Targeting long noncoding RNA-AQP4-AS1 for the treatment of retinal neurovascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus

Oltipraz attenuated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through inhibiting the oxidative stress and ferroptosis in mice

Oltipraz (OPZ) is a synthetic dithiolethione and is considered a novel activator of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Increasing evidence indicates that Nrf2 protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by antagonizing ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation. However, the protective effects of OPZ on cerebral I/R injury remain to be elucidated. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effects of OPZ. Mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) to construct an in vivo model and PC12 cells were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to establish an in vitro model. OPZ administration reduced the infarct volume and brain water content, and alleviated the neurological deficit of MCAO/R mice. Moreover, OPZ ameliorated MCAO/R-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of 4-HNE and MDA and increasing the activities of SOD and GSH. We also found that OPZ ameliorated MCAO/R-induced ferroptosis by increasing SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression and downregulating ACSL4 protein expression. Similarly, the in vitro results revealed that OGD/R-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Finally, mechanistic analysis revealed that OPZ significantly upregulated the Nrf2 expression and Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2 KO) abolished the OPZ-mediated protective effects. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that OPZ ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by suppressing the oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

MicroRNA-19a-3p inhibits endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis by targeting JCAD

OBJECTIVE

To examine the influences and mechanisms of MicroRNA-19a-3p (miR-19a-3p) on endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis.

METHODS

An analysis of miR-19a expression was carried out using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The effect of miR-19a-3p on endothelial function in HUVECs was evaluated by miR-19a-3p overexpression under TNF-α treatment. Luciferase assays were performed to explore the potential target genes. Overexpression of junctional protein associated with coronary artery disease (JCAD) was used to examine the effects of miR-19a-3p on cell adhesion, and proliferation.

RESULTS

MiR-19a-3p expression in endothelial cells decreased after exposure to TNF-α and/or oscillatory flow, consistent with the expression change of miR-19a-3p found in atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, endothelial cell dysfunction and inflammation were significantly diminished by miR-19a-3p overexpression but markedly exacerbated by miR-19a-3p inhibition. MiR-19a-3p transfection significantly decreased the expression of JCAD by binding to the 3'-UTR of JCAD mRNA. Furthermore, the protective effect of miR-19a-3p against endothelial cell dysfunction and inflammation was achieved by regulating JCAD and was closely linked to the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MiR-19a-3p expression is a crucial molecular switch in the onset of atherosclerosis and miR-19a-3p overexpression is a possible pharmacological therapeutic strategy for reversing the development of atherosclerosis.

Lnc-216 regulates the miR-143-5p /MMP2 signaling axis aggravates retinal endothelial cell dysfunction

PURPOSE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious retinal vascular disease that affects many individuals in their prime working years. The present research aimed at whether and how LOC681216 (LNC-216) is involved in retinal vascular dysfunction under diabetic conditions.

METHODS

Rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RRMECs) treated with high glucose (HG) were used for functional analysis. Gene expression analysis was conducted using the Clariom D Affymetrix platform. The wound healing, transwell, and vascular tube formation assays were used to identify the migration, invasion, and tube formation capability of RRMECs. The dual-luciferase reporter confirmed the binding interaction between miR-143-5p and LNC-216 or matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2).

RESULTS

Lnc-216 was upregulated in RRMECs treated with HG. Lnc-216 knockdown markedly suppressed the tube formation, cell migration, and wound healing of cultured RRMECs under HG conditions. Mechanistically, Lnc-216 acted as a miR-143-5p sponge to affect the biological activity of miR-143-5p, which led to increased expression of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2).

CONCLUSIONS

Lnc-216 attenuates diabetic retinal vascular dysfunction through the miR-143-5p/MMP2 axis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for DR.

Deciphering Müller cell heterogeneity signatures in diabetic retinopathy across species: an integrative single-cell analysis

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of visual impairment, demands a profound comprehension of its cellular mechanisms to formulate effective therapeutic strategies. Our study presentes a comprehensive single-cell analysis elucidating the intricate landscape of Müller cells within DR, emphasizing their nuanced involvement. Utilizing scRNA-seq data from both Sprague-Dawley rat models and human patients, we delineated distinct Müller cell clusters and their corresponding gene expression profiles. These findings were further validated through differential gene expression analysis utilizing human transcriptomic data. Notably, certain Müller cell clusters displayed upregulation of the Rho gene, implying a phagocytic response to damaged photoreceptors within the DR microenvironment. This phenomenon was consistently observed across species. Additionally, the co-expression patterns of RHO and PDE6G within Müller cell clusters provided compelling evidence supporting their potential role in maintaining retinal integrity during DR. Our results offer novel insights into the cellular dynamics of DR and underscore Müller cells as promising therapeutic targets for preserving vision in retinal disorders induced by diabetes.

Jinkui Shenqi pills ameliorate diabetes by regulating hypothalamic insulin resistance and POMC/AgRP expression and activity

BACKGROUND

Research on the imbalance of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)/agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the hypothalamus holds potential insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes. Jinkui Shenqi pills (JSP), a prevalent traditional Chinese medicine, regulate hypothalamic function and treat diabetes.

PURPOSE

To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of JSP and explore the probable mechanism in treating diabetes.

METHODS

A type 2 diabetes mouse model was used to investigate the pharmacodynamics of JSP. The glucose-lowering efficacy of JSP was assessed through various metrics including body weight, food consumption, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin levels, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). To elucidate the modulatory effects of JSP on hypothalamic mechanisms, we quantified the expression and activity of POMC and AgRP and assessed the insulin-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase A (AKT)/forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) pathway in diabetic mice via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, primary hypothalamic neurons were exposed to high glucose and palmitic acid levels to induce insulin resistance, and the influence of JSP on POMC/AgRP protein expression and activation was evaluated by PI3K protein inhibition using western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Medium- and high-dose JSP treatment effectively inhibited appetite, resulting in a steady declining trend in body weight, FBG, and OGTT results in diabetic mice (p < 0.05). These JSP groups also had significantly increased insulin levels (p < 0.05). Importantly, the medium-dose group exhibited notable protection of hypothalamic neuronal and synaptic structures, leading to augmentation of dendritic length and branching (p < 0.05). Furthermore, low-, medium-, and high-dose JSP groups exhibited increased phosphorylated (p) INSR, PI3K, pPI3K, AKT, and pAKT expression, as well as decreased FOXO1 and increased pFOXO1 expression, indicating improved hypothalamic insulin resistance in diabetic mice (p < 0.05). Treatment with 10% JSP-enriched serum produced a marked elevation of both expression and activation of POMC (p < 0.05), with a concurrent reduction in AgRP expression and activation within primary hypothalamic neurons (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, these effects could be attributed to the regulatory dynamics of PI3K activity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that JSP can ameliorate diabetes by regulating POMC/AgRP expression and activity. The insulin-mediated PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway plays an important regulatory role in this intricate process.

LncRNA as a regulator in the development of diabetic complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which induces the production of AGEs, ROS, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors, leading to the formation of vascular dysfunction and target organ damage, promoting the development of diabetic complications. Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiomyopathy are common complications of diabetes, which are major contributors to disability and death in people with diabetes. Long non-coding RNAs affect gene transcription, mRNA stability, and translation efficiency to influence gene expression for a variety of biological functions. Over the past decade, it has been demonstrated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs are extensively engaged in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetic complications. Thus, this review discusses the regulations of long non-coding RNAs on the primary pathogenesis of diabetic complications (oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and microvascular dysfunction), and some of these long non-coding RNAs may function as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for diabetic complications.

Non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in diabetic retinopathy: A narrative review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a devastating complication of diabetes, having extensive and resilient effects on those who suffer from it. As yet, the underlying cell mechanisms of this microvascular disorder are largely unclear. Recently, growing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms can be responsible for gene deregulation leading to the alteration of key processes in the development and progression of DR, in addition to the widely recognized pathological mechanisms. It is noteworthy that seemingly unending epigenetic modifications, caused by a prolonged period of hyperglycemia, may be a prominent factor that leads to metabolic memory, and brings epigenetic entities such as non-coding RNA into the equation. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to truly understand this mechanism. Exosomes are responsible for carrying signals from cells close to the vasculature that are participating in abnormal signal transduction to faraway organs and cells by sailing through the bloodstream. These signs indicate metabolic disorders. With the aid of their encased structure, they can store diverse signaling molecules, which then can be dispersed into the blood, urine, and tears. Herein, we summarized various non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are related to DR pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the role of exosomal ncRNAs in this disease.

LCN2 Promotes Proliferation and Glycolysis by Activating the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of LCN2 regulating aerobic glycolysis on abnormal proliferation of HCC cells. Based on the prediction of GEPIA database, the expression levels of LCN2 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were detected by RT-qPCR analysis, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. In addition, CCK-8 kit, clone formation, and EdU staining were used to analyze the effect of LCN2 on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Glucose uptake and lactate production were detected using kits. In addition, western blot was used to detect the expressions of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins. Finally, western blot was used to detect the expressions of phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. We found LCN2 was upregualted in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. CCK-8 kit, clone formation, and EdU staining results showed that LCN2 could promote the proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells). Western blot results and kits confirmed that LCN2 significantly promotes aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Western blot results showed that LCN2 could significantly upregulate the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. Our results indicated that LCN2 activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promoted aerobic glycolysis, and accelerated malignant proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Knockdown of ChREBP ameliorates retinal microvascular endothelial cell injury and angiogenic responses in diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To examine whether and how carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) plays a role in diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Western blotting was used to detect ChREBP expression and location following high glucose stimulation of Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HRMECs). Flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and western blotting were used to evaluate apoptosis following ChREBP siRNA silencing. Cell scratch, transwell migration, and tube formation assays were used to determine cell migration and angiogenesis. Diabetic models for wild-type (WT) and ChREBP knockout (ChKO) mice were developed. Retinas of WT and ChKO animals were cultivated in vitro with vascular endothelial growth factor + high glucose to assess neovascular development.

RESULTS

ChREBP gene knockdown inhibited thioredoxin-interacting protein and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3 expression in HRMECs, which was caused by high glucose stimulation, reduced apoptosis, hindered migration, and tube formation, and repressed AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. Compared with WT mice, ChKO mice showed suppressed high glucose-induced alterations in retinal structure, alleviated retinal vascular leakage, and reduced retinal neovascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

ChREBP deficiency decreased high glucose-induced apoptosis, migration, and tube formation in HRMECs as well as structural and angiogenic responses in the mouse retina; thus, it is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy.

CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Signaling Mediated Neuroglia Activation Is Implicated in the Retinal Degeneration: A Potential Therapeutic Target to Prevent Photoreceptor Death

Purpose

Retinal degeneration (RD) is a large cluster of retinopathies that is characterized by the progressive photoreceptor death and visual impairments. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling has been documented to mediate the microglia activation and gliosis reaction during neurodegeneration. We intend to verify whether the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling is involved in the RD pathology.

Methods

A pharmacologically induced RD mice model was established. AZD8797, a CX3CR1 antagonist, was injected into the vitreous cavity of an RD model to modulate the neuroglia activation. Then, the experimental animals were subjected to functional, morphological, and behavioral analysis.

Results

The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling mediated neuroglia activation was implicated in the photoreceptor demise of an RD model. Intravitreal injection of AZD8797 preserved the retinal structure and enhanced the photoreceptor survival through inhibiting the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expressions. Fundus photography showed that the distribution of retinal vessel was clear, and the severity of lesions was alleviated by AZD8797. In particular, these morphological benefits could be translated into remarkable functional improvements, as evidenced by the behavioral test and electroretinogram (mf-ERG) examination. A mechanism study showed that AZD8797 mitigated the microglia activation and migration in the degenerative retinas. The Müller cell hyper-reaction and secondary gliosis response were also suppressed by AZD8797.

Conclusions

The neuroinflammation is implicated in the photoreceptor loss of RD pathology. Targeting the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy. Future refinements of these findings may cast light into the discovery of new medications for RD.

Long noncoding RNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications; however, the findings remain controversial. We aimed to synthesize the available data to assess the diagnostic utility of lncRNAs for identification of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its consequences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published from September 11, 2015 to December 27, 2022. We evaluated human case-control or cohort studies on differential lncRNA expression in type 2 diabetes mellitus or its associated comorbidities. We excluded studies if they were non-peer reviewed or published in languages other than English. From 2387 identified studies, we included 17 (4685 participants).

RESULTS

Analysis of the pooled data showed that lncRNAs had a diagnostic area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80-0.87), with a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74-0.83) and a specificity of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.69-0.80). LncRNAs had an AUC of 0.65 for the diagnosis of prediabetes, with 82% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNAs may be promising diagnostic markers for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Study on Potential Differentially Expressed Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with reduced quality of life and earlier mortality, but its pathogenesis and key genes are still unclear. In this investigation, bioinformatics was used to deeply analyze the pathogenesis of IPF and related key genes, so as to investigate the potential molecular pathogenesis of IPF and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE213001 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and normal control group. The DEGs between IPF and normal control group were screened with the DESeq2 package of R language. The Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Using the g:Profiler, the function and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the Integrated Interactions Database (IID) database. Cytoscape with Network Analyzer was used to identify the hub genes. miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databaseswereused to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and small drug molecules. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes. A total of 958 DEGs were screened out in this study, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in response to stimulus, GPCR ligand binding, microtubule-based process, and defective GALNT3 causes HFTC. In combination with the results of the PPI network, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, hub genes including LRRK2, BMI1, EBP, MNDA, KBTBD7, KRT15, OTX1, TEKT4, SPAG8, and EFHC2 were selected. Cyclothiazide and rotigotinethe are predicted small drug molecules for IPF treatment. Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for the treatment of IPF, and provide a novel strategy for clinical therapy.

AQP4 is an Emerging Regulator of Pathological Pain: A Narrative Review

Pathological pain presents significant challenges in clinical practice and research. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is primarily found in astrocytes, is being considered as a prospective modulator of pathological pain. This review examines the association between AQP4 and pain-related diseases, including cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. In cancer pain, upregulated AQP4 expression in tumor cells is linked to increased pain severity, potentially through tumor-induced inflammation and edema. Targeting AQP4 may offer therapeutic strategies for managing cancer pain. AQP4 has also been found to play a role in nerve damage. Changes in AQP4 expression have been detected in pain-related regions of the brain and spinal cord; thus, modulating AQP4 expression or function may provide new avenues for treating neuropathic pain. Of note, AQP4-deficient mice exhibit reduced chronic pain responses, suggesting potential involvement of AQP4 in chronic pain modulation, and AQP4 is involved in pain modulation during inflammation, so understanding AQP4-mediated pain modulation may lead to novel anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques enable assessment of AQP4 expression and localization, contributing to our understanding of its involvement in brain edema and clearance pathways related to pathological pain. Furthermore, targeting AQP4 through gene therapies and small-molecule modulators shows promise as a potential therapeutic intervention. Future research should focus on utilizing advanced MRI techniques to observe glymphatic system changes and the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Additionally, investigating the regulation of AQP4 by non-coding RNAs and exploring novel small-molecule medicines are important directions for future research. This review shed light on AQP4-based innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pathological pain. Dark blue cells represent astrocytes, green cells represent microglia, and red ones represent brain microvasculature.

Hyperglycemia-regulated tRNA-derived fragment tRF-3001a propels neurovascular dysfunction in diabetic mice

Neurovascular dysfunction is a preclinical manifestation of diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR). Herein, we report that a transfer RNA-derived RNA fragment, tRF-3001a, is significantly upregulated under diabetic conditions. tRF-3001a downregulation inhibits Müller cell activation, suppresses endothelial angiogenic effects, and protects against high-glucose-induced retinal ganglion cell injury in vitro. Furthermore, tRF-3001a downregulation alleviates retinal vascular dysfunction, inhibits retinal reactive gliosis, facilitates retinal ganglion cell survival, and preserves visual function and visually guided behaviors in STZ-induced diabetic mice and db/db diabetic mice. Mechanistically, tRF-3001a regulates neurovascular dysfunction in a microRNA-like mechanism by targeting GSK3B. Clinically, tRF-3001a is upregulated in aqueous humor (AH) samples of DR patients. tRF-3001a downregulation inhibits DR-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cell and Müller cell dysfunction in vitro and DR-induced retinal neurovascular dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice. Thus, targeting tRF-3001a-mediated signaling is a promising strategy for the concurrent treatment of vasculopathy and neuropathy in diabetes mellitus.

Unveiling the Genetic Complexity of Teratozoospermia: Integrated Genomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into lncRNAs' Role in Male Infertility

Male infertility is a global health issue, affecting over 20 million men worldwide. Genetic factors are crucial in various male infertility forms, including teratozoospermia. Nonetheless, the genetic causes of male infertility remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed whole-genome sequencing and RNA expression analysis to detect differentially expressed (DE) long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in teratozoospermia, along with mutations that are exclusive to teratozoospermic individuals within these DE lncRNAs regions. Bioinformatic tools were used to assess variants' impact on lncRNA structure, function, and lncRNA-miRNA interactions. Our analysis identified 1166 unique mutations in teratozoospermic men within DE lncRNAs, distinguishing them from normozoospermic men. Among these, 64 variants in 23 lncRNAs showed potential regulatory roles, 7 variants affected 4 lncRNA structures, while 37 variants in 17 lncRNAs caused miRNA target loss or gain. Pathway Enrichment and Gene Ontology analyses of the genes targeted by the affected miRNAs revealed dysregulated pathways in teratozoospermia and a link between male infertility and cancer. This study lists novel variants and lncRNAs associated for the first time with teratozoospermia. These findings pave the way for future studies aiming to enhance diagnosis and therapy in the field of male infertility.

Long Non-Coding RNAs and Proliferative Retinal Diseases

Retinopathy refers to disorders that affect the retina of the eye, which are frequently caused by damage to the retina's vascular system. This causes leakage, proliferation, or overgrowth of blood vessels through the retina, which can lead to retinal detachment or breakdown, resulting in vision loss and, in rare cases, blindness. In recent years, high-throughput sequencing has significantly hastened the discovery of new long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their biological functions. LncRNAs are rapidly becoming recognized as critical regulators of several key biological processes. Current breakthroughs in bioinformatics have resulted in the identification of several lncRNAs that may have a role in retinal disorders. Nevertheless, mechanistic investigations have yet to reveal the relevance of these lncRNAs in retinal disorders. Using lncRNA transcripts for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes may aid in the development of appropriate treatment regimens and long-term benefits for patients, as traditional medicines and antibody therapy only provide temporary benefits that must be repeated. In contrast, gene-based therapies can provide tailored, long-term treatment solutions. Here, we will discuss how different lncRNAs affect different retinopathies, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can cause visual impairment and blindness, and how these retinopathies can be identified and treated using lncRNAs.

Elucidation of endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in diabetes by RNA sequencing and constructing lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA network

With the rapid increase in the incidence of diabetes, non-healing diabetic wounds have posed a huge challenge to public health. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) has been widely reported to promote wound repairing, while its number and function were suppressed in diabetes. However, the specific mechanisms and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of EPCs in diabetes remain largely unknown. Thus, the transcriptome analyses were carried in the present study to clarify the mechanism underlying EPCs dysfunction in diabetes. EPCs were successfully isolated from rats. Compared to the control, diabetic rat-derived EPCs displayed impaired proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability. The differentially expressed (DE) RNAs were successfully identified by RNA sequencing in the control and diabetic groups. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses indicated that DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in terms and pathways involved in the functions of EPCs and wound healing. Protein-protein interaction networks revealed critical DE mRNAs in the above groups. Moreover, the whole lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed, in which 9 lncRNAs, 9 mRNAs, and 5 miRNAs were further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Rno-miR-10b-5p and Tgfb2 were identified as key regulators of EPCs dysfunction in diabetes. The present research provided novel insight into the underlying mechanism of EPCs dysfunction in diabetes and prompted potential targets to restore the impaired functions, thus accelerating diabetic wound healing. KEY MESSAGES: • Compared to the control, diabetic rat-derived EPCs displayed impaired proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability. • The DE RNAs were successfully identified by RNA sequencing in the control and diabetic groups and analyzed by DE, GO, and KEGG analysis. • PPI and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks were constructed. • 9 lncRNAs, 9 mRNAs, and 5 miRNAs were further validated by qRT-PCR. • Rno-miR-10b-5p and Tgfb2 were identified as key regulators of EPCs dysfunction in diabetes.

Regulatory effect of long-stranded non-coding RNA-CRNDE on neurodegeneration during retinal ischemia-reperfusion

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathological mechanism involved in many ocular diseases. I/R is characterized by microvascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by I/R remain largely unknown. This study showed that the expression of long non-coding RNA-CRNDE was significantly upregulated after retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR). LncRNA-CRNDE knockdown alleviated retinal neurodegeneration induced by RIR injury, as shown by decreased reactive gliosis and reduced retinal cells loss. Furthermore, lncRNA-CRNDE knockdown directly regulated Müller cell function and indirectly affected RGC function in vitro. In addition, lncRNA-CRNDE knockdown led to a significant reduction in the release of several cytokines after RIR. This study suggests that lncRNA-CRNDE is a promising therapeutic target for RIR.

Antisense lncRNA PCNA-AS1 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression through the miR-2467-3p/PCNA axis

Multiple studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs are aberrantly expressed in cancers and are pivotal in developing various tumors. No studies have investigated the expression and function of long non-coding antisense RNA PCNA-AS1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, the expression of PCNA-AS1 was identified by qRT–PCR. Cell function assays were used to explore the potential effect of PCNA-AS1 on ESCC progression. A prediction website was utilized to discover the relationships among PCNA-AS1, miR-2467-3p and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were executed to verify the binding activity between PCNA-AS1, miR-2467-3p and PCNA. As a result, PCNA-AS1 was highly expressed in ESCC and was associated with patient prognosis. PCNA-AS1 overexpression strongly contributed to ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. PCNA-AS1 and PCNA were positively correlated in ESCC. Bioinformatics analysis, RIP and luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that PCNA-AS1 could act as a competitive endogenous RNA to sponge miR-2467-3p, thus upregulating PCNA. In conclusion, the current outcome demonstrates that PCNA-AS1 may be a star molecule in the treatment of ESCC.