and lifestyle influences. By uncovering non-linear relationships among variables, we gained valuable insights into the complexity of miRNA regulatory networks. Ultimately, this research paves the way for comprehensive exposome studies in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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Review

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22 pages, 1067 KiB  
Review
Extracellular Vesicle-Related Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Overview
by Giuseppa Augello, Alessandra Cusimano, Melchiorre Cervello and Antonella Cusimano
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071415 - 04 Apr 2024
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when no effective treatment options are available. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized double-layer lipid vesicles containing various [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when no effective treatment options are available. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized double-layer lipid vesicles containing various biomolecule cargoes, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. EVs are released from nearly all types of cells and have been shown to play an important role in cell-to-cell communication. In recent years, many studies have investigated the role of EVs in cancer, including HCC. Emerging studies have shown that EVs play primary roles in the development and progression of cancer, modulating tumor growth and metastasis formation. Moreover, it has been observed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) carried by tumor cell-derived EVs promote tumorigenesis, regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and playing critical roles in the progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, immune escape, and drug resistance of HCC. EV-related ncRNAs can provide information regarding disease status, thus encompassing a role as biomarkers. In this review, we discuss the main roles of ncRNAs present in HCC-derived EVs, including micro(mi) RNAs, long non-coding (lnc) RNAs, and circular (circ) RNAs, and their potential clinical value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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20 pages, 349 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Potential of Non-Coding RNAs as Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Screening: A Literature Review
by Edoardo Garbo, Benedetta Del Rio, Giorgia Ferrari, Massimiliano Cani, Valerio Maria Napoli, Valentina Bertaglia, Enrica Capelletto, Christian Rolfo, Silvia Novello and Francesco Passiglia
Cancers 2023, 15(19), 4774; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194774 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 917
Abstract
Lung cancer represent the leading cause of cancer mortality, so several efforts have been focused on the development of a screening program. To address the issue of high overdiagnosis and false positive rates associated to LDCT-based screening, there is a need for new [...] Read more.
Lung cancer represent the leading cause of cancer mortality, so several efforts have been focused on the development of a screening program. To address the issue of high overdiagnosis and false positive rates associated to LDCT-based screening, there is a need for new diagnostic biomarkers, with liquid biopsy ncRNAs detection emerging as a promising approach. In this scenario, this work provides an updated summary of the literature evidence about the role of non-coding RNAs in lung cancer screening. A literature search on PubMed was performed including studies which investigated liquid biopsy non-coding RNAs biomarker lung cancer patients and a control cohort. Micro RNAs were the most widely studied biomarkers in this setting but some preliminary evidence was found also for other non-coding RNAs, suggesting that a multi-biomarker based liquid biopsy approach could enhance their efficacy in the screening context. However, further studies are needed in order to optimize detection techniques as well as diagnostic accuracy before introducing novel biomarkers in the early diagnosis setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
17 pages, 621 KiB  
Review
Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer: Unraveling the Complex Role of CFTR Gene in Cancer Susceptibility
by Giuseppe Fabio Parisi, Maria Papale, Giulia Pecora, Novella Rotolo, Sara Manti, Giovanna Russo and Salvatore Leonardi
Cancers 2023, 15(17), 4244; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15174244 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs and digestive system. Over the years, advancements in medical care and treatments have significantly increased the life expectancy of individuals with CF. However, with this improved longevity, concerns about the [...] Read more.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs and digestive system. Over the years, advancements in medical care and treatments have significantly increased the life expectancy of individuals with CF. However, with this improved longevity, concerns about the potential risk of developing certain types of cancers have arisen. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between CF, increased life expectancy, and the associated risk for cancers. We discuss the potential mechanisms underlying this risk, including chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and genetic factors. Additionally, we review studies that have examined the incidence and types of cancers seen in CF patients, with a focus on gastrointestinal, breast, and respiratory malignancies. We also explore the impact of CFTR modulator therapies on cancer risk. In the gastrointestinal tract, CF patients have an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and possibly esophageal cancer. The underlying mechanisms contributing to these increased risks are not fully understood, but chronic inflammation, altered gut microbiota, and genetic factors are believed to play a role. Regular surveillance and colonoscopies are recommended for early detection and management of colorectal cancer in CF patients. Understanding the factors contributing to cancer development in CF patients is crucial for implementing appropriate surveillance strategies and improving long-term outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and develop targeted interventions to mitigate cancer risk in individuals with CF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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19 pages, 2643 KiB  
Review
PIWI-RNAs Small Noncoding RNAs with Smart Functions: Potential Theranostic Applications in Cancer
by Simona Taverna, Anna Masucci and Giuseppe Cammarata
Cancers 2023, 15(15), 3912; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15153912 - 01 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a new class of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that bind components of the PIWI protein family. piRNAs are specifically expressed in different human tissues and regulate important signaling pathways. Aberrant expressions of piRNAs and PIWI proteins [...] Read more.
P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a new class of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that bind components of the PIWI protein family. piRNAs are specifically expressed in different human tissues and regulate important signaling pathways. Aberrant expressions of piRNAs and PIWI proteins have been associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Recent studies reported that piRNAs are contained in extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized lipid particles, with key roles in cell–cell communication. EVs contain several bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, including emerging ncRNAs. EVs are one of the components of liquid biopsy (LB) a non-invasive method for detecting specific molecular biomarkers in liquid samples. LB could become a crucial tool for cancer diagnosis with piRNAs as biomarkers in a precision oncology approach. This review summarizes the current findings on the roles of piRNAs in different cancer types, focusing on potential theranostic applications of piRNAs contained in EVs (EV-piRNAs). Their roles as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and as new therapeutic options have been also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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25 pages, 1551 KiB  
Review
Modulating Effects of Cancer-Derived Exosomal miRNAs and Exosomal Processing by Natural Products
by Ya-Ting Chuang, Jen-Yang Tang, Jun-Ping Shiau, Ching-Yu Yen, Fang-Rong Chang, Kun-Han Yang, Ming-Feng Hou, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi and Hsueh-Wei Chang
Cancers 2023, 15(1), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010318 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2127
Abstract
Cancer-derived exosomes exhibit sophisticated functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, resistance, and tumor microenvironment changes. Several clinical drugs modulate these exosome functions, but the impacts of natural products are not well understood. Exosome functions are regulated by exosome processing, such as secretion and [...] Read more.
Cancer-derived exosomes exhibit sophisticated functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, resistance, and tumor microenvironment changes. Several clinical drugs modulate these exosome functions, but the impacts of natural products are not well understood. Exosome functions are regulated by exosome processing, such as secretion and assembly. The modulation of these exosome-processing genes can exert the anticancer and precancer effects of cancer-derived exosomes. This review focuses on the cancer-derived exosomal miRNAs that regulate exosome processing, acting on the natural-product-modulating cell functions of cancer cells. However, the role of exosomal processing has been overlooked in several studies of exosomal miRNAs and natural products. In this study, utilizing the bioinformatics database (miRDB), the exosome-processing genes of natural-product-modulated exosomal miRNAs were predicted. Consequently, several natural drugs that modulate exosome processing and exosomal miRNAs and regulate cancer cell functions are described here. This review sheds light on and improves our understanding of the modulating effects of exosomal miRNAs and their potential exosomal processing targets on anticancer treatments based on the use of natural products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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19 pages, 1793 KiB  
Review
Non-Coding RNAs in Airway Diseases: A Brief Overview of Recent Data
by Giusy Daniela Albano, Rosalia Gagliardo, Angela Marina Montalbano and Mirella Profita
Cancers 2023, 15(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010054 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
Inflammation of the human lung is mediated in response to different stimuli (e.g., physical, radioactive, infective, pro-allergenic, or toxic) such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. These stimuli often promote an increase in different inflammatory activities in the airways, manifesting themselves as chronic [...] Read more.
Inflammation of the human lung is mediated in response to different stimuli (e.g., physical, radioactive, infective, pro-allergenic, or toxic) such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. These stimuli often promote an increase in different inflammatory activities in the airways, manifesting themselves as chronic diseases (e.g., allergic airway diseases, asthma chronic bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or even lung cancer). Non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules of few nucleotides that regulate the gene expression involved in many cellular processes. ncRNA are molecules typically involved in the reduction of translation and stability of the genes of mRNAs s. They regulate many biological aspects such as cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, regulation of cell cycle, aging, apoptosis, metabolism, and neuronal patterning, and influence a wide range of biologic processes essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The relevance of ncRNAs in the pathogenetic mechanisms of respiratory diseases has been widely established and in the last decade many papers were published. However, once their importance is established in pathogenetic mechanisms, it becomes important to further deepen the research in this direction. In this review we describe several of most recent knowledge concerning ncRNA (overall miRNAs) expression and activities in the lung. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Crosstalk: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications)
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