MicroRNA-22 regulates inflammation and angiogenesisviatargeting VE-cadherin

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids-based delivery of MicroRNA-22 inhibits pathological neovascularization and vaso-obliteration by regulating the Wnt pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids-microRNA22 (tFNAs-miR22) on inhibiting pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV) and restoring physiological retinal vessels. A novel DNA nanocomplex (tFNAs-miR22) was synthesised by modifying microRNA-22 (miR22) through attachment onto tetrahedral frame nucleic acids (tFNAs), which possess diverse biological functions. Cell proliferation, wound healing, and tube formation were employed for in vitro assays to investigate the angiogenic function of cells. Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model was utilised to examine the effects of reducing pathological neovascularization (RNV) and inhibiting vascular occlusion in vivo. In vitro, tFNAs-miR22 demonstrated the ability to penetrate endothelial cells and effectively suppress cell proliferation, tube formation, and migration in a hypoxic environment. In vivo, tFNAs-miR22 exhibited promising results in reducing RNV and promoting the restoration of normal retinal blood vessels in OIR model through modulation of the Wnt pathway. This study provided a theoretical basis for the further understanding of RNV, and highlighted the innovative and potential of tFNAs-miR22 as a therapeutic option for ischemic retinal diseases.

The Vitamin K-Dependent Anticoagulant Factor, Protein S, Regulates Vascular Permeability

Protein S (PROS1) is a vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant factor, which also acts as an agonist for the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) tyrosine kinase receptors. PROS1 is produced by the endothelium which also expresses TAM receptors, but little is known about its effects on vascular function and permeability. Transwell permeability assays as well as Western blotting and immunostaining analysis were used to monitor the possible effects of PROS1 on both endothelial cell permeability and on the phosphorylation state of specific signaling proteins. We show that human PROS1, at its circulating concentrations, substantially increases both the basal and VEGFA-induced permeability of endothelial cell (EC) monolayers. PROS1 induces p38 MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase), Rho/ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) pathway activation, and actin filament remodeling, as well as substantial changes in Vascular Endothelial Cadherin (VEC) distribution and its phosphorylation on Ser665 and Tyr685. It also mediates c-Src and PAK-1 (p21-activated kinase 1) phosphorylation on Tyr416 and Ser144, respectively. Exposure of EC to human PROS1 induces VEC internalization as well as its cleavage into a released fragment of 100 kDa and an intracellular fragment of 35 kDa. Using anti-TAM neutralizing antibodies, we demonstrate that PROS1-induced VEC and c-Src phosphorylation are mediated by both the MERTK and TYRO3 receptors but do not involve the AXL receptor. MERTK and TYRO3 receptors are also responsible for mediating PROS1-induced MLC (Myosin Light Chain) phosphorylation on a site targeted by the Rho/ROCK pathway. Our report provides evidence for the activation of the c-Src/VEC and Rho/ROCK/MLC pathways by PROS1 for the first time and points to a new role for PROS1 as an endogenous vascular permeabilizing factor.

Down-regulation of OIP5-AS1 inhibits obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis and miR-22/NLRP3 inflammasome axis

BACKGROUND

Obesity can induce myocardial pyroptosis, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. A recent study reported the association of opa-interacting protein 5-antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1), an evolutionarily conserved long noncoding RNA, with pyroptosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of OIP5-AS1 in obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis.

METHODS

OIP5-AS1 was downregulated in H9c2 cells, followed by treatment with 400 μM palmitic acid (PA). Propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, caspase-1 activity assay, IL-1β, and IL-18 activity assay were performed to detect pyroptotic phenotype. The interaction between OIP5-AS1 and microRNAs (miRNAs) was analyzed using RNA pull-down and luciferase assay. The effect of OIP5-AS1 knockdown in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity rat on cardiac function, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and remodeling was evaluated.

RESULTS

Fat deposition was observed in cardiomyocytes 24 h after PA treatment; moreover, PA-treated cardiomyocytes showed significant increase in the rate of pyroptotic cells, release of LDH, protein expressions of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, and the activity of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 as well as OIP5-AS1 expression. These findings suggested that PA activated pyroptosis and induced OIP5-AS1 expression in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, OIP5-AS1 knockdown inhibited PA-induced pyroptosis. Mechanistically, OIP5-AS1 was found to specifically bind to miR-22 and to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via miR-22. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 knockdown ameliorated HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, remodeling, and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that downregulation of OIP5-AS1 can inhibit obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis via miR-22/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. This finding lays a foundation of gene therapy for heart disease targeting OIP5-AS1.

miRNAs Epigenetic Tuning of Wall Remodeling in the Early Phase after Myocardial Infarction: A Novel Epidrug Approach

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries. An early diagnosis decreases subsequent severe complications such as wall remodeling or heart failure and improves treatments and interventions. Novel therapeutic targets have been recognized and, together with the development of direct and indirect epidrugs, the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) yields great expectancy. ncRNAs are a group of RNAs not translated into a product and, among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most investigated subgroup since they are involved in several pathological processes related to MI and post-MI phases such as inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. These processes and pathways are finely tuned by miRNAs via complex mechanisms. We are at the beginning of the investigation and the main paths are still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the recent findings on epigenetic changes involved in the first phases after MI as well as on the role of the several miRNAs. We focused on miRNAs function and on their relationship with key molecules and cells involved in healing processes after an ischemic accident, while also giving insight into the discrepancy between males and females in the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.

miRNA-22 is involved in the aortic reactivity in physiological conditions and mediates obesity-induced perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction

AIMS

Blood vessels are surrounded by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which plays an important role in vascular tonus regulation due to its anticontractile effect; however, this effect is impaired in obesity. We previously demonstrated that miRNA-22 is involved in obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the impact of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and PVAT function is unknown.

AIM

To investigate the role of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and its impact on obesity-induced PVAT dysfunction.

MAIN METHODS

Wild-type and miRNA-22 knockout (KO) mice were fed a control or a high-fat (HF) diet. To characterize the vascular response, concentration-responses curves to noradrenaline were performed in PVAT- or PVAT+ thoracic aortic rings in absence and presence of L-NAME. Expression of adipogenic and thermogenic markers and NOS isoforms were evaluated by western blotting or qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

HF diet and miRNA-22 deletion reduced noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT- aortic rings. Additionally, miRNA-22 deletion increased noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT+ aortic rings without affecting its sensitivity; however, this effect was not observed in miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet. Interestingly, miRNA-22 deletion reduced the contraction of aortic rings to noradrenaline via a NOS-dependent mechanism. Moreover, HF diet abolished the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT, which was attenuated by miRNA-22 deletion. Mechanistically, we found that PVAT from miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet presented increased protein expression of nNOS.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that miRNA-22 is important for aorta reactivity under physiological circumstances and its deletion attenuates the loss of the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT in obesity.

Specific microRNA Signature Kinetics in Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Periodontitis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major bacteria constituting the subgingival pathogenic polymicrobial milieu during periodontitis. Our objective is to determine the global microRNA (miRNA, miR) expression kinetics in 8- and 16-weeks duration of P. gingivalis infection in C57BL/6J mice and to identify the miRNA signatures at specific time-points in mice. We evaluated differential expression (DE) miRNAs in mandibles (n = 10) using high-throughput NanoString nCounter® miRNA expression panels. The bacterial colonization, alveolar bone resorption (ABR), serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and bacterial dissemination were confirmed. In addition, all the infected mice showed bacterial colonization on the gingival surface, significant increases in ABR (p < 0.0001), and specific IgG antibody responses (p < 0.05-0.001). The miRNA profiling showed 26 upregulated miRNAs (e.g., miR-804, miR-690) and 14 downregulated miRNAs (e.g., miR-1902, miR-1937a) during an 8-weeks infection, whereas 7 upregulated miRNAs (e.g., miR-145, miR-195) and one downregulated miR-302b were identified during a 16-weeks infection. Both miR-103 and miR-30d were commonly upregulated at both time-points, and all the DE miRNAs were unique to the specific time-points. However, miR-31, miR-125b, miR-15a, and miR-195 observed in P. gingivalis-infected mouse mandibles were also identified in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients. None of the previously identified miRNAs reported in in vitro studies using cell lines (periodontal ligament cells, gingival epithelial cells, human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1), and B cells) exposed to P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide were observed in the in vivo study. Most of the pathways (endocytosis, bacterial invasion, and FcR-mediated phagocytosis) targeted by the DE miRNAs were linked with bacterial pathogen recognition and clearance. Further, eighteen miRNAs were closely associated with the bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. This study highlights the altered expression of miRNA in gingiva, and their expression depends on the time-points of infection. This is the first in vivo study that identified specific signature miRNAs (miR-103 and miR-30d) in P. gingivalis invasion of epithelial cells, establishes a link between miRNA and development of periodontitis and helping to better understand the pathobiology of periodontitis.

Spatiotemporal Expression and Functional Analysis of miRNA-22 in the Developing Secondary Palate

OBJECTIVE

Normal development of the embryonic orofacial region requires precise spatiotemporal coordination between numerous genes. MicroRNAs represent small, single-stranded, non-coding molecules that regulate gene expression. This study examines the role of microRNA-22 (miR-22) in murine orofacial ontogeny.

METHODS

Spatiotemporal and differential expression of miR-22 (mmu-miR-22-3p) within the developing secondary palate was determined by in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Bioinformatic approaches were used to predict potential mRNA targets of miR-22 and analyze their association with cellular functions indispensable for normal orofacial ontogeny. An in vitro palate organ culture system was used to assess the role of miR-22 in secondary palate development.

RESULTS

There was a progressive increase in miR-22 expression from GD12.5 to GD14.5 in palatal processes. On GD12.5 and GD13.5, miR-22 was expressed in the future oral, nasal, and medial edge epithelia. On GD14.5, miR-22 expression was observed in the residual midline epithelial seam (MES), the nasal epithelium and the mesenchyme, but not in the oral epithelium. Inhibition of miR-22 activity in palate organ cultures resulted in failure of MES removal. Bioinformatic analyses revealed potential mRNA targets of miR-22 that may play significant roles in regulating apoptosis, migration, and/or convergence/extrusion, developmental processes that modulate MES removal during palatogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the current study suggest a key role for miR-22 in the removal of the MES during palatogenesis and that miR-22 may represent a potential contributor to the etiology of cleft palate.

Research advances in roles of microRNAs in nasal polyp

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of endogenous RNAs highly conservative with short chains, play key regulatory role in the biological relevant events of the cells. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles like the plasma membrane components being able to deliver information molecules such as miRNA between cells and to regulate the fate of the target cells. The progression of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is closely associated with significant alterations of miRNA levels in both cells and exosomes. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been acknowledged to play important roles in intracellular miRNA transport to exosomes, and specific membrane proteins such as caveolin-1 critically involved in HNRNPA1 -mediated transport of miRNA to exosomes. Aberrant alteration in endogenous miRNA levels significantly contributes to the process of airway remodeling in the nasal tissue and to the occurrence and progression of inflammatory responses in CRSwNP. Exogenous miRNAs delivered via exosomes has also been shown to play an important role in activating macrophages or in regulating vascular permeability in the CRSwNP.This paper highlights the mechanism of RBP-mediated delivery of miRNAs to exosomes and the important contribution of endogenous miRNAs to the development of CRSwNP in response to inflammation and airway remodeling. Finally, we discuss the future research directions for regulation of the miRNAs to CRSwNP.Delivery of exogenous miRNAs by exosomes alters the endogenous miRNAs content in nasal mucosal epithelial cells or in associated inflammatory cells in the CRSwNP, and altered endogenous miRNAs affects the inflammatory response and airway remodeling, which then regulates the occurrence and progression of CRSwNP.RBPs and associated membrane proteins such as caveolin-1 may play a crucial role in the entry of exogenous miRNA into exosomes.

Deciphering sex-specific miRNAs as heat-recorders in zebrafish

In the last decade, a plethora of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported in a wide variety of physiological processes, including reproduction, in many aquatic organisms. However, miRNAome alterations occurred by environmental cues due to water temperature increment have not yet been elucidated. With the aim to identify epigenetic regulations mediated by miRNAs in the gonads in a climate change scenario, the animal model zebrafish (Danio rerio) were subjected to high temperatures during sex differentiation, a treatment that results in male-skewed sex ratios in the adulthood. Once the fish reached adulthood, gonads were sequenced by high-throughput technologies and a total of 23 and 1 differentially expressed miRNAs in ovaries and testes, respectively, were identified two months after the heat treatment. Most of these heat-recorder miRNAs were involved in human sex-related cancer and about 400 predicted-target genes were obtained, some with reproduction-related functions. Their synteny in the zebrafish genome was, for more than half of the predicted target genes, in the chromosomes 7, 2, 4, 3 and 11 in the ovaries, chromosome 4 being the place where the sex-associated-region (sar) is localized in wild zebrafish. Further, spatial localization in the gonads of two selected heat-recorder miRNAs (miR-122-5p and miR-146-5p) showed exclusive expression in the ovarian germ cells. The present study expands the catalog of sex-specific miRNAs and deciphers, for the first time, thermosensitive miRNAs in the zebrafish gonads that might be used as potential epimarkers to predict environmental past events.

Roles of Exosomes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review

The pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is multifactorial and not entirely clear. The objective of the review was to examine the current state of knowledge concerning the role of exosomes in CRS. For this systematic review, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for studies published until 7 August 2022. Only original research articles describing studies published in English were included. Reviews, book chapters, case studies, conference papers, and opinions were excluded. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the modified Office and Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies. Of 250 records identified, 17 were eligible, all of which had a low to moderate risk of overall bias. Presented findings indicate that exosomal biomarkers, including proteins and microRNA, act as promising biomarkers in the diagnostics and prognosis of CRS patients and, in addition, may contribute to finding novel therapeutic targets. Exosomes reflecting tissue proteomes are excellent, highly available material for studying proteomic alterations noninvasively. The first steps have already been taken, but more advanced research on nasal exosomes is needed, which might open a wider door for individualized medicine in CRS.

MiR-22 Deficiency Fosters Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Fatty Liver

MiR-22 is mostly considered as a hepatic tumor-suppressor microRNA based on in vitro analyses. Yet, whether miR-22 exerts a tumor-suppressive function in the liver has not been investigated in vivo. Herein, in silico analyses of miR-22 expression were performed in hepatocellular carcinomas from human patient cohorts and different mouse models. Diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinomas were then investigated in lean and diet-induced obese miR-22-deficient mice. The proteome of liver tissues from miR-22-deficient mice prior to hepatocellular carcinoma development was further analyzed to uncover miR-22 regulated factors that impact hepatocarcinogenesis with miR-22 deficiency. MiR-22 downregulation was consistently observed in hepatocellular carcinomas from all human cohorts and mouse models investigated. The time of appearance of the first tumors was decreased and the number of tumoral foci induced by diethylnitrosamine was significantly increased by miR-22-deficiency in vivo, two features which were further drastically exacerbated with diet-induced obesity. At the molecular level, we provide evidence that the loss of miR-22 significantly affects the energetic metabolism and mitochondrial functions of hepatocytes, and the expression of tumor-promoting factors such as thrombospondin-1. Our study demonstrates that miR-22 acts as a hepatic tumor suppressor in vivo by restraining pro-carcinogenic metabolic deregulations through pleiotropic mechanisms and the overexpression of relevant oncogenes.

Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Angiogenesis in Ischemic Stroke Mice via Upregulation of MiR-21-5p

Exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) are one of the main factors responsible for the therapeutic effects of BMSCs. The study aimed to investigate whether BMSC-Exos could promote angiogenesis in ischemic stroke mice via miR-21-5p. In ischemic stroke mice, the therapeutic effects of BMSC-Exos were evaluated by neurological functions and infarct volume. Microvessel density was detected by BrdU/vWF immunofluorescence staining. In in vitro experiments, the proangiogenic effects of BMSC-Exos were assessed via proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The miR-21-5p inhibitor was transfected into BMSCs using Lipofectamine 2000. miR-21-5p expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ang-1, and Tie-2 were determined by Western blot. BMSC-Exos significantly improved neurological functions and reduced infarct volume, upregulated microvessel density, and miR-21-5p expression after cerebral ischemia. In vitro assays revealed that BMSC-Exos enhanced HUVECs functions including proliferation, migration, and tube formation. BMSC-Exos increased the expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ang-1, and Tie-2. However, the proangiogenic effects of BMSC-Exos on HUVECs were reversed by the miR-21-5p inhibitor. These results suggest that BMSC-Exos could promote angiogenesis via miR-21-5p upregulation, making them an attractive treatment strategy for stroke recovery.

Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction: Functional Contribution of microRNAs to Inflammation and Fibrosis

After an ischemic injury, the heart undergoes a complex process of structural and functional remodeling that involves several steps, including inflammatory and fibrotic responses. In this review, we are focusing on the contribution of microRNAs in the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis after myocardial infarction. We summarize the most updated studies exploring the interactions between microRNAs and key regulators of inflammation and fibroblast activation and we discuss the recent discoveries, including clinical applications, in these rapidly advancing fields.

Does enterovirus 71 urge for effective vaccine control strategies? Challenges and current opinion

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an infectious virus affecting all age groups of people around the world. It is one of the major aetiologic agents for HFMD (hand, foot and mouth disease) identified globally. It has led to many outbreaks and epidemics in Asian countries. Infection caused by this virus that can lead to serious psychological problems, heart diseases and respiratory issues in children younger than 10 years of age. Many studies are being carried out on the pathogenesis of the virus, but little is known. The host immune response and other molecular responses against the virus are also not clearly determined. This review deals with the interaction between the host and the EV71 virus. We discuss how the virus makes use of its proteins to affect the host's immunity and how the viral proteins help their replication. Additionally, we describe other useful resources that enable the virus to evade the host's immune responses. The knowledge of the viral structure and its interactions with host cells has led to the discovery of various drug targets for the treatment of the virus. Additionally, this review focusses on the antiviral drugs and vaccines developed by targeting various viral surface molecules during their infectious period. Furthermore, it is asserted that the improvement of prevailing vaccines will be the simplest method to manage EV71 infection swiftly. Therefore, we summarise numerous vaccines candidate for the EV71, such as the use of an inactivated complete virus, recombinant VP1 protein, artificial peptides, VLPs (viral-like particles) and live attenuated vaccines for combating the viral outbreaks promptly.

Suppression of endothelial miR-22 mediates non-small cell lung cancer cell-induced angiogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) are powerful regulators of angiogenesis, which is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we demonstrated that miR-22 is preferentially and highly expressed in ECs, while its endothelial level is significantly downregulated in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues when compared to matched nontumor lung tissues. This reduction of endothelial miR-22 is possibly induced by NSCLC cell-secreted interleukin-1β and subsequently activated transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Endothelial miR-22 functions as a potent angiogenesis inhibitor that inhibits all of the key angiogenic activities of ECs and consequently NSCLC growth through directly targeting sirtuin 1 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in ECs, leading to inactivation of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of NSCLC angiogenesis and indicate that endothelial miR-22 represents a potential target for the future antiangiogenic treatment of NSCLC.

Serum small extracellular vesicles promote M1 activation of microglia after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Microglial M1 activation is detrimental to stroke outcomes. Recent studies have shown that circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can deliver miRNAs to target cells and regulate recipient cell functions. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that miRNA delivery by serum sEVs after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury promote microglial M1 activation, demonstrating that serum sEVs from middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice promoted proliferation and M1 activation of BV2 microglia. To explore the underlying mechanism of serum sEVs-mediated microglial activation in the early phase of cerebral I/R injury, we examined the effects of ischemic brain injury on the serum sEVs miRNAs profile in a mouse MCAO model using small RNAseq. Of the 1257 detected miRNA replications, the levels of 72 were significantly modulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that a panel of miRNAs was closely associated with inflammation, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that serum sEVs from MCAO mice could effectively transfer inflammatory miRNAs to BV2 microglia. Collectively, our data suggested that miRNAs delivered by serum sEVs after cerebral I/R injury promoted microglial M1 activation. The identification of microglial activation regulators in future studies will give rise to more effective treatments for stroke.

Hydrogen sulfide prevents ethanol-induced ZO-1 CpG promoter hypermethylation-dependent vascular permeability via miR-218/DNMT3a axis

Ethanol (ET) causes cerebrovascular dysfunction by altering homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and by causing oxidative stress. However, there are no strategies to prevent ET-induced epigenetic deregulation of tight junction protein (hyper-methylation) and endothelial cell permeability to date. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) has an antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effect. Here, we investigated the protective role of H₂ S in ET-induced endothelial permeability through epigenetic changes in mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd3). The bEnd3 cells were exposed to 50 mM ET treatment in the presence or absence of 50 μM NaHS (H₂ S donor). The result demonstrates that ET-induced cellular toxicity increased intracellular Hcy levels, which further intensified mitochondrial dysfunction and energy defects. Using miScript microRNA (miRNA) polymerase chain reaction array-based screening, we identified a particular miRNA, miR-218, as a novel target of ET-induced DNA methyltransferase-3a (DNMT3a) activation. miR-218 influences CpG island methylation of the zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) promoter in the endothelial cells. We discovered that ET suppressed miR-218 levels and induced endothelial permeability via DNMT3a-mediated ZO-1 hyper-methylation. Treatment with mito-TEMPO (mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), 5'-azacitidine (DNMT inhibitor), or miR-218 overexpression was shown to protect endothelial cells against ET-induced permeability. Also, bEnd3 cells pretreated with NaHS attenuated ET-induced vascular permeability and prevented CpG island methylation at the promoter. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that H₂ S treatment protects vascular integrity from ET-induced stress by mitigating CpG (ZO-1 promoter) DNA hyper-methylation. This finding uncovers a new mechanistic understanding of NaHS/H₂ S, that may have therapeutic potential in preventing or diminishing ET-induced brain vascular permeability and dysfunction induced by alcoholism.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory changes to differentially expressed miRNAs of the host inflammatory response

In veterinary medicine, inflammation in swine is evaluated principally by clinical signs. This method is often unreliable when assessing large animal populations because of inconsistent interpretations of clinical observations. This study examined whether changes in miRNA expression can predict the severity of the inflammatory response in swine after administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Whole blood from swine challenged with LPS at 0.125 μg/kg to 2.0 μg/kg body weight was collected at 0, 1, 3, and 8 h post LPS-challenge. Mature miRNAs were extracted from plasma and quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the 84 most abundant swine miRNAs found in plasma. The miRNA changes in expression were assessed using the comparative CT Method (ΔΔCT method) for normalization with an exogenous control. The results revealed that expression of ssc-let-7e-5p, ssc-mir-22-3p, and ssc-miR-146a-5p were the most significantly changed miRNA over the time course. At 1 h post-LPS, ssc-let-7e-5p decreased as the LPS dosage levels increased from 0.125 to 1.0 μg/kg. Similarly, as the LPS doses increased from 0.125 to 0.5 μg/kg, ssc-miR-22-3p levels significantly decreased at 1 h post-LPS. In the 2.0 μg/kg LPS, ssc-miR-146a-5p levels increased between 0 and 3 h post-LPS; however, expression was downregulated with a 145 % decrease from 3 to 8 h. The three miRNA biomarkers suggest potentially useful surrogate endpoints for the evaluation of inflammatory and endotoxemia responses in swine.

Temporal microRNA expression profile of pig peripheral blood during postnatal development

Gene expression profiles of blood can reflect the physiopathologic status of the immune system. The dynamic microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of peripheral blood from pigs at different developmental stages, and how differential expression of miRNAs might relate to immune system development, are unknown. In this study, peripheral blood samples taken at five developmental stages were used to construct 15 miRNA libraries (three biological replicates/stage): 0 days (newborn), 30 days (weaning), 60 days (weaned), and 180 and 360 days (puberty). We identified 295 known mature miRNAs. Hierarchical clustering of the miRNA expression profile showed significant differences between individuals at the neonatal and postnatal stages. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that miRNAs differentially expressed between pairwise comparisons of the developmental stages were over-represented in immune-related pathways such as toll-like receptor signaling. The time-course of expression of the over-representated miRNAs exhibited a pattern of steady decline over time, for both the complete miRNA compendium and immune-related miRNAs. We identified six marker miRNAs that were highly negatively correlated with chronologic age and enriched for genes involved in immune-related pathways. This study of a peripheral blood miRNA transcriptome offers insight into immune system development in swine and provides a resource for pig genome annotation.

Discovery of Genomic Characteristics and Selection Signatures in Southern Chinese Local Cattle

Chinese local cattle with a high level of genetic diversity mainly originate from two subspecies; the cattle in northern China are primarily Bos Taurus, and the cattle in southern China are primarily Bos indicus. Cattle from southern China are characterized by a specific phenotype and adapted to the local environment. This study explored the genetic diversity, degree of admixture, and selection signature in eight local cattle breeds in southern China. The lowest level of heterozygosity was found in Hainan and Nandan cattle from Hainan and Guangxi province, respectively, whereas the highest level of heterozygosity was detected in Zhaotong cattle from Yunnan province. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree analysis clearly separated Lufeng cattle from other breeds, whereas Leiqiong and Hainan cattle have some crossover. Based on linkage disequilibrium-filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the admixture analysis revealed two clusters corresponding to the taurine and indicine cattle lineages, and the local cattle breeds from southern China showed a certain degree of admixture. When K = 4 and 9, we found a slight separation among Leiqiong, Lufeng, and Hainan cattle. Meanwhile, we performed a selection signature analysis in Hainan, Leiqiong, and Lufeng cattle distributed in the extreme south of China, using the integrated haplotype score (iHS), Rsb statistic, and BayeScan software. Using the iHS approach, we identified 251, 270, and 256 candidate regions in Lufeng, Leiqiong, and Hainan cattle, respectively. Moreover, we identified 184, 174, and 146 candidate regions in pairwise comparisons of Leiqiong vs. Lufeng, Leiqiong vs. Hainan, and Hainan vs. Lufeng cattle using the Rsb approach. In addition, we identified 76 loci with a total of 48 genes under selection, based on the F_ST approach. Several candidate genes under selection were found to be related to meat quality, immunity, and adaptation to the local environment in southern China. Our results provide significant information about the genetic differences among the cattle breeds from southern China and the possible cause of difference in breed-specific characteristics. Selection signature analysis identified a few candidate SNPs and genes related to certain important traits of these cattle. In general, our results provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of specific traits under selection in certain local cattle breeds.

Gap Junctions between Endothelial Cells Are Disrupted by Circulating Extracellular Vesicles from Sickle Cell Patients with Acute Chest Syndrome

Intercellular junctions maintain the integrity of the endothelium. We previously found that the adherens and tight junctions between endothelial cells are disrupted by plasma extracellular vesicles from patients with sickle cell disease (especially those with Acute Chest Syndrome). In the current study, we evaluated the effects of these vesicles on endothelial gap junctions. The vesicles from sickle cell patients (isolated during episodes of Acute Chest Syndrome) disrupted gap junction structures earlier and more severely than the other classes of intercellular junctions (as detected by immunofluorescence). These vesicles were much more potent than those isolated at baseline from the same subject. The treatment of endothelial cells with these vesicles led to reduced levels of connexin43 mRNA and protein. These vesicles severely reduced intercellular communication (transfer of microinjected Neurobiotin). Our data suggest a hierarchy of progressive disruption of different intercellular connections between endothelial cells by circulating extracellular vesicles that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the endothelial disturbances in sickle cell disease.

Exosomal miR-22-3p Derived from Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Regulates Vascular Permeability by Targeting VE-Cadherin

Background

The abnormal vascular permeability is associated with the formation of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Previously, our study demonstrated that the nasal lavage fluid- (NLF-) derived exosomes from CRSwNP can promote the vascular permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). miR-22-3p, a specific differentiated miRNA, is reported to regulate microvessels in some diseases. This study is purposed to explore the impact of exosomal miR-22-3p derived from CRSwNP on vascular permeability and identify the underlying targets.

Methods

Exosomes were extracted from NLF of 26 CRSwNP patients and 10 control patients. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT- PCR) was applied to evaluate the relative level of exosomal miR-22-3p. The impact of exosomal miR-22-3p on HUVECs was assessed by permeability assays in vitro. The potential molecular targets of miR-22-3p were investigated by applying such technologies as dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot.

Results

miR-22-3p was upregulated in NLF-derived exosomes from CRSwNP. Exosomal miR-22-3p derived from CRSwNP enhanced the tubule permeability of HUVECs. Vascular endothelial- (VE-) cadherin (CDH5) was identified as a direct target of miR-22-3p. miR-22-3p regulated the vascular permeability by targeting VE-cadherin in HUVECs.

Conclusions

Exosomal miR-22-3p derived from NLF of CRSwNP plays an important role in regulating vascular permeability by targeting VE-cadherin.

The tissue specific regulation of miR22 expression in the lung and brain by ribosomal protein L29

Endogenous miR22 is associated with a diverse range of biological processes through post-translational modification of gene expression and its deregulation results in various diseases including cancer. Its expression is usually tissue or cell-specific, however, the reasons behind this tissue or cell specificity are not clearly outlined till-date. Therefore, our keen interest was to investigate the mechanisms of tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22. In the current study, miR22 expression showed a tissues-specific difference in the poly(I:C) induced inflammatory mouse lung and brain tissues. The cell-specific different expression of miR22 was also observed in inflammatory glial cells and endothelial cells. The pattern of RPL29 expression was also similar to miR22 in these tissues and cells under the same treatment. Interestingly, the knockdown of RPL29 exerted an inhibitory effect on miR22 and its known transcription factors including Fos-B and c-Fos. Fos-B and c-Fos were also differentially expressed in the two cell lines transfected with poly(I:C). The knockdown of c-Fos also exerted its negative effects on miR22 expression in both cells. These findings suggest that RPL29 might have regulatory roles on tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22 through the transcription activities of c-Fos and also possibly through Fos-B.

Extracellular Vesicle miRNAs in the Promotion of Cardiac Neovascularisation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide claiming almost 17. 9 million deaths annually. A primary cause is atherosclerosis within the coronary arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle resulting in myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac cell death. Despite substantial progress in the management of coronary heart disease (CHD), there is still a significant number of patients developing chronic heart failure post-MI. Recent research has been focused on promoting neovascularisation post-MI with the ultimate goal being to reduce the extent of injury and improve function in the failing myocardium. Cardiac cell transplantation studies in pre-clinical models have shown improvement in cardiac function; nonetheless, poor retention of the cells has indicated a paracrine mechanism for the observed improvement. Cell communication in a paracrine manner is controlled by various mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs have emerged as novel regulators of intercellular communication, by transferring molecules able to influence molecular pathways in the recipient cell. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of EVs to stimulate angiogenesis by transferring microRNA (miRNA, miR) molecules to endothelial cells (ECs). In this review, we describe the process of neovascularisation and current developments in modulating neovascularisation in the heart using miRNAs and EV-bound miRNAs. Furthermore, we critically evaluate methods used in cell culture, EV isolation and administration.

Vascular Inflammation Is a Risk Factor Associated with Brain Atrophy and Disease Severity in Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Study

Introduction

Systemic inflammation with elevated oxidative stress causing neuroinflammation is considered a major factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The interface between systemic circulation and the brain parenchyma is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which also plays a role in maintaining neurovascular homeostasis. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate brain vessel endothelial function, neoangiogenesis, and, in turn, neuronal homeostasis regulation, such that their dysregulation can result in neurodegeneration, such as gray matter atrophy, in PD.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the associations among specific levels of gray matter atrophy, peripheral vascular adhesion molecules, miRNAs, and clinical disease severity in order to achieve a clearer understanding of PD pathogenesis.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 33 patients with PD and 27 healthy volunteers, and the levels of VCAM-1 and several miRNAs in those samples were measured. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping software program). The associations among the vascular parameter, miRNAs, gray matter volume, and clinical disease severity measurements were evaluated by partial correlation analysis.

Results

The levels of VCAM-1, miRNA-22, and miRNA-29a expression were significantly elevated in the PD patients. The gray matter volume atrophy in the left parahippocampus, bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, left temporal gyrus, and cerebellum was significantly correlated with increased clinical disease severity, the upregulation of miRNA levels, and increased vascular inflammation.

Conclusion

Patients with PD seem to have abnormal levels of vascular inflammatory markers and miRNAs in the peripheral circulation, and these levels are correlated with specific brain volume changes. This study reinforces the associations among peripheral inflammation, the BBB interface, and gray matter atrophy in PD and further demonstrates that BBB dysfunction with neurovascular impairment may play an important role in PD progression.

miR-22 and cerebral microbleeds in brainstem and deep area are associated with depression one month after ischemic stroke

In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship among miR-22, deep cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and post-stroke depression (PSD) 1 month after ischemic stroke. We consecutively recruited 257 patients with first-ever and recurrent acute cerebral infarction and performed PSD diagnosis in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria for depression. Clinical information, assessments of stroke severity, and imaging data were recorded on admission. We further detected plasma miR-22 using quantitative PCR and analyzed the relationship among miR-22, clinical data, and PSD using SPSS 23.0 software. Logistic regression showed that deep (OR=1.845, 95%CI: 1.006-3.386, P=0.047) and brain stem CMBs (OR=2.652, 95%CI: 1.110–6.921, P=0.040), as well as plasma miR-22 levels (OR=2.094, 95%CI: 1.066–4.115, P=0.032) were independent risk factors for PSD. In addition, there were significant differences in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (OR=1.881, 95%CI: 1.180–3.011, P=0.007) and Widowhood scores (OR=1.903, 95%CI: 1.182–3.063, P=0.012). Analysis of the receiver operating curve (AUC=0.723, 95%CI: 0.562–0.883, P=0.016) revealed that miR-22 could predict PSD one month after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, plasma miR-22 levels in brainstem and deep CMBs patients showed an upward trend (P=0.028) relative to the others. Patients with acute ischemic stroke, having brainstem and deep cerebral microbleeds, or a higher plasma miR-22 were more likely to develop PSD. These findings indicate that miR-22 might be involved in cerebral microvascular impairment and post-stroke depression.

Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic microRNAs for Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can provide insight into the pathophysiological states of ocular tissues such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In this study, differences in miRNA expression in vitreous from PDR patients with and without incidence of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (RVH) after the initial pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) were analyzed, with the aim of identifying biomarkers for RVH. Fifty-four consented vitreous samples were analyzed from patients undergoing PPV for PDR, of which eighteen samples underwent a second surgery due to RVH. Ten of the sixty-six expressed miRNAs (miRNAs-19a, -20a, -22, -27a, -29a, -93, -126, -128, -130a, and -150) displayed divergences between the PDR vitreous groups and to the control. A significant increase in the miRNA-19a and -27a expression was determined in PDR patients undergoing PPV as compared to the controls. miRNA-20a and -93 were significantly upregulated in primary PPV vitreous samples of patients afflicted with RVH. Moreover, this observed upregulation was not significant between the non-RVH and control group, thus emphasizing the association with RVH incidence. miRNA-19a and -27a were detected as putative vitreous biomarkers for PDR, and elevated levels of miRNA-20a and -93 in vitreous with RVH suggest their biomarker potential for major PDR complications such as recurrent hemorrhage incidence.

miR‑337‑3p inhibits gastric tumor metastasis by targeting ARHGAP10

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are known as regulatory molecules involved in gastric tumor metastasis. The expression of miR‑337‑3p was revealed to be downregulated in metastatic gastric tumor cells. Overexpression of miR‑337‑3p in gastric cancer cells resulted in the reduction of their invasive abilities. To characterize the functions of miR‑337‑3p, miR‑337‑3p was expressed in a metastatic lymph node‑derived gastric tumor cell line, SGC‑7901. Overexpression of miR‑337‑3p reduced the viability of cells but had no effects on the cell cycle. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays revealed that miR‑337‑3p inhibited the migration capacity of cells. miR‑337‑3p was capable of binding to the 3'‑untranslated region of a cytoskeleton‑associated molecule, ARHGAP10. Overexpression of miR‑337‑3p reduced the mRNA and protein levels of ARHGAP10 and the co‑expression of ARHGAP10 and miR‑337‑3p resulted in the recovery of cell migration capacity. Furthermore, the injection of miR‑337‑3p‑overexpressing SGC‑7901 cells into an immunodeficient mouse model resulted in a decrease in tumor metastasis in the liver and lungs. The present results indicated that miR‑337‑3p regulates gastric tumor metastasis by targeting the cytoskeleton‑associated protein ARHGAP10.

Immune-regulatory microRNA expression levels within circulating extracellular vesicles correspond with the appearance of local symptoms after seasonal flu vaccination

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the innate immune responses, such as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after vaccination can cause local adverse reactions, such as pain, itching, swelling, and redness. Previous studies have shown that circulating EV miR-451a regulates innate immune responses, and miR-451a levels in serum EVs are negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels in response to the influenza vaccine. Since excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production is a cause of the local adverse reactions to vaccination, we investigated whether miR-451a levels in serum EVs correlate with local symptoms at the vaccination site, such as pain, itching, swelling, and redness. Interestingly, miR-451a levels in serum EVs were inversely correlated with the number of symptoms after vaccination. We determined the level of several other immune-regulatory miRNAs in serum EVs. Using the immune-regulatory miRNA levels of miR-22, miR-29a, miR-451a, and miR-107, we calculated a normalized miRNA level for each healthy donor and found that the normalized miRNA levels were significantly correlated with the number of local symptoms after vaccination. Our data indicated that immune-regulatory miRNA levels in serum EVs can be used as biomarkers to assess local symptoms after influenza vaccination.

Biologic Mechanisms Linked to Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer that May Be Affected by Aging

The increase of both life expectancy of the Western industrialized population and cancer incidence with aging is expected to result in a rapid expansion of the elderly cancer population, including patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Although the survival of patients with EOC has generally improved over the past three decades, this progress has yet to provide benefits for elderly patients. Compared with young age, advanced age has been reported as an adverse prognostic factor influencing EOC. However, contradicting results have been obtained, and the mechanisms underlying this observation are poorly defined. Few papers have been published on the underlying biological mechanisms that might explain this prognosis trend. We provide an extensive review of mechanisms that have been linked to EOC prognosis and/or aging in the published literature and might underlie this relationship in humans.

Shifts in ovine cardiopulmonary microRNA expression in late gestation and the perinatal period

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as important contributors to the regulation of early fetal cardiopulmonary development. However, miRNA expression profiles during late gestation and the early neonatal period are not fully elaborated in large mammals such as sheep (ovis aries). The aim of this study was to sequence miRNA from cardiopulmonary tissues in late gestation and neonate sheep to identify changes in miRNA expression.

Methods

Illumina HiSeq next-generation deep sequencing (NGS) was performed on ovine tissues from the left (LV) and right ventricles (RV), lungs and pulmonary artery (PA) of preterm fetuses (128 days), near-term fetuses (140 days) (term = 148 days) and neonatal lambs (5 days). NGS reads were mapped to the sheep genome (OviAri) and published miRNA sequences.

Results

Of 1345 cardiopulmonary miRNAs that were sequenced, relatively few major shifts in miRNA expression were detected with increased age from near term to neonates, and were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR: bta-miR-146a (lung), bta-miR-22-3p (lung, LV), hsa-miR-335* (lung, PA), and miR-210 (lung, PA, LV).

Conclusions

Sequencing of miRNA led to identification of four predominant miRNA in ovine cardiopulmonary tissues which alter expression during late gestation and the early neonatal period, concurrent with important functional changes in heart and lungs.

MicroR-9-5p suppresses EV71 replication through targeting NFκB of the RIG-I-mediated innate immune response

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that there is a causative link between hsa-microRNA-9-5p (miR-9) and pathophysiological processes. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has been found to contribute to numerous severe clinical symptoms which result in death. The exact mechanism by which EV71 influences miR-9 expression is unknown, and the relationship between miR-9 and EV71 is still unclear. Here, miR-9 expression was found to be impaired upon EV71 infection in several cell lines and in an EV71 infection mouse model. Additionally, we confirmed that EV71 infection induces robust expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1) and interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β). Overexpression of miR-9 attenuated EV71 proliferation and reduced protein and gene expressions of virion protein 1 (VP1) of EV71. Furthermore, we observed that the inflammation caused by EV71 infection was restored to a moderate level via miR-9 overexpression. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in the retinoic acid-induced gene 1 (RIG-I) signaling pathway, but not interferon regulating factor 3 (IRF3), was significantly decreased and inactivated by ectopic miR-9 expression. Moreover, in mouse infection experiments, administration of miR-9 agomirs caused a significant decrease in VP1 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine production after viral inoculation. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that miR-9 exerts an anti-EV71 effect in cells and a mouse model via mediating NFκB activity of the RIG-I signal pathway, thereby suggesting a new candidate for antiviral drug development.

Stem Cell-Derived Exosome in Cardiovascular Diseases: Macro Roles of Micro Particles

The stem cell-based therapy has emerged as the promising therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Recently, increasing evidence suggest stem cell-derived active exosomes are important communicators among cells in the heart via delivering specific substances to the adjacent/distant target cells. These exosomes and their contents such as certain proteins, miRNAs and lncRNAs exhibit huge beneficial effects on preventing heart damage and promoting cardiac repair. More importantly, stem cell-derived exosomes are more effective and safer than stem cell transplantation. Therefore, administration of stem cell-derived exosomes will expectantly be an alternative stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of CVDs. Furthermore, modification of stem cell-derived exosomes or artificial synthesis of exosomes will be the new therapeutic tools for CVDs in the future. In addition, stem cell-derived exosomes also have been implicated in the diagnosis and prognosis of CVDs. In this review, we summarize the current advances of stem cell-derived exosome-based treatment and prognosis for CVDs, including their potential benefits, underlying mechanisms and limitations, which will provide novel insights of exosomes as a new tool in clinical therapeutic translation in the future.

Inhibition of hsa-miR-6086 protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against TNFα-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis via CDH5

MiRNAs are considered as a novel class of biomarkers or treatment targets for cardiovascular diseases. Hsa-miR-6086, a novel mi-RNA, was reported to be downregulated during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into endothelial cells (ECs). Interestingly, CDH5 (cadherin 5), encoding a classical cadherin of the cadherin superfamily, is a cellular marker of ECs and has been reported to be a target of hsa-miR-6086. However, the role of hsa-miR-6086 in ECs is virtually unknown. Herein, we report that hsa-miR-6086 was markedly induced by TNFα stimulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas CDH5 expression was greatly reduced. Importantly, TNFα-induced suppression of CDH5 expression was largely prevented by inhibiting hsa-miR-6086, and hsa-miR-6086 mimic greatly decrease CDH5 expression in HUVECs, suggesting that the induction of hsa-miR-6086 is responsible for CDH5 downregulation by TNFα. In addition, restoration of CDH5 expression level by either inhibiting hsa-miR-6086 or exogenously expressing CDH5 cDNA that is not affected by hsa-miR-6086 protected HUVECs against TNFα-induced apoptosis and cell growth inhibition. Taken together, our study reveals that hsa-miR-6086 is induced by TNFα and mediates TNFα-induced HUVEC growth inhibition through downregulating CDH5 expression. Hence, hsa-miR-6086 might be a new target for treating TNFα-induced endothelial dysfunction.

The prognostic value of decreased miR-101 in various cancers: a meta-analysis of 12 studies

BACKGROUND

A consensus regarding the prognostic value of decreased miR-101 in human cancers has not been reached. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the internal associations between loss of miR-101 expression and prognostic implications in patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All relevant literature in electronic databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Embase, up to March 1, 2017 were searched. Correlations between decreased miR-101 and clinicopathological parameters were defined by odds ratios (ORs). The degree of association between reduced miR-101 and survival outcome was evaluated by pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relevant 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Twelve eligible studies with 2,088 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Decreased miR-101 expression was closely connected with poor overall survival, with a pooled HR of 2.15 (95% CI 1.71-2.7, P<0.001). This correlation was also revealed when stratified analysis was conducted with respect to ethnicity, cancer type, sample size, specimen source, and analysis model. However, decreased miR-101 was not associated with disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival, or progression-free survival, with a pooled HR of 1.59 (95% CI 0.83-3.03, P=0.128), despite a positive trend. In addition, reduced miR-101 was intimately related to poorer tumor differentiation (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.14-4.13; P=0.019), advanced tumor classification (OR 5.25, 95% CI 3.39-8.12; P<0.001), and higher TNM stage (OR 6.18, 95% CI 3.79-10.09; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that loss of miR-101 expression is correlated with worse overall survival in a variety of cancers, and could serve as a predictive indicator for clinicopathological features. Furthermore, miR-101 may become a feasible therapeutic target in most human cancers.