miR-146a Suppresses SUMO1 Expression and Induces Cardiac Dysfunction in Maladaptive Hypertrophy

Small extracellular vesicles associated miRNA in myocardial fibrosis

Myocardial fibrosis involves the loss of cardiomyocytes, myocardial fibroblast proliferation, and a reduction in angiogenesis, ultimately leading to heart failure, Given its significant implications, it is crucial to explore novel therapies for myocardial fibrosis. Recently one emerging avenue has been the use of small extracellular vesicles (sEV)-carried miRNA. In this review, we summarize the regulatory role of sEV-carried miRNA in myocardial fibrosis. We explored not only the potential diagnostic value of circulating miRNA as biomarkers for heart disease but also the therapeutic implications of sEV-carried miRNA derived from various cellular sources and applications of modified sEV. This exploration is paramount for researchers striving to develop innovative, cell-free therapies as potential drug candidates for the management of myocardial fibrosis.

The potential roles of exosomes in pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy mechanisms and therapy: A review

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy, characterized by the enlargement of cardiac muscle cells, leads to serious cardiac conditions and stands as a major global health issue. Exosomes, comprising small lipid bilayer vesicles, are produced by various cell types and found in numerous bodily fluids. They play a pivotal role in intercellular communication by transferring bioactive cargos to recipient cells or activating signaling pathways in target cells. Exosomes from cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and stem cells are key in regulating processes like cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte survival, apoptosis, fibrosis, and angiogenesis within the context of cardiovascular diseases. This review delves into exosomes' roles in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, first elucidating their impact on cell communication and signaling pathways. It then advances to discuss how exosomes affect key hypertrophic processes, including metabolism, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. The review culminates by evaluating the potential of exosomes as biomarkers and their significance in targeted therapeutic strategies, thus emphasizing their critical role in the pathophysiology and management of cardiac hypertrophy.

Crosstalk between ubiquitin ligases and ncRNAs drives cardiovascular disease progression

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are multifactorial chronic diseases and have the highest rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in posttranslational modification and quality control of proteins, maintaining intracellular homeostasis via degradation of misfolded, short-lived, or nonfunctional regulatory proteins. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs, such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs and small interfering RNAs) serve as epigenetic factors and directly or indirectly participate in various physiological and pathological processes. NcRNAs that regulate ubiquitination or are regulated by the UPS are involved in the execution of target protein stability. The cross-linked relationship between the UPS, ncRNAs and CVDs has drawn researchers' attention. Herein, we provide an update on recent developments and perspectives on how the crosstalk of the UPS and ncRNAs affects the pathological mechanisms of CVDs, particularly myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic stroke. In addition, we further envision that RNA interference or ncRNA mimics or inhibitors targeting the UPS can potentially be used as therapeutic tools and strategies.

Recent advances in mechanistic studies of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its comorbidities-Role of microRNAs

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifaceted syndrome with a complex aetiology commonly associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and renal disease. Various diseases induce systemic, chronic and low-grade inflammation; microvascular dysfunction; metabolic stress; tissue ischemia; and fibrosis, leading to HFpEF. An effective treatment for HFpEF is lacking, largely owing to its pathophysiological heterogeneity. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the pathogenesis of HFpEF and its comorbidities.

METHODS

This narrative review included original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years found through 'PubMed' and 'Web of Science'. The search terms included "HFpEF," "MicroRNAs," "comorbidities," "Microvascular Dysfunction (MVD)," "inflammation," "pathophysiology," "endothelial dysfunction," "energy metabolism abnormalities" "cardiac fibrosis" and "treatment."

RESULTS

Inflammation, MVD, abnormal energy metabolism, myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HFpEF. As gene expression regulators, miRNAs may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFpEF and are expected to serve in the stratification of patients with HFpEF and as prognostic indicators for monitoring treatment responses.

CONCLUSIONS

A customized strategy based on miRNAs has emerged as an effective treatment for HFpEF. In this review, we discuss recent research surrounding miRNAs and HFpEF and propose potential miRNA targets for the pathophysiology of HFpEF and its comorbidities. Although current research concerning miRNAs and their therapeutic potential is in its early stages, miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics hold great promise in the future.

Cell Type-Specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Health and Disease

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse group of cell-derived exocytosed particles, are pivotal in mediating intercellular communication due to their ability to selectively transfer biomolecules to specific cell types. EVs, composed of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, are taken up by cells to affect a variety of signaling cascades. Research in the field has primarily focused on stem cell-derived EVs, with a particular focus on mesenchymal stem cells, for their potential therapeutic benefits. Recently, tissue-specific EVs or cell type-specific extracellular vesicles (CTS-EVs), have garnered attention for their unique biogenesis and molecular composition because they enable highly targeted cell-specific communication. Various studies have outlined the roles that CTS-EVs play in the signaling for physiological function and the maintenance of homeostasis, including immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and organ development. These properties are also exploited for disease propagation, such as in cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and more. The insights gained from analyzing CTS-EVs in different biological roles not only enhance our understanding of intercellular signaling and disease pathogenesis but also open new avenues for innovative diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. This review comprehensively outlines the current understanding of CTS-EV origins, function within normal physiology, and implications in diseased states.

Extracellular vesicles as tools and targets in therapy for diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized, membranous structures secreted into the extracellular space. They exhibit diverse sizes, contents, and surface markers and are ubiquitously released from cells under normal and pathological conditions. Human serum is a rich source of these EVs, though their isolation from serum proteins and non-EV lipid particles poses challenges. These vesicles transport various cellular components such as proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, DNA, and lipids across distances, influencing numerous physiological and pathological events, including those within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their pivotal roles in cellular communication make EVs promising candidates for therapeutic agents, drug delivery systems, and disease biomarkers. Especially in cancer diagnostics, EV detection can pave the way for early identification and offers potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, various EV subtypes are emerging as targeted drug delivery tools, highlighting their potential clinical significance. The need for non-invasive biomarkers to monitor biological processes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes remains unfulfilled. Tapping into the unique composition of EVs could unlock advanced diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in the future. In this review, we discuss in detail the roles of EVs across various conditions, including cancers (encompassing head and neck, lung, gastric, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma), neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, viral infections, autoimmune and renal diseases, emphasizing the potential advancements in molecular diagnostics and drug delivery.

Gene expression analysis to identify mechanisms underlying improvement of myocardial fibrosis by finerenone in SHR

Both spironolactone and finerenone treatments significantly reduced SBP and there was no statistical difference in their antihypertensive effects. The differences in body weight (at the end of 1/2/3/4 week) to pre-dose body weight ratio and heart rate (at the end of 1/2/3/4 week) to pre-dose heart rate ratio were not statistically significant in the vehicle, spironolactone, finerenone, and control groups.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality among the vehicle, spironolactone, and finerenone groups. The relative heart mass, ANP, BNP, CVF, Col I, TGF-β, and Casp-3 were gradually decreased in vehicle group, spironolactone group, and finerenone group. Among them, BNP, CVF, TGF-β, and Casp-3 were significantly decreased in the finerenone group compared with the vehicle group. HE and Masson staining showed that the cardiomyocytes of rats in the vehicle group and spironolactone group were disorganized, with cell hypertrophy, significantly enlarged cell gaps and a large amount of collagen deposition, whereas the cardiomyocytes of rats in the finerenone group and the control group were more neatly arranged, with smaller cell gaps and a small amount of collagen tissue deposition. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that there was a total of 119 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between finerenone treatment and vehicle treatment. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the signaling pathways involved were mainly in drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, chemical carcinogenesis, IL-17 signaling pathway, axon guidance, and hematopoietic cell lineage. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed that the core genes were Oaslf, Nos2, LOC687780, Rhobtb1, Ephb3, and Rps27a.

Mettl13 protects against cardiac contractile dysfunction by negatively regulating C-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination of SERCA2a in ischemic heart failure

Ischemic heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Maintaining homeostasis of cardiac function and preventing cardiac remodeling deterioration are critical to halting HF progression. Methyltransferase-like protein 13 (Mettl13) has been shown to regulate protein translation efficiency by acting as a protein lysine methyltransferase, but its role in cardiac pathology remains unexplored. This study aims to characterize the roles and mechanisms of Mettl13 in cardiac contractile function and HF. We found that Mettl13 was downregulated in the failing hearts of mice post-myocardial infarction (MI) and in a cellular model of oxidative stress. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Mettl13 mediated by AAV9-Mettl13 attenuated cardiac contractile dysfunction and fibrosis in response to MI, while silencing of Mettl13 impaired cardiac function in normal mice. Moreover, Mettl13 overexpression abrogated the reduction in cell shortening, Ca2+ transient amplitude and SERCA2a protein levels in the cardiomyocytes of adult mice with MI. Conversely, knockdown of Mettl13 impaired the contractility of cardiomyocytes, and decreased Ca2+ transient amplitude and SERCA2a protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, Mettl13 impaired the stability of c-Cbl by inducing lysine methylation of c-Cbl, which in turn inhibited ubiquitination-dependent degradation of SERCA2a. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of knocking down Mettl13 on SERCA2a protein expression and Ca2+ transients were partially rescued by silencing c-Cbl in H2O2-treated cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, our study uncovers a novel mechanism that involves the Mettl13/c-Cbl/SERCA2a axis in regulating cardiac contractile function and remodeling, and identifies Mettl13 as a novel therapeutic target for ischemic HF.

Function and regulation of ubiquitin-like SUMO system in heart

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMOylation) system is a conserved, reversible, post-translational protein modification pathway covalently attached to the lysine residues of proteins in eukaryotic cells, and SUMOylation is catalyzed by SUMO-specific activating enzyme (E1), binding enzyme (E2) and ligase (E3). Sentrin-specific proteases (SENPs) can cleave the isopeptide bond of a SUMO conjugate and catalyze the deSUMOylation reaction. SUMOylation can regulate the activity of proteins in many important cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression, signal transduction, DNA damage repair and protein stability. Biological experiments in vivo and in vitro have confirmed the key role of the SUMO conjugation/deconjugation system in energy metabolism, Ca2+ cycle homeostasis and protein quality control in cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarized the research progress of the SUMO conjugation/deconjugation system and SUMOylation-mediated cardiac actions based on related studies published in recent years, and highlighted the further research areas to clarify the role of the SUMO system in the heart by using emerging technologies.

The good, the bad and the ugly: the impact of extracellular vesicles on the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which encompass a myriad of pathological conditions that affect the heart and/or the blood vessels, remain the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. By transferring a wide variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as key players in long-range communication across the cardiovascular system. It has been demonstrated that these highly heterogeneous nanosized vesicles participate both in the maintenance of homeostasis of the heart and vessels, and contribute to the pathophysiology of CVDs, thus emerging as promising tools for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of multiple CVDs. In this review, we highlight the beneficial roles of EV-mediated communication in regulating vascular homeostasis, and inter-organ crosstalk as a potential mechanism controlling systemic metabolic fitness. In addition, the impact of EV secretion in disease development is described, particularly focusing on cardiac remodelling following ischaemia, atherogenesis and atrial fibrillation progression. Finally, we discuss the potential of endogenous and bioengineered EVs as therapeutic tools for CVDs, as well as the suitability of assessing the molecular signature of circulating EVs as a non-invasive predictive marker of CVD onset and progression. This rapidly expanding field of research has established the role of EVs as key conveyors of both cardioprotective and detrimental signals, which might be of relevance in uncovering novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers of CVDs.

Extracellular vesicles and their non-coding RNA cargos: Emerging players in cardiovascular disease

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, have recently received attention as essential mechanisms for cell-to-cell communication in cardiovascular disease. EVs can be released from different types of cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, cardiac cells, fibroblasts, platelets, adipocytes, immune cells and stem cells. Non-coding (nc)RNAs as EV cargos have recently been investigated in the cardiovascular system. Up- or downregulated ncRNAs in EVs have been shown to play a crucial role in various cardiovascular diseases. Communication via EV-derived ncRNAs can occur between cells of the same type and between different types of cells involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. In the present review, we highlight the important aspects of diverse cell-derived EVs and their ncRNA cargos as disease mediators and potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, ischaemic heart disease and cardiac fibrosis. In addition, we summarize the potential of EV-derived ncRNAs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss the different methods for EV isolation and characterization. A better understanding of the specific role of EVs and their ncRNA cargos in the regulation of cardiovascular (dys)function will be of importance for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cardiovascular disease.

Selected miRNA and Psoriasis-Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)-Overweight/Obesity Network-A Pilot Study

Psoriasis is nowadays recognized as a multifactorial systemic disease with complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. In psoriatic patients, the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and frequent comorbidities like obesity are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in miRNA (miR-22-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-369-3p, and Let-7b-5p) involved in CVD risk among psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. The study comprised 28 male psoriatic patients and 16 male healthy controls. miRNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse-transcribed and RT-qPCR was performed. We have found decreased levels of miR-22, miR-133a, miR-146a, and miR-369 among the psoriatic patients. There was a statistically significant difference in miR-22 and miR-146a levels between psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. There were positive correlations between miR-22 and miR-146a levels and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in psoriatic patients with normal weight and between the miR-133a level and PsA in the overweight/obese patients. The decreased levels of selected miRNA are consistent with the levels observed in CVD indicating their impact on the CVD risk in psoriatic patients. miR-22 and miR-146 may be recognized as one of the contributing factors in the obesity-CVD-psoriasis network.

Research progress on post-translational modification of proteins and cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, myocardial remodeling, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, heart failure, and oxidative stress are among the greatest threats to human health worldwide. Cardiovascular pathogenesis has been studied for decades, and the influence of epigenetic changes on CVDs has been extensively studied. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, ubiquitin-like and nitrification, play important roles in the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Over the past decade, with the application of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), an increasing number novel acylation modifications have been discovered, including propionylation, crotonylation, butyrylation, succinylation, lactylation, and isonicotinylation. Each change in protein conformation has the potential to alter protein function and lead to CVDs, and this process is usually reversible. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying several common PTMs involved in the occurrence and development of CVDs.

Cardiac Biomarkers and Their Role in Identifying Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19 Patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Both lifestyle and genetics influence the development of CVD. It is often diagnosed late, when the treatment options are limited. Early diagnosis of CVD with help of biomarkers is necessary to prevent adverse outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause cardiovascular complications even in patients with no prior history of CVD. This review highlights cardiovascular biomarkers, including novel ones, and their applications as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cardiovascular complications related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were shown to have elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers, namely N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and troponins, indicating acute myocardial damage. These biomarkers were also associated with higher mortality rates and therefore should be used throughout COVID-19 patient care to identify high-risk patients promptly to optimize their outcomes. Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) are also considered as potential biomarkers and predictors of cardiac and vascular damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identifying molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular manifestations in COVID-19 is essential for development of early biomarkers, identification of new therapeutic targets, and better prediction and management of cardiovascular outcomes.

Targeting calcium regulators as therapy for heart failure: focus on the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase pump

Impaired myocardial Ca2+ cycling is a critical contributor to the development of heart failure (HF), causing changes in the contractile function and structure remodeling of the heart. Within cardiomyocytes, the regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ storage and release is largely dependent on Ca2+ handling proteins, such as the SR Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) pump. During the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle (diastole), SERCA2a plays a critical role in transporting cytosolic Ca2+ back to the SR, which helps to restore both cytosolic Ca2+ levels to their resting state and SR Ca2+ content for the next contraction. However, decreased SERCA2a expression and/or pump activity are key features in HF. As a result, there is a growing interest in developing therapeutic approaches to target SERCA2a. This review provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of the SERCA2a pump and explores potential strategies for SERCA2a-targeted therapy, which are being investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies.

Identification of key biomarkers associated with immune cells infiltration for myocardial injury in dermatomyositis by integrated bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an acquired autoimmune disease that can cause damage to various organs, including the heart muscle. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial injury in DM are not yet fully understood.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify hub-genes that are enriched in the immune system process in DM and myocarditis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and gene ontology (GO) analysis were employed to identify these hub-genes. We then used the CIBERSORT method to analyze immune cell infiltration in skeletal muscle specimens of DM and myocardium specimens of myocarditis respectively. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between key genes and infiltrating immune cells. Finally, we predicted regulatory miRNAs of hub-genes through miRNet and validated their expression in online datasets and clinical samples.

RESULTS

Using integrated bioinformatics analysis, we identified 10 and 5 hub-genes that were enriched in the immune system process in the database of DM and myocarditis respectively. The subsequent intersections between hub-genes were IFIT3, OAS3, ISG15, and RSAD2. We found M2 macrophages increased in DM and myocarditis compared to the healthy control, associating with the expression of IFIT3, OAS3, ISG15, and RSAD2 in DM and myocarditis positively. Gene function enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that IFIT3, OAS3, ISG15, and RSAD2 were mainly enriched in type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, cellular response to type I interferon, and response to type I interferon. Finally, we verified that the expression of miR-146a-5p was significantly higher in the DM with myocardial injury than those without myocardial injury (p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that IFIT3, OAS3, ISG15, and RSAD2 may play crucial roles in the underlying mechanism of myocardial injury in DM. Serum miR-146a-5p could be a potential biomarker for myocardial injury in DM.

Myocardial angiogenesis induced by concurrent vitamin D supplementation and aerobic-resistance training is mediated by inhibiting miRNA-15a, and miRNA-146a and upregulating VEGF/PI3K/eNOS signaling pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effects of co-treatment of aerobic-resistance training (ART), vitamin D₃ (VD₃) on cardiovascular function considering the involvement of microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. To induce MI, male Wistar rats subcutaneously received isoproterenol for 2 days, then MI was confirmed by echocardiography. MI rats were divided into six groups (n = 8/group). MI + VD₃, MI + sesame oil (Veh), MI + ART, MI + VD₃ + ART, and MI + Veh + ART, and received the related treatments for 8 weeks. Exercise tests, echocardiography, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and histological staining were performed after the end of treatments. The highest ejection fraction (EF%), fractional shortening (FS%), exercise capacity (EC), and maximal load test (MLT) amounts were observed in the groups treated with VD₃, ART, and VD₃ + ART (P < 0.05). These were accompanied by a significantly increased angiogenesis post-MI. Furthermore, the levels of circulating microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a were significantly decreased in these groups compared to MI rats that were together with a significant upregulation of cardiac VEGF, PI3K, and eNOS expression. Overall, the best results were observed in the group treated with VD₃ + ART. Concurrent VD₃ supplementation and ART attenuated microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a and induced angiogenesis via VEGF/PI3K/eNOS axis. This data demonstrate that concurrent VD₃ supplementation and ART is a more efficient strategy than monotherapy to improve cardiac function post-MI.

A novel circ_0018553 protects against angiotensin-induced cardiac hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes by modulating the miR-4731/SIRT2 signaling pathway

Due to the complicated pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy, there are no effective therapies for the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs participate in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of the novel circ_0018553 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Circ_0018553 was enriched in endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-derived exosomes, and circ_0018553 expression was downregulated in a cellular model of Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Silencing circ_0018553 promoted cardiac hypertrophy in the Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy cellular model, while overexpression of circ_0018553 significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that circ_0018553 acted as a sponge for miR-4731 and that miR-4731 repressed sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) expression by targeting the 3'UTR of SIRT2. MiR-4731 overexpression promoted cardiac hypertrophy in the Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy cellular model, while inhibition of miR-4731 significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes. The rescue experiments showed that miR-4731 overexpression attenuated the protective effects of circ_0018553 overexpression on the cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II; SIRT2 silencing also attenuated the protective effects of miR-4731 inhibition on the Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, our results indicated that EPC-derived exosomal circ_0018553 protected against Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by modulating the miR-4731/SIRT2 signaling pathway.

SUMO1 regulates post-infarct cardiac repair based on cellular heterogeneity

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMOylation) is a dynamic post-translational modification that maintains cardiac function and can protect against a hypertrophic response to cardiac pressure overload. However, the function of SUMOylation after myocardial infarction (MI) and the molecular details of heart cell responses to SUMO1 deficiency have not been determined. In this study, we demonstrated that SUMO1 protein was inconsistently abundant in different cell types and heart regions after MI. However, SUMO1 knockout significantly exacerbated systolic dysfunction and infarct size after myocardial injury. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed the differential role of SUMO1 in regulating heart cells. Among cardiomyocytes, SUMO1 deletion increased the Nppa ⁺ Nppb ⁺ Ankrd1 ⁺ cardiomyocyte subcluster proportion after MI. In addition, the conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts subclusters was inhibited in SUMO1 knockout mice. Importantly, SUMO1 loss promoted proliferation of endothelial cell subsets with the ability to reconstitute neovascularization and expressed angiogenesis-related genes. Computational analysis of ligand/receptor interactions suggested putative pathways that mediate cardiomyocytes to endothelial cell communication in the myocardium. Mice preinjected with cardiomyocyte-specific AAV-SUMO1, but not the endothelial cell-specific form, and exhibited ameliorated cardiac remodeling following MI. Collectively, our results identified the role of SUMO1 in cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells after MI. These findings provide new insights into SUMO1 involvement in the pathogenesis of MI and reveal novel therapeutic targets.

Alterations in Circulating miRNA Levels after Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Could Contribute to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases: What We Know So Far

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and poses significant complications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and influence several physiological and pathological processes, including CVD. This critical review aims to expand upon the current literature concerning miRNA deregulation during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on cardio-specific miRNAs and their association with various CVDs, including cardiac remodeling, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the scarcity of research in this area, our findings suggest that changes in the expression levels of particular COVID-19-related miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-27/miR-27a-5p, miR-451, miR-486-5p, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-133a, may be linked to CVDs. While our analysis did not conclusively determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the profile and/or expression levels of cardiac-specific miRNAs, we proposed a potential mechanism by which the miRNAs mentioned above may contribute to the development of these two pathologies. Further research on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2, CVDs, and microRNAs will significantly enhance our understanding of this connection and may lead to the use of these miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for both pathologies.

MiR-124-3p impedes the metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via extracellular exosome transport and intracellular PI3K/AKT signaling

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is a significant factor that affects the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the metastasis is currently not fully understood. This study aims to identify the important role of miR-124-3p in metastasis of NSCLC, thereby providing a potential therapeutic intervention.

METHODS

Exosome secretion was determined by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and the uptake was measured by fluorescence inverted microscope. The binding mechanism between miR-124-3p and its upstream or downstream target genes was validated experimentally by Luciferase reporter. Cells migration was evaluated by transwell assays. Transcriptome sequencing on A549 was carried out to verify the potential signaling pathway underlying miR-124-3p regulation. Western blotting analysis was used to assess the level of AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K protein expression in NSCLC cell lines. The role of miR-124-3p to suppress the tumor metastasis was verified in NSCLC xenograft model.

RESULTS

Exosomes were more abundant in serum from patients with advanced lung cancer (n = 24 patients) than in these from patients with early-stage lung cancer (n = 30 patients), which suggested the potential correlation between amount of exosome secretion and the metastasis of NSCLC. Interestingly, the exosome release, uptake and the migration of NSCLC cells were notably inhibited by miR-124-3p. LINC00511 suppressed the expression of miR-124-3p to facilitate exosome transport due to its role as the competitive endogenous RNA for miR-124-3p. The miR-124-3p could directly target the 3'-UTR of Rab27a in NSCLC cells to inhibit exosome secretion and thereby prevent cell migration and invasion. Aside from the inhibition of exosome transport, miR-124-3p inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in the intracellular environment. Finally, by measuring subcutaneous tumor weight and volume and lung metastasis, we also demonstrated that miR-124-3p inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In NSCLC, miR-124-3p significantly suppressed metastasis through extracellular exosome transport and intracellular PI3K/AKT signaling. These findings provide new insights toward a better understanding of the NSCLC metastasis and suggest a potential treatment biomarker for NSCLC.

Extracellular Vesicles and Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although lots of efforts have been made to illustrate the underlying molecular mechanisms, many issues remain undiscovered. Recently, intercellular communication by delivering small molecules between different cell types in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy has been reported, including bioactive nucleic acids or proteins. These extracellular vesicles (EVs) may act in an autocrine or paracrine manner between cardiomyocytes and noncardiomyocytes to provoke or inhibit cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. Besides, EVs can be used as novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in cardiac hypertrophy and also may serve as potential therapeutic targets due to its biocompatible nature and low immunogenicity. In this chapter, we will first summarize the current knowledge about EVs from different cells in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Then, we will focus on the value of EVs as therapeutic agents and biomarkers for pathological myocardial hypertrophy.

Progress in molecular biology and translational science: Epigenetics in cardiovascular health and disease

Conrad Waddington's epigenetics landscape has provided a metaphorical framework for how cells progress from undifferentiated states to one of several discrete, distinct, differentiated cell fates. The understanding of epigenetics has evolved over time, with DNA methylation being the most studied epigenetic modification, followed by histone modifications and non-coding RNA. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading contributors to death worldwide, with the prevalence of CVDs increasing across the last couple of decades. Significant amount of resources being poured into researching key mechanisms and underpinnings of the various CVDs. These molecular studies looked at the genetics, epigenetics as well as the transcriptomics of various cardiovascular conditions, aiming to provide mechanistic insights. It has paved the way for therapeutics to be developed and in recent years, epi-drugs for the treatment of CVDs. This chapter aims to cover the various roles of epigenetics in the context of cardiovascular health and disease. The following will be examined in detail: the developments in basic experimental techniques used to study epigenetics, the role of epigenetics in various CVDs (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, and heart failure), and current advances in epi-therapeutics, providing a holistic view of the current concerted efforts in advancing the field of epigenetics in CVDs.

SENP1 Protects Against Pressure Overload‐Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction Via Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling

Background

SENP1 (sentrin/small ubiquitin‐like modifier‐specific protease 1) has emerged as a significant modulator involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases, especially cancer. However, the regulatory roles of SENP1 in cardiovascular biology and diseases remain controversial. Our current study aims to clarify the function and regulation of SENP1 in pressure overload‐induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.

Methods and Results

We used a preclinical mouse model of transverse aortic constriction coupled with in vitro studies in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to study the role of SENP1 in cardiac hypertrophy. Gene delivery system was used to knockdown or overexpress SENP1 in vivo. Here, we observed that SENP1 expression was significantly augmented in murine hearts following transverse aortic constriction as well as neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated with phenylephrine or angiotensin II. Cardiac‐specific SENP1 knockdown markedly exacerbated transverse aortic constriction‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, fibrotic response, and cellular apoptosis. In contrast, adenovirus‐mediated SENP1 overexpression in murine myocardium significantly attenuated cardiac remodeling and dysfunction following chronic pressure overload. Mechanistically, JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) acted as new interacting partners of SENP1 in this process. SENP1‐JAK2/STAT3 interaction suppressed STAT3 nuclear translocation and activation, ultimately inhibiting the transcription of prohypertrophic genes and the initiation of hypertrophic response. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte‐specific STAT3 knockout mice were generated to validate the underlying mechanisms, and the results showed that STAT3 ablation blunted the cardiac hypertrophy‐promoting effects of SENP1 deficiency. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of SENP1 by Momordin Ic amplified cardiac remodeling post‐transverse aortic constriction.

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence that SENP1 protected against pressure overload‐induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction via inhibiting STAT3 signaling. SENP1 supplementation might constitute a new promising treatment against cardiac hypertrophy. Notably, cardiovascular side effects should be seriously considered while applying systemic SENP1 blockers to suppress tumors.

SUMOylation targeting mitophagy in cardiovascular diseases

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) plays a key regulatory role in cardiovascular diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. As a multifunctional posttranslational modification molecule in eukaryotic cells, SUMOylation is essentially associated with the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, especially mitophagy, which is involved in the progression and development of cardiovascular diseases. SUMOylation targeting mitochondrial-associated proteins is admittedly considered to regulate mitophagy activation and mitochondrial functions and dynamics, including mitochondrial fusion and fission. SUMOylation triggers mitochondrial fusion to promote mitochondrial dysfunction by modifying Fis1, OPA1, MFN1/2, and DRP1. The interaction between SUMO and DRP1 induces SUMOylation and inhibits lysosomal degradation of DRP1, which is further involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fission. Both SUMOylation and deSUMOylation contribute to the initiation and activation of mitophagy by regulating the conjugation of MFN1/2 SERCA2a, HIF1α, and PINK1. SUMOylation mediated by the SUMO molecule has attracted much attention due to its dual roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we systemically summarize the current understanding underlying the expression, regulation, and structure of SUMO molecules; explore the biochemical functions of SUMOylation in the initiation and activation of mitophagy; discuss the biological roles and mechanisms of SUMOylation in cardiovascular diseases; and further provide a wider explanation of SUMOylation and deSUMOylation research to provide a possible therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. Considering the precise functions and exact mechanisms of SUMOylation in mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy will provide evidence for future experimental research and may serve as an effective approach in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Regulation and effect of SUMOylation in cardiovascular diseases via mitophagy. SUMOylation is involved in multiple cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. Since it is expressed in multiple cells associated with cardiovascular disease, SUMOylation can be regulated by numerous ligases, including the SENP family proteins PIAS1, PIASy/4, UBC9, and MAPL. SUMOylation regulates the activation and degradation of PINK1, SERCA2a, PPARγ, ERK5, and DRP1 to mediate mitochondrial dynamics, especially mitophagy activation. Mitophagy activation regulated by SUMOylation further promotes or inhibits ventricular diastolic dysfunction, perfusion injury, ventricular remodelling and ventricular noncompaction, which contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

MicroRNA-146: Biomarker and Mediator of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the prime cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although noticeable progress has been made in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, there is still a critical demand for new diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic interventions to reduce this disease incidence. Many investigations have been conducted on the regulatory effects of microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases. miRNA circulating serum level changes are correlated with several CVDs. In addition, there is growing evidence representing the potential role of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for CVD. Preliminary studies identified the prominent role of miR-146 in host defense, innate immunity, and different immunological diseases by regulating cytokine production and innate immunity modification in bacterial infections. However, more recently, it was also associated with CVD development. miR-146 has received much attention, with positive results in most studies. Research demonstrated the crucial role of this molecule in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease and related mechanisms. As a result, many potential applications of miR-146 are expected. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent studies highlighting the role of miR-146 in CVD, focusing on CAD (coronary artery disease), cardiomyopathy, and MI (myocardial infarction) in particular and discussing its current scientific state, and use a prognostic biomarker as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases.

SUMOylation does not affect cardiac troponin I stability but alters indirectly the development of force in response to Ca2

Post-translational modification of the myofilament protein troponin I by phosphorylation is known to trigger functional changes that support enhanced contraction and relaxation of the heart. We report for the first time that human troponin I can also be modified by SUMOylation at lysine 177. Functionally, TnI SUMOylation is not a factor in the development of passive and maximal force generation in response to calcium, however this modification seems to act indirectly by preventing SUMOylation of other myofilament proteins to alter calcium sensitivity and cooperativity of myofilaments. Utilising a novel, custom SUMO site-specific antibody that recognises only the SUMOylated form of troponin I, we verify that this modification occurs in human heart and that it is upregulated during disease.

SUMOylation of SIRT1 activating PGC-1α/PPARα pathway mediates the protective effect of LncRNA-MHRT in cardiac hypertrophy

Long noncoding RNA-Myosin heavy chain associated RNA transcript (LncRNA-MHRT) has been reported to prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. However, the underlying inhibition mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Further, whether MHRT inhibits hypertrophy by regulating post-translational modification of certain proteins remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to find potential role of MHRT in inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy via regulating modification of certain proteins. Here, Angiotensin II (Ang II) -treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice were used to investigate the effect and mechanism of MHRT in cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the regulatory effects of MHRT on SUMOylation of NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), specificity protein 1 (SP1)/histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) pathway were investigated. Here, we found that MHRT improved heart function by attenuating pathological cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro. MHRT also promoted the SUMOylation of SIRT1 protein that activated PGC1-α/PPAR-α pathway. Furthermore, MHRT enhanced SUMOylation of SIRT1 by upregulating SP1/HDAC4. Our findings suggested that SUMOylation of SIRT1 could mediate the protective effect of MHRT in cardiac hypertrophy. The new regulatory pathway provides a potential new therapeutic target for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Circulating microRNAs as putative mediators in the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may mediate cardiovascular effects of exposure to air pollution. This study aims to investigate whether circulating miRNAs mediate the associations between short-term human exposure to ambient air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy adults residing in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, USA were enrolled between December 2016 and July 2019. Circulating miRNAs, protein, and lipid biomarkers were assessed repeatedly for 3 sessions separated by at least 7 days. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between air pollutant concentrations obtained from nearby air quality monitoring stations and miRNAs controlling for covariates including omega-3 index, relative humidity, and temperature. miRNAs that were significantly altered were then matched with protein or blood lipid biomarkers using either Ingenuity Pathway Analysis or a literature search. A mediation analysis was performed to test the statistical significance of miRNA's mediating effects between exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers.

RESULTS

Short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), ozone (O₃), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) was associated with changes in 11, 9, and 24 circulating miRNAs, respectively. Pathway analysis showed that several miRNAs including miR-125b-5p, miR-144-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-34a-5p may mediate the effects of air pollutant exposure on the changes of downstream protein / lipid biomarkers including serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble vascular adhesive molecules 1 (sICAM1), total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Mediation analysis showed that only miR-26a-5p significantly mediated air pollutant (PM_2.5 and NO₂)-induced effects on blood CRP and total cholesterol levels. For example, 34.1% of PM_2.5-associated changes in CRP were significantly mediated by miR-26a-5p at lag4 [indirect effects, 0.06 (0.02, 0.10), P = 0.005]. Similarly, the proportions of indirect effects of miR-26a-5p on the association between NO₂ exposure and CRP were 46.8% at lag2 [0.06 (0.02, 0.11), P = 0.003], 61.2% at lag3 [0.05 (0.00, 0.09), P = 0.04], and 30.8% at 5-day moving average [0.06 (0.02, 0.10), P = 0.01]. In addition, omega-3 index may be a significant modifying factor of the mediated effects of miRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that short-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5, O₃, and NO₂ was associated with specific circulating miRNAs, and some of which may mediate their effects on the downstream inflammation and blood lipid markers.

Non-Coding RNAs in the Therapeutic Landscape of Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Cardiovascular diseases are a major health problem, and long-term survival for people diagnosed with heart failure is, still, unrealistic. Pathological cardiac hypertrophy largely contributes to morbidity and mortality, as effective therapeutic approaches are lacking. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) arise as active regulators of the signaling pathways and mechanisms that govern this pathology, and their therapeutic potential has received great attention in the last decades. Preclinical studies in large animal models have been successful in ameliorating cardiac hypertrophy, and an antisense drug for the treatment of heart failure has, already, entered clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy, the involvement of ncRNAs, and the current therapeutic landscape of oligonucleotides targeting these regulators. Strategies to improve the delivery of such therapeutics and overcome the actual challenges are, also, defined and discussed. With the fast advance in the improvement of oligonucleotide drug delivery, the inclusion of ncRNAs-targeting therapies for cardiac hypertrophy seems, increasingly, a closer reality.

The cross-talk between PARylation and SUMOylation in C/EBPβ at K134 site participates in pathological cardiac hypertrophy

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) and SUMO modification (SUMOylation) are novel post-translational modifications (PTMs) mainly induced by PARP1 and SUMO1. Growing evidence has revealed that C/EBPβ plays multiple roles in biological processes and participates in cardiovascular diseases. However, the cross-talk between C/EBPβ PARylation and SUMOylation during cardiovascular diseases is unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of C/EBPβ PTMs on cardiac hypertrophy and its underlying mechanism. Abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) and phenylephrine (PE) were conducted to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Intramyocardial delivery of recombinant adenovirus (Ad-PARP1) was taken to induce PARP1 overexpression. In this study, we found C/EBPβ participates in PARP1-induced cardiac hypertrophy. C/EBPβ K134 residue could be both PARylated and SUMOylated individually by PARP1 and SUMO1. Moreover, the accumulation of PARylation on C/EBPβ at K134 site exhibits downregulation of C/EBPβ SUMOylation at the same site. Importantly, C/EBPβ K134 site SUMOylation could decrease C/EBPβ protein stability and participates in PARP1-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of the cross-talk between C/EBPβ PTMs at K134 site in determining its protein level and function, suggesting that multi-target pharmacological strategies inhibiting PARP1 and activating C/EBPβ SUMOylation would be potential for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Diagnostic Potential of Exosomal HypoxamiRs in the Context of Hypoxia-Sumoylation-HypoxamiRs in Early Onset Preeclampsia at the Preclinical Stage

As the search for non-invasive preclinical markers of preeclampsia (PE) expands, the number of studies on the diagnostic potential of exosomes is growing. Changes in the partial pressure of oxygen caused by impaired uteroplacental perfusion in PE are a powerful inducer of increased production and release of exosomes from cells, which also determine their cargo. At the same time, the expression pattern of oxygen-dependent microRNAs (miRNAs), called "hypoxamiRs", is modulated, and their packing into exosomes is strictly regulated by sumoylation. In connection therewith, we emphasize the evaluation of exosomal hypoxamiR expression (miR-27b-3p, miR-92b-3p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-186-5p) using quantitative RT-PCR, as well as SUMO 1-4 and UBC9 (by Western blotting), in pregnant women with early-onset PE. The findings show that miR-27b-3p and miR-92b-3p expression was significantly changed at 11-14 and 24-26 weeks of gestation in the blood plasma of pregnant women with early-onset PE, which subsequently manifested. High sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 1) were demonstrated for these miRNAs in the first trimester, and significant correlations with a decrease in hemoglobin (r = 0.71, p = 0.002; r = -0.71, p = 0.002) were established. In mid-pregnancy, the miR-27b-3p expression was found to correlate with an increase in platelets (r = -0.95, p = 0.003), and miR-92b-3p was associated with a decrease in the prothrombin index (r = 0.95, p = 0.003). Specific exomotifs of studied miRNAs were also identified, to which the sumoylated ribonucleoprotein hnRNPA2/B1 binds, carrying out their packaging into exosomes. The expression of conjugated SUMO 1 (p = 0.05), SUMO 2/3/4 (p = 0.03), and UBC9 (p = 0.1) was increased in exosomes at early-onset PE, and the expression of free SUMO 1 (p = 0.03) and SUMO 2/3/4 (p = 0.01) was significantly increased in the placenta, as an adaptive response to hypoxia. Moreover, SUMO 2/3/4 was negatively correlated with miR-27b-3p expression in the placenta. In conclusion, the diagnostic potential of exosomal hypoxamiRs mediated by sumoylation may form the basis for the development of combined specific targets for the treatment of early-onset PE, as hnRNPA2/B1 is a target of miR-27b-3p, and its sumoylation creates miR-27b-3p-hnRNPA2/B1-SUMO 1-4 cross-talk.

Updates on Cardiac Gene Therapy Research and Methods: Overview of Cardiac Gene Therapy

Gene therapy has made a significant progress in clinical translation over the past few years with several gene therapy products currently approved or anticipating approval for clinical use. Cardiac gene therapy lags behind that of other areas of diseases, with no application of cardiac gene therapy yet approved for clinical use. However, several clinical trials for gene therapy targeting the heart are underway, and innovative research studies are being conducted to close the gap. The second edition of Cardiac Gene Therapy in Methods in Molecular Biology provides protocols for cutting-edge methodologies used in these studies. In this chapter, we discuss recent updates on cardiac gene therapy studies and provide an overview of the chapters in the book.

Rg3 promotes the SUMOylation of SERCA2a and corrects cardiac dysfunction in heart failure

SUMOylation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) has been shown to play a critical role in the abnormal Ca2+ cycle of heart failure. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), the main active constituent of Panax ginseng, exerts a wide range of pharmacological effects in cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of Rg3 on abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis in heart failure has not been reported. In this study, we showed a novel role of Rg3 in the abnormal Ca2+ cycle in cardiomyocytes of mice with heart failure. Among mice undergoing transverse aortic constriction, animals that received Rg3 showed improvements in cardiac function and Ca2+ homeostasis, accompanied by increases in the SUMOylation level and SERCA2a activity. In an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cell hypertrophy model, Rg3 reduced the ISO-induced Ca2+ overload in HL-1 cells. Gene knockout of SUMO1 in mice inhibited the cardioprotective effect of Rg3, and SUMO1 knockout mice that received Rg3 did not exhibit improved Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, mutation of the SUMOylation sites of SERCA2a blocked the positive effect of Rg3 on the ISO-induced abnormal Ca2+ cycle in HL-1 cells, and was accompanied by an abnormal endoplasmic reticulum stress response and generation of ROS. Our data demonstrated that Rg3 has a positive effect on the abnormal Ca2+ cycle in the cardiomyocytes of mice with heart failure. SUMO1 is an important factor that mediates the protective effect of Rg3. Our findings suggest that drug intervention by regulating the SUMOylation of SERCA2a can provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of heart failure.

Roles of extracellular vesicles in the aging microenvironment and age-related diseases

Cellular senescence is a persistently hypoproliferative state with diverse stressors in a specific aging microenvironment. Senescent cells have a double-edged sword effect: they can be physiologically beneficial for tissue repair, organ growth, and body homeostasis, and they can be pathologically harmful in age-related diseases. Among the hallmarks of senescence, the SASP, especially SASP-related extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling, plays the leading role in aging transmission via paracrine and endocrine mechanisms. EVs are successful in intercellular and interorgan communication in the aging microenvironment and age-related diseases. They have detrimental effects on downstream targets at the levels of immunity, inflammation, gene expression, and metabolism. Furthermore, EVs obtained from different donors are also promising materials and tools for antiaging treatments and are used for regeneration and rejuvenation in cell-free systems. Here, we describe the characteristics of cellular senescence and the aging microenvironment, concentrating on the production and function of EVs in age-related diseases, and provide new ideas for antiaging therapy with EVs.

MicroRNAs and Calcium Signaling in Heart Disease

In hearts, calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling is a crucial regulatory mechanism of muscle contraction and electrical signals that determine heart rhythm and control cell growth. Ca²⁺ signals must be tightly controlled for a healthy heart, and the impairment of Ca²⁺ handling proteins is a key hallmark of heart disease. The discovery of microRNA (miRNAs) as a new class of gene regulators has greatly expanded our understanding of the controlling module of cardiac Ca²⁺ cycling. Furthermore, many studies have explored the involvement of miRNAs in heart diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize cardiac Ca²⁺ signaling and Ca²⁺-related miRNAs in pathological conditions, including cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of Ca²⁺-related miRNAs as a new target for the treatment of heart diseases.

The Function of SUMOylation and Its Critical Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases and Potential Clinical Implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common disease caused by many factors, including atherosclerosis, congenital heart disease, heart failure, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. CVD has been regarded as one of the most common diseases and has a severe impact on the life quality of patients. The main features of CVD include high morbidity and mortality, which seriously threaten human health. SUMO proteins covalently conjugate lysine residues with a large number of substrate proteins, and SUMOylation regulates the function of target proteins and participates in cellular activities. Under certain pathological conditions, SUMOylation of proteins related to cardiovascular development and function are greatly changed. Numerous studies have suggested that SUMOylation of substrates plays critical roles in normal cardiovascular development and function. We reviewed the research progress of SUMOylation in cardiovascular development and function, and the regulation of protein SUMOylation may be applied as a potential therapeutic strategy for CVD treatment.

An Emerging Role of miRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Perspectives on miR146a

Significance: Advancements in and access to health care have led to unprecedented improvements in the quality of life and increased lifespan of human beings in the past century. However, aging is a significant risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Hence, improved life expectancy has led to an increased incidence of NDs. Despite intense research, effective treatments for NDs remain elusive. The future of neurotherapeutics development depends on effective disease modification strategies centered on carefully scrutinized targets. Recent Advances: As a promising new direction, recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic processes modify diverse biochemical pathways, including those related to NDs. Small non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are components of the epigenetic system that alter the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level. Critical Issues: miRNAs are expressed abundantly in the central nervous system and are critical for the normal functioning and survival of neurons. Here, we review recent advances in elucidating miRNAs' roles in NDs and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets. In particular, neuroinflammation is a major pathological hallmark of NDs and miR146a is a crucial regulator of inflammation. Future Directions: Finally, we explore the possibilities of developing miR146a as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target where additional research may help facilitate the detection and amelioration of neuroinflammation in NDs. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 580-594.

miR-21 and miR-146a: The microRNAs of inflammaging and age-related diseases

The first paper on "inflammaging" published in 2001 paved the way for a unifying theory on how and why aging turns out to be the main risk factor for the development of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). The most exciting challenge on this topic was explaining how systemic inflammation steeps up with age and why it shows different rates among individuals of the same chronological age. The "epigenetic revolution" in the past twenty years conveyed that the assessment of the individual genetic make-up is not enough to depict the trajectories of age-related inflammation. Accordingly, others and we have been focusing on the role of non-coding RNA, i.e. microRNAs (miRNAs), in inflammaging. The results obtained in the latest 10 years underpinned the key role of a miRNA subset that we have called inflammamiRs, owing to their ability to master (NF-κB)-driven inflammatory pathways. In this review, we will focus on two inflammamiRs, i.e. miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p, which target a variety of molecules belonging to the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways. The interplay between miR-146a-5p and IL-6 in the context of aging and ARDs will also be highlighted. We will also provide the most relevant evidence suggesting that circulating inflammamiRs, along with IL-6, can measure the degree of inflammaging.

SUMO1 Deficiency Exacerbates Neurological and Cardiac Dysfunction after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Aged Mice

Small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1) reduces cardiac hypertrophy and induces neuroprotective effects. Previous studies have found that intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) provokes cardiac deficit in the absence of primary cardiac diseases in mice. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that SUMO1 deficiency leads to worse brain and heart dysfunction after ICH and SUMO1 plays a key role in regulating brain-heart interaction after ICH in aged mice. Aged (18-20 months) female SUMO1 null (SUMO1-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): (1) WT-sham group, (2) SUMO1-/--sham group, (3) WT-ICH group, and (4) SUMO1-/--ICH group. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. Neurological and cognitive functional tests were performed. Mice were sacrificed at 10 days after ICH for histological and immunohistochemically staining. Compared with WT-sham mice, WT-ICH mice exhibited (1) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased SUMO1 expression in heart tissue, (2) evident neurological and cognitive dysfunction as well as brain white matter deficits, (3) significantly increased cardiac dysfunction, and (4) inflammatory factor expression in the heart and brain. Compared with WT-ICH mice, SUMO1-/--ICH mice exhibited significantly increased: (1) brain hemorrhage volume, worse neurological and cognitive deficits, and increased white matter deficits; (2) cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis; (3) inflammatory response both in heart and brain tissue. Aged SUMO1-deficient female mice subjected to ICH not only exhibit increased neurological and cognitive functional deficit but also significantly increased cardiac dysfunction and inflammatory cell infiltration into the heart and brain. These data suggest that SUMO1 plays an important role in brain-heart interaction.

SUMOylation as a Therapeutic Target for Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is a prevalent and life-threatening cardiovascular disease. The main goal of existing interventional therapies is to restore coronary reperfusion while few are designed to ameliorate the pathology of heart diseases via targeting the post-translational modifications of those critical proteins. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are recently discovered to form a new type of protein post-translational modifications (PTM), known as SUMOylation. SUMOylation and deSUMOylation are dynamically balanced in the maintenance of various biological processes including cell division, DNA repair, epigenetic transcriptional regulation, and cellular metabolism. Importantly, SUMOylation plays a critical role in the regulation of cardiac functions and the pathology of cardiovascular diseases, especially in heart failure and myocardial infarction. This review summarizes the current understanding on the effects of SUMOylation and SUMOylated proteins in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction and identifies the potential treatments against myocardial injury via targeting SUMO. Ultimately, this review recommends SUMOylation as a key therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as probable triggers of radiation-induced heart disease

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced heart disease has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also residing in the heart, are highly susceptible to radiation. We examined the hypothesis that the altered secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs is the trigger of radiation-induced heart disease.

METHODS

By exposing human placental tissue-derived MSCs to 5 Gy γ-rays, we then isolated EVs from the culture medium 48 h later and evaluated the changes in quantity and quality of EVs from MSCs after radiation exposure. The biological effects of EVs from irradiated MSCs on HUVECs and H9c2 cells were also examined.

RESULTS

Although the amount and size distribution of EVs did not differ between the nonirradiated and irradiated MSCs, miRNA sequences indicated many upregulated or downregulated miRNAs in irradiated MSCs EVs. In vitro experiments using HUVEC and H9c2 cells showed that irradiated MSC-EVs decreased cell proliferation (P < 0.01), but increased cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Moreover, irradiated MSC-EVs impaired the HUVEC tube formation and induced calcium overload in H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

EVs released from irradiated MSCs show altered miRNA profiles and harmful effects on heart cells, which provides new insight into the mechanism of radiation-related heart disease risks.

microRNAs involved in psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the skin. Both genetic and environmental factors play a pathogenic role in psoriasis and contribute to the severity of the disease. Psoriasis, in fact, has been associated with different comorbidities such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal or kidney diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cerebrovascular diseases (CeVD). Indeed, life expectancy in severe psoriasis is reduced by up to 5 years due to CVD and CeVD. Moreover, patients with severe psoriasis have a higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, and hypertension. Further, systemic inflammation is associated with oxidative stress increase and induces endothelial damage and atherosclerosis progression. Different miRNA have been already described in psoriasis, both in the skin tissues and in the blood flow, to play a role in the progression of disease. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the most important miRNAs that play a role in psoriasis and are also linked to CVD.

SERCA2a: a key protein in the Ca2+ cycle of the heart failure

Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) cycle plays a crucial role in the contraction and relaxation of cardiomyocytes. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) acts as an organelle for storing Ca²⁺, which mediated the release and re-uptake of Ca²⁺ during contraction and relaxation. Disorders of SR function lead to the dysfunction of Ca²⁺ cycle and myocardial cell function. The sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) acts as a subtype of SERCA expressed in the heart, which mediates the contraction of cardiomyocytes and Ca²⁺ in the cytoplasm to re-enter into the SR. The rate of uptake of Ca²⁺ by the SR determines the rate of myocardial relaxation. The regulation of SERCA2a activity controls the contractility and relaxation of the heart, affecting cardiac function. The expression and activity of SERCA2a are reduced in failing hearts. Gene therapy by increasing the expression of SERCA2a in the heart has been proven effective. In addition, SERCA2a is regulated by a variety of factors, including transmembrane micropeptides, protein kinases, and post-translational modifications (PTMs). In this review, we discuss the regulatory factors of SERCA2a and provide new insights into future treatments and the direction of heart failure research. In addition, gene therapy for SERCA2a has recently emerged as therapeutic option and hence will be discussed in this review.

The double face of miR-320: cardiomyocytes-derived miR-320 deteriorated while fibroblasts-derived miR-320 protected against heart failure induced by transverse aortic constriction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in the pathophysiologic process of heart failure (HF). However, the functions of a certain miRNA in different cardiac cell types during HF are scarcely reported, which might be covered by the globe effects of it on the heart. In the current study, Langendorff system was applied to isolate cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) from transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced mice. Slight increase of miR-320 expression was observed in the whole heart tissue of TAC mice. Interestingly, miR-320 was significantly elevated in CMs but decreased in CFs from TAC mice at different time points. Then, recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 with cell-type-specific promoters were used to manipulate miR-320 expressions in vivo. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed the miR-320 overexpression in CMs exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, whereas overexpression of miR-320 in CFs alleviated cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Mechanically, downstream signaling pathway analyses revealed that miR-320 might induce various effects via targeting PLEKHM3 and IFITM1 in CMs and CFs, respectively. Moreover, miR-320 mediated effects could be abolished by PLEKHM3 re-expression in CMs or IFITM1 re-expression in CFs. Interestingly, miR-320 treated CFs were able to indirectly affect CMs function, but not vice versa. Meanwhile, upstream signaling pathway analyses showed that miR-320 expression and decay rate were rigorously manipulated by Ago2, which was regulated by a cluster of cell-type-specific TFs distinctively expressed in CMs and CFs, respectively. Together, we demonstrated that miR-320 functioned differently in various cell types of the heart during the progression of HF.

miR-146a in Cardiovascular Diseases and Sepsis: An Additional Burden in the Inflammatory Balance?

The new concept of thrombosis associated with an inflammatory process is called thromboinflammation. Indeed, both thrombosis and inflammation interplay one with the other in a feed forward manner amplifying the whole process. This pathological reaction in response to a wide variety of sterile or non-sterile stimuli eventually causes acute organ damage. In this context, neutrophils, mainly involved in eliminating pathogens as an early barrier to infection, form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are antimicrobial structures responsible of deleterious side effects such as thrombotic complications. Although NETosis mechanisms are being unraveled, there are still many regulatory elements that have to be discovered. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are important modulators of gene expression implicated in human pathophysiology almost two decades ago. Among the different miRNAs implicated in inflammation, miR-146a is of special interest because: (1) it regulates among others, Toll-like receptors/nuclear factor-κB axis which is of paramount importance in inflammatory processes, (2) it regulates the formation of NETs by modifying their aging phenotype, and (3) it has expression levels that may decrease among individuals up to 50%, controlled in part by the presence of several polymorphisms. In this article, we will review the main characteristics of miR-146a biology. In addition, we will detail how miR-146a is implicated in the development of two paradigmatic diseases in which thrombosis and inflammation interact, cardiovascular diseases and sepsis, and their association with the presence of miR-146a polymorphisms and the use of miR-146a as a marker of cardiovascular diseases and sepsis.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of anti-miR-199a tough decoys attenuates cardiac hypertrophy by targeting PGC-1alpha

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the process of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Previous studies have shown that miR-199a is upregulated in pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy and that inhibition of miR-199a attenuates cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. However, the therapeutic role of anti-miR-199a treatment in the cardiac hypertrophy in vivo model is less known. Here, we show an efficient and useful method to treat mouse cardiac hypertrophy and restore cardiac function through injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated anti-miR-199a tough decoys (TuDs). RNA-seq transcriptome analysis indicated that genes related to cytoplasmic translation and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assembly were upregulated in anti-miR-199a-treated recovered hearts. We further validated that PGC-1α is the direct target of miR-199a involved in the therapeutic effect and the regulation of the PGC-1α/ERRα axis and that the downstream pathway of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation constitute the underlying mechanism of the restored mitochondrial structure and function in our anti-miR-199a-treated mice. Our study highlights the important regulatory role of miR-199a in cardiac hypertrophy and the value of the AAV-mediated miRNA delivery system.

SUMO: From Bench to Bedside

Sentrin/small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is protein modification pathway that regulates multiple biological processes, including cell division, DNA replication/repair, signal transduction, and cellular metabolism. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, such as cancer, diabetes, seizure, and heart failure, which have been linked to the SUMO pathway. SUMO is conjugated to lysine residues in target proteins through an isopeptide linkage catalyzed by SUMO-specific activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes. In steady state, the quantity of SUMO-modified substrates is usually a small fraction of unmodified substrates due to the deconjugation activity of the family Sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). In contrast to the complexity of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination machinery, the biochemistry of SUMOylation and de-SUMOylation is relatively modest. Specificity of the SUMO pathway is achieved through redox regulation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or other posttranslational protein modification of the SUMOylation and de-SUMOylation enzymes. There are three major SUMOs. SUMO-1 usually modifies a substrate as a monomer; however, SUMO-2/3 can form poly-SUMO chains. The monomeric SUMO-1 or poly-SUMO chains can interact with other proteins through SUMO-interactive motif (SIM). Thus SUMO modification provides a platform to enhance protein-protein interaction. The consequence of SUMOylation includes changes in cellular localization, protein activity, or protein stability. Furthermore, SUMO may join force with ubiquitin to degrade proteins through SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases (STUbL). After 20 yr of research, SUMO has been shown to play critical roles in most, if not all, biological pathways. Thus the SUMO enzymes could be targets for drug development to treat human diseases.

Inhibition of microRNA-146a attenuated heart failure in myocardial infarction rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the roles of microRNA (miR)-146a on myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure and cardiac remodeling. Experiments were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with ligation of left coronary artery to induce heart failure, and in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and cardiomyocytes treated with angiotensin (Ang) II. Four weeks after MI, rats were injected with miR-146a antagomiR or agomiR via tail vein. After 2 weeks of injection, the rats were killed. In MI rats, left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction and fractional shortening were reduced, and LV volumes in diastole and systole were increased, which were reversed by miR-146a antagomiR, and further exacerbated after miR-146a agomiR treatment. Administration of miR-146a antagomiR improved the decreases of LV ±dp/dt_max and LV systolic pressure (LVSP), and the increase in LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) of MI rats, but miR-146a agomiR deteriorated the LV ±dp/dt_max, LVSP and LVEDP. The increases in the levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), collagen I and collagen III in the heart, and ST2 and norepinephrine in the serum of MI rats were inhibited by miR-146a antagomiR, but aggravated after miR-146a agomiR treatment. The increases of collagen I and collagen III levels induced by Ang II in CFs, and the increases of ANP and BNP levels induced by Ang II in cardiomyocytes were inhibited by miR-146a antagomiR, but aggravated by miR-146a agomiR. These results demonstrated that inhibition of miR-146a improved cardiac dysfunction and cardiac remodeling in heart failure rats.

Extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases

Due to the continued high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, there is still a need to develop new strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Proper cardiovascular function depends on the coordinated interplay and communication between cardiomyocytes and noncardiomyocytes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are enclosed in a lipid bilayer and represent a significant mechanism for intracellular communication. By containing and transporting various bioactive molecules, such as micro-ribonucleic acids (miRs) and proteins, to target cells, EVs impart favourable, neutral or detrimental effects on recipient cells, such as modulating gene expression, influencing cell phenotype, affecting molecular pathways and mediating biological behaviours. EVs can be released by cardiovascular system-related cells, such as cardiomyocytes, endotheliocytes, fibroblasts, platelets, smooth muscle cells, leucocytes, monocytes and macrophages. EVs containing miRs and proteins regulate a multitude of diverse functions in target cells, maintaining cardiovascular balance and health or inducing pathological changes in CVDs. On the one hand, miRs and proteins transferred by EVs play biological roles in maintaining normal cardiac structure and function under physiological conditions. On the other hand, EVs change the composition of their miR and protein cargoes under pathological conditions, which gives rise to the development of CVDs. Therefore, EVs hold tremendous potential to prevent, diagnose and treat CVDs. The current article reviews the specific functions of EVs in different CVDs.