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Jin C, Tao X, Zhang W, Xu H, Wu Y, Chen Q, Li S, Ning A, Wang W, Wu Q, Chu M. Multi-omics and multi-stages integration identified a novel variant associated with silicosis risk. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2907-2918. [PMID: 38811393 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03795-2] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the association between candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by multi-omics approaches and susceptibility to silicosis. RNA-seq analysis was performed to screen the differentially expressed mRNAs in the fibrotic lung tissues of mice exposed to silica particles. Following this, we integrated the SNPs located in the above human homologenes with the silicosis-related genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to select the candidate SNPs. Then, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL)-SNPs were identified by the GTEx database. Next, we validated the associations between the functional eQTL-SNPs and silicosis susceptibility by additional case-control study. And the contribution of the identified SNP and its host gene in the fibrosis process was further validated by functional experiments. A total of 12 eQTL-SNPs were identified in the screening stage. The results of the validation stage suggested that the variant T allele of rs419540 located in IL12RB1 significantly increased the risk of developing silicosis [additive model: odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.85, P = 0.017]. Furthermore, the combination of GWAS and the results of validation stage also indicated that the variant T allele of rs419540 in IL12RB1 was associated with increased silicosis risk (additive model: OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.38-3.12, P < 0.001). Additionally, after knockdown or overexpression of IL12RB1, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-12, IFN-γ, and other pro-inflammatory factors, were correspondingly decreased or increased. The novel eQTL-SNP, rs419540, might increase the risk of silicosis by modulating the expression levels of IL12RB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmeng Jin
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobo Tao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wendi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yutong Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anhui Ning
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiuyun Wu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Minjie Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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Liu T, Su X, Kong X, Dong H, Wei Y, Wang Y, Wang C. Whole transcriptome sequencing identifies key lncRNAs,circRNAs, and mRNAs for exploring the pathogenesis and therapeutic target of mouse pneumoconiosis. Gene 2024; 901:148169. [PMID: 38242381 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148169] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumoconiosis is a kind of lung dysfunction caused by the inhalation of mineral dust. However, the potential molecular mechanism of pneumoconiosis have not been fully elucidated. METHODS In this study, the silica-treated pneumoconiosis mice model was constructed and the transcriptome sequencing data including lncRNA, circRNA, and mRNA were obtained. Firstly, differentially expressed lncRNA, circRNA, and mRNA (DElncRNA, DEcircRNA, DEGs) between control and pneumoconiosis/silicosis samples were screened, the target miRNAs (co-pre-miRNAs) were obtained by intersecting the miRNAs predicted by DElncRNA and DEcircRNA, respectively, and the target mRNAs (co-mRNA) were obtained by intersecting the mRNAs predicted by target miRNA and DEGs. Then, the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed by Cytoscape. Next, the key mRNAs were obtained by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and the key lncRNAs/circRNAs were selected by correlation analysis. Moreover, the expression of the key lncRNAs, circRNAs and mRNAs on chromosome were studied by the "circlize" package. Furthermore, the TFs-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and the function of DEGs were explored by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). To demonstrate the feasibility and value of the constructed ceRNA networks, we validated key genes and mmu-miR-682 pathway. Finally, We used the Drug-Gene Interaction database to predict potential drugs that could interfere with key genes,which may help to find promising treatment. RESULTS There were 427 DElncRNAs, 107 DEcircRNAs and 1,597 DEGs between silicosis and control groups. Totals of 77 co-pre-miRNAs and 96 co-mRNA were screened, and the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed with 27 lncRNA/25 circRNAs, 74 miRNAs and 96 mRNAs. Then, 6 key mRNAs including Igf1, Klf4, Ptgs2, Epas1, Gnao1, and Il1a were obtained by PPI, and all of these key mRNAs and 10 key lncRNAs and 8 circRNAs were significantly different between the pneumoconiosis and normal groups, in which 10 lncRNAs and 9 circRNA that have not been previously studied in pneumoconiosis/silicosis can be used as new potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, the TFs-miRNA-mRNA network were constructed with 11 TFs, 1 key miRNA (mmu-miR-682) and 3 key mRNAs (Igf1, Epas1, Ptgs2). And the validation of key genes revealing by RNA-seq through experimental approaches shows the the predictive power of this study. Finally, IPA results indicated that 41 pathways were activated and 2 pathways were suppressed in pneumoconiosis/silicosis groups, and Pathogen Induced Cytokine Storm Signaling Pathway was the most significant pathway affected by pneumoconiosis/silicosis. In addition, 93 drugs were screened out by Drug-Gene Interaction database. Among them, Hydroxychloroquine was a kind of drug which associated with Il1a and Ptgs2, may be a promising treatment. CONCLUSION This study constructed the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and TFs-miRNA-mRNA networks, which could deepen the potential molecular regulatory mechanism of pneumoconiosis/silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuesen Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaomei Kong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hantian Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yangyang Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chen Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, The First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Gao FF, Chen DQ, Jiang YT, Han CF, Lin BY, Yang Z, Quan JH, Xiong YH, Chen XT. Functional roles of circular RNAs in lung injury. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1354806. [PMID: 38601461 PMCID: PMC11004487 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1354806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung injury leads to respiratory dysfunction, low quality of life, and even life-threatening conditions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNAs produced by selective RNA splicing. Studies have reported their involvement in the progression of lung injury. Understanding the roles of circRNAs in lung injury may aid in elucidating the underlying mechanisms and provide new therapeutic targets. Thus, in this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs, and their roles in lung injury from existing research, to provide a theoretical basis for the use of circRNAs as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Gao
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Dian-Qing Chen
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Armed Police Corps Hospital of Hebei, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yue-Tong Jiang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Cui-Fei Han
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Bi-Yun Lin
- Biotissue Repository, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhan Yang
- Biotissue Repository, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan-Hua Quan
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying-Huan Xiong
- Biotissue Repository, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Tian Chen
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Surendran A, Huang C, Liu L. Circular RNAs and their roles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2024; 25:77. [PMID: 38321530 PMCID: PMC10848557 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02716-2] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease with limited treatment options. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as a novel class of non-coding RNAs with diverse functions in cellular processes. This review paper aims to explore the potential involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of IPF and their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. We begin by providing an overview of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with IPF, followed by a discussion of the pathophysiology underlying this complex disease. Subsequently, we delve into the history, types, biogenesis, and functions of circRNAs and then emphasize their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of IPF. Furthermore, we examine the current methodologies for detecting circRNAs and explore their diagnostic applications in IPF. Finally, we discuss the potential utility of circRNAs in the treatment of IPF. In conclusion, circRNAs hold great promise as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Surendran
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
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Jiao B, Zhang Q, Jin C, Yu H, Wu Q. IRF4 Participates in Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Silica Particles through Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Fibroblast Activation. Inflammation 2024; 47:45-59. [PMID: 37938462 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01890-7] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis, which is characterized by chronic progressive inflammatory injury, fibroblast activation, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. IRF4 is involved in immune response. However, the potential regulation of IRF4 in silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis remains largely unexplored. In this study, RNA-seq analysis identified the upregulated expression of IRF4 in fibrotic lung tissues of mice exposed to silica particles. And we verified the increased expression of IRF4 in SiO2-treated macrophages and TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts. We further found that the down-regulation of IRF4 impeded the macrophage polarization and the release of pro-fibrotic factors. Moreover, the down-regulation of IRF4 alleviated the migration, invasion, and the expression of fibrotic molecules in fibroblasts. Using ChIP-qPCR assay, we confirmed that IRF4 regulated the transcriptional activity of the IL-17A promoter, thus stimulated fibroblast activation, migration and invasion. In vivo experiment, the AAV-siIRF4 was designed to interfere with the expression of IRF4 in lung tissues of mice exposed to silica particles. Whole blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues were obtained from mice at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days after silica exposure. The results showed that the leukocyte content and inflammatory factors reached a peak at day 14 and remained peak for a long time after IRF4 knockdown. Furthermore, the fibrotic responses of mouse lung tissues were alleviated after IRF4 knockdown. Our study explored the important roles of IRF4 in inflammatory and fibrotic responses, which provided a new target for the treatment of silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Jiao
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Chunmeng Jin
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Hongmin Yu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qiuyun Wu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
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Zhang S, Hu W, Lv C, Song X. Biogenesis and Function of circRNAs in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:395-409. [PMID: 39005062 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232284076240207073542] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a class of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases caused by many pathogenic factors inside and outside the lung, with unknown mechanisms and without effective treatment. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism implicated in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis is urgently needed to develop new and effective measures. Although circRNAs have been widely acknowledged as new contributors to the occurrence and development of diseases, only a small number of circRNAs have been functionally characterized in pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we systematically review the biogenesis and functions of circRNAs and focus on how circRNAs participate in pulmonary fibrogenesis by influencing various cell fates. Meanwhile, we analyze the current exploration of circRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker, vaccine, and therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis and objectively discuss the challenges of circRNA- based therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. We hope that the review of the implication of circRNAs will provide new insights into the development circRNA-based approaches to treat pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songzi Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Changjun Lv
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256603, China
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Li J, Chen X, Zhang B, Wang C. Circ_0035796 depletion inhibits transforming growth factor-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a miR-150-5p/L1CAM-dependent manner. Autoimmunity 2023; 56:2250099. [PMID: 37822112 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2250099] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is not fully understood. Previous work has demonstrated the important role of circular RNA (circRNA) in pulmonary fibrosis development. This study aims to analyse the role of circ_0035796 in pulmonary fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Human foetal lung fibroblast 1 (HFL1) cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to mimic a pulmonary fibrosis cell model. The expression of circ_0035796, microRNA-150-5p (miR-150-5p) and L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of L1CAM, collagen I and fibronectin was detected by Western blot. Cell viability was analysed by CCK-8 assay. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were investigated by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell invasion assay and wound-healing assay, respectively. The secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was analysed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oxidative stress was assessed by detecting Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and Malondialdehyde (MDA) level using commercial kits. The association of miR-150-5p with circ_0035796 and L1CAM was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. RESULTS Circ_0035796 and L1CAM expression were dramatically upregulated, while miR-150-5p expression was downregulated in TGF-β1-treated HFL1 cells. TGF-β1 treatment induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion, and oxidative stress, whereas circ_0035796 depletion relieved these effects. In addition, circ_0035796 acted as a sponge of miR-150-5p and miR-150-5p combined with L1CAM. Moreover, miR-150-5p depletion attenuated circ_0035796 knockdown-mediated effects in TGF-β1-exposed HFL1 cells. The regulation of miR-150-5p on TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation involved the downregulation of L1CAM. Further, circ_0035796 modulated L1CAM expression by interacting with miR-150-5p in TGF-β1-exposed HFL1 cells. CONCLUSION Circ_0035796 knockdown ameliorates TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis through the miR-150-5p/L1CAM axis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing City, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing City, P.R. China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing City, P.R. China
| | - Chenlu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing City, P.R. China
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