Differential expression levels of plasma microRNA in Hashimoto's disease

The Benefit of the Optimized Formula of Yinxieling in Psoriasis Vulgaris via Regulation on Autophagy Based on microRNA Expression Profile and Network Pharmacology Analysis

Background

Psoriasis is a widespread chronic, immune-mediated skin disease with frequent recurrences, and is extremely harmful to the physical and mental health of patients, causing enormous suffering and exerting considerable economic burdens on the health care system as a whole. In more than a decade of clinical use, the optimized formula of Yinxieling (PSORI-CM01) has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness for treating psoriasis. However, its underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored.

Methods

The network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the mechanism and protective effect of PSORI-CM01 in treating psoriasis. Subsequently, we collected blood samples from 21 patients with psoriasis as part of a randomized, double-blind, and double-dummy clinical trial for microRNA expression profiling. Finally, it was experimentally confirmed that PSORI-CM01 improved psoriasis by regulating miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p expression.

Results

As a result of the network pharmacology analysis, PSORI-CM01 improved psoriasis through the regulation of autophagy, cellular apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and anti-inflammatory processes. In the target-miRNA regulatory network, these key targets were mainly associated with the regulation of hsa-miR-20a-3p, hsa-miR-155-5p, has-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-328-3p and hsa-miR-124-3p. Based on the microRNA expression profiling results, the PSORI-CM01 treatment group exhibited five up-regulated genes and 16 down-regulated genes compared with the healthy control group. In particular, miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p were the primary differentially expressed microRNAs, and they were significantly enriched in the signaling pathways involving autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-inflammation. Further experiments confirmed that PSORI-CM01 effectively regulates miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p, resulting in increased autophagy.

Conclusion

We demonstrated by combining network pharmacology and clinical studies of miRNA expression profiles in PBMCs that PSORI-CM01 effectively modulated miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p, leading to an increase in autophagy and a decrease in keratinocyte proliferation.

A systematic review of dysregulated microRNAs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis

BACKGROUND

Plenty of evidence suggests that dysregulated microRNAs are linked to developing autoimmune thyroid diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify commonly linked dysregulated microRNAs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT) and explore microRNA-targeted genes and the involved pathways.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched using the MeSH terms and free text terms, which yielded 11879 articles published up to July 2023. Two-step screening(first for titles and second for abstracts) was completed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy was formulated using the PEO format(Population, Exposure, and Outcome) for observational studies. The corresponding target genes and relevant signaling pathways were also identified using web servers of Diana Tools/its mirPath v.3 software, miRNA Enrichment Analysis, Mirpath DB2, miRPathDB 2.0, and miRmap.

RESULTS

Review inclusion criteria were met by 16 studies. Thirty-three microRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in HT patients compared to a healthy control after qRT-PCR or RNA sequencing confirmation. Only three miR-146a, miR-142, and miR-301 showed significant results in more than two studies comparing HT cases with healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Three key microRNAs in HT were identified by systematic review; the corresponding target genes and signaling pathways involved in the target genes were also identified. These microRNAs regulate the immune response and inflammation and may favor the development and progression of HT. These data may be beneficial to make a step forward to understand the exact etiology of HT and use of these MicroRNAs as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and as target therapy.

MicroRNAs in autoimmune thyroid diseases and their role as biomarkers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They are emerging as potential biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for several diseases including autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). They control a wide range of biological phenomena, including immune activation, apoptosis, differentiation and development, proliferation and metabolism. This function makes miRNAs attractive as disease biomarker candidates or even as therapeutic agents. Because of their stability and reproducibility circulating miRNAs have been an interesting area of research in many diseases, and studies describing their role in the immune response and in autoimmune diseases have progressively developed. The mechanisms underlying AITD remain elusive. AITD pathogenesis is characterized by a multifactorial interplay based on the synergy between susceptibility genes and environmental stimulation, together with epigenetic modulation. Understanding the regulatory role of miRNAs could lead to identify potential susceptibility pathways, diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disease. Herein we update our present knowledge on the role of microRNAs in AITD and discuss on their importance as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the most prevalent AITDs: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO). This review provides an overview of the state of the art in the pathological roles of microRNAs as well as in possible novel miRNA-based therapeutic approaches in AITD.

Expression Profiles of miR-22-5p and miR-142-3p Indicate Hashimoto’s Disease and Are related to Thyroid Antibodies

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder of the thyroid (AITD) and characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies evoked by a, to date, not fully understood dysregulation of the immune system. Autoreactive lymphocytes and inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland can impair or enhance thyroid hormone secretion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which can play a pivotal role in immune functions and the development of autoimmunity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the expression of 9 selected miRNAs related to immunological functions differ in patients with HT compared to healthy controls. MiRNA profiles were analysed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 24 patients with HT and 17 healthy controls. Systemic expressions of miR-21-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-22-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-301-3p and miR-451 were significantly upregulated in patients with HT (p ≤ 0.01) and were suitable to discriminate between HT and healthy controls in AUC analysis. Altered expressions of miR-22-5p and miR-142-3p were associated with higher levels of thyroid antibodies, suggesting their contribution to the pathogenesis of HT.

PlasmiR: A Manual Collection of Circulating microRNAs of Prognostic and Diagnostic Value

Only recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were found to exist in traceable and distinctive amounts in the human circulatory system, bringing forth the intriguing possibility of using them as minimally invasive biomarkers. miRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that act as potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Extensive studies in cancer and other disease landscapes investigate the protective/pathogenic functions of dysregulated miRNAs, as well as their biomarker potential. A specialized resource amassing experimentally verified, circulating miRNA biomarkers does not exist. We queried the existing literature to identify articles assessing diagnostic/prognostic roles of miRNAs in blood, serum, or plasma samples. Articles were scrutinized in order to exclude instances lacking sufficient experimental documentation or employing no biomarker assessment methods. We incorporated information from more than 200 biomedical articles, annotating crucial meta-information including cohort sizes, inclusion-exclusion criteria, disease/healthy confirmation methods and quantification details. miRNAs and diseases were systematically characterized using reference resources. Our circulating miRNA biomarker collection is provided as an online database, plasmiR. It consists of 1021 entries regarding 251 miRNAs and 112 diseases. More than half of plasmiR's entries refer to cancerous and neoplastic conditions, 183 of them (32%) describing prognostic associations. plasmiR facilitates smart queries, emphasizing visualization and exploratory modes for all researchers.

Identification of a novel microRNA profile including miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93 in the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastasis often leads to poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Evidence has indicated the important roles of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to identify and verify the key miRNAs that might be involved in the development of NPC metastasis.

METHODS

Microarray data were obtained and analyzed to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between NPC tissues with metastasis and those without metastasis. The target genes of the DEMs were predicted and their functions were annotated. Then, candidate hub genes were screened out through protein-protein interaction analysis, and the key miRNAs were identified. Afterwards, the expression levels of the key miRNAs were assessed by qRT-PCR based on an in vitro model.

RESULTS

A total of 22 DEMs were screened out, and 616 target genes were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes may be enriched in a diversity of GO terms and signaling pathways. Among them, eleven hub genes were identified, such as PTEN, KAT2B, CCND1, STAT3, and MAP3K5. Moreover, a five-miRNA profile (miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93) was identified and their expression levels were tested to be up-regulated in high-metastatic NPC cells relative to low-metastatic ones.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that five miRNAs (miR-106b, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-18a and miR-93) and several hub genes such as PTEN, KAT2B, CCND1, STAT3, and MAP3K5, might play critical roles in the development of NPC metastasis. Future investigations are needed to confirm the results.

Dysregulation of non-coding RNAs in autoimmune thyroid disease

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a complex disorder with both genetic and environmental risk factors. A number of genetic factors such as HLA and CTLA-4 loci have been associated with risk of this disorder. In addition to these factors, recent studies have shown contribution of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of this condition. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) and a number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as IFNG-AS1, Heg, NR_038461, NR_038462, T204821 and NR_104125 have been dysregulated in peripheral blood of patients with AITD. These transcripts are mostly enriched in pathways that modulate humoral and cellular immune responses such as those associated with antigen presentation and differentiation of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells. Functional studies verified the role of a number of lncRNAs and miRNAs in regulation of critical immune-related pathways in AITD. Thus, they participate in the pathophysiology of AITD. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed participation of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of AITD.

Emerging Roles for Noncoding RNAs in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is one of the most frequent autoimmune disorders. However, the pathogenesis of AITD has not been fully elucidated. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that abnormal expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) is closely related to the etiopathogenesis of AITD. microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are 3 major groups of ncRNAs that are attracting increasing attention. Herein, we summarized our present knowledge on the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in AITD. This review focused on the importance of ncRNAs in development of the most prevalent AITD, such as Hashimoto disease and Graves' diseases. Altogether, the main purpose of this review is to provide new insights in the pathogenesis of AITD and the possibility of developing novel potential therapeutic targets.

Circulating microRNA Expression Profiling Identifies miR-125a-5p Promoting T Helper 1 Cells Response in the Pathogenesis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of cellular processes by suppressing target mRNAs at the posttranscriptional level. However, little is known regarding the expression of miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients. Therefore, 38 HT patients and 36 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study to identify HT-mediated changes in miRNA expression. Over 1,000 dysregulated miRNAs and their biological functions in the HT patients were identified. Among them, miR-125a-5p expression was upregulated and inversely correlated with low levels of MAF, a transcription factor that inhibits Th1 cells activity and the production of IFN-γ. Luciferase assay results demonstrated that MAF is a direct target gene of miR-125a-5p. Moreover, the proportion of circulating Th1 cells and the transcript levels of IFN-γ were increased in the HT patients. MiR-125a-5p expression positively correlated with the proportion of circulating Th1 cells and the serum concentrations of anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies in the HT patients. Interestingly, knockdown of miR-125a-5p in CD4⁺ T cells resulted in an elevated level of MAF but decreased the proportion of Th1 cells and the transcript level of IFN-γ in vitro. Furthermore, upregulated miR-125a-5p and IFN-γ transcript levels and downregulated MAF expression were detected in thyroid tissues from HT patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggested that miR-125a-5p has a crucial role in the HT. Our results demonstrate that the elevated levels of miR-125a-5p contribute to the Th1 cells response in the HT patients and may be involved in the pathogenesis of HT.

MiR-20a-3p regulates TGF-β1/Survivin pathway to affect keratinocytes proliferation and apoptosis by targeting SFMBT1 in vitro

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the exact etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Evidence is rapidly accumulating for the role of microRNAs in psoriasis. It has been demonstrated that Interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays vital role in T cell-mediated immune response by interacting with keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of our study was to explore the possible functional role of miR-20a-3p in psoriasis and in IL-22 induced keratinocyte proliferation. Here, we found that miR-20a-3p was down-regulated in psoriatic lesions and in HaCaT cells (human keratinocyte cell line) treated by IL-22 stimulation. Functional experiments showed that overexpression of miR-20a-3p in HaCaT cells suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis while its knockdown promoted cell proliferation and reduces cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, SFMBT1 was identified as the direct target of miR-20a-3p by dual luciferase reporter assay. SFMBT1 knockdown was demonstrated to inhibit cell growth and induced apoptosis, which was consistent with the function of miR-20a-3p upregulation in HaCaT cells. In addition, results of western blot analysis showed that miR-20a-3p upregulation or SFMBT1 knockdown changed the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and survivin. Our findings suggest that miR-20a-3p play roles through targeting SFMBT1 and TGF-β1/Survivin pathway in HaCaT cells, and loss of miR-20a-3p in psoriasis may contribute to hyperproliferation and aberrant apoptosis of keratinocytes.