Downregulated lncRNA-MIAT confers protection against erectile dysfunction by downregulating lipoprotein lipase via activation of miR-328a-5p in diabetic rats

Role of LncRNA MIAT in Diabetic Complications

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) refers to a large class of RNAs with over 200 nucleotides that do not have the function of encoding proteins. In recent years, more and more literature has revealed that lncRNA is involved in manipulating genes related to human health and disease, playing outstanding biological functions, which has attracted widespread attention from researchers. The newly discovered long-stranded non-coding RNA myocardial infarction-related transcript (LncRNA MIAT) is abnormally expressed in a variety of diseases, especially in diabetic complications, and has been proven to have a wide range of effects. This review article aimed to summarize the importance of LncRNA MIAT in diabetic complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy, and highlight the latest findings on the pathway and mechanism of its participation in regulating diabetic complications, which may aid in finding new intervention targets for the treatment of diabetic complications. LncRNA MIAT competitively binds microRNAs to regulate gene expression as competitive endogenous RNAs. Thus, this review article has reviewed the biological function and pathogenesis of LncRNA MIAT in diabetic complications and described its role in diabetic complications. This paper will help in finding new therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for diabetes complications.

Lipid metabolism and neuromuscular junction as common pathways underlying the genetic basis of erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea

Erectile dysfunction (ED) incidence is higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies have suggested that ED and OSA may activate similar pathways; however, few have investigated the links between their underlying genotypic profiles. Therefore, we conducted an in-silico analysis to test whether ED and OSA share genetic variants of risk and to identify any molecular, cellular and biological interactions between them. Two gene lists were manually curated through a literature review based on a PUBMED search, which resulted in one gene list associated with ED (total of 205 genes) and the other with OSA (total of 2622 genes). Between those gene sets, 35 were common for both lists (Fisher exact test, p-value = 0.027). The Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis using the intersect list as input showed that 3 of them had direct interactions (LPL, DGKB and PLCB1). In addition, the biological function of the genes contained in the intersect list suggested that pathways related to lipid metabolism and the neuromuscular junction were commonly found in the genetic basis of ED and OSA. From the shared genes between both conditions, the biological pathways highlighted in this study may serve as preliminary findings for future functional investigations on OSA and ED association.

Restoration of miR-328a-5p function curtails hypoxic pulmonary hypertension through a mechanism involving PIN1/GSK3β/β-catenin axis

Recent evidence has highlighted the involvement of microRNAs (miRs) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can be induced under hypoxic conditions. We intend to explore whether the miR-328a-5p/PIN1 axis affects hypoxic PH by regulating the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. The GEO database was retrieved to single out key miRs affecting hypoxic PH. It was observed that downregulation of miR-328a-5p occurred in hypoxia-induced PH samples. The binding affinity between miR-328a-5p to PIN1 was predicted by a bioinformatics tool and verified using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Rat primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were exposed to hypoxia for in vitro cell experiments. miR-328a-5p could target and downregulate PIN1 expression, leading to suppressed GSK3β/β-catenin activation. In addition, GSK3β/β-catenin inactivation curtailed hypoxia-induced vascular inflammatory responses and proliferation and migration in PASMCs in vitro. A hypoxic PH model was established in SD rats to observe the effects of miR-328a-5p on hemodynamic parameters and right heart remodeling. It was demonstrated in vivo that miR-328a-5p downregulated PIN1 expression to suppress GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, thereby reducing the vascular inflammatory response and alleviating disease progression in hypoxia-induced PH rats. The evidence provided by our study highlighted the involvement of miR-328a-5p in the translational suppression of PIN1 and the blockade of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, resulting in attenuation of hypoxic PH progression.

Epigenotoxicity: a danger to the future life

Environmental toxicants can regulate gene expression in the absence of DNA mutations via epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' (ncRNAs). Here, all three epigenetic modifications for seven important categories of diseases and the impact of eleven main environmental factors on epigenetic modifications were discussed. Epigenetic-related mechanisms are among the factors that could explain the root cause of a wide range of common diseases. Its overall impression on the development of diseases can help us diagnose and treat diseases, and besides, predict transgenerational and intergenerational effects. This comprehensive article attempted to address the relationship between environmental factors and epigenetic modifications that cause diseases in different categories. The studies main gap is that the precise role of environmentally-induced epigenetic alterations in the etiology of the disorders is unknown; thus, still more well-designed researches need to be accomplished to fill this gap. The present review aimed to first summarize the adverse effect of certain chemicals on the epigenome that may involve in the onset of particular disease based on in vitro and in vivo models. Subsequently, the possible adverse epigenetic changes that can lead to many human diseases were discussed.

Long Non-Coding RNA TUG1 Attenuates Insulin Resistance in Mice with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus via Regulation of the MicroRNA-328-3p/SREBP-2/ERK Axis

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been illustrated to contribute to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In the present study, we aimed to elucidate how lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) influences insulin resistance (IR) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model of GDM.

METHODS

We initially developed a mouse model of HFD-induced GDM, from which islet tissues were collected for RNA and protein extraction. Interactions among lncRNA TUG1/microRNA (miR)-328-3p/sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) were assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-β), insulin sensitivity index for oral glucose tolerance tests (ISOGTT) and insulinogenic index (IGI) levels in mouse serum were measured through conducting gain- and loss-of-function experiments.

RESULTS

Abundant expression of miR-328 and deficient expression of lncRNA TUG1 and SREBP-2 were characterized in the islet tissues of mice with HFD-induced GDM. LncRNA TUG1 competitively bound to miR-328-3p, which specifically targeted SREBP-2. Either depletion of miR-328-3p or restoration of lncRNA TUG1 and SREBP-2 reduced the FBG, FINS, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR levels while increasing ISOGTT and IGI levels, promoting the expression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway-related genes, and inhibiting apoptosis of islet cells in GDM mice. Upregulation miR-328-3p reversed the alleviative effects of SREBP-2 and lncRNA TUG1 on IR.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that the lncRNA TUG1 may prevent IR following GDM through competitively binding to miR-328-3p and promoting the SREBP-2-mediated ERK signaling pathway inactivation.

Uncovering the genetic links of diabetic erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Background: Clinical associations between erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) have been noticed, but the common pathogenic mechanisms between them remain elusive. The aim of the study was to mine shared genetic alterations between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Method: Transcriptome data of ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome-related genes (CPRGs) were retrieved from relevant databases and differentially expressed analysis was used to obtain significant CPRGs. Then function enrichment and interaction analyses were performed to show shared transcriptional signature, including gene ontology and pathway enrichment, the construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, cluster analysis, and co-expression analysis. Hub CPRGs and key cross-link were selected by validating these genes in clinical samples, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and ED-related datasets. Then the miRNA-OSRGs co-regulatory network was predicted and validated. Subpopulation distribution and disease association of hub CPRGs were further identified. Result: Differentially expressed analysis revealed 363 significant CPRGs between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, functioning in inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix organization. A PPI network containing 245 nodes and 504 interactions was constructed. Module analysis depicted that multicellular organismal process and immune metabolic process were enriched. 17 genes were screened in PPI via topological algorithms, and reactive oxygen species as well as interleukin-1 metabolism were regarded as the bridging interactive mechanism. After screening and validation, a hub-CPRG signature consisting of COL1A1, MAPK6, LPL, NFE2L2 and NQO1 were identified and associated miRNA were verified. These miRNAs played an important role in immune and inflammatory response likewise. Finally, NQO1 was identified as a key genetic link between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It was predominately enriched in corpus cavernosum endothelial cell, and correlated with other male urogenital and immune system diseases tightly. Conclusion: We identified the genetic profiles as well as corresponding regulatory network underlying interaction between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome via multi-omics analysis. These findings expanded a new understanding for the molecular mechanism of ED with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Non-Coding RNAs: New Dawn for Diabetes Mellitus Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction in males, with multifactorial alterations which consist of psychological and organic. Diabetes mellitus (DM) induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a disconcerting and critical complication of DM, and remarkably different from non-diabetic ED. The response rate of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), a milestone for ED therapy, is far from satisfactory in DMED. Unfortunately, the contributing mechanisms of DMED remains vague. Hence, It is urgent to seek for novel prospective biomarkers or targets of DMED. Numerous studies have proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in the pathogenesis process of DM, which comprise of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the implications of ncRNAs in DMED are still understudied. This review highlights the pathophysiology of DMED, summarizes identified mechanisms of ncRNAs associated with DMED and covers the topic of perspectives for ncRNAs in DMED.

Long noncoding RNAs regulated spermatogenesis in varicocele-induced spermatogenic dysfunction

Objectives

To evaluate the expression, potential functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of varicocele (VC)‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction.

Materials and Methods

We established a rat model with left experimental VC and divided rats into the sham group, the VC group, and the surgical treatment group (each group, n = 10). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and sperm quality were analysed to evaluate spermatogenesis function. LncRNA expression profiles were analysed using lncRNA‐Seq (each group n = 3) and validated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (each group n = 10). Correlation analysis and gene target miRNA prediction were used to construct competing endogenous RNA network. The regulated signalling pathway and spermatogenic dysfunction of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) were validated by Western blot.

Results

HE detection and sperm quality analysis showed that VC could induce spermatogenic dysfunction. Eight lncRNAs were upregulated and three lncRNAs were downregulated in the VC group compared with the sham group and surgical treatment group. The lncRNA of NONRATG002949.2, NONRATG001060.2, NONRATG013271.2, NONRATG022879.2, NONRATG023424.2, NONRATG005667.2 and NONRATG010686.2 were significantly negatively related to sperm quality, while NONRATG027523.1, NONRATG017183.2 and NONRATG023747.2 were positively related to sperm quality. The lncRNAs promote spermatogenic cell apoptosis and inhibit spermatogonia and spermatocyte proliferation and meiotic spermatocytes by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway.

Conclusion

DE lncRNAs may be potential biomarkers for predicting the risk of spermatogenic dysfunction in VC and the effect of surgical repair. These DE lncRNAs promote spermatogenic dysfunction by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway.

Comparative Transcriptome Analyses of Geriatric Rats Associate Age-Related Erectile Dysfunction With a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network

BACKGROUND

The key regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in age-related erectile dysfunction (A-ED) are unknown.

AIM

This study aimed to identify putative lncRNAs that regulate age-related erectile dysfunction via transcriptome analyses, and to predict their specific regulatory routes via bioinformatics methods.

METHODS

22 geriatric male SD rats were divided into age-related erectile dysfunction (A-ED) and negative control (NC) groups after evaluations of intracavernous pressure (ICP). By comparative analysis of transcriptomes of cavernosal tissues from both groups, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Seven differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected and further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCR). The construction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, the Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed in Cytoscape.

RESULTS

From comparative transcriptome analyses of A-ED and NC groups, 69, 29, and 364 differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified respectively. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were culled to seven, which were all verified by qPCR. Three of these lncRNAs (ENSRNOT00000090050, ENSRNOT00000076482, and ENSRNOT00000029245) were used to build regulatory networks, of which only ENSRNOT00000029245 was successful. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that these lncRNAs possibly regulated muscle myosin complex, muscle cell cellular homeostasis, and ultimately erectile function in rats through PI3K-Akt, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs through comparisons of transcriptomes of geriatric rats. An identified lncRNA verified by qPCR, was used to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. LncRNA ENSRNOT00000029245 possibly regulated downstream mRNAs through this regulatory network, leading to apoptosis in the cavernous tissue, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction, which ultimately caused ED. These findings provide seminal insights into the molecular biology of aging-related ED, which could spur the development of effective therapeutics.

SMILR Aggravates the Progression of Atherosclerosis by Sponging miR-10b-3p to Regulate KLF5 Expression

Over the past few decades, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely accepted to be involved in various diseases, and smooth muscle enriched long noncoding RNA (SMILR) was reported to participate in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of SMILR in atherosclerosis (AS) have not been fully explored. In this study, VSMCs and human mononuclear cells (U937) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were used as cell models of AS. We found that the expression of SMILR was upregulated in the serum of AS patients and ox-LDL-induced AS cell models. SMILR knockdown inhibited cell proliferation while increasing cell apoptosis in the AS cell models. In addition, SMILR acted as a sponge for miR-10b-3p, and miR-10b-3p counteracted SMILR-mediated regulation of AS. Moreover, we confirmed that miR-10b-3p could bind with KLF5, and SMILR regulated KLF5 expression by competitively binding miR-10b-3p. Furthermore, miR-10b-3p modulated cell proliferation and apoptosis in AS by targeting KLF5. Finally, miR-10b-3p regulated AS progression in vivo by targeting KLF5. Overall, our study demonstrated that SMILR participated in the progression of AS by targeting the miR-10b-3p/KLF5 axis, which may provide some clues for future studies of AS.

Long Non-coding RNA MIAT Knockdown Prevents the Formation of Intracranial Aneurysm by Downregulating ENC1 via MYC

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is vascular enlargement occurred on the wall of cerebral vessels and can result in fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage when ruptured. Recent studies have supported the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in IA treatment. This study identified functional significance of lncRNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) in IA. Myocardial infarction associated transcript and ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit 8 assay flow cytometry were conducted to detect cell viability and apoptosis of endothelial cells in IA. The interaction among MIAT, ENC1, and myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) was analyzed by RNA pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and dual luciferase reporter assay. Intracranial aneurysm was induced by ligating the left carotid artery and the bilateral posterior branch of the renal artery in rats for studying the role of MIAT and ENC1 in vivo. Myocardial infarction associated transcript and ENC1 were upregulated in IA. Endothelial cells in IA presented a decreased cell viability and an increased apoptotic rate. Myocardial infarction associated transcript could regulate the expression of ENC1, and MYC could bind to the promoter region of ENC1. High expression of MIAT increased endothelial cell apoptosis and vascular endothelial injury, while MIAT knockdown was identified to reduce the risk of IA both in vitro and in vivo through regulating ENC1. To sum up, MIAT silencing is preventive for IA occurrence by decreasing the MYC-mediated ENC1 expression, which represents a novel therapeutic target for IA.

Comprehensive Analysis of lncRNA Expression Pattern and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in a Rat Model With Cavernous Nerve Injury Erectile Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with aging and diabetes mellitus; however, the lncRNA expression profile in cavernous nerve (CN) injury-related ED (CNI-ED) is unknown.

AIM

To investigate the dysregulated lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNA expression in CNI-ED and construct a potential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.

METHODS

22 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into bilateral CN crush (BCNC) and Sham groups. Using second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology, we analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA of the 2 groups. 17 differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected and further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using Cytoscape.

OUTCOMES

Intra-cavernosal pressure, mean arterial pressure, smooth muscle content, and the expression of miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA were measured.

RESULTS

The BCNC group showed decreased intra-cavernosal/mean arterial pressure as well as decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratios compared with the Sham group. The RNA sequencing results revealed dysregulated expressions of 65 lncRNA, 14 miRNA, and 750 mRNA in the BCNC group based on the following criteria: fold change >2 and P < .05. Among the 17 lncRNAs further selected based on mean count number >4 in both groups, 3 lncRNAs (TCONS_00028173, TCONS_00049985, and TCONS_00058429) were further validated for differential expression by RT-qPCR. GO analysis suggests that these 3 lncRNAs could regulate various processes such as myotube differentiation and muscle cell differentiation. Furthermore, the KEGG pathway analysis showed that the mRNAs in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network are involved in pathways, including axon guidance and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Our findings may provide new information on molecular pathophysiology of CNI-ED and suggest further research to find a more effective therapy for CNI-ED.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This study is the first to identify the lncRNA expression pattern and propose a ceRNA network in a rat model with cavernous nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction. However, analogous studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans. In addition, we constructed the network by only confirming the lncRNA.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals differential expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs between the BCNC and Sham groups and suggests that these differentially expressed lncRNAs may play critical roles in CNI-ED by regulating apoptosis and fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum via targeting mRNAs or miRNAs. Cong R, Wang Y, Wang Y. Comprehensive Analysis of lncRNA Expression Pattern and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in a Rat Model With Cavernous Nerve Injury Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2020;17:1603-1617.

Noncoding RNAs in Vascular Diseases

The advent of deep sequencing technologies led to the identification of a considerable amount of noncoding RNA transcripts, which are increasingly recognized for their functions in controlling cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs have already been studied for a decade, leading to the identification of several vasculoprotective and detrimental species, which might be considered for therapeutic targeting. Other noncoding RNAs such as circular RNAs, YRNAs, or long noncoding RNAs are currently gaining increasing attention, and first studies provide insights into their functions as mediators or antagonists of vascular diseases in vivo. The present review article will provide an overview of the different types of noncoding RNAs controlling the vasculature and focus on the developing field of long noncoding RNAs.

Silencing of KCNQ1OT1 Decreases Oxidative Stress and Pyroptosis of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the progression of DN. This research aimed to study the effect of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 on the oxidative stress and pyroptosis of the renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose (HG).

METHODS

RT-qPCR analysis detected the KCNQ1OT1 expression in serum with DN and HG-induced HK-2 cells, detect the expression of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase1, P-caspase1, IL-1β, p-IL-1β and GSDMD-N in HG-induced HK-2 cells, and confirm the transfection effects. The expression of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase1, P-caspase1, IL-1β, p-IL-1β and GSDMD-N in HG-induced HK-2 cells was also analyzed by Western blot analysis. ELISA assay detected the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1. The levels of ROS, MDA and SOD were determined by respective ELISA kits and ROS was also detected by the ROS assay kit (containing DCFH-DA).

RESULTS

We found that KCNQ1OT1 was increased in the plasma of patients with DN and HG-induced HK-2 cells and KCNQ1OT1 interference could decrease the inflammation, oxidative stress and pyroptosis of HG-induced HK-2 cells. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 directly targets miR-506-3p. MiR-506-3p was downregulated in the plasma of patients with DN and HG-induced HK-2 cells and KCNQ1OT1 interference promoted the expression of miR-506-3p. MiR-506-3p overexpression suppressed the inflammation, oxidative stress and pyroptosis of HG-induced HK-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that downregulation of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the inflammation, oxidative stress and pyroptosis of HG-induced HK-2 cells by up-regulating the expression of miR-506-3p, which provide new insights into the treatment of DN.

Long noncoding RNA KCNQ1OT1 induces pyroptosis in diabetic corneal endothelial keratopathy

Diabetic corneal endothelial keratopathy is an intractable ocular complication characterized by corneal edema and endothelial decompensation, which seriously threaten vision. It has been suggested that diabetes is associated with pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death via the activation of inflammation. Long noncoding RNA KCNQ1OT1 is commonly associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy and diabetic retinopathy. However, whether KCNQ1OT1 is capable of regulating pyroptosis and participates in the pathogenesis of diabetic corneal endothelial keratopathy remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of KCNQ1OT1 in diabetic corneal endothelial keratopathy. Here, we reveal that KCNQ1OT1 and pyroptosis can be triggered in diabetic human and rat corneal endothelium, along with the high glucose-treated corneal endothelial cells. However, miR-214 expression was substantially decreased in vivo and in experiments with cultured cells. LDH assay was also used to verify the existence of pyroptosis in high glucose-treated cells. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase assays showed that KCNQ1OT1 may function as a competing endogenous RNA binding miR-214 to regulate the expression of caspase-1. To further analyze the KCNQ1OT1-mediated mechanism, miR-214 mimic and inhibitor were introduced into the high glucose-treated corneal endothelial cells. The results showed that upregulation of miR-214 attenuated pyroptosis; conversely, knockdown of miR-214 promoted it. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown by a small interfering RNA decreased pyroptosis factors expressions but enhanced miR-214 expression in corneal endothelial cells. To understand the signaling mechanisms underlying the prepyroptotic properties of KCNQ1OT1, si-KCNQ1OT1 was cotransfected with or without miR-214 inhibitor. The results showed that pyroptosis was repressed after silencing KCNQ1OT1 but was reversed by cotransfection with miR-214 inhibitor, suggesting that KCNQ1OT1 mediated pyroptosis induced by high glucose via targeting miR-214. Therefore, the KCNQ1OT1/miR-214/caspase-1 signaling pathway represents a new mechanism of diabetic corneal endothelial keratopathy progression, and KCNQ1OT1 could potentially be a novel therapeutic target.