MicroRNA-150 negatively regulates the function of CD4(+) T cells through AKT3/Bim signaling pathway

Characterization of circulating microRNA profiles of postpartum dairy cows with persistent subclinical endometritis

Subclinical endometritis (SCE) is an unresolved inflammation of the endometrium of postpartum dairy cows, seriously affecting fertility. Current diagnosis, which relies on uterine cytology or even more invasive biopsy sampling, would benefit from the identification of blood-based diagnostic biomarkers. Due to the known role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in other diseases, this case-control study evaluated the cell-free circulating miRNA profiles of SCE cows, and the network of transcripts predicted to interact with those miRNAs, previously identified as differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the endometrium of the same cows. Healthy (H, n = 6) and persistent SCE (n = 11) cows characterized by endometrial cytology and biopsy were blood sampled at 21 and 44 d postpartum (DPP). Following extraction of cell-free plasma miRNAs and RNA-seq analysis, differential abundance analysis of miRNAs was performed with the DESeq2 R package (adjusted p-value of 0.05), and in silico prediction of miRNA-interacting genes on a sequence complementary basis was conducted using the miRWalk database. The principal component analysis showed a clear clustering between groups of uterine health phenotypes (H vs. SCE), although the clustering between groups was less pronounced at 44 DPP than at 21 DPP. No effect of the stage (21 vs. 44 DPP) was observed. A total of 799 known circulating miRNAs were identified, from which 34 demonstrated differential abundance between H and SCE cows (12 less abundant and 22 more abundant in SCE than in H cows). These 34 miRNAs are predicted to interact with 10,104 transcripts, among which 43, 81, and 147 were previously identified as differentially expressed in, respectively, endometrial luminal epithelial, glandular epithelial, and stromal cells of the same cows. This accounts for approximately half of the DEG identified between those H and SCE cows, including genes involved in endometrial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and immune response, whose dysregulation in SCE cows may impair pregnancy establishment. From 219 miRNAs with mean normalized read counts above 100, the presence and abundance of miR-425-3p and miR-2285z had the highest discriminatory level to differentiate SCE from H cows. In conclusion, despite apparent confinement to the endometrium, SCE is associated with a distinct circulating miRNA profile, which may represent a link between the systemic changes associated with disease and the endometrial immune response. The validation of a miRNA panel consisting of circulating cell-free miR-425-3p and miR-2285z may prove a relevant advancement for the noninvasive diagnosis of persistent SCE.

Empowering the Potential of CAR-T Cell Immunotherapies by Epigenetic Reprogramming

T-cell-based, personalized immunotherapy can nowadays be considered the mainstream treatment for certain blood cancers, with a high potential for expanding indications. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), an ex vivo genetically modified T-cell therapy product redirected to target an antigen of interest, have achieved unforeseen successes in patients with B-cell hematologic malignancies. Frequently, however, CAR-T cell therapies fail to provide durable responses while they have met with only limited success in treating solid cancers because unique, unaddressed challenges, including poor persistence, impaired trafficking to the tumor, and site penetration through a hostile microenvironment, impede their efficacy. Increasing evidence suggests that CAR-Ts' in vivo performance is associated with T-cell intrinsic features that may be epigenetically altered or dysregulated. In this review, we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on T-cell differentiation, exhaustion, and tumor infiltration and discuss how epigenetic reprogramming may enhance CAR-Ts' memory phenotype, trafficking, and fitness, contributing to the development of a new generation of potent CAR-T immunotherapies.

Antigen-specific downregulation of miR-150 in CD4 T cells promotes cell survival

MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) has been shown to play a general role in the immune system, but very little is known about its role on CD4+ T cell responses. During T cell responses against superantigen Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A, miR-150 expression was down-regulated in antigen-specific CD4+ T cells but up-regulated in CD8+ T cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell clonal expansion was greater in miR-150-KO mice than in WT mice, but miR-150 selectively repressed IL-2 production in CD4+ T cells. Transcriptome analysis of CD4+ T cells demonstrated that apoptosis and mTOR pathways were highly enriched in the absence of miR-150. Mechanistic studies confirmed that miR-150 promoted apoptosis specifically in antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, but not in bystander CD4+ nor in CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, inhibition of mTOR-linked mitochondrial superoxidedismutase-2 increased apoptosis in miR-150-/- antigen-specific CD4+ T. Thus, miR-150 impacts CD4+ T cell helper activity by attenuating IL-2 production along with clonal expansion, and suppresses superoxidedismutase to promote apoptosis.

Recent highlights in the immunomodulatory aspects of Treg cell-derived extracellular vesicles: special emphasis on autoimmune diseases and transplantation

In order to maintain immunological tolerance to self and non-self antigens, one’s T regulatory (Treg) cells play a critical role in the regulation of detrimental inflammation. Treg cells inhibit the immune system in a variety of ways, some of which are contact-dependent and the others are soluble factors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mainly secretory membrane structures that play a pivotal role in intercellular communication in both the local and systemic environments, enabling the transport of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between immune and non-immune cells. A number of studies have shown that Treg-derived EVs are specially formulated intercellular exchanging devices capable of regulating immunological responses by producing a cell-free tolerogenic milieu. Some of the processes suggested include miRNA-induced gene shutdown and upmodulation, surface protein activity, and enzyme transfer. Instead of being influenced by external circumstances like Tregs, exosomes’ cohesive structure allows them to transmit their charge intact across the blood–brain barrier and deliver it to the target cell with particular receptors. These properties have resulted in the use of Treg-derived EVs' immunomodulatory effects moving beyond laboratory research and into preclinical applications in animal models of a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and transplant rejection disorders. However, insufficient evidence has been produced to permit enrollment in human clinical studies. As such, we begin our research by introducing the most potent immunosuppressive elements discovered in Treg-derived EVs elucidating likely mechanisms of action in inhibiting immunological responses. Following that, we address recent research on the potential of suppressive EVs to regulate autoimmune inflammatory responses and improve tissue transplant survival.

MicroRNA profile of circulating CD4+ T cells in aged patients with atherosclerosis obliterans

Background

To evaluate the specificity of the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in circulating CD4+ T cells in aged patients with atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

Methods

A comprehensive miRNA expression study was conducted using a miRNA microarray of CD4+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 33 patients with ASO and 24 healthy donors. A t test was used for statistical analysis, and the average linkage method was used for hierarchical clustering. The results were validated by qRT–PCR. Putative targeted pathways associated with validated miRNAs were predicted with the online software DIANA miRPath.

Results

We identified 44 miRNAs based on a cutoff value of a 1.3-fold change in expression between the two groups, with 18 miRNAs showing a false discovery rate (FDR) p value < 0.05. The qRT–PCR analysis validated differences in 12 miRNAs, and 6 miRNAs were proven to be differentially expressed among three age groups (age: 35–55 years; 56–75 years; 76–95 years): the miRNAs miR-21 (p: 0.0008; 0.0009; 0.0022), miR-29b (p: 0.453; < 0.0001; < 0.0001), and miR-374b (p: < 0.0001; < 0.0001; 0.2493) showed upregulated expression in patients with ASO, while miR-142-3p (p: < 0.0001; < 0.0001; < 0.0001), miR-142-5p (p: < 0.0001; < 0.0001; < 0.0001), and miR-150 (p: < 0.0001; < 0.0001; 0.0001) showed downregulated expression in patients with ASO. The validated miRNAs participated in CD4+ T cell activation, proliferation, and migration pathways.

Conclusions

Circulating CD4+ T cells in aged patients with ASO may show a distinct molecular signature. This is the first time that a distinctive, validated miRNA profile from circulating CD4+ T cells in atherosclerosis has been presented. This miRNA signature may be used to help elucidate the underlying mechanism of atherosclerosis. Further clinical studies and in-depth reports will contribute to identifying predictive and therapeutic targets in these patients with atherosclerosis.

Expression characteristics and interaction networks of microRNAs in spleen tissues of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The spleen is an important immune organ in fish. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in the regulation of immune function. However, miRNA expression profiles and their interaction networks associated with the postnatal late development of spleen tissue are still poorly understood in fish. The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an important economic aquaculture species in China. Here, two small RNA libraries were constructed from the spleen tissue of healthy grass carp at one-year-old and three-year-old. A total of 324 known conserved miRNAs and 9 novel miRNAs were identified by using bioinformatic analysis. Family analysis showed that 23 families such as let-7, mir-1, mir-10, mir-124, mir-8, mir-7, mir-9, and mir-153 were highly conserved between vertebrates and invertebrates. In addition, 14 families such as mir-459, mir-430, mir-462, mir-7147, mir-2187, and mir-722 were present only in fish. Expression analysis showed that the expression patterns of miRNAs in the spleen of one-year-old and three-year-old grass carp were highly consistent, and the percentage of miRNAs with TPM > 100 was above 39%. Twenty significant differentially expressed (SDE) miRNAs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that these SDE miRNAs were primarily involved in erythrocyte differentiation, lymphoid organ development, immune response, lipid metabolic process, the B cell receptor signaling pathway, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the PPAR signaling pathway. In addition, the following miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed: immune and hematopoietic, cell proliferation and differentiation, and lipid metabolism. This study determined the miRNA transcriptome as well as miRNA-mRNA interaction networks in normal spleen tissue during the late development stages of grass carp. The results expand the number of known miRNAs in grass carp and are a valuable resource for better understanding the molecular biology of the spleen development in grass carp.

RFX transcription factors control a miR-150/PDAP1 axis that restrains the proliferation of human T cells

Within the immune system, microRNAs (miRNAs) exert key regulatory functions. However, what are the mRNA targets regulated by miRNAs and how miRNAs are transcriptionally regulated themselves remain for the most part unknown. We found that in primary human memory T helper lymphocytes, miR-150 was the most abundantly expressed miRNA, and its expression decreased drastically upon activation, suggesting regulatory roles. Constitutive MIR150 gene expression required the RFX family of transcription factors, and its activation-induced down-regulation was linked to their reduced expression. By performing miRNA pull-down and sequencing experiments, we identified PDGFA-associated protein 1 (PDAP1) as one main target of miR-150 in human T lymphocytes. PDAP1 acted as an RNA-binding protein (RBP), and its CRISPR/Cas-9–mediated deletion revealed that it prominently contributed to the regulation of T-cell proliferation. Overall, using an integrated approach involving quantitative analysis, unbiased genomics, and genome editing, we identified RFX factors, miR-150, and the PDAP1 RBP as the components of a regulatory axis that restrains proliferation of primary human T lymphocytes.

MicroRNAs exert key regulatory functions in the immune system, but their targets are largely unknown. This study shows that the ability of primary human T lymphocytes to proliferate in response to T cell receptor activation is modulated by a network comprising miR-150, transcription factors of the RFX family, and the RNA-binding protein PDAP1.

AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer

AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.

Regulatory roles of MicroRNA in shaping T cell function, differentiation and polarization

T lymphocytes are an integral component of adaptive immunity with pleotropic effector functions. Impairment of T cell activity is implicated in various immune pathologies including autoimmune diseases, AIDS, carcinogenesis, and periodontitis. Evidently, T cell differentiation and function are under robust regulation by various endogenous factors that orchestrate underlying molecular pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of noncoding, regulatory RNAs that post-transcriptionally control multiple mRNA targets by sequence-specific interaction. In this article, we will review the recent progress in our understanding of miRNA-gene networks that are uniquely required by specific T cell effector functions and provide miRNA-mediated mechanisms that govern the fate of T cells. A subset of miRNAs may act in a synergistic or antagonistic manner to exert functional suppression of genes and regulate pathways that control T cell activation and differentiation. Significance of T cell-specific miRNAs and their dysregulation in immune-mediated diseases is discussed. Exosome-mediated horizontal transfer of miRNAs from antigen presenting cells (APCs) to T cells and from one T cell to another T cell subset and their impact on recipient cell functions is summarized.

Epigenetic strategies to boost CAR T cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has led to a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy, but still several obstacles limit CAR T cell efficacy in cancers. Advances in high-throughput technologies revealed new insights into the role that epigenetic reprogramming plays in T cells. Mechanistic studies as well as comprehensive epigenome maps revealed an important role for epigenetic remodeling in T cell differentiation. These modifications shape the overall immune response through alterations in T cell phenotype and function. Here, we outline how epigenetic modifications in CAR T cells can overcome barriers limiting CAR T cell effectiveness, particularly in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. We also offer our perspective on how selected epigenetic modifications can boost CAR T cells to ultimately improve the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy.

Antibodies Enhance the Suppressive Activity of Extracellular Vesicles in Mouse Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity

Previously, we showed that mouse delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) can be antigen-specifically downregulated by suppressor T cell-derived miRNA-150 carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) that target antigen-presenting macrophages. However, the exact mechanism of the suppressive action of miRNA-150-targeted macrophages on effector T cells remained unclear, and our current studies aimed to investigate it. By employing the DTH mouse model, we showed that effector T cells were inhibited by macrophage-released EVs in a miRNA-150-dependent manner. This effect was enhanced by the pre-incubation of EVs with antigen-specific antibodies. Their specific binding to MHC class II-expressing EVs was proved in flow cytometry and ELISA-based experiments. Furthermore, by the use of nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy, we found that the incubation of macrophage-released EVs with antigen-specific antibodies resulted in EVs’ aggregation, which significantly enhanced their suppressive activity in vivo. Nowadays, it is increasingly evident that EVs play an exceptional role in intercellular communication and selective cargo transfer, and thus are considered promising candidates for therapeutic usage. However, EVs appear to be less effective than their parental cells. In this context, our current studies provide evidence that antigen-specific antibodies can be easily used for increasing EVs’ biological activity, which has great therapeutic potential.

Various aspects of inflammation in heart failure

Despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of heart failure (HF), the prognosis in patients who have been hospitalised on at least one occasion due to exacerbation of HF is still poor. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of HF is crucial in order to achieve better results in the treatment of this clinical syndrome. One of the areas that, for years, has aroused the interest of researchers is the activation of the immune system and the elevated levels of biomarkers of inflammation in patients with both ischaemic and non-ischaemic HF. Additionally, it is intriguing that the level of circulating pro-inflammatory biomarkers correlates with the severity of the disease and prognosis in this group of patients. Unfortunately, clinical trials aimed at assessing interventions to modulate the inflammatory response in HF have been disappointing, and the modulation of the inflammatory response has had either no effect or even a negative effect on the HF prognosis. The article presents a summary of current knowledge on the role of immune system activation and inflammation in the pathogenesis of HF. Understanding the immunological mechanisms pathogenetically associated with left ventricular remodelling and progression of HF may open up new therapeutic possibilities for HF.

Lymphocyte Immune Response and T Cell Differentiation in Fontan Patients with protein-losing enteropathy

Background  Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a severe complication of the Fontan circulation. There is increasing discussion about whether lymphatic dysregulation is involved as pathomechanism of PLE. This investigation focuses on the interplay between alteration of lymphatic cells and immunologic pathway alterations.

Methods  Micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression profiling was performed in 49 patients ( n  = 10 Fontan patients with PLE, n  = 30 Fontan patients without PLE, and n  = 9 patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA). miRNA pathway analysis was performed to identify significantly enriched pathways. To determine lymphocyte populations and subtypes multiparameter flow cytometry was used.

Results  miRNAs pathway analysis of Fontan patients with PLE revealed 20 significantly changed networks of which four of the ten largest were associated with immunologic processes. This finding is supported by significant T cell deficiency with decreased CD4+ count ( p  = 0.0002), altered CD4 +/CD8+ ratio, and significantly modified CD4+ ( p  < 0.0001) and CD8+ ( p  = 0.0002) T cell differentiation toward effector and terminal differentiated T cells in Fontan patients with PLE. Analyses of CD4+ T cell subsets demonstrated significantly increased frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ CD127– regulatory T cells (Treg) in Fontan patients with PLE ( p  = 0.0011).

Conclusion  PLE in Fontan patients is associated with severe lymphopenia, T cell deficiency, significant alterations of T cell differentiation, and increased Treg frequency reflecting an immune status of chronic inflammation and shortened protection against pathogens and autoimmunity. These cellular alterations seemed to be dysregulated by several miRNA controlled immunological pathways.

MicroRNAs as Regulators of Immune and Inflammatory Responses: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the principal cause of end-stage renal disease and results in high morbidity and mortality in patients, causing a large socioeconomic burden. Multiple factors, such as metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, immunoregulation and genetic predisposition, contribute to the pathogenesis of DN, but the exact mechanism is unclear, and the therapeutic strategies are not satisfactory. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for new therapeutic targets and strategies for DN. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as major epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and provide novel insights into our understanding of the molecular and signaling pathways that are associated with various diseases, including DN. Studies in the past decade have shown that different miRNAs affect the progression of DN by modulating different aspects of immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of miRNAs in inflammatory and immune processes, with an integrative comprehension of the detailed signaling network. Additionally, we discussed the possibilities and significance of these miRNAs as therapeutic targets in the treatment of DN. This review will facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets and novel strategies that can be translated into clinical applications for DN treatment.

The complex functions of microRNA-150 in allergy, autoimmunity and immune tolerance

<abstract> <p>At present, special efforts are being made to develop the strategies allowing for activation of long-lasting antigen-specific immune tolerance in therapy of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Some of these therapeutic approaches are aimed at modulating cell functions at genetic level by using miRNA-based and miRNA-targeting treatments. Simultaneously, the crucial role of extracellular vesicles as natural miRNA conveyors is highlighted for induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance, especially that they appear to be easily manipulatable for therapeutic applications. Among other immune-related miRNAs, miR-150 is getting special attention as it is differently expressed by immune cells at various stages of their maturation and differentiation. In addition, miR-150 is involved in different signaling cascades orchestrating humoral and cell-mediated mechanisms of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, miR-150 is considered a master regulator of immunity in mammals. Currently, physiological miR-150-dependent regulatory circuits and causes of their malfunctioning that underlie the pathogenesis of allergic and autoimmune disorders are being unraveled. Thus, present review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of miR-150 in the pathogenesis and complications of these diseases. Furthermore, the involvement of miR-150 in regulation of immune responses to allergens and self-antigens and in induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance is discussed with the special emphasis on the therapeutic potential of this miRNA.</p> </abstract>

miR-150-mediated increase in glucose uptake in HIV-infected cells

Replication of HIV-1 inside host cells is dependent on both viral and host factors. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate protein synthesis. MicroRNAs may control viral replication either by directly targeting the viral genome or indirectly through cellular proteins that are required during the viral lifecycle. HIV infection may, in turn, regulate host microRNA expression to facilitate its propagation inside cells. miR-150 has been reported to be an essential factor involved in T-cell activation and may serve as a biomarker for HIV disease progression. The current study provides valuable insights into the role of miR-150 in HIV infection. We quantified miR-150 expression in HIV-infected Jurkat cells and observed a time-dependent increase in the expression of miR-150. In addition, HIV infection led to an enhanced influx of glucose inside the infected cells, which further increased on overexpression of miR-150. The increased uptake of glucose was due to miR-150-mediated increase in expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1). In an attempt to decipher the mechanism, we identified that HIV Tat protein enhanced the expression of miR-150 which then upregulated GLUT1 in HIV-infected cells. In summary, this study sheds light on the role of miR-150 in HIV infection and paves the way for miR-150 as a novel therapeutic target against HIV-1.

miR-150-Based RNA Interference Attenuates Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis through the SOCS1/JAK/STAT Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

We investigated whether microRNA-150 (miR-150)-based RNA interference (RNAi) ameliorates tubular injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mice injected with folic acid developed tubulointerstitial fibrosis at day 30. miR-150 levels were increased at day 7 and peaked at day 30. At day 30, protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin (FN), and collagen 1 (COL-1) were increased, while suppressor of cytokine signal 1 (SOCS1) was decreased. Kidneys manifested increased macrophage numbers and increased expression of potential mediators: interferon-γ, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-150, started prior to or after tubular injury and administered twice weekly for 4 weeks, reversed renal inflammation and fibrosis. In HK-2 cells, co-culture with macrophages increased miR-150 expression and decreased SOCS1. Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway-related proteins p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT3, and pro-fibrotic genes encoding α-smooth muscle actin, FN, and COL-1 were all upregulated. The miR-150 antagonist reversed these transcriptional changes. Lastly, in renal biopsies from patients with chronic interstitial fibrosis, renal miR-150, and pro-fibrotic gene expression and macrophage numbers were increased, while SOCS1 expression was decreased. In conclusion, miR-150-based RNAi is as a potential novel therapeutic agent for tubulointerstitial fibrosis, suppressing the SOCS1/JAK/STAT pathway and reducing macrophage influx.

Chinese Medicine Treatment on Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and also an important factor affecting the survival and quality of life in patients after transplantation. Currently, immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used for GVHD, but the curative effect is not ideal. How to effectively prevent and treat GVHD is one of the difficulties to be solved urgently in the field of transplantation. In this paper, we summarize the latest progress in pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of GVHD with Chinese medicine (CM). We hope it will provide ideas and methods for exploring the mechanism and establishing a new comprehensive therapy for GVHD with CM.

LNA-anti-miR-150 ameliorated kidney injury of lupus nephritis by inhibiting renal fibrosis and macrophage infiltration

Background

The prevalence of lupus nephritis (LN) remains high despite various emerging monoclonal antibodies against with targeting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal fibrosis is the main feature of late stage LN, and novel therapeutic agents are still needed. We previously reported that microRNA (miR)-150 increases in renal biopsies of American LN patients and that miR-150 agonist promotes fibrosis in cultured kidney cells. Presently, we aim to verify whether locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR-150 can ameliorate LN in mice and to investigate its corresponding mechanisms.

Methods

We first observed natural history and renal miR-150 expression in female Fcgr2b^−/− mice of a spontaneously developed LN model. We then verified miR-150 renal absorption and determined the dose of the suppressed miR-150 by subcutaneous injection of LNA-anti-miR-150 (2 and 4 mg/kg). Thirdly, we investigated the therapeutic effects of LNA-anti-miR-150 (2 mg/kg for 8 weeks) on LN mice and the corresponding mechanisms by studying fibrosis-related genes, cytokines, and kidney resident macrophages. Lastly, we detected the expression of renal miR-150 and the mechanism-associated factors in renal biopsies from new onset untreated LN patients.

Results

Fcgr2b^−/− mice developed SLE indicated by positive serum autoantibodies at age 19 weeks and LN demonstrated by proteinuria at age 32 weeks. Renal miR-150 was overexpressed in LN mice compared to wild type mice. FAM-labeled LNA-anti-miR-150 was absorbed by both glomeruli and renal tubules. LNA-anti-miR-150 suppressed the elevated renal miR-150 levels in LN mice compared to the scrambled LNA without systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, serum double strand-DNA antibody, proteinuria, and kidney injury were ameliorated. Importantly, the elevated renal pro-fibrotic genes (transforming growth factor-β1, α-smooth muscle antibody, and fibronectin) and decreased anti-fibrotic gene suppressor of cytokine signal 1 were both reversed. Renal pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and macrophages were also decreased. In addition, the changes of renal miR-150 and associated proteins shown in LN mice were also seen in human subjects.

Conclusions

LNA-anti-miR-150 may be a promising novel therapeutic agent for LN in addition to the current emerging monoclonal antibodies, and its renal protective mechanism may be mediated by anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammation as well as reduction of the infiltrated kidney resident macrophages.

The relevance of microRNA in post-infarction left ventricular remodelling and heart failure

Myocardial infarction and post-infarction left ventricular remodelling involve a high risk of morbidity and mortality. For this reason, ongoing research is being conducted in order to learn the mechanisms of unfavourable left ventricular remodelling following a myocardial infarction. New biomarkers are also being sought that would allow for early identification of patients with a high risk of post-infarction remodelling and dysfunction of the left ventricle. In recent years, there has been ever more experimental data that confirms the significance of microRNA in cardiovascular diseases. It has been confirmed that microRNAs are stable in systemic circulation, and can be directly measured in patients' blood. It has been found that significant changes occur in the concentrations of various types of microRNA in myocardial infarction and heart failure patients. Various types of microRNA are also currently being intensively researched in terms of their usefulness as markers of cardiomyocyte necrosis, and predictors of the post-infarction heart failure development. This paper is a summary of the current knowledge on the significance of microRNA in post-infarction left ventricular remodelling and heart failure.

Micro-RNAs in transplant tolerance

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small RNA molecules that have selective gene-regulatory functions. This posttranscriptional regulation by miRNAs is critical for many immunological processes. Many developments in establishing the biological role of miRNAs in solid organ transplantation have been generated in the last decade. Discoveries of immune regulation by miRNAs, resulting in graft prolongation and transplant tolerance, are rapidly advancing and are the subject of this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many elegant experimental studies have revealed intriguing associations between transplant tolerance and specific miRNA profiles. These findings have provided insight into the miRNAs critical for sustaining immune suppression, and have revealed common miRNA pathways that should be further investigated and/or targeted therapeutically. Further reports have strategized and corroborated different methods of manipulating miRNA expression for prolonging allograft survival, yielding promising preclinical evidence of the efficacy of miRNA-based therapies.

SUMMARY

The review covers these recent developments in miRNA research that can revolutionize how we implement diagnostics and prognostics and how we can strategize transplantation therapies.

Control of Immunoregulatory Molecules by miRNAs in T Cell Activation

MiRNA targeting of key immunoregulatory molecules fine-tunes the immune response. This mechanism boosts or dampens immune functions to preserve homeostasis while supporting the full development of effector functions. MiRNA expression changes during T cell activation, highlighting that their function is constrained by a specific spatiotemporal frame related to the signals that induce T cell-based effector functions. Here, we update the state of the art regarding the miRNAs that are differentially expressed during T cell stimulation. We also revisit the existing data on miRNA function in T cell activation, with a special focus on the modulation of the most relevant immunoregulatory molecules.

MicroRNA-150 enhances radiosensitivity by inhibiting the AKT pathway in NK/T cell lymphoma

Background

Radioresistance is a major challenge during the treatment of NK/T cell lymphoma. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) in increase the sensitivities of NK/T cell lymphoma to ionizing radiation.

Results

In this study, we found that miR-150 was significantly decreased in NK/T cell lymphoma tissues and cell lines. Low expression of miR-150 was positively associated with therapeutic resistance in 36 NK/T cell lymphoma cases. Our further in vitro and in vivo studies illustrated that overexpression of miR-150 substantially enhanced the sensitivity of NK/T cell lymphoma cells to ionizing radiation treatment. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays in NK/T cell lymphoma cells transfected with the AKT2 or AKT3 three prime untranslated region reporter constructs established AKT2 and AKT3 as direct targets of miR-150. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 was used to inhibit Akt to verify miR-150 increase NK/T cell lymphoma cell radiorsensitivity through suppress the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR-150 might serve as a potential therapeutic sensitizer through inhibition of the AKT pathway in NK/T cell lymphoma treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-017-0639-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MiR-150 alleviates neuropathic pain via inhibiting toll-like receptor 5

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are reported as vital participators in the pathophysiological course of neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanisms of the functional roles of miRNAs in neuropathic pain are largely unknown. This study was designed to explore the potential role of miR-150 in regulating the process of neuropathic pain in a rat model established by chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). Overexpression of miR-150 greatly alleviated neuropathic pain development and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, including COX-2, interleukin IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in CCI rats. By bioinformatic analysis, 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Toll-like receptor (TLR5) was predicted to be a target of miR-150. TLR5 commonly serves as an important regulator of inflammation. Overexpression of miR-150 significantly suppressed the expression of TLR5 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, upregulation of TLR5 decreased the miR-150 expression and downregulation of TLR5 increased miR-150, respectively. Overexpression of TLR5 significantly reversed the miR-150-induced suppressive effects on neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our current study indicates that miR-150 may inhibit neuropathic pain development of CCI rats through inhibiting TLR5-mediated neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that miR-150 may provide a novel therapeutic target for neuropathic pain treatment.

Identification of Significant Pathways Induced by PAX5 Haploinsufficiency Based on Protein-Protein Interaction Networks and Cluster Analysis in Raji Cell Line

PAX5 encodes a transcription factor essential for B-cell differentiation, and PAX5 haploinsufficiency is involved in tumorigenesis. There were few studies on how PAX5 haploinsufficiency regulated genes expression to promote tumorigenesis. In this study, we constructed the cell model of PAX5 haploinsufficiency using gene editing technology in Raji cells, detected differentially expressed genes in PAX5 haploinsufficiency Raji cells, and used protein-protein interaction networks and cluster analysis to comprehensively investigate the cellular pathways involved in PAX5 haploinsufficiency. The clusters of gene transcription, inflammatory and immune response, and cancer pathways were identified as three important pathways associated with PAX5 haploinsufficiency in Raji cells. These changes hinted that the mechanism of PAX5 haploinsufficiency promoting tumorigenesis may be related to genomic instability, immune tolerance, and tumor pathways.