Non-coding RNAs regulating mitochondrial function in cardiovascular diseases

Research trends and hotspots of circular RNA in cardiovascular disease: A bibliometric analysis

From a global perspective, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading factor accounting for population mortality, and circRNAs, RNA molecules with stable closed-loop structures, have been proven to be closely related. The latent clinical value and the potential role of circRNAs in CVDs have been attracting increasing, active research interest, but bibliometric studies in this field are still lacking. Thus, in this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis by using software such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Microsoft Excel, and the R package to determine the current research progress and hotspots and ultimately provide an overview of the development trends and future frontiers in this field. In our study, based on our search strategy, a total of 1206 publications published before July 31, 2023 were accessed from the WOSCC database. According to our findings, there is a notable increasing trend in global publications in the field of circRNA in CVDs. China was found to be the dominant country in terms of publication number, but a lack of high-quality articles was a significant fault. A cluster analysis on the co-cited references indicated that dilated cardiomyopathy, AMI, and cardiac hypertrophy are the greatest objects of concern. In contrast, a keywords analysis indicated that high importance has been ascribed to MI, abdominal aortic aneurysm, cell proliferation, and coronary artery diseases.

The art of healing hearts: Mastering advanced RNA therapeutic techniques to shape the evolution of cardiovascular medicine in biomedical science

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are associated with increasing financial health burden that requires research into novel therapeutic approaches. Since the early 2000s, the availability of next-generation sequencing techniques such as microRNAs, circular RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs have been proven as potential therapeutic targets for treating various CVDs. Therapeutics based on RNAs have become a viable option for addressing the intricate molecular pathways that underlie the pathophysiology of CVDs. We provide an in-depth analysis of the state of RNA therapies in the context of CVDs, emphasizing various approaches that target the various stages of the basic dogma of molecular biology to effect temporary or long-term changes. In this review, we summarize recent methodologies used to screen for novel coding and non-coding RNA candidates with diagnostic and treatment possibilities in cardiovascular diseases. These methods include single-cell sequencing techniques, functional RNA screening, and next-generation sequencing.Lastly, we highlighted the potential of using oligonucleotide-based chemical products such as modified RNA and RNA mimics/inhibitors for the treatment of CVDs. Moreover, there will be an increasing number of potential RNA diagnostic and therapeutic for CVDs that will progress to expand for years to come.

ncRNAs and their impact on dopaminergic neurons: Autophagy pathways in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a complex neurological illness that causes severe motor and non-motor symptoms due to a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The aetiology of PD is influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and cellular variables. One important aspect of this pathophysiology is autophagy, a crucial cellular homeostasis process that breaks down and recycles cytoplasmic components. Recent advances in genomic technologies have unravelled a significant impact of ncRNAs on the regulation of autophagy pathways, thereby implicating their roles in PD onset and progression. They are members of a family of RNAs that include miRNAs, circRNA and lncRNAs that have been shown to play novel pleiotropic functions in the pathogenesis of PD by modulating the expression of genes linked to autophagic activities and dopaminergic neuron survival. This review aims to integrate the current genetic paradigms with the therapeutic prospect of autophagy-associated ncRNAs in PD. By synthesizing the findings of recent genetic studies, we underscore the importance of ncRNAs in the regulation of autophagy, how they are dysregulated in PD, and how they represent novel dimensions for therapeutic intervention. The therapeutic promise of targeting ncRNAs in PD is discussed, including the barriers that need to be overcome and future directions that must be embraced to funnel these ncRNA molecules for the treatment and management of PD.

The fate and function of non-coding RNAs during necroptosis

Necroptosis is a novel form of cell death which is activated when apoptotic cell death signals are disrupted. Accumulating body of observations suggests that noncoding RNAs, which are the lately discovered mystery of the human genome, are significantly associated with necroptotic signaling circuitry. The fate and function of miRNAs have been well documented in human disease, especially cancer. Recently, lncRNAs have gained much attention due to their diverse regulatory functions. Although available studies are currently based on bioinformatic analysis, predicted interactions desires further attention, as these hold significant promise and should not be overlooked. In the light of these, here we comprehensively review and discuss noncoding RNA molecules that play significant roles during execution of necroptotic cell death.

CircUGGT2 downregulation by METTL14-dependent m6A modification suppresses gastric cancer progression and cisplatin resistance through interaction with miR-186-3p/MAP3K9 axis

Chemoresistance is a major therapeutic challenge in advanced gastric cancer (GC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been shown to play fundamental roles in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which m6A modification of circRNAs contributes to GC and chemoresistance remain unknown. We found that hsa_circ_0030632 (circUGGT2) was a predominant m6A target of METTL14, and METTL14 knockdown (KD) reduced circUGGT2 m6A levels but increased its mRNA levels. The expression of circUGGT2 was markedly increased in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant GC cells. CircUGGT2 KD impaired cell growth, metastasis and DDP-resistance in vitro and in vivo, but circUGGT2 overexpression prompted these effects. Furthermore, circUGGT2 was validated to sponge miR-186-3p and upregulate MAP3K9 and could abolish METTL14-caused miR-186-3p upregulation and MAP3K9 downregulation in GC cells. circUGGT2 negatively correlated with miR-186-3p expression and harbored a poor prognosis in patients with GC. Our findings unveil that METTL14-dependent m6A modification of circUGGT2 inhibits GC progression and DDP resistance by regulating miR-186-3p/MAP3K9 axis.

A novel immune‑related lncRNA as a prognostic biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer is characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are crucial in breast cancer progression and prognosis, especially in tumor-associated immune processes. The present study aimed to elucidate novel lncRNAs related to immune function that could serve as biomarkers for both diagnosis and prognosis of this cancer subtype. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal, correlation analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and immune-related genes. Through receiver operating characteristic analysis, the diagnostic value of specific lncRNAs was identified and evaluated, with a focus on their capacity to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous states. The present research revealed 22 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 23 differentially expressed immune-related genes, with 19 immune-related lncRNAs. A total of 13 of these lncRNAs demonstrated diagnostic relevance. In particular, it was demonstrated that the expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 was significantly correlated with patient survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker. Additionally, the expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 was significantly correlated with clinical parameters, such as hormone receptor status and patient demographics. Moreover, it exhibited associations with four distinct immune cell types and demonstrated involvement in the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Further assessment by in situ hybridization confirmed the increased expression of lncRNA CTC-537E7.2 in samples from HER2+ patients, reinforcing its significance. In summary, the present study uncovered a novel prognostic biomarker for HER2+ breast cancer, thereby laying the groundwork for investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms driving the development of this subtype of breast cancer.

Administration of USP7 inhibitor p22077 alleviates Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced atrial fibrillation in Mice

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is an important contributor to mortality and morbidity. Ubquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), one of the most abundant ubiquitin-specific proteases (USP), participated in many cellular events, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumourigenesis. However, its role in AF remains unknown. Here, the mice were treated with Ang II infusion to induce the AF model. Echocardiography was used to measure the atrial diameter. Electrical stimulation was programmed to measure the induction and duration of AF. The changes in atrial remodeling were measured using routine histologic analysis. Here, a significant increase in USP7 expression was observed in Ang II-stimulated atrial cardiomyocytes and atrial tissues, as well as in atrial tissues from patients with AF. The administration of p22077, the inhibitor of USP7, attenuated Ang II-induced inducibility and duration of AF, atrial dilatation, connexin dysfunction, atrial fibrosis, atrial inflammation, and atrial oxidase stress, and then inhibited the progression of AF. Mechanistically, the administration of p22077 alleviated Ang II-induced activation of TGF-β/Smad2, NF-κB/NLRP3, NADPH oxidases (NOX2 and NOX4) signals, the up-regulation of CX43, ox-CaMKII, CaMKII, Kir2.1, and down-regulation of SERCA2a. Together, this study, for the first time, suggests that USP7 is a critical driver of AF and revealing USP7 may present a new target for atrial fibrillation therapeutic strategies.

Downregulation of lncRNA MIR17HG reduced tumorigenicity and Treg-mediated immune escape of non-small-cell lung cancer cells through targeting the miR-17-5p/RUNX3 axis

Long noncoding RNA MIR17HG was involved with the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but specific mechanisms of MIR17HG-mediated immune escape of NSCLC cells were still unknown. The present study investigated the function of MIR17HG on regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated immune escape and the underlying mechanisms in NSCLC. Expression of MIR17HG and miR-17-5p in NSCLC tissue samples were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A549 and H1299 cells were transfected with sh-MIR17HG, miR-17-5p inhibitor, or sh-MIR17HG + miR-17-5p inhibitor, followed by cocultured with Tregs. Cell proliferation was measured using 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (Edu) staining assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was used for determining positive numbers of FOXP3+CD4+/CD25+/CD8+ Tregs. Through subcutaneous injection with transfected A549 cells, a xenograft nude mouse model was established. Weights and volumes of xenograft tumors were evaluated. Additionally, the expressions of immune-related factors including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in cultured cells, were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis. Then, miR-17-5p was decreased and MIR17HG was enhanced in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. MIR17HG knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation, tumorigenicity, and immune capacity of Tregs in A549 and H1299 cells, whereas sh-MIR17HG significantly reduced expression levels of VEGF-A, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 but promoted the IFN-γ level in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, downregulation of miR-17-5p significantly reversed the effects of sh-MIR17HG. Additionally, we identified that runt- related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was a target of miR-17-5p, and sh-MIR17HG and miR-17-5p mimics downregulated RUNX3 expression. In conclusion, downregulation of MIR17HG suppresses tumorigenicity and Treg-mediated immune escape in NSCLC through downregulating the miR-17-5p/RUNX3 axis, indicating that this axis contains potential biomarkers for NSCLC.

Role of transcriptional cofactors in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a main cause of mortality in the world and the highest incidence of all diseases. However, the mechanism of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is still unclear, and we need to continue to explore its mechanism of action. The occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease is significantly associated with genetic abnormalities, and gene expression is affected by transcriptional regulation. In this complex process, the protein-protein interaction promotes the RNA polymerase II to the initiation site. And in this process of transcriptional regulation, transcriptional cofactors are responsible for passing cues from enhancers to promoters and promoting the binding of RNA polymerases to promoters, so transcription cofactors playing a key role in gene expression regulation. There is growing evidence that transcriptional cofactors play a critical role in cardiovascular disease. Transcriptional cofactors can promote or inhibit transcription by affecting the function of transcription factors. It can affect the initiation and elongation process of transcription by forming complexes with transcription factors, which are important for the stabilization of DNA rings. It can also act as a protein that interacts with other proteins to affect the expression of other genes. Therefore, the aim of this overview is to summarize the effect of some transcriptional cofactors such as BRD4, EP300, MED1, EZH2, YAP, SIRT6 in cardiovascular disease and to provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Nanozyme-based visual diagnosis and therapeutics for myocardial infarction: The application and strategy

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart injury caused by ischemia and low oxygen conditions. The occurrence of MI lead to the activation of a large number of neutrophils and macrophages, inducing severe inflammatory injury. Meanwhile, the inflammatory response produces much more free radicals, further exacerbating the inflammatory response and tissue damage. Efforts are being dedicated to developing antioxidants and enzymes, as well as small molecule drugs, for treating myocardial ischemia. However, poor pharmacokinetics and potential side effects limit the clinical application of these drugs. Recent advances in nanotechnology have paved new pathways in biomedical and healthcare environments. Nanozymes exhibit the advantages of biological enzymes and nanomaterials, including with higher catalytic activity and stability than natural enzymes. Thus, nanozymes provide new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.

AIM OF REVIEW

We describe the application of nanozymes in the diagnosis and therapy of MI, aiming to bridge the gap between the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of MI.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

We describe the application of nanozymes in the diagnosis and therapy of MI, and discuss the new strategies for improving the diagnosis and treatment of MI. We review in detail the applications of nanozymes to achieve highly sensitive detection of biomarkers of MI. Due to their unique enzyme catalytic capabilities, nanozymes have the ability to sensitively detect biomolecules through colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical assays. In addition, nanozymes exhibit excellent antioxidase-mimicking activity to treat MI by modulating reduction/oxidation (REDOX) homeostasis. Nanozymes can also passively or actively target MI tissue sites, thereby protecting ischemic myocardial tissue and reducing the infarct area. These innovative applications of nanozymes in the field of biomedicine have shown promising results in the diagnosis and treatment of MI, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

The Janus face of mitophagy in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and recovery

In myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), moderate mitophagy is a protective or adaptive mechanism because of clearing defective mitochondria accumulates during MIRI. However, excessive mitophagy lead to an increase in defective mitochondria and ultimately exacerbate MIRI by causing overproduction or uncontrolled production of mitochondria. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), Parkin, FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)/adenovirus E1B19KD interaction protein 3 (BNIP3) are the main mechanistic regulators of mitophagy in MIRI. Pink1 and Parkin are mitochondrial surface proteins involved in the ubiquitin-dependent pathway, while BNIP3 and FUNDC1 are mitochondrial receptor proteins involved in the non-ubiquitin-dependent pathway, which play a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and mitochondrial quality. These proteins can induce moderate mitophagy or inhibit excessive mitophagy to protect against MIRI but may also trigger excessive mitophagy or insufficient mitophagy, thereby worsening the condition. Understanding the actions of these mitophagy mechanistic proteins may provide valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying MIRI development. Based on the above background, this article reviews the mechanism of mitophagy involved in MIRI through Pink1/Parkin pathway and the receptor mediated pathway led by FUNDC1 and BNIP3, as well as the related drug treatment, aim to provide effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of MIRI.

Chitosan nanocarriers for non-coding RNA therapeutics: A review

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-based therapies entail delivering ncRNAs to cells to regulate gene expression and produce proteins that combat infections, cancer, neurological diseases, and bone abnormalities. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of these ncRNAs has been limited due to the difficulties in delivering them to specific cellular targets within the body. Chitosan (CS), a biocompatible cationic polymer, interacts with negatively charged RNA molecules to form stable complexes. It is a promising biomaterial to develop nanocarriers for ncRNA delivery, overcoming several disadvantages of traditional delivery systems. CS-based nanocarriers can protect ncRNAs from degradation and target-specific delivery by surface modifications and intracellular release profiles over an extended period. This review briefly summarizes the recent developments in CS nanocarriers' synthesis and design considerations and their applications in ncRNA therapeutics for treating various diseases. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of CS-based nanocarriers for ncRNA therapeutics and potential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Arginine vasopressin induces ferroptosis to promote heart failure via activation of the V1aR/CaN/NFATC3 pathway

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a key contributor to heart failure (HF), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, a mouse model of HF and human cardiomyocyte (HCM) cells treated with dDAVP are generated in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining is used to evaluate the morphological changes in the myocardial tissues. A colorimetric method is used to measure the iron concentration, Fe 2+ concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Western blot analysis is used to examine the protein levels of the V1a receptor (V1aR), calcineurin (CaN), nuclear factor of activated T cells isoform C3 (NFATC3), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and acyl-CoA synthase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4). Immunoprecipitation (IP) and luciferase reporter assays are performed to determine the interaction between NFATC3 and ACSL4. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments reveal that the V1aR-CaN-NFATC3 signaling pathway and ferroptosis are upregulated in HFs, which are verified by the elevated protein levels of V1aR, CaN, NFATC3 and ACSL4; reduced GPX4 protein level; and enhanced Fe 2+ and MDA levels. We further find that inhibiting NFATC3 by suppressing the V1aR/CaN/NFATC3 pathway via V1aR/CaN inhibitors or sh-NFATC3 not only alleviates HF but also inhibits AVP-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, sh-NFATC3 significantly reverses the increase in AVP-induced ACSL4 protein level, Fe 2+ concentration, and MDA level by directly interacting with ACSL4. Our results demonstrate that AVP enhances ACSL4 expression by activating the V1aR/CaN/NFATC3 pathway to induce ferroptosis, thus contributing to HF. This study may lead to the proposal of a novel therapeutic strategy for HF.

Crosstalk between ubiquitin ligases and ncRNAs drives cardiovascular disease progression

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are multifactorial chronic diseases and have the highest rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in posttranslational modification and quality control of proteins, maintaining intracellular homeostasis via degradation of misfolded, short-lived, or nonfunctional regulatory proteins. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs, such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs and small interfering RNAs) serve as epigenetic factors and directly or indirectly participate in various physiological and pathological processes. NcRNAs that regulate ubiquitination or are regulated by the UPS are involved in the execution of target protein stability. The cross-linked relationship between the UPS, ncRNAs and CVDs has drawn researchers' attention. Herein, we provide an update on recent developments and perspectives on how the crosstalk of the UPS and ncRNAs affects the pathological mechanisms of CVDs, particularly myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic stroke. In addition, we further envision that RNA interference or ncRNA mimics or inhibitors targeting the UPS can potentially be used as therapeutic tools and strategies.

The Role of Circular RNA Variants Generated from the NFIX Gene in Different Diseases

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as important regulators in different developmental processes and disease pathogenesis. The loop structure of circRNAs makes them very stable in different conditions and microenvironments. circRNAs can affect microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) activity, encode functional proteins and regulate gene transcription. Recently, two circNFIX variants derived from the same gene, the Nuclear Factor I X (NFIX) gene, were determined as participants in the pathological processes of various diseases such as heart diseases and cancers. Both circNFIX variants are exonic circular RNAs and mainly function by sponging miRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on circRNAs, elucidate the origins and properties of two circNFIX variants, explore the roles of two circNFIX variants in different diseases, and present clinical perspectives.

Role of non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in vasculitis: A narrative review

A category of very uncommon systemic inflammatory blood vessel illnesses known as vasculitides. The pathogenesis and etiology of vasculitis are still poorly known. Despite all of the progress made in understanding the genetics and causes behind vasculitis, there is still more to learn. Epigenetic dysregulation is a significant contributor to immune-mediated illnesses, and epigenetic aberrancies in vasculitis are becoming more widely acknowledged. Less than 2 % of the genome contains protein-encoding DNA. Studies have shown that a variety of RNAs originating from the non-coding genome exist. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted the most attention in recent years as they are becoming more and more important regulators of different biological processes, such as diseases of the veins. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) such as exosomes, are membrane-bound vesicular structures that break free either during programmed cell death, such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis or during cell activation. Exosomes may be involved in harmful ways in inflammation, procoagulation, autoimmune reactions, endothelial dysfunction/damage, intimal hyperplasia and angiogenesis, all of which may be significant in vasculitis. Herein, we summarized various non-coding RNAs that are involved in vasculitides pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the role of exosomes in vasculitides.

Extracellular vesicle-derived non-coding RNAs in remodeling melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most lethal cutaneous malignancies. Despite great advances in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the survival rate and prognosis of patients with melanoma remain poor. The abundant and sophisticated reciprocal communication network between melanoma cells and non-tumor cells contributes to the high heterogeneity of the melanoma microenvironment and is intimately related to varying treatment responses and clinical courses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane structures generated by nearly all cell types. EVs contain biologically active molecules, mainly comprising proteins, lipids, and RNAs, and undoubtedly play multifaceted roles in numerous diseases, represented by melanoma. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mainly encompass long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs and constitute the majority of the human transcriptome. Multiple ncRNAs encapsulated in EVs coordinate various pathophysiological processes in melanoma. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which EV-ncRNAs modulate biological behaviors and immunity, and their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in melanoma. Undoubtedly, further insight into EV-ncRNAs and their functions in melanoma will contribute to the clinical treatment of melanoma and the implementation of precision medicine.

The protective effect of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide on alcoholic liver injury in C57BL/6 mice

An alcohol-induced liver injury model was induced in C57BL/6 mice to assess the protective efficacy of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides (EP) against liver damage. Histological alterations in the liver were examined following hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Biochemical assay kits and ELISA kits were employed to analyze serum and liver biochemical parameters, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alcohol metabolism-related enzymes. The presence of oxidative stress-related proteins in the liver was detected using western blotting. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to profile serum metabolites in mice. The findings demonstrated that EP-H (100 mg/Kg) reduced serum ALT and AST activity by 2.31-fold and 2.32-fold, respectively, when compared to the alcohol-induced liver injury group. H&E staining revealed a significant attenuation of microvesicular steatosis and ballooning pathology in the EP-H group compared to the model group. EP administration was found to enhance alcohol metabolism by regulating metabolite-related enzymes (ADH and ALDH) and decreasing CYP2E1 expression. EP also modulated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to bolster hepatic antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, EP restored the levels of lipid metabolites (Glycine, Butanoyl-CoA, and Acetyl-CoA) to normalcy. In summary, EP confers protection to the liver through the regulation of antioxidant activity and lipid metabolites in the murine liver.

RNA in cardiovascular disease: A new frontier of personalized medicine

Personalized medicine has witnessed remarkable progress with the emergence of RNA therapy, offering new possibilities for the treatment of various diseases, and in particular in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ability to target the human genome through RNA manipulation offers great potential not only in the treatment of cardiac pathologies but also in their diagnosis and prevention, notably in cases of hyperlipidemia and myocardial infarctions. While only a few RNA-based treatments have entered clinical trials or obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, the growing body of research on this subject is promising. However, the development of RNA therapies faces several challenges that must be overcome. These include the efficient delivery of drugs into cells, the potential for immunogenic responses, and safety. Resolving these obstacles is crucial to advance the development of RNA therapies. This review explores the newest developments in medical studies, treatment plans, and results related to RNA therapies for heart disease. Furthermore, it discusses the exciting possibilities and difficulties in this innovative area of research.

Programmed cell death in tumor immunity: mechanistic insights and clinical implications

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of cell suicide that is controlled by various signaling pathways. PCD plays an important role in a multitude of biological processes, such as cell turnover, development, tissue homeostasis and immunity. Some forms of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis, contribute to carcinogenesis and cancer development, and thus have attracted increasing attention in the field of oncology. Recently, increasing research-based evidence has demonstrated that PCD acts as a critical modulator of tumor immunity. PCD can affect the function of innate and adaptive immune cells, which leads to distinct immunological consequences, such as the priming of tumor-specific T cells, immunosuppression and immune evasion. Targeting PCD alone or in combination with conventional immunotherapy may provide new options to enhance the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we introduce the characteristics and mechanisms of ubiquitous PCD pathways (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis and ferroptosis) and explore the complex interaction between these cell death mechanisms and tumor immunity based on currently available evidence. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of PCD-based approaches by outlining clinical trials targeting PCD in cancer treatment. Elucidating the immune-related effects of PCD on cancer pathogenesis will likely contribute to an improved understanding of oncoimmunology and allow PCD to be exploited for cancer treatment.

A meta-analysis of the clinicopathological significance of the lncRNA MALAT1 in human gastric cancer

Background

Dysregulation of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been linked to some oncogenic pathways that induce cancer initiation and progression. This meta-analysis was conducted to specifically summarize the most recent research on MALAT1 function in human gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

The eligible studies were first identified by searching HowNet, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Nature databases for studies published as of April 1, 2023. The meta-analysis included 14 studies assessing MALAT1 expression and presenting clinical parameters and survival outcomes.

Results

The results illustrated that high MALAT1 expression is predictive of lymph node metastasis (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.97-4.54, P < 0.001) and distant metastasis in GC (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.68-5.75, P < 0.001). In addition, MALAT1 was associated with GC tumor invasion (T3/T4 vs. T1/T2: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.90- 4.41, P <0.001) and TNM stage (III/IV vs I/II: OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.80-4.77, P <0.001). Additionally, higher MALAT-1 expression predicted poorer overall survival in patients with GC (hazard ratio = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.20-2.09, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the high MALAT1 expression is an adverse biomarker for prognostic outcomes, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and distant metastasis in GC and MALAT1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GC.

Pathogenetic Significance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Development of Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening condition with a high prevalence and risk of severe complications. The aim of this review was to summarize the data on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of AAs of various location. Within less than a decade of studies on the role of lncRNAs in AA, using experimental and bioinformatic approaches, scientists have obtained the data confirming the involvement of these molecules in metabolic pathways and pathogenetic mechanisms critical for the aneurysm development. Regardless of the location of pathological process (thoracic or abdominal aorta), AA was found to be associated with changes in the expression of various lncRNAs in the tissue of the affected vessels. The consistency of changes in the expression level of lncRNA, mRNA and microRNA in aortic tissues during AA development has been recordedand regulatory networks implicated in the AA pathogenesis in which lncRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA networks) have been identified. It was found that the same lncRNA can be involved in different ceRNA networks and regulate different biochemical and cellular events; on the other hand, the same pathological process can be controlled by different lncRNAs. Despite some similarities in pathogenesis and overlapping of involved lncRNAs, the ceRNA networks described for abdominal and thoracic AA are different. Interactions between lncRNAs and other molecules, including those participating in epigenetic processes, have also been identified as potentially relevant to the AA pathogenesis. The expression levels of some lncRNAs were found to correlate with clinically significant aortic features and biochemical parameters. Identification of regulatory RNAs functionally significant in the aneurysm development is important for clarification of disease pathogenesis and will provide a basis for early diagnostics and development of new preventive and therapeutic drugs.

Comprehensive analysis of mitophagy-related genes in NSCLC diagnosis and immune scenery: based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data

Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer-related deaths, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. Understanding the potential mechanisms, prognosis, and treatment aspects of NSCLC is essential. This study systematically analyzed the correlation between mitophagy and NSCLC. Six mitophagy-related feature genes (SRC, UBB, PINK1, FUNDC1, MAP1LC3B, and CSNK2A1) were selected through machine learning and used to construct a diagnostic model for NSCLC. These feature genes are closely associated with the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Additionally, NSCLC was divided into two subtypes using unsupervised consensus clustering, and their differences in clinical characteristics, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the interaction between mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) and immune cells was analyzed using single-cell sequencing data. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of potential diagnostic biomarkers for NSCLC and the advancement of personalized treatment strategies.

O-GlcNAcylation: cellular physiology and therapeutic target for human diseases

O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) is a distinctive posttranslational protein modification involving the coordinated action of O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase, primarily targeting serine or threonine residues in various proteins. This modification impacts protein functionality, influencing stability, protein-protein interactions, and localization. Its interaction with other modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination is becoming increasingly evident. Dysregulation of O-GlcNAcylation is associated with numerous human diseases, including diabetes, nervous system degeneration, and cancers. This review extensively explores the regulatory mechanisms of O-GlcNAcylation, its effects on cellular physiology, and its role in the pathogenesis of diseases. It examines the implications of aberrant O-GlcNAcylation in diabetes and tumorigenesis, highlighting novel insights into its potential role in cardiovascular diseases. The review also discusses the interplay of O-GlcNAcylation with other protein modifications and its impact on cell growth and metabolism. By synthesizing current research, this review elucidates the multifaceted roles of O-GlcNAcylation, providing a comprehensive reference for future studies. It underscores the potential of targeting the O-GlcNAcylation cycle in developing novel therapeutic strategies for various pathologies.

Copper and Diabetes: Current Research and Prospect

Copper is an essential trace metal for normal cellular functions; a lack of copper is reported to impair the function of important copper-binding enzymes, while excess copper could lead to cell death. Numerous studies have shown an association between dietary copper consumption or plasma copper levels and the incidence of diabetes/diabetes complications. And experimental studies have revealed multiple signaling pathways that are triggered by copper shortages or copper overload in diabetic conditions. Moreover, studies show that treated with copper chelators improve vascular function, maintain copper homeostasis, inhibit cuproptosis, and reduce cell toxicity, thereby alleviating diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. However, the mechanisms reported in these studies are inconsistent or even contradictory. This review summarizes the precise and tight regulation of copper homeostasis processes, and discusses the latest progress in the association of diabetes and dietary copper/plasma copper. Further, the study pays close attention to the therapeutic potential of copper chelators and copper in diabetes and its complications, and hopes to provide new insight for the treatment of diabetes.

The anti-diabetic effects of metformin are mediated by regulating long non-coding RNA

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease with complex etiology and mechanisms. Long non-coding ribonucleic acid (LncRNA) is a novel class of functional long RNA molecules that regulate multiple biological functions through various mechanisms. Studies in the past decade have shown that lncRNAs may play an important role in regulating insulin resistance and the progression of T2D. As a widely used biguanide drug, metformin has been used for glucose lowering effects in clinical practice for more than 60 years. For diabetic therapy, metformin reduces glucose absorption from the intestines, lowers hepatic gluconeogenesis, reduces inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity. However, despite being widely used as the first-line oral antidiabetic drug, its mechanism of action remains largely elusive. Currently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that the anti-diabetic effects of metformin were mediated by the regulation of lncRNAs. Metformin-regulated lncRNAs have been shown to participate in the inhibition of gluconeogenesis, regulation of lipid metabolism, and be anti-inflammatory. Thus, this review focuses on the mechanisms of action of metformin in regulating lncRNAs in diabetes, including pathways altered by metformin via targeting lncRNAs, and the potential targets of metformin through modulation of lncRNAs. Knowledge of the mechanisms of lncRNA modulation by metformin in diabetes will aid the development of new therapeutic drugs for T2D in the future.

Targeting the opioid remifentanil: Protective effects and molecular mechanisms against organ ischemia-reperfusion injury

Opioids are widely used in clinical practice by activating opioid receptors (OPRs), but their clinical application is limited by a series of side effects. Researchers have been making tremendous efforts to promote the development and application of opioids. Fortunately, recent studies have identified the additional effects of opioids in addition to anesthesia and analgesia, particularly in terms of organ protection against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, with unique advantages. I/R injury in vital organs not only leads to cell dysfunction and structural damage but also induces acute and chronic organ failure, even death. Early prevention and appropriate therapeutic targets for I/R injury are crucial for organ protection. Opioids have shown cardioprotective effects for over 20 years, especially remifentanil, a derivative of fentanyl, which is a new ultra-short-acting opioid analgesic widely used in clinical anesthesia induction and maintenance. In this review, we provide current knowledge about the physiological effects related to OPR-mediated organ protection, focusing on the protective effect and mechanism of remifentanil on I/R injury in the heart and other vital organs. Herein, we also explored the potential application of remifentanil in clinical I/R injury. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of remifentanil to inhibit or alleviate organ I/R injury during the perioperative period and provide insights for opioid-induced human organ protection and drug development.

Integrative analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome reveals epigenetic regulation of bisphenols-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy, a kind of cardiomyopathic abnormality, might trigger heart contractile and diastolic dysfunction, and even heart failure. Currently, bisphenols (BPs) including bisphenol A (BPA), and its alternatives bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are ubiquitously applied in various products and potentially possess high cardiovascular risks for humans. However, the substantial experimental evidences of BPs on heart function, and their structure-related effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are still urgently needed. DNA methylation, a typical epigenetics, play key roles in BPs-induced transcription dysregulation, thereby affecting human health including cardiovascular system. Thus, in this study, we performed RNA-seq and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to profile the landscapes of BPs-induced cardiotoxicity and to determine the key roles of DNA methylation in the transcription. Further, the capabilities of three BPA analogues, together with BPA, in impacting heart function and changing DNA methylation and transcription were compared. We concluded that similar to BPA, BPAF, BPF and BPS exposure deteriorated heart function in a mouse model, and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a H9c2 cell line. BPAF, BPF and BPS all played BPA-like roles in both transcriptive and methylated hierarchies. Moreover, we validated the expression levels of four cardiomyocyte hypertrophy related candidate genes, Psmc1, Piptnm2, Maz and Dusp18, which were all upregulated and with DNA hypomethylation. The findings on the induction of BPA analogues on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and DNA methylation revealed their potential detrimental risks in heart function of humans.

Noncoding RNAs as an emerging resistance mechanism to immunotherapies in cancer: basic evidence and therapeutic implications

The increasing knowledge in the field of oncoimmunology has led to extensive research into tumor immune landscape and a plethora of clinical immunotherapy trials in cancer patients. Immunotherapy has become a clinically beneficial alternative to traditional treatments by enhancing the power of the host immune system against cancer. However, it only works for a minority of cancers. Drug resistance continues to be a major obstacle to the success of immunotherapy in cancer. A fundamental understanding of the detailed mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance in cancer patients will provide new potential directions for further investigations of cancer treatment. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are tightly linked with cancer initiation and development due to their critical roles in gene expression and epigenetic modulation. The clear appreciation of the role of ncRNAs in tumor immunity has opened new frontiers in cancer research and therapy. Furthermore, ncRNAs are increasingly acknowledged as a key factor influencing immunotherapeutic treatment outcomes. Here, we review the available evidence on the roles of ncRNAs in immunotherapy resistance, with an emphasis on the associated mechanisms behind ncRNA-mediated immune resistance. The clinical implications of immune-related ncRNAs are also discussed, shedding light on the potential ncRNA-based therapies to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy.

Non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications

Lung cancer (LC) is a heterogeneous disease with high malignant degree, rapid growth, and early metastasis. The clinical outcomes of LC patients are generally poor due to the insufficient elucidation of pathological mechanisms, low efficiency of detection and assessment methods, and lack of individualized therapeutic strategies. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA), are endogenous regulators that are widely involved in the modulation of almost all aspects of life activities, from organogenesis and aging to immunity and cancer. They commonly play vital roles in various biological processes by regulating gene expression via their interactions with DNA, RNA, or protein. An increasing amount of studies have demonstrated that ncRNAs are closely correlated with the initiation and development of LC. Their dysregulation promotes the progression of LC via distinct mechanisms, such as influencing protein activity, activating oncogenic signaling pathways, or altering specific gene expression. Furthermore, some ncRNAs present certain clinical values as biomarker candidates and therapeutic targets for LC patients. A complete understanding of their mechanisms in LC progression may be highly beneficial to developing ncRNA-based therapeutics for LC patients. This review mainly focuses on the intricate mechanisms of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA involved in LC progression and discuss their underlying applications in LC treatment.

The immunoproteasome subunit β2i ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating Parkin-Mfn1/2-mediated mitochondrial fusion

Mitochondrial dynamics are critical for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function during cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). The immunoproteasome complex is an inducible isoform of the proteasome that plays a key role in modulating inflammation and some cardiovascular diseases, but the importance of immunoproteasome catalytic subunit β2i (also known as LMP10 or MECL1) in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and cardiac I/R injury is largely unknown. Here, using β2i-knockout (KO) mice and rAAV9-β2i-injected mice, we discovered that β2i expression and its trypsin-like activity were significantly attenuated in the mouse I/R myocardium and in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Moreover, β2i-KO mice exhibited greatly enhanced I/R-mediated cardiac dysfunction, infarct size, myocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress accompanied by excessive mitochondrial fission due to Mfn1/2 and Drp1 imbalance. Conversely, cardiac overexpression of β2i in mice injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 (rAAV9)-β2i ameliorated cardiac I/R injury. Mechanistically, I/R injury reduced β2i expression and activity, which increased the expression of the E3 ligase Parkin protein and promoted the degradation of mitofusin 1/2 (Mfn1/2), leading to excessive mitochondrial fission. In conclusion, our data suggest for the first time that β2i exerts a protective role against cardiac I/R injury and that increasing β2i expression may be a new therapeutic option for cardiac ischemic disease in clinical practice. Graphical abstract showing how the immunoproteasome subunit β2i ameliorates myocardial I/R injury by regulating Parkin-Mfn1/2-mediated mitochondrial fusion.

Non-coding RNA-mediated modulation of ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide and seriously threatens human health and life. Cardiomyocyte death is considered the pathological basis of various CVDs, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and aortic dissection. Multiple mechanisms, such as ferroptosis, necrosis, and apoptosis, contribute to cardiomyocyte death. Among them, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death that plays a vital role in various physiological and pathological processes, from development and aging to immunity and CVD. The dysregulation of ferroptosis has been shown to be closely associated with CVD progression, yet its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In recent years, a growing amount of evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, thus affecting CVD progression. Some ncRNAs also exhibit potential value as biomarker and/or therapeutic target for patients with CVD. In this review, we systematically summarize recent findings on the underlying mechanisms of ncRNAs involved in ferroptosis regulation and their role in CVD progression. We also focus on their clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets in CVD treatment. DATA AVAILABILITY: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.