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Xu W, Liu J, Qi H, Si R, Zhao Z, Tao Z, Bai Y, Hu S, Sun X, Cong Y, Zhang H, Fan D, Xiao L, Wang Y, Li Y, Du Z. A lineage-resolved cartography of microRNA promoter activity in C. elegans empowers multidimensional developmental analysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2783. [PMID: 38555276 PMCID: PMC10981687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the expression of microRNAs in developing single cells is critical for functional discovery. Here, we construct scCAMERA (single-cell cartography of microRNA expression based on reporter assay), utilizing promoter-driven fluorescent reporters in conjunction with imaging and lineage tracing. The cartography delineates the transcriptional activity of 54 conserved microRNAs in lineage-resolved single cells throughout C. elegans embryogenesis. The combinatorial expression of microRNAs partitions cells into fine clusters reflecting their function and anatomy. Notably, the expression of individual microRNAs exhibits high cell specificity and divergence among family members. Guided by cellular expression patterns, we identify developmental functions of specific microRNAs, including miR-1 in pharynx development and physiology, miR-232 in excretory canal morphogenesis by repressing NHR-25/NR5A, and a functional synergy between miR-232 and miR-234 in canal development, demonstrating the broad utility of scCAMERA. Furthermore, integrative analysis reveals that tissue-specific fate determinants activate microRNAs to repress protein production from leaky transcripts associated with alternative, especially neuronal, fates, thereby enhancing the fidelity of developmental fate differentiation. Collectively, our study offers rich opportunities for multidimensional expression-informed analysis of microRNA biology in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruolin Si
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiju Tao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shipeng Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haoye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Duchangjiang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Long Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhuo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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An Emerging Role for Epigenetics in Cerebral Palsy. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111187. [PMID: 34834539 PMCID: PMC8625874 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy is a set of common, severe, motor disabilities categorized by a static, nondegenerative encephalopathy arising in the developing brain and associated with deficits in movement, posture, and activity. Spastic CP, which is the most common type, involves high muscle tone and is associated with altered muscle function including poor muscle growth and contracture, increased extracellular matrix deposition, microanatomic disruption, musculoskeletal deformities, weakness, and difficult movement control. These muscle-related manifestations of CP are major causes of progressive debilitation and frequently require intensive surgical and therapeutic intervention to control. Current clinical approaches involve sophisticated consideration of biomechanics, radiologic assessments, and movement analyses, but outcomes remain difficult to predict. There is a need for more precise and personalized approaches involving omics technologies, data science, and advanced analytics. An improved understanding of muscle involvement in spastic CP is needed. Unfortunately, the fundamental mechanisms and molecular pathways contributing to altered muscle function in spastic CP are only partially understood. In this review, we outline evidence supporting the emerging hypothesis that epigenetic phenomena play significant roles in musculoskeletal manifestations of CP.
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Yedigaryan L, Sampaolesi M. Therapeutic Implications of miRNAs for Muscle-Wasting Conditions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113035. [PMID: 34831256 PMCID: PMC8616481 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that are mainly involved in translational repression by binding to specific messenger RNAs. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as biomarkers, relevant for a multitude of pathophysiological conditions, and cells can selectively sort miRNAs into extracellular vesicles for paracrine and endocrine effects. In the overall context of muscle-wasting conditions, a multitude of miRNAs has been implied as being responsible for the typical dysregulation of anabolic and catabolic pathways. In general, chronic muscle disorders are associated with the main characteristic of a substantial loss in muscle mass. Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of genetic diseases that cause muscle weakness and degeneration. Typically, MDs are caused by mutations in those genes responsible for upholding the integrity of muscle structure and function. Recently, the dysregulation of miRNA levels in such pathological conditions has been reported. This revelation is imperative for both MDs and other muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia and cancer cachexia. The expression levels of miRNAs have immense potential for use as potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Understanding the role of miRNAs in muscle-wasting conditions may lead to the development of novel strategies for the improvement of patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Yedigaryan
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Histology and Medical Embryology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Background Gastric cell carcinoma (GCC) is a common and high-incidence malignant gastrointestinal cancer that seriously threatens human life and safety. Evidences suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit an essential role in regulating the occurrence and development of GCC, while the effects and possible mechanisms remain to be further explored. Objective This study was designed to explore whether miR-200c-3p exerted its functional role in the growth and metastasis of GCC, and investigate the possible mechanisms. Methods The expression levels of miR-200c-3p in GCC tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR analysis. The functional role of miR-200c-3p in the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of GCC cells were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, the candidate targets of miR-200c-3p was predicted and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the relationship between miR-200c-3p and target (Krüppel like factor 6, KLF6) was assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. Besides, the expression levels of KLF6 in GCC cells were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. Furthermore, the role of KLF6 in the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of GCC cells mediated with miR-200c-3p mimics was evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and Transwell assays. Results In the present study, a new tumor promoting function of miR-200c-3p was disclosed in GCC. We found that the expression of miR-200c-3p was obviously increased in clinic GCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, down-regulation of miR-200c-3p suppressed cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in GCC cells. Moreover, KLF6 was verified as a direct target of miR-200c-3p by binding its 3’-UTR. Additionally, KLF6 was remarkably decreased and was negatively associated with the miR-200c-3p expression in GCC cell lines. Furthermore, over-expression of KLF6 retarded the effects of miR-200c-3p on the growth and metastasis of GCC cell lines. Conclusions MiR-200c-3p potentially played a tumor-promoting role in the occurrence and development of GCC, which may be achieved by targeting KLF6. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Dobrowolny G, Barbiera A, Sica G, Scicchitano BM. Age-Related Alterations at Neuromuscular Junction: Role of Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Modifications. Cells 2021; 10:1307. [PMID: 34074012 PMCID: PMC8225025 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With advancing aging, a decline in physical abilities occurs, leading to reduced mobility and loss of independence. Although many factors contribute to the physio-pathological effects of aging, an important event seems to be related to the compromised integrity of the neuromuscular system, which connects the brain and skeletal muscles via motoneurons and the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NMJs undergo severe functional, morphological, and molecular alterations during aging and ultimately degenerate. The effect of this decline is an inexorable decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition generally known as sarcopenia. Moreover, several studies have highlighted how the age-related alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis can contribute to changes in the neuromuscular junction morphology and stability, leading to the reduction in fiber number and innervation. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of epigenetic modifications in age-dependent alterations of the NMJ. In particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA-dependent gene expression represent the major epigenetic mechanisms that play a crucial role in NMJ remodeling. It is established that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise and nutrition that are susceptible to change during aging, can modulate epigenetic phenomena and attenuate the age-related NMJs changes. This review aims to highlight the recent epigenetic findings related to the NMJ dysregulation during aging and the role of physical activity and nutrition as possible interventions to attenuate or delay the age-related decline in the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (DAHFMO)-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Barbiera
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
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Brosnan CA, Palmer AJ, Zuryn S. Cell-type-specific profiling of loaded miRNAs from Caenorhabditis elegans reveals spatial and temporal flexibility in Argonaute loading. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2194. [PMID: 33850152 PMCID: PMC8044110 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22503-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellularity has coincided with the evolution of microRNAs (miRNAs), small regulatory RNAs that are integrated into cellular differentiation and homeostatic gene-regulatory networks. However, the regulatory mechanisms underpinning miRNA activity have remained largely obscured because of the precise, and thus difficult to access, cellular contexts under which they operate. To resolve these, we have generated a genome-wide map of active miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans by revealing cell-type-specific patterns of miRNAs loaded into Argonaute (AGO) silencing complexes. Epitope-labelled AGO proteins were selectively expressed and immunoprecipitated from three distinct tissue types and associated miRNAs sequenced. In addition to providing information on biological function, we define adaptable miRNA:AGO interactions with single-cell-type and AGO-specific resolution. We demonstrate spatial and temporal dynamicism, flexibility of miRNA loading, and suggest miRNA regulatory mechanisms via AGO selectivity in different tissues and during ageing. Additionally, we resolve widespread changes in AGO-regulated gene expression by analysing translatomes specifically in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Brosnan
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Alexander J Palmer
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Steven Zuryn
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Guo T, Cheng L, Zhao H, Liu Y, Yang Y, Liu J, Wu Q. The C. elegans miR-235 regulates the toxicity of graphene oxide via targeting the nuclear hormone receptor DAF-12 in the intestine. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16933. [PMID: 33037257 PMCID: PMC7547681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased application of graphene oxide (GO), a new carbon-based engineered nanomaterial, has generated a potential toxicity in humans and the environment. Previous studies have identified some dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs), such as up-regulated mir-235, in organisms exposed to GO. However, the detailed mechanisms of the dysregulation of miRNA underlying GO toxicity are still largely elusive. In this study, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to investigate the biological function and molecular basis of mir-235 in the regulation of GO toxicity. After low concentration GO exposure, mir-235 (n4504) mutant nematodes were sensitive to GO toxicity, implying that mir-235 mediates a protection mechanism against GO toxicity. Tissue-specific assays suggested that mir-235 expressed in intestine is required for suppressing the GO toxicity in C. elegans. daf-12, a gene encoding a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily, acts as a target gene of mir-235 in the nematode intestine in response to GO treatment, and RNAi knockdown of daf-12 suppressed the sensitivity of mir-235(n4503) to GO toxicity. Further genetic analysis showed that DAF-12 acted in the upstream of DAF-16 in insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and PMK-1 in p38 MAPK signaling pathway in parallel to regulate GO toxicity. Altogether, our results revealed that mir-235 may activate a protective mechanism against GO toxicity by suppressing the DAF-12-DAF-16 and DAF-12-PMK-1 signaling cascade in nematodes, which provides an important molecular basis for the in vivo toxicity of GO at the miRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Guo
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunhan Yang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Qiuli Wu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Yin J, Qian Z, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhou X. MicroRNA regulatory networks in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4900-4912. [PMID: 32281300 PMCID: PMC7205827 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age‐related disease characterized by disturbed homeostasis of skeletal muscle, leading to a decline in muscle mass and function. Loss of muscle mass and strength leads to falls and fracture, and is often accompanied by other geriatric diseases, including osteoporosis, frailty and cachexia, resulting in a general decrease in quality of life and an increase in mortality. Although the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia are still not completely understood, there has been a marked improvement in the understanding of the pathophysiological changes leading to sarcopenia in recent years. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs), especially, has been clearer in skeletal muscle development and homeostasis. miRNAs form part of a gene regulatory network and have numerous activities in many biological processes. Intervention based on miRNAs may develop into an innovative treatment strategy to conquer sarcopenia. This review is divided into three sections: firstly, the latest understanding of the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is summarized; secondly, increasing evidence for the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of muscle quantity or quality and muscle homeostasis is highlighted; and thirdly, the possibilities and limitations of miRNAs as a treatment for sarcopenia are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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