Altered long non-coding RNA transcriptomic profiles in brain microvascular endothelium after cerebral ischemia

LncRNA AC136007.2 alleviates cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury by suppressing autophagy

Differential expression and diagnostic significance of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) AC136007.2 has been reported in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, its role on disease progression and outcome remains unclear. Here, we employed an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and performed middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery in rats to investigate the function of AC136007.2 in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. AC136007.2 expression was determined by RT-qPCR and cell viability was examined using CCK-8, Edu, LDH, and apoptosis assays. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was assessed using ELISA. OGD/R downregulated AC136007.2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells, decreased viability by inducing apoptosis, and stimulated secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In turn, lentivirus-mediated AC136007.2 overexpression significantly reversed these phenomena. LC3 immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses of LC3-I/II and Beclin-1 expression and AMPK/mTOR phosphorylation status showed that AC136007.2 suppressed autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells via inactivation of AMPK/mTOR signaling. Notably, incubation with the AMPK activator AICAR abolished the pro-survival effect of AC136007.2 upon OGD/R treatment. Importantly, intraventricular injection of AC136007.2 significantly reduced cerebral infarction and brain edema in MCAO rats, as shown by TTC staining and water content measurements. We conclude that AC136007.2 alleviates cerebral I/R injury by suppressing AMPK/mTOR-dependent autophagy.

LncRNA SNHG12 regulates ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury by the miR-218-5p/IGF2 axis in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a cardiovascular disorder accompanied by endothelial dysfunction. Extensive evidence demonstrates the regulatory functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cardiovascular disease, including AS. Here, the function of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) in AS progression was investigated. A cell model of AS was established in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) using oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). CCK-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL, ELISA, and western blotting analyses were performed. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice fed a Western diet were used as in vivo models of AS. RT-qPCR determined the levels of SNHG12, microRNA-218-5p (miR-218-5p) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF2). The molecular mechanisms were investigated using luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. We found that SNHG12 and IGF2 expression levels were high and miR-218-5p expression levels were low in AS patients and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. SNHG12 depletion attenuated ox-LDL-induced injury in HUVECs, whereas miR-218-5p suppression partially abated this effect. Moreover, IGF2 overexpression prevented the alleviative role of miR-218-5p in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. SNHG12 upregulated IGF2 expression by sponging miR-218-5p. More importantly, SNHG12 increased proinflammatory cytokine production and augmented atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. Overall, SNHG12 promotes the development of AS by the miR-218-5p/IGF2 axis.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates neuronal injury induced by cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion by regulating miR‑199a

As is well known, dexmedetomidine (DEX) serves a neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion (CIR) injury, and microRNA (miR)‑199a has been re‑ported to be associated with IR injury. However, the association between DEX and miR‑199a in CIR injury remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to verify whether the neuroprotective effect of DEX on cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion rats is associated with miR‑199a. A rat model of CIR was established, and the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was evaluated. The effect of DEX on the patholog‑ical structure of the cerebral cortex in CIR rats was observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of miR‑199a in brain tissue following intracerebroventricular injection of miR‑199a antagomir. The co‑expression of NeuN and microtubule‑associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B in the cerebral cortex was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze the expression of autophagy‑associated proteins in the brain tissue. DEX inhibited the expression of miR‑199a, decreased the mNSS and improved pathological damage to the cerebral cortex. DEX also inhibited autophagy and expression levels of associated proteins and decreased nerve cell injury. In conclusion, DEX inhibited expression of miR‑199a and improved neurocyte injury induced by CIR.

LncRNA-Malat1 promoting inflammatory response aggravates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion neuronal injury in rats by targeting miR-211-5p

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is one kind of disorder of cerebral blood circulation, which poses a severe threaten to human health and quality of life, causing serious economic loss to families and society. LncRNA-Malat1(Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) and miRNA-211-5p are abnormally expressed in stroke patients and in the middle cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) model. However, the involvement between LncRNA-Malat1 and miR-211-5p in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion neuronal injury and its mechanism remain unclear.

METHODS

The middle cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) model was established in rat, and the rat primary neuron injury model induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was simulated in vitro. Level of LncRNA-Malat1, miR-211-5p and COX-2 mRNA were detected via RT-qPCR. The protein levels of COX-2, BAX and BCL-2 were measured by western blot. MTT assay was performed to detect cell viability.

RESULTS

In our study, LncRNA-Malat1 and COX-2 were up-regulated while miR-211-5p down-regulated in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of LncRNA-Malat1 improved neurological deficit scores, reduced cerebral infarction volume in vivo, and significantly promoted cell viability, reduced apoptosis and proinflammatory factors PGE2 and IL-10 in vitro. More importantly, the level of miR-211-5p was negatively correlated with that of LncRNA-Malat1 and COX-2. Knockdown of LncRNA-Malat1 inhibited the expression of COX-2 by up-regulating miR-211-5p.

CONCLUSION

Higher expression of LncRNA-Malat1 was involved in neuronal injury, LncRNA-Malat1 knockdown may reduce inflammation and apoptosis by modulating miR-211-5p, which provided a new therapeutic strategy for clinical stroke intervention targets.

Gastrodin Alleviates Cerebral Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Pyroptosis by Regulating the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-22-3p Axis

Cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced irreversible brain injury is a major cause of mortality and functional impairment in ageing people. Gastrodin (GAS), derived from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Tianma, has been reported to inhibit the progression of stroke, but the mechanism whereby GAS modulates the progression of cerebral I/R remains unclear. The middle cerebral artery occlusion method was used as a model of I/R in vivo. Rats were pretreated with GAS by intraperitoneal injection 7 days before I/R surgery and were then treated with GAS for 7 days after I/R surgery. Additionally, an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model using neuronal cells was established in vitro to simulate I/R injury. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Nissl staining were used to evaluate infarct size and neuronal damage, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase release and cell counting kit-8 assays were used to assess neuronal cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, qPCR, flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to analyse the expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18), lncRNA NEAT1, miR-22-3p, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1. Luciferase reporter experiments were performed to verify the association between lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-22-3p. The results indicated that GAS could significantly improve the neurological scores of rats and reduce the area of cerebral infarction. Meanwhile, GAS inhibited pyroptosis by downregulating NLRP3, inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18) and cleaved caspase-1. In addition, GAS attenuated I/R-induced inflammation in neuronal cells through the modulation of the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-22-3p axis. GAS significantly attenuated cerebral I/R injury via modulation of the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-22-3p axis. Thus, GAS might serve as a new agent for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Long non-coding RNAs mediate cerebral vascular pathologies after CNS injuries

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accompanied with high medical costs and a decreased quality of life. Brain vascular disorders are involved in the pathological processes of CNS injuries and might play key roles for their recovery and prognosis. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which comprise a very heterogeneous group of non-protein-coding RNAs greater than 200 nucleotides, have emerged as functional mediators in the regulation of vascular homeostasis under pathophysiological conditions. Remarkably, lncRNAs can regulate gene transcription and translation, thus interfering with gene expression and signaling pathways by different mechanisms. Hence, a deeper insight into the function and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs following CNS injury, especially cerebrovascular-related lncRNAs, could help in establishing potential therapeutic strategies to improve or inhibit neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in understanding of the role of lncRNAs and their application in mediating cerebrovascular pathologies after CNS injury.

New epigenetic players in stroke pathogenesis: From non-coding RNAs to exosomal non-coding RNAs

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have critical role in the pathophysiology as well as recovery after ischemic stroke. ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs, and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for angiogenesis and neuroprotection, and they have been suggested to be therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic tools in cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. Moreover, exosomes have been considered as nanocarriers capable of transferring various cargos, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs to recipient cells, with prominent inter-cellular roles in the mediation of neuro-restorative events following strokes and neural injuries. In this review, we summarize the pathogenic role of ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in the stroke.

Long noncoding RNA as a biomarker for the prognosis of ischemic stroke: A protocol for meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

As the most common type of cerebrovascular disease, ischemic stroke is the disturbance of cerebrovascular circulation caused by various factors, with complex pathogenesis. At present, the molecular mechanism of ischemic stroke is still unclear, and there lacks early diagnostic markers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find effective preventive measures, active diagnostic methods and rapid treatment measures. In recent years, related studies have displayed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is related to the prognosis of ischemic stroke. However, the results are not supported by some evidence. Therefore, in this study, meta-analysis was used to analyze the relationship between lncRNAs and the prognosis of ischemic stroke. In addition, we carried out bioinformatics analysis to study the action mechanism and related pathways of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Literature search was operated on databases up to March 2021, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical literature Database, Chinese Scientific and Journal Database, Wan Fang database, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE. The relationship between lncRNAs expression and survival outcome was estimated by hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis was conducted on the Stata 16.0. Starbase v2.0 software predicts microRNAs (miRNAs) that interacts with lncRNAs. In addition, HMDD v2.0 database filters out miRNAs related to ischemic stroke. Furthermore, Consite transcription factor database was used to predict the transcription factors of each lncRNAs and miRNA. At the same time, the transcription factors related to ischemic stroke were screened out after intersection. miRwalk online software was applied to predict the target mRNA of each miRNA, and the common target genes were screened by consistent method. The molecular regulatory network map of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke was drawn. Based on the overlapping target genes, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were carried out to explore the possible mechanism.

RESULTS

The results of this meta-analysis would be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide evidence-based medical evidence for the relationship between lncRNA and the prognosis of ischemic stroke. What is more, bioinformatics analysis will provide ideas for the study of ischemic stroke mechanism.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also should not damage participants' rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QBZW6.

The role of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide due to the narrow therapeutic time window of the only two approved therapies, intravenous thrombolysis and thrombectomy. The pathophysiological processes of ischemic stroke are driven by multiple complex molecular and cellular interactions that ultimately induce brain damage and neurobehavioral impairment. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are significantly altered in the blood and brains of ischemic stroke patients and play a critical role in the pathogenesis of stroke, which serve as potential targets for stroke interventions. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles of lncRNAs in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and discuss the opportunities and challenges for the clinical application of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Long Noncoding RNAs MALAT1 and ANRIL Gene Variants and the Risk of Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: An Association Study

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the primary causes of death worldwide and a major cause of long-term disability. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial mediators in the pathology of CIS; however, their potential importance is yet to be discovered. Herein, we examined the association of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of CIS, their correlation with the lncRNAs, MALAT1 and ANRIL, expression, and the potential of serum MALAT1 and ANRIL as biomarkers for CIS. A total of 100 CIS patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Genotyping and expression analysis of MALAT1 and ANRIL SNPs were carried out by qPCR. The present results showed that serum MALAT1 was downregulated, while serum ANRIL was overexpressed in CIS patients, relative to controls. MALAT1 downregulation discriminated CIS patients from controls by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Moreover, serum ANRIL denoted good diagnostic accuracy. MALAT1 rs619586 AA and rs3200401 CT, TT were associated with increased CIS risk, whereas ANRIL rs10965215 GG was found to be protective. The studied ANRIL rs10738605 polymorphism was not associated with CIS susceptibility. Notably, the G variant of MALAT1 rs619586 demonstrated a higher serum MALAT1 expression level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed serum MALAT1 as well as MALAT1 rs3200401 CT + TT as independent predictors of CIS. Additionally, a negative association was found between the serum MALAT1 level and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. In conclusion, MALAT1 rs619586 and rs3200401 and ANRIL rs10965215 are novel prospective noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for CIS predisposition.

Role of lncRNAs in the Development of Ischemic Stroke and Their Therapeutic Potential

Stroke is a major cause of premature mortality and disability around the world. Therefore, identification of cellular and molecular processes implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of ischemic stroke has become a priority. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as significant players in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. They are involved in different signalling pathways of cellular processes like cell apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, inflammation, and cell death, impacting the progression of cerebral damage. Exploring the functions of these lncRNAs and their mechanism of action may help in the development of promising treatment strategies. In this review, the current knowledge of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke, focusing on the mechanism by which they cause cellular apoptosis, inflammation, and microglial activation, has been summarized. Very few lncRNAs have been functionally annotated. Therefore, the therapies based on lncRNAs still face many hurdles since the potential targets are likely to increase with the identification of new ones. Majority of experiments involving the identification and function of lncRNAs have been carried out in animal models, and the role of lncRNAs in human stroke presents a challenge. However, mitigating these issues through more rational experimental design might lead to the development of lncRNA-based stroke therapies to treat ischemic stroke.

lncRNA C2dat2 facilitates autophagy and apoptosis via the miR-30d-5p/DDIT4/mTOR axis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is an important pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke associated with various physiological and pathological processes, including autophagy and apoptosis. In this study, we examined the role and mechanism of long noncoding RNA CAMK2D-associated transcript 2 (C2dat2) in regulating CIRI in vivo and in vitro. C2dat2 up-regulation facilitated neuronal autophagy and apoptosis induced by CIRI. Mechanistically, C2dat2 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to negatively regulate miR-30d-5p expression. More specifically, miR-30d-5p targeted the 3′-untranslated region of DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) and silenced its target mRNA DDIT4. Additionally, C2dat2 binding with heat shock cognate 70/heat shock protein 90 blocked RNA-induced silencing complex assembly to abolish the miR-30d-5p targeting of DDIT4 and inhibited miR-30d-5p to silence its target mRNA DDIT4. Further analysis showed that C2dat2 knockdown conspicuously inhibited the up-regulation of DDIT4 and Beclin-1 levels and LC3B II/I ratio and the down-regulation of P62 and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR and phosphorylated-P70S6K/P70S6K ratio in Neuro-2a cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. This study first revealed that C2dat2/miR-30d-5p/DDIT4/mTOR forms a novel signaling pathway to facilitate autophagy and apoptosis induced by CIRI, contributing to the better understanding of the mechanisms of CIRI and enriching the ceRNA hypothesis in CIRI.

The nuclear functions of long noncoding RNAs come into focus

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), defined as untranslated and tightly-regulated transcripts with a length exceeding 200 nt, are common outputs of the eukaryotic genome. It is becoming increasingly apparent that many lncRNAs likely serve as important regulators in a variety of biological processes. In particular, some of them accumulate in the nucleus and function in diverse nuclear events, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, RNA processing, DNA damage repair, etc. Here, we unite recent progresses on the functions of nuclear lncRNAs and provide insights into the future research directions of this field.

Coding and non-coding nucleotides': The future of stroke gene therapeutics

Stroke is the foremost cause of death ranked after heart disease and cancer. It is the fatal life-threatening event that requires immediate medical admissions to overcome following morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic advances in stroke therapy have been manipulated with diverse paths for last 5 years. Recent research and clinical trials have investigated a variety of anti-stroke agents including anti-coagulants, cerebro-protective agents, antiplatelet therapy, stem-cell therapy, and specified gene therapy. In recent advanced studies, genetic therapies including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi interacting RNAs (PiWi RNAs) have shown better potential as targeted future therapeutics with a better outcome than conventional stroke therapeutics. The potential of targeted gene therapy is much more advanced in not only the induction of neuroprotection but also safer non-toxic targeted therapeutics. In the current state of the art review, we have focused on the recent advancements made towards the stroke with RNA modifications and targeted gene therapeutics.

The Regulatory Functions of lncRNAs on Angiogenesis Following Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of global mortality and disability. It is a multi-factorial disease involving multiple factors, and gene dysregulation is considered as the major molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression. Angiogenesis can promote collateral circulation, which helps the restoration of blood supply in the ischemic area and reduces ischemic necrosis following ischemic injury. Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ischemic stroke is associated with various biological functions of endothelial cells and serves essential roles on the angiogenesis of ischemic stroke. The key roles of lncRNAs on angiogenesis suggest their potential as novel therapeutic targets for future diagnosis and treatment. This review elucidates the detailed regulatory functions of lncRNAs on angiogenesis following ischemic stroke through numerous mechanisms, such as interaction with target microRNAs, downstream signaling pathways and target molecules.

Qingda granule exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion-induced cerebral injury via lncRNA GAS5/miR-137 signaling pathway

Background: Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, which needs to develop new pharmaceuticals for its prevention and treatment. Qingda granule (QDG), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, could improve angiotensin II-induced brain injury and decrease systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of QDG against ischemia/reperfusion-induced cerebral injury and illustrate the potential mechanisms. Methods: The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) surgery in vivo and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro models were established. Ischemic infarct volume was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurobehavioral deficits were assessed using a five-point scale. Cerebral histopathology was determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL and immunostaining with NeuN antibodies. The protective effect of QDG on OGD/R-injured HT22 cells was determined by MTT assay and Hoechst 33258 staining. The expression of lncRNA GAS5, miR-137 and apoptosis-related proteins were investigated in MCAO/R-injured rats and in OGD/R-injured HT22 cells using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Results: QDG significantly reduced the ischemic infarct volume, which was accompanied with improvements in neurobehavioral deficits. Additionally, QDG significantly ameliorated cerebral histopathological changes and reduced neuron loss in MCAO/R-injured rats. Moreover, QDG improved growth and inhibited apoptosis of HT22 cells injured by OGD/R in vitro. Finally, QDG significantly decreased the expression of lncRNA GAS5, Bax and cleaved caspase3, whereas it increased miR-137 and Bcl-2 expression in MCAO/R-injured rats and in OGD/R-injured HT22 cells. Conclusion: QDG plays a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke via regulation of the lncRNA GAS5/miR-137 signaling pathway.

Circular RNA circPHC3 Promotes Cell Death and Apoptosis in Human BMECs After Oxygen Glucose Deprivation via miR-455-5p/TRAF3 Axis in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are involved in brain vascular dysfunction in ischemic stroke. Abnormal expression of circular RNAs regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to investigate profile circRNAs in human BMECs after oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD), which was an in vitro model of ischemic stroke, and find promising biomarkers in ischemic stroke.

METHODS

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was conducted to analyze the differential expression of circRNAs between BMECs after OGD and non-OGD treated BMECs. RT-qPCR, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and dual-luciferase assay, and so on, were used to investigate the functions and molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0001360 (named circPHC3 in this study) in ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

CircPHC3 was highly expressed in human BMECs after OGD. Knockdown of circPHC3 inhibited cell death and apoptosis in human BMECs treated with OGD. Mechanistically, circPHC3 acted as miR-455-5p sponge to activate TRAF3 to promote cell death and apoptosis in human BMECs after OGD.

CONCLUSION

In short, circPHC3 promotes cell death and apoptosis in ischemic stroke in vitro model, which might be a novel molecular target for acute cerebrovascular protection.

Non-coding RNAs and other determinants of neuroinflammation and endothelial dysfunction: regulation of gene expression in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and possible therapeutic applications

Ischemic stroke occurs under a variety of clinical conditions and has different pathogeneses, resulting in necrosis of brain parenchyma. Stroke pathogenesis is characterized by neuroinflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Some of the main processes triggered in the early stages of ischemic damage are the rapid activation of resident inflammatory cells (microglia, astrocytes and endothelial cells), inflammatory cytokines, and translocation of intercellular nuclear factors. Inflammation in stroke includes all the processes mentioned above, and it consists of either protective or detrimental effects concerning the “polarization” of these processes. This polarization comes out from the interaction of all the molecular pathways that regulate genome expression: the epigenetic factors. In recent years, new regulation mechanisms have been cleared, and these include non-coding RNAs, adenosine receptors, and the activity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and microglia. We reviewed how long non-coding RNA and microRNA have emerged as an essential mediator of some neurological diseases. We also clarified that their roles in cerebral ischemic injury may provide novel targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke. To date, we do not have adequate tools to control pathophysiological processes associated with stroke. Our goal is to review the role of non-coding RNAs and innate immune cells (such as microglia and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells) and the possible therapeutic effects of their modulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke. A better understanding of the mechanisms that influence the “polarization” of the inflammatory response after the acute event seems to be the way to change the natural history of the disease.

Long-noncoding RNA Peg13 alleviates epilepsy progression in mice via the miR-490-3p/Psmd11 axis to inactivate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases with spontaneous recurrent seizures, is a severe health problem globally. The present study aimed to study the role and upstream mechanism of 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 11 (Psmd11) in epilepsy. In the current paper, epileptic mice models were successfully established. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to reveal morphology of hippocampal tissues. Nissl's staining was performed for detection of neuron injury. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The expression of Psmd11 was downregulated in the hippocampal tissues of epileptic mice, and overexpression of Psmd11 improved the spatial learning and memory of epileptic mice. Further, upregulation of Psmd11 protected epileptic hippocampal neurons from injury. Moreover, Psmd11 overexpression inhibited cell apoptosis, suppressed the activities of microglia and astrocytes, as well as reduced inflammatory response in epileptic hippocampi. Psmd11 was a downstream target of miR-490-3p. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Peg13 bound with miR-490-3p to upregulate Psmd11. Subsequently, rescue experiments revealed that Peg13 suppressed the progression of epilepsy via upregulating Psmd11. Furthermore, Psmd11 was verified to inactivate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Peg13 repressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via upregulation of Peg13. In conclusion, this paper illuminated the function and upstream mechanism of Psmd11 in epilepsy. Psmd11 was upregulated by Peg13 at a miR-490-3p dependent way, thus inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and alleviating epilepsy course in mice, which may be a promising approach for epilepsy treatment.

Knockdown lncRNA NEAT1 regulates the activation of microglia and reduces AKT signaling and neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemic reperfusion

Acute cerebral ischaemia may lead to serious consequences, including brain injury caused by uncontrolled reperfusion, which occurs when circulation is re-established. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays an important role in the immune system. However, the potential roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of NEAT1 in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of the lncRNA NEAT1 in cerebral I/R injury and its potential beneficial effects on neurons. In our study, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was induced in vitro to mimic cerebral I/R injury. Cholecystokinin-octopeptide (CCK-8) was used to measure cell viability, and flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of phenotypic markers of classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) microglia, and western blotting was performed to detect the levels of proteins related to the AKT/STAT3 pathway. The expression of the lncRNA NEAT1 was significantly upregulated in patients with ischaemic stroke, and knockdown of the lncRNA NEAT1 alleviated OGD/R-induced apoptosis and increased neuronal viability. Furthermore, the lncRNA NEAT1 may inhibit microglial polarization towards the M1 phenotype to reduce the damage caused by OGD/R and reduce the activity of the AKT/STAT3 pathway. In conclusion, the lncRNA NEAT1 may be a potential target for new therapeutic interventions for cerebral I/R.

Inhibition of LncRNA MALAT1 Attenuates Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury via Regulating AQP4 Expression

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) including MALAT1 have been shown to have critical roles in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, the underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in CIRI has not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the function and potential regulatory mechanism of MALAT1 in cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. We established the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/RX) model in vivo and in vitro, and then Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), RT-qPCR, flow cytometry analysis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to examine cell viability, MALAT1, aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression, LDH release, and infarct volume, respectively. The level of AQP4 was remarkably upregulated in CIRI 24 h/48 h or OGD/RX 24 h/48 h compared with the sham group. Knockdown of AQP4 could alleviate OGD/RX-induced injury through enhancing cell viability and reducing LDH release and the rate of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, we found that MALAT1 was also increased in OGD/RX 24 h/48 h and silencing of MALAT1 could decrease AQP4. Inhibition of MALAT1 could also protect OGD/RX-induced injury, while the protective effect of MALAT1 siRNA on cerebral ischemic reperfusion was disappeared after transfection with AQP4 plasmid, indicating that MALAT1 may play a protective role in brain stroke through regulating AQP4. Taken together, our study provides evidence that MALAT1 is involved in ischemic stroke by inhibiting AQP4. Therefore, MALAT1 may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in ischemic brain injury.

Association of circulating long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in diagnosis, disease surveillance, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke

We aimed to investigate the association of long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lnc-MALAT1) with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and its association with disease severity, inflammation, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in AIS patients. One hundred and twenty AIS patients and 120 controls were recruited. Venous blood samples from AIS patients (within 24 h after symptoms onset) and controls (at entry to study) were collected to detect plasma lnc-MALAT1 expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. AIS severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Plasma concentrations of inflammation factors (including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22) were measured and RFS was calculated. lnc-MALAT1 expression was decreased in AIS patients compared to controls, and it had a close correlation with AIS (AUC=0.791, 95% CI: 0.735-0.846). For disease condition, lnc-MALAT1 expression negatively correlated with NIHSS score and pro-inflammatory factor expression (including CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-22), while it positively correlated with anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 expression. Furthermore, lnc-MALAT1 expression was elevated in AIS patients with diabetes. For prognosis, no statistical correlation of lnc-MALAT1 expression with RFS was found, while a trend for longer RFS was observed in patients with lnc-MALAT1 high expression compared to those with lnc-MALAT1 low expression.

LncRNAs Stand as Potent Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Stroke

Stroke is a major public health problem worldwide with a high burden of neurological disability and mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted much attention in the past decades because of their newly discovered roles in pathophysiological processes in many diseases. The abundance of lncRNAs in the nervous system indicates that they may be part of a complex regulatory network governing physiology and pathology of the brain. In particular, lncRNAs have been shown to play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of stroke. In this article, we provide a review of the multifaceted functions of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting their promising use as stroke diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics. To this end, we discuss the potential of stem cells in aiding lncRNA applications in stroke.

Autophagy-Associated lncRNAs: Promising Targets for Neurological Disease Diagnosis and Therapy

Neurological diseases are a major threat to global public health and prosperity. The number of patients with neurological diseases is increasing due to the population aging and increasing life expectancy. Autophagy is one of the crucial mechanisms to maintain nerve cellular homeostasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a dual role in neurological diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a vital class of noncoding RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides and cannot encode proteins themselves but are expressed in most neurological diseases. An early phase, emerging knowledge has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in autophagy regulation. Furthermore, autophagy-associated lncRNAs can promote the development of neurological diseases or slow their progression. In this review, we introduce a general overview of lncRNA functional mechanisms and summarizes the recent progress of lncRNAs on autophagy regulation in neurological diseases to reveal possible novel therapeutic targets or useful biomarkers.

Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), A New Target in Stroke

Stroke has become the most disabling and the second most fatal disease in the world. It has been a top priority to reveal the pathophysiology of stroke at cellular and molecular levels. A large number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are identified to be abnormally expressed after stroke. Here, we summarize 35 lncRNAs associated with stroke, and clarify their functions on the prognosis through signal transduction and predictive values as biomarkers. Changes in the expression of these lncRNAs mediate a wide range of pathological processes in stroke, including apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Based on the exploration of the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in stroke, more timely, accurate predictions and more effective, safer treatments for stroke could be developed.

The correlation of serum long non-coding RNA ANRIL with risk factors, functional outcome, and prognosis in atrial fibrillation patients with ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with ischemic stroke and investigate its correlation with risk factors, functional outcome, and prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 386 consecutive AF patients were recruited. AF patients were followed up for 24-48 months by outpatient follow-up, telephone follow-up, and medical record. The time of ischemic stroke in patients with AF was recorded, and follow-up was continued for 6 months. LncRNA ANRIL expression from serum was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Compared with the AF with ischemic stroke group (14.3 ± 2.3), patients in the AF without ischemic stroke group (11.9 ± 1.8) had significantly lower serum lncRNA ANRIL levels (P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity of lncRNA ANRIL for identifying AF with ischemic stroke were 76.6% and 81.4%, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis results shown that lncRNA ANRIL was significantly correlated with the NIHSS score (rSpearman  = .490, P < .001) and the mRS score (rSpearman  = .466, P < .001). Compared with the lncRNA ANRIL high-expression group, the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the lncRNA ANRIL low-expression group was significantly higher (χ2  = 11.009, log-rank P < .001). Cox proportional regression model analysis indicated that the serum lncRNA ANRIL level (P = .004), NIHSS score (P = .001), infarct volume (P = .035), and smoking (P < .001) were the risk factors for AF with ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

Serum lncRNA ANRIL exerts a good predictive value for AF with ischemic stroke, and its increased expression is correlated with worse RFS for patients.

Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Knowledge, Tools and Technologies for Investigation, and Future Directions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Background:

The discovery that much of the non–protein-coding genome is transcribed and plays a diverse functional role in fundamental cellular processes has led to an explosion in the development of tools and technologies to investigate the role of these noncoding RNAs in cardiovascular health. Furthermore, identifying noncoding RNAs for targeted therapeutics to treat cardiovascular disease is an emerging area of research. The purpose of this statement is to review existing literature, offer guidance on tools and technologies currently available to study noncoding RNAs, and identify areas of unmet need.

Methods:

The writing group used systematic literature reviews (including MEDLINE, Web of Science through 2018), expert opinion/statements, analyses of databases and computational tools/algorithms, and review of current clinical trials to provide a broad consensus on the current state of the art in noncoding RNA in cardiovascular disease.

Results:

Significant progress has been made since the initial studies focusing on the role of miRNAs (microRNAs) in cardiovascular development and disease. Notably, recent progress on understanding the role of novel types of noncoding small RNAs such as snoRNAs (small nucleolar RNAs), tRNA (transfer RNA) fragments, and Y-RNAs in cellular processes has revealed a noncanonical function for many of these molecules. Similarly, the identification of long noncoding RNAs that appear to play an important role in cardiovascular disease processes, coupled with the development of tools to characterize their interacting partners, has led to significant mechanistic insight. Finally, recent work has characterized the unique role of extracellular RNAs in mediating intercellular communication and their potential role as biomarkers.

Conclusions:

The rapid expansion of tools and pipelines for isolating, measuring, and annotating these entities suggests that caution in interpreting results is warranted until these methodologies are rigorously validated. Most investigators have focused on investigating the functional role of single RNA entities, but studies suggest complex interaction between different RNA molecules. The use of network approaches and advanced computational tools to understand the interaction of different noncoding RNA species to mediate a particular phenotype may be required to fully comprehend the function of noncoding RNAs in mediating disease phenotypes.

Long non‑coding RNA SNHG16 inhibits the oxygen‑glucose deprivation and reoxygenation‑induced apoptosis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by regulating miR‑15a‑5p/bcl‑2

MicroRNA (miR) 15a-5p can promote ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced apoptosis of cerebral vascular endothelial cells, which is inhibited by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The present study investigated the potential of lncRNAs targeting miR-15a-5p to regulate oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD-R)-induced apoptosis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs). hBMECs were transfected with or without miR-15a-5p or its mutant, together with p-small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) or its mutant. Following OGD-R, proliferation, apoptosis and miR-15a-5p, SNHG16 and Bcl-2 expression levels were determined using MTT, flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR or western blotting. The potential interaction of SNHG16 with miR-15a-5p was analyzed by pull-down, luciferase and immunoprecipitation assays. OGD-R induced apoptosis of hBMECs and increased miR-15a-5p expression levels in a time-dependent manner. miR-15a-5p overexpression decreased the proliferation of hBMECs and promoted apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 expression levels. SNHG16 was pulled-down by miR-15a-5p and anti-Ago2. miR-15a-5p overexpression significantly decreased SNHG16-regulated luciferase activity and hBMEC survival by increasing apoptosis. SNHG16 overexpression decreased miR-15a-5p expression levels in hBMECs. SNHG16 gradually decreased following OGD-R and its overexpression decreased miR-15a-5p expression levels and promoted the proliferation of hBMECs by decreasing apoptosis. SNHG16 enhanced Bcl-2 expression levels in hBMECs, which was abrogated by miR-15a-5p. Bioinformatics suggest that SNHG16 may antagonize the binding of miR-15a-5p to the 3′UTR of Bcl-2 mRNA. These findings suggest that SNHG16 may protect hBMECs from OGD-R-induced apoptosis by antagonizing the miR-15a-5p/bcl-2 axis. Thus, targeting SNHG16-based mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of ischemic stroke.

Altered lncRNAs Transcriptomic Profiles in Atherosclerosis-Induced Ischemic Stroke

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can not only regulate gene transcription and translation, but also participate in the development of central nervous system diseases as epigenetic modification factors. However, their functional significance in atherosclerosis-induced ischemic stroke (AIIS) is unclear. The study aimed to screen out differentially expressed lncRNAs (delncRNAs), and to elucidate their potential regulatory mechanisms in the pathophysiology of AIIS. Based on the clinicopathological features and clinical images, we screened out 10 patients with AIIS and recruited 10 healthy volunteers. Then we used microarray to detect the whole blood RNA of subjects, and explored the biological functions of delncRNAs by GO and KEGG analysis. After further analyzing the delncRNAs of THP-1 stimulated with ox-LDL, selective lncRNAs were screened and a corresponding lncRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed through co-expression analysis. We yielded 180 delncRNAs (44 up-regulated and 136 down-regulated) and 218 demRNAs (45 up-regulated and 173 down-regulated). Lnc-SCARNA8 and lnc-SNRPN-2 are the most significant elevated and decreased lncRNA in AIIS, respectively. The delncRNAs may play a significant role in ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation signaling pathways. According to lncRNA-mRNA network, the expression of vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B) and biliverdin reductase B (BLVRB) were significantly regulated. Our findings suggest that the ubiquitinated proteasome pathway, VPS13B and BLVRB may play a fundamental role in the pathological process of AIIS.

LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes OGD-Induced Apoptosis of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Sponging miR-126 to Repress PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a common disease that seriously endangers human health. Patients with IS present with increased death of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). MALAT1 is found to be upregulated in IS patients. However, the function of MALAT1 in IS pathogenesis still remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in IS in vitro model and the related molecular mechanisms. The expressions of MALAT1 and miR-126 were detected by qPCR. The in vitro IS model was established by treating BMECs with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability and cell apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase assay was conducted to examine the interplay between MALAT1 and miR-126. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of apoptosis-associated proteins (e.g. caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2) and PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins (e.g. PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, p-Akt). OGD induced upregulation of MALAT1 and downregulation of miR-126 in HBMECs. MALAT1 knockdown promoted the proliferation of HBMECs and reduced the proportion of apoptotic HBMECs by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. MALAT1 targeted and negatively regulated miR-126 expression. Overexpression of miR-126 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, which in turn affected the proliferation and apoptosis of HBMECs. MALAT1 negatively regulated PI3K/Akt pathway. MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of OGD-induced HBMECs through suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway by sponging miR-126, providing a potential therapeutic target for IS.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 regulates apoptosis in ischemic stroke by sponging miR-205-3p and modulating PTEN expression

Ischemic stroke has been considered to be one of the major causes of disability worldwide which related to multiple pathological processes including apoptosis. Metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), is one of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) know as a regulator for cell apoptosis. However, further and deeper cellular and molecular mechanism in stroke model remains unclear. The results showed MALAT1 was down-regulated in OGD-induced apoptosis and related with miR-205-3p expression. Knockdown of MALAT1 promote OGD-induced apoptosis, decreased the cell viability, inhibit the caspase-3 activation. Moreover, MALAT1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-205-3p and further regulate PTEN expression protect OGD-induced apoptosis. Altogether, these results suggest that MALAT1 may suppress the apoptosis in ischemic stroke and function as a ceRNA for miR-205-3p to modulate PTEN expression. These findings may provide a novel therapeutic target for treating ischemic stroke.

Silencing of long non‑coding antisense RNA brain‑derived neurotrophic factor attenuates hypoxia/ischemia‑induced neonatal brain injury

Hypoxic/ischemic (HI) brain damage (HIBD) is a major cause of acute neonatal brain injury, leading to high mortality and serious neurological deficits. The antisense RNA of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF-AS) is transcribed from the opposite strand of the BDNF gene. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of BDNF-AS in HI-induced neuronal cell injury in vivo and in vitro. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays indicated that BDNF-AS expression was significantly upregulated in HI-injured neonatal brains and hippocampal neurons. However, BDNF expression was downregulated in HI-injured neonatal brains and hippocampal neurons. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, Hoechst staining, calcein-AM/PI staining, immunostaining, water maze tests and rotarod tests demonstrated that BDNF-AS silencing protected against hypoxia-induced primary hippocampal neuron injury in vitro and HI-induced brain injury in vivo. Mechanistically, RT-qPCR assays and western blotting indicated that BDNF-AS silencing led to increased expression of BDNF and activated the BDNF-mediated signaling pathway, as demonstrated by increased expression levels of BDNF, phosphorylated-Akt and phosphorylated-tropomyosin receptor kinase B. Collectively, the present study provides important insights into the pathogenesis of HIBD, and it was indicated that BDNF-AS silencing may be a promising approach for the treatment of neonatal HIBD.

Integrative Analysis for the Roles of lncRNAs in the Immune Responses of Mouse PBMC Exposed to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation

It is well accepted that low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) modulates a variety of immune responses that have exhibited the properties of immune hormesis. Alterations in messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression were to crucially underlie these LDIR responses. However, lncRNAs in LDIR-induced immune responses have been rarely reported, and its functions and molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized. Here, we used microarray profiling to determine lncRNA in BALB/c mice exposed to single (0.5 Gy×1) and chronic (0.05 Gy×10) low-dose γ-rays radiation (Co⁶⁰). We observed that a total of 8274 lncRNAs and 7240 mRNAs were altered in single LDIR, while 2077 lncRNAs and 796 mRNAs in chronic LDIR. The biological functions of these upregulated mRNAs in both 2 groups using Gene Ontology functional and pathway enrichment analysis were significantly enriched in immune processes and immune signaling pathways. Subsequently, we screened out the lncRNAs involved in regulating these immune signaling pathways and examined their potential functions by lncRNAs-mRNAs coexpression networks. This is the first study to comprehensively identify lncRNAs in single and chronic LDIR responses and to demonstrate the involvement of different lncRNA expression patterns in LDIR-induced immune signaling pathways. Further systematic research on these lncRNAs will provide new insights into our understanding of LDIR-modulated immune hormesis responses.

A genetic variant in the promoter of lncRNA MALAT1 is related to susceptibility of ischemic stroke

Background

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) was aberrantly expressed in diverse diseases. Particularly in ischemic stroke (IS), the abnormal expression of MALAT1 played important roles including promotion of angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation and regulation of autophagy. However, the effects of genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) of MALAT1 on IS have rarely been explored. This study aimed to investigate whether SNPs in promoter of MALAT1 were associated with the susceptibility to IS.

Methods

A total of 316 IS patients and 320 age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Four polymorphisms in the promoter of MALAT1 (i.e., rs600231, rs1194338, rs4102217, and rs591291) were genotyped by using a custom-by-design 48-Plex SNPscan kit.

Results

The rs1194338 C > A variant in the promoter of MALAT1 was associated with the risk of IS (AC vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.623, 95% CI, 0.417–0.932, P = 0.021; AA vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.474, 95% CI, 0.226–0.991, P = 0.047; Dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.596, 95% CI, 0.406–0.874, P = 0.008; A vs. C adjusted OR = 0.658, 95% CI, 0.487–0.890, P = 0.007). The haplotype analysis showed that rs600231-rs1194338-rs4102217-rs591291 (A-C-G-C) had a 1.3-fold increased risk of IS (95% CI, 1.029–1.644, P = 0.027). Logistic regression analysis identified some independent impact factors for IS including rs1194338 AC/AA, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo-A1, Apo-B and NEFA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the rs1194338 AC/AA genotypes may be a protective factor for IS.

Silencing the lncRNA Maclpil in pro-inflammatory macrophages attenuates acute experimental ischemic stroke via LCP1 in mice

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) expression profiles change in the ischemic brain after stroke, but their roles in specific cell types after stroke have not been studied. We tested the hypothesis that lncRNA modulates brain injury by altering macrophage functions. Using RNA deep sequencing, we identified 73 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in monocyte-derived macrophages (MoDMs) and microglia-derived macrophages (MiDMs) isolated in the ischemic brain three days after stroke. Among these, the lncRNA, GM15628, is highly expressed in pro-inflammatory MoDMs but not in MiDMs, and are functionally related to its neighbor gene, lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1), which plays a role in maintaining cell shape and cell migration. We termed this lncRNA as Macrophage contained LCP1 related pro-inflammatory lncRNA, Maclpil. Using cultured macrophages polarized by LPS, M(LPS), we found that downregulation of Maclpil in M(LPS) decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression while promoting anti-inflammatory gene expression. Maclpil inhibition also reduced the migration and phagocytosis ability of MoDMs by inhibiting LCP1. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of Maclpil silenced M(LPS), reduced ischemic brain infarction, improved behavioral performance and attenuated penetration of MoDMs in the ischemic hemisphere. We conclude that by blocking macrophage, Maclpil protects against acute ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuroinflammation.

LncRNA MALAT1 silencing protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through miR-145 to regulate AQP4

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to verify whether long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 is involved in brain tissue damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury, and to explore the mechanism by which MALAT1 regulates aquaporin 4 (AQP4).

METHODS

In this study, we established glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation (RX) astrocyte cell model and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion mouse model in vitro and in vivo. Then cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and western blotting were used to determine cell viability, cell apoptosis, cerebral infarction volume, and the abundance of AQP4, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that the level of MALAT1 was significantly upregulated in both the MCAO/reperfusion model and OGD/RX model. Knockdown of MALAT1 increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis in MA-C cells, while an AQP4 siRNA combined with a siRNA targeting MALAT1 could not enhance this effect. Further experiments showed that MALAT1 positively regulated AQP4 expression via miR-145. The MALAT1 siRNA did not alleviate the exacerbation of damage after miR-145 inhibitor action. However, an miR-145 inhibitor reversed the protection effects of MALAT1, indicating that MALAT1 silencing protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through miR-145. TTC staining showed that the infracted area of whole brain was significantly attenuated in treated with sh-MALAT1 group in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study confirmed that MALAT1 promotes cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by affecting AQP4 expression through competitively binding miR-145, indicating that MALAT1 might be a new therapeutic target for treatment cerebral ischemic stroke.

Endothelium-Targeted Deletion of microRNA-15a/16-1 Promotes Poststroke Angiogenesis and Improves Long-Term Neurological Recovery

RATIONALE

Angiogenesis promotes neurological recovery after stroke and is associated with longer survival of stroke patients. Cerebral angiogenesis is tightly controlled by certain microRNAs (miRs), such as the miR-15a/16-1 cluster, among others. However, the function of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster in endothelium on postischemic cerebral angiogenesis is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the functional significance and molecular mechanism of endothelial miR-15a/16-1 cluster on angiogenesis in the ischemic brain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Endothelial cell-selective miR-15a/16-1 conditional knockout (EC-miR-15a/16-1 cKO) mice and wild-type littermate controls were subjected to 1 hour middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 28-day reperfusion. Deletion of miR-15a/16-1 cluster in endothelium attenuates post-stroke brain infarction and atrophy and improves the long-term sensorimotor and cognitive recovery against ischemic stroke. Endothelium-targeted deletion of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster also enhances post-stroke angiogenesis by promoting vascular remodeling and stimulating the generation of newly formed functional vessels, and increases the ipsilateral cerebral blood flow. Endothelial cell-selective deletion of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster up-regulated the protein expression of pro-angiogenic factors VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor), FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor 2), and their receptors VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) and FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) after ischemic stroke. Consistently, lentiviral knockdown of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster in primary mouse or human brain microvascular endothelial cell cultures enhanced in vitro angiogenesis and up-regulated pro-angiogenic proteins expression after oxygen-glucose deprivation, whereas lentiviral overexpression of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster suppressed in vitro angiogenesis and down-regulated pro-angiogenic proteins expression. Mechanistically, miR-15a/16-1 translationally represses pro-angiogenic factors VEGFA, FGF2, and their receptors VEGFR2 and FGFR1, respectively, by directly binding to the complementary sequences within 3'-untranslated regions of those messenger RNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial miR-15a/16-1 cluster is a negative regulator for postischemic cerebral angiogenesis and long-term neurological recovery. Inhibition of miR-15a/16-1 function in cerebrovascular endothelium may be a legitimate therapeutic approach for stroke recovery.

Clinical Utility of the Inflammatory Factors Combined With Lipid Markers in the Diagnostic and Prognostic Assessment of Ischemic Stroke: Based on Logistic Regression Models

BACKGROUND

In this study, we developed novel logistic regression models for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 288 ischemic stroke patients and 300 controls admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were included in the testing group. Two validation groups from The Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were included to assess our novel assessment models.

RESULTS

Results from the testing group indicated that the diagnostic assessment model for ischemic stroke prediction was: Logit(P) = 437.116 - 87.329 (Hypertension) - 89.700 (Smoking history) - 87.427 (Family history of ischemic stroke) - .090 (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) - 1.984 (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) - 17.005 (Lp(a)) - 15.486 (Apo A/Apo B), and the final prognostic assessment model of ischemic stroke was: Logit(P) = 458.437-92.343 (Hypertension) - 89.763 (Smoking history) + .251 (NLR) - .088 (HDL-C) - 1.994 (LDL-C) - 2.883 (hs-CRP) - .058 (IL-6) - 6.356 (TNF-α) - 16.485 (Lp(a)) - 17.658 (Apo A/Apo B). In the validation groups, our novel diagnostic assessment model showed good identification (with 87.5% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity in The Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, with 85.5% sensitivity and 89.0% specificity in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University). Moreover, our novel prognostic assessment model has a high value in identifying poor prognosis patients in the validation groups from The Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University (χ² = 8.461, P = .004), and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (χ² = 7.844, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic and prognostic assessment models we have established are of great value in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of ischemic stroke.

Epigenetic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injury

Epigenetic modifications are emerging as major players in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and susceptibility to acute brain injury. DNA and histone modifications act together with non-coding RNAs to form a complex gene expression machinery that adapts the brain to environmental stressors and injury response. These modifications influence cell-level operations like neurogenesis and DNA repair to large, intricate processes such as brain patterning, memory formation, motor function and cognition. Thus, epigenetic imbalance has been shown to influence the progression of many neurological disorders independent of aberrations in the genetic code. This review aims to highlight ways in which epigenetics applies to several commonly researched neurodegenerative diseases and forms of acute brain injury as well as shed light on the benefits of epigenetics-based treatments.

Integrated analysis of the proteome and transcriptome in a MCAO mouse model revealed the molecular landscape during stroke progression

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DIA proteomics was applied to MCAO mice detection for the first time.

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Proteomics and bioinformatics revealed relationship between stroke process and immunity, especially inflammation.

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C3, Apoa4 and S100a9 were highlighted as a marker or drug targets for stroke.

Strokes usually results in long-term disability and death, and they occur worldwide. Recently, increased research on both on the physiopathological mechanisms and the transcriptome during stroke progression, have highlighted the relationship between stroke progression and immunity, with a special focus on inflammation. Here, we applied proteome analysis to a middle carotid artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, in which proteome profiling was performed with 23 samples, and 41 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Bioinformatics studies on our data revealed the importance of the immune response and particularly identified the inflammatory response, cytokine- cytokine receptor interactions, the innate immune response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during stroke progression. In addition, we compared our data with multiple gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets with and without a time series, in which similar pathways were identified, and three proteins, C3, Apoa4 and S100a9, were highlighted as markers or drug targets for stroke; these three proteins were significantly upregulated in the MCAO model, both in our proteomic data and in the GEO database.

The role of non-coding RNAs in neuroprotection and angiogenesis following ischemic stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of death and physical disability worldwide. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are endogenous molecules that play key roles in the pathophysiology and retrieval processes following ischemic stroke. The potential of ncRNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in neuroprotection and angiogenesis highlights their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we document the miRNAs and lncRNAs that have been reported to exert regulatory actions in neuroprotective and angiogenic processes through different mechanisms involving their interaction with target coding genes. We believe that exploration of the expression profiles and the possible functions of ncRNAs during the recovery processes will help comprehension of the molecular mechanisms responsible for neuroprotection and angiogenesis, and may also contribute to find biomarkers and targets for future stroke intervention.

Long non-coding RNA Peg13 attenuates the sevoflurane toxicity against neural stem cells by sponging microRNA-128-3p to preserve Sox13 expression

BACKGROUND

Exposure to anesthetics during brain development may impair neurological function, however, the mechanisms underlying anesthetic neurotoxicity are unclear. Recent studies indicate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial for regulating the functional brain development during neurogenesis. This study aimed to determine the regulatory effects and potential mechanisms of lncRNA Peg13 (Peg13) on sevoflurane exposure-related neurotoxicity against neural stem cells (NSCs).

METHODS

Mouse embryotic NSCs were isolated and their self-renewal and differentiation were characterized by immunofluorescence. NSCs were exposed to 4.1% sevoflurane 2 h daily for three consecutive days. The potential toxicities of sevoflurane against NSCs were evaluated by neurosphere formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and flow cytometry assays. The Peg13, miR-128-3p and Sox13 expression in NSCs were quantified. The potential interactions among Peg13, miR-128-3p and Sox13 were analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of Peg13 and/or miR-128-3p over-expression on the sevoflurane-related neurotoxicity and Sox13 expression were determined in NSCs.

RESULTS

The isolated mouse embryotic NSCs displayed potent self-renewal ability and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in vitro, which were significantly inhibited by sevoflurane exposure. Sevoflurane exposure significantly down-regulated Peg13 and Sox13, but enhanced miR-128-3p expression in NSCs. Transfection with miR-128-3p mimics, but not the control, significantly mitigated the Peg13 or Sox13-regulated luciferase expression in 293T cells. Peg13 over-expression significantly reduced the sevoflurane-related neurotoxicity and increased Sox13 expression in NSCs, which were mitigated by miR-128-3p transfection.

CONCLUSION

Such data indicated that Peg13 mitigated the sevoflurane-related neurotoxicity by sponging miR-128-3p to preserve Sox13 expression in NSCs.

LncRNA SNHG1 alleviates hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced vascular endothelial cell injury as a competing endogenous RNA through the HIF-1α/VEGF signal pathway

Long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) are critical regulators in various biological processes. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether miR140-3p was involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms of small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A mouse model of I/R injury and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was used in this study. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT. The mRNA and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VE-cadherin, and MMP2 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assay. Cell migration was assessed using wound-healing assay. Results showed that SNHG1 expression was increased in the cardiac microvasculature of a mouse model of I/R injury and in H/R-stimulated HUVECs. H/R stimulation significantly reduced cell proliferation, tube formation, and cell migration, but increased expression of VEGF, VE-cadherin, and MMP2. SNHG1 upregulation under H/R increased HUVECs proliferation, tube formation, and cell migration, and upregulated expression of VEGF, VE-cadherin, and MMP2, compared with the H/R group. SNHG1 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. SNHG1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-140-3p. HIF-1α was identified as a target of miR-140-3p. SNHG1 upregulation enhanced cell proliferation, tube formation, and expression of VEGF, VE-cadherin, and MMP2 through HIF-1α/VEGF signaling. This process could be offset by miR-140-3p mimic or VEGF inhibitor. Our results reveal a novel protective function of SNHG1 that furthers understanding of cardiac I/R injury and provides experimental evidence for future therapy.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 promotes cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through increasing pyroptosis by targeting miR-485/AIM2 axis

OBJECTIVE

Inflammasome contributes to ischemic brain injury by inducing pyroptosis and inflammation. The aim of this study is to unravel the mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3)-mediated regulation of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

METHODS

In vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model and in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated neurocytes model were generated. TTC, H&E staining and TUNEL were performed to assess the cerebral ischemic injury. LDH and MTT assays were used to detect cell viability and cytotoxicity. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of MEG3, miR-485 and AIM2. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence were conducted to detect the AIM2 expression. ELISA and Western blotting were performed to determine the secretion and protein levels of inflammasome signaling proteins. Dual luciferase reporter assay and Ago2-RIP were used to validate the direct interaction among MEG3, miR-485 and AIM2.

RESULTS

In both MCAO rats and OGD/R-treated neurocytes, MEG3 and AIM2 were significantly up-regulated, whereas miR-485 was down-regulated. MCAO induces pyroptosis and release of IL-1β and IL-18 in ischemia brain. MEG3 acted as a molecular sponge to suppress miR-485, and AIM2 was identified as a direct target of miR-485. Knockdown of MEG3 inhibited OGD/R-induced pyroptosis and inflammation, and lack of MEG3 inhibited caspase1 signaling and decreased the expression of AIM2, ASC, cleaved-caspase1 and GSDMD-N. While overexpression of MEG3 exerted opposite effects.

CONCLUSION

MEG3/miR-485/AIM2 axis contributes to pyroptosis via activating caspase1 signaling during cerebral I/R, suggesting that this axis may be a potent therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.

Association of long non-coding RNA MIAT and MALAT1 expression profiles in peripheral blood of coronary artery disease patients with previous cardiac events

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various cellular and pathological processes. Two lncRNAs, myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) and metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we aimed to determine the relative circulating levels of MIAT and MALAT1 in 110 stable CAD patients and 117 controls and to correlate their levels with the clinical and laboratory data. Peripheral blood expression levels were quantified by Real-Time qPCR. The median MIAT expression level in CAD patients was significantly 12-fold higher than controls (p<0.001). Otherwise, the median MALAT1 expression level was comparable in patient and control groups. Both lncRNAs showed significantly higher relative expression levels in patients with positive history of previous cardiac ischemic events, and MIAT showed significantly higher expression in diabetic CAD patients. The area under the curve of MIAT (0.888 ± 0.02 with sensitivity 95.5% and specificity 72.7%), was significantly larger than that of MALAT1 (0.601 ± 0.04 with sensitivity 50% and specificity 63.6%) for detecting the presence of significant CAD. The current findings suggest that lncRNA MIAT could have a diagnostic significance in CAD patients. MALAT1 levels, however, are not sufficiently reliable to have much clinical use in our cases.

The Regulatory Roles of Non-coding RNAs in Angiogenesis and Neovascularization From an Epigenetic Perspective

Angiogenesis is a crucial process for organ morphogenesis and growth during development, and it is especially relevant during the repair of wounded tissue in adults. It is coordinated by an equilibrium of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors; nevertheless, when affected, it promotes several diseases. Lately, a growing body of evidence is indicating that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, play critical roles in angiogenesis. These ncRNAs can act in cis or trans and alter gene transcription by several mechanisms including epigenetic processes. In the following pages, we will discuss the functions of ncRNAs in the regulation of angiogenesis and neovascularization, both in normal and disease contexts, from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we will describe the contribution of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques to the discovery and understanding of the role of ncRNAs in angiogenesis.

A review of the relationship between long noncoding RNA and post-stroke injury repair

Stroke is a cerebrovascular circulation disorder with sudden onset, which causes disorder of ion balance, inflammation, and acidosis, and that in turn induces ischemia-reperfusion injury, influencing the prognosis of stroke patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory sequences involved at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels, have high specific expression in the central nervous system, and effectively regulate the development of the central nervous system and progression of diseases. Stroke induces changes in the expression of many lncRNAs. Therefore, lncRNAs play an important role in the complex pathological process of stroke. Exploring lncRNA could facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the pathological mechanism of stroke and the post-injury molecular regulatory network. However, there are few reports on the role of lncRNA in the pathological development of stroke. In the present review, we discuss the association of lncRNA with post-stroke injury repair.

Long non-coding RNAs and cell death following ischemic stroke

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and extensive efforts have focused on the improvement of therapeutic strategies to reduce cell death following ischemic stroke. Uncovering the cellular and molecular pathophysiological processes in ischemic stroke have been a top priority. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenous molecules that play key roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, and involved in the neuronal cell death during ischemic stroke. In recent years, a bulk of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs have been screened out in ischemic stroke insulted animals. LncRNAs along with their targets could affect the genetic machinery at molecular levels, and exploring their functions and mechanisms may be a promising option for ischemic stroke treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge for lncRNAs in ischemic stroke, focusing on the role of specific lncRNAs that may underlie cell death to find possible therapeutic targets.