Human Novel MicroRNA Seq-915_x4024 in Keratinocytes Contributes to Skin Regeneration by Suppressing Scar Formation

Targeting nerve growth factor-mediated osteosarcoma metastasis: mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities using larotrectinib

Osteosarcoma (OS) therapy presents numerous challenges, due largely to a low survival rate following metastasis onset. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been implicated in the metastasis and progression of various cancers; however, the mechanism by which NGF promotes metastasis in osteosarcoma has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the influence of NGF on the migration and metastasis of osteosarcoma patients (88 cases) as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, based on RNA-sequencing and gene expression data from a public database (TARGET-OS). In osteosarcoma patients, the expression of NGF was significantly higher than that of other growth factors. This observation was confirmed in bone tissue arrays from 91 osteosarcoma patients, in which the expression levels of NGF and matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) protein were significantly higher than in normal bone, and strongly correlated with tumor stage. In summary, NGF is positively correlated with MMP-2 in human osteosarcoma tissue and NGF promotes osteosarcoma cell metastasis by upregulating MMP-2 expression. In cellular experiments using human osteosarcoma cells (143B and MG63), NGF upregulated MMP-2 expression and promoted wound healing, cell migration, and cell invasion. Pre-treatment with MEK and ERK inhibitors or siRNA attenuated the effects of NGF on cell migration and invasion. Stimulation with NGF was shown to promote phosphorylation along the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and decrease the expression of microRNA-92a-1-5p (miR-92a-1-5p). In in vivo experiments involving an orthotopic mouse model, the overexpression of NGF enhanced the effects of NGF on lung metastasis. Note that larotrectinib (a tropomyosin kinase receptor) strongly inhibited the effect of NGF on lung metastasis. In conclusion, it appears that NGF promotes MMP-2-dependent cell migration by inhibiting the effects of miR-92a-1-5p via the MEK/ERK signaling cascade. Larotrectinib emerged as a potential drug for the treatment of NGF-mediated metastasis in osteosarcoma.

mir-182-5p regulates all three phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling during cutaneous wound healing

Wound healing is a highly programmed process, in which any abnormalities result in scar formation. MicroRNAs are potent regulators affecting wound repair and scarification. However, the function of microRNAs in wound healing is not fully understood. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of microRNAs in patients with cutaneous wounds. Cutaneous wound biopsies from patients with either hypertrophic scarring or normal wound repair were collected during inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Fourteen candidate microRNAs were selected for expression analysis by qRT-PCR. The expression of genes involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration were measured using qRT-PCR. Cell cycle and scratch assays were used to explore the proliferation and migration rates. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to examine TGF-β, αSMA and collagen-I expression. Target gene suggestion was performed using Enrichr tool. The results showed that miR-16-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-34c-5p, and miR-182-5p were revealed to be differentially expressed between scarring and non-scarring wounds. Based on the expression patterns obtained, miR-182-5p was selected for functional studies. miR-182-5p induced RELA expression synergistically upon IL-6 induction in keratinocytes and promoted angiogenesis. miR-182-5p prevented keratinocyte migration, while overexpressed TGF-β3 following induction of inflammation. Moreover, miR-182-5p enhanced fibroblast proliferation, migration, differentiation, and collagen-1 expression. FoxO1 and FoxO3 were found to potentially serve as putative gene targets of miR-182-5p. In conclusion, miR-182-5p is differentially expressed between scarring and non-scarring wounds and affect the behavior of cells involved in cutaneous wound healing. Deregulated expression of miR-182-5p adversely affects the proper transition of wound healing phases, resulting in scar formation.

Biological skin regeneration using epigenetic targets

Epigenetics targets are the newest branches for building a novel platform of drugs for preventive and regenerative skin health care. Epigenetic regions [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylase 1/2 (HDAC1/2), and miRNA) are innovative druggable targets. As we discuss here, a series of epigenetic-based small molecules are undergoing both clinical and preclinical trials for skin regeneration. Epigenetic writers, eraser targets, and epigenetic readers will become the key therapeutic windows for skin regenerative in the near future.

miR-211-5p inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and induces apoptosis of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by regulating TGFβR2 expression

Background

Hypertrophic-scar (HS) is the most common pathological healing phenomenon after trauma, especially after deep burns. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of microRNA-211-5p (miR-211-5p) in HS and explore its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-211-5p in 15 cases of HS tissues and normal skin tissues, as well as its expression in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (hHSFs) and normal fibroblasts. At the same time, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch test, cell invasion test, and flow cytometry were used to determine cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of proteins. TargetScan was performed to predict the potential binding sites between miR-211-5p and TGFβR2, which was then verified by western blotting and luciferase reporter gene experiments. Also, co-transfection of plasmids that overexpress miR-211-5p and TGFβR2 were used to observe the reversal effect of miR-211-5p.

Results

The level of miR-211-5p in HS tissues and hHSFs cells was significantly down-regulated (both P<0.05). The TGFβR2/Smad3 signaling pathway was activated (both P<0.05). Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-211-5p could inhibit the proliferation (P<0.05), migration (P<0.05), and invasion (P<0.05) of hHSFs cells, and induce their apoptosis (P<0.05), and could also regulate the expression of related proteins (all P<0.05). Moreover, the overexpression of miR-211-5p could also inhibit the accumulation of ECM and the activation of the TGF-βR2/Smad3 pathway (all P<0.05), while the opposite effect (all P<0.05) was observed when the level of miR-211-5p was interfered with. Finally, it was confirmed that miR-211-5p could target TGFβR2 (all P<0.05), and when hHSFs cells simultaneously overexpressed miR-211-5p and TGFβR2, the promotion effect of TGFβR2 on cells was reversed by miR-211-5p (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

miR-211-5p can inhibit the activation of the TGF-βR2/Smad3 signaling pathway by targeting TGFβR2, thereby suppressing the proliferation, migration, invasion, and ECM production of hHSFs, and inducing their apoptosis, suggesting that miR-211-5p can become a potential target for the treatment of HS.

LncRNA MIR503HG promotes hypertrophic scar progression via miR-143-3p-mediated Smad3 expression

Hypertrophic scars (HSs) form due to unchecked proliferation of fibrous tissue after an injury to the skin. Recently, lncRNA MIR503HG was shown to be involved in HS. However, the mechanism by which MIR503HG affects the formation and progression of HS still needs further study. qRT-PCR was applied to examine the levels of MIR503HG and miR-143-3p in HS tissues and human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (hHSFs). The relationships of MIR503HG, miR-143-3p and Smad3 were explored with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were measured by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. The protein level of Smad3 was tested via Western blotting. MIR503HG was upregulated and miR-143-3p was downregulated in HS versus normal skin tissues. The knockdown of MIR503HG and the overexpression of miR-143-3p suppressed the proliferation and invasion of hHSF, and promoted cell apoptosis. MIR503HG bound to miR-143-3p while miR-143-3p directly targeted Smad3 to inhibit its expression. Suppression of miR-143-3p and overexpression of Smad3, respectively, reversed these effects of knockdown of MIR503HG and overexpression of miR-143-3p on hHSFs. Our research supports a model in which the MIR503HG/miR-143-3p/Smad3 axis serves as a critical regulator of HS, highlighting a promising therapeutic option for HS.

The role of miRNAs in the inflammatory phase of skin wound healing

<abstract> <p>Wound healing (WH) is a fundamental physiological process to keep the integrity of the skin, therefore impaired and chronic WH is a common and severe medical problem and represent one of the biggest challenges of public health. The resolution of the WH inflammatory phase is characterized by a complex series of events that involves many cellular types, especially neutrophils, macrophages and inflammatory mediators, which are crucial for a correct wound closure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in wound repair. In fact, miR-142 is linked to inflammation modulating neutrophils' chemotaxis and polarization, while the polarization of M1 toward the M2 phenotype is driven by miR-223 and miR-132 is linked to chemokines and cytokines that activate endothelial cells and attract leukocytes and peripheral cells to the damage site. Thus, understanding the dysregulation of miRNAs in WH will be decisive for the development of new and more effective therapies for the management of chronic wounds.</p> </abstract>

The Immune Functions of Keratinocytes in Skin Wound Healing

As the most dominant cell type in the skin, keratinocytes play critical roles in wound repair not only as structural cells but also exerting important immune functions. This review focuses on the communications between keratinocytes and immune cells in wound healing, which are mediated by various cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles. Keratinocytes can also directly interact with T cells via antigen presentation. Moreover, keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides that can directly kill the invading pathogens and contribute to wound repair in many aspects. We also reviewed the epigenetic mechanisms known to regulate keratinocyte immune functions, including histone modifications, non-protein-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs), and chromatin dynamics. Lastly, we summarized the current evidence on the dysregulated immune functions of keratinocytes in chronic nonhealing wounds. Based on their crucial immune functions in skin wound healing, we propose that keratinocytes significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic wound inflammation. We hope this review will trigger an interest in investigating the immune roles of keratinocytes in chronic wound pathology, which may open up new avenues for developing innovative wound treatments.

Scar-Free Healing: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

Every year, millions of people develop scars due to skin injuries after trauma, surgery, or skin burns. From the beginning of wound healing development, scar hyperplasia, and prolonged healing time in wound healing have been severe problems. Based on the difference between adult and fetal wound healing processes, many promising therapies have been developed to decrease scar formation in skin wounds. Currently, there is no good or reliable therapy to cure or prevent scar formation. This work briefly reviews the engineering methods of scarless wound healing, focusing on regenerative biomaterials and different cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular components in regenerative wound healing to minimize skin damage cell types, and scar formation.

Advances in scarless foetal wound healing and prospects for scar reduction in adults

Healing after mammalian skin injury involves the interaction between numerous cellular constituents and regulatory factors, which together form three overlapping phases: an inflammatory response, a proliferation phase and a remodelling phase. Any slight variation in these three stages can substantially alter the healing process and resultant production of scars. Of particular significance are the mechanisms responsible for the scar‐free phenomenon observed in the foetus. Uncovering such mechanisms would offer great expectations in the treatment of scars and therefore represents an important area of investigation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of studies on injury‐induced skin regeneration within the foetus. The information contained in these studies provides an opportunity for new insights into the treatment of clinical scars based on the cellular and molecular processes involved.

Low-concentration DMSO accelerates skin wound healing by Akt/mTOR-mediated cell proliferation and migration in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DMSO has been found to promote tissue repair. However, the role of DMSO in diabetic skin wound healing and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of DMSO on wound healing were evaluated by HE staining, immunohistochemistry and collagen staining using a wound model of full-thickness skin resection on the backs of non-diabetic or diabetic mice. Real-time cell analysis and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays were used to study the effect of DMSO on primary fibroblast proliferation. A transwell assay was used to investigate keratinocyte migration. The associated signalling pathway was identified by western blotting and inhibitor blocking. The effect of DMSO on the translation rate of downstream target genes was studied by RT-qPCR of polyribosome mRNA.

KEY RESULTS

We found that low-concentration DMSO significantly accelerated skin wound closure by promoting fibroblast proliferation in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice. In addition, increased migration of keratinocytes may also contribute to accelerated wound healing, which was stimulated by increased TGF-β1 secretion from fibroblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this effect of DMSO depends on Akt/mTOR-mediated translational control and the promotion of the translation of a set of cell proliferation-related genes. As expected, DMSO-induced wound healing and cell proliferation were impaired by rapamycin, an inhibitor of Akt/mTOR signalling.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

DMSO can promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice by activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Low-concentration DMSO presents an alternative medication for chronic cutaneous wounds, especially for diabetic patients.

Current Approaches Targeting the Wound Healing Phases to Attenuate Fibrosis and Scarring

Cutaneous fibrosis results from suboptimal wound healing following significant tissue injury such as severe burns, trauma, and major surgeries. Pathologic skin fibrosis results in scars that are disfiguring, limit normal movement, and prevent patient recovery and reintegration into society. While various therapeutic strategies have been used to accelerate wound healing and decrease the incidence of scarring, recent studies have targeted the molecular regulators of each phase of wound healing, including the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Here, we reviewed the most recent literature elucidating molecular pathways that can be targeted to reduce fibrosis with a particular focus on post-burn scarring. Current research targeting inflammatory mediators, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and regulators of myofibroblast differentiation shows promising results. However, a multimodal approach addressing all three phases of wound healing may provide the best therapeutic outcome.

Novel Mouse miRNA Chr13_novelMiR7354-5p Improves Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation into Insulin-Producing Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that play key roles in the generation of insulin-producing cells from stem cells provide a cell-based approach for insulin replacement therapy. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to detect the miRNA expression profile of normal mouse pancreatic β cells, non-β cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and determined relative miRNA expression levels in mouse pancreatic β cells. After the novel mouse miRNA candidates were identified using miRDeep 2.0, we found that Chr13_novelMiR7354-5p, a novel miRNA candidate, significantly promoted the differentiation of BM-MSCs into insulin-producing cells in vitro. Furthermore, Chr13_novelMiR7354-5p-transfected BM-MSCs reversed hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic mice. In addition, bioinformatics analyses, a luciferase reporter assay, and western blotting demonstrated that Chr13_novelMiR7354-5p targeted Notch1 and Rbpj. Our results provide compelling evidence of the existence of 65 novel mouse miRNA candidates and present a new treatment strategy to generate insulin-producing cells from stem cells.