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Ramakrishnan RK, Srivastava A, Rajan R, Abusnana S, Mussa BM. Investigating the role of an immediate early gene FOS as a potential regulator of autophagic response to hypoglycemia in embryonic hypothalamic neurons. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13749. [PMID: 38488430 PMCID: PMC10941580 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) is a well-established complication of diabetes. Although HAAF has serious outcomes such as recurrent morbidity, coma, and death, the mechanisms of HAAF and its pathological components are largely unknown. Our previous studies have revealed that hypoglycemia is associated with the upregulation of an immediate early gene - FOS. In addition, it is documented that glucose deprivation activates neuronal autophagic activities. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the role of FOS and one of the core components of the autophagy pathway, Beclin-1 (encoded by the BECN1 gene), in the regulation of autophagic mechanisms in embryonic hypothalamic neurons in response to hypoglycemic conditions. Embryonic Mouse Hypothalamic Cell Line N39 (mHypoE-N39 or N39) was cultured in reduced concentrations of glucose (2000, 900, 500, and 200 mg/L). Gene and protein expression, as well as immunofluorescence studies on autophagy were conducted under different reduced glucose concentrations in N39 hypothalamic neurons with and without FOS and BECN1 gene knockdowns (KD). The outcomes of the present study have demonstrated a significant increase in autophagosome formation and subsequent lysosomal degradation in the hypothalamic neurons in response to reduced glucose concentrations. This hypoglycemic response appears to be lowered to a similar extent in the FOS KD and BECN1 KD cells, albeit insignificantly from the negative control, is indicative of the involvement of FOS in the autophagic response of hypothalamic neurons to hypoglycemia. Moreover, the KD cells exhibited a change in morphology and reduced cell viability compared with the control cells. Our findings suggest that reduced FOS expression could potentially be associated with impaired autophagic activities that are dependent on BECN1, which could lead to decreased or blunted hypothalamic activation in response to hypoglycemia, and this, in turn, may contribute to the development of HAAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee K. Ramakrishnan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Reeja Rajan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- Diabetes and Endocrinology DepartmentUniversity Hospital SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
- Clinical Science DepartmentCollege of Medicine, University of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Bashair M. Mussa
- Basic Medical Science DepartmentCollege of Medicine, University of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
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Qiu L, Jing Q, Li Y, Han J. RNA modification: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:25. [PMID: 37612540 PMCID: PMC10447785 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are dynamic and reversible chemical modifications on substrate RNA that are regulated by specific modifying enzymes. They play important roles in the regulation of many biological processes in various diseases, such as the development of cancer and other diseases. With the help of advanced sequencing technologies, the role of RNA modifications has caught increasing attention in human diseases in scientific research. In this review, we briefly summarized the basic mechanisms of several common RNA modifications, including m6A, m5C, m1A, m7G, Ψ, A-to-I editing and ac4C. Importantly, we discussed their potential functions in human diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, genetic and developmental diseases, as well as immune disorders. Through the "writing-erasing-reading" mechanisms, RNA modifications regulate the stability, translation, and localization of pivotal disease-related mRNAs to manipulate disease development. Moreover, we also highlighted in this review all currently available RNA-modifier-targeting small molecular inhibitors or activators, most of which are designed against m6A-related enzymes, such as METTL3, FTO and ALKBH5. This review provides clues for potential clinical therapy as well as future study directions in the RNA modification field. More in-depth studies on RNA modifications, their roles in human diseases and further development of their inhibitors or activators are needed for a thorough understanding of epitranscriptomics as well as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junhong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China.
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Al-Mahayni S, Ali M, Khan M, Jamsheer F, Moin ASM, Butler AE. Glycemia-Induced miRNA Changes: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087488. [PMID: 37108651 PMCID: PMC10144997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a rapidly increasing global health concern that significantly strains the health system due to its downstream complications. Dysregulation in glycemia represents one of the fundamental obstacles to achieving glycemic control in diabetic patients. Frequent hyperglycemia and/or hypoglycemia events contribute to pathologies that disrupt cellular and metabolic processes, which may contribute to the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications, worsening the disease burden and mortality. miRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular protein expression and have been linked to various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. miRNAs have proven useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diabetes and its complications. There is a vast body of literature examining the role of miRNA biomarkers in diabetes, aiming for earlier diagnoses and improved treatment for diabetic patients. This article reviews the most recent literature discussing the role of specific miRNAs in glycemic control, platelet activity, and macrovascular and microvascular complications. Our review examines the different miRNAs involved in the pathological processes leading to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, such as endothelial dysfunction, pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential applications of miRNAs as next-generation biomarkers in diabetes with the aim of preventing, treating, and reversing diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Al-Mahayni
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Mohamed Ali
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Muhammad Khan
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Fatema Jamsheer
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Abu Saleh Md Moin
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
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He N, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Feng B, Zheng Z, Ye H. Circulating miR-29b decrease in response to sarcopenia in patients with cardiovascular risk factors in older Chinese. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1094388. [PMID: 36606278 PMCID: PMC9810340 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1094388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sarcopenia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a progressive and extensive decline in skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and function. Sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can coexist, which further decreases the quality of life of patients, and increases the mortality rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are unique posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression whose function in aging-related sarcopenia and CVDs has recently begun to unravel. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in the Chinese elderly and describe the circulating miRNAs in sarcopenia patients with the intention of identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Methods The well-established CVRF of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were assessed. Multiple logistic regression analyses and linear regressions were used to evaluate the components of CVRF and the number of CVRF in elderly patients with sarcopenia. Moreover, we used real-time RT-PCR to measure the abundance of the CVRF-related miRNAs in the plasma of a cohort of 93 control and sarcopenia individuals, including miR-29b, miR-181a, and miR-494. Results We found that CVRF was associated with a high prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly Chinese populations After adjusting for potential confounders. Furthermore, hypertension and dyslipidemia, but not diabetes, were found to be significantly associated with sarcopenia. A linear increase in the prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be associated with the number of CVRF components in the elderly population. We found that plasma miR-29b levels were significantly down-regulated in response to sarcopenia in the elderly with CVRF. In particular, there was a remarkable correlation between miR-29b and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/height2. Collectively, knowledge of CVRF, particularly hypertension and dyslipidemia, may help predict the risk of sarcopenia in the elderly. Our data also show that circulating miR-29b can be considered as possible biomarkers for sarcopenia, which may also be used in the CVD assessment of these patients. Discussion We found that the prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly proportional to the number of CVRF components. In particular, hypertension and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia in the adjusted models. Moreover, our study has been proven that c-miRNAs may be considered as possible biomarkers for sarcopenia as a new diagnostic tool to monitor response to treatment. There is also a pressing need for further research on sarcopenia and CVRF to understand their relationship and mechanism. These can provide more evidence to develop potential interventions to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana He
- Medical Data Center, Ningbo City First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerotic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, HwaMei Hospital (Previously Named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, HwaMei Hospital (Previously Named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Beili Feng
- Department of Cardiology, HwaMei Hospital (Previously Named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zaixing Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, HwaMei Hospital (Previously Named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honghua Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular, Lihuili Hospital Facilitated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Honghua Ye,
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MicroRNA Changes Up to 24 h following Induced Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314696. [PMID: 36499023 PMCID: PMC9736413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycemia, as a complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), causes increased morbidity and mortality but the physiological response underlying hypoglycemia has not been fully elucidated. Small noncoding microRNA (miRNA) have multiple downstream biological effects. This pilot exploratory study was undertaken to determine if induced miRNA changes would persist and contribute to effects seen 24 h post-hypoglycemia. A parallel, prospective study design was employed, involving T2D (n = 23) and control (n = 23) subjects. The subjects underwent insulin-induced hypoglycemia (2 mmol/L; 36 mg/dL); blood samples were drawn at baseline, upon the induction of hypoglycemia, and 4 h and 24 h post-hypoglycemia, with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of miRNA undertaken. The baseline miRNAs did not differ. In the controls, 15 miRNAs were downregulated and one was upregulated (FDR < 0.05) from the induction of hypoglycemia to 4 h later while, in T2D, only four miRNAs were altered (downregulated), and these were common to both cohorts (miR-191-5p; miR-143-3p; let-7b-5p; let-7g-5p), correlated with elevated glucagon levels, and all were associated with energy balance. From the induction of hypoglycemia to 24 h, 14 miRNAs were downregulated and 5 were upregulated (FDR < 0.05) in the controls; 7 miRNAs were downregulated and 7 upregulated (FDR < 0.05) in T2D; a total of 6 miRNAs were common between cohorts, 5 were downregulated (miR-93-5p, let-7b-5p, miR-191-5p, miR-185-5p, and miR-652-3p), and 1 was upregulated (miR-369-3p). An ingenuity pathway analysis indicated that many of the altered miRNAs were associated with metabolic and coagulation pathways; however, of the inflammatory proteins expressed, only miR-143-3p at 24 h correlated positively with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFa; p < 0.05 and r = 0.46) and negatively with toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4; p < 0.05 and r = 0.43). The MiRNA levels altered by hypoglycemia reflected changes in counter-regulatory glucagon and differed between cohorts, and their expression at 24 h suggests miRNAs may potentiate and prolong the physiological response. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03102801.
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Mak KWY, Mustafa AF, Belsham DD. Neuroendocrine microRNAs linked to energy homeostasis: future therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:774-789. [PMID: 36083576 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The brain orchestrates whole-body metabolism through an intricate system involving interneuronal crosstalk and communication. Specifically, a key player in this complex circuitry is the hypothalamus that controls feeding behaviour, energy expenditure, body weight and metabolism, whereby hypothalamic neurons sense and respond to circulating hormones, nutrients, and chemicals. Dysregulation of these neurons contributes to the development of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The involvement of hypothalamic microRNAs, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, in the central regulation of energy homeostasis has become increasingly apparent, although not completely delineated. This review summarizes current evidence demonstrating the regulation of feeding-related neuropeptides by brain-derived microRNAs as well as the regulation of specific miRNAs by nutrients and other peripheral signals. Moreover, the involvement of microRNAs in the central nervous system control of insulin, leptin, and estrogen signal transduction is examined. Finally, the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of microRNAs for metabolic disorders will be discussed and the regulation of brain-derived microRNAs by nutrients and other peripheral signals is considered. Demonstrating a critical role of microRNAs in hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis is an innovative route to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic candidates for metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly W Y Mak
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building 3247A, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Aws F Mustafa
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building 3247A, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building 3247A, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Effects of Varying Glucose Concentrations on ACE2's Hypothalamic Expression and Its Potential Relation to COVID-19-Associated Neurological Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179645. [PMID: 36077041 PMCID: PMC9455961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted millions of lives, despite several vaccine interventions and strict precautionary measures. The main causative organism of this disease is the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which infects the host via two key players: the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Some reports revealed that patients with glycemic dysregulation could have increased susceptibility to developing COVID-19 and its related neurological complications. However, no previous studies have looked at the involvement of these key molecules within the hypothalamus, which is the central regulator of glucose in the brain. By exposing embryonic mouse hypothalamic neurons to varying glucose concentrations, we aimed to investigate the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. A significant and time-dependent increase and decrease was observed on the viability of hypothalamic neurons with increasing and decreasing glucose concentrations, respectively (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Under the same increasing and decreasing glucose conditions, the expression of hypothalamic ACE2 also revealed a significant and time-dependent increase (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 invades the hypothalamic circuitry. In addition, it highlights the importance of strict glycemic control for COVID-19 in diabetic patients.
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Ramanjaneya M, Priyanka R, Bensila M, Jerobin J, Pawar K, Sathyapalan T, Abou-Samra AB, Halabi NM, Moin ASM, Atkin SL, Butler AE. MiRNA and associated inflammatory changes from baseline to hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:917041. [PMID: 36017315 PMCID: PMC9395634 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.917041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases morbidity and mortality but the underlying physiological response is still not fully understood, though physiological changes are still apparent 24 hours after the event. Small noncoding microRNA (miRNA) have multiple downstream biological effects that may respond rapidly to stress. We hypothesized that hypoglycemia would induce rapid miRNA changes; therefore, this pilot exploratory study was undertaken. METHODS A pilot prospective, parallel study in T2D (n=23) and controls (n=23). Insulin-induced hypoglycemia (2mmol/l: 36mg/dl) was induced and blood sampling performed at baseline and hypoglycemia. Initial profiling of miRNA was undertaken on pooled samples identified 96 miRNA that were differentially regulated, followed by validation on a custom designed 112 miRNA panel. RESULTS Nine miRNAs differed from baseline to hypoglycemia in control subjects; eight were upregulated: miR-1303, miR-let-7e-5p, miR-1267, miR-30a-5p, miR-571, miR-661, miR-770-5p, miR-892b and one was downregulated: miR-652-3p. None of the miRNAs differed from baseline in T2D subjects. CONCLUSION A rapid miRNA response reflecting protective pathways was seen in control subjects that appeared to be lost in T2D, suggesting that mitigating responses to hypoglycemia with blunting of the counter-regulatory response in T2D occurs even in patients with short duration of disease. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03102801?term=NCT03102801&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT03102801.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunath Ramanjaneya
- Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ruth Priyanka
- Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Milin Bensila
- Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jayakumar Jerobin
- Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Krunal Pawar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Jaipur, India
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Najeeb M. Halabi
- Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abu Saleh Md Moin
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Alexandra E. Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
- *Correspondence: Alexandra E. Butler,
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Mussa BM, Srivastava A, Verberne AJM. COVID-19 and Neurological Impairment: Hypothalamic Circuits and Beyond. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030498. [PMID: 33802995 PMCID: PMC8002703 DOI: 10.3390/v13030498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China. The virus infection, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), represents a global concern, as almost all countries around the world are affected. Clinical reports have confirmed several neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients such as headaches, vomiting, and nausea, indicating the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Neuroinvasion of coronaviruses is not a new phenomenon, as it has been demonstrated by previous autopsies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) patients who experienced similar neurologic symptoms. The hypothalamus is a complex structure that is composed of many nuclei and diverse neuronal cell groups. It is characterized by intricate intrahypothalamic circuits that orchestrate a finely tuned communication within the CNS and with the PNS. Hypothalamic circuits are critical for maintaining homeostatic challenges including immune responses to viral infections. The present article reviews the possible routes and mechanisms of neuroinvasion of SARS-CoV-2, with a specific focus on the role of the hypothalamic circuits in mediating the neurological symptoms noted during COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashair M. Mussa
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-65057220
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research and College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Anthony J. M. Verberne
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg 3084, Australia;
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Liu N, Sun H, Li X, Cao W, Peng A, Dong S, Yu Z. Downregulation of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 relieves traumatic brain injury induced neurological deficits via promoting "M2" microglia polarization. Brain Res Bull 2021; 171:91-102. [PMID: 33713751 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia-induced neuroinflammation is one of the main characteristics of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Presently, we aim to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in TBI-induced neurological deficits and the related mechanism. METHODS An in-vivo TBI model was established in mice, and in-vitro experiments were carried out on BV2 microglia. Then the neurological functions, microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and proteins were detected. RESULTS Our data indicated that KCNQ1OT1 was markedly overexpressed in the cerebral tissues of TBI mice, accompanied by a higher level of the cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα). However, knocking down KCNQ1OT1 relieved neurological deficits, neuron loss, and blood-brain barrier damage. Besides, overexpressing miR-873-5p enhanced the "M2″ polarization of microglia by repressing the TRAF6-mediated p38 and NF-κB pathways. In contrast, downregulating KCNQ1OT1 repressed microglial neuroinflammation by attenuating the "M1″ polarization of microglia and promoting "M2″ polarization of microglia, and inactivating the p38 and NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS Mechanistically, KCNQ1OT1 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-873-5p, which targeted the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of TRAF6. Overall, our data confirmed that downregulating lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 exerted neuroprotective effects on TBI mice by modulating the miR-873-5p-TRAF6-p38/NF-κB axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Jilin Provincial FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Xuezhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aini Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Suyan Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- ICU, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
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Mukhopadhyay D, Mussa BM. Identification of Novel Hypothalamic MicroRNAs as Promising Therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 by Regulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression: An In Silico Analysis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E666. [PMID: 32992681 PMCID: PMC7601472 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinvasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is well documented and, given the similarities between this virus and SARS-CoV-2, it seems that the neurological impairment that is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is due to SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion. Hypothalamic circuits are exposed to the entry of the virus via the olfactory bulb and interact centrally with crucial respiratory nuclei. Hypothalamic microRNAs are considered as potential biomarkers and modulators for various diseases and future therapeutic targets. The present study aims to investigate the microRNAs that regulate the expression of hypothalamic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), essential elements for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. METHODS To determine potential hypothalamic miRNAs that can directly bind to ACE2 and TMPRSS2, multiple target bioinformatics prediction algorithms were used, including miRBase, Target scan, and miRWalk2.029. RESULTS Our in silico analysis has revealed that, although there are over 5000 hypothalamic miRNAs, around 31 miRNAs and 29 miRNAs have shown binding sites and strong binding capacity against ACE2 and TMPRSS2, respectively. CONCLUSION These novel potential hypothalamic miRNAs can be used to identify new therapeutic targets to treat neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients via regulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Biomedical & Chemical Engineering Department, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, UAE;
| | - Bashair M. Mussa
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
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Zhang B, Jiang H, Dong Z, Sun A, Ge J. The critical roles of m6A modification in metabolic abnormality and cardiovascular diseases. Genes Dis 2020; 8:746-758. [PMID: 34522705 PMCID: PMC8427257 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is an emerging area of epigenetics, which is a reversible and dynamic modification mediating by ‘writers’ (methylase, adding methyl groups, METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP), ‘erasers’ (demethylase, deleting methyl groups, FTO and ALKBH5), and ‘readers’ (YTHDF1-3, YTHDC1 and YTHDC2). Recent studies in human, animal models and cell levels have disclosed a critical role of m6A modification in regulating the homeostasis of metabolic processes and cardiovascular function. Evidence from these studies identify m6A as a candidate of biomarker and therapeutic target for metabolic abnormality and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Comprehensive understanding of the complexity of m6A regulation in metabolic diseases and CVD will be helpful for us to understand the pathogenesis of CVD. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of m6A in metabolic abnormality and CVD. We will emphasize the clinical relevance of m6A dysregulation in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beijian Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200003, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200003, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhen Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200003, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200003, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 1609 Xietu Road, District Xuhui, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200003, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Corresponding author. Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No. 1609 Xietu Road, District Xuhui, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
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