miR-188 promotes senescence of lineage-negative bone marrow cells by targeting MAP3K3 expression

Functions of MAP3Ks in antiviral immunity

Immune signal transduction is crucial to the body's defense against viral infection. Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activates the transcription of interferon regulators and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB); this promotes the release of interferons and inflammatory factors. Efficient regulation of type I interferon and NF-κB signaling by members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family plays an important role in antiviral immunity. Elucidating the specific roles of MAP3K activation during viral infection is essential to develop effective antiviral therapies. In this review, we outline the specific regulatory mechanisms of MAP3Ks in antiviral immunity and discuss the feasibility of targeting MAP3Ks for the treatment of virus-induced diseases.

Obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with partially reversible modifications to DNA hydroxymethylation of apoptosis- and senescence-related genes in swine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Obesity dysregulates key biological processes underlying the functional homeostasis, fate decisions, and reparative potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Mechanisms directing obesity-induced phenotypic alterations in MSCs remain unclear, but emerging drivers include dynamic modification of epigenetic marks, like 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). We hypothesized that obesity and cardiovascular risk factors induce functionally relevant, locus-specific changes in 5hmC of swine adipose-derived MSCs and evaluated their reversibility using an epigenetic modulator, vitamin-C.

METHODS

Female domestic pigs were fed a 16-week Lean or Obese diet (n = 6 each). MSCs were harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue, and 5hmC profiles were examined through hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (hMeDIP-seq) followed by an integrative (hMeDIP and mRNA sequencing) gene set enrichment analysis. For clinical context, we compared 5hmC profiles of adipose tissue-derived human MSCs harvested from patients with obesity and healthy controls.

RESULTS

hMeDIP-seq revealed 467 hyper- (fold change ≥ 1.4; p-value ≤ 0.05) and 591 hypo- (fold change ≤ 0.7; p-value ≤ 0.05) hydroxymethylated loci in swine Obese- versus Lean-MSCs. Integrative hMeDIP-seq/mRNA-seq analysis identified overlapping dysregulated gene sets and discrete differentially hydroxymethylated loci with functions related to apoptosis, cell proliferation, and senescence. These 5hmC changes were associated with increased senescence in cultured MSCs (p16/CDKN2A immunoreactivity, senescence-associated β-galactosidase [SA-β-Gal] staining), were partly reversed in swine Obese-MSCs treated with vitamin-C, and shared common pathways with 5hmC changes in human Obese-MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with dysregulated DNA hydroxymethylation of apoptosis- and senescence-related genes in swine and human MSCs, potentially affecting cell vitality and regenerative functions. Vitamin-C may mediate reprogramming of this altered epigenomic landscape, providing a potential strategy to improve the success of autologous MSC transplantation in obese patients.

Exosome miRNA Expression in Umbilical Cord Blood of High-Parity Sows Regulates Their Reproductive Potential

The objective of modern pig breeding is to improve the genetic reproduction performance potential of sows, including the litter size and weight of piglets. During the gestation period, the umbilical cord facilitates placenta−fetal communication; thus, it plays an indispensable role in intrauterine embryonic development and fitness. Herein, we analyzed the molecular mechanism in declining reproductive potential in high-parity sows by assessing the changes in the umbilical cord blood. Firstly, we analyzed the reproductive characteristics data of sows, followed by histological analysis of the umbilical cord phenotype. Next, we evaluated the effect of umbilical cord blood exosomes (UCB-EXO) on angiogenesis. Finally, the miRNA expression in UCB-EXO from high-parity sows with poor reproductive performance (OS) and multiparous sows with excellent reproductive performance (MS) was assessed. Overall, the best reproductive performance was at parity 3−7, gradually decreasing after parity 8 and angiogenesis was repressed in OS. However, exosomes derived from MS (Exo-MS) exhibited pro-angiogenesis properties but were diminished in exosomes derived from OS (Exo-OS). Additionally, the angiogenesis of sows was significantly decreased, increasing the risk of disease with the increase in parity, greatly limiting the reproductive potential of the sows. At the same time, miR-188-5p expression in Exo-OS was significantly higher than in Exo-MS (p < 0.01), implying that it may play an important role in regulating the lifespan and reproductive potential of sows. These findings demonstrated that miRNAs in UCB-EXO play a central role in intrauterine development. Further, the findings suggest novel insights on reproductive potential, which provide a reference for increasing the sow reproductive efficiency.

Emerging Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Senescence

Senescence is defined as a gradual weakening of functional features of a living organism. Cellular senescence is a process that is principally aimed to remove undesirable cells by prompting tissue remodeling. This process is also regarded as a defense mechanism induced by cellular damage. In the course of oncogenesis, senescence can limit tumor progression. However, senescence participates in the pathoetiology of several disorders such as fibrotic disorders, vascular disorders, diabetes, renal disorders and sarcopenia. Recent studies have revealed contribution of different classes of non-coding RNAs in the cellular senescence. Long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and circular RNAs are three classes of these transcripts whose contributions in this process have been more investigated. In the current review, we summarize the available literature on the impact of these transcripts in the cellular senescence.

The Inflamm-Aging Model Identifies Key Risk Factors in Atherosclerosis

Background: Atherosclerosis, one of the main threats to human life and health, is driven by abnormal inflammation (i.e., chronic inflammation or oxidative stress) during accelerated aging. Many studies have shown that inflamm-aging exerts a significant impact on the occurrence of atherosclerosis, particularly by inducing an immune homeostasis imbalance. However, the potential mechanism by which inflamm-aging induces atherosclerosis needs to be studied more thoroughly, and there is currently a lack of powerful prediction models.

Methods: First, an improved inflamm-aging prediction model was constructed by integrating aging, inflammation, and disease markers with the help of machine learning methods; then, inflamm-aging scores were calculated. In addition, the causal relationship between aging and disease was identified using Mendelian randomization. A series of risk factors were also identified by causal analysis, sensitivity analysis, and network analysis.

Results: Our results revealed an accelerated inflamm-aging pattern in atherosclerosis and suggested a causal relationship between inflamm-aging and atherosclerosis. Mechanisms involving inflammation, nutritional balance, vascular homeostasis, and oxidative stress were found to be driving factors of atherosclerosis in the context of inflamm-aging.

Conclusion: In summary, we developed a model integrating crucial risk factors in inflamm-aging and atherosclerosis. Our computation pipeline could be used to explore potential mechanisms of related diseases.

miR-188-3p targets skeletal endothelium coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis during ageing

A specific bone capillary subtype, namely type H vessels, with high expression of CD31 and endomucin, was shown to couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis recently. The number of type H vessels in bone tissue declines with age, and the underlying mechanism for this reduction is unclear. Here, we report that microRNA-188-3p (miR-188-3p) involves this process. miRNA-188-3p expression is upregulated in skeletal endothelium and negatively regulates the formation of type H vessels during ageing. Mice with depletion of miR-188 showed an alleviated age-related decline in type H vessels. In contrast, endothelial-specific overexpression of miR-188-3p reduced the number of type H vessels, leading to decreased bone mass and delayed bone regeneration. Mechanistically, we found that miR-188 inhibits type H vessel formation by directly targeting integrin β3 in endothelial cells. Our findings indicate that miR-188-3p is a key regulator of type H vessel formation and may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing bone loss and accelerating bone regeneration.

Inhibition of miR-188-5p Suppresses Progression of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

ABSTRACT

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an aging-related degenerative disease. miR-188-5p was reported to induce cell senescence and play a key role in aging-related disease. Therefore, in this study, we investigated miR-188-5p expression during progression in experimental AAAs. Furthermore, we investigated whether inhibition of miR-188-5p could suppress AAA progression. Experimental AAAs were created in 9-12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice by transient intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase. Expression of miR-188-5p levels were assessed in aneurysmal and control aortae during the progression of aneurysm. For inhibition experiment, miR-188 inhibiting group mice were injected with AAV2-miR188-5p sponge through tail vein and control group mice were injected with AAV2-CMV-GFP. Influences on experimental AAA progression were assessed by measurements of aortic diameter and histopathologic analysis at sacrifice. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to determine the inflammatory cells infiltration and colocalization of miR-188-5p in aortic sections. Expression of miR-188-5p is upregulated during progression of AAA. Importantly, miR-188-5p inhibition treatment prevented enlargement of experimental aneurysms. Meanwhile, miR-188-5p inhibition regimens attenuated medial elastin degradation, smooth muscle cell depletion, and mural angiogenesis and the accumulation of macrophages, T cells, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, colocalization of miR188-5p with CD68 and CD3 was observed, which suggest miR-188-5p was expressed mainly in infiltrated macrophages and T cells. Expression of miR-188-5p is increased in experimental AAAs. Treatment with miR-188-5p inhibition limits experimental AAA progression, with histologic evidence of reduced neovessels and attenuated mural leukocyte infiltration. These findings underscore the potential significance of miR-188-5p in aneurysm pathogenesis and as a target for suppression of AAA disease.

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of senescence and aging in mesenchymal stem cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently come under scrutiny for their role in various age-related diseases. Similarly, cellular senescence has been linked to disease and aging. MicroRNAs and senescence likely play an intertwined role in driving these pathologic states. In this review, we present the connection between these two drivers of age-related disease concerning mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). First, we summarize key miRNAs that are differentially expressed in MSCs and other musculoskeletal lineage cells during senescence and aging. Additionally, we also reviewed miRNAs that are regulated via traditional senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) cytokines in MSC. Lastly, we summarize miRNAs that have been found to target components of the cell cycle arrest pathways inherently activated in senescence. This review attempts to highlight potential miRNA targets for regenerative medicine applications in age-related musculoskeletal disease.

CircRNA ZNF609 Knockdown Suppresses Cell Growth via Modulating miR-188/ELF2 Axis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to act as the important regulators in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). CircRNA ZNF609 (circ-ANF609) and miR-188 have been, respectively, reported to play a pro-cancer and anti-cancer role in NPC. The purpose of this study is to reveal the functional relation of circ-ZNF609 and miR-188 in NPC development.

Methods

The transcription level and protein level of genes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assay, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis was used to assess cell cycle transition and cell apoptosis rate. Besides, the interaction between miR-188 and circ-ZNF609 or E74-like factor 2 (ELF2) was predicted by starbase or microT-CDS, and then confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay.

Results

Circ-ZNF609 and ELF2 levels were increased and miR-188 level was decreased in NPC. Circ-ZNF609 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle transition, as well as accelerated apoptosis in NPC cells. Interestingly, circ-ZNF609 directly bound to miR-188. Circ-ZNF609 regulated NPC cell growth through modulating miR-188 expression. In addition, miR-188 suppressed NPC cell growth via directly targeting ELF2. Finally, we confirmed that circ-ZNF609 mediated miR-188 level to modulate ELF2 expression.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that circ-ZNF609 depletion-repressed proliferation and cell cycle transition, and induced apoptosis of NPC cells via modulation of miR-188/ELF2 axis, providing potential targets for the therapy of NPC.

miR‑505 inhibits cell growth and EMT by targeting MAP3K3 through the AKT‑NFκB pathway in NSCLC cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, which generally regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been reported in numerous cancer types, including lung cancer. In the present study, the role of miR-505 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated. miR-505 served a tumor suppressor role in NSCLC cells. By reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection, it was demonstrated that miR-505 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, which is negatively associated with large tumor size, Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage and distant metastasis in patients with NSCLC. Functional studies revealed that miR-505 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3) was identified as a direct target of miR-505 by binding to its 3′untranslated region and demonstrated to mediate the tumor suppressor roles of miR-505 in NSCLC cells. The effect of miR-505 on the activation of AKT/nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) pathway, which was downstream targets of MAP3K3, was further analyzed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analyses. The data demonstrated the inhibition of the AKT/NFκB pathway upon overexpressing miR-505 and the activation of AKT/NFκB pathway upon silencing miR-505. Collectively, the data revealed the novel role and target of miR-505 in NSCLC cells, which may provide novel insights regarding its role in the carcinogenesis of NSCLC and its potential values for clinical applications.

MiroRNA-188 Acts as Tumor Suppressor in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting MAP3K3

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer. MicroRNAs have been increasingly implicated in NSCLC and may serve as novel therapeutic targets to combat cancer. Here we investigated the functional implication of miR-188 in NSCLC. We first analyzed miR-188 expression in both NSCLC clinical samples and cancer cell lines. Next we investigated its role in A549 and H2126 cells with cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays. To extend the in vitro study, we employed both xenograft model and LSL- K-ras G12D lung cancer model to examine the role of miR-188 in tumorigenesis. Last we tested MAP3K3 as miR-188 target in NSCLC model. MiR-188 expression was significantly downregulated at the NSCLC tumor sites and lung cancer cells. In vitro transfection of miR-188 reduced cell proliferation and migration potential and promoted cell apoptosis. In xenograft model, miR-188 inhibited tumor growth derived from cancer cells. Intranasal miR-188 administration reduced tumor formation in NSCLC animal model. MAP3K3 was validated as direct target of miR-188. Knocking down MAP3K3 in mice also inhibited tumorigenesis in LSL- K-ras G12D model. Our results demonstrate that miR-188 and its downstream target MAP3K3 could be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.