The multilayered complexity of ceRNA crosstalk and competition

Identification of Key lncRNAs in Gout Under Copper Death and Iron Death Mechanisms: A Study Based on ceRNA Network Analysis and Random Forest Algorithm

This study focused on identifying potential key lncRNAs associated with gout under the mechanisms of copper death and iron death through ceRNA network analysis and Random Forest (RF) algorithm, which aimed to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of gout, and potential molecular targets for future therapeutic strategies of gout. Initially, we conducted an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of gout microarray chips to screen the key cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and key ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). Using these data, we constructed a key ceRNA network for gout. Finally, key lncRNAs associated with gout were identified through the RF algorithm combined with ROC curves, and validated using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). We successfully identified NLRP3, LIPT1, and DBT as key CRGs associated with gout, and G6PD, PRKAA1, LIG3, PHF21A, KLF2, PGRMC1, JUN, PANX2, and AR as key FRGs associated with gout. The key ceRNA network identified four downregulated key lncRNAs (SEPSECS-AS1, LINC01054, REV3L-IT1, and ZNF883) along with three downregulated mRNAs (DBT, AR, and PRKAA1) based on the ceRNA theory. According to CTD validation inference scores and biological functions of target mRNAs, we identified a potential gout-associated lncRNA ZNF883/hsa-miR-539-5p/PRKAA1 regulatory axis. This study identified the key lncRNA ZNF883 in the context of copper death and iron death mechanisms related to gout for the first time through the application of ceRNA network analysis and the RF algorithm, thereby filling a research gap in this field and providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of gout. We further found that lncRNA ZNF883 might function in gout patients by regulating PRKAA1, the mechanism of which was potentially related to uric acid reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules and inflammation regulation. The proposed lncRNA ZNF883/hsa-miR-539-5p/PRKAA1 regulatory axis might represent a potential RNA regulatory pathway for controlling the progression of gout disease. This discovery offered new molecular targets for the treatment of gout, and had significant implications for future therapeutic strategies in managing the gout.

LncRNA LUESCC promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the miR-6785-5p/NRSN2 axis

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal malignancies with high mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in human cancers, including ESCC. However, the detailed mechanisms of lncRNAs in the regulation of ESCC progression remain incompletely understood. LUESCC was upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, which was associated with gender, deep invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. LUESCC was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of ESCC cells. Knockdown of LUESCC inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigation indicated that LUESCC functions as a ceRNA by sponging miR-6785-5p to enhance NRSN2 expression, which is critical for the malignant behaviors of ESCC. Furthermore, ASO targeting LUESCC substantially suppressed ESCC both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these data demonstrate that LUESCC may exerts its oncogenic role by sponging miR-6785-5p to promote NRSN2 expression in ESCC, providing a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC patients.

Nanoplastic propels diet-induced NAFL to NASH via ER-mitochondrial tether-controlled redox switch

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is multifactorial that lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to its onset and progression, thereby posing a challenge for therapeutic intervention. Nanoplastic (NP) is emerged as a novel environmental metabolism disruptor but the etiopathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, C57BL/6 J mice were fed with normal chow diet (NCD) and high-fat diet (HFD) containing 70 nm polystyrene microspheres (NP). We found that dietary-derived NP adsorbed proteins and agglomerated during the in vivo transportation, enabling diet-induced hepatic steatosis to NASH. Mechanistically, NP promoted liver steatosis by upregulating Fatp2. Furthermore, NP stabilized the Ip3r1, and facilitated ER-mitochondria contacts (MAMs) assembly in the hepatocytes, resulting in mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and redox imbalance. The redox-sensitive Nrf2 was decreased in the liver of NP-exposed mice, which positively regulated miR26a via direct binding to its promoter region [-970 bp to -847 bp and -318 bp to -176 bp]. NP decreased miR26a simultaneously upregulated 10 genes involved in MAMs formation, lipid uptake, inflammation, and fibrosis. Moreover, miR26a inhibition elevated MAMs-tether Vdac1, which promoted the nucleus translocation of NF-κB P65 and Keap1 and functionally inactivated Nrf2, leading to a vicious cycle. Hepatocyte-specific overexpressing miR26a effectively restored ER-mitochondria miscommunication and ameliorated NASH phenotype in NP-exposed and Keap1-overexpressed mice on HFD. The hepatic MAM-tethers/Nrf2/miR26a feedback loop is an essential metabolic switch from simple steatosis to NASH and a promising therapeutic target for oxidative stress-associated liver damage and NASH.

The Role of Circular RNA Variants Generated from the NFIX Gene in Different Diseases

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as important regulators in different developmental processes and disease pathogenesis. The loop structure of circRNAs makes them very stable in different conditions and microenvironments. circRNAs can affect microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) activity, encode functional proteins and regulate gene transcription. Recently, two circNFIX variants derived from the same gene, the Nuclear Factor I X (NFIX) gene, were determined as participants in the pathological processes of various diseases such as heart diseases and cancers. Both circNFIX variants are exonic circular RNAs and mainly function by sponging miRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on circRNAs, elucidate the origins and properties of two circNFIX variants, explore the roles of two circNFIX variants in different diseases, and present clinical perspectives.

Circular RNA circ-SLC7A5 Functions as a Competing Endogenous RNA to Impact Cell Biological Behaviors in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have profound effects on establishment and pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we defined whether circRNA solute carrier family 7 member 5 (circ-SLC7A5, also called hsa_circ_0040796) is causally involved in the pathogenesis of ESCC.

METHODS

Circ-SLC7A5, microRNA (miR)-874-3p and coronin-1C (CORO1C) expression levels were gauged by qRT-PCR or immunoblotting. Cell functional phenotypes were tested by colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, transwell and wound-healing assays. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to ascertained circ-SLC7A5/miR-874-3p and miR-874-3p/CORO1C relationships.

RESULTS

Circ-SLC7A5 was highly expressed in human ESCC. Circ-SLC7A5 depletion impaired cell growth, migration, invasiveness, and promoted apoptosis. Circ-SLC7A5 knockdown diminished ESCC cell tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, circ-SLC7A5 contained a binding site for miR-874-3p. Also, miR-874-3p was responsible for circ-SLC7A5's function in ESCC cells. CORO1C was a direct miR-874-3p target. Circ-SLC7A5 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to control CORO1C by competing for shared miR-874-3p. Furthermore, CORO1C knockdown phenocopied miR-874-3p overexpression in impacting the biological behaviors of ESCC cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings identify circ-SLC7A5 as a crucial modulator of ESCC cells and establish a novel circ-SLC7A5/miR-874-3p/CORO1C ceRNA network in ESCC.

Non-coding RNAs in diabetic foot ulcer- a focus on infected wounds

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide range of neuropathies, vasculopathies, and immunopathies, resulting in many complications. More than 30% of diabetic patients risk developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play essential roles in various biological functions in the hyperglycaemic environment that determines the development of DFU. Ulceration results in tissue breakdown and skin barrier scavenging, thereby facilitating bacterial infection and biofilm formation. Many bacteria contribute to diabetic foot infection (DFI), including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) et al. A heterogeneous group of "ncRNAs," termed small RNAs (sRNAs), powerfully regulates biofilm formation and DFI healing. Multidisciplinary foot care interventions have been identified for nonhealing ulcers. With an appreciation of the link between disease processes and ncRNAs, a novel therapeutic model of bioactive materials loaded with ncRNAs has been developed to prevent and manage diabetic foot complications.

The impact of LncRNA-SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 Axis on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression: Insights from bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

LncRNA SRY-box transcription factor 2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) is linked to multiple cancers, but its specific role and mechanism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain poorly understood.

METHODS

We harnessed clinical data and HNSCC transcriptome profiles from UCSC Xena, TCGA, and GEO databases. Employing various algorithms, we assessed the correlation between SOX2-OT expression and the HNSCC immune microenvironment. Differential expression analysis identified immune-enriched miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Utilizing miRanda, miRWalk, and Cytoscape, we constructed a ceRNA network encompassing SOX2-OT, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs. A Sankey diagram visualized pivotal SOX2-OT-miRNA-mRNA-pathways. Functional assays validated SOX2-OT silencing effects in HNSCC cells. Luciferase reporter assays verified SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 relationships. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model revealed SOX2-OT's impact on xenograft growth and lung metastasis.

RESULTS

SOX2-OT expression demonstrated a predominantly positive correlation with B lineage and VTCN1, while manifesting a negative correlation with Neutrophil and CD47 in HNSCC tissues. We discerned a ceRNA network comprising 65 DEmiRNAs and 116 DEmRNAs, while a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed 97 protein nodes among DEmRNAs. Notably, the Sankey diagram spotlighted six key DEmRNAs intricately linked to the SOX2-OT-regulated DEmiRNAs immune-related pathway. Experimental assays established that SOX2-OT silencing exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, tumor growth, and lung metastasis within HNSCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. We identified let-7c-3p as a target miRNA of SOX2-OT and SKP2 as a target mRNA of let-7c-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study establishes the critical SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 axis as a pivotal regulator of HNSCC tumorigenesis and metastasis.

LncRNA MSC-AS1 regulates SNIP1 SUMOylation-mediated EMT by binding to SENP1 to promote intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease

As a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), the mechanism underlying CD intestinal fibrosis remains unclear. Studies have shown that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of intestinal fibrosis in CD. It is currently known that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MSC-AS1 plays an important role in regulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators and EMT; however, its role in intestinal fibrosis remains unclear. MSC-AS1 was significantly upregulated in the CD intestinal tissue and intestinal tissue of mice treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Downregulation of its expression can inhibit EMT and alleviates intestinal fibrosis by regulating SNIP1. In addition, MSC-AS1 directly interacted with SENP1, blocking the deSUMOylation of SNIP1 and inhibiting its activity. Furthermore, we found that SENP1 enhanced the expression of SNIP1 and reduced intestinal fibrosis. In summary, MSC-AS1 regulates EMT through the SENP1/SNIP1 axis to promote fibrosis, and may be considered a potential molecular target for the treatment of CD and intestinal fibrosis.

The role of lncRNA HCG18 in human diseases

A substantial number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potent regulators of human disease. Human leukocyte antigen complex group 18 (HCG18) is a new type of lncRNA that has recently been proven to play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Studies have found that abnormal expression of HCG18 is closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics of many diseases. More importantly, HCG18 was also found to promote disease progression by affecting a series of cell biological processes. This article mainly discusses the expression characteristics, clinical characteristics, biological effects and related regulatory mechanisms of HCG18 in different human diseases, providing a scientific theoretical basis for its early clinical application.

Bovine enhancer-regulated circSGCB acts as a ceRNA to regulate skeletal muscle development via enhancing KLF3 expression

Skeletal muscle growth and development in livestock and poultry play a pivotal role in determining the quality and yield of meat production. However, the mechanisms of myogenesis are remained unclear due to it finely regulated by a complex network of biological macromolecules. In this study, leveraging previous sequencing data, we investigated a differentially expressed circular RNA (circSGCB) present in fetal and adult muscle tissues among various ruminant species, including cattle, goat, and sheep. Our analysis revealed that circSGCB is a single exon circRNA, potentially regulated by an adjacent bovine enhancer. Functional analysis through loss-of-function tests demonstrated that circSGCB exerts inhibitory effects on bovine myoblast proliferation while promoting myocytes generation. Furthermore, we discovered that circSGCB primarily localizes to the cytoplasm, where it functions as a molecular sponge by binding to bta-miR-27a-3p. This interaction releases the mRNAs of KLF3 gene and further activates downstream functional pathways. In vivo, studies provided evidence that up-regulation of KLF3 contributes to muscle regeneration. These findings collectively suggest that circSGCB operates via a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism to regulate KLF3, thereby influencing myogenesis in ruminants and highlights it may as potential molecular targets for enhancing meat production in livestock and poultry industries.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00491 accelerates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression through regulating miR-508-3p/SATB1 axis and activating Wnt signaling pathway

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignancy of the head and neck epidermis. Accumulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to be involved in the occurrence and development of HNSCC. LncRNA long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 491 (LINC00491) has been confirmed to regulate the progression of some cancers. In our study, we aimed to explore the potential biological function of LINC00491 and expound the regulatory mechanism by which LINC00491 affects the progression of HNSCC. RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze the expression of LINC00491 in HNSCC cell lines and the normal cell line. Functionally, we carried out a series of assays to measure cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, such as EdU assay, colony formation, wound healing and western blot assays. Also, mechanism assays including RNA pull down and RIP were also implemented to investigate the interaction of LINC00491 and RNAs. As a result, we discovered that LINC00491 was highly expressed in HNSCC cells. In addition, LINC00491 depletion suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT process. Furthermore, we discovered that LINC00491 could bind to miR-508-3p. MiR-508-3p overexpression can restrain HNSCC cell growth. Importantly, miR-508-3p can target SATB homeobox 1 (SATB1) in HNSCC cells. Further, Wnt signaling pathway was proved to be activated by LINC00491 through SATB1 in HNSCC cells. In a word, LINC00491 accelerated HNSCC progression through regulating miR-508-3p/SATB1 axis and activating Wnt signaling pathway.

METTL3 as a novel diagnosis and treatment biomarker and its association with glycolysis, cuproptosis and ceRNA in oesophageal carcinoma

METTL3 has been shown to be involved in regulating a variety of biological processes. However, the relationship between METTL3 expression and glycolysis, cuproptosis-related genes and the ceRNA network in oesophageal carcinoma (ESCA) remains unclear. ESCA expression profiles from databases were obtained, and target genes were identified using differential analysis and visualization. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining assessed METTL3 expression differences. Functional enrichment analysis using GO, KEGG and GSEA was conducted on the co-expression profile of METTL3. Cell experiments were performed to assess the effect of METTL3 interference on tumour cells. Correlation and differential analyses were carried out to assess the relationship between METTL3 with glycolysis and cuproptosis. qRT-PCR was used to validate the effects of METTL3 interference on glycolysis-related genes. Online tools were utilized to screen and construct ceRNA networks based on the ceRNA theory. METTL3 expression was significantly higher in ESCA compared to the controls. The IHC results were consistent with the above results. Enrichment analysis revealed that METTL3 is involved in multiple pathways associated with tumour development. Significant correlations were observed between METTL3 and glycolysis-related genes and cuproptosis-related gene. Experiments confirmed that interfered with METTL3 significantly inhibited glucose uptake and lactate production in tumour cells, and affected the expression of glycolytic-related genes. Finally, two potential ceRNA networks were successfully predicted and constructed. Our study establishes the association between METTL3 overexpression and ESCA progression. Additionally, we propose potential links between METTL3 and glycolysis, cuproptosis and ceRNA, presenting a novel targeted therapy strategy for ESCA.

miR-203a-A multifaceted regulator modulating cancer hallmarks and therapy response

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs of about 19-25 nucleotides, which serve as critical modulators of various cellular and biological processes by target gene regulation. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs modulates the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including cancer. Among miRNAs, miR-203a is one of the most extensively researched dysregulated miRNAs in different cancers. Our review investigated the roles of miR-203a in the hallmarks of cancer modulating different pathways through target gene regulations, chemoresistance, its crosstalk with other ncRNAs or genes in terms of ceRNAs impacting oncogenesis, and its potential applications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapeutic responses in different cancer types. miR-203a impacts cancer cell behavior by regulating these exclusive hallmarks- sustaining proliferation, cell growth, invasion and metastasis, cell death, and angiogenesis. Besides, miR-203a is found in human circulating biofluids like plasma or serum of colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, hinting at its potential as a biomarker. Further, miR-203a is involved in enhancing the chemosensitivity of cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil in a variety of malignancies through their cognate target genes. These results suggest that miR-203a is a crucial multifaceted miRNA that controls cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemotherapy response, shedding new light on its possible application.

Circular RNA circWNK1 inhibits the progression of gastric cancer via regulating the miR-21-3p/SMAD7 axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options for advanced-stage patients. Recent studies have highlighted the role of circular RNA (circRNA) as a novel regulator of cancer progression in various malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms by which circRNA contributes to the development and progression of GC remain poorly understood. In this study, we utilized microarrays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to identify and validate a downregulated circRNA, hsa_circ_0003251 (referred to as circWNK1), in paired GC and normal tissues. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays, we demonstrated that circWNK1 exerts inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells. Additionally, we discovered that circWNK1 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for SMAD7 by sequestering miR-21-3p. Our findings were supported by comprehensive biological information analysis, as well as RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter gene, and western blot assays. Notably, the downregulation of circWNK1 in GC cells resulted in reduced SMAD7 expression, subsequently activating the TGF-β signaling pathway. Collectively, our study reveals that circWNK1 functions as a tumor suppressor in GC by regulating the miR-21-3p/SMAD7-mediated TGF-β signaling pathway. Furthermore, circWNK1 holds promise as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Transcriptome sequencing of circular RNA reveals the involvement of hsa-SCMH1_0001 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Exosomes are endosome-derived extracellular vesicles that can take part in intercellular communication. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs characterized by covalently closed-loop structures, which perform a crucial function in many diseases.

AIM

To clarify the expression and function of exosomal circRNSs of PD patients and look for circRNAs that might be related to the pathogenesis of PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined circRNA and mRNA expression profiles in peripheral exosomes from PD patients (n = 23) and healthy controls (n = 15) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, functional annotation, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Correlation analysis was performed between the expression levels of the circRNAs and the clinical characteristics of PD patients. The binding miRNAs and target genes were predicted using TargetScanHuman, miRDB, and miRTarBase. The predicted target genes were compared with the differentially expressed mRNAs in sequencing results.

RESULTS

According to the NGS, 62 upregulated and 37 downregulated circRNAs in the PD group were screened out. Correlation analysis revealed that hsa-SCMH1_0001 has strong clinical relevance. We identified 17 potential binding miRNAs of hsa-SCMH1_0001 with 149 potential target genes. ARID1A and C1orf115 belong to the intersection of the predicted target genes and the differentially expressed mRNAs obtained by sequencing.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that hsa-SCMH1_0001 and its target genes ARID1A and C1orf115 are downregulated in PD patients and may be involved in the occurrence of PD.

Expression and clinical significance of hypoxia-induced long non-coding RNA TCONS_I2_00001955 in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play important roles in occurrence, development, and metastasis of various tumors. We aimed to screen long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that promote invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells under hypoxia, and investigate the relationship between lncRNA expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis in invasive breast cancer.

METHODS

LncRNA microarray was used to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs in MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines cultured under normoxia and hypoxia, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the microarray results. CCK8 and Transwell experiments were performed to identify the lncRNA that promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Expression of the lncRNA and HIF-1α in invasive breast cancer was detected by RNAscope and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Correlation between the lncRNA expression and baseline characteristics was analyzed. Prognostic value of the lncRNA was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

Expression of lncRNA TCONS_I2_00001955 in all the three breast cancer cells was increased under hypoxia. Overexpression of TCONS_I2_00001955 significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion of SKBR3 cells. Positive expression of TCONS_I2_00001955 was associated with recurrence, metastasis, and high expression of HIF-1α (P < 0.05), and it was an independent risk factor for poor disease-free survival of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Hypoxia-induced lncRNA TCONS_I2_00001955 was associated with aggressive feature and poor prognosis of breast cancer.

Role of long non-coding RNA in chemoradiotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Common treatment methods for NPC include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical intervention. Despite these approaches, the prognosis for NPC remains poor due to treatment resistance and recurrence. Hence, there is a crucial need for more comprehensive research into the mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in NPC. Long non coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are elongated RNA molecules that do not encode proteins. They paly significant roles in various biological processes within tumors, such as chemotherapy resistance, radiation resistance, and tumor recurrence. Recent studies have increasingly unveiled the mechanisms through which LncRNAs contribute to treatment resistance in NPC. Consequently, LncRNAs hold promise as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosing NPC. This review provides an overview of the role of LncRNAs in NPC treatment resistance and explores their potential as therapeutic targets for managing NPC.

The miRNA-target interactions: An underestimated intricacy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play indispensable roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Their cellular regulatory impact is determined not solely by their sheer number, which likely amounts to >2000 individual miRNAs in human, than by the regulatory effectiveness of single miRNAs. Although, one begins to develop an understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying miRNA-target interactions (MTIs), the overall knowledge of MTI functionality is still rather patchy. In this critical review, we summarize key features of mammalian MTIs. We especially highlight latest insights on (i) the dynamic make-up of miRNA binding sites including non-canonical binding sites, (ii) the cooperativity between miRNA binding sites, (iii) the adaptivity of MTIs through sequence modifications, (iv) the bearing of intra-cellular miRNA localization changes and (v) the role of cell type and cell status specific miRNA interaction partners. The MTI biology is discussed against the background of state-of-the-art approaches with particular emphasis on experimental strategies for evaluating miRNA functionality.

Conceptual breakthroughs of the long noncoding RNA functional system and its endogenous regulatory role in the cancerous regime

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from noncoding regions in the human genome were once regarded as junks with no biological significance, but recent studies have shown that these molecules are highly functional, prompting an explosion of studies on their biology. However, these recent efforts have only begun to recognize the biological significance of a small fraction (< 1%) of the lncRNAs. The basic concept of these lncRNA functions remains controversial. This controversy arises primarily from conventional biased observations based on limited datasets. Fortunately, emerging big data provides a promising path to circumvent conventional bias to understand an unbiased big picture of lncRNA biology and advance the fundamental principles of lncRNA biology. This review focuses on big data studies that break through the critical concepts of the lncRNA functional system and its endogenous regulatory roles in all cancers. lncRNAs have unique functional systems distinct from proteins, such as transcriptional initiation and regulation, and they abundantly interact with mitochondria and consume less energy. lncRNAs, rather than proteins as traditionally thought, function as the most critical endogenous regulators of all cancers. lncRNAs regulate the cancer regulatory regime by governing the endogenous regulatory network of all cancers. This is accomplished by dominating the regulatory network module and serving as a key hub and top inducer. These critical conceptual breakthroughs lay a blueprint for a comprehensive functional picture of the human genome. They also lay a blueprint for combating human diseases that are regulated by lncRNAs.

LINC00858 facilitates formation of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer via regulating the miR-132-3p/IGF2BP1 axis

Hepatic metastasis is a major cause of colorectal cancer (CRC)-related deaths. Presently, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hepatic metastases from CRC is elusive. We dissected possible interplay between LINC00858/miR-132-3p/IGF2BP1 via bioinformatics approaches. Subsequently we analyzed mRNA expression of LINC00858, miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1 through qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of IGF2BP1. RNA immunoprecipitation chip and dual-luciferase assay validated interaction between LINC00858 and miR-132-3p, as well as miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1. Cell viability, invasion, and migration were examined via CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays. Effect of LINC00858 on CRC hepatic metastases was validated via in vivo assay. Upregulated LINC00858 and IGF2BP1, and downregulated miR-132-3p were predicted in tumor tissues of patients with hepatic metastases from CRC. There were targeting relationships between LINC00858 and miR-132-3p, as well as miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1. Besides, LINC00858 facilitated progression of CRC cells. Rescue assay suggested that silencing LINC00858 suppressed CRC cell progression, while further silencing miR-132-3p or overexpressing IGF2BP1 reversed such effects. LINC00858 could facilitate CRC tumor growth and hepatic metastases. LINC00858 induced CRC hepatic metastases via regulating miR-132-3p/ IGF2BP1, and this study may deliver a new diagnostic marker for the disease.

lncRNA CYTOR promotes lung adenocarcinoma gemcitabine resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by sponging miR-125a-5p and upregulating ANLN and RRM2

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most aggressive types of lung cancer. The prognosis of LUAD patients remains poor, and the overall efficacy of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is still unsatisfactory. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in several cancer types by interacting with multiple proteins, RNA, and DNA. However, the relationship between lncRNA dysregulation and gemcitabine resistance in LUAD has not been fully elucidated. In this study, lncRNA CYTOR expression and its association with the prognosis of LUAD patients are assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In vitro and in vivo functional studies are conducted to evaluate the biological functions of CYTOR in LUAD. The underlying mechanism regarding the tumor-promoting effects of CYTOR is explored using RNA immunoprecipitation, biotin-labelled RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter assays, and western blot analysis. We identify that CYTOR is an oncogenic lncRNA and is apparently upregulated in LUAD by analysing TCGA-LUAD data. High CYTOR expression is a poor prognostic factor for LUAD. Functional studies reveal that CYTOR confers LUAD cells with stronger resistance to gemcitabine treatment and upregulates the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Mechanically, CYTOR acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to absorb miR-125a-5p, weakens the antitumor function of miR-125a-5p, and ultimately upregulates ANLN and RRM2 expressions. Taken together, this study explains the mechanism of lncRNA in the gemcitabine resistance of LUAD and formulates a theoretical framework for the in depth study of LUAD.

Circ-Luc7l Absence Attenuates Diabetic Nephropathy Progression by Reducing Mesangial Cell Excessive Proliferation, Inflammation, and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation via Mediating the miR-205-5p/Tgfbr1 Pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) threatens the survival quality of patients, with complex pathogenesis. Circular RNA (circRNA) dysregulation occurs in DN development. This work aimed to investigate the role of circ-Luc7l in DN cell models and related molecular mechanisms. The expression of circ-Luc7l, microRNA (miR)-205-5p, and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (Tgfbr1) was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell viability and proliferation were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and EdU assay. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related markers and Tgrbr1 protein was measured by Western blot. The binding between miR-205-5p and circ-Luc7l or Tgfbr1 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, or RNA pull-down assay. Experimental animal models were established to elucidate the function of circ-Luc7l in vivo. Circ-Luc7l expression was notably enhanced in high glucose (HG)-treated mesangial cells. Knockdown of circ-Luc7l attenuated HG-induced cell proliferation, inflammation, and ECM accumulation in vitro and relieved inflammation and ECM accumulation of kidneys of diabetic mice in vivo. Circ-Luc7l targeted miR-205-5p, and miR-205-5p inhibition rescued the depletion effects of circ-Luc7l knockdown on cell proliferation, inflammation, and ECM accumulation. MiR-205-5p bound to Tgfbr1 whose expression was negatively regulated by circ-Luc7l. Tgfbr1 overexpression also rescued the depletion effects of circ-Luc7l knockdown on cell proliferation, inflammation, and ECM accumulation. In HG conditions, increased circ-Luc7l upregulated Tgfbr1 expression via targeting miR-205-5p to induce DN progression.

Identification of functional genes in liver fibrosis based on bioinformatics analysis of a lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a major global healths problem; nevertheless, its molecular mechanism are not completely clear. This study aimed to build a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, identify potentially related lncRNAs, and explore the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Gene Expression Omnibus databases and bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between liver fibrosis and normal tissues. The ceRNA network was constructed according to the interactions between DElncRNA, miRNA, and DEmRNA. Then, these DEGs were identified using functional enrichment analysis, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. The critical lncRNAs were verified using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

The ceRNA network was composed of three lncRNAs, five miRNAs, and 93 mRNAs. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enhancement in cell components, molecular function, and biological process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed pathways associated with transcriptional misregulation in cancer, including the Rap1 signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, mineral absorption, HTLV-l infection, and central carbon metabolism in cancer. According to the PPI network and the GSE84044 database, seven hub genes associated with liver fibrosis were identified. In addition, qRT-PCR revealed that lncRNA AC100861 (lncRNA TNFRSF10A-DT) was explicitly decreased in liver fibrosis tissues and activated hepatic stellate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study preliminarily found that lncRNA TNFRSF10A-DT may be a biomarker for the diagnosis and outcome of liver fibrosis. We uncovered a novel lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.

Functional enrichment analysis reveals the involvement of DARS2 in multiple biological pathways and its potential as a therapeutic target in esophageal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The enzyme Aspartyl tRNA synthetase 2 (DARS2) is a crucial enzyme in the mitochondrial tRNA synthesis pathway, playing a critical role in maintaining normal mitochondrial function and protein synthesis. However, the role of DARS2 in ESCA is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Transcriptional data of pan-cancer and ESCA were downloaded from UCSC XENA, TCGA, and GEO databases to analyze the differential expression of DARS2 between tumor samples and normal samples, and its correlation with clinicopathological features of ESCA patients. R was used for GO, KEGG, and GSEA functional enrichment analysis of DARS2 co-expression and to analyze the connection of DARS2 with glycolysis and m6A-related genes. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the effects of interfering with DARS2 expression on ESCA cells. TarBase v.8, mirDIP, miRTarBase, ENCORI, and miRNet databases were used to analyze and construct a ceRNA network containing DARS2.

RESULTS

DARS2 was overexpressed in various types of tumors. In vitro experiments confirmed that interfering with DARS2 expression significantly affected the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle, and glycolysis of ESCA cells. DARS2 may be involved in multiple biological pathways related to tumor development. Furthermore, correlation and differential analysis revealed that DARS2 may regulate ESCA m6A modification through its interaction with METTL3 and YTHDF1. A ceRNA network containing DARS2, DLEU2/has-miR-30a-5p/DARS2, was successfully predicted and constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal the upregulation of DARS2 in ESCA and its association with clinical features, glycolysis pathway, m6A modification, and ceRNA network. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ESCA.

Blockade of the lncRNA-DOT1L-LAMP5 axis enhances autophagy and promotes degradation of MLL fusion proteins

BACKGROUND

Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion gene caused by chromosomal rearrangement is a dominant oncogenic driver in leukemia. Due to having diverse MLL rearrangements and complex characteristics, MLL leukemia treated by currently available strategies is frequently associated with a poor outcome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets for hematological malignancies with MLL rearrangements.

METHODS

qRT-PCR, western blot, and spearman correction analysis were used to validate the regulation of LAMP5-AS1 on LAMP5 expression. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the functional relevance of LAMP5-AS1 in MLL leukemia cell survival. We utilized chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) assay, RNA pull-down assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunofluorescence to elucidate the relationship among LAMP5-AS1, DOT1L, and the LAMP5 locus. Autophagy regulation by LAMP5-AS1 was evaluated through LC3B puncta, autolysosome observation via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and mRFP-GFP-LC3 puncta in autophagic flux.

RESULTS

The study shows the crucial role of LAMP5-AS1 in promoting MLL leukemia cell survival. LAMP5-AS1 acts as a novel autophagic suppressor, safeguarding MLL fusion proteins from autophagic degradation. Knocking down LAMP5-AS1 significantly induced apoptosis in MLL leukemia cell lines and primary cells and extended the survival of mice in vivo. Mechanistically, LAMP5-AS1 recruits the H3K79 histone methyltransferase DOT1L to LAMP5 locus, directly activating LAMP5 expression. Importantly, blockade of LAMP5-AS1-LAMP5 axis can represses MLL fusion proteins by enhancing their degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the significance of LAMP5-AS1 in MLL leukemia progression through the regulation of the autophagy pathway. Additionally, this study unveils the novel lncRNA-DOT1L-LAMP5 axis as promising therapeutic targets for degrading MLL fusion proteins.

Pan-Cancer Analysis of PGAM1 and Its Experimental Validation in Uveal Melanoma Progression

Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is a key enzyme regulating cancer glycolysis. However, the expression and function of PGAM1 in uveal melanoma (UVM) are unknown and systematic analysis is lacking. This study performed a comprehensive analysis of PGAM1 expression across 33 cancer types in multiple public databases. Results demonstrated PGAM1 is aberrantly overexpressed in most tumors compared to normal tissues, and this overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, advanced tumor staging, and aggressive clinical phenotypes in multiple cancers including UVM, lung, breast and bladder carcinomas. In addition, PGAM1 expression positively correlated with infiltration levels of tumor-promoting immune cells including macrophages, NK cells, myeloid dendritic cells, etc. Further experiments showed that PGAM1 was overexpressed in UVM cell lines and tissues, and it was positively associated with a poor prognosis of UVM patients. And knockdown of PGAM1 inhibited migration/invasion and induced apoptosis in UVM cells, followed by decreased levels of PD-L1, Snail, and BCl-2 and increased levels of E-cadherin. Additionally, the correlation analysis and molecular docking results suggest that PGAM1 could interact with PD-L1, Snail and BCl-2. Thus, PGAM1 may promote UVM pathogenesis via modulating immune checkpoint signaling, EMT and apoptosis. Collectively, this study reveals PGAM1 as a valuable prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in aggressive cancers including UVM.

LncRNA SNHG5 adversely governs follicular growth in PCOS via miR-92a-3p/CDKN1C axis

Small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) have been implicated in various biological processes, yet their involvement in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains elusive. Specifically, SNHG5, a long non-coding RNA implicated in several human cancers, shows elevated expression in granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS women and induces PCOS-like features when overexpressed in mice. In vitro, SNHG5 inhibits GC proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, with RNA-seq indicating its impact on DNA replication and repair pathways. Mechanistically, SNHG5 acts as a competing endogenous RNA by binding to miR-92a-3p, leading to increased expression of target gene CDKN1C, which further suppresses GC proliferation and promotes apoptosis. These findings elucidate the crucial role of SNHG5 in the pathogenesis of PCOS and suggest a potential therapeutic target for this condition. Additional investigations such as large-scale clinical studies and functional assays are warranted to validate and expand upon these findings.

Citronellal can alleviate vascular endothelial dysfunction by reducing ectopic miR-133a expression

AIMS

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is the initial cause of atherosclerosis (AS) and an early marker of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Citronellal (CT), a monoterpenoid natural product extracted from grass plant Citronella, has been shown to have anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of citronellal on vascular endothelial dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The left common carotid artery was subjected to one-time balloon injury to cause vascular endothelial injury, and the AS model was established by feeding with high-fat diet. Use of HUVECs H2O2 treatment induced HUVECs oxidative stress damage model. The blood lipid level, histopathology, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, ELISA and in situ fluorescence hybridization of common carotid artery tissues and HUVECs were studied.

KEY FINDINGS

CT significantly reduced vascular plate area and endothelial lipid and cholesterol deposition in the common carotid artery of mice in a dose-dependent manner. CT increased the expression of activated protein 2α (AP-2α/TFAP2A) and circRNA_102979, and inhibited the ectopic expression level of miR-133a. However, the constructed lentivirus with AP-2α silencing and circRNA_102979 silencing reversed this phenomenon.

SIGNIFICANCE

The current study verifies CT can increase the expression levels of AP-2α and circRNA_102979 in vascular endothelium, increase the adsorption effect of circRNA_102979 on miR-133a and relieve the inhibitory effect of miR-133a on target genes, thereby alleviating AS-induced ED.

ZNF460-mediated circRPPH1 promotes TNBC progression through ITGA5-induced FAK/PI3K/AKT activation in a ceRNA manner

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs are highly stable regulatory RNAs that have been increasingly associated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, the role of many circRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the related mechanisms have not been elucidated.

METHODS

In this study, we screened circRNAs with significant expression differences in the RNA sequencing datasets of TNBC and normal breast tissues and then detected the expression level of circRPPH1 by qRT‒PCR. The biological role of circRPPH1 in TNBC was then verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Mechanistically, we verified the regulatory effects between circRPPH1 and ZNF460 and between circRPPH1 and miR-326 by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down assay. In addition, to determine the expression of associated proteins, we performed immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting.

RESULTS

The upregulation of circRPPH1 in TNBC was positively linked with a poor prognosis. Additionally, both in vivo and in vitro, circRPPH1 promoted the biologically malignant behavior of TNBC cells. Additionally, circRPPH1 may function as a molecular sponge for miR-326 to control integrin subunit alpha 5 (ITGA5) expression and activate the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our research showed that ZNF460 could promote circRPPH1 expression and that the circRPPH1/miR-326/ITGA5 axis could activate the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway to promote the progression of TNBC. Therefore, circRPPH1 can be used as a therapeutic or diagnostic target for TNBC.

Non-coding RNA regulates the immune microenvironment in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA): new insights into immune mechanisms†

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) has various causes, including chromosomal abnormalities, prethrombotic state, and abnormal uterine anatomical factors. However, the pathogenesis of RSA is still unclear. Surprisingly, non-coding RNA can stably express at the maternal-fetal interface and regulate immune cells' proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network between non-coding RNAs complicates RSA's pathological process and maybe a new starting point for exploring RSA. In this review, we mainly discuss the regulatory network and potential significance of non-coding RNA in the immune microenvironment of RSA patients. In addition, the cellular interactions of non-coding RNA transported through vesicles were introduced from aspects of trophoblast function and immune regulation. Finally, we analyze previous studies and further discuss that the stable expression of non-coding RNA may be used as a biomarker of some disease states and a prediction target of RSA.

Transcriptome Data Revealed the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network during the Proliferation and Differentiation of Myoblasts in Shitou Goose

CircRNA, a recently characterized non-coding RNA (ncRNA) variant, functions as a molecular sponge, exerting regulatory control by binding to microRNA (miRNA) and modulating the expression of downstream proteins, either promoting or inhibiting their expression. Among poultry species, geese hold significant importance, prized by consumers for their delectable taste and rich nutritional content. Despite the prominence of geese, research on the growth and development of goose muscle, particularly the regulatory role of circRNAs in goose muscle formation, remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we constructed comprehensive expression profiles of circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) within the myoblasts and myotubes of Shitou geese. We identified a total of 96 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) and 880 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Notably, the parental genes of DEcircRNAs and DEmRNAs exhibited enrichment in the Wnt signaling pathway, highlighting its potential impact on the proliferation and differentiation of goose myoblasts. Employing RNAhybrid and miRDB, we identified circRNA-miRNA pairs and mRNA-miRNA pairs that may play a role in regulating myogenic differentiation or muscle growth. Subsequently, utilizing Cytoscape, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network aimed at unraveling the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in goose muscle growth and development, which comprises 93 circRNAs, 351 miRNAs, and 305 mRNAs. Moreover, the identification of 10 hub genes (ACTB, ACTN1, BDNF, PDGFRA, MYL1, EFNA5, MYSM1, THBS1, ITGA8, and ELN) potentially linked to myogenesis, along with the exploration of their circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory axis, was also conducted. These competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms associated with muscle growth in Shitou geese, providing deeper insights into the reciprocal regulation of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in the context of goose muscle formation.

Unveiling Polysomal Long Non-Coding RNA Expression on the First Day of Adipogenesis and Osteogenesis in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the fate of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) is essential for elucidating the delicate balance between adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in both healthy and pathological conditions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators involved in lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells, operating at various levels of gene regulation, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. To gain deeper insights into the role of lncRNAs' in hASCs' differentiation, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the lncRNA transcriptome (RNA-seq) and translatome (polysomal-RNA-seq) during a 24 h period of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Our findings revealed distinct expression patterns between the transcriptome and translatome during both differentiation processes, highlighting 90 lncRNAs that are exclusively regulated in the polysomal fraction. These findings underscore the significance of investigating lncRNAs associated with ribosomes, considering their unique expression patterns and potential mechanisms of action, such as translational regulation and potential coding capacity for microproteins. Additionally, we identified specific lncRNA gene expression programs associated with adipogenesis and osteogenesis during the early stages of cell differentiation. By shedding light on the expression and potential functions of these polysome-associated lncRNAs, we aim to deepen our understanding of their involvement in the regulation of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, ultimately paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies and insights into regenerative medicine.

The lncRNA20718-miR6022-RLPs module regulates tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans

KEY MESSAGE

Sl-lncRNA20718 acts as an eTM of Sl-miR6022 regulating its expression thereby affecting SlRLP6/10 expression. SlRLP6/10 regulate PRs expression, ROS accumulation, and JA/ET content thereby affecting tomato resistance to P. infestans. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important horticultural and cash crop whose yield and quality can be severely affected by Phytophthora infestans (P. infestans). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in plant defense responses against pathogens. The involvement of Sl-lncRNA20718 and Sl-miR6022 in tomato resistance to P. infestans as well as the targeting of Sl-miR6022 to receptor-like protein genes (RLPs) were predicted in our previous study. However, uncertainty exists regarding their potential interaction as well as the molecular processes regulating tomato resistance. Here, we found that Sl-lncRNA20718 and Sl-miR6022 are positive and negative regulators of tomato resistance to P. infestans by gain- and loss-of-function experiments, respectively. Overexpression of Sl-lncRNA20718 decreased the expression of Sl-miR6022, induced the expression of PRs, reduced the diameter of lesions (DOLs), thereby enhanced disease resistance. A six-point mutation in the binding region of Sl-lncRNA20718 to Sl-miR6022 disabled the interaction, indicating that Sl-lncRNA20718 acts as an endogenous target mimic (eTM) of Sl-miR6022. We demonstrated that Sl-miR6022 cleaves SlRLP6/10. Overexpression of Sl-miR6022 decreases the expression levels of SlRLP6/10, induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces the content of JA and ET, thus inhibiting tomato resistance to P. infestans. In conclusion, our study provides detailed information on the lncRNA20718-miR6022-RLPs module regulating tomato resistance to P. infestans by affecting the expression of disease resistance-related genes, the accumulation of ROS and the phytohormone levels, providing a new reference for tomato disease resistance breeding.

MSTRG3207 promotes apoptosis in zebrafish ZF4 cells via sponging dre-miR-736/bbc3/LOC101885512 axis during cold acclimation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in a variety of biological processes. It has been recently reported that lncRNAs can regulate mRNA expression by binding to microRNAs (miRNAs) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the involvement of this regulatory mechanism during cold acclimation in fish remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a ceRNA network mediated by lncRNAs in cold-acclimated zebrafish ZF4 cells through bioinformatic analysis of the mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA profiles obtained from ZF4 cells cultured at 18 °C for 30 days. A previously uncharacterized lncRNA, MSTRG3207, was selected for further analysis. MSTRG3207 was upregulated and dre-miR-736 was downregulated during cold acclimation. MSTRG3207 was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and functionally characterized. The binding of MSTRG3207 to dre-miR-736 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Under cold acclimation, MSTRG3207 promoted apoptosis by sponging dre-miR-736 and upregulating bbc3 and LOC101885512, two apoptotic genes targeted by dre-miR-736. Taken together, our findings indicate that MSTRG3207 upregulation promotes apoptosis by sponging dre-miR-736 during cold acclimation in fish.

Identification of CXC Chemokine Receptor 2 (CXCR2) as a Novel Eosinophils-Independent Diagnostic Biomarker of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis by Integrated Bioinformatic and Machine-Learning Analysis

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a complex allergic condition frequently accompanied by various atopic comorbidities in children, which significantly affects their life qualities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate pivotal molecular markers that may facilitate the diagnosis of EoE in pediatric patients.

Methods

Three available EoE-associated gene expression datasets in children: GSE184182, GSE 197702, GSE55794, along with GSE173895 were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by "limma" were intersected with key module genes identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and the shared genes went through functional enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the machine learning algorithms: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest (RF), and XGBoost were used to reveal candidate diagnostic markers for EoE. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed the efficacy of differential diagnosis of this marker, along with online databases predicting its molecular regulatory network. Finally, we performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and assessed immune cell infiltration of EoE/control samples by using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The correlations between the key diagnostic biomarker and immune cells were also investigated.

Results

The intersection of 936 DEGs and 1446 key module genes in EoE generated 567 genes, which were primarily enriched in immune regulation. Following the construction of the PPI network and filtration by machine learning, CXCR2 served as a potential diagnostic biomarker of pediatric EoE with a perfect diagnostic efficacy (AUC = ~1.00) in regional tissue/peripheral whole blood samples. Multiple infiltrated immune cells were observed to participate in disrupting the homeostasis of esophageal epithelium to varying degrees.

Conclusion

The immune-correlated CXCR2 gene was proved to be a promising diagnostic indicator for EoE, and dysregulated regulatory T cells (Tregs)/neutrophils might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of EoE in children.

A review on the role of FOXD2-AS1 in human disorders

FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (FOXD2-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA being transcribed from a locus on chromosome 1p33. This transcript has been found to be up-regulated in tumor samples of almost all types of malignancies in association with a significant increase in malignant features. FOXD2-AS1 can affect activity of PI3K/AKT, AKT/mTOR, Hippo/YAP, Notch, NRf2, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-ƙB and ERK/MAPK pathways. Furthermore, it can enhance stem cell properties in cancer cells and prompt epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It is also involved in induction of resistance to a variety of anticancer agents such as adriamycin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide and gemcitabine. This article summarizes the impact of FOXD2-AS1 in diverse human disorders.

From diagnosis to therapy: The transformative role of lncRNAs in eye cancer management

The genomic era has brought about a transformative shift in our comprehension of cancer, unveiling the intricate molecular landscape underlying disease development. Eye cancers (ECs), encompassing diverse malignancies affecting ocular tissues, pose distinctive challenges in diagnosis and management. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), an emerging category of non-coding RNAs, are pivotal actors in the genomic intricacies of eye cancers. LncRNAs have garnered recognition for their multifaceted roles in gene expression regulation and influence on many cellular processes. Many studies support that the lncRNAs have a role in developing various cancers. Recent investigations have pinpointed specific lncRNAs associated with ECs, including retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. These lncRNAs exert control over critical pathways governing tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, endowing them with the ability to function as evaluation, predictive, and therapeutic indicators. The article aims to synthesize the existing information concerning the functions of lncRNAs in ECs, elucidating their regulatory mechanisms and clinical significance. By delving into the lncRNAs' expanding relevance in the modulation of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive networks, we gain a deeper understanding of the molecular complexities intrinsic to these diseases. In our exploration of the genomic intricacies of ECs, lncRNAs introduce a fresh perspective, providing an opportunity to function as clinical and therapeutic indicators, and they also have therapeutic benefits that show promise for advancing the treatment of ECs. This comprehensive review bridges the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and ECs within the context of the genomic era.

Unraveling the Intricate Network of lncRNAs in Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing: Insights Into the Regulatory Role of linc17500

Purpose

Epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate a harmonious process of corneal epithelial wound healing (CEWH). However, the precise role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key epigenetic regulators in mediating CEWH remains elusive. Here, we aimed to elucidate the functional contribution of lncRNAs in regulating CEWH.

Methods

We used a microarray to characterize lncRNA expression profiling during mouse CEWH. Subsequently, the aberrant lncRNAs and their cis-associated genes were subjected to comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses were performed to determine the expression profiles of key markers during CEWH. The in vivo effects of linc17500 on this process were investigated through targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) injection. Post-siRNA treatment, corneal re-epithelialization was assessed, alongside the expression of cytokeratins 12 and 14 (Krt12 and Krt14) and Ki67. Effects of linc17500 on mouse corneal epithelial cell (TKE2) proliferation, cell cycle, and migration were assessed by multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and scratch-wound assay, respectively.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed dysregulation of numerous lncRNA candidates during CEWH. Bioinformatic analysis provided valuable annotations regarding the cis-associated genes of these lncRNAs. In vivo experiments demonstrated that knockdown of linc17500 resulted in delayed CEWH. Furthermore, the knockdown of linc17500 and its cis-associated gene, CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 2 (Cks2), was found to impede TKE2 cell proliferation and migration. Notably, downregulation of linc17500 in TKE2 cells led to suppression of the activation status of Akt and Rb.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the significant involvement of lncRNAs in mediating CEWH and highlights the regulatory role of linc17500 on TKE2 cell behavior.

Translational Relevance

These findings provide valuable insights for future therapeutic research aimed at addressing corneal wound complications.

The identification of regulatory ceRNA network involved in Drosophila Toll immune responses

Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the innate immunity of Drosophila, with various lncRNAs and miRNAs identified to maintain Drosophila innate immune homeostasis by regulating protein functions. However, it remains unclear whether interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs give rise to a ceRNA network. In our previous study, we observed the highest differential expression levels of lncRNA-CR11538, lncRNA-CR33942, and lncRNA-CR46018 in wild-type flies after Gram-positive bacterial infection, prompting us to investigate their role in the regulation of Drosophila Toll immune response through RNA-seq analysis. Herein, our comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed that lncRNA-CR11538, lncRNA-CR33942, and lncRNA-CR46018 are involved in defense mechanisms and stimulus response. Moreover, lncRNA-CR11538 and lncRNA-CR46018 can also participate in the metabolic recovery processes following Gram-positive bacterial infection. Subsequently, we employed GSEA screening and RT-qPCR to identify seven miRNAs (miR-957, miR-1015, miR-982, miR-993, miR-1007, miR-193, and miR-978) that may be regulated by these three lncRNAs. Furthermore, we predicted the potential target genes in the Toll signaling pathway for these miRNAs and their interaction with the three lncRNAs using TargetScan and miRanda software and preliminary verification. As a result, we established a potential ceRNA regulatory network for Toll immune responses in Drosophila, comprising three lncRNAs and seven miRNAs. This study provides evidence of a ceRNA regulatory network in Drosophila Toll immune responses and offers novel insights into understanding the regulatory networks involved in the innate immunity of other animals.

Identification and clinical value of a new ceRNA axis (TIMP3/hsa-miR-181b-5p/PAX8-AS1) in thyroid cancer

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC) is a prevalent and increasingly common malignant tumor. In most cases, TC progresses slowly and runs a virtually benign course. However, challenges remain with the treatment of refractory TC, which does not respond to traditional management or is subject to relapse or metastasis. Therefore, new therapeutic regimens for TC patients with poor outcomes are urgently needed.

Methods

The differentially expressed RNAs were identified from the expression profile data of RNA from TC downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Multiple databases were utilized to investigate the regulatory relationship among RNAs. Subsequently, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established to elucidate the ceRNA axis that is responsible for the clinical prognosis of TC. To understand the potential mechanism of ceRNA axis in TC, location analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and immune-related analysis were conducted.

Results

A ceRNA network of TC was constructed, and the TIMP3/hsa-miR-181b-5p/PAX8-AS1 ceRNA axis associated with the prognosis of TC was successfully identified. Our results showed that the axis might influence the prognosis of TC through its regulation of regulating tumor immunity.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that TIMP3/hsa-miR-181b-5p/PAX8-AS1 axis is significantly related to the prognosis of TC. The molecules involved in this axis may serve as novel therapeutic approaches for TC treatment.

The role of competing endogenous RNA network in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: potential therapeutic targets

The current situation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is challenging due to its high incidence, mortality, recurrence and metastasis. Recent advances in gene genetic and expression regulation have unveiled the significant role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in various cancers. This led to the formulation of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis, which posits that both coding RNA and ncRNA, containing miRNA response elements (MRE), can share the same miRNA sequence. This results in a competitive network between ncRNAs, such as lncRNA and mRNA, allowing them to regulate each other. Extensive research has highlighted the crucial role of the ceRNA network in HCC development, impacting various cellular processes including proliferation, metastasis, cell death, angiogenesis, tumor microenvironment, organismal immunity, and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the ceRNA network, mediated by lncRNA or circRNA, offers potential in early diagnosis and prevention of HCC. Consequently, ceRNAs are emerging as therapeutic targets for HCC. The complexity of these gene networks aligns with the multi-target approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), presenting a novel perspective for TCM in combating HCC. Research is beginning to show that TCM compounds and prescriptions can affect HCC progression through the ceRNA network, inhibiting proliferation and metastasis, and inducing apoptosis. Currently, the lncRNAs TUG1, NEAT1, and CCAT1, along with their associated ceRNA networks, are among the most promising ncRNAs for HCC research. However, this field is still in its infancy, necessitating advanced technology and extensive basic research to fully understand the ceRNA network mechanisms of TCM in HCC treatment.

Long non-coding RNA MIR600HG as a ceRNA inhibits the pancreatic cancer progression through regulating the miR-1197/PITPNM3 axis

Objective

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is considered to be a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is the potential factor to predict cancer prognosis. The effect of MIR600HG in PC needs to be further studied. Our work mainly focused on the importance of MIR600HG for PC prognosis and its underlying molecular mechanism of regulating PC progression.

Methods

Data set was acquired from TCGA database to find differentially expressed genes and prognostic significance of MIR600HG in PC, and to construct the MIR600HG competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Clinical specimens were collected to prove the analysis results. Vector over-expressed MIR600HG was transfected to study the roles of MIR600HG in proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. The methods of CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell and scratch assays were all used in order to explore the apoptosis, migration and invasion. We evaluated the proliferation-related genes (PCNA, CyclinD1 and P27), as well as invasion and migration-related genes such as MMP-9, MMP-7 and ICAM-1. The transcriptional regulation between MIR600HG and miR-1197/PITPNM3 axis was determined with luciferase reporter assays.

Results

In present study, MIR600HG was dropped in both PC tissues and cells, and the down-regulated MIR600HG was closely related to the poor clinical outcomes in PC patients. MIR600HG could inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in PC cells. We also investigated whether MIR600HG acting as a sponge of microRNA-1197 (miR-1197) and miR-1197 acting on PITPNM3. We found the positive association between MIR600HG and PITPNM3, as well as the negative association of miR-1197 and MIR600HG (or PITPNM3). Moreover, PITPNM3 mRNA and protein expression saw a simultaneous increase after the MIR600HG-overexpression (MIR600HG-OE), but this result partially diminished in MIR600HG-OE cells and miR-1197 mimics.

Conclusions

Our study explored the anticancer action of MIR600HG in PC by regulating miR-1197 to increase the expression of PITPNM3, which might help the diagnosis and therapy of PC.

DARS-AS1: A Vital Oncogenic LncRNA Regulator with Potential for Cancer Prognosis and Therapy

DARS-AS1, short for Aspartyl-tRNA synthetase antisense RNA 1, has emerged as a pivotal player in cancers. Upregulation of this lncRNA is a recurrent phenomenon observed across various cancer types, where it predominantly assumes oncogenic roles, exerting influence on multiple facets of tumor cell biology. This aberrant expression of DARS-AS1 has triggered extensive research investigations, aiming to unravel its roles and clinical values in cancer. In this review, we elucidate the significant correlation between dysregulated DARS-AS1 expression and adverse survival prognoses in cancer patients, drawing from existing literature and pan-cancer analyses from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Additionally, we provide comprehensive insights into the diverse functions of DARS-AS1 in various cancers. Our review encompasses the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, ceRNA networks, functional mediators, and signaling pathways, as well as its involvement in therapy resistance, coupled with the latest advancements in DARS-AS1-related cancer research. These recent updates enrich our comprehensive comprehension of the pivotal role played by DARS-AS1 in cancer, thereby paving the way for future applications of DARS-AS1-targeted strategies in tumor prognosis evaluation and therapeutic interventions. This review furnishes valuable insights to advance the ongoing efforts in combating cancer effectively.

Non-coding RNA regulation of Magang geese skeletal muscle maturation via the MAPK signaling pathway

Skeletal muscle is a critical component of goose meat and a significant economic trait of geese. The regulatory roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the maturation stage of goose skeletal muscle are still unclear. Therefore, this study conducted experiments on the leg muscles of Magang geese at two stages: 3-day post-hatch (P3) and 3 months (M3). Morphological observations revealed that from P3 to M3, muscle fibers mainly underwent hypertrophy and maturation. The muscle fibers became thicker, nuclear density decreased, and nuclei moved towards the fiber edges. Additionally, this study analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs during the skeletal muscle fiber maturation stage, identifying 1,949 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs), and 172 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs). Furthermore, we performed enrichment analyses on DEMs, cis-regulatory genes of DELs, and target DEMs of DEMIs, revealing significant enrichment of signaling pathways including MAPK, PPAR, and mTOR signaling pathways. Among these, the MAPK signaling pathway was the only pathway enriched across all three types of differentially expressed RNAs, indicating its potentially more significant role in skeletal muscle maturation. Finally, this study integrated the targeting relationships between DELs, DEMs, and DEMIs from these two stages to construct a ceRNA regulatory network. These findings unveil the potential functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the growth and development of goose skeletal muscle and provide valuable references for further exploration of the mechanism underlying the maturation of Magang geese leg muscle.

METTL3-Mediated m6A Modification Regulates the Osteogenic Differentiation through LncRNA CUTALP in Periodontal Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Periodontitis Patients

Objective

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes loss of periodontal support tissue. Our objective was to investigate the mechanism by which METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification regulates the osteogenic differentiation through lncRNA in periodontal mesenchymal stem cells in patients with periodontitis (pPDLSCs). Material and Methods. We carried out a series of experiments, including methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. The expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runx2, Col1, Runx2 protein level, ALP staining, and Alizarin red staining were used to demonstrate the degree of osteogenic differentiation.

Results

We found that METTL3 was the most significantly differentially expressed methylation-related enzyme in pPDLSCs and promoted osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs. METTL3 regulated the stability and expression of lncRNA CUTALP, while lncRNA CUTALP promoted osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs by inhibiting miR-30b-3p. At different time points of osteogenic differentiation, lncRNA CUTALP expression was positively correlated with Runx2, while miR-30b-3p showed the opposite pattern. The attenuated osteogenic differentiation induced by METTL3 knockdown was recovered by lncRNA CUTALP overexpression. The attenuated osteogenic differentiation induced by lncRNA CUTALP knockdown could be reversed by the miR-30b-3p inhibitor.

Conclusions

In summary, METTL3/lncRNA CUTALP/miR-30b-3p/Runx2 is a regulatory network in the osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs.

SPC25 as a novel therapeutic and prognostic biomarker and its association with glycolysis, ferroptosis and ceRNA in lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Spindle pole body component 25 (SPC25) is an important cyclin involved in chromosome segregation and spindle dynamics regulation during mitosis. However, the role of SPC25 in lung adenocarcinoma (LAUD) is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The differential expression of SPC25 in tumor samples and normal samples was analyzed using TIMER, TCGA, GEO databases, and the correlation between its expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis in LUAD patients. Biological pathways that may be enriched by SPC25 were analyzed using GSEA. In vitro cell experiments were used to evaluate the effect of knocking down SPC25 expression on LUAD cells. Correlation analysis and differential analysis were used to assess the association of SPC25 expression with genes related to cell cycle, glycolysis, and ferroptosis. A ceRNA network involving SPC25 was constructed using multiple database analyses.

RESULTS

SPC25 was highly expressed in LUAD, and its expression level could guide staging and predict prognosis. GSEA found that high expression of SPC25 involved multiple cell cycles and glycolytic pathways. Knocking down SPC25 expression significantly affected the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of LUAD cells. Abnormal SPC25 expression levels can affect cell cycle progression, glycolytic ability and ferroptosis regulation. A ceRNA network containing SPC25, SNHG15/hsa-miR-451a/SPC25, was successfully predicted and constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal the association of up-regulation of SPC25 in LUAD and its expression with clinical features, prognosis prediction, proliferation migration, cell cycle, glycolysis, ferroptosis, and ceRNA networks. Our results indicate that SPC25 can be used as a biomarker in LUAD therapy and a target for therapeutic intervention.

Identification of immune-related genes and integrated analysis of immune-cell infiltration in melanoma

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to screen out immune-related genes in connection with the prognosis of melanoma, construct a prognosis model and explore the relevant mechanisms.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

1973 genes associated with immune system were derived from the Immport database, and RNA-seq data of melanoma and information of patients were searched from the Xena database. Cox univariate analysis, Lasso analysis and Cox multivariate analysis were used to screen out six genes to construct the model. Then the risk scores were estimated for patients based on our constructed prognosis model. Estimate was used to affirm that the model was about immune infiltration, and CIBERSORT was used to screen out immune cells associated with prognosis. TIDE was applied to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. Finally, GSE65904 and GSE19234 were used to confirm the effectiveness of the model.

RESULTS

ADCYAP1R1, GPI, NTS might cause poor prognosis while IFITM1, KIR2DL4, LIF were more likely conductive to prognosis of melanoma patients and a model of prognosis was constructed on the basis of these six genes. The effectiveness of the model has been proven by the ROC curve, and the miRNAs targeting the screened genes were found out, suggesting that the immune system might impact on the prognosis of melanoma by T cell CD8+, T cell CD4+ memory and NK cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the screened six genes were associated with the prognosis of melanoma, which was conductive to clinical prognostic prediction and individualized treatment strategy.

Targeting long non-coding RNAs in cancer therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 technology: A novel paradigm for precision oncology

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, despite recent advances in its identification and management. To improve cancer patient diagnosis and care, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers and molecular targets. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have surfaced as important contributors to various cellular activities, with growing proof indicating their substantial role in the genesis, development, and spread of cancer. Their unique expression profiles within specific tissues and their wide-ranging functionalities make lncRNAs excellent candidates for potential therapeutic intervention in cancer management. They are implicated in multiple hallmarks of cancer, such as uncontrolled proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. This review article explores the innovative application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in targeting lncRNAs as a cancer therapeutic strategy. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been widely applied in functional genomics, gene therapy, and cancer research, offering a versatile platform for lncRNA targeting. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated targeting of lncRNAs can be achieved through CRISPR interference, activation or the complete knockout of lncRNA loci. Combining CRISPR-Cas9 technology with high-throughput functional genomics makes it possible to identify lncRNAs critical for the survival of specific cancer subtypes, opening the door for tailored treatments and personalised cancer therapies. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated lncRNA targeting with other cutting-edge cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapeutics can be used to overcome the drug resistance in cancer. The synergy of lncRNA research and CRISPR-Cas9 technology presents immense potential for individualized cancer treatment, offering renewed hope in the battle against this disease.

Hsa_circ_0081065 exacerbates IH-induced EndMT via regulating miR-665/HIF-1α signal axis and HIF-1α nuclear translocation

CircRNAs play an important role in various physiological and pathological biological processes. Despite their widespread involvement, the function of circRNAs in intermittent hypoxia (IH) remain incompletely understood. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of it in IH. Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by transcriptome sequencing analysis in intermittent hypoxia (IH) model. GO and KEGG enrichment analys were performed on the identified differentially expressed circRNAs. The circular characteristics of hsa_circ_0081065 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by RT-qPCR. The sublocalization of hsa_circ_0081065 was examined by FISH. The effect of hsa_circ_0081065 on endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was estimated by detecting the expression of EndMT related markers. Various techniques, including RNA-pull down, RIP, EMSA, dual-luciferase reporter assay and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the relationship among hsa_circ_0081065, miR-665 and HIF-1α. A total of 13,304 circRNAs were identified in HUVECs treatment with IH, among which 73 were differentially expressed, including 24 upregulated circRNAs and 49 downregulated circRNAs. Notably, hsa_circ_0081065 demonstrated a significantly upregulation. Hsa_circ_0081065 exhibited the circular characteristics of circRNA and was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0081065 inhibited EndMT. Mechanically, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0081065 acts as a sponge for miR-665 to up-regulate HIF-1α and exacerbate HIF-1α nuclear translocation in HUVECs. We have demonstrated that hsa_circ_0081065 is significantly upregulated in HUVECs treated with IH. Our findings indicate that hsa_circ_0081065 exacerbates IH-induced EndMT through the regulation of the miR-665/HIF-1α signal axis and facilitating HIF-1α nuclear translocation. These results provide a theoretical basis for considering of EndMT as a potential therapeutic target for OSAHS intervention.

The LINC01176-miR-218-5p-IL-36G Network is Responsible for the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis by Promoting Inflammation

Purpose

Psoriasis is an incurable chronic inflammatory skin disease. The exact function and regulatory mechanism of non-coding RNA upregulation in psoriasis remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network of psoriasis and LINC01176 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Patients and Methods

We performed miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA sequencing analysis in pretreatment and treatment psoriatic tissues and normal tissues, constructed an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA coexpression network and screened mRNA-associated pathways using bioinformatics analysis. We further validated the regulatory role of LINC01176-miR-218-5p on the proliferation and inflammation of the psoriatic model by dual-luciferase reporter assay, cell transfection, CCK-8 method, TUNEL staining and animal model construction method. An lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA coexpression network was successfully constructed by RNA-seq data analysis.

Results

We obtained the relationship between LINC01176, miR-218-5p and IL36-G. Analysis of the apoptotic and proliferative capacity of the transfected cells showed that miR-218-5p up-regulation significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. A mouse model of psoriasis was successfully established. Phenotypic observations revealed that keratin-forming cells in mice coated with LINC01176-shRNA emulsifier were significantly lower than those in the model group and close to those in the normal group. HE and immunohistochemical experiments were performed, and the results showed the role and mechanism of action of LINC01176-shRNA. Suppression of LINC01176 significantly inhibited the expression of IL-36G in psoriatic tissues. LINC01176 showed a targeting and positive correlation with IL36-G expression.

Conclusion

Our study shows that LINC01176 promotes the proliferation and invasion of keratinocytes and inhibits apoptosis by targeting miR-218-5p, which acts as a repressor of the psoriasis-associated IL-36G. The shRNA-LINC01176 emulsion showed potential treatment capability in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis.