1
|
Knight AK, Spencer JB, Smith AK. DNA methylation as a window into female reproductive aging. Epigenomics 2024; 16:175-188. [PMID: 38131149 PMCID: PMC10841041 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0298] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
People with ovaries experience reproductive aging as their reproductive function and system declines. This has significant implications for both fertility and long-term health, with people experiencing an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders after menopause. Reproductive aging can be assessed through markers of ovarian reserve, response to fertility treatment or molecular biomarkers, including DNA methylation. Changes in DNA methylation with age associate with poorer reproductive outcomes, and epigenome-wide studies can provide insight into genes and pathways involved. DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks can quantify biological age in reproductive tissues and systemically. This review provides an overview of hallmarks and theories of aging in the context of the reproductive system, and then focuses on studies of DNA methylation in reproductive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Knight
- Research Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Research Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han X, Yu S, Cui Y, Li J, Fan J, Wang L, Wang M, Pan Y, Xu G. MiR-23a promotes autophagy of yak cumulus cells to alleviate apoptosis via the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Theriogenology 2023; 212:50-63. [PMID: 37690377 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The ultimate fate of Graafian follicles is ovulation or atresia which relies on the highly coordinated processes of apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cells. Long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (LncRNA MEG3), miR-23a, and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) are factors associated with autophagy. However, whether these factors can regulate autophagy in cumulus cells (CCs) of yak is unclear. Here, miR-23a overexpression upregulated the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and Beclin1 abundance while reducing p62 accumulation (p < 0.05). The monodansylcadaverine assay exhibited a marked increase in punctate green fluorescence, and the GFP-LC3B displayed increased yellow fluorescence (p < 0.05). The opposite effect was observed for miR-23a inhibitors. Furthermore, miR-23a overexpression downregulated the abundance of ASK1 mRNA and total ASK1 protein (t-ASK1), whereas miR-23a inhibitors up-regulated them (p < 0.05). The effects of miR-23a overexpression on ASK1 phosphorylated protein at serine 845 (P-845), total JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) (t-JNK) and the JNK phosphorylated protein (p-JNK) were similar to those of t-ASK1 but elicited the opposite effect on ASK1 phosphorylated protein at serine 967 (P-967) (p < 0.05). We further demonstrated that ASK1 expression can be silenced by small-interfering RNA (siRNA), which had no significant effect on t-JNK abundance (p > 0.05) but significantly suppressed the p-JNK expression (p < 0.05). Silencing ASK1 significantly improved Beclin1 abundance and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, but decreased p62 abundance (p < 0.05). An increase in yellow GFP-LC3B puncta and green MDC staining puncta were observed (p < 0.05). Overexpression of LncRNA MEG3 significantly increased the expression of t-ASK1, P-845, and JNK and decreased the abundance of P-967 and miR-23a (p < 0.05). In addition, miR-23a upregulation reduced the number of the TUNEL-positive cells, and the addition of 8 mM 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed this downregulation (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cleaved-caspase3 abundance. In summary, miR-23a promotes autophagy by inhibiting ASK1 abundance, which reduces apoptosis of yak CCs. This effect can be inhibited by LncRNA MEG3, which has implications for decreasing abnormal Graafian follicular atresia and maintaining development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Han
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Yan Cui
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jiangfeng Fan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Libin Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Gengquan Xu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Z, Shi C, Wang Z. The physiological functions and therapeutic potential of exosomes during the development and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1279469. [PMID: 38028777 PMCID: PMC10657906 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1279469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common disease of gynecological endocrine, accompanied by irregular menstruation, hyperandrogenism, metabolic abnormalities, reproductive disorders and other clinical symptoms, which seriously endangers women's physical and mental health, but its etiology and pathogenesis are not completely clear. Recently, the contribution of exosomes to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases in the biomedical field has attracted much attention, including PCOS. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, containing various biologically active molecules such as cell-specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They are important signaling regulators in vivo and widely participate in various physiopathological processes. They are new targets for disease diagnosis and treatment. Considering the important role of non-coding RNAs during the development and treatment of PCOS, this article takes exosomal miRNAs as the breakthrough point for elucidating the physiological functions and therapeutic potential of exosomes during the development and treatment of PCOS through analyzing the effects of exosomal miRNAs on ovarian follicle development, hormone secretion, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and insulin resistance, thus providing new research directions and theoretical basis for PCOS pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis and prognosis improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengchao Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han X, Pan Y, Fan J, Wang M, Wang L, Wang J, Afedo SY, Zhao L, Wang Y, Zhao T, Zhang T, Zhang R, Cui Y, Yu S. LncRNA MEG3 regulates ASK1/JNK axis-mediated apoptosis and autophagy via sponging miR-23a in granulosa cells of yak tertiary follicles. Cell Signal 2023; 107:110680. [PMID: 37086956 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis and autophagy in granulosa cells (GCs) are highly related to follicular development and atresia. It has also been reported that they are related to LncRNA MEG3, miR-23a and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK-1). However, their relationship to follicular development and the extent to which follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) can regulate this process remain unknown. Here, we found that ASK1 and JNK were expressed in the GCs of gonadotropin-dependent follicles, and those levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in yak Tertiary follicles compared to that of Secondary follicles and Graafian follicles. Then, the effect of LncRNA MEG3 / miR-23a on apoptosis and autophagy via ASK1/JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) in yak GCs was studied. Overexpressing LncRNA MEG3 reduced miR-23a levels and p-967 protein expression, but enhanced ASK1 and JNK mRNA levels as well as t-ASK1, p-845, t-JNK, and p-JNK proteins levels. And Up-regulation of LncRNA MEG3 promoted apoptosis while attenuating autophagy. The targeting relationship between miR-23a and the binding sites of LncRNA MEG3 and ASK1 was also confirmed with the dual luciferase reporter assay. And, the relationship between LncRNA MEG3 and miR-23a was observed as a negative feedback regulation, and changes in LncRNA MEG3 and miR-23a levels can alter the expression of ASK1/JNK axis in yaks GCs. In addition, FSH (10 μg/mL) or LH (100 μg/mL) ability to reverse the effects of LncRNA MEG3 on miR-23a levels and ASK1/JNK axis-mediated apoptosis and autophagy was verified in yak GCs. This is significantly beneficial for decreasing abnormal follicular atresia for yaks tertiary follicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Han
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jiangfeng Fan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Libin Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Seth Yaw Afedo
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yaying Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salehi R, Wyse BA, Asare-Werehene M, Esfandiarinezhad F, Abedini A, Pan B, Urata Y, Gutsol A, Vinas JL, Jahangiri S, Xue K, Xue Y, Burns KD, Vanderhyden B, Li J, Osuga Y, Burger D, Tan SL, Librach CL, Tsang BK. Androgen-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release determines granulosa cell fate: cellular mechanism involved in polycystic ovaries. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:74. [PMID: 37046285 PMCID: PMC10091561 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multi-factorial syndrome associated with androgen excess and anovulatory infertility. In the current study, we investigated the role of dihydrotestosterone-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release in determining the destiny of the developing follicles. Our hypothesis was that androgen regulates granulosa cell miR-379-5p content by facilitating its exosomal release in a follicular-stage dependent manner, a process which determines granulosa cell fate. Compared to human non-PCOS subjects, individuals with PCOS exhibit higher follicular fluid free testosterone levels, lower exosomal miR-379-5p content and granulosa cell proliferation. Androgenized rats exhibited lower granulosa cell miR-379-5p but higher phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1; a miR-379-5p target) content and proliferation. Androgen reduced granulosa cell miR-379-5p content by increasing its exosomal release in preantral follicles, but not in antral follicles in vitro. Studies with an exosomal release inhibitor confirmed that androgen-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release decreased granulosa cell miR-379-5p content and proliferation. Ovarian overexpression of miR-379-5p suppressed granulosa cell proliferation, and basal and androgen-induced preantral follicle growth in vivo. These findings suggest that increased exosomal miR-379-5p release in granulosa cells is a proliferative response to androgenic stimulation specific for the preantral stage of follicle development and that dysregulation of this response at the antral stage is associated with follicular growth arrest, as observed in human PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Salehi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Meshach Asare-Werehene
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiarinezhad
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Atefeh Abedini
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Animal BioScience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Yoko Urata
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alex Gutsol
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jose L Vinas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kai Xue
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunping Xue
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin D Burns
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Vanderhyden
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal BioScience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dylan Burger
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Seang-Lin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Originelle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin K Tsang
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu YX, Ke Y, Qiu P, Gao J, Deng GP. LncRNA NEAT1 inhibits apoptosis and autophagy of ovarian granulosa cells through miR-654/STC2-mediated MAPK signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2023; 424:113473. [PMID: 36634743 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) anomalies cause early ovarian failure. LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was down-regulated in premature ovarian failure (POF) mice and connected to the illness, however, the mechanism remained unclear. The levels of gene and protein were measured by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry were used to determine cell viability and apoptosis. The interaction of NEAT1, miR-654, and stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay or RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The results showed NEAT1 and STC2 down-regulated, while miR-654 up-regulated in POF mice. Overexpression of NEAT1 reduced apoptosis and autophagy in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs), and Bax, cleaved-caspase3, LC3B, LC3II/LC3I ratio were decreased and Bcl-2 and p62 were raised. NEAT1 suppressed miR-654 expression by directly targeting miR-654. The inhibition of NEAT1 overexpression on apoptosis and autophagy in OGCs was reversed by miR-654 mimics. STC2 was a target gene of miR-654, and miR-654 inhibitor reduced the apoptosis and autophagy by regulating the STC2/MAPK axis. To sum up, NEAT1 reduced miR-654 expression and modulated the STC2/MAPK pathway to decrease apoptosis and autophagy in POF, indicating a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xi Liu
- Department of gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, PR China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, PR China; Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, PR China; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gynecology, Shunde Women and Children's Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Yan Ke
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen 518104, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Pin Qiu
- Department of gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Gao-Pi Deng
- Department of gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Application of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Ovarian Development. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010047. [PMID: 36671432 PMCID: PMC9855652 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovary is a female reproductive organ that plays a key role in fertility and the maintenance of endocrine homeostasis, which is of great importance to women's health. It is characterized by a high heterogeneity, with different cellular subpopulations primarily containing oocytes, granulosa cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and diverse immune cell types. Each has unique and important functions. From the fetal period to old age, the ovary experiences continuous structural and functional changes, with the gene expression of each cell type undergoing dramatic changes. In addition, ovarian development strongly relies on the communication between germ and somatic cells. Compared to traditional bulk RNA sequencing techniques, the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach has substantial advantages in analyzing individual cells within an ever-changing and complicated tissue, classifying them into cell types, characterizing single cells, delineating the cellular developmental trajectory, and studying cell-to-cell interactions. In this review, we present single-cell transcriptome mapping of the ovary, summarize the characteristics of the important constituent cells of the ovary and the critical cellular developmental processes, and describe key signaling pathways for cell-to-cell communication in the ovary, as revealed by scRNA-seq. This review will undoubtedly improve our understanding of the characteristics of ovarian cells and development, thus enabling the identification of novel therapeutic targets for ovarian-related diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shi J, Xu X, Zhang D, Zhang J, Yang H, Li C, Li R, Wei X, Luan W, Liu P. Long non-coding RNA PTPRG-AS1 promotes cell tumorigenicity in epithelial ovarian cancer by decoying microRNA-545-3p and consequently enhancing HDAC4 expression. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:127. [PMID: 33099316 PMCID: PMC7585679 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00723-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA PTPRG antisense RNA 1 (PTPRG-AS1) deregulation has been reported in various human malignancies and identified as an important modulator of cancer development. Few reports have focused on the detailed role of PTPRG-AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its underlying mechanism. This study aimed to determine the physiological function of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC. A series of experiments were also performed to identify the mechanisms through which PTPRG-AS1 exerts its function in EOC. METHODS Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine PTPRG-AS1 expression in EOC tissues and cell lines. PTPRG-AS1 was silenced in EOC cells and studied with respect to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The putative miRNAs that target PTPRG-AS1 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and further confirmed in luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS Our data verified the upregulation of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC tissues and cell lines. High PTPRG-AS1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in patients with EOC. Functionally, EOC cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo were suppressed by PTPRG-AS1 silencing. In contrast, cell apoptosis was promoted by loss of PTPRG-AS1. Regarding the mechanism, PTPRG-AS1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA in EOC cells by decoying microRNA-545-3p (miR-545-3p), thereby elevating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) expression. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that PTPRG-AS1 knockdown-mediated effects on EOC cells were, in part, counteracted by the inhibition of miR-545-3p or restoration of HDAC4. CONCLUSIONS PTPRG-AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA that aggravated the malignancy of EOC through the miR-545-3p/HDAC4 ceRNA network. Thus, targeting the PTPRG-AS1/miR-545-3p/HDAC4 pathway may be a novel strategy for EOC anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Shi
- Department of Gynaecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 277599 Shandong China ,Department of Gynaecology, Tengzhou Center People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277500 Shandong China
| | - Xijian Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, 276800 Shandong China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of TCM Pharmacy, Tengzhou Center People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277500 Shandong China
| | - Jiuyan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tengzhou Center People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277500 Shandong China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Gynaecology, Tengzhou Center People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277500 Shandong China
| | - Chang Li
- Department of Pathology, Tengzhou Center People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277500 Shandong China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 277599 Shandong China
| | - Xuan Wei
- Department of Gynaecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 277599 Shandong China
| | - Wenqing Luan
- Department of Gynaecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 277599 Shandong China
| | - Peishu Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 277599, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang L, Lv Q, Liu J, Qi S, Fu D. miR-431 regulates granulosa cell function through the IRS2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:231-239. [PMID: 32051352 PMCID: PMC7297634 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the functions of granulosa cells by interacting with their target mRNAs. Insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) is one of the
targets of miR-431 and can be regulated by ovarian hormones. However, the role of miR-431 and the associated signal transduction pathway in ovarian development has not
been studied previously. In this study, we first analyzed the expression of miR-431 and IRS2 following stimulation with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) during the
estrous cycle or different stages of ovarian development in mice. Subsequently, we investigated the role, function, and signaling pathway of miR-431 in the human
granulosa cell line, COV434. The results showed that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) gradually decreased miR-431 levels, induced IRS2, and promoted pAKT expression.
Moreover, miR-431 overexpression and IRS2 knockdown attenuated AKT activation, inhibited cell proliferation, and decreased estradiol (E2) and progesterone
(P4) synthesis. Further, luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that IRS2 was a direct target of miR-431. In conclusion, this study
demonstrated that miR-431 regulates granulosa cell function through the IRS2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Key Laboratory of System Bio-medicine of Jiangxi Province, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China.,College of Basic Medical Science, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China
| | - Qizhuang Lv
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Guangxi 537000, PR China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, Yulin 537000, PR China
| | - Jianyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of System Bio-medicine of Jiangxi Province, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China.,College of Basic Medical Science, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China
| | - Shikai Qi
- College of Electric Engineering, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332000, PR China
| | - Denggang Fu
- Key Laboratory of System Bio-medicine of Jiangxi Province, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China.,College of Basic Medical Science, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi 332000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wong QWL, Sun MA, Lau SW, Parsania C, Zhou S, Zhong S, Ge W. Identification and characterization of a specific 13-miRNA expression signature during follicle activation in the zebrafish ovary. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:42-53. [PMID: 29228146 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian folliculogenesis is always of great interest in reproductive biology. However, the molecular mechanisms that control follicle development, particularly the early phase of follicle activation or recruitment, still remain poorly understood. In an attempt to decipher the gene networks and signaling pathways involved in such transition, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) on zebrafish primary growth (PG, stage I; inactive) and previtellogenic (PV, stage II; activated) follicles. A total of 118 unique microRNAs (miRNAs) (11 downregulated and 83 upregulated during PG/PV transition) and 56711 unique messenger RNAs (mRNAs) (1839 downregulated and 7243 upregulated during PG/PV transition) were identified. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed differential expression of 46 miRNAs from 66 candidates (66.67%). Among which, we chose to focus on 13 miRNAs (let-7a, -7b, -7c-5p, -7d-5p, -7h, -7i; miR-21, -23a-3p, -27c-3p, -107a-3p, -125b-5p, -145-3p, and -202-5p) that exhibited significant differential expression between PG and PV follicles (P ≤ 0.045*). With this 13-miRNA expression signature alone, PG follicles can be well differentiated from PV follicles by hierarchical clustering, suggesting their functional relevance during PG-to-PV transition. By overlaying predicted target genes and the differentially expressed mRNAs revealed by the RNA-seq analysis, especially those showing reciprocal miRNA-mRNA expression patterns, we shortlisted a panel of miRNA downstream targets for luciferase reporter validation. The reporter assay confirmed the interactions of let-7i:: atg4a (P = 0.01*), miR-202-5p::c23h20orf24 (P = 0.0004***), and miR-144-5p::ybx1 (P = 0.003**), implicating these potential miRNA-mRNA gene pairs in follicle activation during folliculogenesis. Our transcriptomic data analyses suggest that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional control may represent an important mechanism underlying follicle activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Queenie Wing-Lei Wong
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Ming-An Sun
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuk-Wa Lau
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chirag Parsania
- Genomics & Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shaolong Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Silin Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu B, Pardeshi L, Chen Y, Ge W. Transcriptomic Analysis for Differentially Expressed Genes in Ovarian Follicle Activation in the Zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:593. [PMID: 30364302 PMCID: PMC6193065 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In teleosts, the onset of puberty in females is marked by the appearance of the first wave of pre-vitellogenic (PV) follicles from the pool of primary growth (PG) follicles (follicle activation) in the ovary during sexual maturation. To understand the mechanisms underlying follicle activation and therefore puberty onset, we undertook this transcriptomic study to investigate gene expression profiles in the event. Our analysis revealed a total of 2,027 up-regulated and 859 down-regulated genes during the PG-PV transition. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that in addition to basic cellular functions such as gene transcription, cell differentiation, and cell migration, other biological processes such as steroidogenesis, cell signaling and angiogenesis were also enriched in up-regulated genes; by comparison, some processes were down-regulated including piRNA metabolism, gene silencing and proteolysis. Further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified a variety of signaling pathways that might play pivotal roles in PG-PV transition, including MAPK, TGF-β, Hedgehog, FoxO, VEGF, Jak-STAT, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways. Other pathways of particular interest included endocytosis and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. We also analyzed expression changes of genes expressed in different compartments viz. oocytes and follicle cells. Interestingly, most oocyte-specific genes remained unchanged in expression during follicle activation whereas a great number of genes specifically expressed in the follicle cells showed significant changes in expression. Overall, this study reported a comprehensive analysis for genes, biological processes and pathways involved in follicle activation, which also marks female puberty onset in the zebrafish when occurring for the first time in sexual maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Ge ;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ong MS, Cai W, Yuan Y, Leong HC, Tan TZ, Mohammad A, You ML, Arfuso F, Goh BC, Warrier S, Sethi G, Tolwinski NS, Lobie PE, Yap CT, Hooi SC, Huang RY, Kumar AP. 'Lnc'-ing Wnt in female reproductive cancers: therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs in Wnt signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4684-4700. [PMID: 28736855 PMCID: PMC5727316 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries in the non-coding genome have challenged the original central dogma of molecular biology, as non-coding RNAs and related processes have been found to be important in regulating gene expression. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are among those that have gained attention recently in human diseases, including cancer, with the involvement of many more non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) waiting to be discovered. ncRNAs are a group of ribonucleic acids transcribed from regions of the human genome, which do not become translated into proteins, despite having essential roles in cellular physiology. Deregulation of ncRNA expression and function has been observed in cancer pathogenesis. Recently, the roles of a group of ncRNA known as lncRNA have gained attention in cancer, with increasing reports of their oncogenic involvement. Female reproductive cancers remain a leading cause of death in the female population, accounting for almost a third of all female cancer deaths in 2016. The Wnt signalling pathway is one of the most important oncogenic signalling pathways which is hyperactivated in cancers, including female reproductive cancers. The extension of ncRNA research into their mechanistic roles in human cancers has also led to novel reported roles of ncRNAs in the Wnt pathway and Wnt-mediated oncogenesis. This review aims to provide a critical summary of the respective roles and cellular functions of Wnt-associated lncRNAs in female reproductive cancers and explores the potential of circulating cell-free lncRNAs as diagnostic markers and lncRNAs as therapeutic targets. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei S Ong
- Departments of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Wanpei Cai
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Yi Yuan
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Hin C Leong
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Tuan Z Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Asad Mohammad
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Ming L You
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
| | - Boon C Goh
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- National University Cancer InstituteNational University Health SystemSingapore
- Department of Haematology‐OncologyNational University Health SystemSingapore
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative MedicineManipal UniversityBangaloreIndia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
| | - Nicholas S Tolwinski
- Division of ScienceYale‐NUS CollegeSingapore
- Department of Biological ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Departments of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Division of Life Science and HealthTsinghua University Graduate SchoolShenzhenChina
| | - Celestial T Yap
- Departments of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- National University Cancer InstituteNational University Health SystemSingapore
| | - Shing C Hooi
- Departments of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Ruby Y Huang
- Departments of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- National University Cancer InstituteNational University Health SystemSingapore
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyNational University HospitalSingapore
| | - Alan P Kumar
- Departments of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- National University Cancer InstituteNational University Health SystemSingapore
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative MedicineManipal UniversityBangaloreIndia
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health ScienceCurtin UniversityPerthWAAustralia
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of North TexasDentonTXUSA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Keck J, Gupta R, Christenson LK, Arulanandam BP. MicroRNA mediated regulation of immunity against gram-negative bacteria. Int Rev Immunol 2017; 36:287-299. [PMID: 28800263 PMCID: PMC6904929 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2017.1347649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence over the last couple decades has comprehensively established that short, highly conserved, non-coding RNA species called microRNA (miRNA) exhibit the ability to regulate expression and function of host genes at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level. MicroRNAs play key regulatory roles in immune cell development, differentiation, and protective function. Intrinsic host immune response to invading pathogens rely on intricate orchestrated events in the development of innate and adaptive arms of immunity. We discuss the involvement of miRNAs in regulating these processes against gram negative pathogens in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Keck
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center of Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | - Rishein Gupta
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center of Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | - Lane K. Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Bernard P. Arulanandam
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center of Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rao YS, Pak TR. microRNAs and the adolescent brain: Filling the knowledge gap. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 70:313-322. [PMID: 27328787 PMCID: PMC5074866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over two decades ago the discovery of microRNAs (miRNA) broadened our understanding of the diverse molecular pathways mediating post-transcriptional control over gene expression. These small non-coding RNAs dynamically fluctuate, temporally and spatially, throughout the lifespan of all organisms. The fundamental role that miRNAs have in shaping embryonic neurodevelopment provides strong evidence that adolescent brain remodeling could be rooted in the changing miRNA landscape of the cell. Few studies have directly measured miRNA gene expression changes in the brain across pubertal development, and even less is known about the functional impact of those miRNAs on the maturational processes that occur in the developing adolescent brain. This review summarizes miRNA biogenesis and function in the brain in the context of normal (i.e. not diseased) physiology. These landmark studies can guide predictions about the role of miRNAs in facilitating maturation of the adolescent brain. However, there are clear indicators that adolescence/puberty is a unique life stage, suggesting miRNA function during adolescence is distinct from those in any other previously described system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yathindar S Rao
- Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, United States
| | - Toni R Pak
- Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang G, Wu Y, Xu D, Yan X. Long Noncoding RNA UFC1 Promotes Proliferation of Chondrocyte in Osteoarthritis by Acting as a Sponge for miR-34a. DNA Cell Biol 2016; 35:691-695. [PMID: 27529373 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common prevalent chronic joint diseases. Emerging pieces of evidence have demonstrated that chondrocytes survival was closely associated with the destruction of joints in OA patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), defined as >200 nucleotides in length, also have been implicated in a variety of disease states. However, there are few studies on the role of lncRNAs in OA, and the pathological contributions of lncRNAs to OA remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined the expression of lncRNA UFC1 in cartilage samples from OA patients and healthy subjects, and then investigated biological function of UFC1 in OA chondrocyte. We found that the UFC1 was significantly reduced in OA patients. Functional assays demonstrated that UFC1 promotes chondrocytes proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that UFC1 regulates survival of OA chondrocytes through physically association with miR-34a. Taken together, our data highlight the important roles of lncRNA UFC1 in the survival of OA chondrocytes. UFC1 may be a potential therapy for OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- 1 Department of Articular Surgery, Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong University , Jinan, China .,2 Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University , Taian, China
| | - Yadi Wu
- 3 College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taishan Medical University , Taian, China
| | - Dong Xu
- 2 Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University , Taian, China
| | - Xinfeng Yan
- 1 Department of Articular Surgery, Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong University , Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Navakanitworakul R, Hung WT, Gunewardena S, Davis JS, Chotigeat W, Christenson LK. Characterization and Small RNA Content of Extracellular Vesicles in Follicular Fluid of Developing Bovine Antral Follicles. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25486. [PMID: 27158133 PMCID: PMC4860563 DOI: 10.1038/srep25486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes and microvesicles (i.e., extracellular vesicles: EVs) have been identified within ovarian follicular fluid and recent evidence suggests that EVs are able to elicit profound effects on ovarian cell function. While existence of miRNA within EVs has been reported, whether EV size and concentration as well as their cargos (i.e., proteins and RNA) change during antral follicle growth remains unknown. Extracellular vesicles isolated from follicular fluid of small, medium and large bovine follicles were similar in size, while concentration of EVs decreased progressively as follicle size increased. Electron microscopy indicated a highly purified population of the lipid bilayer enclosed vesicles that were enriched in exosome biomarkers including CD81 and Alix. Small RNA sequencing identified a large number of known and novel miRNAs that changed in the EVs of different size follicles. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicated that miRNA abundant in small follicle EV preparations were associated with cell proliferation pathways, while those miRNA abundant in large follicle preparations were related to inflammatory response pathways. These studies are the first to demonstrate that EVs change in their levels and makeup during antral follicle development and point to the potential for a unique vesicle-mediated cell-to-cell communication network within the ovarian follicle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphatphorn Navakanitworakul
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 USA.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112 Thailand.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112 Thailand
| | - Wei-Ting Hung
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 USA
| | - John S Davis
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wilaiwan Chotigeat
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112 Thailand.,Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics Research, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112 Thailand
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 USA
| |
Collapse
|