Stem cells are a kind of cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential, also called “all-purpose cells” in medical community. So, what are some research design ideas related to stem cells? Today, let’s explore this topic together.

Today, we will share an article published in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Zone 1 journal ADVANCED SCIENCE, with a high impact factor of 14.3, entitled “A Novel Long Non-Coding RNA lnc030 Maintains Breast Cancer Stem Cell Stemness by Stabilizing SQLE mRNA and Increasing Cholesterol Synthesis”, hoping to provide some unique inspiration.

1. Research background

1.1 CD44+CD24- and ALDH+ are the most common markers for breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Increased levels or activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) indicate the high tumorigenic potential and cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics of cancer cells.1.2 Cholesterol levels in the blood and cells are related to tumor incidence, death, growth, migration, and invasion.

1.3 Previous research has identified abnormal cholesterol synthesis in breast cancer and BCSCs.

1.4 Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes and diseases.

2. Technical routes

3. Research results

3.1 Lnc030 is highly expressed in BCSCs

3.2 Lnc030 is necessary for maintaining BCSCs stemness

3.3 Lnc030 promotes SQLE expression and maintains BCSCs stemness

3.4 Lnc030 interacts with PCBP2 to enhance SQLE mRNA stability

3.5 Cellular cholesterol facilitates the maintenance of BCSCs stemness

3.6 Lnc030 maintains BCSCs stemness via PI3K/Akt signaling

3.7 Lnc030-SQLE-cholesterol pathway boosts the occurrence and progression of breast cancer

4. Research conclusion

This research identifies a new lncRNA (named Lnc030) through lncRNA/mRNA microarray detection. Lnc030 is highly expressed in BCSCs in vivo and in vitro, and is a key regulatory factor for maintaining BCSC stemness and promoting tumor occurrence. Mechanistically, Lnc030 and PCBP2 synergistically stabilize SQLE mRNA, inducing increased synthesis of cholesterol. The increased cholesterol activates PI3K/Akt signaling which controls BCSC stemness. Collectively, these findings revealed a new mechanism based on Lnc030 for regulating BCSC cholesterol synthesis and stem cell characteristics. Lnc030-SQLE-cholesterol synthesis pathway may serve as an effective target for BCSC elimination and breast cancer treatment.