Coding and non-coding nucleotides': The future of stroke gene therapeutics

Progress of Exosomal MicroRNAs and Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, actively participate in intercellular communication by facilitating the exchange of crucial molecular information such as DNA, RNA, and lipids. Within this intricate network, microRNAs, endogenous non-coding small RNAs, emerge as pivotal regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, significantly influencing the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The historical prominence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical practice in China underscores its enduring significance. Notably, TCM monomers, serving as active constituents within herbal medicine, assume a critical role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in mitigating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the specific involvement of exosomal microRNAs in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the exploration extends to the application of TCM monomers, elucidating their efficacy as therapeutic agents in these conditions. Additionally, the review examines the utilization of exosomes as drug delivery carriers in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, providing a nuanced understanding of the potential synergies between TCM and modern therapeutic approaches. This synthesis of knowledge aims to contribute to the advancement of our comprehension of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and the potential therapeutic avenues offered by TCcom interventions.

PIWI-Interacting RNAs: A Pivotal Regulator in Neurological Development and Disease

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) with 24-32 nucleotides (nt), were initially identified in the reproductive system. Unlike microRNAs (miRNAs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), piRNAs normally guide P-element-induced wimpy testis protein (PIWI) families to slice extensively complementary transposon transcripts without the seed pairing. Numerous studies have shown that piRNAs are abundantly expressed in the brain, and many of them are aberrantly regulated in central neural system (CNS) disorders. However, the role of piRNAs in the related developmental and pathological processes is unclear. The elucidation of piRNAs/PIWI would greatly improve the understanding of CNS development and ultimately lead to novel strategies to treat neural diseases. In this review, we summarized the relevant structure, properties, and databases of piRNAs and their functional roles in neural development and degenerative disorders. We hope that future studies of these piRNAs will facilitate the development of RNA-based therapeutics for CNS disorders.

Stroke genetics and how it Informs novel drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide. Nevertheless, despite the global burden of this disease, our understanding is limited and there is still a lack of highly efficient etiopathology-based treatment. It is partly due to the complexity and heterogenicity of the disease. It is estimated that around one-third of ischemic stroke is heritable, emphasizing the importance of genetic factors identification and targeting for therapeutic purposes.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors provide an overview of the current knowledge of stroke genetics and its value in diagnostics, personalized treatment, and prognostication.

EXPERT OPINION

As the scale of genetic testing increases and the cost decreases, integration of genetic data into clinical practice is inevitable, enabling assessing individual risk, providing personalized prognostic models and identifying new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Although expanding stroke genetics data provides different diagnostics and treatment perspectives, there are some limitations and challenges to face. One of them is the threat of health disparities as non-European populations are underrepresented in genetic datasets. Finally, a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms of potential targets is still lacking, delaying the application of novel therapies into routine clinical practice.

28S rRNA-Derived Fragments Represent an Independent Molecular Predictor of Short-Term Relapse in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a global health concern, being a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among males. Early detection and accurate prognosis are crucial for effective management. This study delves into the diagnostic and prognostic potential of 28S rRNA-derived fragments (rRFs) in PCa. Total RNA extracted from 89 PCa and 53 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) tissue specimens. After 3'-end polyadenylation, we performed reverse transcription to create first-strand cDNA. Using an in-house quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, we quantified 28S rRF levels. Post-treatment biochemical relapse served as the clinical endpoint event for survival analysis, which we validated internally through bootstrap analysis. Our results revealed downregulated 28S rRF levels in PCa compared to BPH patients. Additionally, we observed a significant positive correlation between 28S rRF levels and higher Gleason scores and tumor stages. Furthermore, PCa patients with elevated 28S rRF expression had a significantly higher risk of post-treatment disease relapse independently of clinicopathological data. In conclusion, our study demonstrates, for the first time, the prognostic value of 28S rRF in prostate adenocarcinoma. Elevated 28S rRF levels independently predict short-term PCa relapse and enhance risk stratification. This establishes 28S rRF as a potential novel molecular marker for PCa prognosis.

MiRNA-146a-A Key Player in Immunity and Diseases

miRNA-146a, a single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecule, has emerged as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for numerous pathological conditions. Its primary function lies in regulating inflammatory processes, haemopoiesis, allergic responses, and other key aspects of the innate immune system. Several studies have indicated that polymorphisms in miRNA-146a can influence the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. One of the key mechanisms by which miRNA-146a exerts its effects is by controlling the expression of certain proteins involved in critical pathways. It can modulate the activity of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase, IRAK1, IRAK2 adaptor proteins, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) targeting protein receptor 6, which is a regulator of the TNF signalling pathway. In addition, miRNA-146a affects gene expression through multiple signalling pathways, such as TNF, NF-κB and MEK-1/2, and JNK-1/2. Studies have been carried out to determine the effect of miRNA-146a on cancer pathogenesis, revealing its involvement in the synthesis of stem cells, which contributes to tumourigenesis. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries that highlight the significant role played by miRNA-146a in regulating various defence mechanisms and oncogenesis. The aim of this review article is to systematically examine miRNA-146a's impact on the control of signalling pathways involved in oncopathology, immune system development, and the corresponding response to therapy.

The Intricate Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Sepsis-Associated Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a type of tissue and organ dysregulation in sepsis, due mainly to the effect of the inflammation on the coagulation system. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to this disorder are not fully understood. Moreover, current biomarkers for DIC, including biological and clinical parameters, generally provide a poor diagnosis and prognosis. In recent years, non-coding RNAs have been studied as promising and robust biomarkers for a variety of diseases. Thus, their potential in the diagnosis and prognosis of DIC should be further studied. Specifically, the relationship between the coagulation cascade and non-coding RNAs should be established. In this review, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs are studied in relation to DIC. Specifically, the axis between these non-coding RNAs and the corresponding affected pathway has been identified, including inflammation, alteration of the coagulation cascade, and endothelial damage. The main affected pathway identified is PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, where several ncRNAs participate in its regulation, including miR-122-5p which is sponged by circ_0005963, ciRS-122, and circPTN, and miR-19a-3p which is modulated by circ_0000096 and circ_0063425. Additionally, both miR-223 and miR-24 were found to affect the PI3K/AKT pathway and were regulated by lncGAS5 and lncKCNQ1OT1, respectively. Thus, this work provides a useful pipeline of inter-connected ncRNAs that future research on their impact on DIC can further explore.

Circular RNAs in Ischemic Stroke: Biological Role and Experimental Models

Ischemic stroke is among the leading causes of morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. Despite the recent progress in the management of acute ischemic stroke, timely intervention still represents a challenge. Hence, strategies to counteract ischemic brain injury during and around the acute event are still lacking, also due to the limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. Despite the increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology underlying ischemic brain injury, some relevant pieces of information are still required, particularly regarding the fine modulation of biological processes. In this context, there is emerging evidence that the modulation of circular RNAs, a class of highly conserved non-coding RNA with a closed-loop structure, are involved in pathophysiological processes behind ischemic stroke, unveiling a number of potential therapeutic targets and possible clinical biomarkers. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of experimental studies on the role of circular RNAs in ischemic stroke.

Identification of microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Genetic factors contribute to the AF pathophysiology by altering the structural and functional properties of proteins involved in different cellular activities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which take part in structural and electrical remodeling during the AF evolution, are important genetic elements that must be considered. The aim of study is to determine correlation between the expression of miRNAs and the development of AF, as well as to explain any potential importance of genetic factors in the AF diagnosis.

Methods and Results

Online scientific databases, including Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to conduct the literature search. The keywords were associated with or characterized the relationship between miRNAs and AF. The pooled sensitivity and specificity statistical parameters were analyzed using a random-effects model. The miRNAs had a combined sensitivity and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.70-0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI = 0.64-0.83) for the diagnosis of AF, respectively. The area under the SROC was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.81-0.87). The DOR was 11.80 (95% CI = 6.79-20.50). This study also revealed that miRNAs had a pooled PLR of 3.16 (95% CI = 2.24-4.45) and NLR of 0.27 (95% CI = 0.18-0.39) for the diagnosis of AF. The miR-425-5p demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.96, 95% CI, 0.89-0.99).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis revealed substantial connection between miRNA expression dysregulation and AF, supporting the potential diagnostic role of miRNAs. The miR-425-5p has potential role as a biomarker for AF.

Dual-mobility cup total hip arthroplasty improves the quality of life compared to internal fixation in femoral neck fractures patients with severe neuromuscular disease in the lower extremity after stroke: a retrospective study

Background

This study aimed to demonstrate that dual-mobility cup total hip arthroplasty (DMC-THA) can significantly improve the quality of life (QOL) of elderly femoral neck fracture patients with severe neuromuscular disease in unilateral lower extremities due to stroke hemiplegia compared to internal fixation (IF).

Methods

Fifty-eight cases of severe neuromuscular disease in the unilateral lower extremities with muscle strength < grade 3/5 due to stroke were retrospectively examined From January 2015 to December 2020. Then, patients were divided into DMC and IF groups. The QOL was examined using the EQ-5D and SF-36 outcome measures. The physical and mental statuses were assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) and e Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), respectively.

Results

Patients in the DMC group had higher BI scores than those in the IF group at different time point. Regarding mental status, the FES-I mean score was 42.1 ± 5.3 in the DMC group and 47.3 ± 5.6 in the IF group (p = 0.002). For the QOL, the mean SF-36 score was 46.1 ± 18.3 for the health component and 59.5 ± 15.0 for the mental component in the DMC group compared to 35.3 ± 16.2 (p = 0.035), and 46.6 ± 17.4 (p = 0.006) compared to the IF group. The mean EQ-5D-5L values were 0.733 ± 0.190 and 0.303 ± 0.227 in the DMC and IF groups (p = 0.035), respectively.

Conclusion

DMC-THA significantly improved postoperative QOL compared to IF in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures and severe neuromuscular dysfunction in the lower extremity after stroke. The improved outcomes were related to the enhanced early, rudimentary motor function of patients.

MicroRNA-22-3p ameliorates Alzheimer's disease by targeting SOX9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus

Background

Studies have suggested that many down-regulated miRNAs identified in the brain tissue or serum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients were involved in the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Specifically, our previous study revealed that microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) was significantly down-regulated in AD patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the down-regulation of miR-22-3p has not been comprehensively investigated.

Methods

The ameliorating effect of miR-22-3p on apoptosis of the Aβ-treated HT22 cells was detected by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The cognition of mice with stereotaxic injection of agomir or antagomir of miR-22-3p was assessed by Morris water maze test. Pathological changes in the mouse hippocampus were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry. Proteomics analysis was performed to identify the targets of miR-22-3p, which were further validated using dual-luciferase reporter analysis and western blotting analysis.

Results

The miR-22-3p played an important role in ameliorating apoptosis in the Aβ-treated HT22 cells. Increased levels of miR-22-3p in the mouse hippocampus improved the cognition in mice. Although the miR-22-3p did not cause the decrease of neuronal loss in the hippocampus, it reduced the Aβ deposition. Proteomics analysis revealed Sox9 protein as the target of miR-22-3p, which was verified by the luciferase reporter experiments.

Conclusion

Our study showed that miR-22-3p could improve apoptosis and reduce Aβ deposition by acting on Sox9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway to improve the cognition in AD mice. We concluded that miR-22-3p ameliorated AD by targeting Sox9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02548-1.

Association of MicroRNAs With Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives

Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to disease vulnerability. Studies have reported the involvement of miRNA in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of data from 6 studies that used a panel of miRNAs with altered expressions to diagnose ischemic stroke with the Bayesian framework. The I² test and Cochran's Q-statistic were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plots were generated and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests.

Results

On summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of altered miRNA expressions for diagnosis of ischemic stroke was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71–0.90), respectively; the diagnostic odds ratio was 54.35 (95% CI 20.39–144.92), and the area under the SROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.95).

Conclusions

Our results showed a link between dysregulation of miRNAs and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Abnormal miRNA expression may be a potential biomarker for ischemic stroke.

PiWi RNA in Neurodevelopment and Neurodegenerative disorders

Shedding light on the mysterious dark matter of the genome gears up the knowledge of modern biology. Beyond the genome, epigenome layers an untraveled path of fundamental biological and functional roles of gene regulation. Extraordinary character- P element wimpy testis-induced (PiWi)-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a type of small non-coding RNA that serves as a defender that imposes genomic and cellular defense by silencing nucleic and structural invaders. PIWI proteins and piRNAs appear in both reproductive and somatic cells, though germ line richness is partially unraveled more as it was originally discovered. The foremost function is to suppress invasive DNA sequences, which move within genomic DNA referred to as transposon elements (TEs) and downstream target genes via Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and Post-translational gene silencing (PTGS). Germline piRNAs maintain genomic integrity, stability, sternness, and impact imprinting expression. Somatic tissue-specific piRNAs have been surprised by their novel roles. piRNA regulates neurodevelopmental processes in metazoans, including humans. Neural heterogeneity, neurogenesis, neural plasticity, and transgenerational inheritance of adaptive and long-term memory are governed by the PIWI pathway. Neuro-developmental, neurodegenerative or psychiatric illness are the outcome of dysregulated piRNA. Aberrant piRNA signature causes inappropriate switching on or off genes by activation of TEs, incorrect epigenetic tags on DNA, and or histones. Defective piRNA regulation leads to abnormal brain development and neurodegenerative etiology, promoting life-threatening disorders. Exemplification of exciting roles of piRNA is in infancy, so future investigation may expand on these observations using innovative techniques and launch them as impending biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. In this current review, we have summarized the possible gene molecular role of piRNAs regulating neurobiology and contributing as uncharted biomarkers and therapeutic targets for life-threatening diseases.