Inhibition of microRNA-182-5p contributes to attenuation of lupus nephritis via Foxo1 signaling

Systemic lupus erythematosus: From non-coding RNAs to exosomal non-coding RNAs

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as an immunological illness, frequently impacts young females. Both vulnerabilities to SLE and the course of the illness's clinical symptoms have been demonstrated to be affected by individual differences in non-coding RNA expression. Many non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are out of whack in patients with SLE. Because of the dysregulation of several ncRNAs in peripheral blood of patients suffering from SLE, these ncRNAs to be showed valuable as biomarkers for medication response, diagnosis, and activity. NcRNAs have also been demonstrated to influence immune cell activity and apoptosis. Altogether, these facts highlight the need of investigating the roles of both families of ncRNAs in the progress of SLE. Being aware of the significance of these transcripts perhaps elucidates the molecular pathogenesis of SLE and could open up promising avenues to create tailored treatments during this condition. In this review we summarized various non-coding RNAs and Exosomal non-coding RNAs in SLE.

MicroRNA-183/96/182 cluster in immunity and autoimmunity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in ubiquitous biological processes, including immune-related pathways. This review focuses on the miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C), which contains three miRNAs, miR-183, -96, and -182, having almost identical seed sequences with minor differences. The similarity among seed sequences allows these three miRNAs to act cooperatively. In addition, their minor differences permit them to target distinct genes and regulate unique pathways. The expression of miR-183C was initially identified in sensory organs. Subsequently, abnormal expression of miR-183C miRNAs in various cancers and autoimmune diseases has been reported, implying their potential role in human diseases. The regulatory effects of miR-183C miRNAs on the differentiation and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells have now been documented. In this review, we have discussed the complex role of miR-183C in the immune cells in both normal and autoimmune backgrounds. We highlighted the dysregulation of miR-183C miRNAs in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ocular autoimmune disorders, and discussed the potential for utilizing miR-183C as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of specific autoimmune diseases.

YY1 alleviates lupus nephritis-induced renal injury by reducing the Th17/Treg cell ratio via the IFN-γ/Fra2 axis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with extensive injury and nephron loss in the afflicted kidney. Evidence has revealed the involvement of dysregulated Yin Yang 1 (YY1), a reported inflammatory modulator, in LN-induced kidney injury, and our microarray profile identified downregulated YY1 expression. Therefore, this study explored the functional relevance and mechanism of YY1 in LN-induced kidney injury. LN was modeled in mice by intraperitoneal injection of pristane, and Jurkat cells (CD41 human T lymphocytes) were activated with TNF-α to mimic the inflammatory environment found in LN. The expression patterns of YY1 and bioinformatics predictions of the downstream factor IFN-γ were confirmed in renal tissues from the mice with LN using qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The contents of proinflammatory cytokines in mouse serum samples and cell supernatants were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Ectopic expression and depletion approaches were subsequently used in vitro and in vivo to examine the effects of the YY1/IFN-γ/Fra2/PARP-1/FOXO1 axis on TNF-α-induced inflammation and LN-induced kidney injury. The results showed downregulated expression of YY1 and FOXO1 in the kidney tissues of the mice with LN. Increased proinflammatory factor production was observed in the mice with LN and TNF-α-treated Jurkat cell supernatant, accompanied by increased cell apoptosis and a high ratio of Th17/Treg cells, and these effects were reversed by YY1 restoration. YY1 was further shown to inhibit IFN-γ expression and thereby downregulate Fra2 expression. Fra2 depletion then inhibited PARP-1 expression and promoted FOXO1 expression to suppress cell apoptosis and the release of inflammatory factors. Collectively, our findings revealed that YY1 may alleviate LN-induced renal injury via the IFN-γ/Fra2/PARP-1/FOXO1 axis.

Clinical application of microRNAs in glomerular diseases

RNA interference (RNAi) occurs in all organisms and modulates most, if not all, biological pathways. It is the process by which non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRs), regulate gene transcription and post-transcriptional processing of messenger RNA (mRNA). A single miR can modulate several genes within a cell, and several miRs can regulate expression of the same gene, adding tiers of complexity to regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs and other RNAi approaches have been successfully used in vitro and in vivo to selectively manipulate gene transcription, making them pivotal agents for basic science research and candidates for targeted therapeutics. This review will focus on miRs and their potential as biomarkers and novel therapeutics for glomerular disease.

Deletion of microRNA-183-96-182 Cluster in Lymphocytes Suppresses Anti-DsDNA Autoantibody Production and IgG Deposition in the Kidneys in C57BL/6-Faslpr/lpr Mice

Dysregulated miRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our previous study reported a substantial increase in three miRNAs located at the miR-183-96-182 cluster (miR-183C) in several autoimmune lupus-prone mice, including MRL/lpr and C57BL/6-lpr (B6/lpr). This study reports that in vitro inhibition of miR-182 alone or miR-183C by specific antagomirs in activated splenocytes from autoimmune-prone MRL/lpr and control MRL mice significantly reduced lupus-related inflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and IL-6 production. To further characterize the role of miR-182 and miR-183C cluster in vivo in lupus-like disease and lymphocyte phenotypes, we used hCD2-iCre to generate B6/lpr mice with conditional deletion of miR-182 or miR-183C in CD2+ lymphocytes (miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr). The miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice had significantly reduced deposition of IgG immunocomplexes in the kidney when compared to their respective littermate controls, although there appeared to be no remarkable changes in renal pathology. Importantly, we observed a significant reduction of serum anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice after reaching 24 weeks-of age compared to age-matched miR-183Cfl/flB6/lpr controls. In vitro activated splenocytes from miR-182-/-B6/lpr mice and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice showed reduced ability to produce lupus-associated IFNγ. Forkhead box O1(Foxo1), a previously validated miR-183C miRNAs target, was increased in the splenic CD4+ cells of miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice. Furthermore, in vitro inhibition of Foxo1 with siRNA in splenocytes from miR-182-/-B6/lpr and miR-183C-/-B6/lpr mice significantly increased IFNγ expression following anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation, suggesting that miR-182 and miR-183C miRNAs regulate the inflammatory IFNγ in splenocytes via targeting Foxo1. The deletion of either miR-182 alone or the whole miR-183C cluster, however, had no marked effect on the composition of T and B cell subsets in the spleens of B6/lpr mice. There were similar percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, as well as Tregs, follicular helper T (TFH), germinal center B (GCB), and plasma cells in the miR-183C-/-B6/lpr and miR-182-/-B6/lpr mice and their respective littermate controls, miR-183Cfl/flB6/lpr and miR-182fl/flB6/lpr mice. Together, our data demonstrate a role of miR-183C in the regulation of anti-dsDNA autoantibody production in vivo in B6/lpr mice and the induction of IFNγ in in vitro activated splenocytes from B6/lpr mice.

Analysis of microRNAs in Small Urinary Extracellular Vesicles and Their Potential Roles in Pathogenesis of Renal ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) represents an autoimmunity disease characterized by high mortality. For successful treatment, the detailed knowledge of its complex pathogenesis and the set of biomarkers for differential diagnostics are desired. Analysis of molecular content of small urinary extracellular vesicles (uEV) offers the possibility to find markers in the form of microRNAs (miRNAs) and study the pathways involved in pathogenesis. We used next-generation sequencing in the first preliminary study to detect the miRNAs with altered expression in uEVs of patients with AAV in comparison with age-matched controls. We confirmed the results using single-target quantitative polymerase chain reaction tests on different sets of samples and found five miRNAs (miR-30a-5p, miR-31-3p, miR-99a-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-182-5p) with highly elevated levels in uEVs of patients. We performed the comparison of their targets with the differentially expressed proteins in uEVs of patients included in the first phase. We realized that upregulated miRNAs and proteins in uEVs in AAV patients target different biological pathways. The only overlap was detected in pathways regulating the actin cytoskeleton assembly and thus potentially affecting the glomerular functions. The associations of upregulated miRNAs with pathways that were neglected as components of complex AAV pathogenesis, e.g., the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, were found.

Jieduquyuziyin Prescription alleviates hepatic gluconeogenesis via PI3K/Akt/PGC-1α pathway in glucocorticoid-induced MRL/lpr mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula. According to both TCM theory and more than a decade of clinical practice, JP has been testified to be effective for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment as an approved hospital prescription in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the effect of JP on the treatment of SLE by glucocorticoid (GC) and to further examine the molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted in vivo experiments to estimate the effect of JP on hepatic gluconeogenesis in MRL/lpr mice treated with GC. Additionally, isoproterenol (ISO) induced hepatic gluconeogenesis model and GC-treated MRL/lpr mouse hepatocytes were carried out in vitro experiments to verify the effect of JP on gluconeogenesis.

RESULTS

The results showed that JP combined with GC could effectively alleviate the lupus symptoms in MRL/lpr mice and improve the pathological changes of the kidney and liver. And the combination of JP reduced the side effects caused by GC, which was related to the inhibition of GC-induced hepatic gluconeogenesis in MRL/lpr mice. Specifically, JP up-regulated the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt restrained by GC to reduce the production of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and the gluconeogenic genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). In vivo, the use of JP either alone or with GC could reduce spleen enlargement, high levels of serum antibodies, aggravated urine protein and renal pathological damage in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, the glucose content was reduced in the liver of MRL/lpr mice treated with JP, and the liver damage and steatosis were also alleviated. In vitro, the expressions of PI3K and Akt increased and the expressions of FoxO1, PGC-1α, PEPCK and G6Pase decreased after JP treatment in ISO-treated hepatocytes. Compared with MRL/MP mice, we found that JP could significantly inhibit the expression of gluconeogenesis in the hepatocytes of MRL/lpr mice induced by GC to a greater extent.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effect of JP on GC-induced is likely related to hepatic gluconeogenesis, which provides a new perspective to reveal the positive role of JP in SLE.

Phenotypic Drift in Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice: Potential Roles of MicroRNAs and Gut Microbiota

MRL/lpr mice have been extensively used as a murine model of lupus. Disease progression in MRL/lpr mice can differ among animal facilities, suggesting a role for environmental factors. We noted a phenotypic drift of our in-house colony, which was the progeny of mice obtained from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX; stocking number 000485), that involved attenuated glomerulonephritis, increased splenomegaly, and reduced lymphadenopathy. To validate our in-house mice as a model of lupus, we compared these mice with those newly obtained from JAX, which were confirmed to be genetically identical to our in-house mice. Surprisingly, the new JAX mice exhibited a similar phenotypic drift, most notably the attenuation of glomerulonephritis. Interestingly, our in-house colony differed from JAX mice in body weight and kidney size (both sexes), as well as in splenic size, germinal center formation, and level of anti-dsDNA auto-IgG in the circulation (male only). In addition, we noted differential expression of microRNA (miR)-21 and miR-183 that might explain the splenic differences in males. Furthermore, the composition of gut microbiota was different between in-house and new JAX mice at early time points, which might explain some of the renal differences (e.g., kidney size). However, we could not identify the reason for attenuated glomerulonephritis, a shared phenotypic drift between the two colonies. It is likely that this was due to certain changes of environmental factors present in both JAX and our facilities. Taken together, these results suggest a significant phenotypic drift in MRL/lpr mice in both colonies that may require strain recovery from cryopreservation.

MicroRNAs in Lupus Nephritis-Role in Disease Pathogenesis and Clinical Applications

MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNAs that act as epigenetic modulators to regulate the protein levels of target mRNAs without modifying the genetic sequences. The role of miRs in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) is increasingly recognized and highly complex. Altered levels of different miRs are observed in the blood, urine and kidney tissues of murine LN models and LN patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that these miRs can modulate immune cells and various key inflammatory pathways, and their perturbations contribute to the aberrant immune response in LN. The dysregulation of miRs in different resident renal cells and urinary exosomes can also lead to abnormal renal cell proliferation, inflammation and kidney fibrosis in LN. While miRs may hold promise in various clinical applications in LN patients, there are still many potential limitations and safety concerns for their use. Further studies are worthwhile to examine the clinical utility of miRs in the diagnosis, disease activity monitoring, prognostication and treatment of LN.

SMAD4 Inhibits Granulosa Cell Apoptosis via the miR-183-96-182 Cluster and FoxO1 Axis

The miR-183-96-182 cluster is a polycistronic miRNA cluster necessary for ovarian functions in mammals. However, its transcriptional regulation in the ovary is largely unclear. In this study, we characterized the promoter region of the porcine miR-183-96-182 cluster, and showed that SMAD4 may function as a transcriptional activator of the miR-183-96-182 cluster in GCs through direct binding to SBE motifs in its promoter. SMAD4 may inhibit GC apoptosis via suppression of FoxO1, an effector of GC apoptosis and a direct target of the miR-183-96-182 cluster, by inducing the miR-183-96-182 cluster, and this process may be regulated by the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Our findings uncovered the regulatory mechanism of miR-183-96-182 cluster expression in GCs and demonstrated that TGF-β1/SMAD4/miR-183-96-182 cluster/FoxO1 may be a potential pathway for regulating follicular atresia and female reproduction.

MicroRNA-10a-3p mediates Th17/Treg cell balance and improves renal injury by inhibiting REG3A in lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic approaches guided toward microRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively explored in lupus nephritis (LN), but the precise position of miR-10a-3p posted in disease is not translated thoroughly. Therein, this work pivoting on miR-10a-3p was launched with the involvement of regenerating islet-derived 3 α (REG3A).

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from LN patients and healthy controls (n = 132) were collected. miR-10a-3p and REG3A expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were tested. Mice were injected with miR-10a-3p agomir, miR-10a-3p antagomir and/or REG3A low expression vector for presentation of their roles in renal function, T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory cell (Treg) balance, renal pathological damage, JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation and renal injury in LN. The relation between miR-10a-3p and REG3A was tested.

RESULTS

MiR-10a-3p was down-regulated while REG3A was up-regulated in LN. Restoring miR-10a-3p or silencing REG3A decreased Th17/Treg ratio in CD4⁺ T cells, inhibited JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation, ameliorated renal function, improved renal pathological damage and alleviated renal injury in LN. REG3A depletion negated the effects of down-regulated miR-10a-3p on LN. MiR-10a-3p targeted REG3A.

CONCLUSION

The work elucidates that miR-10a-3p restoration decreases Th17/Treg ratio and attenuates renal injury in LN via inhibiting REG3A and the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which renews the therapeutic reference for LN management.

MicroRNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Perspective on the Path from Biological Discoveries to Clinical Practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in immune abnormalities and organ damage of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current findings have indicated potential clinical applications of miRNAs for combating SLE. Here, we review recent evidence which support the notions that miRNAs can be novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for SLE.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following years of the studies of the expression patterns of miRNAs in both peripheral blood cells and body fluids, such as plasma and urine, several miRNAs or miRNA combinations have been associated with disease activity and specific organ damage. In depth analysis reveals complex and multiple roles of certain miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SLE. Manipulating miRNA expression shows in vivo therapeutic effects in lupus mouse models. MiRNAs contribute to the immune disorders and organ damage in SLE. MiRNA based biomarkers and therapies have the potential to be viable options for the treatment of SLE.

Long Noncoding RNA SNHG16 Sponges miR-182-5p And miR-128-3p To Promote Retinoblastoma Cell Migration And Invasion By Targeting LASP1

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated and play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of cancers. However, the potential roles of SNHG16 in retinoblastoma progression still remain largely unclear.

Materials and methods

The expression levels of SNHG16, miR-182-5p, miR-128-3p and LASP1 in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines were detected using qRT-PCR. The migratory and invasive abilities of retinoblastoma cells were assessed using Transwell assay. The regulatory relationships among SNHG16, miR-182-5p, miR-128-3p and LASP1 were analyzed through bioinformatics prediction and validated by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot.

Results

Here, we demonstrated that SNHG16 was frequently up-regulated in retinoblastoma tissue samples and cell lines. Clinicopathological features showed that high levels of SNHG16 were significantly associated with retinoblastoma metastasis and predicted poor overall survival. Functional studies demonstrated that knockdown of SNHG16 suppressed retinoblastoma cell migration and invasion. Mechanistic investigation revealed that SNHG16 exerted its oncogenic activity through increasing LASP1 expression and sponging miR-182-5p and miR-128-3p.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggest SNHG16 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target against retinoblastoma.

The role of miR-183 cluster in immunity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential factors of an extensively conserved post-transcriptional process to regulate gene expression. MiRNAs play a pivotal role in immunity, including controlling the differentiation of various immune cells as well as their immunological functions. The miR-183 cluster, which is comprised of miR-183, -96 and -182, is a miRNA family with sequence homology. These miRNAs are usually transcribed together as a polycistronic miRNA cluster during development and are required for maturation of sensory organs. In comparison to defined sensory-specific role of these miRNAs in normal development, they are frequently over-expressed in several non-sensory diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancers. Because individual miRNAs of miR-183 cluster have both common and unique targets within functionally interrelated pathways, they can show cooperative or opposing effects on biological processes, implying the complexity of this miR cluster-mediated gene regulation. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular regulation of miR-183 cluster expression and its downstream networks is important for the therapeutic applications. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics of miR-183 cluster and a wide variety of evidence on its function in immune system. Newer knowledge summarized here will help readers understand the versatile role of miR-183 cluster in this field.