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Liu L, Wang C, Wang H, Miao L, Xie T, Tian Y, Li X, Huang Y, Zeng X, Zhu B. Identification of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network for treating methamphetamine-induced relapse and behavioral sensitization with cannabidiol. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14737. [PMID: 38702929 PMCID: PMC11069028 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanism of cannabidiol (CBD) on methamphetamine (METH)-induced relapse and behavioral sensitization in male mice. METHODS The conditioned place preference (CPP) test with a biased paradigm and open-field test were used to assess the effects of CBD on METH-induced relapse and behavioral sensitization in male mice. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis was employed to identify differential expressed (DE) circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice, and the interaction among them was predicted using competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network analysis. RESULTS Chronic administration of CBD (40 mg/kg) during the METH withdrawal phase alleviated METH (2 mg/kg)-induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization in mice, as well as mood and cognitive impairments following behavioral sensitization. Furthermore, 42 DEcircRNAs, 11 DEmiRNAs, and 40 DEmRNAs were identified in the NAc of mice. The circMeis2-miR-183-5p-Kcnj5 network in the NAc of mice is involved in the effects of CBD on METH-induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization. CONCLUSIONS This study constructed the ceRNAs network for the first time, revealing the potential mechanism of CBD in treating METH-induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization, thus advancing the application of CBD in METH use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi‐Omics for Precision IdentificationSchool of Forensic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Chan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Haowei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Lin Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Tong Xie
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi‐Omics for Precision IdentificationSchool of Forensic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yunqing Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Xiaodong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Yizhen Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, School of Forensic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Bofeng Zhu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi‐Omics for Precision IdentificationSchool of Forensic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Hoque P, Romero B, Akins RE, Batish M. Exploring the Multifaceted Biologically Relevant Roles of circRNAs: From Regulation, Translation to Biomarkers. Cells 2023; 12:2813. [PMID: 38132133 PMCID: PMC10741722 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a category of regulatory RNAs that have garnered significant attention in the field of regulatory RNA research due to their structural stability and tissue-specific expression. Their circular configuration, formed via back-splicing, results in a covalently closed structure that exhibits greater resistance to exonucleases compared to linear RNAs. The distinctive regulation of circRNAs is closely associated with several physiological processes, as well as the advancement of pathophysiological processes in several human diseases. Despite a good understanding of the biogenesis of circular RNA, details of their biological roles are still being explored. With the steady rise in the number of investigations being carried out regarding the involvement of circRNAs in various regulatory pathways, understanding the biological and clinical relevance of circRNA-mediated regulation has become challenging. Given the vast landscape of circRNA research in the development of the heart and vasculature, we evaluated cardiovascular system research as a model to critically review the state-of-the-art understanding of the biologically relevant functions of circRNAs. We conclude the review with a discussion of the limitations of current functional studies and provide potential solutions by which these limitations can be addressed to identify and validate the meaningful and impactful functions of circRNAs in different physiological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Hoque
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Brigette Romero
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Robert E Akins
- Nemours Children’s Research, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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Dai W, Wu X, Li J, Tang W, Wang Y, Xu W, Han D, Xu X, Xu X. Hedgehog-Gli1-derived exosomal circ-0011536 mediates peripheral neural remodeling in pancreatic cancer by modulating the miR-451a/VGF axis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:329. [PMID: 38041128 PMCID: PMC10693175 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling induces development of two common neurological features seen in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): peripheral neural invasion (PNI) and peripheral neural remodeling (PNR). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms in cancer cells and nerves within Gli1-derived PNR have not previously been comprehensively analyzed. METHODS In this study, RNA sequencing was used to screen meaningful circRNAs in PNR. An in vitro model of PNR was subsequently constructed through a co-culture system comprising PDAC cells and murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG) (as the neuronal element), and the relevant mechanisms were explored using a series of molecular biology experiments. A subcutaneous nude mouse tumorigenesis model was established to further verify the occurrence of PNR that was detected in human PDAC samples. RESULTS We first confirmed the molecular mechanisms of PNR development through crosstalk between exosomal circ-0011536 and DRG. In Gli1-overpressed PDAC, circ-0011536 is mainly secreted by exosomes. After being ingested by DRG, it can promote the activity of DRG by degrading miR-451a and upregulating the expression of VGF. Overexpression of Gli1 can accelerate the proliferation of subcutaneous tumors in mice and is closely related to the density of nerve plexuses, while downregulating circ-RNA inhibits tumor proliferation and reduces the density of nerve plexuses. In addition, TMA results confirmed that Gli1 overexpression significantly increased the expression of VGF and was closely associated with increased nerve plexus density. CONCLUSION Hedgehog-Gli1-induced exosomal circ-0011536 promoted PNR via the miR-451a/VGF axis, thereby establishing that it may contribute to PDAC-associated nerve changes with activated Hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
- Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxi Tang
- West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The People's Hospital of Pizhou, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengyu Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaorong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Yanchang Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 999, Shiguang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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Liu R, Zhou Y, Cao Y. CircRNA and ferroptosis in human disease: Insights for new treatments. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:508-517. [PMID: 38093404 PMCID: PMC10757220 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA), classified as a type of non-coding RNA, has gained significant attention in the field of biology due to its distinctive ring structure and functional properties. Recent research has provided evidence that specific circRNAs have the ability to modulate disease progression through diverse mechanisms, one of which is by regulating cellular ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is driven by iron dependency and lipid peroxidation, and extensive investigations have revealed a relationship between ferroptosis and disease development. In addition to evidence that both circRNAs and ferroptosis exert critical roles in disease progression, circRNAs have also been shown to actively mediate the process of ferroptosis. The relationship between circRNAs and ferroptosis therefore influences disease progression and offers novel targets for disease treatment. By directly or indirectly modulating the expression of circRNAs that regulate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, it may be possible to impact disease progression by promoting or inhibiting ferroptosis. Current research indicates such approaches may hold significant value in a wide variety of common diseases across physiological systems. This review comprehensively summarizes the findings of recent studies investigating the roles of circRNAs in the regulation of ferroptosis in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Liu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryChina‐Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryChina‐Japan Friendship HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yongtong Cao
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryChina‐Japan Friendship HospitalBeijingChina
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Fan H, Zhou D, Zhang X, Jiang M, Kong X, Xue T, Gao L, Lu D, Tao C, Wang L. hsa_circRNA_BECN1 acts as a ceRNA to promote polycystic ovary syndrome progression by sponging the miR-619-5p/Rab5b axis. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad036. [PMID: 37882757 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age. It is also a significant cause of infertility. Circular RNAs have been found to have a crucial role in the development and progression of reproductive system diseases. In this study, we focused on circ_BECN1 and aimed to investigate its role and mechanism in PCOS, providing a foundation for early diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Our findings revealed an upregulation of circ_BECN1 expression in the ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients. Additionally, the silencing of circ_BECN1 resulted in inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of the human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN), therefore implicating circ_BECN1 in the cell cycle process. Through a dual-luciferase reporting assay, we determined that circ_BECN1 acts as a sponge for miR-619-5p and that Rab5b is the target gene of miR-619-5p. Moreover, the expression of Rab5b was found to be upregulated in the ovarian tissue of PCOS patients. Knocking down circ_BECN1 resulted in decreased Rab5b expression, which was then restored by using a miR-619-5p inhibitor. Additionally, rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpressing Rab5b reversed the effects of circ_BECN1 knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis in KGN cells. In summary, our findings indicate that circ_BECN1 is upregulated in PCOS GCs and promotes cell growth and cell cycle progression, and reduces cell apoptosis by modulating the miR-619-5p/Rab5b axis. Therefore, circ_BECN1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for PCOS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairui Fan
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- California Excellent Fertility (CEF), Anaheim, CA, USA
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chenyue Tao
- School of Nursing School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Biobank, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Ma S, Feng G, Li L, Li Z, Zhou X, Zhou Y, Zhang R. Downregulation of circETS1 disrupts Th17/Treg homeostasis by inhibiting FOXP3 transcription: A new potential biomarker in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2023; 32:1430-1439. [PMID: 37852297 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231207545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with an imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17) to regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial role in SLE. Although circETS1 was discovered 30 years ago, detailed exploration of its functions remains limited. In this study, we measured the expression levels of circETS1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The impact of circETS1 expression on the Th17/Treg balance and underlying mechanism were evaluated using double-luciferase reporter, gain-/loss-of-function, and rescue assays. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of circETS1. Both circETS1 and FOXP3 expression were downregulated in the PBMCs and CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE (n = 28) compared with those in the cells of healthy controls (n = 20). Mechanistically, we found that circETS1 can bind directly to the microRNA miR-1205, acting as a sponge to upregulate the transcription of FOXP3, thereby maintaining the Th17/Treg balance. Notably, ROC analysis showed that the expression level of circETS1 in PBMCs had an area under the curve of 0.873 (95% confidence interval: 0.771-0.976; p < .001) for diagnosing SLE, with a sensitivity of 80.00% and a specificity of 89.29%. Finally, we found negative correlations between the level of circETS1 in PBMCs and disease severity (according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) in patients with SLE (r = -0.7712, 95% CI: -0.8910 to -0.5509; p < .001). The imbalance in Th17/Treg cells in SLE may be attributed, in part, to the circETS1/miR-1205/FOXP3 pathway. CircETS1 has potential to serve as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and evaluation of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guofu Feng
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Zi Li
- Quality Management Department, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ruixian Zhang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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