N6-methyladenosine-modified long non-coding RNA AGAP2-AS1 promotes psoriasis pathogenesis via miR-424-5p/AKT3 axis

Long Non-Coding RNA AGAP2-AS1: A Comprehensive Overview on Its Biological Functions and Clinical Significances in Human Cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known for their oncogenic or anti-oncogenic roles in cancer development. AGAP2-AS1, a new lncRNA, has been extensively demonstrated as an oncogenic lncRNA in various cancers. Abundant experimental results have proved the aberrantly high level of AGAP2-AS1 in a great number of malignancies, such as glioma, colorectal, lung, ovarian, prostate, breast, cholangiocarcinoma, bladder, colon and pancreatic cancers. Importantly, the biological functions of AGAP2-AS1 have been extensively demonstrated. It could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Simultaneously, the clinical significances of AGAP2-AS1 were also illustrated. AGAP2-AS1 was exceptionally overexpressed in various cancer tissues. Clinical studies disclosed that the abnormal overexpression of AGAP2-AS1 was tightly connected with overall survival (OS), lymph nodes metastasis (LNM), clinical stage, tumor infiltration, high histological grade (HG), serous subtype and PFI times. However, to date, the biological actions and clinical significances of AGAP2-AS1 have not been systematically reviewed in human cancers. In the present review, the authors overviewed the biological actions, potential mechanisms and clinical features of AGAP2-AS1 according to the previous studies. In summary, AGAP2-AS1, as a vital oncogenic gene, is a promising biomarker and potential target for carcinoma prognosis and therapy.

Exploring the impact of m6A modification on immune diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implication

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a chemical modification of RNA and has become a widely discussed topic among scientific researchers in recent years. It is distributed in various organisms, including eukaryotes and bacteria. It has been found that m6A is composed of writers, erasers and readers and is involved in biological functions such as splicing, transport and translation of RNA. The balance of the human immune microenvironment is important for human health abnormalities. Increasing studies have found that m6A affects the development of immune diseases such as inflammatory enteritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by participating in the homeostatic regulation of the immune microenvironment in vivo. In this manuscript, we introduce the composition, biological function, regulation of m6A in the immune microenvironment and its progression in various immune diseases, providing new targets and directions for the treatment of immune diseases in clinical practice.

LncRNA MIR181A2HG inhibits keratinocytes proliferation through miR-223-3p/SOX6 axis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a complex and recurrent chronic inflammatory skin disease, and the abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an indispensable role in regulating cellular functions. This research aims to explore the potential impact of lncRNA MIR181A2HG on the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation.

METHODS

The expression level of MIR181A2HG and the mRNA level of KRT6, KRT16, and SOX6 were assessed using qRT-PCR. The viability and proliferation of keratinocytes were evaluated using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to test the interaction among MIR181A2HG/miR-223-3p/SOX6. Protein level was detected by Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

The findings indicated that psoriasis lesions tissue exhibited lower levels of MIR181A2HG expression compared to normal tissue. The overexpression of MIR181A2HG resulted in the inhibition of HaCaT keratinocytes proliferation. The knockdown of MIR181A2HG promoted cell proliferation. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments provided evidence of the interaction among MIR181A2HG, SOX6, and miR-223-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

The lncRNA MIR181A2HG functions as a miR-223-3p sponge targeting SOX6 to regulate the proliferation of keratinocytes, which suggested that MIR181A2HG/miR-223-3p/SOX6 might be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for psoriasis.

Construction and validation of m6A-related diagnostic model for psoriasis

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in numerous biological processes in both normal and diseased states. Herein, we aimed to explore the potential role of m6A regulators in the diagnosis of psoriasis and predict molecular mechanisms by which m6A regulators impact psoriasis.

Methods

GSE30999 (170 human skin tissue samples) and GSE13355 (180 human skin tissue samples) were downloaded as the training analysis dataset and validation dataset respectively. M6A-related genes were obtained from the literature and their expression levels in GSE30999 samples were measured to identify M6A-related DEGs between psoriasis lesions (LS) and non-lesional lesions (NL). We identified m6A-related DEGs using differential expression analysis and assessed their interactions through correlation analysis and network construction. A logistic regression analysis followed by LASSO optimization was employed to select m6A-related DEGs for the construction of a diagnostic model. The performance of the model was validated using support vector machine (SVM) methodology with sigmoid kernel function and extensive cross-validation. Additionally, the correlation between m6A-related DEGs and immune cell infiltration was analyzed, as well as the association of these DEGs with psoriasis subtypes. Functional analysis of the m6A-related DEGs included the construction of regulatory networks involving miRNAs, transcription factors (TFs), and small-molecule drugs. The m6A modification patterns were also explored by examining the gene expression differences between psoriasis subtypes and their enriched biological pathways. Finally, the expression of significant m6A regulators involved in the diagnostic model was examined by RT-qPCR.

Results

In this study, ten optimal m6A-related DEGs were identified, including FTO, IGF2BP2, METTL3, YTHDC1, ZC3H13, HNRNPC, IGF2BP3, LRPPRC, YTHDC2, and HNRNPA2B1. A diagnostic model based on these m6A-related DEGs was constructed, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) in GSE30999 and GSE13355 of 0.974 and 0.730, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression level of m6A regulators verified by RT-qPCR was consistent with the results in GSE30999. The infiltration of activated mast cells and NK cells was significantly associated with all ten m6A-related DEGs in psoriasis. Among them, YTHDC1, HNRNPC, and FTO were targeted by most miRNAs and were regulated by nine related TFs. Therefore, patients may benefit from dorsomorphin and cyclosporine therapy. Between the two subgroups, 1,592 DEGs were identified, including LRPPRC and METTL3. These DEGs were predicted to be involved in neutrophil activation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and chemokine signaling pathways.

Conclusions

A diagnostic model based on ten m6A-related DEGs in patients with psoriasis was constructed, which may provide early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for psoriasis.

A bibliometrics study on the status quo and hot topics of pathogenesis of psoriasis based on Web of Science

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease. Great progress has been made in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in recent years, but there is no bibliometric study on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to use bibliometrics method to analyze the research overview and hot spots of pathogenesis of psoriasis in recent 10 years, so as to further understand the development trend and frontier of this field.

METHODS

The core literatures on the pathogenesis of psoriasis were searched in the Web of Science database, and analyzed by VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix in terms of the annual publication volume, country, institution, author, journal, keywords, and so on.

RESULTS

A total of 3570 literatures were included. China and the United States were the main research countries in this field, and Rockefeller University was the main research institution. Krueger JG, the author, had the highest number of publications and the greatest influence, and Boehncke (2015) was the most cited local literature. J INVEST DERMATOL takes the top spot in terms of the number of Dermatol articles and citation frequency. The main research hotspots in the pathogenesis of psoriasis are as follows: (1) The interaction between innate and adaptive immunity and the related inflammatory loop dominated by Th17 cells and IL-23/IL-17 axis are still the key mechanisms of psoriasis; (2) molecular genetic studies represented by Long Non-Coding RNA (LncRNA); (3) integrated research of multi-omics techniques represented by gut microbiota; and (4) Exploring the comorbidity mechanism of psoriasis represented by Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).

CONCLUSION

This study is a summary of the current research status and hot trend of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which will provide some reference for the scholars studying the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

RNA N6-methyladenosine methylation and skin diseases

Skin diseases are global health issues caused by multiple pathogenic factors, in which epigenetics plays an invaluable role. Post-transcriptional RNA modifications are important epigenetic mechanism that regulate gene expression at the genome-wide level. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification that occurs in the messenger RNAs (mRNA) of most eukaryotes, which is installed by methyltransferases called "writers", removed by demethylases called "erasers", and recognised by RNA-binding proteins called "readers". To date, m6A is emerging to play essential part in both physiological processes and pathological progression, including skin diseases. However, a systematic summary of m6A in skin disease has not yet been reported. This review starts by illustrating each m6A-related modifier specifically and their roles in RNA processing, and then focus on the existing research advances of m6A in immune homeostasis and skin diseases.

Signaling pathways and targeted therapies for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and inflammatory skin disease with a high burden on individuals, health systems, and society worldwide. With the immunological pathologies and pathogenesis of psoriasis becoming gradually revealed, the therapeutic approaches for this disease have gained revolutionary progress. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of less common forms of psoriasis remain elusive. Furthermore, severe adverse effects and the recurrence of disease upon treatment cessation should be noted and addressed during the treatment, which, however, has been rarely explored with the integration of preliminary findings. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind psoriasis pathogenesis, which might offer new insights for research and lead to more substantive progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for psoriasis treatment. In this review, we looked to briefly introduce the epidemiology, clinical subtypes, pathophysiology, and comorbidities of psoriasis and systematically discuss the signaling pathways involving extracellular cytokines and intracellular transmission, as well as the cross-talk between them. In the discussion, we also paid more attention to the potential metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms of psoriasis and the molecular mechanistic cascades related to its comorbidities. This review also outlined current treatment for psoriasis, especially targeted therapies and novel therapeutic strategies, as well as the potential mechanism of disease recurrence.

Do RNA modifications contribute to modulation of immune responses in allergic diseases?

RNA modifications have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation, playing vital roles in cellular physiology and the development of various diseases. While the investigation of RNA modifications has seen significant advancements, the exploration of their implication in allergic diseases has been comparatively overlooked. Allergic reactions, including hay fever, asthma, eczema and food allergies, result from hypersensitive immune responses, affecting a considerable population worldwide. Despite the high prevalence, the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses remain partially understood. The potential role of RNA modifications in modulating the hypersensitive immune responses has yet to be fully elucidated. This mini-review seeks to shed light on potential connections between RNA modifications and allergy, highlighting recent findings and potential future research directions. By expanding our understanding of the complex interplay between RNA modifications and allergic responses, we hope to unlock new avenues for allergy diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.

The dysregulation of lncRNAs by epigenetic factors in human pathologies

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contributes to numerous human diseases, including cancers and autoimmune diseases (ADs). Given the importance of lncRNAs in disease initiation and progression, a deeper understanding of their complex regulatory network is required to facilitate their use as therapeutic targets for ADs. In this review, we summarize how lncRNAs are dysregulated in pathological states by epigenetic factors, including RNA-binding proteins, chemical modifications (N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, 7-methylguanosine, adenosine-to-inosine editing, microRNA, alternative splicing, DNA methylation, and histone modification). Moreover, the roles of lncRNA epigenetic regulators in immune response and ADs are discussed, providing new insights into the complicated epigenetic factor-lncRNA network, thus, laying a theoretical foundation for future research and clinical application of lncRNAs.

Downregulation of circ_0024028 inhibits IL-22-induced keratinocyte proliferation and migration by miR-486-3p/AKT3 axis

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been confirmed to participate in psoriasis process, but the role of circ_0024028 in psoriasis development is still unclear. Interleukin 22 (IL-22)-induced keratinocytes (HaCaT) were used to construct psoriasis cell models in vitro. The expression of circ_0024028, microRNA (miR)-486-3p and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell function was assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay. Protein expression was examined using western blot analysis. RNA interaction was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Exosomes were isolated from cell culture medium using ultracentrifugation and examined by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Circ_0024028 was highly expressed in psoriasis lesions and IL-22-induced HaCaT cells, and its silencing could inhibit IL-22-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and migration. MiR-486-3p could be sponged by circ_0024028, and its inhibitor restored the functions of circ_0024028 knockdown on IL-22-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and migration. AKT3 was targeted by miR-486-3p, and its overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-486-3p on IL-22-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and migration. AKT3 expression was positively regulated by circ_0024028, and circ_0024028/miR-486-3p/AKT3 axis could regulate the activity of AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, exosomes mediated the transfer of circ_0024028 in cells. Circ_0024028 might be a potential target for psoriasis treatment, which knockdown repressed IL-22-induced keratinocytes proliferation and migration through miR-486-3p/AKT3 pathway.

Pathogenesis of psoriasis via miR-149-5p/AKT1axis by long noncoding RNA BLACAT1

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, complicated, and recurrent inflammatory skin disease, whose precise molecular mechanisms need to be further explored. The lncRNA bladder cancer-associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) is aberrantly expressed in many cancers and associated with cellular hyperproliferation and may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Thus, this study aimed at identifying the primary mechanism associated with BLACAT1 in psoriasis pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of BLACAT1 in psoriasis tissues. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using cell counting kit-8 and apoptosis assays, respectively. In vivo experiments and histopathological examinations were performed to investigate the effects of BLACAT1 on psoriasis. Dual-luciferase Reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to evaluate the relationship among BLACAT1 and miR-149-5p and AKT1.

RESULTS

BLACAT1 was upregulated in psoriasis tissues. Overexpression exacerbated the clinical manifestation of psoriasis and increased the epidermal thickness in imiquimod-induced mice. BLACAT1 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of keratinocytes. Further studies demonstrated that BLACAT1 positively regulated AKT1 expression, functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-149-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of lncRNA BLACAT1 and miR-149-5p regulates AKT1 expression and promotes psoriasis formation thus may provide a new direction for psoriasis treatment.

Pathogenesis, multi-omics research, and clinical treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease involving interactions between keratinocytes and immune cells that significantly affects the quality of life. It is characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and excessive infiltration of immune cells in the dermis and epidermis. The immune mechanism underlying this disease has been elucidated in the past few years. Research shows that psoriasis is regulated by the complex interactions among immune cells, such as keratinocytes, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, mast cells, and other immune cells. An increasing number of signaling pathways have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which has prompted the search for new treatment targets. In the past decades, studies on the pathogenesis of psoriasis have focused on the development of targeted and highly effective therapies. In this review, we have discussed the relationship between various types of immune cells and psoriasis and summarized the major signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK-STAT, JNK, and WNT pathways. In addition, we have discussed the results of the latest omics research on psoriasis and the epigenetics of the disease, which provide insights regarding its pathogenesis and therapeutic prospects; we have also summarized its treatment strategies and observations of clinical trials. In this paper, the various aspects of psoriasis are described in detail, and the limitations of the current treatment methods are emphasized. It is necessary to improve and innovate treatment methods from the molecular level of pathogenesis, and further provide new ideas for the treatment and research of psoriasis.

Critical role of m6A modification in T-helper cell disorders

Diseases with T-helper cell subset imbalance involve multiple systems and organs. In addition to this, the pathogenesis of these diseases is always complex, and involves Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and Tfh cells. T-helper cell subset imbalance mediates immune responses to various pathogenic factors, by secreting specific cytokines. Although several studies have revealed the specific mechanisms of the occurrence and development of these diseases from different aspects, there is still a need for more comprehensive and in-depth studies that can compensate for the corresponding gaps in the diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis of these diseases. N6-methyladenosine(m⁶A) modification is the most prevalent and abundant post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotic RNAs. In recent years, the critical role of m⁶A modification has been confirmed in multiple diseases with T-helper cell subset imbalance. m⁶A modification affects the immune cell development, inflammatory processes, biological behaviour of tumours, and immune response in these diseases. In this review, we focussed on how the enzymes involved in m⁶A modification, directly or indirectly, influence the pathogenesis and phenotype of various diseases with T-helper cell subset imbalance, and could therefore, serve as potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for these diseases. In addition, this review also discusses the focus of future research in this area. Finally, we summarise the prospects of m⁶A modification in immunotherapy and chemotherapy.