miRNA-200c-3p promotes endothelial to mesenchymal transition and neointimal hyperplasia in artery bypass grafts

Trigonelline prevents high-glucose-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired angiogenic activity in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells

Trigonelline (TRIG) is a natural compound in an alkaloid family found in diverse plants. This compound exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic activities in several disease models. However, its beneficial role in endothelial injury, especially induced by diabetes, is unclear. We, therefore, evaluated the effects of TRIG on the cellular proteome of human endothelial (EA.hy926) cells followed by functional validation in high-glucose (HG)-induced endothelial deteriorations. Label-free quantification using nanoLC-ESI-Qq-TOF MS/MS revealed 40 downregulated and 29 upregulated proteins induced by TRIG. Functional enrichment analysis using DAVID and REVIGO tools suggested the involvement of these altered proteins in several biological processes and molecular functions, particularly cell-cell adhesion, ATP metabolic process, cell redox homeostasis, cadherin binding, and ATP hydrolysis activity. Experimental validation showed that HG triggered endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) (as demonstrated by increased spindle index and mesenchymal markers, i.e., fibronectin and vimentin, and decreased endothelial markers, i.e., PECAM-1 and VE-cadherin), increased oxidized proteins, and reduced intracellular ATP, active mitochondria, endothelial tube/mesh formation and VEGF secretion. However, TRIG successfully abolished all these defects induced by HG. These data indicate that TRIG prevents HG-induced EndMT, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired angiogenic activity in human endothelial cells.

HnRNPA1 Prevents Endothelial-to-mesenchymal Transition-induced VSMC Activation and Neointimal Hyperplasia in Vein Grafts

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is associated with neointimal hyperplasia and vein graft failure, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) has emerged as a major modulator of EMT. We aimed to investigate the functional consequence of EndoMT in neointimal hyperplasia and the precise role of hnRNPA1 in the regulation of EndoMT and neointimal hyperplasia. We investigated the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of EndoMT cells in a mouse model of vein graft transplantation. In vitro, we studied the interaction between EndoMT cells and VSMCs, and the underlying mechanism was investigated by cytokine antibody assays. In cultured HUVECs, we studied the effect of hnRNPA1 on EndoMT and the cellular interactions by using siRNA-mediated knockdown and adenovirus-mediated overexpression. We further investigated the role of hnRNPA1 in EndoMT and neointimal hyperplasia in vivo with an AAV-mediated EC-specific hnRNPA1 overexpression murine model. We demonstrated the presence of EndoMT cells during the initial stage of neointimal formation, and that EndoMT cells promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that EndoMT cells express and secrete a higher level of PDGF-B. Furthermore, we found a regulatory role for hnRNPA1 in EndoMT in vitro and in vivo. Similarly, we found that hnRNPA1 overexpression in ECs reduced the expression and secretion of PDGF-B during EndoMT, effectively inhibiting EndoMT cell-mediated activation of VSMCs in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate that EndoMT cells can activate VSMCs through a paracrine mechanism mediated by hnRNPA1 and lead to neointimal hyperplasia.

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 18 controls vascular smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype and neointimal hyperplasia

AIMS

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 18 (SNHG18) has been widely implicated in cancers. However, little is known about its functional involvement in vascular diseases. Herein, we attempted to explore a role for SNHG18 in modulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contractile phenotype and injury-induced neointima formation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptomic datasets showed decreased levels of SNHG18 in injured and atherosclerotic murine and human arteries, which is positively associated with VSMC contractile genes. SNHG18 was upregulated in VSMCs by TGFβ1 through transcription factors Sp1 and SMAD3. SNHG18 gene gain/loss-of-function studies revealed that VSMC contractile phenotype was positively regulated by SNHG18. Mechanistic studies showed that SNHG18 promotes a contractile VSMC phenotype by up-regulating miR-22-3p. SNHG18 up-regulates miR-22 biogenesis and miR-22-3p production by competitive binding with the A-to-I RNA editing enzyme, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-2 (ADAR2). Surprisingly, we observed that ADAR2 inhibited miR-22 biogenesis not through increasing A-to-I editing within primary miR-22, but by interfering with the binding of microprocessor complex subunit DGCR8 to primary miR-22. Importantly, perivascular SNHG18 overexpression in the injured vessels dramatically up-regulated the expression levels of miR-22-3p and VSMC contractile genes, and prevented injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Such modulatory effects were reverted by miR-22-3p inhibition in the injured arteries. Finally, we observed a similar regulator role for SNHG18 in human VSMCs and a decreased expression level of both SNHG18 and miR-22-3p in diseased human arteries; and we found that the expression level of SNHG18 was positively associated with that of miR-22-3p in both healthy and diseased human arteries.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that SNHG18 is a novel regulator in governing VSMC contractile phenotype and preventing injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Our findings have important implications for therapeutic targeting snhg18/miR-22-3p signalling in vascular diseases.

miRNA-200c-3p deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer by activating CRKL expression

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in malignant progression of Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Many studies have confirmed that miRNA-200c-3p is related to EMT. And we found that it is involved in the regulation of EMT, but the exact mechanism is unclear. CRKL is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and plays a role in EMT. In this study, the potential targets of miRNA-200c-3p were searched in miRPathDB, Targetscan and PicTar. And there are 68 potential targets at the intersection of the three databases. Then, bioinformatics and text mining performed by Coremine Medica, and found that among 68 potential targets, CRKL has the strongest correlation with EMT in TNBC. Therefore, we speculated that miRNA-200c-3p involvement in EMT might be related to CRKL. To verify miRNA-200c-3p inhibits the malignant phenotype of TNBC by regulating CRKL, RT‒PCR, western blotting, Clonal formation assays,CCK-8 proliferation assays, transwell invasion assays, Luciferase reporter assay and nude mouse transplantation tumor assay were performed. In this study, we found that miRNA-200c-3p is under-expressed and EMT-related genes are up-regulated in TNBC, and miRNA-200c-3p can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion and the expression of EMT-related genes and proteins in TNBC. Further research confirmed that miRNA-200c-3p could inhibit EMT by inhibiting the expression of CRKL that directly combining CRKL gene.

Experimental Models to Study Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Myocardial Fibrosis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Fibrosis is a common feature of cardiovascular diseases and targets multiple organs, such as the heart and vessels. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a complex, vital process that occurs during embryonic formation and plays a crucial role in cardiac development. It is also a fundamental process implicated in cardiac fibrosis and repair, but also in other organs. Indeed, in numerous cardiovascular diseases, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to be involved in the generation of fibroblasts that are able to produce extracellular matrix proteins such as type I collagen. This massive deposition results in tissue stiffening and organ dysfunction. To advance our understanding of this process for the development of new specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, it is essential to develop relevant cellular and animal models of this process. In this review, our aim was to gain an in-depth insight into existing in vitro and in vivo models of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on cardiac fibrosis. We discuss important parameters impacting endothelial to mesenchymal transition, and we give perspectives for the development of relevant models to decipher the underlying mechanisms and ultimately find new treatments specific to fibrosis happening in cardiovascular diseases.

Causal Role for Neutrophil Elastase in Thoracic Aortic Dissection in Mice

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease without effective medical treatment. Increasing evidence has suggested a role for NE (neutrophil elastase) in vascular diseases. In this study, we aimed at investigating a causal role for NE in TAD and exploring the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS

β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate was administrated in mice to induce TAD. NE deficiency mice, pharmacological inhibitor GW311616A, and adeno-associated virus-2-mediated in vivo gene transfer were applied to explore a causal role for NE and associated target gene in TAD formation. Multiple functional assays and biochemical analyses were conducted to unravel the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of NE in TAD.

RESULTS

NE aortic gene expression and plasma activity was significantly increased during β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate-induced TAD and in patients with acute TAD. NE deficiency prevents β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate-induced TAD onset/development, and GW311616A administration ameliorated TAD formation/progression. Decreased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps, inflammatory cells, and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2/9 were observed in NE-deficient mice. TBL1x (F-box-like/WD repeat-containing protein TBL1x) has been identified as a novel substrate and functional downstream target of NE in TAD. Loss-of-function studies revealed that NE mediated inflammatory cell transendothelial migration by modulating TBL1x-LTA4H (leukotriene A4 hydrolase) signaling and that NE regulated smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation under TAD pathological condition by regulating TBL1x-MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) signal axis. Further mechanistic studies showed that TBL1x inhibition decreased the binding of TBL1x and HDAC3 (histone deacetylase 3) to MECP2 and LTA4H gene promoters, respectively. Finally, adeno-associated virus-2-mediated Tbl1x gene knockdown in aortic smooth muscle cells confirmed a regulatory role for TBL1x in NE-mediated TAD formation.

CONCLUSIONS

We unravel a critical role of NE and its target TBL1x in regulating inflammatory cell migration and smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation in the context of TAD. Our findings suggest that the NE-TBL1x signal axis represents a valuable therapeutic for treating high-risk TAD patients.

FUS regulates the alternative splicing of cell proliferation genes related to atherosclerosis

FUS plays a significant role as an RNA-binding protein in several cellular processes, including RNA splicing, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. However, the RNA-binding capacity of FUS in atherosclerosis is unclear. We aimed to study the functions of FUS in inflammatory regulation through the role of the splicing factor. We knocked down FUS with siRNA to further study the overall transcriptional level and select alternative splicing (AS) of FUS regulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by RNA sequencing. The results suggested that the knockdown of FUS significantly affected gene expression in HUVECs. In addition, the knockdown of FUS resulted in 200 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were highly related to apoptotic process, signal transduction, multicellular organism development, cell adhesion and regulation of transcription, and DNA-templated pathways. Importantly, FUS extensively regulated 2870 AS events with a significant difference. Functional analysis of its modulated AS genes revealed they were highly enriched in cell cycle and cell population proliferation pathways. The qRT-PCR and RNA-seq data showed consistent results. Our findings suggested new knowledge of the mechanisms of FUS associated with atherosclerosis.

Injectable Antibacterial Hydrogel with Asiaticoside-Loaded Liposomes and Ultrafine Silver Nanosilver Particles Promotes Healing of Burn-Infected Wounds

Post-injury infection and wound healing are recurrent daily life problems. Therefore, the necessity of developing a biomaterial with antibacterial and wound-healing properties is paramount. Based on the special porous structure of hydrogel, this work modifies recombinant collagen and quaternary ammonium chitosan and fused them with silver nanoparticles (Ag@mental-organic framework (Ag@MOF)) with antibacterial properties, and asiaticoside-loaded liposomes (Lip@AS) with anti-inflammatory/vascularization effects to form the rColMA/QCSG/LIP@AS/Ag@MOF (RQLAg) hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel possesses good sustainable release capabilities of Ag+ and AS and exhibits concentration-dependent swelling properties, pore size, and compressive strength. Cellular experiments show that the hydrogel exhibits good cell compatibility and promote cell migration, angiogenesis, and M1 macrophage polarization. Additionally, the hydrogels exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. In vivo, Sprague Dawley rats burn-wound infection model showed that the RQLAg hydrogel could efficiently promote wound healing and has stronger healing promoting abilities than those of Aquacel Ag. In summary, the RQLAg hydrogel is expected to be an excellent material for accelerating open wound healing and preventing bacterial infections.

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol in Endothelial Functioning: A Comprehensive Review

Pharmacologists have been emphasizing and applying plant and herbal-based treatments in vascular diseases for decades now. Olives, for example, are a traditional symbol of the Mediterranean diet. Hydroxytyrosol is an olive-derived compound known for its antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Acknowledging the merit of antioxidants in maintaining endothelial function warrants the application of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial dysfunction salvage and recovery. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an impairment of endothelial cells that adversely affects vascular homeostasis. Disturbance in endothelial functioning is a known precursor for atherosclerosis and, subsequently, coronary and peripheral artery disease. However, the effects of hydroxytyrosol on endothelial functioning were not extensively studied, limiting its value either as a nutraceutical supplement or in clinical trials. The action of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial functioning at a cellular and molecular level is gathered and summarized in this review. The favorable effects of hydroxytyrosol in the improvement of endothelial functioning from in vitro and in vivo studies were scrutinized. We conclude that hydroxytyrosol is capable to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular aging, and arterial stiffness; thus, it is beneficial to preserve endothelial function both in vitro and in vivo. Although not specifically for endothelial dysfunction, hydroxytyrosol safety and efficacy had been demonstrated via in vivo and clinical trials for cardiovascular-related studies.

Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Health and Disease

The endothelium is one of the largest organ systems in the body, and data continue to emerge regarding the importance of endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in vascular aging and a range of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Over the last two decades and as a process intimately related to EC dysfunction, an increasing number of studies have also implicated endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as a potentially disease-causal pathobiologic process that is involved in a multitude of differing CVDs. However, EndMT is also involved in physiologic processes (e.g., cardiac development), and transient EndMT may contribute to vascular regeneration in certain contexts. Given that EndMT involves a major alteration in the EC-specific molecular program, and that it potentially contributes to CVD pathobiology, the clinical translation opportunities are significant, but further molecular and translational research is needed to see these opportunities realized.

Downregulation of Circulating Hsa-miR-200c-3p Correlates with Dyslipidemia in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD), one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, is a multifactorial disease whose early diagnosis is demanding. Thus, biomarkers predicting the occurrence of this pathology are of great importance from a clinical and therapeutic standpoint. By means of a pilot study on peripheral blood cells (PBMCs) of subjects with no coronary lesions (CTR; n = 2) and patients with stable CAD (CAD; n = 2), we revealed 61 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (18 promoter regions, 24 genes and 19 CpG islands) and 14.997 differentially methylated single CpG sites (DMCs) in CAD patients. MiRNA-seq results displayed a peculiar miRNAs profile in CAD patients with 18 upregulated and 32 downregulated miRNAs (FC ≥ ±1.5, p ≤ 0.05). An integrated analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and miRNA-seq results indicated a significant downregulation of hsa-miR-200c-3p (FCCAD = −2.97, p ≤ 0.05) associated to the hypermethylation of two sites (genomic coordinates: chr12:7073122-7073122 and chr12:7072599-7072599) located intragenic to the miR-200c/141 genomic locus (encoding hsa-miR-200c-3p) (p-value = 0.009) in CAD patients. We extended the hsa-miR-200c-3p expression study in a larger cohort (CAD = 72, CTR = 24), confirming its reduced expression level in CAD patients (FCCAD = −2; p = 0.02). However, when we analyzed the methylation status of the two CpG sites in the same cohort, we failed to identify significant differences. A ROC curve analysis showed good performance of hsa-miR-200c-3p expression level (AUC = 0.65; p = 0.02) in distinguishing CAD from CTR. Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between hsa-miR-200c-3p expression and creatinine clearance (R2 = 0.212, p < 0.005, Pearson r = 0.461) in CAD patients. Finally, a phenotypic correlation performed in the CAD group revealed lower hsa-miR-200c-3p expression levels in CAD patients affected by dyslipidemia (+DLP, n = 58) (p < 0.01). These results indicate hsa-miR-200c-3p as potential epi-biomarker for the diagnosis and clinical progression of CAD and highlight the importance of deeper studies on the expression of this miRNA to understand its functional role in coronary artery disease development.

Noncoding RNAs in Vascular Cell Biology and Restenosis

In-stent restenosis (ISR), characterised by ≥50% re-narrowing of the target vessel, is a common complication following stent implantation and remains a significant challenge to the long-term success of angioplasty procedures. Considering the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, improving angioplasty patient outcomes remains a key priority. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) have been extensively implicated in vascular cell biology and ISR through multiple, both distinct and overlapping, mechanisms. Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and macrophages constitute the main cell types involved in the multifactorial pathophysiology of ISR. The identification of critical regulators exemplified by ncRNAs in all these cell types and processes makes them an exciting therapeutic target in the field of restenosis. In this review, we will comprehensively explore the potential functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs in vascular cell biology in the context of restenosis, with an in-depth focus on vascular cell dysfunction during restenosis development and progression. We will also discuss the diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target potential of ncRNAs in ISR. Finally, we will discuss the current shortcomings, challenges, and perspectives toward the clinical application of ncRNAs.

Targeted Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Prevents Aortic Dissection in a Murine Model

Aortic dissection (AD) is a lethal aortic pathology without effective medical treatments since the underlying pathological mechanisms responsible for AD remain elusive. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8) has been previously identified as a key player in atherosclerosis and arterial remodeling. However, the functional role of MMP8 in AD remains largely unknown. Here, we report that an increased level of MMP8 was observed in 3-aminopropionitrile fumarate (BAPN)-induced murine AD. AD incidence and aortic elastin fragmentation were markedly reduced in MMP8-knockout mice. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of MMP8 significantly reduced the AD incidence and aortic elastin fragmentation. We observed less inflammatory cell accumulation, a lower level of aortic inflammation, and decreased smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis in MMP8-knockout mice. In line with our previous observation that MMP8 cleaves Ang I to generate Ang II, BAPN-treated MMP8-knockout mice had increased levels of Ang I, but decreased levels of Ang II and lower blood pressure. Additionally, we observed a decreased expression level of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) and a reduced level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MMP8-knockout aortas. Mechanistically, our data show that the Ang II/VCAM1 signal axis is responsible for MMP8-mediated inflammatory cell invasion and transendothelial migration, while MMP8-mediated SMC inflammation and apoptosis are attributed to Ang II/ROS signaling. Finally, we observed higher levels of aortic and serum MMP8 in patients with AD. We therefore provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AD and identify MMP8 as a potential therapeutic target for this life-threatening aortic disease.

The Role of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is the process of endothelial cells progressively losing endothelial-specific markers and gaining mesenchymal phenotypes. In the normal physiological condition, EndoMT plays a fundamental role in forming the cardiac valves of the developing heart. However, EndoMT contributes to the development of various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, valve diseases, fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying EndoMT in CVD should provide urgently needed insights into reversing this condition. This review summarizes a 30-year span of relevant literature, delineating the EndoMT process in particular, key signaling pathways, and the underlying regulatory networks involved in CVD.

Extravascular rapamycin film inhibits the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the autophagy pathway to prevent vein graft restenosis

Following vein grafting, the vein must adapt to arterial hemodynamics, which can lead to intimal hyperplasia (IH) and restenosis. Moreover, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) components are highly associated with IH. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to design an extravascular film loaded with rapamycin (extravascular rapamycin film [ERF]) to limit vein graft stenosis. The film exhibited stable physicochemical properties as well as in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility. In vivo, the film inhibited the EndMT by activating the autophagy pathway. Moreover, rapamycin enhanced this biological effect. Collectively, these findings highlighted the applicability of ERF as a new therapeutic target for preventing vein graft restenosis.

Cas9/AAV9-Mediated Somatic Mutagenesis Uncovered the Cell-Autonomous Role of Sarcoplasmic/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase 2 in Murine Cardiomyocyte Maturation

Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2) is a key player in cardiomyocyte calcium handling and also a classic target in the gene therapy for heart failure. SERCA2 expression dramatically increases during cardiomyocyte maturation in the postnatal phase of heart development, which is essential for the heart to acquire its full function in adults. However, whether and how SERCA2 regulates cardiomyocyte maturation remains unclear. Here, we performed Cas9/AAV9-mediated somatic mutagenesis (CASAAV) in mice and achieved cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of Atp2a2, the gene coding SERCA2. Through a cardiac genetic mosaic analysis, we demonstrated the cell-autonomous role of SERCA2 in building key ultrastructures of mature ventricular cardiomyocytes, including transverse-tubules and sarcomeres. SERCA2 also exerts a profound impact on oxidative respiration gene expression and sarcomere isoform switching from Myh7/Tnni1 to Myh6/Tnni3, which are transcriptional hallmarks of cardiomyocyte maturation. Together, this study uncovered a pivotal role of SERCA2 in heart development and provided new insights about SERCA2-based cardiac gene therapy.

MicroRNA-200c-3p Negatively Regulates ATP2A2 and Promotes the Progression of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

microRNA-200c-3p (miR-200c-3p) has emerged as an important tumor growth regulator. However, its function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is poorly understood. This study was conducted to investigate the role of miR-200c-3p in the progression of human PTC. The miR-200c-3p expression in human PTC tissues and cell lines was evaluated. The target relationship between miR-200c-3p and candidate genes was predicted through bioinformatic analysis and confirmed with a luciferase reporter assay. miRNA or gene expression was altered using transfection, and cell behavior was analyzed using CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, and colony formation assays. The tumor-promoting effects of miR-200c-3p were evaluated by xenografting tumors with K1 cells in nude mice. The expression level of miR-200c-3p in human PTC tissues and cell lines markedly increased, and this increased expression was significantly associated with a worse overall survival. When inactivated, miR-200c-3p suppressed K1 cells’ malignant behaviors, including decreasing proliferation and attenuating colony formation, migration, and invasion. Its inactivation also attenuated the development of xenografted K1 cells in nude mice. The effects of miR-200c-3p mimics on promoting the malignant behaviors of PTC cells were remarkably reversed by the overexpression of ATP2A2, as a downstream target of miR-200c-3p. miR-200c-3p acts as an oncogenic gene and promotes the malignant biological behaviors of human PTC cells, thereby directly targeting ATP2A2. This regulated axis may be used as a potential therapy of PTC.

MiR-200c-3p regulates pyroptosis by targeting SLC30A7 in diabetic retinopathy

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the progression of various diseases. Studying the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs can help clinical treatment.

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the complications of diabetes. The objective of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which miR-200c-3p regulates the pyroptosis of DR cell.

METHODS

Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and high glucose (HG) cultures established DR cell model in vitro. RT-qPCR is used to detect the expression level of miRNAs. CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry are used to detect apoptosis of HRMECs cell. Western blotting is used to detect cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-1, and N-GSDMD proteins levels in HRMECs. The ELISA assay is used to detect the expression of IL-1β and IL-18. Predict and validate potential binding sites between miR-200c-3p and SLC30A7 by dual luciferase reporter gene analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that HG caused damage to HRMECs through the pyroptosis pathway rather than the apoptosis pathway. MiR-200c-3p is highly expressed in HG induced-HRMECs, and knockdown of miR-200c-3p mitigates HG-induced HRMECs pyroptosis. MiR-200c-3p negatively targets SLC30A7 in HRMECs, and miR-200c-3p regulates pyroptosis of HG-induced HRMECs by targeting SLC30A7.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that miR-200c-3p might be a promising interference target for DR prevention and treatment. The results of current study may provide new insights into development of therapeutic strategies for DR.

Downregulation of microRNA-200c-3p alleviates the aggravation of venous thromboembolism by targeting serpin family C member 1

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most prevalent cardiovascular complication. Increasing studies have demonstrated that some microRNAs (miRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in VTE and play crucial roles in mediating the development of VTE. Therefore, our study intends to explore the detailed function and molecular mechanism of miR-200c-3p in VTE progression. In our research, VTE rat models were first established via inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation and the time-dependent effects of IVC ligation on thrombus formation were discovered. The results of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase-chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting showed that serpin family C member 1 (SERPINC1) was downregulated in VTE rat models and showed an inverse correlation with thrombus load. MiRNA target prediction tools and luciferase reporter assay confirmed SERPINC1 as a target for miR-200c-3p. VTE rats were injected with miR-200c-3p inhibitor for 24 h to investigate whether miR-200c-3p knockdown influences thrombus formation in vivo. Histological examination through hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that miR-200c-3p downregulation markedly inhibited the formation of thrombus in IVC of rats. Additionally, miR-200c-3p was upregulated while SERPINC1 was downregulated in serum and inferior vena cava of VTE rats as well as in plasma of patients with VTE. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that miR-200c-3p expression was negatively correlated to SERPINC1 expression in VTE rats and patients with VTE. Our study determines the previously unelucidated function of miR-200c-3p in VTE, which might provide a potential novel insight for the treatment of VTE.

Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Abnormal Endothelial Function in Early Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abnormal coronary endothelial function is an important step in the development of atherosclerosis. Coronary atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of death worldwide. We constructed a co-expression network to identify hub genes associated with abnormal coronary endothelial function in early coronary atherosclerosis. In brief, we used the GSE132651 dataset from the gene expression omnibus database. The top 5000 genes with greatest variances were used for weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and the module most strongly correlated with abnormal coronary endothelial function was chosen as key module. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for genes in the key module, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed to find hub genes, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was also performed. Genes were classified into 7 modules, with the midnightblue module being the one that was most related to abnormal coronary endothelial function and containing genes enriched in DNA replication, cell cycle, nucleotide excision repair, and Human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection. We identified nine hub genes (HOXC5, PRND, PADI3, RC3H1, DAPP1, SIT1, DRICH1, GPRIN2, and RHO), which differently expressed in abnormal and normal coronary endothelial function samples. GSEA suggested that samples associated with abnormal coronary endothelial function and highly expressed hub genes were linked with immune, coagulation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis processes. These hub genes, their expression pattern, and pathways may be involved in the development of abnormal coronary endothelial function and promotion of early coronary atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil elastase promotes neointimal hyperplasia by targeting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-NF-κB signalling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) is the fundamental cause for vascular diseases and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysregulation has been widely implicated in NIH. Neutrophil elastase is a potential therapeutic target for multiple diseases. We investigated the role of neutrophil elastase in VSMC functions and injury-induced NIH and explored the therapeutic potential of targeting neutrophil elastase in NIH.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

VSMCs were used to analyse the effects of neutrophil elastase. Proteomic analysis was used to identify potential neutrophil elastase targets. Artery injury model and neutrophil elastase inhibitor GW311616A were used to investigate the role of neutrophil elastase in NIH.

KEY RESULTS

TNF-α up-regulated neutrophil elastase in VSMCs through modulating GAPBα/Runx1/CEBPα/c-Myb signalling. Up-regulated neutrophil elastase promoted VSMC migration, proliferation and inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was identified as a target protein for neutrophil elastase in VSMCs and the TLR4/MyD88/IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB regulatory axis was shown to be the signalling pathway for neutrophil elastase in VSMC pathology. Importantly, TLR4 inhibition abolished neutrophil elastase-mediated VSMC dysregulation. Injury-induced NIH was significantly reduced in both neutrophil elastase-deficient mice and mice treated with GW311616A. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps was impaired in injured arteries from neutrophil elastase-deficient mice. Finally, a similar role for neutrophil elastase in human VSMC pathology was confirmed and we observed higher expression levels of neutrophil elastase but lower expression levels of TLR4 in human atherosclerotic lesions.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

We provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying NIH and identify neutrophil elastase as a potential therapeutic target for vascular disease.

MiR-200c-3p promotes ox-LDL-induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through SMAD7/YAP pathway

BACKGROUND

Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) participates in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). MiR-200c-3p has been implicated in EndMT. However, the functional role of miR-200c-3p in AS remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated the critical role of miR-200c-3p in regulating EndMT in AS.

METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS mouse model, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic AS cell model. The expression of miR-200c-3p, SMAD7 and YAP in ApoE-/- mice and HUVECs was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Rhodamine phalloidin staining and Western blot were performed to observe cell morphology and EndMT marker expression of HUVECs. Luciferase reporter assay and Co-Immunoprecipitation were performed to verify the relationship among miR-200c-3p, SMAD7, and YAP.

RESULTS

MiR-200c-3p was highly expressed, and SMAD7 and YAP were down-regulated in the aortic tissues of ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p overexpression promoted the transformation of ox-LDL-treated HUVECs from cobblestone-like epithelial phenotype to a spindle-like mesenchymal phenotype. Meanwhile, miR-200c-3p up-regulation repressed the expression of endothelial markers CD31 and vWF and promoted the expression of mesenchymal markers α-SMA and vimentin in the ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p inhibited SMAD7 and YAP expression by interacting with 3' untranslated region of SMAD7. Moreover, miR-200c-3p promoted EndMT in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs by inhibiting SMAD7/YAP pathway.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrated that MiR-200c-3p promoted ox-LDL-induced EndMT in HUVECs through SMAD7/YAP pathway, which may be important for the onset of atherosclerosis.

EndMT Regulation by Small RNAs in Diabetes-Associated Fibrotic Conditions: Potential Link With Oxidative Stress

Diabetes-associated complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis, the main consequences of long-term hyperglycemia, often lead to organ dysfunction, disability, and increased mortality. A common denominator of these complications is the myofibroblast-driven excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Although fibroblast appears to be the primary source of myofibroblasts, other cells, including endothelial cells, can generate myofibroblasts through a process known as endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). During EndMT, endothelial cells lose their typical phenotype to acquire mesenchymal features, characterized by the development of invasive and migratory abilities as well as the expression of typical mesenchymal products such as α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. EndMT is involved in many chronic and fibrotic diseases and appears to be regulated by complex molecular mechanisms and different signaling pathways. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are crucial mediators of EndMT. Furthermore, EndMT and miRNAs are both affected by oxidative stress, another key player in the pathophysiology of diabetic fibrotic complications. In this review, we provide an overview of the primary redox signals underpinning the diabetic-associated fibrotic process. Then, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of small RNAs in the regulation of EndMT in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis and highlight potential links between oxidative stress and the dyad small RNAs-EndMT in driving these pathological states.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.