MiR-18a-5p contributes to enhanced proliferation and migration of PASMCs via targeting Notch2 in pulmonary arterial hypertension

OPN silencing reduces hypoxic pulmonary hypertension via PI3K-AKT-induced protective autophagy

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a pulmonary vascular disease primarily characterized by progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling in a hypoxic environment, posing a significant clinical challenge. Leveraging data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and human autophagy-specific databases, osteopontin (OPN) emerged as a differentially expressed gene, upregulated in cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Despite this association, the precise mechanism by which OPN regulates autophagy in HPH remains unclear, prompting the focus of this study. Through biosignature analysis, we observed significant alterations in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in PAH-associated autophagy. Subsequently, we utilized an animal model of OPNfl/fl-TAGLN-Cre mice and PASMCs with OPN shRNA to validate these findings. Our results revealed right ventricular hypertrophy and elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension model mice. Notably, these effects were attenuated in conditionally deleted OPN-knockout mice or OPN-silenced hypoxic PASMCs. Furthermore, hypoxic PASMCs with OPN shRNA exhibited increased autophagy compared to those in hypoxia alone. Consistent findings from in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that OPN inhibition during hypoxia reduced PI3K expression while increasing LC3B and Beclin1 expression. Similarly, PASMCs exposed to hypoxia and PI3K inhibitors had higher expression levels of LC3B and Beclin1 and suppressed AKT expression. Based on these findings, our study suggests that OPNfl/fl-TAGLN-Cre effectively alleviates HPH, potentially through OPN-mediated inhibition of autophagy, thereby promoting PASMCs proliferation via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Consequently, OPN emerges as a novel therapeutic target for HPH.

Holistic expression of miR-17-92 cluster in obesity, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes

miR-17-92 cluster encodes six micro RNAs (miRNAs) and plays a crucial role in the regulation of various cellular processes. Aberrant expression of this cluster may result in the onset of several diseases. Initially, the role of miR-17-92 cluster in tumorigenesis was discovered but recent research has also uncovered its role in other diseases. Members of the cluster may serve as potential biomarkers in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of several diseases and their complications. In this article, we have reviewed the recent research carried out on the expression pattern of miR-17-92 cluster in non-communicable diseases i.e., obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), kidney diseases (KD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). We examined miR-17-92 role in pathological processes and their potential importance as biomarkers. Each member of the cluster miR-17-92 was upregulated in obesity. miR-18a, miR-19b-3p, miR20a, and miR92a were significantly upregulated in CVD. An equal fraction of the cluster was dysregulated (upregulated and downregulated) in diabetes; however, miR-17-92 was downregulated in most studies on CKD.

Critical miRNAs in regulating pulmonary hypertension: A focus on Signaling pathways and therapeutic Targets

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is complex disease as a result of obstructive pulmonary arterial remodeling, which in turn results in elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and subsequent right ventricular heart failure, eventually leading to premature death. However, there is still a lack of a diagnostic blood-based biomarker and therapeutic target for PH. Because of the difficulty of diagnosis, new and more easily accessible prevention and treatment strategy are being explored. New target and diagnosis biomarkers should also allow for early diagnosis. In biology, miRNAs are short endogenous RNA molecules that are not coding. It is known that miRNAs can regulate gene expression and affect a variety of biological processes. Besides, miRNAs have been proven to be a crucial factor in PH pathogenesis. miRNAs have various effects on pulmonary vascular remodeling and are expressed differentially in various pulmonary vascular cells. Nowadays, it has been shown to be critical in the functions of different miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of miRNAs regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling is of great importance to explore new therapeutic targets of PH and improve the survival qualify and time of patients. This review is focused on the role, mechanism, and potential therapeutic targets of miRNAs in PH and puts forward possible clinical treatment strategies.

Interleukin-6 and pulmonary hypertension: from physiopathology to therapy

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, pulmonary vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PH is complex and remains unclear. Existing studies have suggested that inflammatory factors are key factors in PH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Current studies reveal that IL-6 is elevated in the serum of patients with PH and it is negatively correlated with lung function in those patients. Since IL-6 is one of the most important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation in PH, signaling mechanisms targeting IL-6 may become therapeutic targets for this disease. In this review, we detailed the potential role of IL-6 in accelerating PH process and the specific mechanisms and signaling pathways. We also summarized the current drugs targeting these inflammatory pathways to treat PH. We hope that this study will provide a more theoretical basis for targeted treatment in patients with PH in the future.

Mechanism of Hypoxia-Mediated Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Leading to Vascular Remodeling

Vascular remodeling refers to changes in the size, contraction, distribution, and flow rate of blood vessels and even changes in vascular function. Vascular remodeling can cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It can also lead to other systemic diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and ascites of broilers. Hypoxia is one of the main causes of vascular remodeling. Prolonged hypoxia or intermittent hypoxia can lead to loss of lung ventilation, causing respiratory depression, irregular respiratory rhythms, and central respiratory failure. Animals that are unable to adapt to the highland environment are also prone to sustained constriction of the small pulmonary arteries, increased resistance to pulmonary circulation, and impaired blood circulation, leading to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure if they live in a highland environment for long periods of time. However, limited studies have been found on the relationship between hypoxia and vascular remodeling. Therefore, this review will explore the relationship between hypoxia and vascular remodeling from the aspects of endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal calcium channel, disordered cellular metabolism, abnormal expression of miRNA, and other factors. This will help to understand the detailed mechanism of hypoxia-mediated smooth muscle cell proliferation and vascular remodeling for the better treatment and management of diseases due to vascular remodeling.

Identification of potential key molecules and signaling pathways for psoriasis based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the pathogenesis of which is more complicated and often requires long-term treatment. In particular, moderate to severe psoriasis usually requires systemic treatment. Psoriasis is also associated with many diseases, such as cardiometabolic diseases, malignant tumors, infections, and mood disorders. Psoriasis can appear at any age, and lead to a substantial burden for individuals and society. At present, psoriasis is still a treatable, but incurable, disease. Previous studies have found that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in the progression of various diseases. Currently, miRNAs studies in psoriasis and dermatology are relatively new. Therefore, the identification of key miRNAs in psoriasis is helpful to elucidate the molecular mechanism of psoriasis.

AIM

To identify key molecular markers and signaling pathways to provide potential basis for the treatment and management of psoriasis.

METHODS

The miRNA and mRNA data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Then, differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened out by limma R package. Subsequently, DEmRNAs were analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics functional enrichment. The “WGCNA” R package was used to analyze the co-expression network of all miRNAs. In addition, we constructed miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks based on identified hub miRNAs. Finally, in vitro validation was performed. All experimental procedures were approved by the ethics committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital (S2021-012-01).

RESULTS

A total of 639 DEmRNAs and 84 DEmiRNAs were identified. DEmRNAs screening criteria were adjusted P (adj. P) value < 0.01 and |logFoldChange| (|logFC|) > 1. DEmiRNAs screening criteria were adj. P value < 0.01 and |logFC| > 1.5. KEGG functional analysis demonstrated that DEmRNAs were significantly enriched in immune-related biological functions, for example, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and chemokine signaling pathway. In weighted gene co-expression network analysis, turquoise module was the hub module. Moreover, 10 hub miRNAs were identified. Among these 10 hub miRNAs, only 8 hub miRNAs predicted the corresponding target mRNAs. 97 negatively regulated miRNA-mRNA pairs were involved in the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, for example, hsa-miR-21-5p-claudin 8 (CLDN8), hsa-miR-30a-3p-interleukin-1B (IL-1B), and hsa-miR-181a-5p/hsa-miR-30c-2-3p-C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9). Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that IL-1B and CXCL9 were up-regulated and CLDN8 was down-regulated in psoriasis with statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The identification of potential key molecular markers and signaling pathways provides potential research directions for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of psoriasis. This may also provide new research ideas for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis in the future.

miR-18a-5p Reduces Inflammatory Response and Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells Permeability by Targeting Thrombospondin 1 in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a skin disease that has an acute attack when patient encounters an allergen. Previous research demonstrated that microRNA (miRNA) has a crucial role in CIU occurrence and development. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-18a-5p in CIU. StarBase and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) was a direct target of miR-18a-5p. miR-18a-5p negatively regulated THBS1 expression in human mast cell line HMC-1 and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). Further analysis indicated that miR-18a-5p mimic significantly reduced inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release, decreased the degranulation rate and histamine release rate of HMC-1 cells. Besides, we found that miR-18a-5p reduced the permeability of HDMECs by suppressing THBS1 expression. Finally, the data indicated that miR-18a-5p inhibited the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD family member 3 (Smad3) signaling pathway in HDMECs by inhibiting the expression of THBS1. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-18a-5p reduced inflammation and human skin microvascular endothelial cell permeability in CIU by targeting THBS1. miR-18a-5p might be a new target for CIU treatment.

MiR-34a-3p suppresses pulmonary vascular proliferation in acute pulmonary embolism rat by targeting DUSP1

BACKGROUND

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a prevalent reason of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have underscored the positive effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) on many diseases. The present study aimed to identify the critical miRNA with differential expressions and explore its role in APE.

METHODS

The critical miRNA with its target gene was screened by bioinformatics analysis. Their binding relationship was analyzed by TargetScan, Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. A rat model of APE was established by self-blood coagulum. Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) for excessive proliferation, and transfected with miR-34a-3p mimic. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) of rat was measured, and the pulmonary tissues were used for the pathological observation by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and EdU assays. The expressions of miR-34a-3p with its target genes (including dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1)), neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or/and Western blot.

RESULTS

MiR-34a-3p expression was down-regulated in APE patients, which attenuated the increment of mPAP and thickening of the pulmonary arterial walls in APE rats, accompanied with regulation of NOR-1 and PCNA levels. MiR-34a-3p suppressed DUSP1 expression by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region (UTR), and attenuated cell viability, proliferation, and the expressions of NOR-1 and PCNA in PDGF-BB-induced PASMCs by inhibiting DUSP1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Up-regulated miR-34a-3p negatively regulates DUSP1 expression to inhibit PASMC proliferation, which, thus, may act on APE treatment by negatively regulating pulmonary vascular proliferation.

A critical appraisal of the circulating levels of differentially expressed microRNA in endometriosis†

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition characterized by estrogen dependence, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and diagnostic delay of between 5.4 and 12 years. Despite extensive study, no biomarker, either alone or in combination with other markers, has proven superior to laparoscopy for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Recent studies report that circulating levels of differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in women with endometriosis compared with controls are potential diagnostic tools. However, the lack of replication and absence of validated differential expression in novel study populations have led some to question the diagnostic value of miRNA. To elucidate potential reasons for the lack of replication of study results and explore future directions to enhance replicability of circulating miRNA results, we carried out an electronic search of the miRNA literature published between 2000 and 2020. Eighteen studies were identified in which 63 different miRNAs were differentially expressed in the circulation of women with endometriosis compared with controls. However, the differential expressions of only 14 miRNAs were duplicated in one or more studies. While individual miRNAs lacked diagnostic value, miRNA panels yielded sensitivity and specificity equal to or better than laparoscopy in five studies. Important differences in study design, sample processing, and analytical methods were identified rendering direct comparisons across studies problematic and could account for the lack of reproducibility of study results. We conclude that while the results of miRNA studies to date are encouraging, refinements to study design and analytical methods should enhance the reliability of circulating miRNA for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Novel molecular insights and public omics data in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality which mainly affects women of reproductive age. Despite recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, the high heterogeneity in the presentation of the disease among different patients makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and to apply this knowledge to effective treatments. Therefore, new studies are required to focus on translational and personalized medicine to overcome the lack of specificity and efficacy of current management. Here, we review the majority of public databases storing 'omics' data of pulmonary hypertension studies, from animal models to human patients. Moreover, we review some of the new molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including non-coding RNAs and the application of 'omics' data to understand this pathology, hoping that these new approaches will provide insights to guide the way to personalized diagnosis and treatment.

MicroRNA‑153 attenuates hypoxia‑induced excessive proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells by targeting ROCK1 and NFATc3

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of microRNA (miR)‑153 on the proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in a hypoxic condition by targeting ρ‑associated, coiled‑coil‑containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 3 (NFATc3). The right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, medial wall thickness and medial wall area were studied at different time‑points after rats were exposed to hypoxia. Western blot analysis was used to detect ROCK1 and NFATc3 protein levels. In addition, reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q) PCR was performed to confirm the mRNA levels of miR‑153, ROCK1 and NFATc3 in human (H)PASMCs under hypoxic conditions. Transfected cells were then used to evaluate the effect of miR‑153 on cell proliferation and migration abilities. The association between miR‑153 and ROCK1 or NFATc3 was identified through double luciferase assays. Hypoxia induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension, which resulted from the abnormal proliferation of HPASMCs. ROCK1 and NFATc3 were the target genes of miR‑153 and miR‑153 mimic inhibited the protein expressions of ROCK1 and NFATc3 in HPASMCs and further inhibited cell proliferation and migration under hypoxic conditions. By contrast, the miR‑153 inhibitor promoted the proliferation and migration of HPASMCs. miR‑153 regulated the proliferation and migration of HPASMCs under hypoxia by targeting ROCK1 and NFATc3.

Epigenetic Regulation of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Induced Vascular and Right Ventricular Remodeling: New Opportunities?

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease with high impact on patients’ quality of life and currently no available cure. PAH is characterized by constant remodeling of the pulmonary artery by increased proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), fibroblasts (FBs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This remodeling eventually leads to increased pressure in the right ventricle (RV) and subsequent right ventricle hypertrophy (RVH) which, when left untreated, progresses into right ventricle failure (RVF). PAH can not only originate from heritable mutations, but also develop as a consequence of congenital heart disease, exposure to drugs or toxins, HIV, connective tissue disease or be idiopathic. While much attention was drawn into investigating and developing therapies related to the most well understood signaling pathways in PAH, in the last decade, a shift towards understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving the disease occurred. In this review, we reflect on the different epigenetic regulatory factors that are associated with the pathology of RV remodeling, and on their relevance towards a better understanding of the disease and subsequently, the development of new and more efficient therapeutic strategies.