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Lei G, Wu X, Zhang S, Tong X, Zhou G. Acupuncture Therapy Modulating "Du" Channel Attenuates Ischemic Stroke-induced Disorders by Modulating REST-mediated miR-21/PDCD4 Signaling Transduction. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:71. [PMID: 39031207 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02248-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy with treating potential against cognitive dysfunction. MicroRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p) is well characterized for its benefits on neural tissues. The current study hypothesizes that the acupuncture aiming "Du" channel could attenuate IS-induced neural disorders by modulating the function of REST/miR-21-3p axis. Complications associated with IS are induced by a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in vivo. The disorders are then handled with the acupuncture with nimodipine as the positive control. It is found that the acupuncture improved cognitive function, reduced brain apoptosis, and increased the viable neuron number of model rats. Additionally, the production of cytokines is also suppressed by the acupuncture. At the molecular level, the level of miR-21-3p was up-regulated, while the level of REST was down-regulated by the acupuncture. The changes in miR-REST/21-3p contributed to the inhibition of PDCD4. Collectively, the findings in the current study highlight that miR-21-3p is associated with the anti-IS function of the acupuncture, which is mediated by the inhibition of REST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lei
- Department of Neurology, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Number 9 of Tujialing, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangbo Wu
- Department of Neurology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Qi 'an Avenue NO.126, Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, 438000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuijie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Number 9 of Tujialing, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoyun Tong
- Department of Neurology, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Number 9 of Tujialing, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Qi 'an Avenue NO.126, Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, 438000, Hubei Province, China.
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2
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Ji H, Bi Z, Pawar AS, Seno A, Almutairy BS, Fu Y, Qiu Y, Zhang W, Wang Z, Thakur C, Cui H, Yang L, Chen F. Genomic and epigenetic characterization of the arsenic-induced oncogenic microRNA-21. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123396. [PMID: 38295932 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
As one of the first identified oncogenic microRNAs, the precise details concerning the transcriptional regulation and function of microRNA-21 (miR-21) are still not completely established. The miR-21 gene is situated on chromosome 17q23.2, positioned at the 3'-UTR of the gene that encodes vacuole membrane protein-1 (VMP1). In this current study, we presented evidence indicating that miR-21 possesses its own gene promoter, which can be found in the intron 10 of the VMP1 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by global DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) revealed the presence of a broad H3K4me3 peak spanning the entire gene body of the primary miR-21 and the existence of super-enhancer clusters in the close proximity to both the miR-21 gene promoter and the transcription termination site in arsenic (As3+)-induced cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In non-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), As3+ treatment enhanced Nrf2 binding to both the host gene VMP1 of miR-21 and the miR-21 gene. Knockout of Nrf2 inhibited both the basal and As3+-induced expressions of miR-21. Furthermore, the As3+-enhanced Nrf2 peaks in ChIP-seq fully overlap with these super-enhancers enriched with H3K4me1 and H3K27ac in the miR-21 gene, suggesting that Nrf2 may coordinate with other transcription factors through the super-enhancers to regulate the expression of miR-21 in cellular response to As3+. These findings demonstrate the unique genetic and epigenetic characteristics of miR-21 and may provide insights into understanding the novel mechanisms linking environmental As3+ exposure and human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyan Ji
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zhuoyue Bi
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Aashna S Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Akimasa Seno
- R&D Center, Katayama Chemicals Ind., Co. Ltd, Ina, Minoh, Osaka, 562-0015, Japan
| | - Bandar Saeed Almutairy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yao Fu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Wenxuan Zhang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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3
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Biondic S, Petropoulos S. Evidence for Functional Roles of MicroRNAs in Lineage Specification During Mouse and Human Preimplantation Development. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2023; 96:481-494. [PMID: 38161584 PMCID: PMC10751869 DOI: 10.59249/fosi4358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proper formation of the blastocyst, including the specification of the first embryonic cellular lineages, is required to ensure healthy embryo development and can significantly impact the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). However, the regulatory role of microRNAs in early development, particularly in the context of preimplantation lineage specification, remains largely unknown. Taking a cross-species approach, this review aims to summarize the expression dynamics and functional significance of microRNAs in the differentiation and maintenance of lineage identity in both the mouse and the human. Findings are consolidated from studies conducted using in vitro embryonic stem cell models representing the epiblast, trophectoderm, and primitive endoderm lineages (modeled by naïve embryonic stem cells, trophoblast stem cells, and extraembryonic endoderm stem cells, respectively) to provide insight on what may be occurring in the embryo. Additionally, studies directly conducted in both mouse and human embryos are discussed, emphasizing similarities to the stem cell models and the gaps in our understanding, which will hopefully lead to further investigation of these areas. By unraveling the intricate mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate the specification and maintenance of cellular lineages in the blastocyst, we can leverage this knowledge to further optimize stem cell-based models such as the blastoids, enhance embryo competence, and develop methods of non-invasive embryo selection, which can potentially increase the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies and improve the experiences of those receiving fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savana Biondic
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de
l’Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Biology Program,
Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de
l’Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Biology Program,
Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of
Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm,
Sweden
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4
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Lam XJ, Maniam S, Cheah PS, Ling KH. REST in the Road Map of Brain Development. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3417-3433. [PMID: 37517069 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01394-w] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) or also known as neuron-restrictive silencing factor (NRSF), is the key initiator of epigenetic neuronal gene-expression modification. Identification of a massive number of REST-targeted genes in the brain signifies its broad involvement in maintaining the functionality of the nervous system. Additionally, REST plays a crucial role in conferring neuroprotection to the neurons against various stressors or insults during injuries. At the cellular level, nuclear localisation of REST is a key determinant for the functional transcriptional regulation of REST towards its target genes. Emerging studies reveal the implication of REST nuclear mislocalisation or dysregulation in several neurological diseases. The expression of REST varies depending on different types of neurological disorders, which has created challenges in the discovery of REST-targeted interventions. Hence, this review presents a comprehensive summary on the physiological roles of REST throughout brain development and its implications in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumours and cerebrovascular diseases. This review offers valuable insights to the development of potential therapeutic approaches targeting REST to improve pathologies in the brain. The important roles of REST as a key player in the nervous system development, and its implications in several neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jieh Lam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sandra Maniam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pike-See Cheah
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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5
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Kalhori MR, Soleimani M, Alibakhshi R, Kalhori AA, Mohamadi P, Azreh R, Farzaei MH. The Potential of miR-21 in Stem Cell Differentiation and its Application in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1232-1251. [PMID: 36899116 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two important types of non-coding RNAs that are not translated into protein. These molecules can regulate various biological processes, including stem cell differentiation and self-renewal. One of the first known miRNAs in mammals is miR-21. Cancer-related studies have shown that this miRNA has proto-oncogene activity and is elevated in cancers. However, it is confirmed that miR-21 inhibits stem cell pluripotency and self-renewal and induces differentiation by targeting various genes. Regenerative medicine is a field of medical science that tries to regenerate and repair damaged tissues. Various studies have shown that miR-21 plays an essential role in regenerative medicine by affecting stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the function of miR-21 in regenerative medicine of the liver, nerve, spinal cord, wound, bone, and dental tissues. In addition, the function of natural compounds and lncRNAs will be analyzed as potential regulators of miR-21 expression in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Kalhori
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Alibakhshi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Kalhori
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Parisa Mohamadi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical, Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Rasoul Azreh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosien Farzaei
- Medical Technology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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6
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Celik N, Kim MH, Yeo M, Kamal F, Hayes DJ, Ozbolat IT. miRNA induced 3D bioprinted-heterotypic osteochondral interface. Biofabrication 2022; 14:10.1088/1758-5090/ac7fbb. [PMID: 35803212 PMCID: PMC9588307 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7fbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of osteochondral interfaces remains a challenge. MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as significant tools to regulate the differentiation and proliferation of osteogenic and chondrogenic formation in the human musculoskeletal system. Here, we describe a novel approach to osteochondral reconstruction based on the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of miR-transfected adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) spheroids to produce a heterotypic interface that addresses the intrinsic limitations of the traditional approach to inducing zonal differentiation via the use of diffusible cytokines. We evaluated the delivery of miR-148b for osteogenic differentiation and the codelivery of miR-140 and miR-21 for the chondrogenic differentiation of ADSC spheroids. Our results demonstrated that miR-transfected ADSC spheroids exhibited upregulated expression of osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation related gene and protein markers, and enhanced mineralization and cell proliferation compared to spheroids differentiated using a commercially-available differentiation medium. Upon confirmation of the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of miR-transfected ADSC spheroids, using aspiration-assisted bioprinting, these spheroids were 3D bioprinted into a dual-layer heterotypic osteochondral interface with a stratified arrangement of distinct osteogenic and chondrogenic zones. The proposed approach holds great promise for the biofabrication of stratified tissues, not only for the osteochondral interfaces presented in this work, but also for other composite tissues and tissue interfaces, such as, but not limited to, the bone-tendon-muscle interface and craniofacial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmiye Celik
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, 212 Earth-Engineering Sciences Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Myoung Hwan Kim
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Miji Yeo
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, 212 Earth-Engineering Sciences Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Fadia Kamal
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Sciences, Department of Orthopedics and Re-Habilitation, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Daniel J. Hayes
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ibrahim T. Ozbolat
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, 212 Earth-Engineering Sciences Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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7
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Nieland L, van Solinge TS, Cheah PS, Morsett LM, El Khoury J, Rissman JI, Kleinstiver BP, Broekman ML, Breakefield XO, Abels ER. CRISPR-Cas knockout of miR21 reduces glioma growth. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 25:121-136. [PMID: 35572197 PMCID: PMC9052041 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), support the progression of glioma. miR-21 is a small, non-coding transcript involved in regulating gene expression in multiple cellular pathways, including the regulation of proliferation. High expression of miR-21 has been shown to be a major driver of glioma growth. Manipulating the expression of miRNAs is a novel strategy in the development of therapeutics in cancer. In this study we aimed to target miR-21. Using CRISPR genome-editing technology, we disrupted the miR-21 coding sequences in glioma cells. Depletion of this miRNA resulted in the upregulation of many downstream miR-21 target mRNAs involved in proliferation. Phenotypically, CRISPR-edited glioma cells showed reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro. In immunocompetent mouse models, miR-21 knockout tumors showed reduced growth resulting in an increased overall survival. In summary, we show that by knocking out a key miRNA in glioma, these cells have decreased proliferation capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we identified miR-21 as a potential target for CRISPR-based therapeutics in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nieland
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas S. van Solinge
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Pike See Cheah
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Liza M. Morsett
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joseph El Khoury
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joseph I. Rissman
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marike L.D. Broekman
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, 2512 VA The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Xandra O. Breakefield
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Erik R. Abels
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
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8
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Divisato G, Piscitelli S, Elia M, Cascone E, Parisi S. MicroRNAs and Stem-like Properties: The Complex Regulation Underlying Stemness Maintenance and Cancer Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081074. [PMID: 34439740 PMCID: PMC8393604 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the extraordinary properties to indefinitely proliferate and self-renew in culture to produce different cell progeny through differentiation. This latter process recapitulates embryonic development and requires rounds of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial features and the acquisition of the typical phenotype of the mesenchymal cells. In pathological conditions, EMT can confer stemness or stem-like phenotypes, playing a role in the tumorigenic process. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation, found in the tumor tissues, with stem-like properties such as uncontrolled proliferation, self-renewal, and ability to differentiate into different cell types. ESCs and CSCs share numerous features (pluripotency, self-renewal, expression of stemness genes, and acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal features), and most of them are under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs). These small molecules have relevant roles during both embryogenesis and cancer development. The aim of this review was to recapitulate molecular mechanisms shared by ESCs and CSCs, with a special focus on the recently identified classes of microRNAs (noncanonical miRNAs, mirtrons, isomiRs, and competitive endogenous miRNAs) and their complex functions during embryogenesis and cancer development.
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9
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McElhinney JMWR, Hasan A, Sajini AA. The epitranscriptome landscape of small noncoding RNAs in stem cells. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1216-1228. [PMID: 32598085 PMCID: PMC7586957 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) are unique cells that have an inherent ability to self‐renew or differentiate. Both fate decisions are strongly regulated at the molecular level via intricate signaling pathways. The regulation of signaling networks promoting self‐renewal or differentiation was thought to be largely governed by the action of transcription factors. However, small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as vault RNAs, and their post‐transcriptional modifications (the epitranscriptome) have emerged as additional regulatory layers with essential roles in SC fate decisions. RNA post‐transcriptional modifications often modulate RNA stability, splicing, processing, recognition, and translation. Furthermore, modifications on small ncRNAs allow for dual regulation of RNA activity, at both the level of biogenesis and RNA‐mediated actions. RNA post‐transcriptional modifications act through structural alterations and specialized RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) called writers, readers, and erasers. It is through SC‐context RBPs that the epitranscriptome coordinates specific functional roles. Small ncRNA post‐transcriptional modifications are today exploited by different mechanisms to facilitate SC translational studies. One mechanism readily being studied is identifying how SC‐specific RBPs of small ncRNAs regulate fate decisions. Another common practice of using the epitranscriptome for regenerative applications is using naturally occurring post‐transcriptional modifications on synthetic RNA to generate induced pluripotent SCs. Here, we review exciting insights into how small ncRNA post‐transcriptional modifications control SC fate decisions in development and disease. We hope, by illustrating how essential the epitranscriptome and their associated proteome are in SCs, they would be considered as novel tools to propagate SCs for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M W R McElhinney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulrahim A Sajini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Abels ER, Maas SLN, Nieland L, Wei Z, Cheah PS, Tai E, Kolsteeg CJ, Dusoswa SA, Ting DT, Hickman S, El Khoury J, Krichevsky AM, Broekman MLD, Breakefield XO. Glioblastoma-Associated Microglia Reprogramming Is Mediated by Functional Transfer of Extracellular miR-21. Cell Rep 2020; 28:3105-3119.e7. [PMID: 31533034 PMCID: PMC6817978 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are primary, diffusely infiltrating brain tumors. Microglia are innate immune cells in the CNS and make up a substantial portion of the tumor mass. Glioma cells shape their microenvironment, communicating with and reprogramming surrounding cells, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis, immune suppression, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Glioma cells communicate with microglia, in part by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs). Mouse glioma cells stably expressing a palmitoylated GFP to label EVs were implanted intracranially into syngeneic miR-21-null mice. Here, we demonstrate functional delivery of miR-21, regulating specific downstream mRNA targets in microglia after uptake of tumor-derived EVs. These findings attest to EV-dependent microRNA delivery as studied in an in vivo-based model and provide insight into the reprograming of microglial cells by tumor cells to create a favorable microenvironment for cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Abels
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Sybren L N Maas
- Department of Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Nieland
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Zhiyun Wei
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pike See Cheah
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Eric Tai
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christy-Joy Kolsteeg
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sophie A Dusoswa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunology Institute and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David T Ting
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Suzanne Hickman
- Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joseph El Khoury
- Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Anna M Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marike L D Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, 2512 VA The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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11
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Abu-Laban M, Hamal P, Arrizabalaga JH, Forghani A, Dikkumbura AS, Kumal RR, Haber LH, Hayes DJ. Combinatorial Delivery of miRNA-Nanoparticle Conjugates in Human Adipose Stem Cells for Amplified Osteogenesis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1902864. [PMID: 31725198 PMCID: PMC8530457 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming more apparent in tissue engineering applications that fine temporal control of multiple therapeutics is desirable to modulate progenitor cell fate and function. Herein, the independent temporal control of the co-delivery of miR-148b and miR-21 mimic plasmonic nanoparticle conjugates to induce osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs), in a de novo fashion, is described. By applying a thermally labile retro-Diels-Alder caging and linkage chemistry, these miRNAs can be triggered to de-cage serially with discrete control of activation times. The method relies on illumination of the nanoparticles at their resonant wavelengths to generate sufficient local heating and trigger the untethering of the Diels-Alder cycloadduct. Characterization of the photothermal release using fluorophore-tagged miRNA mimics in vitro is carried out with fluorescence measurements, second harmonic generation, and confocal imaging. Osteogenesis of hASCs from the sequential co-delivery of miR-21 and miR-148b mimics is assessed using xylenol orange and alizarin red staining of deposited minerals, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for gene expression of osteogenic markers. The results demonstrate that sequential miRNA mimic activation results in upregulation of osteogenic markers and mineralization relative to miR-148b alone, and co-activation of miR-148b and miR-21 at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abu-Laban
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Prakash Hamal
- The Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Julien H Arrizabalaga
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Anoosha Forghani
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Asela S Dikkumbura
- The Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Raju R Kumal
- John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Louis H Haber
- The Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Daniel J Hayes
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, Millennium Science Complex, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Millennium Science Complex, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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12
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Ma Y, Li C, Huang Y, Wang Y, Xia X, Zheng JC. Exosomes released from neural progenitor cells and induced neural progenitor cells regulate neurogenesis through miR-21a. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:96. [PMID: 31419975 PMCID: PMC6698014 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0418-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) are known to have potent therapeutic effects in neurological disorders through secreting exosomes. The limited numbers of NPCs in adult brain and the decline of NPC pool in many neurological disorders restrain the further use of exosomes in treating these diseases. The direct conversion of somatic cells into induced NPCs (iNPCs) provides abundant NPC-like cells to study the therapeutic effects of NPCs-originated exosomes (EXOs). Our recent study demonstrated that iNPCs-derived exosomes (iEXOs) exhibit distinct potential in facilitating the proliferation of NPCs, compared to EXOs, indicating the importance to investigate the effects of EXOs and iEXOs on the differentiation of NPCs, which remains unknown. Here, our results suggest that EXOs, but not iEXOs, promoted neuronal differentiation and neither of them had effect on glial generation. Microarray analysis revealed different miRNA signatures in EXOs and iEXOs, in which miR-21a was highly enriched in EXOs. Perturbation of function assay demonstrated the key roles of miR-21a in the generation of neurons and mediating the neurogenic potential of exosomes. Our data suggest that EXOs and iEXOs may achieve their therapeutic effects in promoting neurogenesis through transferring key miRNAs, which sheds light on the development of highly efficient cell-free therapeutic strategies for treating neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhao Ma
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yunlong Huang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5930, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5930, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5930, USA.
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13
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Burkholder NT, Mayfield JE, Yu X, Irani S, Arce DK, Jiang F, Matthews WL, Xue Y, Zhang YJ. Phosphatase activity of small C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (SCP1) controls the stability of the key neuronal regulator RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST). J Biol Chem 2018; 293:16851-16861. [PMID: 30217818 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is the major scaffold protein for assembly of neuronal gene silencing complexes that suppress gene transcription through regulating the surrounding chromatin structure. REST represses neuronal gene expression in stem cells and non-neuronal cells, but it is minimally expressed in neuronal cells to ensure proper neuronal development. Dysregulation of REST function has been implicated in several cancers and neurological diseases. Modulating REST gene silencing is challenging because cellular and developmental differences can affect its activity. We therefore considered the possibility of modulating REST activity through its regulatory proteins. The human small C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (SCP1) regulates the phosphorylation state of REST at sites that function as REST degradation checkpoints. Using kinetic analysis and direct visualization with X-ray crystallography, we show that SCP1 dephosphorylates two degron phosphosites of REST with a clear preference for phosphoserine 861 (pSer-861). Furthermore, we show that SCP1 stabilizes REST protein levels, which sustains REST's gene silencing function in HEK293 cells. In summary, our findings strongly suggest that REST is a bona fide substrate for SCP1 in vivo and that SCP1 phosphatase activity protects REST against degradation. These observations indicate that targeting REST via its regulatory protein SCP1 can modulate its activity and alter signaling in this essential developmental pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaohua Yu
- the Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China, and
| | | | | | - Faqin Jiang
- the School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | | | - Yuanchao Xue
- the Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China, and
| | - Yan Jessie Zhang
- From the Departments of Molecular Biosciences and .,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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14
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Jin H, Li DY, Chernogubova E, Sun C, Busch A, Eken SM, Saliba-Gustafsson P, Winter H, Winski G, Raaz U, Schellinger IN, Simon N, Hegenloh R, Matic LP, Jagodic M, Ehrenborg E, Pelisek J, Eckstein HH, Hedin U, Backlund A, Maegdefessel L. Local Delivery of miR-21 Stabilizes Fibrous Caps in Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Lesions. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1040-1055. [PMID: 29503197 PMCID: PMC6080193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are potential regulators of carotid artery stenosis and concordant vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Hence, we analyzed miRNA expression in laser captured micro-dissected fibrous caps of either ruptured or stable plaques (n = 10 each), discovering that miR-21 was significantly downregulated in unstable lesions. To functionally evaluate miR-21 in plaque vulnerability, miR-21 and miR-21/apolipoprotein-E double-deficient mice (Apoe-/-miR-21-/-) were assessed. miR-21-/- mice lacked sufficient smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to carotid ligation injury. When exposing Apoe-/-miR-21-/- mice to an inducible plaque rupture model, they presented with more atherothrombotic events (93%) compared with miR-21+/+Apoe-/- mice (57%). We discovered that smooth muscle cell fate in experimentally induced advanced lesions is steered via a REST-miR-21-REST feedback signaling pathway. Furthermore, Apoe-/-miR-21-/- mice presented with more pronounced atherosclerotic lesions, greater foam cell formation, and substantially higher levels of arterial macrophage infiltration. Local delivery of a miR-21 mimic using ultrasound-targeted microbubbles into carotid plaques rescued the vulnerable plaque rupture phenotype. In the present study, we identify miR-21 as a key modulator of pathologic processes in advanced atherosclerosis. Targeted, lesion site-specific overexpression of miR-21 can stabilize vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jin
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Y Li
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Changyan Sun
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Albert Busch
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany
| | - Suzanne M Eken
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hanna Winter
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Greg Winski
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Uwe Raaz
- University Heart Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Nancy Simon
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renate Hegenloh
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany
| | - Ljubica Perisic Matic
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ewa Ehrenborg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany
| | - Ulf Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich, Germany.
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15
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Godwin S, Ward D, Pedone E, Homer M, Fletcher AG, Marucci L. An extended model for culture-dependent heterogenous gene expression and proliferation dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2017; 3:19. [PMID: 28794899 PMCID: PMC5543144 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-017-0020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, pluripotency is a transient state describing a cell's ability to give rise to all three germ layers and germline. Recent studies have shown that, in vitro, pluripotency is highly dynamic: exogenous stimuli provided to cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells, isolated from pre-implantation blastocysts, significantly affect the spectrum of pluripotency. 2i/LIF, a recently defined serum-free medium, forces mouse embryonic stem cells into a ground-state of pluripotency, while serum/LIF cultures promote the co-existence of ground-like and primed-like mouse embryonic stem cell subpopulations. The latter heterogeneity correlates with temporal fluctuations of pluripotency markers, including the master regulator Nanog, in single cells. We propose a mathematical model of Nanog dynamics in both media, accounting for recent experimental data showing the persistence of a small Nanog Low subpopulation in ground-state pluripotency mouse embryonic stem cell cultures. The model integrates into the core pluripotency Gene Regulatory Network both inhibitors present in 2i/LIF (PD and Chiron), and feedback interactions with genes found to be differentially expressed in the two media. Our simulations and bifurcation analysis show that, in ground-state cultures, Nanog dynamics result from the combination of reduced noise in gene expression and the shift of the system towards a monostable, but still excitable, regulation. Experimental data and agent-based modelling simulations indicate that mouse embryonic stem cell proliferation dynamics vary in the two media, and cannot be reproduced by accounting only for Nanog-dependent cell-cycle regulation. We further demonstrate that both PD and Chiron play a key role in regulating heterogeneity in transcription factor expression and, ultimately, mouse embryonic stem cell fate decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Godwin
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB UK
| | - Daniel Ward
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB UK
| | - Elisa Pedone
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB UK.,School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK
| | - Martin Homer
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB UK
| | - Alexander G Fletcher
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7RH UK.,Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - Lucia Marucci
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB UK.,School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK.,BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ UK
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16
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Martin D, Grapin-Botton A. The Importance of REST for Development and Function of Beta Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:12. [PMID: 28286748 PMCID: PMC5323410 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta cells are defined by the genes they express, many of which are specific to this cell type, and ensure a specific set of functions. Beta cells are also defined by a set of genes they should not express (in order to function properly), and these genes have been called forbidden genes. Among these, the transcriptional repressor RE-1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) is expressed in most cells of the body, excluding most populations of neurons, as well as pancreatic beta and alpha cells. In the cell types where it is expressed, REST represses the expression of hundreds of genes that are crucial for both neuronal and pancreatic endocrine function, through the recruitment of multiple transcriptional and epigenetic co-regulators. REST targets include genes encoding transcription factors, proteins involved in exocytosis, synaptic transmission or ion channeling, and non-coding RNAs. REST is expressed in the progenitors of both neurons and beta cells during development, but it is down-regulated as the cells differentiate. Although REST mutations and deregulation have yet to be connected to diabetes in humans, REST activation during both development and in adult beta cells leads to diabetes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martin
- Service of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Tkatchenko AV, Luo X, Tkatchenko TV, Vaz C, Tanavde VM, Maurer-Stroh S, Zauscher S, Gonzalez P, Young TL. Large-Scale microRNA Expression Profiling Identifies Putative Retinal miRNA-mRNA Signaling Pathways Underlying Form-Deprivation Myopia in Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162541. [PMID: 27622715 PMCID: PMC5021328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of myopia is associated with large-scale changes in ocular tissue gene expression. Although differential expression of coding genes underlying development of myopia has been a subject of intense investigation, the role of non-coding genes such as microRNAs in the development of myopia is largely unknown. In this study, we explored myopia-associated miRNA expression profiles in the retina and sclera of C57Bl/6J mice with experimentally induced myopia using microarray technology. We found a total of 53 differentially expressed miRNAs in the retina and no differences in miRNA expression in the sclera of C57BL/6J mice after 10 days of visual form deprivation, which induced -6.93 ± 2.44 D (p < 0.000001, n = 12) of myopia. We also identified their putative mRNA targets among mRNAs found to be differentially expressed in myopic retina and potential signaling pathways involved in the development of form-deprivation myopia using miRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis. Analysis of myopia-associated signaling pathways revealed that myopic response to visual form deprivation in the retina is regulated by a small number of highly integrated signaling pathways. Our findings highlighted that changes in microRNA expression are involved in the regulation of refractive eye development and predicted how they may be involved in the development of myopia by regulating retinal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V. Tkatchenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AVT); (TLY)
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tatiana V. Tkatchenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Candida Vaz
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vivek M. Tanavde
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stefan Zauscher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pedro Gonzalez
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Terri L. Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AVT); (TLY)
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18
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Xiao X, Li N, Zhang D, Yang B, Guo H, Li Y. Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Substitutes for Yamanaka's Four Transcription Factors. Cell Reprogram 2016; 18:281-297. [PMID: 27696909 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) share many characteristics with embryonic stem cells, but lack ethical controversy. They provide vast opportunities for disease modeling, pathogenesis understanding, therapeutic drug development, toxicology, organ synthesis, and treatment of degenerative disease. However, this procedure also has many potential challenges, including a slow generation time, low efficiency, partially reprogrammed colonies, as well as somatic coding mutations in the genome. Pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka's team in 2006, iPSCs were first generated by introducing four transcription factors: Oct 4, Sox 2, Klf 4, and c-Myc (OSKM). Of those factors, Klf 4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, which are potentially a tumor risk. Therefore, to avoid problems such as tumorigenesis and low throughput, one of the key strategies has been to use other methods, including members of the same subgroup of transcription factors, activators or inhibitors of signaling pathways, microRNAs, epigenetic modifiers, or even differentiation-associated factors, to functionally replace the reprogramming transcription factors. In this study, we will mainly focus on the advances in the generation of iPSCs with substitutes for OSKM. The identification and combination of novel proteins or chemicals, particularly small molecules, to induce pluripotency will provide useful tools to discover the molecular mechanisms governing reprogramming and ultimately lead to the development of new iPSC-based therapeutics for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xiao
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China .,2 Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Nan Li
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Guo
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yuemin Li
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
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19
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive human brain tumor. Although several molecular subtypes of GBM are recognized, a robust molecular prognostic marker has yet to be identified. Here, we report that the stemness regulator Sox2 is a new, clinically important target of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in GBM, with implications for prognosis. Using the MiR-21-Sox2 regulatory axis, approximately half of all GBM tumors present in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in-house patient databases can be mathematically classified into high miR-21/low Sox2 (Class A) or low miR-21/high Sox2 (Class B) subtypes. This classification reflects phenotypically and molecularly distinct characteristics and is not captured by existing classifications. Supporting the distinct nature of the subtypes, gene set enrichment analysis of the TCGA dataset predicted that Class A and Class B tumors were significantly involved in immune/inflammatory response and in chromosome organization and nervous system development, respectively. Patients with Class B tumors had longer overall survival than those with Class A tumors. Analysis of both databases indicated that the Class A/Class B classification is a better predictor of patient survival than currently used parameters. Further, manipulation of MiR-21-Sox2 levels in orthotopic mouse models supported the longer survival of the Class B subtype. The MiR-21-Sox2 association was also found in mouse neural stem cells and in the mouse brain at different developmental stages, suggesting a role in normal development. Therefore, this mechanism-based classification suggests the presence of two distinct populations of GBM patients with distinguishable phenotypic characteristics and clinical outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Molecular profiling-based classification of glioblastoma (GBM) into four subtypes has substantially increased our understanding of the biology of the disease and has pointed to the heterogeneous nature of GBM. However, this classification is not mechanism based and its prognostic value is limited. Here, we identify a new mechanism in GBM (the miR-21-Sox2 axis) that can classify ∼50% of patients into two subtypes with distinct molecular, radiological, and pathological characteristics. Importantly, this classification can predict patient survival better than the currently used parameters. Further, analysis of the miR-21-Sox2 relationship in mouse neural stem cells and in the mouse brain at different developmental stages indicates that miR-21 and Sox2 are predominantly expressed in mutually exclusive patterns, suggesting a role in normal neural development.
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