Effects of miRNA-145 on airway smooth muscle cells function

The Roles of MicroRNAs in Asthma and Emerging Insights into the Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation

Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, characterized by variable airflow limitation secondary to airway narrowing, airway wall thickening, and increased mucus resulting from chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Current epidemiological studies reported that hypovitaminosis D is frequent in patients with asthma and is associated with worsening the disease and that supplementation with vitamin D3 improves asthma symptoms. However, despite several advances in the field, the molecular mechanisms of asthma have yet to be comprehensively understood. MicroRNAs play an important role in controlling several biological processes and their deregulation is implicated in diverse diseases, including asthma. Evidence supports that the dysregulation of miR-21, miR-27b, miR-145, miR-146a, and miR-155 leads to disbalance of Th1/Th2 cells, inflammation, and airway remodeling, resulting in exacerbation of asthma. This review addresses how these molecular mechanisms explain the development of asthma and its exacerbation and how vitamin D3 may modulate these microRNAs to improve asthma symptoms.

P-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate diabetic wound healing via miR-145-5p/ CDKN1A-mediated functional improvements of high glucose-induced senescent fibroblasts

Background

Persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetes causes functional abnormalities of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), partially leading to delayed skin wound healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing multiple pro-healing microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing. The present study aimed to observe the effects of EVs derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSC-EVs) on diabetic wound healing and high glucose (HG)-induced senescent fibroblasts and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

P-MSC-EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and locally injected into the full-thickness skin wounds of diabetic mice, to observe the beneficial effects on wound healing in vivo by measuring wound closure rates and histological analysis. Next, a series of assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of low (2.28 x 1010 particles/ml) and high (4.56 x 1010 particles/ml) concentrations of P-MSC-EVs on the senescence, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HG-induced senescent HDFs in vitro. Then, miRNA microarrays and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were carried out to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs in HDFs after EVs treatment. Specific RNA inhibitors, miRNA mimics, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to evaluate the role of a candidate miRNA and its target genes in P-MSC-EV-induced improvements in the function of HG-induced senescent HDFs.

Results

Local injection of P-MSC-EVs into diabetic wounds accelerated wound closure and reduced scar widths, with better-organized collagen deposition and decreased p16INK4a expression. In vitro, P-MSC-EVs enhanced the antisenescence, proliferation, migration, and antiapoptotic abilities of HG-induced senescent fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-145-5p was found to be highly enriched in P-MSC-EVs. MiR-145-5p inhibitors effectively attenuated the P-MSC-EV-induced functional improvements of senescent fibroblasts. MiR-145-5p mimics simulated the effects of P-MSC-EVs on functional improvements of fibroblasts by suppressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and activating the extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, local application of miR-145-5p agomir mimicked the effects of P-MSC-EVs on wound healing.

Conclusions

These results suggest that P-MSC-EVs accelerate diabetic wound healing by improving the function of senescent fibroblasts through the transfer of miR-145-5p, which targets cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A to activate the Erk/Akt signaling pathway. P-MSC-EVs are promising therapeutic candidates for diabetic wound treatment.

Noncoding RNAs in asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells

Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous airway disease caused by genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors treated with hormones and biologics. Irreversible pathological changes to airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) such as hyperplasia and hypertrophy can occur in asthmatic patients. Determining the mechanisms responsible is vital for preventing such changes. In recent years, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs and circular RNAs, have been found to be associated with abnormalities of the ASMCs. This review highlights recent ncRNA research into ASMC pathologies. We present a schematic that illustrates the role of ncRNAs in pathophysiological changes to ASMCs that may be useful in future research in diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with asthma.

The Regulatory Role of miR-107-Cdk6-Rb Pathway in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells in Asthma

Purpose

Airway remodeling is a significant pathological change of asthma. This study aimed to detect differentially expressed microRNAs in the serum of asthma patients and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) of asthmatic mice, exploring their role in the airway remodeling of asthma.

Methods

The differentially expressed microRNAs in the serum of mild and moderate-severe asthma patients compared to healthy subjects were revealed using the "limma" package. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to annotate the functions of microRNA target genes. The relative expressions of miR-107 (miR-107-3p in mice sharing the same sequence) in the primary airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) of the asthma mice model were tested by RT-qPCR. Cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (Cdk6), a target gene of miR-107, was predicted by algorithms and validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. The roles of miR-107, Cdk6, and protein Retinoblastoma (Rb) in ASMCs were examined by transwell assay and EDU KIT in vitro.

Results

The expression of miR-107 was down-regulated in both mild and moderate-severe asthma patients. Intriguingly, the level of miR-107 was also decreased in ASMCs of the asthma mice model. Up-regulating miR-107 suppressed ASMCs' proliferation by targeting Cdk6 and the phosphorylation level of Rb. Increasing the expression of Cdk6 or suppressing Rb activity abrogated the proliferation inhibition effect of ASMCs induced by miR-107. In addition, miR-107 also inhibits ASMC migration by targeting Cdk6.

Conclusion

The expression of miR-107 is down-regulated in serums of asthma patients and ASMCs of asthmatic mice. It plays a critical role in regulating the proliferation and migration of ASMCs via targeting Cdk6.

Genetic variants in miR-145 gene are associated with the risk of asthma in Taiwan

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease and the diagnosis and treatment strategies remain difficult. MicroRNAs play important roles in many biological and pathological processes including asthma development. There is no study confirming the contribution of genetic variants in miR-145 to asthma etiology. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of miR-145 may be associated with the risk of asthma in Taiwanese. We used a case–control study to test this hypothesis. In 198 asthma patients and 453 healthy controls, the genotypes of miR-145 rs4705342 and rs4705343 were determined, and the associations of miR-145 genotypes with asthma risk and severity were evaluated. The distribution of miR-145 rs4705342 genotypes between asthma patients and non-asthmatic control groups were significantly different (p = 0.0187). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, compared with the wild-type TT genotype, individuals carrying the variant genotypes had progressively decreased risks of asthma: the odds ratio (OR) for the heterogeneous variant genotype (CT) and homozygous variant genotype (CC) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55–1.10, p = 0.1788) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.21–0.79, p = 0.0102), respectively (p for trend = 0.0187). In allelic test, the C allele was associated with a 31% reduced risk of asthma (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.53–0.90, p = 0.0070). In addition, the rs4705342 variant genotypes were correlated with the symptom severity (p = 3 × 10^–5). Furthermore, the variant genotypes correlated with lower miR-145-5p expression level in serum (p = 0.0001). As for rs4705343, there was no differential distribution of genotypes between cases and controls. Our data provide evidence for miR-145 rs4705342 to serve as a novel biomarker for asthma risk prediction.

Delivery of miR-654-5p via SonoVue Microbubble Ultrasound Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Arterial Thrombosis and Stenosis through Targeting TCF21

Background

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an important cause of vascular stenosis. The study explored the mechanism of inhibition of vascular stenosis through the molecular mechanism of smooth muscle cell phenotype transformation.

Methods

Coronary heart disease-related genes were screened by bioinformatics, and the target genes of miR-654-5p were predicted by dual-luciferase method and immunofluorescence method. miR-654-5p mimic stimulation and transfection of TCF21 and MTAP into cells. SonoVue microbubble sonication was used to deliver miR-654-5p into cells. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8, wound scratch, and Transwell. HE and IHC staining were performed to study the effect of miR-654-5p delivery via SonoVue microbubble ultrasound on vessel stenosis in a model of arterial injury. Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and WB.

Results

TCF21 and MTAP were predicted as the target genes of miR-654-5p. Cytokines induced smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted miR-654-5p downregulation; noticeably, downregulated miR-654-5p was positively associated with the cell proliferation and migration. Overexpression of TCF21 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration, and mimic reversed such effects. miR-654-5p overexpression delivered by SonoVue microbubble ultrasound inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. Moreover, in arterial injury model, we found that SonoVue microbubble ultrasound transmitted miR-654-5p into the arterial wall to inhibit arterial thrombosis and stenosis, while TCF21 was inhibited.

Conclusion

Ultrasound delivery of miR-654-5p via SonoVue microbubbles was able to inhibit arterial thrombosis and stenosis by targeting TCF21.

MicroRNA-98-5p Inhibits IL-13-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting RAC1

The dysfunction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of asthma. How miR-98-5p works in asthma has not been completely elucidated. This work focused on how miR-98-5p functions in the proliferation and migration of human ASMCs treated with interleukin-13 (IL-13). MiR-98-5p expression in plasma of asthmatic patients and IL-13-stimulated ASMCs was probed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RAS-relevant C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) protein expression in ASMCs was assessed by Western blot. The growth of ASMCs was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. The migration of ASMCs was examined by Transwell assay. Besides, the apoptosis of ASMCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-98-5p and RAC1 3'-UTR was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR-98-5p expression was reduced in patients' plasma and IL-13-stimulated ASMCs, and RAC1 expression was upregulated in ASMCs treated with IL-13. MiR-98-5p overexpression inhibited IL-13-induced proliferation and migration of ASMCs while promoting the apoptosis. The opposite result was observed after inhibiting miR-98-5p expression. Besides, RAC1 was identified as a direct downstream target of miR-98-5p in ASMCs. The restoration of RAC1 expression counteracted the impacts of miR-98-5p overexpression on IL-13-stimulated proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of ASMCs. MiR-98-5p inhibits IL-13-induced proliferation and migration and accelerates the apoptosis of ASMCs by downregulating RAC1 expression.

The Role of miRNAs in Extracellular Matrix Repair and Chronic Fibrotic Lung Diseases

The lung extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the normal architecture of the lung, from embryonic lung development to mechanical stability and elastic recoil of the breathing adult lung. The lung ECM can modulate the biophysical environment of cells through ECM stiffness, porosity, topography and insolubility. In a reciprocal interaction, lung ECM dynamics result from the synthesis, degradation and organization of ECM components by the surrounding structural and immune cells. Repeated lung injury and repair can trigger a vicious cycle of aberrant ECM protein deposition, accompanied by elevated ECM stiffness, which has a lasting effect on cell and tissue function. The processes governing the resolution of injury repair are regulated by several pathways; however, in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF) these processes are compromised, resulting in impaired cell function and ECM remodeling. Current estimates show that more than 60% of the human coding transcripts are regulated by miRNAs. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expressions and modulate cellular functions. This review is focused on the current knowledge of miRNAs in regulating ECM synthesis, degradation and topography by cells and their dysregulation in asthma, COPD and IPF.

Spotlight on microRNAs in allergy and asthma

In past 10 years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained scientific attention due to their importance in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and their potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsies. They act as master post‐transcriptional regulators that control most cellular processes. As one miRNA can target several mRNAs, often within the same pathway, dysregulated expression of miRNAs may alter particular cellular responses and contribute, or lead, to the development of various diseases. In this review, we give an overview of the current research on miRNAs in allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Specifically, we discuss how individual miRNAs function in the regulation of immune responses in epithelial cells and specialized immune cells in response to different environmental factors and respiratory viruses. In addition, we review insights obtained from experiments with murine models of allergic airway and skin inflammation and offer an overview of studies focusing on miRNA discovery using profiling techniques and bioinformatic modeling of the network effect of multiple miRNAs. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of research into miRNA function in allergy and asthma to improve our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this heterogeneous group of diseases.

COPD-associated miR-145-5p is downregulated in early-decline FEV1 trajectories in childhood asthma

BACKGROUND

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Longitudinal lung function growth trajectories of children with asthma-normal growth, reduced growth (RG), early decline (ED), and RG with an ED (RGED)-have been observed, with RG and RGED associated with adverse outcomes, including COPD.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine whether circulating miRNAs from an early age in children with asthma would be prognostic of reduced lung function growth patterns over the next 16 years.

METHODS

We performed small RNA sequencing on sera from 492 children aged 5 to 12 years with mild-to-moderate asthma from the CAMP clinical trial, who were subsequently followed for 12 to 16 years. miRNAs were assessed for differential expression between previously assigned lung function growth patterns.

RESULTS

We had 448 samples and 259 miRNAs for differential analysis. In a comparison of the normal and the most severe group (ie, normal growth compared with RGED), we found 1 strongly dysregulated miRNA, hsa-miR-145-5p (P < 8.01E-05). This miR was downregulated in both ED groups (ie, ED and RGED). We verified that miR-145-5p was strongly associated with airway smooth muscle cell growth in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that miR-145-5p is associated with the ED patterns of lung function growth leading to COPD in children with asthma and additionally increases airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. This represents a significant extension of our understanding of the role of miR-145-5p in COPD and suggests that reduced expression of miR-145-5p is a risk factor for ED of long-term lung function.

Glucocorticoid Receptor β (GRβ): Beyond Its Dominant-Negative Function

Glucocorticoids (GCs) act via the GC receptor (GR), a receptor ubiquitously expressed in the body where it drives a broad spectrum of responses within distinct cell types and tissues, which vary in strength and specificity. The variability of GR-mediated cell responses is further extended by the existence of GR isoforms, such as GRα and GRβ, generated through alternative splicing mechanisms. While GRα is the classic receptor responsible for GC actions, GRβ has been implicated in the impairment of GRα-mediated activities. Interestingly, in contrast to the popular belief that GRβ actions are restricted to its dominant-negative effects on GRα-mediated responses, GRβ has been shown to have intrinsic activities and “directly” regulates a plethora of genes related to inflammatory process, cell communication, migration, and malignancy, each in a GRα-independent manner. Furthermore, GRβ has been associated with increased cell migration, growth, and reduced sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis. We will summarize the current knowledge of GRβ-mediated responses, with a focus on the GRα-independent/intrinsic effects of GRβ and the associated non-canonical signaling pathways. Where appropriate, potential links to airway inflammatory diseases will be highlighted.

Diverse roles of microRNA-145 in regulating smooth muscle (dys)function in health and disease

MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that target messenger RNAs for degradation. miR-145 is a vascular-enriched microRNA that is important for smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Under healthy circumstances, SMC exist in a contractile, differentiated phenotype promoted by miR-145. In cases of disease or injury, SMC can undergo reversible dedifferentiation into a synthetic phenotype, accompanied by inhibition of miR-145 expression. Vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia are characterised by aberrant phenotypic switching in SMC. This review will summarise the physiological roles of miR-145 in vascular SMC, including the molecular regulation of differentiation, proliferation and migration. Furthermore, it will discuss the different ways in which miR-145 can be dysregulated and the downstream impact this has on the progression of vascular pathologies. Finally, it will discuss whether miR-145 may be suitable for use as a biomarker of vascular disease.

MicroRNAs: future biomarkers and targets of therapy in asthma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that are considered one of the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. They are involved in many biologic processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. The purpose of this review is to present recent knowledge about the role of miRNAs in asthma and outline possible applications of miRNAs.

RECENT FINDINGS

A core set of miRNAs involved in asthma includes downregulated let-7 family, miR-193b, miR-375 as well as upregulated miR-21, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146b and miR-155. Recently it has been shown that most of the involved miRNAs increase secretion of Th2 cytokines, decrease secretion of Th1 cytokines, promote differentiation of T cells towards Th2 or play a role in hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle cells. The profiles of miRNAs correlate with clinical characteristics, including lung function, phenotype and severity of asthma.

SUMMARY

Recent publications confirmed crucial regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathomechanism of asthma. Some single miRNAs or their sets hold the promise for their use as asthma biomarkers facilitating diagnosis or prediction of treatment outcomes. They are also possible target of future therapies. The studies in this field are lacking though.

MicroRNAs as Potential Regulators of Immune Response Networks in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are an important factor of morbidity and mortality, accounting for approximately 6% of total deaths worldwide. The main CRDs are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These complex diseases have different triggers including allergens, pollutants, tobacco smoke, and other risk factors. It is important to highlight that although CRDs are incurable, various forms of treatment improve shortness of breath and quality of life. The search for tools that can ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment is crucial. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs and have been described as promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for CRDs. They are implicated in multiple processes of asthma and COPD, regulating pathways associated with inflammation, thereby showing that miRNAs are critical regulators of the immune response. Indeed, miRNAs have been found to be deregulated in several biofluids (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and serum) and in both structural lung and immune cells of patients in comparison to healthy subjects, showing their potential role as biomarkers. Also, miRNAs play a part in the development or termination of histopathological changes and comorbidities, revealing the complexity of miRNA regulation and opening up new treatment possibilities. Finally, miRNAs have been proposed as prognostic tools in response to both conventional and biologic treatments for asthma or COPD, and miRNA-based treatment has emerged as a potential approach for clinical intervention in these respiratory diseases; however, this field is still in development. The present review applies a systems biology approach to the understanding of miRNA regulatory networks in asthma and COPD, summarizing their roles in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Emerging concepts and directed therapeutics for the management of asthma: regulating the regulators

Asthma is a common, heterogeneous and serious disease, its prevalence has steadily risen in most parts of the world, and the condition is often inadequately controlled in many patients. Hence, there is a major need for new therapeutic approaches. Mild-to-moderate asthma is considered a T-helper cell type-2-mediated inflammatory disorder that develops due to abnormal immune responses to otherwise innocuous allergens. Prolonged exposure to allergens and persistent inflammation results in myofibroblast infiltration and airway remodelling with mucus hypersecretion, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy, and excess collagen deposition. The airways become hyper-responsive to provocation resulting in the characteristic wheezing and obstructed airflow experienced by patients. Extensive research has progressed the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new treatments for the management of asthma. Here, we review the basis of the disease, covering new areas such as the role of vascularisation and microRNAs, as well as associated potential therapeutic interventions utilising reports from animal and human studies. We also cover novel drug delivery strategies that are being developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Potential avenues to explore to improve the future of asthma management are highlighted.

MicroRNAs in chronic airway diseases: Clinical correlation and translational applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded RNAs that have pivotal roles in disease pathophysiology through transcriptional and translational modulation of important genes. It has been implicated in the development of many diseases, such as stroke, cardiovascular conditions, cancers and inflammatory airway diseases. There is recent evidence that miRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and could help to distinguish between T2-low (non-eosinophilic, steroid-insensitive) versus T2-high (eosinophilic, steroid-sensitive) disease endotypes. As these are the two most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases globally, with rising disease burden, miRNA research might lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Research involving miRNAs in airway disease is challenging because: (i) asthma and COPD are heterogeneous inflammatory airway diseases; there are overlapping but distinct inter- and intra-disease differences in the immunological pathophysiology, (ii) there exists more than 2000 known miRNAs and a single miRNA can regulate multiple targets, (iii) differential effects of miRNAs could be present in different cellular subtypes and tissues, and (iv) dysregulated miRNA expression might be a direct consequence of an indirect effect of airway disease onset or progression. As miRNAs are actively secreted in fluids and remain relatively stable, they have the potential for biomarker development and therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the preclinical data on potential miRNA biomarkers that mediate different pathophysiological mechanisms in airway disease. We discuss the framework for biomarker development using miRNA and highlight the need for careful patient characterization and endotyping in the screening and validation cohorts, profiling both airway and blood samples to determine the biological fluids of choice in different disease states or severity, and adopting an untargeted approach. Collaboration between the various stakeholders - pharmaceutical companies, laboratory professionals and clinician-scientists is crucial to reduce the difficulties and cost required to bring miRNA research into the translational stage for airway diseases.

Circulating microRNAs correlate to clinical parameters in individuals with allergic and non-allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic airway disease affecting millions of people. Better methods to define asthma subgroups using clinical parameters and molecular biomarkers are crucial in the development of personalized medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may be used to distinguish well-defined asthma groups.

METHODS

Blood serum from 116 well-defined subjects, including healthy controls and individuals with allergic or non-allergic asthma, from the West Sweden Asthma Study were included. Serum was analyzed for circulating miRNA expression of miR-126, - 145, -146a, - 155, - 223, and -374a and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Correlations between clinical characteristics and circulating miRNA expression as well as potential miRNA gene targets were investigated.

RESULTS

A subset of miRNAs were differentially expressed between allergic and non-allergic asthmatic individuals. Alterations in expression of miR-155, -146a, -374a and - 145 were observed in allergic asthmatics in response to inhaled corticosteroid usage. Additionally, miR-223 and miR-374a expression varied in non-allergic asthmatics based on blood eosinophil numbers. Numerous clinical parameters, including lung function measurements, correlated with subsets of miRNAs. Finally, pathway analysis revealed a potential role for inhaled corticosteroid induced miRNAs in leukocyte regulation, IL-6 signaling and glucocorticoid response.

CONCLUSION

Circulating miRNA expression was altered in subjects with allergic and non-allergic asthma and correlated to clinical parameters including lung function and potential gene targets involved in immune processes. This combination of clinical and molecular data may be a basis for the further, more precise classification of asthma subgroups. Taken together, these findings would further asthma research and benefit future patients through the discovery of molecular mechanisms as well as identifying asthma subgroups contributing to the development of personalized medicine.

microRNA-145 mediates xylosyltransferase-I induction in myofibroblasts via suppression of transcription factor KLF4

Remodelling of the extracellular matrix by myofibroblasts is crucial for wound repair, but if deregulated, it might contribute to the development of fibrosis. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is promoted by aberrant microRNA-145-5p (miR-145) expression in response to transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). One of several myofibroblast markers is human xylosyltransferase-I (XT-I), which is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of proteoglycan biosynthesis. Increased serum XT activity was quantified in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the underlying cellular mechanism of this disease remains unknown. This study aims to determine the underlying molecular basis of XT-I induction by considering the miR-mediated regulation of XT-I. We found that miR-145 is upregulated in TGFβ1-treated dermal fibroblasts and correlates with an increased cellular XYLT1 expression and XT activity. Overexpression of miR-145 in dermal fibroblasts induced XYLT1 expression and XT activity and enhanced TGFβ1-promoted XT activity increase. Since direct XYLT1 3'-UTR targeting by miR-145 could be experimentally excluded, an indirect effect of miR-145 on XT-I regulation was indicated. We identified six transcription factor-binding sites for Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc-finger transcription regulator and putative miR-145 target, in the XYLT1 promoter in silico. A suppressive role of KLF4 on XYLT1 expression was confirmed by targeted gene silencing in dermal fibroblasts and the quantification of KLF4 expression in SSc fibroblasts. Taken together, this study improves the mechanistic understanding of fibrotic remodelling in SSc by identifying a hitherto unknown miR-145/KLF4 pathway mediating the fibrogenic XT-I induction. This knowledge on XYLT1 may lead to the development of novel approaches in the therapy of fibrosis.

Nanoparticle Delivery of Anti-inflammatory LNA Oligonucleotides Prevents Airway Inflammation in a HDM Model of Asthma

To address the problem of poor asthma control due to drug resistance, an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to mmu-miR-145a-5p (antimiR-145) was tested in a house dust mite mouse model of mild/moderate asthma. miR-145 was targeted to reduce inflammation, regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, and promote differentiation of structural cells. In addition, several chemical variations of a nontargeting oligonucleotide were tested to define sequence-dependent effects of the miRNA antagonist. After intravenous administration, oligonucleotides complexed with a pegylated cationic lipid nanoparticle distributed to most cells in the lung parenchyma but were not present in smooth muscle or the mucosal epithelium of the upper airways. Treatment with antimiR-145 and a nontargeting oligonucleotide both reduced eosinophilia, reduced obstructive airway remodeling, reduced mucosal metaplasia, and reduced CD68 immunoreactivity. Poly(A) RNA-seq verified that antimiR-145 increased levels of many miR-145 target transcripts. Genes upregulated in human asthma and the mouse model of asthma were downregulated by oligonucleotide treatments. However, both oligonucleotides significantly upregulated many genes of interferon signaling pathways. These results establish effective lung delivery and efficacy of locked nucleic acid/DNA oligonucleotides administered intravenously, and suggest that some of the beneficial effects of oligonucleotide therapy of lung inflammation may be due to normalization of interferon response pathways.

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Selectively Recruits microRNAs to the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex and Degrades CFTR mRNA under Permissive Conditions in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene lead to cystic fibrosis (CF). The most common mutation F508del inhibits folding and processing of CFTR protein. FDA-approved correctors rescue the biosynthetic processing of F508del-CFTR protein, while potentiators improve the rescued CFTR channel function. Transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), overexpressed in many CF patients, blocks corrector/potentiator rescue by inhibiting CFTR mRNA in vitro. Increased TGF-β1 signaling and acquired CFTR dysfunction are present in other lung diseases. To study the mechanism of TGF-β1 repression of CFTR, we used molecular, biochemical, and functional approaches in primary human bronchial epithelial cells from over 50 donors. TGF-β1 destabilized CFTR mRNA in cells from lungs with chronic disease, including CF, and impaired F508del-CFTR rescue by new-generation correctors. TGF-β1 increased the active pool of selected micro(mi)RNAs validated as CFTR inhibitors, recruiting them to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Expression of F508del-CFTR globally modulated TGF-β1-induced changes in the miRNA landscape, creating a permissive environment required for degradation of F508del-CFTR mRNA. In conclusion, TGF-β1 may impede the full benefit of corrector/potentiator therapy in CF patients. Studying miRNA recruitment to RISC under disease-specific conditions may help to better characterize the miRNAs utilized by TGF-β1 to destabilize CFTR mRNA.

Involvement of miR-145 in the development of aortic dissection via inducing proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells

Aim

The current study aimed to examine miR‐145's contribution to thoracic aortic dissection (AD) development by modulating the biological functions of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods

The concentration of circulating miR‐145 was determined in patients with AD and healthy controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Aortic specimens were obtained from both individuals with Stanford type A AD undergoing surgical treatment and deceased organ donors (serving as controls) whose causes of death were nonvascular diseases. Then, qPCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization were applied to assess miR‐145 amounts and location, respectively. Furthermore, qPCR and immunoblot were employed to determine SMAD3 (the target gene of miR‐145, involved in the TGF‐β pathway) amounts at the gene and protein levels, respectively. Moreover, in vitro transfection of VSMCs with miR‐145 mimics or inhibitors was conducted. Finally, the 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were employed for detecting VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, respectively.

Results

The amounts of miR‐145 in plasma and aortic specimens were markedly reduced in the AD group in comparison with control values (P < .05). miR‐145 was mostly located in VSMCs. Proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were significantly induced in vitro by the downregulation of miR‐145. Also, miR‐145 modulated SMAD3 expression.

Conclusions

miR‐145 was found to be downregulated in patients with AD, which induced the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of VSMCs by targeting SMAD3. This suggested the involvement of miR‐145 in the pathogenesis of AD.

MicroRNAs: Potential Biomarkers and Targets of Therapy in Allergic Diseases?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that are 18-22 nucleotides long and highly conserved throughout evolution. Currently, they are considered one of the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of genes expression. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in many biologic processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. More recently, the role of miRNA has also been revealed in numerous immunological and inflammatory disorders, including allergic inflammation. Specific miRNA profiles were demonstrated in asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. A core set of miRNAs involved in atopic diseases include upregulated miR-21, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146b, miR-155 and downregulated let-7 family, miR-193b and miR-375. Most of the involved miRNAs increase secretion of Th2 cytokines (miR-1248, miR-146b), decrease secretion of Th1 cytokines (miR-513-5p, miR-625-5p) or promote differentiation of T cells towards Th2 (miR-21, miR-19a). In asthma miR-140-3p, miR-708 and miR-142-3p play a role in hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle cells. Some single miRNAs or, more probably, their sets hold the promise for their use as biomarkers of atopic diseases. They are also promising target of future therapies.

Involvement of microRNAs in physiological and pathological processes in asthma

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease accompanied by lung inflammatory disorders. The main symptoms are airway obstruction, chronic inflammation due to mast cell and eosinophil activity, and the disturbance of immune responses mostly mediated by the Th2 response. Genetic background and environmental factors also contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Today, microRNAs (miRNAs) are known as remarkable regulators of gene expression. As a small group of noncoding single-strand RNAs, mature miRNAs (~21 nucleotides) modulate the gene expression by targeting complement RNAs at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as allergies, asthma, and autoimmunity has been vastly studied. This review provides a thorough research update on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of asthma and their probable role as diagnostic and/or therapeutic biomarkers.

Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B accelerates tumorigenesis of cervical cancer in vitro by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women around the world. However, the underlying mechanism involved in cervical cancer progression is incompletely known. In the present study, we determined the role of glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in tumorigenesis of cervical cancer. According to the GEO database, we found that GPNMB expression was significantly higher in cervical cancer than in normal cervix epithelium. A similar pattern was observed in GPNMB expression in cultured cervical cancer cells and normal cervical epithelial cells. Compared with the control, GPNMB knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation and migration capacity, but enhanced the apoptosis capacity of SiHa and HeLa cells. Additionally, the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were aberrantly increased in SiHa and HeLa cells compared with normal cervical epithelial cells, whereas their activities were strongly inhibited by GPNMB siRNA. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was activated by GPNMB in SiHa and HeLa cells. Increased MMP-2/MMP-9 expression was suppressed by Dkk-1, inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, while it was enhanced by stimulator BIO. The proliferation, migration, and apoptosis capacity of HeLa cells were found to be affected by Dkk-1 and BIO to different extents. In conclusion, we demonstrated that GPNMB contributed to the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer, at least in part, by regulating MMP-2/MMP-9 activity in tumor cells via activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This might be a potential therapeutic target for treating human cervical cancer.

Epigenetic Changes in Airway Smooth Muscle as a Driver of Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Asthma

Epigenetic changes are heritable changes in gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic processes provide a critical link between environmental insults to the airway and functional changes that determine how airway cells respond to future stimuli. There are three primary epigenetic processes: histone modifications, DNA modification, and noncoding RNAs. Airway smooth muscle has several important roles in the development and maintenance of the pathologic processes occurring in asthma, including inflammation, remodeling, and contraction/hyperresponsiveness. In this review, we describe the evidence for the role of epigenetic changes in driving these processes in airway smooth muscle cells in asthma, with a particular focus on histone modifications. We also discuss how existing therapies may target some of these changes and how epigenetic processes provide targets for the development of novel asthma therapeutics. Epigenetic marks may also provide a biomarker to assess phenotype and treatment responses.

Asthma MicroRNA Regulome Development Using Validated miRNA-Target Interaction Visualization

Asthma is a common multifactorial complex disease caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There are no robust biomarkers or molecular diagnostics for asthma or its detailed phenotypic stratification in the clinic. Regulatory and epigenomic factors are priority candidates for asthma biomarker discovery and translational research because this common disease emerges in association with host/environment interactions. In this context, epigenomic molecular events such as microRNA (miRNA) silencing affect asthma susceptibility and severity. We report here an analysis of the miRNAs in the literature, their targets associated with asthma, and present the findings organized as an miRNA-target network, an miRNA regulome of asthma. The miRNA-target interactions in asthma were extracted from the PubMed and the Web of Science databases, while the miRNA-target network was visualized with the Cytoscape tool. Genomic locations of miRNA and target genes were displayed using the Ensembl Whole Genome tool. We cataloged miRNAs associated with asthma and their experimentally validated targets, retrieving 48 miRNAs associated with asthma, and 54 experimentally validated miRNA targets. Four central molecules involved in 34.5% of all interactions were identified in the network. The miRNA-target pairs were constructed as an asthma-associated miRNA-target regulatory network. The network revealed subnetworks pointing toward potential asthma biomarker candidates. The asthma miRNA regulome reported here offers a strong foundation for future translational research and systems medicine applications for asthma diagnostic and therapeutic innovation. Developed protocol for constructing miRNA regulome could now be used for biomarker development in multifactorial diseases.

MicroRNA-590-5p represses proliferation of human fetal airway smooth muscle cells by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric asthma has remained a health threat to children in recent years. The abnormal proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells contributes to airway remodeling during development of asthma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of ASM cell proliferation during airway remodeling. miR-590-5p has been reported to regulate cell proliferation in various cell types. However, it remains unclear whether miR-590-5p regulates ASM cell proliferation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-590-5p in regulating fetal ASM cell proliferation in vitro stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

miRNA, mRNA, and protein expression was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and BrdU assays. The target of miR-590-5p was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

MiR-590-5p expression was significantly down-regulated in fetal ASM cells stimulated with PDGF (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-590-5p inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.05), whereas the suppression of miR-590-5p promoted cell proliferation of fetal ASM cells stimulated with PDGF (p < 0.05). Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was identified as a target gene of miR-590-5p. In addition, miR-590-5p negatively regulated STAT3 expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, miR-590-5p also modulated downstream genes of STAT3 including cyclin D3 and p27 (p < 0.05). The restoration of STAT3 significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-590-5p on fetal ASM cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-590-5p inhibits proliferation of fetal ASM cells by down-regulating STAT3, thereby suggesting a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of pediatric asthma.

MicroRNA-20b-5p inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation of human fetal airway smooth muscle cells by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

Pediatric asthma is still a health threat to the pediatric population in recent years. The airway remodeling induced by abnormal airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation is an important cause of asthma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of ASM cell proliferation. Numerous studies have reported that miR-20b-5p is a critical regulator for cell proliferation. However, whether miR-20b-5p is involved in regulating ASM cell proliferation remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-20b-5p in regulating the proliferation of fetal ASM cell induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Here, we showed that miR-20b-5p was significantly decreased in fetal ASM cells treated with PDGF. Biological experiments showed that the overexpression of miR-20b-5p inhibited the proliferation while miR-20b-5p inhibition markedly promoted the proliferation of fetal ASM cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-20b-5p directly targeted the 3'-UTR of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Further data showed that miR-20b-5p negatively regulated the expression of STAT3 in fetal ASM cells. Moreover, miR-20b-5p regulates the transcriptional activity of STAT3 in fetal ASM cells. Overexpression of STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-20b-5p overexpression on fetal ASM cell proliferation while the knockdown of STAT3 abrogated the promoted effect of miR-20b-5p inhibition on fetal ASM cell proliferation. Overall, our results show that miR-20b-5p impedes PDGF-induced proliferation of fetal ASM cells through targeting STAT3. Our study suggests that miR-20b-5p may play an important role in airway remodeling during asthma and suggests that miR-20b-5p may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pediatric asthma.

Overexpression of microRNA-375 impedes platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of human fetal airway smooth muscle cells by targeting Janus kinase 2

The abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells play a critical role in airway remodeling during the development of asthma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of ASM cell proliferation and migration in airway remodeling. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-375 in the regulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced fetal ASM cell proliferation and migration. Our results showed that miR-375 expression was significantly decreased in fetal ASM cells that were treated with PDGF. Functional data showed that overexpression of miR-375 inhibited the proliferation and migration of fetal ASM cells, whereas inhibition of miR-375 enhanced the proliferation and migration of fetal ASM cells. The results of bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-375 binds directly to the 3'-untranslated region of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Further data confirmed that miR-375 negatively regulates the expression of JAK2 in fetal ASM cells. Moreover, miR-375 also impeded the PDGF-induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in fetal ASM cells. However, restoration of JAK2 expression partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-375 on fetal ASM cell proliferation and migration. Overall, our results demonstrate that miR-375 inhibits fetal ASM cell proliferation and migration by targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Our study provides a potential therapeutic target for the development of novel treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.

MicroRNA-145 down-regulates mucin 5AC to alleviate airway remodeling and targets EGFR to inhibit cytokine expression

This study aims to explore how microRNA-145 (miR-145) affects airway remodeling and cytokine expression by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to regulate mucin 5AC (MUC5AC).Mice alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were divided into a control, blank, miR-145 mimics, mimic control, miR-145 inhibitors, inhibitor control, si-EGFR and miR-145 inhibitors + si-EGFR group. Asthma mice models with airway remodeling were induced with an Ovalbumin (OVA) solution and randomly divided into a normal, asthma, asthma + miR-145 mimics, asthma + miR-145 mimic control, asthma + si-EGFR or asthma + si-EGFR NC group. Airway remodeling degree and histomorphology was measured using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect Th2 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood, ELISA was used to measure inflammatory factors. qRT-PCR and western blotting was adapted to detect the expressions of EGFR and the relevant cytokines that are regulated by miR-145.The control, miR-145 mimics and si-EGFR groups showed a higher expression of miR-145 and a lower expression of EGFR and cytokines than the blank, mimic control, inhibitor control and miR-145 inhibitor + si-EGFR groups. Mice in the asthma + miR-145 mimics and asthma + si-EGFR groups showed lower WAt/Pbm, WAi/Pbm and WAm/Pbm, less inflammatory cells, less airway modeling and alleviated goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus obstruction than the asthma group. Furthermore, the expressions of EGFR and cytokines of transfected cells and lung tissues were negatively related to those of miR-145. MiR-145 can down-regulate MUC5AC by negatively targeting EGFR and thereby relieving airway remodeling.

Expression profiling of miRNA-145 and miRNA-338 in serum and sputum of patients with COPD, asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome phenotype

Background and objectives

A new phenotype with overlapping characteristics between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) called asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is emerging among inflammation diseases. To date, there is no agreement on specific criteria to define this syndrome, and the current guidelines are insufficient to classify the analogy and differences between overlap and COPD or asthma phenotypes. It would be necessary to identify new biomarkers able to identify these diseases clearly. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify a serum and supernatant of sputum microRNA (miRNA) expression profile of miRNA-145 and miRNA-338 in patients with asthma (n=13), COPD (n=31), and ACOS (n=8) and controls (n=7).

Methods

The expression was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). For statistical analysis, the ANOVA test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used.

Results

The main finding of this work is that the expression of miRNA-338 is higher in the supernatant of different obstructive diseases than in peripheral blood, while miRNA-145 is higher only in the supernatant of asthma patients. The expression of both selected miRNAs is higher in the supernatant of asthma and COPD patients than in controls.

Conclusion

Differences in sputum miRNA expression profile were observed between patients with ACOS and asthma or COPD, which underline the potential role of miRNA as a biomarker that is able to discriminate patients with ACOS, asthma, and COPD.

MicroRNA regulation of airway smooth muscle function

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) controls airway narrowing and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of asthma. MicroRNAs are small yet powerful gene tuners that regulate diverse cellular processes. Recent studies have demonstrated the versatile role of microRNAs in regulating multiple ASM phenotypes that are critically involved in asthma pathogenesis. These ASM phenotypes include proliferation, cell size, chemokine secretion, and contractility. Here we review microRNA-mediated regulation of ASM functions and discuss the potential of microRNAs as a novel class of therapeutic targets to improve ASM function for asthma therapy.

STAT3 potentiates the ability of airway smooth muscle cells to promote angiogenesis by regulating VEGF signalling

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Airway angiogenesis occurs in asthma, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to be capable of promoting airway angiogenesis. What is the potential mechanism by which ASM cells harvested from patients with asthma are capable of promoting airway angiogenesis? What is the main finding and its importance? Endogenous STAT3 mediated the pro-angiogenic ability of ASM cells by directly activating VEGF signalling. These findings contribute to the understanding of airway angiogenesis in pathology and could represent a possible therapeutic target for asthma. Airway angiogenesis indicates the specific vascular structure remodelling that occurs in asthma. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to be capable of promoting airway angiogenesis; however, the potential mechanism is not yet fully defined. Herein, we investigated the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the progress of airway angiogenesis. Western blot analysis showed that STAT3 activation was aberrantly upregulated in ASM tissues of patients with asthma and ASM cells that were exposed to cytokines to imitate the airway conditions in patients with asthma. Compared with the control group, both the inhibition of STAT3 activation and the silencing of endogenous STAT3 in ASM cells significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and tube-forming ability of human lung microvascular endothelial cells induced by the conditioned medium (CM) of ASM cells. The increased proliferation and migration of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were also repressed by inhibition of STAT3 in ASM cells. Besides, the increased activity of VEGF signalling was observed in ASM cells and the CM by RT-PCR and Western blotting assay, whereas this increased activity was reduced by STAT3 silencing. Further studies indicated that STAT3 regulated VEGF activation by directly interacting with the binding site on the 5' region of the VEGF gene. The increase in STAT3-induced pro-angiogenic activity of ASM cells was significantly decreased by administration of VEGF neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, we provided evidence that endogenous STAT3 mediates the pro-angiogenic ability of ASM cells by directly activating VEGF signalling, which could represent a possible therapeutic target for asthma.

Emerging concepts in smooth muscle contributions to airway structure and function: implications for health and disease

Airway structure and function are key aspects of normal lung development, growth, and aging, as well as of lung responses to the environment and the pathophysiology of important diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrosis. In this regard, the contributions of airway smooth muscle (ASM) are both functional, in the context of airway contractility and relaxation, as well as synthetic, involving production and modulation of extracellular components, modulation of the local immune environment, cellular contribution to airway structure, and, finally, interactions with other airway cell types such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These ASM contributions are now found to be critical in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling that occur in lung diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries that underline the central role of ASM and sets the stage for future research toward understanding how ASM plays a central role by being both upstream and downstream in the many interactive processes that determine airway structure and function in health and disease.

MiR-143-3p controls TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in airway smooth muscle via negative regulation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function in diverse biological processes. However, little is known about the precise role of microRNAs in the functioning of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Here, we investigated the potential role and mechanisms of the miR-143 -3p on proliferation and the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production of ASMCs. We demonstrated that miR-143-3p was aberrantly lower in ASMCs isolated from individuals with asthma than in individuals without asthma. Meanwhile, TGF-β1 caused a marked decrease in a time-dependent manner in miR-143-3p expression in ASMCs from asthmatics. Additionally, the overexpression of miR- 143-3p robustly reduced TGF-β1-induced ASMCs proliferation and downregulated CDK and cyclin expression, whereas the inhibition of miR-143-3p significantly enhanced ASMCs proliferation and upregulated the level of CDKs and cyclins. Re-expression of miR-143-3p attenuated ECM protein deposition reflected as a marked decrease in the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin, whereas miR-143-3p downregulation caused an opposite effect on the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin. Moreover, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis indicated that miR-143-3p negatively regulated the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1). Subsequent analyses demonstrated that NFATc1 was a direct and functional target of miR-143-3p, which was validated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. Most importantly, the overexpression of NFATc1 effectively reversed the inhibition of miR-143-3p on TGF-β1-induced proliferation, and strikingly abrogated the effect of miR-143-3p on the expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. Together, miR-143-3p may function as an inhibitor of asthma airway remodeling by suppressing proliferation and ECM protein deposition in TGF-β1-mediated ASMCs via the negative regulation of NFATc1 signaling, suggesting miR-143-3p as a potential therapeutic target for asthma.

Glycoprotein non-metastaticmelanoma protein B promotes glioma motility and angiogenesis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Glioma is a common tumor with high mortality and poor overall survival. However, the regulatory mechanisms of glioma tumorigenesis and glioma cell motility are completely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B in glioma. The expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B is observed to be aberrantly regulated in glioma tissues and cells, and high levels of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B present an inverse correlation with the survival of glioma patients. Compared with the control, glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B inhibition significantly retarded the proliferation and migration of human glioma cells. The tube formation ability of HBMECs induced by glioma cells was also remarkably reduced by glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B silencing. Increased levels of VEGF-C and TEM7 were down-regulated by the suppression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B in glioma cells. Additionally, the activity of MMP-2/3/9 was assessed in glioma cells using Western blotting and gelatin zymography assay; their activities were strongly decreased following the suppression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B. Further studies suggested that canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated, but was inactivated by glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B suppression in glioma cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B might be an inducer for glioma and could enhance matrix metalloproteinase activity through Wnt/β-catenin pathway to contribute to glioma tumorigenesis. This may represent a new understanding for malignant glioma.