BackgroundMicroRNA-138 (miR-138) has been proven to be a tumor suppressor gene in various types of tumors. However, the expression and the role of miR-138 in human osteosarcoma are still poorly understood. We investigated the function and the underlying mechanism of miR-138 in osteosarcoma.MethodsThe expression of miR-138 in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time PCR analysis. The gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were performed on osteosarcoma cell lines to investigate the effects of miR-138 on osteosarcoma progression, and to determine whether differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 2 (DEC2) mediates these effects. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were assessed by MTT, flow cytometry and transwell-matrigel assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether DEC2 is a direct target of miR-138.ResultsMiR-138 was significantly downregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Moreover, miR-138 expression was significantly lower in metastatic osteosarcoma tissues than that in non-metastatic tissues. The in vitro gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that miR-138 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells. DEC2 was verified as a direct target of miR-138, and DEC2 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-138 on osteosarcoma progression.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that miR-138 acts as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma.miR-138 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, as well as promoted cell apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells, at least partially, by inhibiting the expression of DEC2. MiR-138/DEC2 may be a novel therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.

No abstract

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, which calls for an exploration of how to prevent and control pandemics to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the digital economy in sustainable development, the relationship between the two, the impacts of the outbreak on economic and social development, and changes in China's digital economy.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the time-series data from 2002 to 2019 and an unconstrained VAR model to examine the relationship between the digital economy and sustainable development before the pandemic.FindingsChina's digital economy has promoted the country's sustainable economic and social development; it has advanced rapid economic growth, improved people's living standards, increased efficient utilization of resources, and strengthened environmental protection.Research limitations/implicationsAmid the pandemic, China's digital economy developed effectively; it showed strong resilience because of its unique advantages. The digital economy in China has helped the country to control the pandemic in a short period, reduced the risk of supply chain disruption, promoted China's economic growth, and ensured the orderly operation of society. Therefore, countries worldwide are encouraged to prioritize their digital economies.Originality/valueCompared with the extant literature, this study explores the sustainable supply chain in a broader sense in the context of a pandemic, and how the supply chain is influenced by the digital economy. It not only includes the stability, resilience, and viability of the supply chain in economic development but also involves aspects of people's life, resource utilization, and environmental protection.

No abstract

No abstract