LncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 hinders the proliferation and facilitates apoptosis of ox-LDL-induced vascular smooth muscle cells via the ceRNA network of CDKN2B-AS1/miR-126-5p/PTPN7

Non-coding RNAs to treat vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction

Vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) dysfunction is a critical contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, restenosis and vein graft failure. Recent advances have unveiled a fascinating range of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in regulating vSMC function. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying vSMC dysfunction and the therapeutic potential of various ncRNAs in mitigating this dysfunction, either preventing or reversing it. We explore the intricate interplay of microRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, shedding light on their roles in regulating key signalling pathways associated with vSMC dysfunction. We also discuss the prospects and challenges associated with developing ncRNA-based therapies for this prevalent type of cardiovascular pathology. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non-coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc.

LncRNA uc003pxg.1 Interacts With miR-339-5p Promote Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenesis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p in regulating the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease.

METHODS

First, the expression levels of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p were verified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of clinical samples. Then, the target gene was identified using high-throughput sequencing combined with bioinformatics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with si-uc003pxg.1, miR-339-5p mimic and miR-339-5p inhibitor, and the expression of related genes was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. EdU, CCK-8, Cell scratch and Transwell assays were used to analyze the effects of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p on cell proliferation and migration.

RESULTS

The expression of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p was negatively correlated in clinical samples and HUVECs. The si-uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p mimic decreased the proliferation and migration of HUVECs and decreased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The protein expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD31, collagen I, collagen III and endoglin were decreased, and angiogenesis was weakened. The miR-339-5p inhibitor had the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that upregulation of uc003pxg.1 and downregulation of miR-339-5p in vitro promote cell proliferation, cell migration and angiogenesis and upregulate the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD31, collagen I, collagen III and endoglin, which may lead to the development of vascular atherosclerosis.

Role of long noncoding RNAs in diabetes-associated peripheral arterial disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that heightens the risks of many vascular complications, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Various types of cells, including but not limited to endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and macrophages (MΦs), play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DM-PAD. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are epigenetic regulators that play important roles in cellular function, and their dysregulation in DM can contribute to PAD. This review focuses on the developing field of lncRNAs and their emerging roles in linking DM and PAD. We review the studies investigating the role of lncRNAs in crucial cellular processes contributing to DM-PAD, including those in ECs, VSMCs, and MΦ. By examining the intricate molecular landscape governed by lncRNAs in these relevant cell types, we hope to shed light on the roles of lncRNAs in EC dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and vascular remodeling contributing to DM-PAD. Additionally, we provide an overview of the research approach and methodologies, from identifying disease-relevant lncRNAs to characterizing their molecular and cellular functions in the context of DM-PAD. We also discuss the potential of leveraging lncRNAs in the diagnosis and therapeutics for DM-PAD. Collectively, this review provides a summary of lncRNA-regulated cell functions contributing to DM-PAD and highlights the translational potential of leveraging lncRNA biology to tackle this increasingly prevalent and complex disease.

lincRNA00907 promotes NASH progression by targeting miRNA-942-5p/TAOK1

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to examine the involvement of lincRNA00907 in the advancement of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

METHODS

The examination was conducted to assess the expression of linc00907 in liver tissues from NASH patients and healthy individuals. High-fat diets induced NASH in mouse models, while palmitic acid/oleic acid treatment was used to create in vitro cell models. Various techniques, such as qRT-PCR, Oil Red O staining and gene knockdown/overexpression, were used to assess the impact of linc00907 on genes related to lipid metabolism and immunity, as well as intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to confirm the connection between miRNA-942-5p and linc00907 or TAOK1 mRNA.

RESULTS

Linc00907 was found to be significantly upregulated in both NASH patients and NASH mouse models. Overexpression of linc00907 led to an increase in intracellular lipid accumulation, while knockdown of linc00907 resulted in decreased lipid content. It was found that miRNA-942-5p binds with linc00907, and their interaction was confirmed in dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, TAOK1 was predicted to be a downstream target of miRNA-942-5p, and the upregulation of TAOK1 due to linc00907 was reversed by miRNA-942-5p overexpression. linc00907 overexpression reduces apoptosis but can be reversed by TAOK1 knockdown. The reduction of TAOK1 counteracted the impact of linc00907 on gene expression associated with lipid metabolism and immunity, as well as on the accumulation of intracellular lipids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggests that linc00907 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sequestering miRNA-942-5p, thus increasing the expression of TAOK1 and encouraging lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, leading to the aggravation of NASH development. Targeting the linc00907/miRNA-942-5p/TAOK1 axis may hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of NASH.

Sex differences in the genetic and molecular mechanisms of coronary artery disease

Sex differences in coronary artery disease (CAD) presentation, risk factors and prognosis have been widely studied. Similarly, studies on atherosclerosis have shown prominent sex differences in plaque biology. Our understanding of the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive these differences remains fragmented and largely understudied. Through reviewing genetic and epigenetic studies, we identified more than 40 sex-differential candidate genes (13 within known CAD loci) that may explain, at least in part, sex differences in vascular remodeling, lipid metabolism and endothelial dysfunction. Studies with transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing data from atherosclerotic plaques highlight potential sex differences in smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell biology. Especially, phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells seems to play a crucial role in female atherosclerosis. This matches the known sex differences in atherosclerotic phenotypes, with men being more prone to lipid-rich plaques, while women are more likely to develop fibrous plaques with endothelial dysfunction. To unravel the complex mechanisms that drive sex differences in CAD, increased statistical power and adjustments to study designs and analysis strategies are required. This entails increasing inclusion rates of women, performing well-defined sex-stratified analyses and the integration of multi-omics data.

Analysis of shared ceRNA networks and related-hub genes in rats with primary and secondary photoreceptor degeneration

Introduction

Photoreceptor degenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive death of photoreceptor cells, resulting in irreversible visual impairment. However, the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in photoreceptor degeneration is unclear. We aimed to explore the shared ceRNA regulation network and potential molecular mechanisms between primary and secondary photoreceptor degenerations.

Methods

We established animal models for both types of photoreceptor degenerations and conducted retina RNA sequencing to identify shared differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Using ceRNA regulatory principles, we constructed a shared ceRNA network and performed function enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses to identify hub genes and key pathways. Immune cell infiltration and drug-gene interaction analyses were conducted, and hub gene expression was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

We identified 37 shared differentially expressed lncRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 247 mRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network consisting of 3 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 109 mRNAs. Furthermore, we examined 109 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through functional annotation, PPI analysis, and regulatory network analysis. We discovered that these diseases shared the complement and coagulation cascades pathway. Eight hub genes were identified and enriched in the immune system process. Immune infiltration analysis revealed increased T cells and decreased B cells in both photoreceptor degenerations. The expression of hub genes was closely associated with the quantities of immune cell types. Additionally, we identified 7 immune therapeutical drugs that target the hub genes.

Discussion

Our findings provide new insights and directions for understanding the common mechanisms underlying the development of photoreceptor degeneration. The hub genes and related ceRNA networks we identified may offer new perspectives for elucidating the mechanisms and hold promise for the development of innovative treatment strategies.

Pathogenesis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) causes ∼170 000 deaths annually worldwide. Most guidelines recommend asymptomatic small AAAs (30 to <50 mm in women; 30 to <55 mm in men) are monitored by imaging and large asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured AAAs are considered for surgical repair. Advances in AAA repair techniques have occurred, but a remaining priority is therapies to limit AAA growth and rupture. This review outlines research on AAA pathogenesis and therapies to limit AAA growth. Genome-wide association studies have identified novel drug targets, e.g. interleukin-6 blockade. Mendelian randomization analyses suggest that treatments to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors and smoking reduction or cessation are also treatment targets. Thirteen placebo-controlled randomized trials have tested whether a range of antibiotics, blood pressure-lowering drugs, a mast cell stabilizer, an anti-platelet drug, or fenofibrate slow AAA growth. None of these trials have shown convincing evidence of drug efficacy and have been limited by small sample sizes, limited drug adherence, poor participant retention, and over-optimistic AAA growth reduction targets. Data from some large observational cohorts suggest that blood pressure reduction, particularly by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, could limit aneurysm rupture, but this has not been evaluated in randomized trials. Some observational studies suggest metformin may limit AAA growth, and this is currently being tested in randomized trials. In conclusion, no drug therapy has been shown to convincingly limit AAA growth in randomized controlled trials. Further large prospective studies on other targets are needed.

Long non-coding RNAs: The growth controller of vascular smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular diseases

The active proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells supports the healing of vessel damage while their abnormal aggression or destitution contribute to the aberrant intima-medial structure and function in various cardiovascular diseases, so the understanding of the proliferation disorders of vascular smooth muscle cell and the related mechanism is the basis of effective intervention and control for cardiovascular diseases. Recently, long non-coding RNAs have stood out as upstream switchers for multiple proliferative signaling pathways and molecules, and many of them have been shown to conduce to the dysregulated proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells under various pathogenic stimuli. This article discusses the long non-coding RNAs disclosed and linked to atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, and aneurysms, and focuses upon their modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell population affecting three deadly cardiovascular diseases.

Introducing Circulating Vasculature-Related Transcripts as Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic plaque is considered the hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary atherosclerosis (CAS), the primary pathogenesis in coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops and progresses through a complex interplay between immune cells, vascular cells, and endothelial shear stresses. Early diagnosis of CAS is critical for avoiding plaque rupture and sudden death. Therefore, identifying new CAD biomarkers linked to vessel wall functions, such as RNA molecules with their distinct signature, is a promising development for these patients. With this rationale, the present study investigated the expression level of the vascular-related RNA transcripts (lncRNA ANRIL, miRNA-126-5p, CDK4, CDK6, TGF-β, E-cadherin, and TNF-α) implicated in the cellular vascular function, proliferation, and inflammatory processes.

METHODS

A case-control study design with a total of 180 subjects classified participants into two groups; CAD and control groups. The relative expression levels of the seven transcripts under study-selected using online bioinformatics tools and current literature-were assessed in the plasma of all study participants using RT-qPCR. Their predictive significance testing, scoring of disease prioritization, enrichment analysis, and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was investigated.

RESULTS

The relative expression levels of all seven of the circulating vascular-related transcripts under study were statistically significant between CAD patients and controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results indicated the statistical significance of all the transcripts under study with CDK4 showing the highest area under the curve (AUC) equivalent to 0.91, followed by E-cadherin (0.90), miRNA-126-5p (0.83), ANRIL (0.82), TNF-α (0.63), TGF-β (0.62), and CDK6 (0.59), in descending order. A strong association was detected between most of the transcripts studied in CAD patients with a significant Spearman's correlation coefficient with a two-tailed significance of p < 0.001. Network analysis revealed a strong relationship between the five circulating vasculature transcripts studied and their target miRNAs and miR-126-5p, but not for ANRIL.

CONCLUSION

The seven circulating vascular-related RNA transcripts under study could serve as potential CAD biomarkers, reflecting the cellular vascular function, proliferation, and inflammatory processes in CAD patients. Therefore, blood transcriptome analysis opens new frontiers for the non-invasive diagnosis of CAD.

Polymorphism rs2383207 of CDKN2B-AS and Susceptibility to Atherosclerosis: A Mini Review

We conducted this meta-analysis to estimate associations between CDKN2B antisense (CDKN2B-AS) rs2383207 polymorphism and susceptibility to atherosclerosis. A systematic literature research of Google Scholar and PubMed was performed to identify eligible studies. Overall, eight studies were included for meta-analyses. The association was assessed by statistical odds' ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan software (Cochrane Collaboration, 5.3. Copenhagen) was used for the meta-analysis. Pooled overall analyses showed that rs2383207 polymorphism was associated with the risk of atherosclerosis in the whole population. Additional analyses by ethnicity revealed that rs2383207 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to atherosclerosis in Asians and Caucasians. Our results suggest that rs2383207, might serve as genetic biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Further, studies will be required to confirm the observed association.

New developments in non-exosomal and exosomal ncRNAs in coronary artery disease

Aim & methods: Non-exosomal and exosomal ncRNAs have been reported to be involved in the regulation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, to explore the biological effects of non-exosomal/exosomal ncRNAs in CAD, the authors searched for studies published in the last 3 years on these ncRNAs in CAD and summarized their functions and mechanisms. Results: The authors summarized 120 non-exosomal ncRNAs capable of regulating CAD progression. In clinical studies, 47 non-exosomal and nine exosomal ncRNAs were able to serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of CAD. Conclusion: Non-exosomal/exosomal ncRNAs are not only able to serve as biomarkers for CAD diagnosis but can also regulate CAD progression through ceRNA mechanisms and are a potential target for early clinical intervention in CAD.

LncRNA ANRIL-mediated miR-181b-5p/S1PR1 axis is involved in the progression of uremic cardiomyopathy through activating T cells

This study aimed to explore the regulatory role of lncRNA ANRIL/miR-181b-5p/S1PR1 in UC. UC mouse model was established by 5/6th nephrectomy. We detected body weight, serum levels of renal function and inflammatory factors (biochemical analyzer/ELISA), and cardiac parameters (echocardiography). HE and Masson staining showed the pathological changes and fibrosis in myocardial and nephridial tissues. The expression of ANRIL, miR-181b-5p, and S1PR1 were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot/immunofluorescence. T cells activation was analyzed by Flow cytometry. ANRIL/S1PR1 were up-regulated and miR-181b-5p was down-regulated in UC mice. ANRIL silencing up-regulated miR-181b-5p and down-regulated S1PR1 (a target of miR-181b-5p). ANRIL silencing increased the body weight, recovered renal function [decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr)] and cardiac function [decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD), LV systolic anterior wall thickness (LVAWS), LV end-diastolic anterior wall thickness (LVAWD), myocardial performance index (MPI), and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT); increased LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LVEF/MPI, fractional shortening (FS), and E- and A-waves (E/A)], inhibited the inflammation [decreased interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α], and relieved pathological injuries and fibrosis. ANRIL silencing also recovered the viability and inhibited the inflammation of activated T cells in vitro, and inhibited T cell activation in UC mice in vivo. In addition, miR-181b-5p overexpression exhibited same effects with ANRIL silencing in UC. ANRIL silencing inhibited T cell activation through regulating miR-181b-5p/S1PR1, contributing to the remission of UC.

LncRNA MDRL Mitigates Atherosclerosis through miR-361/SQSTM1/NLRP3 Signaling

Objective

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play many important roles in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. Here, we sought to determine that mitochondrial dynamic related lncRNA (MDRL) modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and protects arteries against atherosclerosis.

Methods

In vivo experiments, we applied LDLR knockout (LDLR^−/−) mice fed the high-fat diet to investigate the effects of MDRL on atherosclerosis. In vitro experiments, we applied mouse aortic smooth muscle cells to determine the mechanism of MDRL in abrogating NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibiting cell apoptosis through miR-361/sequentosome 1 (SQSTM1) by TUNEL staining, quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, microribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Downregulated MDRL and increased NLRP3 were observed in mouse atherosclerotic plaques, accompanied with the increase of miR-361. The results showed that MDRL overexpression significantly attenuated the burden of atherosclerotic plaque and facilitated plaque stability through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cell apoptosis, and vice versa. Mechanically, MDRL suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and VSMC apoptosis via suppressing miR-361. Furthermore, miR-361 directly bound to the 3'UTR of SQSTM1 and inhibited its translation, subsequently activating NLRP3 inflammasome. Systematic delivery of miR-361 partly counteracted the beneficial effects of MDRL overexpression on atherosclerotic development in LDLR^−/− mice.

Conclusions

In summary, MDRL alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis in VSMCs through miR-361/SQSTM1/NLRP3 pathway during atherogenesis. These data indicate that MDRL and inhibition of miR-361 represent potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis-related diseases.

Long non-coding RNAs: Modulators of phenotypic transformation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) are longer than 200 nucleotides and cannot encode proteins but can regulate the expression of genes through epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional modifications. The pathophysiology of smooth muscle cells can lead to many vascular diseases, and studies have shown that lncRNAs can regulate the phenotypic conversion of smooth muscle cells so that smooth muscle cells proliferate, migrate, and undergo apoptosis, thereby affecting the development and prognosis of vascular diseases. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA as a signal, bait, stent, guide, and other functions to regulate the phenotypic conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells, and summarizes the role of lncRNAs in regulating vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis, hypertension, aortic dissection, vascular restenosis, and aneurysms, providing new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.

IL-1β promotes A7r5 and HASMC migration and invasion via the p38-MAPK/Angpt-2 pathway

The migration, proliferation, and inflammatory factor secretion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are involved in the important pathological processes of several vascular occlusive diseases, including coronary atherosclerosis (CAS). Interleukin 1β(IL-1β), as a bioactive mediator of VSMC synthesis and secretion, can promote the pathological progress of CAS. In this study, we further explored the underlying molecular mechanisms by which IL-1β regulates VSMC migration, invasion. We pretreated A7r5 and HASMC with IL-1β for 24 h, and measured the expression of IL-1β, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP9) in the cells by Western blotting. Cell migration and invasion ability were measured by Transwell and wound healing assays. Cell viability was measured by an MTT assay. We found that IL-1β upregulated the expression of proliferation-related proteins (PCNA and Cyclin D1) in A7r5 and HASMC, and induces the secretion of MMP2 and MMP9, promotes cell invasion and migration. In addition, in A7r5 and HASMCs treated with IL-1β, the expression of Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) increased in a time-dependent manner, transfection with si-Angpt-2 suppressed cell migration and invasion, with downregulated MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Parallelly, we further found that the p38-MAPK pathway is activated in cells induced by IL-1β, p38-MAPK inhibitors can down-regulate the expression of Angpt-2. Collectively, these data demonstrated that IL-1β promotes A7r5 and HASMC migration and invasion via the p38-MAPK/Angpt-2 pathway.

Potential of ATP5MG to Treat Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome-associated cardiovascular disease (MetS-CVD) is a cluster of metabolism-immunity highly integrated diseases. Emerging evidence hints that mitochondrial energy metabolism may be involved in MetS-CVD development. The physiopathological role of ATP5MG, a subunit of the F0 ATPase complex, has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we selected ATP5MG to identify the immunity-mediated pathway and mine drugs targeting this pathway for treating MetS-CVD. Using big data from public databases, we dissected co-expressed RNA (coRNA), competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), and interacting RNA (interRNA) genes for ATP5MG.

Results

It was identified that ATP5MG may form ceRNA with COX5A through hsa-miR-142-5p and interplay with NDUFB8, SOD1, and MDH2 through RNA–RNA interaction under the immune pathway. We dug out 251 chemicals that may target this network and identified some of them as clinical drugs. We proposed five medicines for treating MetS-CVD. Interestingly, six drugs are being tested to treat COVID-19, which unexpectedly offers a new potential host-targeting antiviral strategy.

Conclusion

Collectively, we revealed the potential significance of the ATP5MG-centered network for developing drugs to treat MetS-CVD, which offers insights into the epigenetic regulation for metabolism-immunity highly integrated diseases.

Non-coding RNAs Regulate the Pathogenesis of Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal cardiovascular disease. It is caused by a rupture of the aortic intima or bleeding of the aortic wall that leads to the separation of different aortic wall layers. Patients with untreated AD have a mortality rate of 1–2% per hour after symptom onset. Therefore, effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets are needed to reduce AD-associated mortality. With the development of molecular technology, researchers have begun to explore the pathogenesis of AD at gene and protein levels, and have made some progress, but the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been identified as basic regulators of gene expression and are found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, providing a theoretical basis for developing these non-coding RNAs as clinical biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for AD in the future. Previous studies on the pathogenesis of AD focused on miRNAs, but recently, there have been an increasing number of studies that explore the role of lncRNAs, and circRNAs in AD. This review summarizes the existing knowledge on the roles of various non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of AD, discusses their potential role as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets, states the limitations of existing evidence, and recommends future avenues of research on the pathogenesis of AD.

Epigenetic Biomarkers Screening of Non-Coding RNA and DNA Methylation Based on Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Smokers

This study aims to use bioinformatics methods to determine the epigenetic changes in microRNA expression and DNA methylation caused by cigarette smoking. The data of mRNA, miRNA expression, and methylation microarray were obtained from the GEO database to filter differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and methylated CpG probes (DMPs) through the limma package. The R clusterProfile package was used for functional annotation and enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the String database and visualized in Cytoscape software. Starbase database was employed to predict lncRNA and CirRNA based on the sequence of miRNA, and to establish a regulatory network of ceRNA. By overlapping DEG and DEM, 107 down-miRNA-targeted up-regulated genes and 65 up-miRNA-target down-regulated genes were obtained, which were mainly enriched in autophagy signaling pathways and protein ubiquitination pathways, respectively. In addition, 324 genes with low methylation and high expression and 204 genes with high methylation and low expression were respectively related to the degeneration of the nervous system and the function of the cardiovascular system. Interestingly, 43 genes were up-regulated under the dual regulation of reduced miRNA and hypomethylation, while 14 genes were down-regulated under the dual regulation of increased miRNA and hypermethylation. Ten chemicals have been identified as putative therapeutic agents for pathological conditions caused by smoking. In addition, among these genes, HSPA4, GRB2, PRKCA, and BCL2L1 could play a fundamental role in related diseases caused by smoking and may be used as the biomarkers for precise diagnosis and targets for future therapies of smoking-related diseases.

Mechanism of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR in Nucleus Pulposus Cell Autophagy and Apoptosis in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Objective

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) contributes to cervical and lumbar diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in IDD. This study explored the mechanism of lncRNA HOTAIR in IDD.

Methods

Normal and degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were isolated from NP tissues obtained in intervertebral disc surgery. Cell morphology was observed by immunocytochemistry staining and toluidine blue staining. NP cell markers were detected by RT-qPCR. Proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. Autophagosome was observed by monodansylcadaverine fluorescence staining. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. si-HOTAIR and/or miR-148a inhibitor was introduced into degenerative NP cells. Binding relationships among HOTAIR, miR-148a, and PTEN were predicted and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down. Finally, IDD rat models were established. Rat caudal intervertebral discs were assessed by HE staining. Expressions of HOTAIR, miR-148a, and PTEN were determined by RT-qPCR.

Results

HOTAIR was highly expressed in degenerative NP cells (p < 0.05). si-HOTAIR inhibited degenerative NP cell apoptosis and autophagy (p < 0.05). HOTAIR upregulated PTEN as a sponge of miR-148a. miR-148a was poorly expressed in degenerative NP cells. miR-148a deficiency partially reversed the inhibition of si-HOTAIR on degenerative NP cell autophagy and apoptosis (all p < 0.05). In vivo assay confirmed that si-HOTAIR impeded autophagy and apoptosis in intervertebral disc tissues, thus improving pathological injury in IDD rats (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

LncRNA HOTAIR promoted NP cell autophagy and apoptosis via promoting PTEN expression as a ceRNA of miR-148a in IDD.

Identification of Two Long Non-Coding RNAs AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 as Biomarkers of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Logistic Stepwise Regression Prediction Model

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a global health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the possible long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) biomarkers of CHD. The lncRNA- and mRNA-related data of patients with CHD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE113079). The limma package was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs (DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs, respectively). Then, miRcode, TargetScan, miRDB, and miRTarBase databases were used to form the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Furthermore, SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used to construct a logistic stepwise regression prediction model for CHD diagnosis based on DElncRNAs. Of the microarray data, 70% was used as a training set and 30% as a test set. Moreover, a validation cohort including 30 patients with CHD and 30 healthy controls was used to verify the hub lncRNA expression through real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). A total of 185 DElncRNAs (114 upregulated and 71 downregulated) and 382 DEmRNAs (162 upregulated and 220 downregulated) between CHD and healthy controls were identified from the microarray data. Furthermore, through bioinformatics prediction, a 38 lncRNA-21miRNA-40 mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. Next, by constructing a logistic stepwise regression prediction model for 38 DElncRNAs, we screened two hub lncRNAs AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 98.41%, 100%, and 0.995, respectively, for the training set and 93.33%, 91.67%, and 0.983, respectively, for the test set. We further verified the significant upregulation of AC010082.1 (p < 0.01) and AC011443.1 (p < 0.05) in patients with CHD using RT-qPCR in the validation cohort. Our results suggest that lncRNA AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 are potential biomarkers of CHD. Their pathological mechanism in CHD requires further validation.