Involvement of miR-30c in hepatic stellate cell activation through the repression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

The role of microRNAs in the modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts activity during pancreatic cancer pathogenesis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the deadliest of the common cancers. A major hallmark of PDAC is an abundant and dense fibrotic stroma, the result of a disproportionate deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main mediators of PDAC desmoplasia. CAFs represent a heterogenous group of activated fibroblasts with different origins and activation mechanisms. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with critical activity during tumour development and resistance to chemotherapy. Increasing evidence has revealed that miRNAs play a relevant role in the differentiation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs in PDAC. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the role of miRNAs in the activation of CAFs during the progression of PDAC and its response to therapy, as well as the potential role that PDAC-derived exosomal miRNAs may play in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and formation of liver metastasis. Since targeting of CAF activation may be a viable strategy for PDAC therapy, and miRNAs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets, understanding the biology underpinning miRNA-mediated tumour cell-CAF interactions is an important component in guiding rational approaches to treating this deadly disease.

The mechanisms of renin-angiotensin system in hepatocellular carcinoma: From the perspective of liver fibrosis, HCC cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, and corresponding protection measures

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, of which the occurrence and development involve a variety of pathophysiological processes, such as liver fibrosis, hepatocellular malignant proliferation, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis. Some important cytokines, such as TGF-β, PI3K, protein kinase B (Akt), VEGF and NF-κB, can regulate the growth, proliferation, diffusion, metastasis, and apoptosis of HCC cells by acting on the corresponding signaling pathways. Besides, many studies have shown that the formation of HCC is closely related to the main components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), such as Ang II, ACE, ACE2, MasR, AT1R, and AT2R. Therefore, this review focused on liver fibrosis, HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and corresponding protective measures. ACE-Ang II-AT1 axis and ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-MasR axis were taken as the main lines to introduce the mechanism of RAS in the occurrence and development of HCC, so as to provide references for future clinical work and scientific research.

MicroRNA in dried blood spots from patients with Aagenaes syndrome and evaluation of pre-analytical and analytical factors

BACKGROUND

Circulatory miRNAs are promising biomarkers. The feasibility of using miRNA from dried blood spots (DBS) was investigated using newborn screening cards from patients with cholestasis-lymphedema syndrome (Aagenaes syndrome) and controls.

METHODS

Total amount of miRNA and specific miRNAs from DBS were analyzed. miRNA was also obtained from newborn screening cards in patients with cholestasis-lymphedema syndrome/Aagenaes syndrome and in healthy newborns.

RESULTS

No differences in miRNA concentrations were found between multispotted samples and samples with one single drop of blood and between central and peripheral punches. Ten repeated freeze-thaw cycles did not significantly change miRNA levels from controls. miR-299 (1.73-fold change, p = 0.034) and miR-365 (1.46-fold change, p = 0.011) were upregulated and miR-30c (0.72-fold change, p = 0.0037), miR-652 (0.85-fold change, p = 0.025), and miR-744 (0.72-fold change, p = 0.0069) were downregulated in patients with Aagenaes syndrome at birth compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs were not affected by multispotting or punch location and were stable throughout repeated freeze-thaw cycles. miRNA in dried blood spots could be used to detect differential expression of miRNA in newborns with Aagenaes syndrome and healthy controls in newborn screening cards. Dried blood spots may be a useful source to explore circulating miRNA as biomarkers.

IMPACT

Circulating miRNAs can be useful biomarkers. miRNAs from dried blood spots were not affected by multispotting or punch location and were stable throughout repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Discrimination between patients and controls are allowed even with few individuals. Early after birth, patients with cholestasis-lymphedema syndrome exhibit miRNA profiles associated with liver fibrosis. This study demonstrated that newborn screening cards may be a useful source for studying miRNA as the technical variability is smaller than biological variation.

Elevation of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 promotes differentiation of Cancer Stem-like Cell state by Hepatitis C Virus infection

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a critical factor that regulates protein synthesis and degradation. The increased PAI-1 levels are detectable in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease. The differentiation state and motility of HCV-induced cancer stem-like cells (CSC) play a major role in severe liver disease progression. However, the role of PAI-1 in the pathological process of chronic liver diseases remains unknown. In this study, we determined how PAI-1 affects the differentiation of CSC state in hepatocytes upon HCV infection. We found that HCV infection induced the expression of PAI-1 while decreasing miR-30c expression in Huh7.5.1 cells. Similar results were obtained from isolated hepatocytes from humanized liver mice after HCV infection. Moreover, decreased miR-30c expression in HCV-infected hepatocytes was associated with the increased levels of PAI-1 mRNA and protein. Notably, the increased PAI-1 levels resulted in the activation of Protein Kinase B/AKT, a major mediator of cell proliferation, in HCV-infected hepatocytes along with the increased expression of CSC markers such as Human Differentiated Protein (CD) 133, Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Octamer 4 (Oct4), Nanog, Cyclin D1, and MYC. Moreover, blockade of PAI-1 activity by miR-30c mimic and anti-PAI-1 mAb abrogated the AKT activation with decreased expression of CSC markers. Our findings suggest that HCV infection induces the CSC state via PAI-1-mediated AKT activation in hepatocytes. It implicates that the manipulation of PAI-1 activity could provide potential therapeutics to prevent the development of HCV-associated chronic liver diseases.IMPORTANCEThe progression of chronic liver disease by HCV infection is considered a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the major causes of death from cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that increased CSC properties in HCV-infected hepatocytes are associated with the progression of HCC. Since proteins and miRNAs production by HCV-infected hepatocytes can play various roles in physiological processes, investigating these factors can potentially lead to new therapeutic targets. However, the mechanism of HCV associated progression of hepatocytes to CSC remains unclear. Here we identify the roles of PAI-1 and miR-30c in the progression of CSC during HCV infection in hepatocytes. Our data shows that increased secretion of PAI-1 following HCV infection promotes this CSC state and activation of AKT. We report that the inhibition of PAI-1 by miR-30c mimic reduces HCV associated CSC properties in hepatocytes. Taken together, targeting this interaction of secreted PAI-1 and miR-30c in HCV-infected hepatocytes may provide a potential therapeutic intervention against the progression to chronic liver diseases and HCC.

MicroRNA‑219 overexpression serves a protective role during liver fibrosis by targeting tumor growth factor β receptor 2

Progressive liver fibrosis is the primary cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and leads to considerable morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are associated with fibrotic processes in liver disorders, although the exact role of miR-219 remains unclear and the relevant mechanisms remain to be completely understood. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to demonstrate the functional implications of miR-219 expression during liver fibrosis. The present study reported that miR-219 exhibited significantly reduced expression in serum from patients and that its expression was negatively associated with clinical stage. It was also demonstrated that miR-219 attenuated angiotensin II-induced expression of pro-fibrotic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin, atlastin GTPase 1 and collagen. Additionally, a CCl4-induced mouse liver injury model was used to demonstrate that miR-219 strongly suppressed liver fibrosis in vivo. Furthermore, the present study identified tumor growth factor β receptor 2 (TGFBR2) as a direct target gene of miR-219. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that miR-219 may regulate pro-fibrotic markers by directly targeting the TGFBR2 gene and the miR-219/TGFBR2 signaling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.

MicroRNA-335-5p suppresses lower extremity deep venous thrombosis by targeted inhibition of PAI-1 via the TLR4 signalingpathway

This study aims to investigate the effects of microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) on lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) by targeting PAI-1 through the TLR4 signaling pathway in rat models. siRNA, mimic, and inhibitor were used for transfection. The miR-335-5p expression was detected by in situ hybridization. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were adopted to detect proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, respectively. Scratch test and Matrigel-based tube formation assay were used to detect the effect of miR-335-5p on cell migration ability and tube formation ability. A miR-335-5p lentivirus plasmid was constructed and injected into LEDVT rats. The length and weight of thrombus were measured, changes of thrombus recanalization were observed by CD34 immunohistochemistry, and levels of PAI-1 and inflammatory factors in femoral vein blood were detected by ELISA. LEDVT rats showed a higher AOD value of PAI-1, higher expression of PAI-1, NF-κB, Rac1, IL-1β, and TLR4 and a lower miR-335-5p expression. PAI-1 and miR-335-5p were negatively correlated. Compared to the blank and siRNA-NC groups, the miR-335-5p mimic and siRNA-PAI-1 groups showed declined expression of PAI-1, TLR4, NF-κB, Rac1, and IL-1β, increased proliferation and tube formation abilities, less cells in G0/G1 phase, and decreased apoptosis, decreased length and weight of thrombus, organized thrombus, increased new blood vessels, and decreased levels of PAI-1, IL-1, IL-6, and Tnf-a. miR-335-5p may suppress the occurrence and development of LEDVT in rats by repressing the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway by targeted inhibition of PAI-1.

MiR-142-3p blocks TGF-β-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells through targeting TGFβRI

AIM

To understand the contribution of miR-142-3p in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis, and the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We detected microRNAs expression profiles in quiescent and activated HSCs by microRNA-array, and performed qRT-PCR to validate these data in HSCs and plasma of cirrhosis patients. In vitro, the 3rd-5th passage HSCs was transfected with mir-142-3p mimics or stimulated with TGF β. The markers of HSCs activation (i.e. FN and α-SMA) were examined by qRT-PCR and western blotting, and cell viability was detected by MTT, colony formation assays respectively.

KEY FINDING

In our study, we identified miR-142-3p as a novel regulator of HSCs activation and indicator of hepatic cirrhosis. We found that miR-142-3p was significantly reduced in activated HSCs, while TGFβRI was distinctly up-regulated in activated HSCs. Ectopic expression of miR-142-3p in activated HSCs inhibited cell viability as well as cell growth, and blocked HSCs activation, concomitant with decreased transdifferentiation markers (i.e. FN and α-SMA). Further, we confirmed that miR-142-3p was reduced upon TGF-β exposure, while diminishing TGF-β-Smad signaling pathway in turn by reducing TGFβRI expression in HSCs. Besides, the plasma level of miR-142-3p declined significantly in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, we demonstrated that miR-142-3p repressed TGF-β-Smad signaling pathway to prevent HSCs activation through directly targeting TGFβRI in HSCs.

MircoRNA-145 promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells via targeting krüppel-like factor 4

Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4), a target gene of miR-145, can negatively regulate lung fibrosis. However, the potential role of KLF4 and miR-145 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation or in hepatic fibrosis keeps unclear. This study aims to characterize miR-145 and KLF4 in activated HSCs and liver cirrhotic, and the underlying molecular basis. miR-145 was significantly up-regulated, while KLF4 was dramatically down-regulated during the activation of rat primary HSCs and TGF-βtreated HSCs. Furthermore, miR-145 mimics induced and inhibition of miR-145 reduced α-SMA and COL-I expression in primary HSCs. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of KLF4 in the liver of cirrhotic patients and rats were significantly down-regulated. α-SMA and COL-I were increased after inhibition of KLF4 by specific shRNA in primary HSCs. Forced KLF4 expression led to a reduction of α-SMA and COL-I expression in HSCs. miR-145 promotes HSC activation and liver fibrosis by targeting KLF4.

Comparative proteomics of paired vocal fold and oral mucosa fibroblasts

Injuries of the vocal folds frequently heal with scar formation, which can have lifelong detrimental impact on voice quality. Current treatments to prevent or resolve scars of the vocal fold mucosa are highly unsatisfactory. In contrast, the adjacent oral mucosa is mostly resistant to scarring. These differences in healing tendency might relate to distinct properties of the fibroblasts populating oral and vocal fold mucosae. We thus established the in vitro cultivation of paired, near-primary vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) and oral mucosa fibroblasts (OMF) to perform a basic cellular characterization and comparative cellular proteomics. VFF were significantly larger than OMF, proliferated more slowly, and exhibited a sustained TGF-β1-induced elevation of pro-fibrotic interleukin 6. Cluster analysis of the proteomic data revealed distinct protein repertoires specific for VFF and OMF. Further, VFF displayed a broader protein spectrum, particularly a more sophisticated array of factors constituting and modifying the extracellular matrix. Conversely, subsets of OMF-enriched proteins were linked to cellular proliferation, nuclear events, and protection against oxidative stress. Altogether, this study supports the notion that fibroblasts sensitively adapt to the functional peculiarities of their respective anatomical location and presents several molecular targets for further investigation in the context of vocal fold wound healing.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mammalian vocal folds are a unique but delicate tissue. A considerable fraction of people is affected by voice problems, yet many of the underlying vocal fold pathologies are sparsely understood at the molecular level. One such pathology is vocal fold scarring - the tendency of vocal fold injuries to heal with scar formation -, which represents a clinical problem with highly suboptimal treatment modalities. This study employed proteomics to obtain comprehensive insight into the protein repertoire of vocal fold fibroblasts, which are the cells that predominantly synthesize the extracellular matrix in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Protein profiles were compared to paired fibroblasts from the oral mucosa, a neighboring tissue that is remarkably resistant to scarring. Bioinformatic analyses of the data revealed a number of pathways as well as single proteins (e.g. ECM-remodeling factors, transcription factors, enzymes) that were significantly different between the two fibroblast types. Thereby, this study has revealed novel interesting molecular targets which can be analyzed in the future for their impact on vocal fold wound healing.

miR-27a attenuates adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis in steroid-induced rat BMSCs by targeting PPARγ and GREM1

The imbalance between adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating adipogenesis and osteogenesis. In this study, we established a steroid-induced ONFH rat model to identify the potential relevant miRNAs. We identified 9 up-regulated and 28 down-regulated miRNAs in the ONFH rat model. Of these, miR-27a was down-regulated and negatively correlated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and gremlin 1 (GREM1) expression. Further studies confirmed that PPARγ and GREM1 were direct targets of miRNA-27a. Additionally, adipogenic differentiation was enhanced by miR-27a down-regulation, whereas miRNA-27a up-regulation attenuated adipogenesis and promoted osteogenesis in steroid-induced rat BMSCs. Moreover, miRNA-27a up-regulation had a stronger effect on adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in steroid-induced rat BMSCs than si-PPARγ and si-GREM1. In conclusion, we identified 37 differentially expressed miRNAs in the steroid-induced ONFH model, of which miR-27a was down-regulated. Our results showed that miR-27a up-regulation could inhibit adipogenesis and promote osteogenesis by directly targeting PPARγ and GREM1. Thus, miR-27a is likely a key regulator of adipogenesis in steroid-induced BMSCs and a potential therapeutic target for ONFH treatment.