Involvement of MicroRNAs in hydrogen peroxide-mediated gene regulation and cellular injury response in vascular smooth muscle cells

Noncoding RNAs as regulators of cardiomyocyte proliferation and death

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ischemic heart disease, in particular, is responsible for the majority of cardiac-related deaths. Given the negligible regenerative potential of the human myocardium, there is a strong need for therapeutic strategies aiming at enhancing cardiomyocyte survival and proliferation following injury or at inhibiting their death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression at a post-transcriptional level with important functions in cardiovascular physiology and disease. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs can influence the ability of cardiomyocytes to enter the cell cycle and/or escape from death pathways. Additionally, long non coding-RNAs could be involved in such pathways. This review summarizes recent evidences on noncoding RNAs regulating proliferation and death of cardiomyocytes representing a future therapeutic for the treatment of heart diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Non-coding RNAs.

Nutrient- and other stress-responsive microRNAs in plants: Role for thiol-based redox signaling

Now it is well recognized that the microRNA (miRNA) expression is altered in response to internal (developmental or hormonal) or external stimuli such as biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. It is also known that several miRNAs are induced in response to deficiency of specific nutrients within the plant or in the external sources, i.e., soil/nutrient media. For instance, P-deprivation induces miR399, S-deprivation induces miR395 and Cu-deprivation induces miR398, miR397 and miR408 in several plant species. Although the transcription factors (PHR1, SLIM1 and SPB7) that regulate these nutrient-deprivation inducible miRNAs have been identified but the upstream biochemical pathway that activates them is relatively unknown. In a recent study, we demonstrated for the first time that redox signaling plays a critical role in S-deprivation-inducible miR395 expression in Arabidopsis. In this short review, we draw additional hypotheses for the involvement of redox signaling and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in inducing other nutrient or stress-responsive miRNAs in plants.

Changes in the leukocyte methylome and its effect on cardiovascular-related genes after exercise

Physical exercise has proven cardiovascular benefits, yet there is no clear understanding of the related molecular mechanisms leading to this. Here we determined the beneficial epigenetic effects of exercise after sprint interval training, a form of exercise known to improve cardiometabolic health. We quantified genome-wide leukocyte DNA methylation of 12 healthy young (18-24 yr) men before and after 4 wk (thrice weekly) of sprint interval training using the 450K BeadChip (Illumina) and validated gene expression changes in an extra seven subjects. Exercise increased subjects' cardiorespiratory fitness and maximal running performance, and decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in conjunction with genome-wide DNA methylation changes. Notably, many CpG island and gene promoter regions were demethylated after exercise, indicating increased genome-wide transcriptional changes. Among genes with DNA methylation changes, epidermal growth factor (EGF), a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor known to be involved in cardiovascular disease, was demethylated and showed decreased mRNA expression. Additionally, we found that in microRNAs miR-21 and miR-210, gene DNA methylation was altered by exercise causing a cascade effect on the expression of the mature microRNA involved in cardiovascular function. Our findings demonstrate that exercise alters DNA methylation in circulating blood cells in microRNA and protein-coding genes associated with cardiovascular physiology.

MicroRNA-146a and -21 cooperate to regulate vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via modulation of the Notch signaling pathway

A number of microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, a key step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, by targeting certain genes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of miR‑146a and miR‑21 in VSMC growth and to study the underlying mechanisms. The expression levels of four previously reported, differentially expressed microRNAs in atherosclerotic plaque (miR‑146a/b, miR‑21, miR‑34a and miR‑210) were measured in two groups: An atherosclerotic plaque group (n=10) and a normal control group (n=10). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed that the relative expression levels of miR‑146a and miR‑21 in atherosclerotic plaque samples were significantly upregulated to ~260 and 250%, respectively, compared with those in normal controls. Notch2 and Jag1 were confirmed to be target genes of miR‑146a and miR‑21 through the use of a luciferase assay, PCR and western blot analysis. Additionally, VSMCs transfected with miR‑146a expressed significantly lower levels of Notch2 protein and presented an accelerated cell proliferation, which could be attributed to a reduction in the levels of cell cycle arrest. Cotransfection of miR‑146a and miR‑21 further promoted cell cycle progression in addition to VSMC proliferation. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR‑146a and miR‑21 were significantly upregulated in atherosclerotic plaque, and cooperated to accelerate VSMC growth and cell cycle progression by targeting Notch2 and Jag1.

Looking into a conceptual framework of ROS-miRNA-atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recognized as a major cause of cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent recent additions to the collection of biomolecules involved in arrhythmogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been independently linked to both AF and miRNA regulation. However, no attempts have been made to investigate the possibility of a framework composed of ROS–miRNA–AF that is related to arrhythmia development. Therefore, this review was designed as an attempt to offer a new approach to understanding AF pathogenesis. The aim of this review was to find and to summarize possible connections that exist among AF, miRNAs and ROS to understand the interactions among the molecular entities underlying arrhythmia development in the hopes of finding unappreciated mechanisms of AF. These findings may lead us to innovative therapies for AF, which can be a life-threatening heart condition. A systemic literature review indicated that miRNAs associated with AF might be regulated by ROS, suggesting the possibility that miRNAs translate cellular stressors, such as ROS, into AF pathogenesis. Further studies with a more appropriate experimental design to either prove or disprove the existence of an ROS–miRNA–AF framework are strongly encouraged.

Micro-RNA 21Targets dual specific phosphatase 8 to promote collagen synthesis in high glucose-treated primary cardiac fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Micro-RNA 21 (miR-21) has been shown to contribute to cardiac fibrosis in many diseases. In this study we investigated the role of miR-21 in excessive production of collagen in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The proliferation rate of cardiac fibroblasts was analyzed by Western blot, Cell Counting Kit-8 kit (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, Kumamoto, Japan), and Cell-Light EdU Apollo 488 In Vitro Imaging Kit (RiboBio, Guangzhou, China). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were conducted to determine gene expression levels. A luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-21 and the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of dual specific phosphatase 8 (DUSP8).

RESULTS

Our results show that high glucose promoted the proliferation and collagen synthesis of rat cardiac fibroblasts, which was accompanied by an increase of miR-21. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays confirmed that miR-21 mediated this effect, suggesting the crucial role of miR-21 in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our study also identified a direct target of miR-21, DUSP8, which regulates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts through p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated kinase (SAPK) signalling. Our results show that miR-21 bound to the 3'UTR of DUSP8 post-transcriptionally repressed its expression. In addition, enforced expression of miR-21 activated the JNK/SAPK and p38 signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that miR-21 promotes high glucose-induced cardiac fibrosis through the JNK/SAPK and p38 signalling pathways by suppressing DUSP8 expression.

Identification of microRNAs involved in growth arrest and cell death in hydrogen peroxide-treated human dermal papilla cells

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‑coding RNAs that regulate various biological processes by interfering with the translation of target genes. Several studies have suggested that miRNAs are involved in cellular responses to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in hair malignancies, however, the H2O2‑induced, miRNA‑dependent regulatory mechanisms of human dermal papilla (HDP) cells are not fully understood. Our previous study demonstrated that changes in miRNA expression function to regulate growth arrest and apoptosis in UVB‑irradiated HDPs. In the present study, miRNA expression was profiled in HDPs treated with H2O2. The transcriptome analysis of H2O2‑treated HDPs enabled the identification of 68 differentially expressed miRNAs (62 were upregulated and 6 were downregulated) and 14,316 putative target genes of the miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was utilized to verify that the putative target genes of the altered miRNAs were associated with H2O2‑induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis. This bioinformatics analysis indicated that H2O2‑response pathways involved in growth arrest and apoptosis were significantly affected. The identification of miRNAs and their putative targets may offer new therapeutic strategies for H2O2‑induced hair follicle disorders.

MicroRNAs expression and function in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (18 ~ 25 nt) noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules that act as negative regulators of gene expression and modulating the stability and/or the translational efficiency of target messenger RNAs. Studies have shown that miRNAs control diverse aspects of brain disease. Recently, several studies have suggested that miRNAs alter the response to ischemia reperfusion injury and regulate the expression of various key elements in cell survival and apoptosis. This review article gives a brief overview of some miRNAs (miR-15a/b, miR-21, miR-29b/c, miR-124, miR-145, miR-181, miR-200 family, miR-338, miR-422a, miR-497, and miR let 7 family) in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Although miRNAs could be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ischemia reperfusion injury, their safety and other limitations need further confirmation.

MicroRNAs in Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are mediators of post-transcriptional gene expression that likely regulate most biological pathways and networks. The study of miRNAs is a rapidly emerging field; recent findings have revealed a significant role for miRNAs in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism.CONTENT: Results from recent studies demonstrated a role for miRNAs in endothelial integrity, macrophage inflammatory response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and cholesterol synthesis. These mechanisms are all vital to the initiation and proliferation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The importance of miRNAs has recently been recognized in cardiovascular sciences and miRNAs will likely become an integral part of our fundamental comprehension of atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism. The extensive impact of miRNA mediated gene regulation and the relative ease of in vivo applicable modifications highlight the enormous potential of miRNA-based therapeutics in cardiovascular diseases.SUMMARY: miRNA studies in the field of lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis are in their infancy, and thus there is tremendous opportunity for discovery in this understudied area. The ability to target miRNAs in vivo through delivery of miRNA-mimics to enhance miRNA function, or antimiRNAs which inhibit miRNAs, has opened new avenues for the development of therapeutics for dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis, offers a unique approach to treating disease by modulating entire biological pathways. These exciting findings support the development of miRNA antagonists as potential therapeutics for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and related metabolic diseases.KEYWORDS: atherosclerosis, lipoprotein, HDL, miRNA

Significance of epigenetic landscape in cartilage regeneration from the cartilage development and pathology perspective

Regenerative therapies for cartilage defects have been greatly advanced by progress in both the stem cell biology and tissue engineering fields. Despite notable successes, significant barriers remain including shortage of autologous cell sources and generation of a stable chondrocyte phenotype using progenitor cells. Increasing demands for the treatment of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, highlight the importance of epigenetic remodeling in cartilage regeneration. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, such as microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications, have been intensively studied due to their direct regulatory role on gene expression. However, a thorough understanding of the environmental factors that initiate these epigenetic events may provide greater insight into the prevention of degenerative diseases and improve the efficacy of treatments. In other words, if we could identify a specific factor from the environment and its downstream signaling events, then we could stop or retard degradation and enhance cartilage regeneration. A more operational definition of epigenetic remodeling has recently been proposed by categorizing the signals during the epigenetic process into epigenators, initiators, and maintainers. This review seeks to compile and reorganize the existing literature pertaining to epigenetic remodeling events placing emphasis on perceiving the landscape of epigenetic mechanisms during cartilage regeneration with the new operational definition, especially from the environmental factors' point of view. Progress in understanding epigenetic regulatory mechanisms could benefit cartilage regeneration and engineering on a larger scale and provide more promising therapeutic applications.

The microRNAs as potential biomarkers for predicting the onset of aflatoxin exposure in human beings: a review

The identification of aflatoxins as human carcinogens has stimulated extensive research efforts, which continue to the present, to assess potential health hazards resulting from contamination of the human food supply and to minimize exposure. The use of biomarkers that are mechanistically supported by toxicological studies will be important tools for identifying stages in the progression of development of the health effects of environmental agents. miRNAs are small non-coding mRNAs that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Also, they are molecular markers of cellular responses to various chemical agents. Growing evidence has demonstrated that environmental chemicals can induce changes in miRNA expression. miRNAs are good biomarkers because they are well defined, chemically uniform, restricted to a manageable number of species, and stable in cells and in the circulation. miRNAs have been used as serological markers of HCC and other tumors. The expression patterns of different miRNAs can distinguish among HCC-hepatitis viruses related, HCC cirrhosis-derivate, and HCC unrelated to either of them. The main objective of this review is to find unreported miRNAs in HCC related to other causes, so that they can be used as specific molecular biomarkers in populations exposed to aflatoxins and as early markers of exposure, damage/presence of HCC. Until today specific miRNAs as markers for aflatoxins-exposure and their reliability are currently lacking. Based on their elucidated mechanisms of action, potential miRNAs that could serve as possible markers of HCC by exposure to aflatoxins are miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-122, miR-148, miR-155, miR-192, miR-214, miR-221, miR-429, and miR-500. Future validation for all of these miRNAs will be needed to assess their prognostic significance and confirm their relationship with the induction of HCC due to aflatoxin exposure.

Atheroprotective pulsatile flow induces ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of programmed cell death 4 in endothelial cells

Objectives

We recently found low level of tumor suppressor programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) associated with reduced atherosclerotic plaque area (unpublished). We investigated whether atheroprotective unidirectional pulsatile shear stress affects the expression of PDCD4 in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results

En face co-immunostaining of the mouse aortic arch revealed a low level of PDCD4 in endothelial cells undergoing pulsatile shear stress. Application of unidirectional pulsatile shear stress to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) decreased PDCD4 protein but not mRNA level. Immunoprecipitation revealed that pulsatile shear stress induced the coupling of ubiquitin with PDCD4 expression. The phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway was involved in this ubiquitin-proteasome–mediated degradation of PDCD4. Gain of function and loss of function experiments showed that PDCD4 induced turnover (proliferation and apoptosis) of HUVECs. Low PDCD4 level was associated with reduced proliferation but not apoptosis or phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase caused by pulsatile shear stress to help maintain the homeostasis of endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Pulsatile shear stress induces ubiquitin-proteasome–mediated degradation of PDCD4 via a PI3K/Akt pathway in HUVECs. PDCD4 induces turnover (proliferation and apoptosis) of HUVECs. Low PDCD4 level is associated with reduced proliferation for maintenance of HUVEC homeostasis under pulsatile shear stress.

(6)-Gingerolinduced myeloid leukemia cell death is initiated by reactive oxygen species and activation of miR-27b expression

The natural polyphenolic alkanone (6)-gingerol (6G) has established anti-inflammatory and antitumoral properties. However, its precise mechanism of action in myeloid leukemia cells is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of 6G on myeloid leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study showed that 6G inhibited proliferation of myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary myeloid leukemia cells while sparing the normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies using U937 and K562 cell lines revealed that 6G treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I (MRC I), which in turn increased the expression of the oxidative stress response-associated microRNA miR-27b and DNA damage. Elevated miR-27b expression inhibited PPARγ, with subsequent inhibition of the inflammatory cytokine gene expression associated with the oncogenic NF-κB pathway, whereas the increased DNA damage led to G2/M cell cycle arrest. The 6G induced effects were abolished in the presence of anti-miR-27b or the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. In addition, the results of the in vivo xenograft experiments in mice indicated that 6G treatment inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, in agreement with the in vitro studies. Our data provide new evidence that 6G-induced myeloid leukemia cell death is initiated by reactive oxygen species and mediated through an increase in miR-27b expression and DNA damage. The dual induction of increased miR-27b expression and DNA damage-associated cell cycle arrest by 6G may have implications for myeloid leukemia treatment.

Hemodynamic regulation of reactive oxygen species: implications for vascular diseases

SIGNIFICANCE

Arterial blood vessels functionally and structurally adapt to altering hemodynamic forces in order to accommodate changing needs and to provide stress homeostasis. This ability is achieved at the cellular level by converting mechanical stimulation into biochemical signals (i.e., mechanotransduction). Physiological mechanical stress helps maintain vascular structure and function, whereas pathologic or aberrant stress may impair cellular mechano-signaling, and initiate or augment cellular processes that drive disease.

RECENT ADVANCES

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may represent an intriguing class of mechanically regulated second messengers. Chronically enhanced ROS generation may be induced by adverse mechanical stresses, and is associated with a multitude of vascular diseases. Although a causal relationship has clearly been demonstrated in large numbers of animal studies, an effective ROS-modulating therapy still remains to be established by clinical studies.

CRITICAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This review article focuses on the role of various mechanical forces (in the form of laminar shear stress, oscillatory shear stress, or cyclic stretch) as modulators of ROS-driven signaling, and their subsequent effects on vascular biology and homeostasis, as well as on specific diseases such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Specifically, it highlights the significance of the various NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms as critical ROS generators in the vasculature. Directed targeting of defined components in the complex network of ROS (mechano-)signaling may represent a key for successful translation of experimental findings into clinical practice.

Contractile protein expression is upregulated by reactive oxygen species in aorta of Goto-Kakizaki rat

Although it is known that blood vessels undergo remodeling in type 2 diabetes (T2D), the signaling pathways that underlie the structural and functional changes seen in diabetic arteries remain unclear. Our objective was to determine whether the remodeling in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats is evoked by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results show that aortas from GK rats produced greater force (P < 0.05) in response to stimulation with KCl and U46619 than aortas from Wistar rats. Associated with these changes, aortic expression of contractile proteins (measured as an index of remodeling) and the microRNA (miR-145), which act to upregulate transcription of contractile protein genes, was twofold higher (P < 0.05) in GK than Wistar (age-matched control) rats, and there was a corresponding increase in ROS and decrease in nitric oxide signaling. Oral administration of the antioxidant Tempol (1 mmol/l) to Wistar and GK rats reduced (P < 0.05) myocardin and calponin expression. Tempol (1 mmol/l) decreased expression of miR-145 in Wistar and GK rat aorta. To elucidate the mechanism through which ROS increases miR-145, we measured their levels in freshly isolated aorta and cultured aortic smooth muscle cells incubated for 12 h in the presence of H2O2 (300 μmol/l). H2O2 increased expression of miR-145, and there were corresponding nuclear increases in myocardin, a miR-145 target protein. Intriguingly, H2O2-induced expression of miR-145 was decreased by U0126 (10 μmol/l), a MEK1/2 inhibitor, and myocardin was decreased by anti-miR-145 (50 nmol/l) and U0126 (10 μmol/l). Our novel findings demonstrate that ROS evokes vascular wall remodeling and dysfunction by enhancing expression of contractile proteins in T2D.

Differential microRNA profiling in a cellular hypoxia reoxygenation model upon posthypoxic propofol treatment reveals alterations in autophagy signaling network

Recent studies indicate that propofol may protect cells via suppressing autophagic cell death caused by excessive reactive oxygen species induced by hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R). It is established that gene expression patterns including autophagy-related genes changed significantly during the process of H/R in the presence or absence of propofol posthypoxia treatment (P-PostH). The reasons for such differences, however, remain largely unknown. MicroRNAs provide a novel mechanism for gene regulation. In the present study, we systematically analyzed the alterations in microRNA expression using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to H/R in the presence or absence of posthypoxic propofol treatment. Genome-wide profiling of microRNAs was then conducted using microRNA microarray. Fourteen miRNAs are differentially expressed and six of them were validated by the quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) of which three were substantially increased, whereas one was decreased. To gain an unbiased global perspective on subsequent regulation by altered miRNAs, predicted targets of ten miRNAs were analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to build signaling networks. Interestingly, six of the identified microRNAs are known to target autophagy-related genes. In conclusion, our results revealed that different miRNA expression patterns are induced by propofol posthypoxia treatment in H/R and the alterations in miRNA expression patterns are implicated in regulating distinctive autophagy-related gene expression.

NF-κB mediated miR-21 regulation in cardiomyocytes apoptosis under oxidative stress

Oxidative stress, defined as an excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is shown to play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling including cell death and contractile dysfunction. Therefore, the balance between ROS production and removal of excess ROS is essential in maintaining the redox state and homeostasis balance in the cell. The increased ROS further activates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a redox-sensitive transcription factor and promotes cell death. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as critical regulators of various pathophysiological processes of cardiac remodeling; however, NF-κB-mediated miRNA's role in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress remains undetermined. The miR-21 has been implicated in diverse cardiac remodeling; but, NF-κB-mediated miR-21 modulation in oxidative stress is currently unknown. Neonatal cardiomyocytes were transfected with IκBα mutant, miR-21 mimetic, and inhibitors separately, and were challenged with H2O2. The target gene, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), ROS activity, and NF-κB translocation were analyzed. Our results indicated that NF-κB positively regulated miR-21 expression under oxidative stress, and PDCD4 was a direct target for miR-21. NF-κB further regulated the expression of PDCD4 in H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, H2O2-induced ROS activity and cardiomyocytes apoptosis were partly protected by overexpression of miR-21 and displayed an important role in ROS-mediated cardiomyocytes injury. We evaluated a critical role of NF-κB-mediated miR-21 modulation in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes by targeting PDCD4. Our data may provide a new insight of miR-21's role in cardiac diseases primarily mediated by ROS.

Essential role of NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species generation in regulating microRNA-21 expression and function in prostate cancer

AIMS

Oncogenic microRNAs (miRs) promote tumor growth and invasiveness. One of these, miR-21, contributes to carcinogenesis in prostate and other cancers. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate the expression and function of miR-21 and its target proteins, maspin and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), in prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

The highly aggressive androgen receptor negative PC-3M-MM2 prostate cancer cells demonstrated high expression of miR-21 and p47(phox) (an essential subunit of NADPH oxidase). Using loss-of-function strategy, we showed that transfection of PC-3M-MM2 cells with anti-miR-21- and p47(phox) siRNA (si-p47(phox)) led to reduced expression of miR-21 with concurrent increase in maspin and PDCD4, and decreased the invasiveness of the cells. Tail-vein injections of anti-miR-21- and si-p47(phox)-transfected PC-3M-MM2 cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice reduced lung metastases. Clinical samples from patients with advanced prostate cancer expressed high levels of miR-21 and p47(phox), and low expression of maspin and PDCD4. Finally, ROS activated Akt in these cells, the inhibition of which reduced miR-21 expression.

INNOVATION

The levels of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are high in prostate cancer cells, which have been shown to be involved in their growth and migration. This study demonstrates that ROS produced by this pathway is essential for the expression and function of an onco-miR, miR-21, in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that miR-21 is an important target of ROS, which contributes to the highly invasive and metastatic phenotype of prostate cancer cells.

Hsa-let-7g miRNA targets caspase-3 and inhibits the apoptosis induced by ox-LDL in endothelial cells

It has been well confirmed ox-LDL plays key roles in the development of atherosclerosis via binding to LOX-1 and inducing apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Recent studies have shown ox-LDL can suppress microRNA has-let-7g, which in turn inhibits the ox-LDL induced apoptosis. However, details need to be uncovered. To determine the anti-atherosclerosis effect of microRNA has-let-7g, and to evaluate the possibility of CASP3 as an anti-atherosclerotic drug target by has-let-7g, the present study determined the role of hsa-let-7g miRNA in ox-LDL induced apoptosis in the vascular endothelial cells. We found that miRNA has-let-7g was suppressed during the ox-LDL-induced apoptosis in EAhy926 endothelial cells. In addition, overexpression of has-let-7g negatively regulated apoptosis in the endothelial cells by targeting caspase-3 expression. Therefore, miRNA let-7g may play important role in endothelial apoptosis and atherosclerosis.

Deficiency of NOX1/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form oxidase leads to pulmonary vascular remodeling

OBJECTIVE

Involvement of reactive oxygen species derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) oxidase has been documented in the development of hypoxia-induced model of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because the PAH-like phenotype was demonstrated in mice deficient in Nox1 gene (Nox1(-/Y)) raised under normoxia, the aim of this study was to clarify how the lack of NOX1/NADPH oxidase could lead to pulmonary pathology.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Spontaneous enlargement and hypertrophy of the right ventricle, accompanied by hypertrophy of pulmonary vessels, were demonstrated in Nox1(-/Y) 9 to 18 weeks old. Because an increased number of α-smooth muscle actin-positive vessels were observed in Nox1(-/Y), pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. In Nox1(-/Y) PASMCs, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly reduced without any change in the expression of endothelin-1, and hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α, factors implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH. A significant decrease in a voltage-dependent K(+) channel, Kv1.5 protein, and an increase in intracellular potassium levels were demonstrated in Nox1(-/Y) PASMCs. When a rescue study was performed in Nox1(-/Y) crossed with transgenic mice overexpressing rat Nox1 gene, impaired apoptosis and the level of Kv1.5 protein in PASMCs were almost completely recovered in Nox1(-/Y) harboring the Nox1 transgene.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a critical role for NOX1 in cellular apoptosis by regulating Kv1.5 and intracellular potassium levels. Because dysfunction of Kv1.5 is among the features demonstrated in PAH, inactivation of NOX1/NADPH oxidase may be a causative factor for pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with PAH.

Regulation of SIRT1 by oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and a systematic approach to identify its role in the endothelium

SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidative stress is a common denominator of various risk factors contributing to endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases. Accumulated evidence suggests that sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and/or activity is impaired by supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress, which in turn disrupts endothelial homeostasis.

RECENT ADVANCES

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are induced by oxidative stress and termed as oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs. They may play a role linking the imbalanced redox state with dysregulated SIRT1.

CRITICAL ISSUES

This review summarizes recent findings on oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and their involvement in SIRT1 regulation. Because of the unique characteristics of miRNAs, research in this new area requires an integrative approach that combines bioinformatics and experimental validation. Thus, a research strategy is discussed to identify the SIRT1-regulating miRNAs under oxidative stress and their functional outcomes in relation to endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, the miRNAs implicated in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms are discussed along with the translational potential and challenges of using miRNAs and its analogs as therapeutic agents.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Although at its infancy, research on oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and their regulation of SIRT1 may provide new insights in understanding vascular disorders. Moreover, systematic approaches integrating in silico, in vitro, and in vivo observations can be useful tools in revealing the pathways modulating endothelial biology.

Flank sequences of miR-145/143 and their aberrant expression in vascular disease: mechanism and therapeutic application

BACKGROUND

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) are downregulated in proliferative vascular disease. Thus, upregulation of these miRNAs has become a major focus of research activity. However, there is a critical barrier in gene therapy to upregulate some miRNAs such as miR-145 and miR-143 because of their significant downregulation by the unclear endogenous mechanisms under disease conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for their downregulation and to overcome the therapeutic barrier.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In cultured proliferative rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and in diseased rat and mouse arteries in vivo, we have identified that the impairment of pri-miR-145 into pre-miR-145 is the critical step related to the downregulation of miR-145, in which the PI3-kinase/Akt/p53 pathway is involved. We further identified that the flank sequences of pri-miR-145 are the critical structural components responsible for the aberrant miR-145 expression. Switching of the flank sequence of downregulated miR-145 and miR-143 to the flank sequence of miR-31 confers resistance to their downregulation. The genetically engineered miR-145 (smart miR-145) restored the downregulated miR-145 in proliferative rat VSMCs and in rat carotid arteries with balloon injury and mouse atherosclerotic aortas and demonstrated much better therapeutic effects on the abnormal growth of VSMCs, expression of its target gene, KLF5 expression, VSMC marker gene expression, and vascular neointimal growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The flank sequences of miR-145 and miR-143 play a critical role in their aberrant expression in VSMCs and vascular walls. The genetically engineered "smart" miRNAs based on their flank sequences may have broadly therapeutic applications for many vascular diseases.

MicroRNAs and atherosclerosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, ~22 nucleotide (nt) sequences of RNA that regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level. These endogenous gene expression inhibitors were primarily described in cancer but recent exciting findings have also demonstrated a key role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis. MiRNAs control endothelial cell (EC), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and macrophage functions, and thereby regulate the progression of atherosclerosis. MiRNA expression is modulated by different stimuli involved in every stage of atherosclerosis, and conversely miRNAs modulates several pathways implicated in plaque development such as cholesterol metabolism. In the present review, we focus on the importance of miRNAs in atherosclerosis, and we further discuss their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CVDs.

Oxidative stress in atherosclerosis: the role of microRNAs in arterial remodeling

Atherosclerosis is the underlying condition in most cardiovascular diseases. Among the highly specific cellular and molecular responses, endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in disease initiation and progression. These events coincide with the occurrence of oxidative stress. Increased reactive oxygen species production and oxidization of low-density lipoprotein are detected throughout atherosclerosis progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression that posttranscriptionally modify cellular responses and function. Accumulating studies indicate an integrated miRNA network in the molecular mechanisms that control cellular homeostasis, vascular inflammation, and metabolism. Experimental models of atherosclerosis highlight a direct link between altered miRNA expression profiles and the pathophysiology of the disease and identify putative miRNA candidates for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of miRNA regulatory networks in oxidative stress in atherosclerosis and arterial remodeling and discuss their potential therapeutic implications.

MicroRNA modulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in cardiometabolic diseases

The regulation of the metabolism of cholesterol has been one of the most studied biological processes since its first isolation from gallstones in 1784. High levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduced levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are widely recognized as major risk factors of cardiovascular disease. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species can oxidize LDL particles, increasing the levels of the highly proatherogenic oxidized LDL. Furthermore, under pathological scenarios, numerous molecules can function as pro-oxidants, such as iron or (high levels of) glucose. In addition to the classical mechanisms regulating lipid homeostasis, recent studies have demonstrated the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as regulators of lipoprotein metabolism, oxidative derivatives of lipoprotein, and redox balance. Here, we summarize recent findings in the field, highlighting the contributions of some miRNAs to lipid- and oxidative-associated pathologies. We also discuss how therapeutic intervention of miRNAs may be a promising strategy to decrease LDL, increase HDL, and ameliorate lipid- and oxidative-related disorders, including atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Oxidative stress and microRNAs in vascular diseases

Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to play a causal role in different vascular diseases, such as hypertension, diabetic vasculopathy, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Indeed, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is known to impair endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell functions, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules that modulate the stability and/or the translational efficiency of target messenger RNAs. They have been shown to be modulated in most biological processes, including in cellular responses to redox imbalance. In particular, miR-200 family members play a crucial role in oxidative-stress dependent endothelial dysfunction, as well as in cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity. In addition, different miRNAs, such as miR-210, have been demonstrated to play a key role in mitochondrial metabolism, therefore modulating ROS production and sensitivity. In this review, we will discuss miRNAs modulated by ROS or involved in ROS production, and implicated in vascular diseases in which redox imbalance has a pathogenetic role.

Induction of miR-21-PDCD4 signaling by UVB in JB6 cells involves ROS-mediated MAPK pathways

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation plays a major role in the development of human skin cancer. The present study examined the alterations of miR-21-PDCD4 signaling in a mouse epidermal cell line (JB6 P(+)) post exposure to UVB irradiation. The results showed that (1) UVB caused PDCD4 inhibition in JB6 cells; (2) exposure of cells to UVB caused a significant increase of miR-21, the upstream regulator of PDCD4, expression; (3) both inhibition of ERKs with U0126 and inhibition of p38 with SB203580 significantly reversed UVB-induced PDCD4 inhibition; (4) ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine reversed the inhibitory effect of UVB on PDCD4 expression. The above results suggested that UVB induced PDCD4 inhibition, which may be mediated through ROS, especially endogenous H2O2 and p38 and ERKs phosphorylation. Unraveling the complex mechanisms associated with these events may provide insights into the initiation and progression of UVB-induced carcinogenesis.

Serum microRNA-21 and microRNA-221 as potential biomarkers for cerebrovascular disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

MicroRNA miR-21, miR-221 and miR-145 have been implicated in the cardiovascular system. We aimed to compare the serum levels of the three microRNAs (miRNAs) in different severities of cerebrovascular diseases and evaluate the feasibility of using these miRNAs as biomarkers for stroke.

METHODS

We enrolled 167 subjects with ischemic stroke, 66 atherosclerosis subjects with any carotid plaque score and 157 healthy controls. These three types of subjects represent three levels of severity in cerebrovascular diseases. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the relationship between miRNAs and disease severity with adjustment for conventional risk factors. To test the prediction for stroke, we built regression models containing the serum miRNA levels and risk factors. Prediction capabilities were compared by the receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Stroke patients and atherosclerosis subjects had significantly higher miR-21 and lower miR-221 serum levels than healthy controls, while the miR-145 expression was too low to provide useful information in this regard. The best model showed that miR-21 and miR-221 were independent predictors. There was a 6.2-fold increase for stroke risk when miR-21 levels increase by log₁₀2(-ΔCt) = 1, while a 10.4-fold increase was observed as miR-221 decreases by log₁₀2(-ΔCt) = 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum miR-145 was not detected in over 50% of the patients and it may not be an ideal marker to predict stroke. MiR-21 and miR-221 are novel biomarkers for atherosclerosis and stroke.

MicroRNA expression in response to controlled exposure to diesel exhaust: attenuation by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in a randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

Adverse health effects associated with diesel exhaust (DE) are thought to be mediated in part by oxidative stress, but the detailed mechanisms are largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and may respond to exposures such as DE.

OBJECTIVES

We profiled peripheral blood cellular miRNAs in participants with mild asthma who were exposed to controlled DE with and without antioxidant supplementation.

METHODS

Thirteen participants with asthma underwent controlled inhalation of filtered air and DE in a double-blinded, randomized crossover study of three conditions: a) DE plus placebo (DEP), b) filtered air plus placebo (FAP), or c) DE with N-acetylcysteine supplementation (DEN). Total cellular RNA was extracted from blood drawn before exposure and 6 hr after exposure for miRNA profiling by the NanoString nCounter assay. MiRNAs significantly associated with DEP exposure and a predicted target [nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2)] as well as antioxidant enzyme genes were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for validation, and we also assessed the ability of N-acetylcysteine supplementation to block the effect of DE on these specific miRNAs. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was measured in plasma as a systemic oxidative stress marker.

RESULTS

Expression of miR-21, miR-30e, miR-215, and miR-144 was significantly associated with DEP. The change in miR-144 was validated by RT-qPCR. NRF2 and its downstream antioxidant genes [glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)] were negatively associated with miR-144 levels. Increases in miR-144 and miR-21 were associated with plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine 8-OHdG level and were blunted by antioxidant (i.e, DEN).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic miRNAs with plausible biological function are altered by acute moderate-dose DE exposure. Oxidative stress appears to mediate DE-associated changes in miR-144.

Effects of vitamin E on expressions of eight microRNAs in the liver of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Currently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate cellular processes such as apoptosis, differentiation, cell cycle, and immune functions, and their expression can be altered by distinct stress conditions, such as oxidative stress. In immune systems of fish, vitamin E (VE) has a defined role as an antioxidant. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of vitamin E defending from oxidative stress, three groups of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (initial weight 3.25 ± 0.02 g) were fed to satiation with 3 semi-purified diets containing VE (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) of 0, 50, and 2500 mg/kg supplementation, respectively, with the expressions of eight miRNAs (miR-21, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-125b, miR-181a, miR-16, miR-155 and miR-122) in the liver of tilapia subsequently detected after 8-week growth experiment. Results showed that VE-deficient (0 mg/kg supplementation) decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased the expressions of miR-223, miR-146a, miR-16 and miR-122, while excessive supplementation of VE (2500 mg/kg) decreased SOD activity and increased the expressions of all the eight miRNAs. The targets of the eight miRNAs were further predicated with bioinformatic approach and the possible regulating mechanisms of VE via miRNAs were analyzed. The present study confirmed that the differences in dietary VE affected expression of hepatic miRNAs which may partly demonstrate the molecular mechanism of VE, and the new idea of introducing miRNAs into research will provide the basic data for researches of molecular nutrition.

High levels of oncomiR-21 contribute to the senescence-induced growth arrest in normal human cells and its knock-down increases the replicative lifespan

Cellular senescence of normal human cells has by now far exceeded its initial role as a model system for aging research. Many reports show the accumulation of senescent cells in vivo, their effect on their microenvironment and its double-edged role as tumour suppressor and promoter. Importantly, removal of senescent cells delays the onset of age-associated diseases in mouse model systems. To characterize the role of miRNAs in cellular senescence of endothelial cells, we performed miRNA arrays from HUVECs of five different donors. Twelve miRNAs, comprising hsa-miR-23a, hsa-miR-23b, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-27a, hsa-miR-29a, hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-100, hsa-miR-193a, hsa-miR-221, hsa-miR-222 and hsa-let-7i are consistently up-regulated in replicatively senescent cells. Surprisingly, also miR-21 was found up-regulated by replicative and stress-induced senescence, despite being described as oncogenic. Transfection of early passage endothelial cells with miR-21 resulted in lower angiogenesis, and less cell proliferation mirrored by up-regulation of p21^CIP1 and down-regulation of CDK2. These two cell-cycle regulators are indirectly regulated by miR-21 via its validated direct targets NFIB (Nuclear factor 1 B-type), a transcriptional inhibitor of p21^CIP1, and CDC25A, which regulates CDK2 activity by dephosphorylation. Knock-down of either NFIB or CDC25A shows a phenocopy of over-expressing miR-21 in regard to cell-cycle arrest. Finally, miR-21 over-epxression reduces the replicative lifespan, while stable knock-down by sponges extends the replicative lifespan of endothelial cells. Therefore, we propose that miR-21 is the first miRNA that upon its knock-down extends the replicative lifespan of normal human cells.

MicroRNAs in the atherosclerotic plaque

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNA, miR) are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by hindering translation. miRNA expression profiles have been shown to differ in vivo and in vitro in many cellular processes associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The progression of CVDs has also been shown to alter the blood miRNA profile in humans.

CONTENT

We summarize the results of animal and cell experiments concerning the miRNA profile in the atherosclerotic process and the changes which occur in the blood miRNA profile of individuals with CVD. We also survey the relationship of these CVD-related miRNAs and their expression in the human advanced atherosclerotic plaque, thereby providing more insight into miRNA function in human atherosclerotic lesions. The miRNAs miR-126, -134, -145, -146a, -198, -210, -340*, and -92a were found to be expressed differently in the blood of individuals affected and unaffected by CVD. These differences paralleled those seen in tissue comparisons of miRNA expression in advanced atherosclerotic plaques and healthy arteries. Furthermore, several miRNAs associated with atherosclerosis in in vitro studies (such as miR-10a, -126, -145, -146a/b, -185, -210, and -326) were expressed in plaques in a similar pattern as was predicted by the in vitro experiments. The clinical implications of miRNAs in atherosclerosis as biomarkers and as possible drug targets are also reviewed.

SUMMARY

miRNA profiles in in vitro and in vivo studies as well as in human peripheral blood are quite representative of the miRNA expression in human atherosclerotic plaques. miRNAs appear promising in terms of future clinical applications.

miR-21 promotes fibrogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of epicardial mesothelial cells involving Programmed Cell Death 4 and Sprouty-1

The lining of the adult heart contains epicardial mesothelial cells (EMCs) that have the potential to undergo fibrogenic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) during cardiac injury. EMT of EMCs has therefore been suggested to contribute to the heterogeneous fibroblast pool that mediates cardiac fibrosis. However, the molecular basis of this process is poorly understood. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to regulate a number of sub-cellular events in cardiac disease. Hence, we hypothesized that miRNAs regulate fibrogenic EMT in the adult heart. Indeed pro-fibrogenic stimuli, especially TGF-β, promoted EMT progression in EMC cultures, which resulted in differential expression of numerous miRNAs, especially the pleiotropic miR-21. Accordingly, ectopic expression of miR-21 substantially promoted the fibroblast-like phenotype arising from fibrogenic EMT, whereas an antagonist that targeted miR-21 blocked this effect, as assessed on the E-cadherin/α-smooth muscle actin balance, cell viability, matrix activity, and cell motility, thus making miR-21 a relevant target of EMC-derived fibrosis. Several mRNA targets of miR-21 was differentially regulated during fibrogenic EMT of EMCs and miR-21-dependent targeting of Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) and Sprouty Homolog 1 (SPRY1) significantly contributed to the development of a fibroblastoid phenotype. However, PDCD4- and SPRY1-targeting was not entirely ascribable to all phenotypic effects from miR-21, underscoring the pleiotropic biological role of miR-21 and the increasing number of recognized miR-21 targets.

MicroRNA in diabetic nephropathy: renin angiotensin, aGE/RAGE, and oxidative stress pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a novel class of small, noncoding RNA molecules that have gained the attention of many researchers in recent years due to their ability to posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of families of genes simultaneously. Their role in normal physiology and pathobiology is intriguing and their regulation in normal and disease states is fascinating. That the cells can return to a state of homeostasis when these small molecules are perturbed is truly remarkable given the multiple cellular targets of each miRNA and that many mRNAs are targeted by multiple miRNAs. Several reviews have covered aspects of miRNA function in biology and disease. Here, we review the role of miRNA in regulating the renin-angiotensin system, AGE/RAGE signalling, and under conditions of oxidative stress in the context of diabetic nephropathy.

DNA damage and repair in atherosclerosis: current insights and future perspectives

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Western populations. Over the past two decades, considerable evidence has supported a crucial role for DNA damage in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. These findings support the concept that the prolonged exposure to risk factors (e.g., dyslipidemia, smoking and diabetes mellitus) leading to reactive oxygen species are major stimuli for DNA damage within the plaque. Genomic instability at the cellular level can directly affect vascular function, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and premature vascular senescence. The purpose of this paper is to review current knowledge on the role of DNA damage and DNA repair systems in atherosclerosis, as well as to discuss the cellular response to DNA damage in order to shed light on possible strategies for prevention and treatment.

MicroRNA-145 post-transcriptionally regulates the expression and function of P-glycoprotein in intestinal epithelial cells

P-glycoprotein (P-gp/MDR1) is a multispecific efflux transporter regulating the pharmacokinetics of various drugs. Although P-gp expression in the small intestine is elevated after liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, the regulatory mechanism remains to be clarified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of the expression of drug transporters. Here, we investigated the intestinal expression profile of miRNAs after liver I/R and the role of miRNAs in the post-transcriptional regulation of P-gp in intestinal epithelial cells. Microarray analysis showed that microRNA-145 (miR-145) level was decreased in the small intestine of I/R rats. This downregulation of miR-145 was further confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In silico analysis revealed that 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of rat Mdr1a, mouse Mdr1a, and human MDR1 mRNA retain binding sites for miR-145. Luciferase assays using MDR1 3'-UTR reporter plasmid in HEK293 cells showed that luciferase activity was decreased by the overexpression of miR-145, and the deletion of miR-145 binding site within MDR1 3'-UTR abolished this decreased luciferase activity. The downregulation of miR-145 in Caco-2 cells, an epithelial cell line derived from human colon, increased P-gp expression and efflux activity of rhodamine 123, but not MDR1 mRNA level. These findings demonstrated that miR-145 negatively regulates the expression and function of P-gp through the repression of mRNA by direct interaction on the 3'-UTR of MDR1 mRNA. In addition, the downregulation of miR-145 should significantly contribute to the elevated intestinal P-gp expression after liver I/R. Our results provide new insight into the post-transcriptional regulation of intestinal P-gp.

Antagonist of microRNA-21 improves balloon injury-induced rat iliac artery remodeling by regulating proliferation and apoptosis of adventitial fibroblasts and myofibroblasts

Molecular pathways involved in adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) and myofibroblasts (MFs) proliferation and apoptosis contribute to vascular remodeling. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) plays an important role in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis of many cell types; however, the effect of miR-21 on AFs and MFs is still unknown. In this study, we found that miR-21 was expressed in AFs and overexpressed in MFs. Inhibition of miR-21 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of AFs and MFs, and overexpression of miR-21 with pre-miR-21 had the reverse effect. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, was validated as a direct target of miR-21 by dual-luciferase reporter assay and gain and loss of function of miR-21 in AFs and MFs. PDCD4 knockdown with siRNA partly rescued the reduced proliferation with miR-21 inhibition and alleviated the increased apoptosis induced by miR-21 inhibition in AFs and MFs. Moreover, increasing PDCD4 expression by miR-21 inhibition significantly decreased JNK/c-Jun activity. In contrast, decreasing PDCD4 expression by pre-miR-21 treatment increased JNK/c-Jun activity, while the effect of miR-21 inhibition on JNK/c-Jun activity could be rescued by PDCD4 siRNA. Moreover, miR-21 inhibition could regulate proliferation and apoptosis of vascular AFs and MFs in vivo. Furthermore, miR-21 inhibition reversed vascular remodeling induced by balloon injury. In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR-21 may have a critical role in regulating proliferation and apoptosis of AFs and MFs, and PDCD4 is a functional target gene involved in the miR-21-mediated cellular effects in vascular remodeling by a miR-21/PDCD4/JNK/c-Jun pathway.

Regulation of gastrointestinal motility--insights from smooth muscle biology

Gastrointestinal motility results from coordinated contractions of the tunica muscularis, the muscular layers of the alimentary canal. Throughout most of the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscles are organized into two layers of circularly or longitudinally oriented muscle bundles. Smooth muscle cells form electrical and mechanical junctions between cells that facilitate coordination of contractions. Excitation-contraction coupling occurs by Ca(2+) entry via ion channels in the plasma membrane, leading to a rise in intracellular Ca(2+). Ca(2+) binding to calmodulin activates myosin light chain kinase; subsequent phosphorylation of myosin initiates cross-bridge cycling. Myosin phosphatase dephosphorylates myosin to relax muscles, and a process known as Ca(2+) sensitization regulates the activity of the phosphatase. Gastrointestinal smooth muscles are 'autonomous' and generate spontaneous electrical activity (slow waves) that does not depend upon input from nerves. Intrinsic pacemaker activity comes from interstitial cells of Cajal, which are electrically coupled to smooth muscle cells. Patterns of contractile activity in gastrointestinal muscles are determined by inputs from enteric motor neurons that innervate smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells. Here we provide an overview of the cells and mechanisms that generate smooth muscle contractile behaviour and gastrointestinal motility.

Tissue- and plasma-specific MicroRNA signatures for atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive, gradual aortic rupture that results in death in the absence of surgical intervention. Key factors that regulate initiation and progression of AAA are unknown, making targeted interventions difficult. MicroRNAs play a fundamental role in atherosclerosis, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is characterized by tissue- and plasma-specific microRNA signatures. However, little is known about microRNAs involved in AAA pathology. This study examined tissue and plasma microRNAs specifically associated with AAA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

AAA and normal wall tissues were sampled from patients undergoing AAA repair (n=13; mean age, 68±6 years) and aortic valve replacement surgery (n=7; mean age, 66±4 years), respectively. MicroRNA expression was assessed by high-throughput microRNA arrays and validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction for individual microRNAs that showed significant expression differences in the initial screening. MicroRNAs related to fibrosis (miR-29b), inflammation (miR-124a, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223), and endothelium (miR-126, let-7 family members, and miR-21) were significantly upregulated in AAA tissue. Significant negative correlations were seen in expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and miR-124a, -146a, and -223; tumor necrosis factor-α and miR-126 and -223; and transforming growth factor-β and miR-146a. Expression of microRNAs, such as miR-29b, miR-124a, miR-155, and miR-223, that were upregulated in AAA tissue was significantly reduced in plasma of patients with AAA (n=23; mean age, 72±9 years) compared to healthy controls (n=12; mean age, 51±11 years) and patients with coronary artery disease (n=17; mean age, 71±9 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of some microRNAs was specifically upregulated in AAA tissue, warranting further studies on the microRNA function in AAA pathogenesis and on the possibility of using a microRNA biomarker for AAA diagnosis.

MicroRNA-145 protects cardiomyocytes against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptosis through targeting the mitochondria apoptotic pathway

MicroRNAs, a class of small and non-encoding RNAs that transcriptionally or post-transcriptionally modulate the expression of their target genes, has been implicated as critical regulatory molecules in many cardiovascular diseases, including ischemia/reperfusion induced cardiac injury. Here, we report microRNA-145, a tumor suppressor miRNA, can protect cardiomyocytes from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptosis through targeting the mitochondrial pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) demonstrated that the expression of miR-145 in either ischemia/reperfused mice myocardial tissues or H₂O₂-treated neonatal rat ventricle myocytes (NRVMs) was markedly down-regulated. Over-expression of miR-145 significantly inhibited the H₂O₂-induced cellular apoptosis, ROS production, mitochondrial structure disruption as well as the activation of key signaling proteins in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These protective effects of miR-145 were abrogated by over-expression of Bnip3, an initiation factor of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cardiomyocytes. Finally, we utilized both luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis to identify Bnip3 as a direct target of miR-145. Our results suggest miR-145 plays an important role in regulating mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in heart challenged with oxidative stress. MiR-145 may represent a potential therapeutic target for treatment of oxidative stress-associated cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

RNA interference links oxidative stress to the inhibition of heat stress adaptation

Increased oxidative stress is associated with various diseases and aging, while adaptation to heat stress is an important determinant of survival and contributes to longevity. However, the impact of oxidative stress on heat resistance remains largely unclear.

AIM

In this study we investigated how oxidative stress impinges on heat stress responses.

RESULTS

We report that hydrogen-peroxide (H(2)O(2)) pretreatment inhibits both acquired thermotolerance and heat-induced Hsp70 expression in mammalian cells, as well as acquired thermotolerance in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, via RNA interference. Moreover, we demonstrate that elimination of RNA interference by silencing key enzymes in microRNA biogenesis, dcr-1 or pash-1, restores the diminished intrinsic thermotolerance of aged and H(2)O(2)-elimination compromised (catalase-2 and peroxiredoxin-2 deficient) worms.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION

These results uncover a novel post-transcriptional element in the regulation of heat stress adaptation under oxidative conditions that may have implications in disease susceptibility and aging.

Roles of microRNAs in atherosclerosis and restenosis

Atherosclerosis is commonly appreciated to represent a chronic inflammatory response of the vascular wall, and its complications cause high mortality in patients. Angioplasty with stent replacement is commonly performed in patients with atherosclerotic disease. However, the restenosis usually has a high incidence rate in angioplasty patients. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and restenosis have been well established, new signaling molecules that control the progress of these pathologies have continuously been discovered. MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently emerged as a novel class of gene regulators that work via transcriptional degradation and translational inhibition or activation. Over 30% of genes in the cell can be directly regulated by miRs. Thus, miRs are recognized as crucial regulators in normal development, physiology and pathogenesis. Alterations of miR expression profiles have been revealed in diverse vascular diseases. A variety of functions of vascular cells, such as cell differentiation, contraction, migration, proliferation and inflammation that are involved in angiogenesis, neointimal formation and lipid metabolism underlying various vascular diseases, have been found to be regulated by miRs. This review summarizes current research progress and knowledge on the roles of miRs in regulating vascular cell function in atherosclerosis and restenosis. These discoveries are expected to present opportunities for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in vascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Inflammation regulates microRNA expression in cooperation with p53 and nitric oxide

microRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA targeting mRNAs leading to their instability and diminished translation. Altered expression of miRNA is associated with cancer. Inflammation and nitric oxide modulates the development of lymphomas in p53 knockout mice and there exists a negative feedback loop between p53 and NOS2. Using a genetic strategy, we tested the hypothesis that inflammation-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress modulates miRNA expression in mouse model deficient in either p53 or NOS2. Mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum), to induce inflammation, clearly separated from controls by their miRNA profiles in wild-type, p53- and NOS2-knockout genetic backgrounds. C. parvum-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.005) increased miR-21, miR-29b and miR-34a/b/c and decreased (p < 0.005) mir-29c and mir-181a/c expression in the spleen of C57BL mice. However, p53-knockout C57BL mice did not show a significant increase in the mir-34b/c or a decrease in mir-29c expression following C. parvum-induced inflammation. Expression of mir-21, mir-29b and mir-181a was independent of p53-status. NOS2-knockout C57BL mice showed a significant increase in miR-21 and miR-34a/b/c and decrease in miR-181a similar to the wild-type (WT) mice following C. parvum-induced inflammation. However, in contrast to the WT mice, miR-29b/c expression was not affected following C. parvum-induced inflammation in NOS2 knockout mice. N-acetyl cysteine, an anti-oxidant, reduced the expression of miR-21 and miR-29b in C. parvum-treated WT mice (p < 0.005) as compared with control C. parvum-treated mice. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that inflammation modulates miRNA expression in vivo and the alteration in specific miRNA under an inflammatory microenvironment, can be influenced by p53 (miR-34b/c) and NO(•) (29b/c).

Role of microRNAs in peripheral artery disease (review)

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involves a general vascular problem of diffuse atherosclerosis. The key pathological process is characterized by the aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the formation of neointimal lesions. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the occurrence and development of PAD remain unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved 20-25 nt-long non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Recent evidence has demonstrated that specific miRNAs are involved in the pathological processes of PAD, and these miRNAs are found to be critical modulators of vascular cell functions, including cell differentiation, contraction, migration, proliferation and apoptosis. This review summarizes findings of studies regarding the roles of specific miRNAs in PAD.

Post-transcriptional regulation of placenta growth factor mRNA by hydrogen peroxide

In tissues containing pre-existing collateral vessels, occlusion of an upstream supply artery results in diversion of blood flow through these vessels, protecting the distal tissue from ischemia. The sudden rise in blood flow through collateral vessels exerts shear stress upon the vessel wall, thereby providing the initial stimulus for arteriogenesis. Arteriogenesis, the structural expansion of collateral circulation, involves smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation which leads to increased vessel diameter and wall thickness. Since shear is sensed at the level of endothelial cells (EC), communication from EC to the underlying SMC must occur as part of this process. We previously reported that endothelial cells (EC) exposed to shear stress release hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and that H(2)O(2) can signal vascular SMC to increase gene and protein expression of placenta growth factor (PLGF), a known mediator of arteriogenesis. The purpose of the current study was to further elucidate the mechanism whereby PLGF is regulated by H(2)O(2). We found that a single, physiological dose of H(2)O(2) increases PLGF mRNA half-life, but has no effect on PLGF promoter activity, in human coronary artery SMC (CASMC). We further demonstrated that the H(2)O(2)-induced increase in PLGF mRNA levels partially relies on p38 MAPK, JNK and ERK1/2 pathways. Finally, we showed that chronic exposure to pathological levels of H(2)O(2) further increases PLGF mRNA levels, but does not result in a corresponding increase in PLGF secreted protein. These data suggest that PLGF regulation has an important translational component. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize post-transcriptional regulation of PLGF mRNA by H(2)O(2) in vascular SMC. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of this important growth factor and increase our understanding of PLGF-driven arteriogenesis.