Lnc-ing non-coding RNAs with metabolism and diabetes: roles of lncRNAs

SERPINE1AS2 regulates intramuscular adipogenesis by inhibiting PAI1 protein expression

Antisense long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) played a crucial role in the precise regulation of essential biological processes and were abundantly present in animals. Many of these antisense lncRNAs have been identified as key roles in adipose tissue accumulation in livestock, underscoring their vital role in the regulation of animal physiology. Nonetheless, the functional roles of these antisense lncRNAs in regulating adipogenesis and the specific molecular mechanisms these processes were still unclear, which was a significant gap in current scientific research. In this study, we identified and characterized SERPINE1AS2, a novel natural antisense lncRNA, was highly expressed in the fat tissues of adult cattle and calves. Its expression gradually increased during the differentiation of intramuscular adipocytes. Through functional studies, we observed that knockdown of SERPINE1AS2 inhibited the proliferation and adipogenesis of intramuscular adipocytes, while overexpression of SERPINE1AS2 produced the opposite effect. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis following SERPINE1AS2 knockdown revealed that differential expression genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in key signaling pathways, notably the MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, SERPINE1AS2 interacted with Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI1), forming RNA dimers through complementary base pairing and consequently influencing PAI1 expression. Interestingly, studies on PAI1 suggested that reduced expression facilitated adipogenesis and the downregulation of PAI1 alleviated the inhibitory effect of reduced SERPINE1AS2 on adipogenesis. In summary, this study suggested that SERPINE1AS2 played a crucial role in the adipogenesis of bovine intramuscular adipocytes by modulating the expression of PAI1. SERPINE1AS2 also regulated adipogenesis by engaging in the MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR signaling pathways. Our results suggested that SERPINE1AS2 had a complex regulatory mechanism on adipogenesis in intramuscular adipocytes.

Comprehensive review for non-coding RNAs: From mechanisms to therapeutic applications

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an assorted collection of transcripts that are not translated into proteins. Since their discovery, ncRNAs have gained prominence as crucial regulators of various biological functions across diverse cell types and tissues, and their abnormal functioning has been implicated in disease. Notably, extensive research has focused on the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and human cancers, although other types of ncRNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are also emerging as significant contributors to human disease. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge regarding the roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in cancer and other major human diseases, particularly cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and infectious diseases. Moreover, we discuss the potential utilization of ncRNAs as disease biomarkers and as targets for therapeutic interventions.

Non-coding RNAs in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: their role and mechanisms underlying their effects

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a complication of diabetes with a high rate of disability. However, current clinical treatments for DPN are suboptimal. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of RNAs that are not translated into proteins. NcRNAs perform functions that regulate epigenetic modifications, transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulators of proteins, and thus participate in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. NcRNAs play a role in the progress of DPN by affecting the processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular autophagy or apoptosis. Therefore, ncRNAs treatment is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach for DPN. In addition, since some ncRNAs present stably in the blood of DPN patients, they are considered as potential biomarkers that contribute to early clinical diagnosis. In this paper, we review the studies on the role of ncRNAs in DPN in the last decade, and discuss the mechanisms of ncRNAs, aiming to provide a reference for the future research on the treatment and early diagnosis of DPN.

Metabolic memory: mechanisms and diseases

Metabolic diseases and their complications impose health and economic burdens worldwide. Evidence from past experimental studies and clinical trials suggests our body may have the ability to remember the past metabolic environment, such as hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia, thus leading to chronic inflammatory disorders and other diseases even after the elimination of these metabolic environments. The long-term effects of that aberrant metabolism on the body have been summarized as metabolic memory and are found to assume a crucial role in states of health and disease. Multiple molecular mechanisms collectively participate in metabolic memory management, resulting in different cellular alterations as well as tissue and organ dysfunctions, culminating in disease progression and even affecting offspring. The elucidation and expansion of the concept of metabolic memory provides more comprehensive insight into pathogenic mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases and complications and promises to be a new target in disease detection and management. Here, we retrace the history of relevant research on metabolic memory and summarize its salient characteristics. We provide a detailed discussion of the mechanisms by which metabolic memory may be involved in disease development at molecular, cellular, and organ levels, with emphasis on the impact of epigenetic modulations. Finally, we present some of the pivotal findings arguing in favor of targeting metabolic memory to develop therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and provide the latest reflections on the consequences of metabolic memory as well as their implications for human health and diseases.

Molecular mechanisms of noncoding RNA and epigenetic regulation in obesity with consequent diabetes mellitus development

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity have become two of the most prevalent and challenging diseases worldwide, with increasing incidence and serious complications. Recent studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) and epigenetic regulation play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DM complicated by obesity. Identification of the involvement of ncRNA and epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of diabetes with obesity has opened new avenues of investigation. Targeting these mechanisms with small molecules or RNA-based therapies may provide a more precise and effective approach to diabetes treatment than traditional therapies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of ncRNA and epigenetic regulation and their potential therapeutic targets, and the research prospects for DM complicated with obesity.

Long non-coding RNAs and pancreatic cancer: A multifaceted view

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 10%. Families with PC are at greater risk, as are type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, and other factors. Insufficient early detection methods make this cancer have a poor prognosis. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying PC development remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to PC pathology,which may control gene expression by recruiting histone modification complexes to chromatin and interacting with proteins and RNAs. In recent studies, abnormal regulation of lncRNAs has been implicated in PC proliferation, metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance suggesting potential clinical implications. The paper reviews the progress of lncRNA research in PC about diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, cancer metastasis, tumor microenvironment regulation, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, lncRNAs may serve as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PC diagnosis and prognosis. This will help improve PC patients' survival rate from a lncRNA perspective.

Prioritization of risk genes for Alzheimer's disease: an analysis framework using spatial and temporal gene expression data in the human brain based on support vector machine

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disorder, and its risk is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. In this study, an AD risk gene prediction framework based on spatial and temporal features of gene expression data (STGE) was proposed. Methods: We proposed an AD risk gene prediction framework based on spatial and temporal features of gene expression data. The gene expression data of providers of different tissues and ages were used as model features. Human genes were classified as AD risk or non-risk sets based on information extracted from relevant databases. Support vector machine (SVM) models were constructed to capture the expression patterns of genes believed to contribute to the risk of AD. Results: The recursive feature elimination (RFE) method was utilized for feature selection. Data for 64 tissue-age features were obtained before feature selection, and this number was reduced to 19 after RFE was performed. The SVM models were built and evaluated using 19 selected and full features. The area under curve (AUC) values for the SVM model based on 19 selected features (0.740 [0.690-0.790]) and full feature sets (0.730 [0.678-0.769]) were very similar. Fifteen genes predicted to be risk genes for AD with a probability greater than 90% were obtained. Conclusion: The newly proposed framework performed comparably to previous prediction methods based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network properties. A list of 15 candidate genes for AD risk was also generated to provide data support for further studies on the genetic etiology of AD.

Lnc-HULC, miR-122, and sirtulin-1 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for psoriasis and their association with the development of metabolic syndrome during the disease course

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder driven by T cells. The disease is characterized by aberrant keratinocytes (KCs) differentiation, epidermal proliferation, and excessive hyperplasia of veins and arteries. The purpose of the study was to identify the levels of circulating lnc-HULC, miR-122, and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) in psoriatic patients, evaluate their possible roles as diagnostic biomarkers, and link their levels with the development of metabolic syndrome during psoriasis progression. This study included 176 participants. The subjects were divided into four groups, with 44 participants in each group. All patients have undergone a complete history taking and clinical examination. Laboratory investigations included Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), Fasting blood sugar (FBS), and cholesterol plasma levels. Serum levels of miR-122 and lnc-HULC were examined by qRT-PCR. Serum levels of SIRT-1 were examined by ELISA. The serum concentrations of lnc-HULC and miR-122 were significantly higher in psoriatic participants compared to controls. Psoriatic patients' serum concentrations of SIRT-1 were much lower than those of healthy individuals. There was a negative association between SIRT-1 concentration and BMI, disease duration, PASI score, LDL, and cholesterol levels. The blood levels of lnc-HULC, miR-122, and SIRT-1 in psoriasis patients provide a promising role as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

LncRNA HCG27 Promotes Glucose Uptake Ability of HUVECs by MiR-378a-3p/MAPK1 Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. LncRNA HLA complex group 27 (HCG27) plays a crucial role in various metabolic diseases. However, the relationship between lncRNA HCG27 and GDM is not clear. This study aimed to verify a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interaction regulation axis of miR-378a-3p/mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) regulated by HCG27 in GDM.

METHODS

LncRNA HCG27 and miR-378a-3p were detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of MAPK1 in umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was detected by RT-qPCR and that in the placenta by Western blotting. To explore the relationship among lncRNA HCG27, miR-378a-3p, MAPK1 and the glucose uptake ability of HUVECs, vector HCG27, si-HCG27, miR-378a-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected to achieve overexpression and inhibition of HCG27 or miR-378a-3p. The interaction between miR-378a-3p and lncRNA HCG27 or MAPK1 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Besides, glucose consumption by HUVECs was detected by the glucose assay kit.

RESULTS

HCG27 expression was significantly decreased in both the placenta and primary umbilical vein endothelial cells, while the expression of miR-378a-3p was significantly increased in GDM tissues, and the expression of MAPK1 was decreased in GDM tissues. This ceRNA interaction regulation axis was proved to affect the glucose uptake function of HUVECs. The transfection of si-HCG27 could significantly reduce the expression of the MAPK1 protein. If the MAPK1 overexpression plasmid was transfected simultaneously with si-HCG27 transfection, the reduced glucose uptake in HUVECs resulting from the decrease in lncRNA HCG27 was reversed. MiR-378a-3p mimic can significantly reduce the mRNA expression of MAPK1 in HUVECs, whereas miR-378a-3p inhibitor can significantly increase the mRNA expression of MAPK1. The inhibition of miR-378a-3p could restore the decreased glucose uptake of HUVECs treated with si-HCG27. Besides, overexpression of lncRNA HCG27 could restore the glucose uptake ability of the palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance model of HUVECs to normal.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA HCG27 promotes glucose uptake of HUVECs by miR-378a-3p/MAPK1 pathway, which may provide potential therapeutic targets for GDM. Besides, the fetal umbilical cord blood and umbilical vein endothelial cells collected from pregnant women with GDM after delivery could be used to detect the presence of adverse molecular markers of metabolic memory, so as to provide guidance for predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases and health screening of offspring.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes Therapy in Diabetic Wound Repair

Nowadays, refractory diabetic wounds cause a worldwide medical burden. Mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) show promise as a solid alternative to existing therapeutics in the latest researches, since MSC-Exos share similar biologic activity but less immunogenicity when compared with MSCs. To facilitate further understanding and application, it is essential to summarize the current progress and limitations of MSC-Exos in the treatment of diabetic wounds. In this review, we introduce the effects of different MSC-Exos on diabetic wounds according to their origins and contents and discuss the specific experimental conditions, target wound cells/pathways, and specific mechanisms. In addition, this paper focuses on the combination of MSC-Exos and biomaterials, which improves the efficacy and utilization of MSC-Exos therapy. Together, exosome therapy has high clinical value and application prospects, both in its role and in combination with biomaterials, while novel drugs or molecules loaded into exosomes as carriers targeting wound cells will be development trends.

The Pathogenesis of Diabetes

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder, with an extremely serious effect on health systems worldwide. It has become a severe, chronic, non-communicable disease after cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, 90% of diabetic patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia is the main hallmark of diabetes. The function of pancreatic cells gradually declines before the onset of clinical hyperglycemia. Understanding the molecular processes involved in the development of diabetes can provide clinical care with much-needed updates. This review provides the current global state of diabetes, the mechanisms involved in glucose homeostasis and diabetic insulin resistance, and the long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with diabetes.

lncRNA UCA1 inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction of skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes mellitus by sequestering miR-143-3p to release FGF21

Increasing evidence suggests that insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle, while the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to construct a ceRNA regulatory network that is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction of skeletal muscle in T2DM. Based on GEO database analysis, differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA profiles were identified in skeletal muscle tissues of T2DM. Next, LASSO regression analysis was conducted to predict the key lncRNAs related to T2DM, which was validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Moreover, the miRNAs related to skeletal muscle in T2DM were identified by WGCNA, followed by construction of gene-gene interaction network and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. It was found that 12 lncRNAs and 6 miRNAs were related to skeletal muscle in T2DM. Moreover, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network involving UCA1, miR-143-3p, and FGF21 was constructed. UCA1, and FGF21 were downregulated, while miR-143-3p was upregulated in skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) exposed to palmitic acid. Additionally, ectopic expression experiments were performed in SkMCs to confirm the effects of UCA1/miR-143-3p/FGF21 on mitochondrial dysfunction by determining mitochondrial ROS, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), membrane potential, and ATP level. Overexpression of miR-143-3p increased ROS accumulation and reduced the OCR, fluorescence ratio of JC-1, and ATP level, which were reversed by upregulation of UCA1 or FGF21. Collectively, lncRNA UCA1 inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction of skeletal muscle in T2DM by sequestering miR-143-3p away from FGF21, therefore providing a potential therapeutic target for alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction of skeletal muscle in T2DM.

lncRNA‑miRNA‑mRNA network in female offspring born from obese dams

Maternal obesity is associated with disturbance of lipid metabolism and obesity in offspring; however, the pathogenesis is still unclear. The present study elucidated the role of potential lipid metabolism-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and identified the pathways involved in mice born to obese dams. In the present study, maternal obesity was induced by feeding a high-fat diet for 10 weeks in female C57/BL6 mice, whereas control mice were fed a standard diet. All female mice mated with healthy male mice and were allowed to deliver spontaneously. The results demonstrated that female offspring from obese dams presented a tendency to become overweight in the first 8 weeks after birth; however, maternal obesity did not significantly alter the body weight of male offspring. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on female offspring liver at 3 weeks old. Significantly dysregulated lncRNAs and downstream targets in female offspring liver were identified using bioinformatics analysis. lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA or miR) and mRNA expression levels in liver and AML12 cells were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. A total of 8 upregulated and 17 downregulated lncRNAs were demonstrated in offspring from obese dams and lncRNA Lockd was indicated to be a key dysregulated lncRNA. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) models suggested that the lncRNA Lockd/miR-582-5p/Elovl5 pathway was key for lipid metabolism in the liver of offspring from obese dams. Finally, small interfering RNA and miRNA inhibitor transfection was used to evaluate the ceRNA models in AML12 cells. Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that lncRNA Lockd-miR-582-5p-Elovl5 network may be disrupted in lipid metabolism and lead to obesity in the offspring of obese dams. This research will provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of obesity and lipid metabolism disorder.

Long noncoding RNA FAM157C contributes to clonal proliferation in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform a wide range of biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation, and proliferation, but their role in PNH remains unclear.CD59^- and CD59⁺ granulocytes and monocytes from 35 PNH patients were sorted. High-throughput sequencing was analyzed in 5 PNH patients, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified. The mRNAs with fragments per kilobase of exon model per million mapped fragments (FPKM) > 10 in at least 3 patients were selected, and experiments were performed to identify their upstream regulatory lncRNAs. The expression of selected mRNAs and lncRNAs was verified by qRT‒PCR, and the correlation of these expression patterns with clinical data from other 30 PNH patients was analyzed. Then, the functions of the lncRNAs were studied in the PIGA-KO-THP-1 cell line.Transcription analysis revealed 742 upregulated and 1376 downregulated lncRNAs and 3276 upregulated and 213 downregulated mRNAs. After deep screening, 8 highly expressed mRNAs that were related to the NF-κB pathway were analyzed to determine coexpression patterns. LINC01002, FAM157C, CTD-2530H12.2, XLOC-064331 and XLOC-106677 were correlated with the 8 mRNAs. After measuring the expression of these molecules in 30 PNH patients by qRT‒PCR, lncRNA FAM157C was verified to be upregulated in the PNH clone, and its expression levels were positively correlated with the LDH levels and CD59^- granulated and monocyte cell ratios. After knockdown of the FAM157C gene in the PIGA-KO-THP-1 cell line, we found that the cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase and S phase, the apoptosis rate increased, and the cell proliferation decreased.LncRNA FAM157C was proven to promote PNH clone proliferation, and this is the first study to explore the role of lncRNAs in PNH.

The Role of Long Noncoding RNA MALAT1 in Diabetic Polyneuropathy and the Impact of Its Silencing in the Dorsal Root Ganglion by a DNA/RNA Heteroduplex Oligonucleotide

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes, yet its pathophysiology has not been established. Accumulating evidence suggests that long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) plays pivotal roles in the regulation of cell growth and survival during diabetic complications. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MALAT1 silencing in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons, using an α-tocopherol-conjugated DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide (Toc-HDO), on the peripheral nervous system of diabetic mice. We identified MALAT1 upregulation in the DRG of chronic diabetic mice that suggested either a pathological change or one that might be protective, and systemic intravenous injection of Toc-HDO effectively inhibited its gene expression. However, we unexpectedly noted that this intervention paradoxically exacerbated disease with increased thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds, indicating further sensory loss, greater sciatic-tibial nerve conduction slowing, and additional declines of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the hind paw footpads. Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors, which are involved in pre-mRNA splicing by interacting with MALAT1, reside in nuclear speckles in wild-type and diabetic DRG neurons; MALAT1 silencing was associated with their disruption. The findings provide evidence for an important role that MALAT1 plays in DPN, suggesting neuroprotection and regulation of pre-mRNA splicing in nuclear speckles. This is also the first example in which a systemically delivered nucleotide therapy had a direct impact on DRG diabetic neurons and their axons.

Mapping Intellectual Structure for the Long Non-Coding RNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development Research

Background: Emerging research suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in a variety of developmental or physiological processes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Various differentially expressed lncRNAs have been identified in HCC. Thus, a deeper analysis of recent research concerning lncRNA and HCC development could provide scientists with a valuable reference for future studies.

Methods: Related publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace version 5.6.R4 was employed to conduct bibliometric analysis. Several network maps were constructed to evaluate the collaborations between different countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

Results: A total of 2,667 records were initially found from the year of 2010–2020. The annual related publications output had increased dramatically during these years. Although China was the most prolific country in terms of research publication, the United States played a leading role in collaborative network. The Nanjing Medical University was the most productive institute in the field of lncRNAs in HCC development. Gang Chen was the most prolific researcher, while Yang F was the most frequently co-cited author. Oncotarget, Cell, and Oncogene were the most highly co-cited journals. The most recent burst keywords were interaction, database, and pathway.

Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview for the field of lncRNAs in HCC development based on bibliometric and visualized methods. The results would provide a reference for scholars focusing on this field.

Epigenetics in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is a common microvascular complication with a high incidence in diabetic patients, greatly increases the mortality of patients. With further study on DN, it is found that epigenetics plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of DN. Epigenetics has an important impact on the development of DN through a variety of mechanisms, and promotes the generation and maintenance of metabolic memory, thus ultimately leading to a poor prognosis. In this review we discuss the methylation of DNA, modification of histone, and regulation of non-coding RNA involved in the progress of cell dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney, which ultimately lead to the deterioration of DN.

Analyses of Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Profiles in Subjects with the Phlegm-Dampness Constitution

Background

Constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a key role in the genesis, development, and prognosis of diseases. Phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) is one of the nine constitutions in TCM, susceptible to metabolic disorders, which is mainly manifested by profuse phlegm, loose abdomen, and greasy face. Epidemiologic, genomic, and epigenetic studies have been carried out in previous works, confirming that PDC represents a distinctive population with microcosmic changes related to metabolic disorders. However, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a regulatory role in metabolic disease in subjects with PDC remains largely unknown. We aimed to investigate distinct lncRNA and mRNA expression signatures and lncRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in the phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC).

Methods

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the subjects with PDC (n = 13) and balanced constitution (BC) (n = 9). The profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in PBMCs were analyzed using microarray and further validated with RT-qPCR. Subsequently, pathway analysis was performed to investigate the function of differentially expressed mRNAs by using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).

Results

Results suggested that some mRNAs, which were regulated by the differentially expressed lncRNAs, were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism and immune inflammation-related pathways. This was consistent with the molecular characteristics of previous studies, indicating that the clinical characteristics of metabolic disorders in PDC might be regulated by lncRNAs. Furthermore, by making coexpression network construction as well as cis-regulated target gene analysis, several lncRNA-mRNA pairs with potential regulatory relationships were identified by bioinformatic analyses, including RP11-317J10.2-CA3, RP11-809C18.3-PIP4K2A, LINC0069-RFTN1, TTTY15-ARHGEF9, and AC135048.13-ORAI3.

Conclusions

This study first revealed that the expression characteristics of lncRNAs/mRNAs may be potential biomarkers, indicating that the distinctive physical and clinical characteristics of PDC might be partially attributed to the specific expression signatures of lncRNAs/mRNAs.

Exosomes from linc00511-overexpressing ADSCs accelerates angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers healing by suppressing PAQR3-induced Twist1 degradation

AIMS

We aim to investigate the role of ADSCs (Adipose-derived stem cells)-derived exosomes on regulating angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers healing.

METHODS

EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) from human peripheral blood were applied as in vitro model of angiogenesis. Exosomes isolated from ADSCs culture medium were characterized by electron microscopy, size distribution and biomarker expression. Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and angiogenesis were detected by CCK-8 and EdU staining, wound healing, flow cytometry and tube formation assays, respectively. Rat diabetic foot model was further constructed for the evaluation of wound healing and histological alterations.

RESULTS

EPCs from diabetes showed suppressed proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and decreased Twist1 protein. Similarly, high glucose repressed the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of EPCs, which also elevated PAQR3 and suppressed Twist1 expression. However, these impaired EPCs biological functions were recovered by the application of exosomes from linc00511-overexpressing ADSCs, along with increased Twist1 and decreased PAQR3. Mechanistically, PAQR3 overexpression reduced Twist1 protein level in EPCs by enhancing BTRC-mediated Twist1 ubiquitin degradation. Exosomes from linc00511-overexpressing ADSCs alleviated rat diabetic foot ulcers by inhibiting Twist1 ubiquitination to promote angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Exosomes from linc00511-overexpressing ADSCs promotes diabetic foot ulcers healing by accelerating angiogenesis via suppressing PAQR3-induced Twist1 ubiquitin degradation.

Long-chain noncoding RNA-GAS5/hsa-miR-138-5p attenuates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte damage by targeting CYP11B2

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the complications experienced by patients with diabetes. In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated because of their role in the progression of various diseases, including DCM. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of lncRNA GAS5 in high glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We constructed HG-induced AC16 cardiomyocytes and a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat diabetes model. GAS5 was overexpressed and knocked out at the cellular level, and GAS5 was knocked down by lentiviruses at the animal level to observe its effect on myocardial injury. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GAS5. Cell proliferation and apoptosis after GAS5 knockout were detected by CCK-8, TUNEL, and flow cytometry assays. ELISA was used to detect the changes in myocardial enzyme content in cells and animal myocardial tissues during the action of GAS5 on myocardial injury.

RESULTS

GAS5 expression was up-regulated in HG-treated AC16 cardiomyocytes and the rat diabetic myocardial injury model. The down-regulation of GAS5 could inhibit HG-induced myocardial damage. This work proved that the down-regulation of GAS5 could reverse cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis by targeting miR-138 to down-regulate CYP11B2.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed for the first time that the down-regulation of GAS5 could reverse CYP11B2 via the miR-138 axis to reverse HG-induced cardiomyocyte injury. This research might provide a new direction for explaining the developmental mechanism of DCM and potential targets for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Non-Coding RNAs: Novel Players in Insulin Resistance and Related Diseases

The rising prevalence of metabolic diseases related to insulin resistance (IR) have stressed the urgent need of accurate and applicable tools for early diagnosis and treatment. In the last decade, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained growing interest because of their potential role in IR modulation. NcRNAs are variable-length transcripts which are not translated into proteins but are involved in gene expression regulation. Thanks to their stability and easy detection in biological fluids, ncRNAs have been investigated as promising diagnostic and therapeutic markers in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here we review the emerging role of ncRNAs in the development of IR and related diseases such as obesity, T2D and NAFLD, and summarize current evidence concerning their potential clinical application.

Genome Editing Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model β-Cell Disease and Unmask Novel Genetic Modifiers

A mechanistic understanding of the genetic basis of complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus remain elusive due in large part to the activity of genetic disease modifiers that impact the penetrance and/or presentation of disease phenotypes. In the face of such complexity, rare forms of diabetes that result from single-gene mutations (monogenic diabetes) can be used to model the contribution of individual genetic factors to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and the breakdown of glucose homeostasis. Here we review the contribution of protein coding and non-protein coding genetic disease modifiers to the pathogenesis of diabetes subtypes, as well as how recent technological advances in the generation, differentiation, and genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) enable the development of cell-based disease models. Finally, we describe a disease modifier discovery platform that utilizes these technologies to identify novel genetic modifiers using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from patients with monogenic diabetes caused by heterozygous mutations.

Paternal obesity impairs hepatic gluconeogenesis of offspring by altering Igf2/H19 DNA methylation

Over the past four decades, the global prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in all age ranges. Emerging evidence suggests that paternal lifestyle and environmental exposure have a crucial role in the health of offspring. Therefore, the current study investigated the impact of paternal obesity on the metabolic profile of offspring in a male mouse model of obesity. Female offspring of obese fathers fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (60% kcal fat) showed hyperglycemia because of enhanced gluconeogenesis and elevated expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), which is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis. Methylation of the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR) was dysregulated in the liver of offspring, and the sperm, of HFD fathers, suggesting that epigenetic changes in germ cells contribute to this father-offspring transmission. In addition, we explored whether H19 might regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis. Our results showed that overexpression of H19 in Hepa1-6 cells enhanced the expression of PEPCK and gluconeogenesis by promoting nuclear retention of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), which is involved in the transcriptional regulation of Pepck. Thus, the current study suggests that paternal exposure to HFD impairs the gluconeogenesis of offspring via altered Igf2/H19 DNA methylation.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of Yak and Cattle Heart Tissues Reveals Regulatory Pathways Associated With High-Altitude Adaptation

BACKGROUND

The yak (Bos grunniens) is an important livestock species that can survive the extremely cold, harsh, and oxygen-poor conditions of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and provide meat, milk, and transportation for the Tibetans living there. However, the regulatory network that drive this hypoxic adaptation remain elusive.

RESULTS

The heart tissues from LeiRoqi (LWQY) yak and their related cattle (Bos Taurus) breeds, which are two native cattle breeds located in high altitude (HAC) and low altitude (LAC) regions, respectively, were collected for RNA sequencing. A total of 178 co-differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts (co-DETs) were discovered in each of the LAC-vs-LWQY and LAC-vs-HAC comparison groups, including NFATC2, NFATC1, ENPP2, ACSL4, BAD, and many other genes whose functions were reported to be associated with the immune-system, endocrine-system, and lipid metabolism. Two and 230 lncRNA transcripts were differentially expressed in the LAC-vs-LWQY and LAC-vs-HAC comparisons' respectively, but no lncRNA transcripts that were co-differentially expressed. Among the 58 miRNAs that were co-differentially expressed, 18 were up-regulated and 40 were down-regulated. In addition, 640 (501 up-regulated and 139 down-regulated) and 152 (152 up-regulated and one down-regulated) circRNAs showed differential expression in LAC-vs-LWQY and LAC-vs-HAC comparison groups, respectively, and 53 up-regulated co-differentially expressed circRNAs were shared. Multiple co-DETs, which are the targets of miRNAs/lncRNAs, are significantly enriched in high-altitude adaptation related processes, such as, T cell receptor signaling, VEGF signaling, and cAMP signaling. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by integrating the competing relationships among co-differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Furthermore, the hypoxic adaptation related ceRNA network was constructed, and the six mRNAs (MAPKAPK3, PXN, NFATC2, ATP7A, DIAPH1, and F2R), the eight miRNAs (including miR-195), and 15 circRNAs (including novel-circ-017096 and novel-circ-018073) are proposed as novel and promising candidates for regulation of hypoxic adaptation in the heart.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the data recorded in the present study provides new insights into the molecular network of high-altitude adaptation along with more detailed information of protein-coding transcripts and non-coding transcripts involved in this physiological process, the detailed mechanisms behind how these transcripts "crosstalk" with each other during the plateau adaptation are worthy of future research efforts.

A Brief Review of the Mechanisms of β-Cell Dedifferentiation in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. Over 90% of patients with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic β-cells are endocrine cells that produce and secrete insulin, an essential endocrine hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Deficits in β-cell function and mass play key roles in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes. Apoptosis has been considered as the main contributor of β-cell dysfunction and decrease in β-cell mass for a long time. However, recent studies suggest that β-cell failure occurs mainly due to increased β-cell dedifferentiation rather than limited β-cell proliferation or increased β-cell death. In this review, we summarize the current advances in the understanding of the pancreatic β-cell dedifferentiation process including potential mechanisms. A better understanding of β-cell dedifferentiation process will help to identify novel therapeutic targets to prevent and/or reverse β-cell loss in type 2 diabetes.

lncRNA PVT1 in the Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma

LncRNA PVT1 (plasmacytoma variant translocation 1) has become a staple of the lncRNA profile in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Common dysregulation in renal tumors outlines the essential role of PVT1 in the development of RCC. There is already a plethora of publications trying to uncover the cellular mechanisms of PVT1-mediated regulation and its potential exploitation in management of RCC. In this review, we summarize the literature focused on PVT1 in RCC and aim to synthesize the current knowledge on its role in the cells of the kidney. Further, we provide an overview of the lncRNA profiling studies that have identified a more or less significant association of PVT1 with the clinical behavior of RCC. Based on our search, we analyzed the 17 scientific papers discussed in this review that provide robust support for the indispensable role of PVT1 in RCC development and future personalized therapy.

Long Non-coding RNA: A Key Regulator in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

In recent years, diabetes mellitus has become a global issue with increasing incidence rate worldwide. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the important complications of diabetes, refers to patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who have ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis and even diastolic dysfunction. The pathogenesis of DCM is related to oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, myocardial fibrosis and, diabetic microangiopathy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) is a non-coding RNA with a length longer than 200 nucleotides which lack the ability of protein coding. With the development of molecular technology, massive evidence demonstrates that lncRNA play a critical role in the molecular mechanism of DCM. Moreover, it can also be used as potential diagnostic markers for DCM. In this review, we intend to summarize the pathological roles and molecular mechanism of lncRNA in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may provide promising diagnosis and treatment strategies for DCM.

Long Noncoding RNA SOX2-OT Aggravates Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis of Cardiomyocyte by Targeting miR-942-5p/DP5

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play important roles in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. However, the function of lncRNA SOX2-OT is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the function of SOX2-OT in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

METHODS

qRT-PCR and immunoblotting were used to detect the expression levels of SOX2-OT, miR-942-5p and death protein-5 (DP5) in DOX-treated primary cardiomyocytes and rat models. The relationship among miR-942-5p, SOX2-OT, and DP5 was explored by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of SOX2-OT, miR-942-5p and DP5 on doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis were evaluated by Annexin V-FITC/PI method and caspase-3 activity assay. The effect of SOX2-OT on cardiomyocyte apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining and echocardiography.

RESULTS

SOX2-OT and DP5 were highly expressed, while miR-942-5p was down-regulated in DOX-treated primary cardiomyocytes and rat model. SOX2-OT can upregulate DP5 as a sponge of miR-942-5p, which was a direct target of miR-942-5p. In addition, miR-942-5p reversed the protective effect of knockdown of SOX2-OT on cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the expression of DP5 in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of SOX2-OT down-regulated DP5 via sponging miR-942-5p and inhibiting DOX-induced apoptosis of primary cardiomyocytes.

Tight junctions and their regulation by non-coding RNAs

Tight junction (TJ) is a “zippering up” junction structure located at the uppermost portion of adjacent epithelial/endothelial cells in organs and tissues. TJs maintain the relative stability of intracellular substances and functions by closing or opening intercellular pathways, coordinating the entry and exit of molecules of different sizes and charges, and regulating the permeability of paracellular barrier. TJs also prevent microbial invasion, maintain epithelial/endothelial cell polarity, and regulate cell proliferation. TJs are widely present in the skin and mucosal epithelial barriers, intestinal epithelial barrier, glomerular filtration barrier, bladder epithelial barrier, blood-brain barrier, brain-blood tumor barrier, and blood-testis barrier. TJ dysfunction in different organs can lead to a variety of diseases. In addition to signal pathways, transcription factors, DNA methylation, histone modification, TJ proteins can also be regulated by a variety of non-coding RNAs, such as micro-RNAs, long-noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, directly or indirectly. This review summarizes the structure of TJs and introduces the functions and regulatory mechanisms of TJs in different organs and tissues. The roles and mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of TJs are also highlighted in this review.

Current Status and Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Using Non-coding RNA to Treat Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCM) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among diabetic patients. DMCM is characterized by an increase in oxidative stress with systemic inflammation that leads to cardiac fibrosis, ultimately causing diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Even though DMCM pathophysiology is well studied, the approach to limit this condition is not met with success. This highlights the need for more knowledge of underlying mechanisms and innovative therapies. In this regard, emerging evidence suggests a potential role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including micro-RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) as novel diagnostics, mechanisms, and therapeutics in the context of DMCM. However, our understanding of ncRNAs’ role in diabetic heart disease is still in its infancy. This review provides a comprehensive update on pre-clinical and clinical studies that might develop therapeutic strategies to limit/prevent DMCM.

Circulating long non-coding RNAs NKILA, NEAT1, MALAT1, and MIAT expression and their association in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disorder that leads to alterations in gene regulation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become a major research topic as they are involved in metabolic disorders.

METHODS

This study included a total of 400 study subjects; 200 were subjects with T2DM and 200 were healthy subjects. Extracted RNA was used to synthesize cDNA by quantitative real time. Serum analysis was carried out to determine differences in biochemical parameters. Recorded data were used to evaluate associations with expression of lncRNAs NF-kappaB interacting lncRNA (NKILA), nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), and myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in T2DM cases.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, patients with T2DM showed an overall increase in expression of lncRNAs NKILA, NEAT, MALAT1, and MIAT by 3.94-fold, 5.28-fold, 4.46-fold, and 6.35-fold, respectively. Among patients with T2DM, higher expression of lncRNA NKILA was associated with hypertension (p=0.001), smoking (p<0.0001), and alcoholism (p<0.0001). Altered NEAT1 expression was significantly associated with weight loss (p=0.04), fatigue (p=0.01), slow wound healing (p=0.002), blurred vision (p=0.008), loss of appetite (p=0.007), smoking (p<0.0001), and alcoholism (p<0.0001). Higher expression of lncRNA MALAT1 was significantly linked with weight loss (p=0.003), blurred vision (p=0.01), smoking (p<0.0001), and alcoholism (p<0.0001). Expression of lncRNA MIAT was associated with only blurred vision (p<0.0001), smoking (p<0.0001), and alcoholism (p<0.0001). Positive correlations of lncRNA NKILA with lncRNAs NEAT1 (r=0.42, p<0.0001), MALAT (r=0.36, p<0.0001) and MIAT (r=0.42, p<0.0001) were observed among patients with T2DM. Significant positive correlations of lncRNA NEAT with lncRNAs MALAT and MIAT were observed among patients with T2DM. A positive correlation between lncRNAs MALAT and MIAT was also observed among patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

Increased circulating NKILA, NEAT1, MALAT, and MIAT expression in patients with T2DM, which is linked with poor patient outcomes and significantly linked with alcoholism and smoking, may influence the degree and severity of disease among patients with T2DM. These lncRNAs may contribute to the progression of T2DM disease or other related diabetes-related complications.

LncRNAs in cancer: Regulatory and therapeutic implications

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a class of RNAs that do not code for proteins but are critical in regulating diverse cellular processes and maintaining cell function. In doing so, they have, in recent years, added a potentially new and significant layer of biological regulation. These are more than 200 nucleotides in length and are implicated in a range of diseases and therefore have emerged as potential tools for possible therapeutic intervention. For a disease as complex as cancer, emerging technologies suggest the presence of mutations on genomic loci that do not encode proteins, but give rise to lncRNAs. Aberrant signatures of lncRNAs are now a consistent feature of almost all types of cancers and their associated complications. Analysis and characterisation of functional pathways that lncRNAs are involved with suggest that lncRNAs interact with the chromatin, the protein or with the RNA to demonstrate their cellular effects to modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis and cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs, their implications in diverse types of cancer and their possible therapeutic utility.

Long non-coding RNA lnc-CCNL1-3:1 promotes granulosa cell apoptosis and suppresses glucose uptake in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disease in premenopausal women. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute important factors in numerous biological processes. However, their roles in PCOS pathogenesis require further clarification. Our study aims to elucidate the roles of lncRNA lnc-CCNL1-3:1 (CCNL) in PCOS. CCNL expression in human luteinized granulosa cells (hLGCs) derived from women with and without PCOS was detected. The full length of CCNL was obtained by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. CCNL roles in granulosa cell apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and glucose uptake were evaluated. The binding relationship between CCNL and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) was determined by RPISeq, RNA immunoprecipitation, subcellular fractionation, and immunofluorescence. In KGN cells and hLGCs, CCNL overexpression upregulated FOXO1 expression, promoted cell apoptosis, reduced glucose transport capability, and impaired mitochondrial function, and these effects were partially abolished by silencing FOXO1. The interaction of CCNL with FOXO1 might prevents FOXO1 exclusion from the nucleus and subsequent degradation in the cytosol. We determined that CCNL serve as a facilitator in the processes of PCOS. CCNL might participate in PCOS pathologies such as follicular atresia and insulin resistance.

Molecular mechanisms governing offspring metabolic programming in rodent models of in utero stress

The results of different human epidemiological datasets provided the impetus to introduce the now commonly accepted theory coined as 'developmental programming', whereby the presence of a stressor during gestation predisposes the growing fetus to develop diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction in later postnatal life. However, in a clinical setting, human lifespan and inaccessibility to tissue for analysis are major limitations to study the molecular mechanisms governing developmental programming. Subsequently, studies using animal models have proved indispensable to the identification of key molecular pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that are dysregulated in metabolic organs of the fetus and adult programmed due to an adverse gestational environment. Rodents such as mice and rats are the most used experimental animals in the study of developmental programming. This review summarises the molecular pathways and epigenetic mechanisms influencing alterations in metabolic tissues of rodent offspring exposed to in utero stress and subsequently programmed for metabolic dysfunction. By comparing molecular mechanisms in a variety of rodent models of in utero stress, we hope to summarise common themes and pathways governing later metabolic dysfunction in the offspring whilst identifying reasons for incongruencies between models so to inform future work. With the continued use and refinement of such models of developmental programming, the scientific community may gain the knowledge required for the targeted treatment of metabolic diseases that have intrauterine origins.

Research Status of Differentially Expressed Noncoding RNAs in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

AIMS

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This paper summarized the current evidences of the involvement microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the differential expressions and their interaction with each other in T2DM.

METHODS

The differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in the blood circulation (plasma, serum, whole blood, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) of patients with T2DM were found in PubMed, GCBI, and other databases. The interactions between ncRNAs were predicted based on the MiRWalk and the DIANA Tools databases. The indirect and direct target genes of lncRNAs and circRNAs were predicted based on the starBase V2.0, DIANA Tools, and LncRNA-Target databases. Then, GO and KEGG analysis on all miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA target genes was performed using the mirPath and Cluster Profile software package in R language. The lncRNA-miRNA and circRNA-miRNA interaction diagram was constructed with Cytoscape. The aim of this investigation was to construct a mechanism diagram of lncRNA involved in the regulation of target genes on insulin signaling pathways and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways of diabetic complications.

RESULTS

A total of 317 RNAs, 283 miRNAs, and 20 lncRNAs and circRNAs were found in the circulation of T2DM. Dysregulated microRNAs and lncRNAs were found to be involved in signals related to metabolic disturbances, insulin signaling, and AGE-RAGE signaling in T2DM. In addition, lncRNAs participate in the regulation of key genes in the insulin signaling and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways through microRNAs, which leads to insulin resistance and diabetic vascular complications.

CONCLUSION

Noncoding RNAs participate in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes and lead to its vascular complications by regulating different signaling pathways.

Long noncoding RNA PVT1 facilitates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte death through the miR-23a-3p/CASP10 axis

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been shown to be related to the pathogenesis of DCM. However, the mechanism by which PVT1 regulates DCM pathogenesis is unclear. High glucose level was employed to construct a DCM cell model in vitro. Cell viability was determined via cell counting kit-8 assay. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured with the corresponding kit. Expression levels of PVT1, miR-23a-3p, and caspase-10 (CASP10) messenger RNA were evaluated with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry assay. Protein levels of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X (Bax), cleaved-caspase-3 (cleaved-casp-3), and CASP10 were examined via western blot analysis. The relationship between PVT1 or CASP10 and miR-23a-3p was verified with dual-luciferase reporter assay. We observed that PVT1 and CASP10 were upregulated while miR-23a-3p was downregulated in high glucose-induced cardiomyocytes. High glucose levels repressed cardiomyocyte activity and induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, but this influence was antagonized by PVT1 knockdown or miR-23a-3p overexpression. Furthermore, PVT1 acted as a sponge for miR-23a-3p, and miR-23a-3p inhibition counterbalanced the influence of PVT1 silencing on viability and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes under high glucose level treatment. PVT1 could increase CASP10 expression via sponging miR-23a-3p. In conclusion, PVT1 acted as a deleterious lncRNA in DCM. PVT1 facilitated cardiomyocyte death by regulating the miR-23a-3p/CASP10, which offered a new mechanism to comprehend the pathogenesis of DCM.

XIST lost induces ovarian cancer stem cells to acquire taxol resistance via a KMT2C-dependent way

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The expression levels of long non-coding RNA XIST are significantly associated with paclitaxel (Pac) sensitivity in ovarian cancer, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, this experimental design was based on lncRNA XIST analysis to regulate the effect of XIST on the tumor stem cell and paclitaxel sensitivity in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Sphere assay and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to determine the expression levels of XIST and sensitivity to paclitaxel treatment. The effect of the proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Target gene prediction and screening, luciferase reporter assays were used to validate downstream target genes for lncRNA XIS and KMT2C. The expression of KMT2C was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of cancer stem cell-associated genes SOX2, OCT4 and Nanog. The tumor changes in mice were detected by in vivo experiments in nude mice.

RESULTS

There was an inverse correlation between the expression of XIST and cancer stem cell (CD44 + /CD24-) population. XIST promoted methylation of histone H3 methylation at lysine 4 by enhancing the stability of lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C) mRNA. XIST acted on the stability of KMT2C mRNA by directly targeting miR-93-5p. Overexpression of miR-93-5p can reverse the XIST overexpression-induced KMT2C decrease and sphere number increase. Overexpression of KMT2C inhibited XIST silencing-induced proliferation of cancer stem cells, and KMT2C was able to mediate paclitaxel resistance induced by XIST in ovarian cancer. The study found that XIST can affect the expression of KMT2C in the ovarian cancer via targeting miR-93-5p.

CONCLUSION

XIST promoted the sensitivity of ovarian cancer stem cells to paclitaxel in a KMT2C-dependent manner.

CRNDE mediates the viability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal cell carcinoma via miR-136-5p

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the mutual adhesion and development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The underlying molecular mechanism of EMT and RCC cells in the treatment of RCC was less reported. In this study, the related functional lncRNA and miRNA in RCC tissues were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The RNA interference technology was applied to measure the effects of the predicted lncRNAs and miRNAs on RCC cells. The expressions of EMT-related mRNAs and proteins were determined using qRT-PCR and Western-blot experiments. CRNDE was overexpressed and miR-136-5p was low-expressed in RCC. Upregulation of CRNDE could promote the viability, migration, invasion of RCC, while downregulation of CRNDE produced the opposite effects. Both the upregulation and downregulation of CRNDE alternated the protein expressions related to EMT, while miR-136-5p resulted in the opposite effects on CRNDE. Moreover, the promotive effect of overexpressed CRNDE on RCC cells could be blocked by miR-136-5p mimic. CRNDE can mediate miR-136-5p, promote the development of EMT and RCC cells, showing the potential to serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in RCC treatment.

LncRNA-SNHG29 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by downregulating miR-200b-3p to activate the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification (VC) is characterized by mineral accumulation on the walls of arteries and veins, which is a pathological process commonly found in elderly individuals and patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in VC. However, the role of SNHG29 is less clear.

METHODS

The expression of SNHG29, miR-200b-3p, α-Klotho, FGFR1 and FGF23 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. β-GP was used to construct an in vitro calcification model, followed by MTT assay to detect cell viability. Calcification was determined by alizarin red S staining and quantified by calcification assay. ALP activity was investigated by ALP staining. The interactions among SNHG29, miR-200b-3p and α-Klotho were verified by luciferase assay.

RESULTS

In the in vitro calcification model, SNHG29 was downregulated, while miR-200b-3p was upregulated. SNHG29 overexpression and miR-200b-3p knockdown significantly suppressed osteoblast-related factors (RUNX2 and BMP2), accompanied by activation of the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis, further inhibiting the formation of calcified nodules. Moreover, miR-200b-3p overexpression and α-Klotho knockdown reversed the SNHG29 overexpression-induced inhibitory effects on calcified VSMCs.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to demonstrate that SNHG29 could inhibit VSMC calcification by downregulating miR-200b-3p to activate the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis, suggesting SNHG29 as a novel therapeutic target for VC-associated diseases.

Circulating long noncoding RNAs H19 and GAS5 are associated with type 2 diabetes but not with diabetic retinopathy: A preliminary study

Recently, a wide range of biological and pathological roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been discovered. However, the potential role of circulating lncRNAs H19 and GAS5 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not clear. Here, we assessed the plasma levels of H19 and GAS5 lncRNAs in T2DM patients with/without DR and evaluated if H19 and GAS5 pre-treatment plasma levels are a predictor of early response to a single aflibercept dose in DR subgroup. Plasma lncRNA expression profiles of 119 T2DM patients (66 with DR and 53 without DR) and 110 healthy controls were determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The association of lncRNA expression profiles with clinical features and aflibercept early response in DR patients was investigated. Relative H19 expression levels were significantly increased in T2DM group (including DR and non-DR subgroups) vs. controls, while GAS5 levels were decreased in T2DM group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in H19 and GAS5 expression levels between DR and non-DR subgroups. H19 and GAS5 expression profiles were not significantly correlated with clinical parameters or response to aflibercept therapy in DR subgroup. Our findings indicate that the circulating lncRNAs H19 and GAS5 may be associated with T2DM prevalence but may not have an important diagnostic/prognostic role in DR or early response to aflibercept intravitreal injection in DR patients. Large-scale transcriptomic studies are warranted to validate our results and investigate other lncRNA candidates in T2DM.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LINC00467 inhibits glioma cell progression via modulation of E2F3 targeted by miR-200a

Studies have found that LINC00467 is an important regulator of cancer. However, the function of LINC00467 in glioma cell is unclear. Therefore, this experimental design based on LINC00467 to explore its mechanism of action in glioma cell. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of LINC0046 and miR-200a in glioma cell lines. MTT assay, Edru assay and Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of LINC0046 and miR-200a on PC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Target gene prediction and screening, luciferase reporter assays were used to validate downstream target genes for LINC0046 and miR-200a. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of E2F3. The tumor changes in mice were detected by in vivo experiments in nude mice. LINC00467 was up-regulated in glioma cells. Knockdown of LINC00467 inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of glioma cells. In glioma cells, miR-200a was significantly reduced, while E2F3 was significantly rised. LINC00467 negatively regulated the expression of miR-200a in gliomas, while miR-200a negatively regulated the expression of E2F3 in gliomas. INC00467 promoted the development of glioma by inhibiting miR-200a and promoting E2F3 expression. LINC00467 may be a potential therapeutic target for gliomas.

LINC01094 Down-Regulates miR-330-3p and Enhances the Expression of MSI1 to Promote the Progression of Glioma

Background

This study aims at probing into the expression, function, and mechanism of LINC01094 and miR-330-3p in glioma.

Materials and Methods

qRT-PCR was employed to examine LINC01094 and miR-330-3p expressions in gliomas. After gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were constructed, CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to detect the proliferation, migration and invasion of LN229 and U251 cells, respectively. Additionally, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was utilized to verify the binding site between m4iR-330-3p and LINC01094, miR-330-3p, and the 3ʹUTR of musashi RNA binding protein 1 (MSI1). Then, RNA pull-down, RIP, qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the regulatory relationships among LINC01094, miR-330-3p, and MSI1.

Results

The expression of LINC01094 was elevated in glioma tissues and cell lines, and the high expression of LINC01094 was associated with high grade of glioma. In contrast, miR-330-3p was lowly expressed in glioma tissue. Overexpression of LINC01094 or down-regulation of miR-330-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, while LINC01094 knockdown or miR-330-3p up-regulation impeded these processes. miR-330-3p was identified as a target miRNA of LINC01094, and it could be negatively regulated by LINC01094. In addition, miR-330-3p antagonized the function of LINC01094 by negatively regulating MSI1.

Conclusion

LINC01094 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells by adsorbing miR-330-3p and up-regulating the expression of MSI1.

Non-coding RNAs and Ischemic Cardiovascular Diseases

The Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is considered a clinical condition characterized by myocardial ischemia causing an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, leading to morbidity and mortality across the worldwide. Prompt diagnostic and prognostic represents key factors for the treatment and reduction of the mortality rate. Therefore, one of the newest frontiers in cardiovascular research is related to non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which prompted a huge interest in exploring ncRNAs candidates for utilization as potential therapeutic targets for diagnostic and prognostic and/or biomarkers in IHD. However, there are undoubtedly many more functional ncRNAs yet to be discovered and characterized. Here we will discuss our current knowledge and we will provide insight on the roles and effects elicited by some ncRNAs related to IHD.

Integrated analysis of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs associated with high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance in mice

Background

Hepatic insulin resistance (IR) is an early pathological characteristic of many metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as mediators of IR and related diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs in hepatic IR remain largely unknown.

Method

High-throughput sequencing was performed on ten liver tissue samples from five normal diet (ND)-fed mice and five high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic IR mice, respectively. lncRNAs and mRNAs that were differentially expressed (DE) between the two groups were identified by bioinformatic analyses. Seven DE lncRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR). The potential functions of the DE lncRNAs were predicted by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of target genes. In addition, integrated analysis was performed for the DE lncRNAs and mRNAs to predict their interaction relationships.

Results

A total of 232 DE lncRNAs were identified in the HFD-induced hepatic IR mice compared with the ND-fed mice. These DE lncRNAs included 108 upregulated and 124 downregulated lncRNAs, and 7 of the DE lncRNAs were validated by q-PCR. In addition, 291 DE mRNAs including 166 upregulated and 125 downregulated mRNAs were identified in the HFD group. Furthermore, target genes of the DE lncRNAs were predicted, and functional enrichment results showed that the enriched genes were involved in IR- and glycolipid metabolism-related processes. Additionally, the coexpression network was also constructed to further reflect the potential functions of the DE lncRNAs.

Conclusion

The study describes the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs and the functional networks involved in HFD-induced hepatic IR. These findings may provide a new perspective for the study of lncRNAs in hepatic IR- and glycolipid metabolism-related diseases.

Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Hepatic Insulin Resistance

In the recent years, the prevalence of metabolic conditions such as type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) raises. The impairment of liver metabolism resulting in hepatic insulin resistance is a common symptom and a critical step in the development of T2D and MetS. The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Hepatic insulin resistance can often be identified before other symptoms arrive; therefore, establishing methods for its early diagnosis would allow for the implementation of proper treatment in patients before the disease develops. Non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs (micro-RNA) and lncRNAs (long-non-coding RNA) are being recognized as promising novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets—especially due to their regulatory function. The dysregulation of miRNA and lncRNA activity has been reported in the livers of insulin-resistant patients. Many of those transcripts are involved in the regulation of the hepatic insulin signaling cascade. Furthermore, for several miRNAs (miR-802, miR-499-5p, and miR-122) and lncRNAs (H19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript (H19), maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1)), circulating levels were altered in patients with prediabetes, T2D, and MetS. In the course of this review, the role of the aforementioned ncRNAs in hepatic insulin signaling cascade, as well as their potential application in diagnostics, is discussed. Overall, circulating ncRNAs are precise indicators of hepatic insulin resistance in the development of metabolic diseases and could be applied as early diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools in conditions associated with insulin resistance.

NF-κB interaction long non-coding RNA inhibits migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cervical cancer cells through inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NF-κB interaction lncRNA (NKILA) has been found to exert tumor suppressive effects in numerous types of carcinoma; however, the relationship between NKILA and cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of NKILA on the proliferation and metastasis of CC cell lines, in addition to the related molecular mechanisms. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of NKILA in cancer tissues and cell lines. The constructed overexpression vector, pcDNA3.1NKILA, and its corresponding negative control sequence were transfected into CaSki cells and short hairpin RNA targeting NKILA and the corresponding negative control sequence were transfected into C-33A cells. Subsequently, the proliferative, migratory and invasive ability, as well as the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of C-33 A and CaSki cells were analyzed by performing Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, Matrigel invasion and western blot assays, respectively. The expression levels of proteins were detected using western blot analysis. The expression levels of NKILA were decreased in CC tissues and CC cell lines (SiHa, C-33A, CaSki and HeLa) and the downregulation of NKILA expression using shRNA was observed to significantly increase the proliferation of CC cells. Conversely, the upregulation of NKILA inhibited the proliferation of CC cells, in addition to significantly inhibiting the migration and invasion of CaSki cells, whereas the knockdown of NKILA promoted the invasion of C-33A cells. Thus, it was hypothesized that NKILA may inhibit the migration and invasion of CC cells via regulation of EMT processes, which was reflected by the expression of ZO-1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin. Furthermore, the overexpression of NKILA significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB in CaSki cells, whereas the knockdown of NKILA expression promoted the degradation of inhibitory protein-κB and promoted the transfer of p65 into the nucleus in C-33A cells. In conclusion, the results from the present study suggested that NKILA may be involved in the inhibition of migration and invasion in CC cells through regulating EMT processes, which may be related to its inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA Gm10804 suppresses disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Deregulated glucose and lipid metabolism are the primary underlying manifestations associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to investigate the role of Gm10804, a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), in regulating hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM complicated with NAFLD (DM-NAFLD). Mouse primary hepatocytes exposed to high glucose (HG) were used as a cell model. A mouse DM-NAFLD model was established by high-energy feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The results showed that Gm10804 expression was upregulated in HG-treated hepatocytes and livers from DM-NAFLD mice. Results in hepatocytes in vitro demonstrated that Gm10804 overexpression aggravated, whereas Gm10804 silencing abrogated HG-induced increase in intracellular triglyceride (TG) content, lipid accumulation and expression of hepatic lipogenic proteins (sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1-c [SREBP-1c] and fatty acid synthase [FAS]) and enzymes for gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase [PEPCK] and glucose-6-phosphatase [G6Pase]). Further in vivo assays showed that lentivirus-mediated hepatic knockdown of Gm10804 alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, and decreased expression of hepatic PEPCK, G6Pase, SREBP-1c and FAS in DM-NAFLD mice. In summary, Gm10804 knockdown attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by ameliorating disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM-NAFLD. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: We first discovered that Gm10804 knockdown attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation by ameliorating disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM-NAFLD. These results help to understand the pathogenesis and development of DM-NAFLD and provide some clues for further understanding the regulation of lncRNAs in glucose and lipid metabolism.

The Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were previously found to be closely related to the pathogenesis of diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and predict the lncRNA target genes to derive their expression profiles for the diagnosis of T2DM and LADA and their differential diagnosis.

METHODS

Twelve venous blood samples were collected from T2DM patients, LADA patients, and nondiseased subjects to obtain total RNAs. After removing rRNA from total RNAs to establish the desired library for sequencing, quality control and quantification analyses were carried out. The fragments per kilobase of exon model per million reads mapped (FPKM) of lncRNAs were calculated to construct the gene expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs. Fold changes (fold change: 2.0) and p values (p values (.

RESULTS

Compared to nondiseased controls, 68,763 versus 28,523 lncRNAs and 133 versus 1035 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and significantly downregulated, respectively, in T2DM patients. For LADA patients, 68,748 versus 28,538 lncRNAs and 219 versus 805 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and significantly downregulated, respectively, relative to nondiseased controls. Compared to T2DM patients, 74,207 versus 23,079 lncRNAs and 349 versus 137 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and significantly downregulated, respectively, in LADA patients. Based on the correlation analysis, seven lncRNA-mRNA pairs (BTG2, A2M, HECTD4, MBTPS1, DBH, FLVCR1, and NCBP2) were significantly coexpressed, and two lncRNAs (ENST00000608916 and ENST00000436373) were newly discovered.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in lncRNA expression were discovered among the three groups. Furthermore, after predicting lncRNA expression profiles, GO/KEGG pathway analysis could deduce the target gene function.