A novel regulatory mechanism network mediated by lncRNA TUG1 that induces the impairment of spiral artery remodeling in Preeclampsia

IGSF8 impairs migration and invasion of trophoblast cells and angiogenesis in preeclampsia

Insufficient trophoblast cell infiltration is implicated in the progression of preeclampsia (PE). The immunoglobulin superfamily member 8 (IGSF8) has been shown to promote cell migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the specific impact of IGSF8 on trophoblast cells in PE has not been definitively demonstrated. To address this, placental tissues from PE patients and normal subjects was collected. A PE-like rat model was established by administering L-NAME (60 mg/kg) intragastrically to pregnant rats from the 10th to the 19th day of gestation. Knockdown and overexpression plasmids of IGSF8 were transfected into JEG-3 cells for further experiments. Clinical samples indicated impaired spiral artery remodeling, and high IGSF8 expression in the placental tissues of PE patients. PE rats exhibited increased mean arterial pressure, elevated 24-h urine protein levels, higher abortion rates, and decreased placental and fetal weight compared to rats of sham group. Failure of physiological transformation of spiral arteries was observed in PE rats, along with increased IGSF8 expression. IGSF8 overexpression inhibited JEG-3 cell migration, invasion and EMT, as well as reduced release of VEGF in JEG-3 cells, impairing HUVEC tube formation. mRNA-sequencing analysis of JEG-3 cells transfected with shIGSF8 showed differentially expressed genes related to angiogenesis, and mesenchymal cell differentiation, with IGSF8 knockdown being associated with the activation of pathways involved in blood vessel development and cell migration. Overall, this study suggests that IGSF8 plays a role in the development of PE and provides new insights for potential treatments.

Exploring the ceRNA network involving AGAP2-AS1 as a novel biomarker for preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is an important research subject in obstetrics. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of PE remain elusive. PE-related expression datasets (GSE96983, GSE96984 and GSE24129) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Firstly, the differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DE-mRNAs), DE-microRNA (DE-miRNAs) and DE-long non-coding RNA (DE-lncRNAs) between PE and control cohorts were identified, and the ceRNA network was constructed. Then candidate hub genes were obtained through five algorithms by the protein-protein intersection (PPI) network of the mRNAs. Further, five hub genes were identified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and gene expression profiles: DAXX, EFNB1, NCOR2, RBBP4 and SOCS1. The function of 5 hub genes was analyzed and the interaction between drugs and hub genes was predicted. A total of 5 small molecule drugs were predicted, namely benzbromarone, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, chembl312032, insulin and aldesleukin. AGAP2-AS1 was mainly located in exosome and cytoplasm. Agap2-as1-related regulatory subnetworks were extracted from ceRNA networks which included 41 mRNAs, 2 miRNAs and 1 lncRNA, including the regulated relationship pairs AGAP2-AS1-hsa-miR-497-5p-SRPRB, and AGAP2-AS1-hsa-miR-195-5p-RPL36. In summary, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to identify five potential biomarkers (DAXX, EFNB1, NCOR2, SOCS1 and RBBP4) of PE. The in-depth analysis of the AGAP2-AS1 regulatory network will help to uncover more important molecules closely related to PE and provide a scientific Reference.

From diagnosis to therapy: The critical role of lncRNAs in hepatoblastoma

According to findings, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serves an integral part in growth and development of a variety of human malignancies, including Hepatoblastoma (HB). HB is a rare kind of carcinoma of the liver that mostly affects kids and babies under the age of three. Its manifestations include digestive swelling, abdominal discomfort, and losing weight. This thorough investigation digs into the many roles that lncRNAs serve in HB, giving views into their varied activities as well as possible therapeutic consequences. The function of lncRNAs in HB cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and penetrating capacities, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and therapy tolerance is discussed. Various lncRNA regulatory roles are investigated in depth, yielding information on their effect on essential cell processes such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, immunity, and growth. Circulating lncRNAs are currently acknowledged as potential indications for the initial stages of identification of cancer, with the ability to diagnose as well as forecast. In addition to their diagnostic utility, lncRNAs provide curative opportunities as locations and actors, contributing to the expanding landscape of cancer research. Several HB-linked lncRNAs have been demonstrated to exhibit abnormal expression and are involved in tumor-like characteristics via DNA, RNA, or protein binding or encoding short peptides. As a result, a better knowledge of lncRNA instability might bring fresh perspectives into HB etiology as well as innovative strategies for HB early diagnosis and therapy. We describe the abnormalities of lncRNA expression in HB and their tumor-suppressive or carcinogenic activities during HB carcinogenesis in this study. Furthermore, we explore lncRNAs' diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in HB.

Environmental BaP/BPDE suppressed trophoblast cell invasion/migration and induced miscarriage by down-regulating lnc-HZ01/MEST/VIM axis

Environmental benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and itsmetabolite benzo(a)pyrene-7, 8-dihydrodiol-9, 10-epoxide (BPDE), classic endocrine disrupting chemical and persistent organic pollutant, could cause miscarriage. However, the detailed mechanisms are still largely unclear and should be further explored. In this study, we discovered that exposure of trophoblast cells with BPDE could suppressed cell invasion/migration by inhibiting MEST/VIM (Vimentin) pathway. Moreover, BPDE exposure also increased lnc-HZ01 expression level, which further inhibited MEST/VIM pathway and then suppressed invasion/migration. Knockdown of lnc-HZ01 or overexpression of MEST could efficiently rescue invasion/migration of BPDE-exposed Swan 71 cells. Furthermore, lnc-HZ01 was highly expressed and MEST/VIM were lowly expressed in recurrent miscarriage (RM) villous tissues compared with healthy control (HC) group. Finally, we also found that BaP exposure inhibited murine Mest/Vim pathway in placental tissues and induced miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms were similar in BPDE-exposed human trophoblast cells, RM villous tissues, and placental tissues of BaP-exposed mice with miscarriage, building a bridge to connect BaP/BPDE exposure, invasion/migration, and miscarriage. This study provided novel insights in the toxicological effects and molecular mechanisms of BaP/BPDE-induced miscarriage, which is helpful for better elucidating the toxicological risks of BaP/BPDE on female reproduction.

MiR-371-5p regulates trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by directly targeting ZNF516

Despite its prevalence, preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear as to its etiology. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms regulating differences in the gene expression of zinc-finger protein 516 (ZNF516) in the placenta. The expression of the placental ZNF516 gene and its association with critical clinical markers were verified, and a rigorous correlation analysis was conducted. With a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, microRNA targeting the ZNF516 gene was predicted and confirmed. Finally, the molecular processes associated with ZNF516 were explored via microarray and bioinformatic analyses. In hypoxic conditions, miR-371-5p expression was reduced, resulting in ZNF516 expression being induced. Moreover, ZNF516 was shown to hinder trophoblast cell migration and invasion while enhancing trophoblast cell death in various in vitro cellular assays, such as cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Our findings reveal a new regulatory network facilitated by ZNF516. ZNF516 overexpression inhibits trophoblast growth, movement, and penetration, potentially causing problems with placenta formation with the help of miR-371-5p suppression.

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia-A Case-Control In Silico Analysis

Preeclampsia (PE) occurs in 5% to 7% of all pregnancies, and the PE that results from abnormal placentation acts as a primary cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this secondary analysis was to elucidate the pathogenesis of PE by probing protein-protein interactions from in silico analysis of transcriptomes between PE and normal placenta from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE149812). The pathogenesis of PE is apparently determined by associations of miRNA molecules and their target genes and the degree of changes in their expressions with irregularities in the functions of hemostasis, vascular systems, and inflammatory processes at the fetal-maternal interface. These irregularities ultimately lead to impaired placental growth and hypoxic injuries, generally manifesting as placental insufficiency. These differentially expressed miRNAs or genes in placental tissue and/or in blood can serve as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.

TET3-mediated novel regulatory mechanism affecting trophoblast invasion and migration: Implications for preeclampsia development

INTRODUCTION

Aberrant expression of genes has been demonstrated to be related to the abnormal function of trophoblasts and lead to the occurrence and progression of Preeclampsia (PE). However, the underlying mechanism of PE has not been elucidated.

METHODS

We performed PCR analysis to investigate TET3 expression in PE placental tissues. Cell assays were performed in HTR-8/SVneo and JAR. Cell invasion and migration events were investigated by transwell assays in vitro. ChIP-PCR and Targeted bisulfite sequencing were conducted to detect the demethylation of related CpG sites in the KLF13 promoter after inhibition of TET3. In conjunction with bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays were performed to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-544 binds to TET3/KLF13 mRNA.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified genes associated with human extravillous trophoblasts by conducting sc-seq analysis from the GEO. Then, we measured the expression of TET3 in a larger clinical sample. The results showed that TET3, a DNA demethylase, was found to be expressed at much higher levels in the preeclamptic placenta compared to the control. Then, the inhibition of TET3 significantly promoted trophoblast cell migration and invasion. Conversely, TET3 overexpression suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro. Further RNA sequencing and mechanism analysis indicated that the inhibition of TET3 suppressed the activation of KLF13 by reducing the demethylation of related CpG sites in the KLF13 promoter, thereby transcriptionally inactivating KLF13 expression. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay indicate that TET3 and KLF13 were direct targets of miR-544.

DISCUSSION

This study uncovers a TET3-mediated regulatory mechanism in PE progression and suggests that targeting the placental miR-544-TET3-KLF13-axis might provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PE.

Increased ferroptosis in leukocytes from preeclamptic women involving the long non-coding taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1)

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis plays a key role in placental development and physiology, and abnormal ferroptosis has been implicated in trophoblast injury leading to preeclampsia (PE). We hypothesize that leukocytes isolated from PE exhibit increased ferroptosis and that extracellular vesicles contain long non-coding (lnc) RNA/mRNAs that modulate oxidative stress and iron toxicity in vascular endothelial cells.

METHODS

We measured the expression of key regulators of ferroptosis in leukocytes and extracellular vesicles as well as circulating biomarkers of iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in plasma from women with/without PE at different timepoints during pregnancy. For markers that were dysregulated, we assessed their temporal correlation with established markers of disease activity and marker of endothelial activation. For markers dysregulated in early pregnancy, we assessed their ability to predict the development of PE.

RESULTS

We found decreased lncRNA/mRNAs in leukocytes, but not extracellular vesicles, in PE that may modulate oxidative stress and iron toxicity. This decrease in anti-ferroptotic markers does not appear to be related to maternal disease activity or plasma oxidative stress status but rather to attenuated anti-inflammatory expression in these cells. Circulating ferritin was elevated in PE, supporting the hypothesis that PE represents a disbalance in iron homeostasis. Low lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 RNA levels in leukocytes at 22-24 weeks were strongly associated with the development of PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that maternal leukocytes in PE show decreased anti-ferroptotic activity that correlates with anti-inflammatory expression. Moreover, some of these changes in ferroptotic activity appear to precede the development of PE.

Novel cuproptosis-related prognostic gene profiles in preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder with complex pathogenesis. Cuproptosis is a novel identified form of programmed cell death, however, the link between cuproptosis and clinical outcomes in PE is still not fully understood. In this study, we searched for cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the placental tissues of normal and PE patients to clarify the importance of cuproptosis in the development of PE and provide potential predictive indicators for the occurrence of PE.

METHODS

Using RNA sequencing data in the GEO database, we conducted functional enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), supported by linear regression model and operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis, and summarized the role of CRGs in preeclampsia.

RESULTS

A total of 2831 differentially expressed genes related to PE were screened through multiple database analyses. After further intersection with 19 reported CRGs, 5 CRGs have been closely associated with the pathogenesis of PE, including NFE2L2, PDHA1, PDHB, DLD and GLS. NFE2L2 was identified as a key central gene. Pearson correlation analysis showed that CRGs could be related to several maternal and fetal outcome factors, including the highest pregnancy blood pressure, placenta weight, umbilical blood flow pulsatility index (PI), and neonatal weight. Linear regression equation revealed that the expression of NFE2L2 is negatively correlated with the highest pregnancy blood pressure and umbilical blood flow PI but positively correlated with placental weight and neonatal weight. QRT-PCR showed that the expression of these CRGs was significantly lower in placental tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

This cuproptosis pattern may be a potential prognostic factor in patients with PE and could provide new insights into disease progression.

[High expression of long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of trophoblasts in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of urothelial carcinoma antigen 1 (UCA1) in regulation of invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells and its association with tubal pregnancy.

METHODS

Cultured HTR- 8/SVneo cells stimulated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined for changes in UCA1 expression and cell migration ability using qRT-PCR and scratch assay, respectively. A HTR-8/SVneo cell model with UCA1 silencing was constructed by transient transfection, and the migration and invasion abilities of the cells were assessed using Scratch assay and Transwell assay; qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT markers.

RESULTS

HTR-8/SVneo cells stimulated with IL-6 exhibited significantly increased migration ability and up-regulated expression of UCA1 (P < 0.01). UCA1 silencing obviously suppressed migration and invasion abilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells (P < 0.01), significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of EMT epithelial marker E-cadherin (P < 0.01), and down-regulated the expressions of the mesenchymal markers integrin β3, vimentin and N-cadherin (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

UCA1 may be a key gene that promotes the occurrence of tubal pregnancy and thus provides a new therapeutic target for tubal pregnancy.

The Role of ncRNAs in the Immune Dysregulation of Preeclampsia

The main complications causing practically 75% of all maternal deaths are severe bleeding, infections, and high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia). The usefulness of ncRNAs as clinical biomarkers has been explored in an extensive range of human diseases including pregnancy-related diseases such as PE. Immunological dysregulation show that the Th1/17:Th2/Treg ratio is "central and causal" to PE. However, there is evidence of the involvement of placenta-expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs in the immunological regulation of crucial processes of placenta development and function during pregnancy. Abnormal expression of these molecules is related to immune physiopathological processes that occur in PE. Therefore, this work aims to describe the importance of miRNAs and lncRNAs in immune dysregulation in PE. Interestingly, multiple ncRNAS are involved in the immune dysregulation of PE participating in type 1 immune response regulation, immune microenvironment regulation in placenta promoting inflammatory factors, trophoblast cell invasion in women with Early-Onset PE (EOPE), placental development, and angiogenesis, promotion of population of M1 and M2, proliferation, invasion, and migration of placental trophoblast cells, and promotion of invasion and autophagy through vias such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, VEGF/VEGFR1, and TLR9/STAT3.

Identification of key biomarkers in ischemic stroke: single-cell sequencing and weighted co-expression network analysis

PURPOSE

At present, there is a lack of accurate early diagnostic markers for ischemic stroke.

METHODS

By using dimensionality reduction cluster analysis, differential expression analysis, weighted co-expression network analysis, protein-protein interaction network analysis, cell heterogeneity and key pathogenic genes were identified in ischemic stroke. Immunomicroenvironment analysis was used to explore the immune landscape and immune associations of key genes in ischemic stroke. The analysis platform we use is R software (version 4.0.5). PCR experiments were used to verify the expression of key genes.

RESULTS

Single cell sequencing data in ischemic stroke can be annotated as fibroblast cells, pre-B cell CD34, neutrophils cells, bone marrow (BM), keratinocytes, macrophage, neurons and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). By the intersection of differential expression analysis and WGCNA analysis, 385 genes were obtained. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that these genes were highly correlated with multiple functions and pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that MRPS11 and MRPS12 were key genes, both of which were down-regulated in ischemic stroke. The Pseudo-time series analysis found that the expression of MRPS12 decreased gradually with the differentiation of pre-B cell CD34 cells in ischemic stroke, suggesting that the downregulation of MRPS12 expression may play an important role in ischemic stroke. At last, PCR showed that MRPS11 and MRPS12 were significantly down-regulated in peripheral blood of patients with ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a reference for the study of pathogenesis and key targets of ischemic stroke.

DUSP2 recruits CSNK2A1 to suppress AKT1-mediated apoptosis resistance under hypoxic microenvironment in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which aids tumor progression, drug resistance, and immune evasion. Dual-specificity phosphatase 2 (DUSP2), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase family, regulates pancreatic cancer metastasis. However, its role in the hypoxic TME in PDAC remains unknown. We explored the role of DUSP2 by simulating the hypoxic TME. DUSP2 significantly promoted apoptosis in PDAC both in vitro and in vivo, mainly through AKT1 rather than ERK1/2. Mechanistically, DUSP2 competed with AKT1 to bind to casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CSNK2A1) and inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT1, which plays a crucial role in apoptosis resistance. Interestingly, aberrant activation of AKT1 resulted in an increase in the ubiquitin E3 ligase tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), which binds to and mediates the ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation of DUSP2. Overall, we identified CSNK2A1 as a novel binding partner of DUSP2 that promotes PDAC apoptosis through CSN2KA1/AKT1 in an ERK1/2-independent manner. Activation of AKT1 also mediated proteasomal degradation of DUSP2 via the AKT1/TRIM21 positive feedback loop. We propose increasing the level of DUSP2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for PDAC.

Downregulated DUXAP8 lncRNA impedes trophoblast cell proliferation and migration by epigenetically upregulating TFPI2 expression

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria during the second trimester, is the leading cause of neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. In the etiology of PE, failure of uterine spiral artery remodeling may be related to functioning abnormally of trophoblast cells, leading to the occurrence and progression of PE. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in PE nowadays. This study aimed to investigate the expression and functions of the TFPI2 pathway-related lncRNA DUXAP8.

METHODS

DUXAP8 expression in the placenta from pregnancies was examined using qPCR. Then, the in vitro functions of DUXAP8 were investigated through MTT, EdU, colony, transwell, and flow cytometry experiments. The downstream gene expression profiles were assessed using RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis and verified using qPCR and western blot. Furthermore, Immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the interaction between lncDUXAP8/EZH2/TFPI2.

RESULTS

The expression of lncRNA DUXAP8 in placenta of patients with eclampsia was significantly decreased. After knockout of DUXAP8, the proliferation and migration of trophoblasts were significantly decreased, and the percentage of apoptosis was increased. Flow cytometry showed that low expression of DUXAP8 increased the accumulation of cells in G2/M phase, while overexpression of DUXAP8 had the opposite effect. We also proved that DUXAP8 epigenetically inhibited TFPI2 expression by recruiting EZH2 and mediating H3K27me3 modification.

CONCLUSION

Together, these resulting data clarify that aberrant expression of DUXAP8 is involved in the potential PE development and progress. Unraveling the role of DUXAP8 will provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of PE.

The regulatory role and mechanism of lncTUG1 on cartilage apoptosis and inflammation in osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Long-stranded non-coding RNA TUG1 is lowly expressed in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. This study aimed to elucidate the role of TUG1 in osteoarthritic cartilage damage and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Combined database analysis, using primary chondrocytes as well as the C28/I2 cell line, was performed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to determine the expression of TUG1, miR-144-3p, DUSP1, and other target proteins. Dual luciferase reporter gene and RIP to verify direct interaction of TUG1 with miR-144-3-p and miR-144-3-p with DUSP1, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining to detect apoptosis. CCK-8 to detect cell proliferation. The biological significance of TUG1, miR-144-3p, and DUSP1 was assessed in vitro experiments using siRNA for TUG1, mimic and repressor for miR-144-3p, and overexpression plasmid for DUSP1. In this study, all data were subjected to a t-test or one-way analysis of variance with a p-value < 0.05 as the cutoff.

RESULTS

TUG1 expression was closely associated with osteoarthritic chondrocyte damage, and knockdown of TUG1 significantly promoted chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation. In the present study, we found that TUG1 inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation by competitively binding miR-144-3p, deregulating the negative regulatory effect of miR-144-3p on DUSP1, promoting DUSP1 expression, and inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study clarifies the role of the ceRNA regulatory network of TUG1/miR-144-3p/DUSP1/P38 MAPK in OA cartilage injury and provides an experimental and theoretical basis for genetic engineering tools to promote articular cartilage repair.

Potassium Channels, Glucose Metabolism and Glycosylation in Cancer Cells

Potassium channels emerge as one of the crucial groups of proteins that shape the biology of cancer cells. Their involvement in processes like cell growth, migration, or electric signaling, seems obvious. However, the relationship between the function of K+ channels, glucose metabolism, and cancer glycome appears much more intriguing. Among the typical hallmarks of cancer, one can mention the switch to aerobic glycolysis as the most favorable mechanism for glucose metabolism and glycome alterations. This review outlines the interconnections between the expression and activity of potassium channels, carbohydrate metabolism, and altered glycosylation in cancer cells, which have not been broadly discussed in the literature hitherto. Moreover, we propose the potential mediators for the described relations (e.g., enzymes, microRNAs) and the novel promising directions (e.g., glycans-orinented drugs) for further research.

Identification of LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in hypoxia-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells for preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication, and placental hypoxia is one of its causes. We aimed to identify the transcriptional profile and construct a long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA)-centered competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. We used datasets from the GEO database to identify important pathways in PE. We performed microarray profiling and functional analysis to identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), differentially expressed profiles of microRNA (miRNAs), and differentially expressed profiles of messenger RNA (mRNAs) in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. The candidates were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to understand the functional significance of differentially expressed genes. Finally, we constructed an lncRNA-centered ceRNA network. Several hub genes were validated both in placentas from PE and normal pregnancy, and in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. The hypoxic response pathway was involved in the pathophysiology of PE. Subsequently, we identified 536 differentially expressed profiles of lncRNAs (183 upregulated and 353 downregulated), 46 differentially expressed profiles of miRNAs (35 upregulated and 11 downregulated), and 2782 differentially expressed profiles of mRNAs (DEmRNAs) (1031 upregulated and 1751 downregulated) in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed potential pathways affected by these genes, such as angiogenesis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The ceRNA network comprised 35 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs, 27 mRNAs, and 2 hub lncRNAs, which might play a vital role in placental functions and PE. Our results revealed the transcriptome profile and constructed an lncRNA-centered ceRNA network in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells, thereby providing potential therapeutic targets for PE.

CCL21/CCR7 Axis Contributes to Trophoblastic Cell Migration and Invasion in Preeclampsia by Affecting the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition via the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder that is a leading cause of maternal death. The failure of spiral artery remodeling due to insufficient trophoblast migration and invasion is critical in the pathogenesis of PE. Recently, the CC motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) has been widely linked to cancer cell invasion and migration. However, their potential mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we found that CCL21 expression was significantly lower in the PE group than that in the control group. In vitro experiments revealed that recombinant CCL21 could promote trophoblast cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and improve migration and invasion. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibited the CCL21-induced EMT process. Finally, a PE mouse model was established using the NOS inhibitor L-NAME, and we obtained similar results, with downregulated CCL21 and EMT biomarkers and upregulated CCR7. Taken together, these findings suggest that the CCL21/CCR7 axis influences EMT by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, thereby affecting trophoblast cell migration and invasion, which may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PE.

LncRNA LINC00534 regulates cell proliferation and migration via the miR-494-3p/PTEN axis in HTR-8/SVneo cells

BACKGROUND

LncRNA LINC00534 has been found to be differentially expressed in placental tissue samples of preeclampsia (PE), but the exact mechanism is still unclear.

METHODS

In vitro assays were carried out in HTR-8/SVneo cells using various methods, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwells, flow cytometry, and Western blotting (WB) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RNA pull-down and bioinformatics analysis were applied to examine other potential underlying mechanisms involved.

RESULTS

We found that there was a high expression of LINC00534 in the placental tissues of patients with PE. LINC00534 overexpression (OE) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration as well as accelerated cell apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells. The knockdown of LINC00534 produced an opposite trend. Mechanistically, LINC00534 promoted the expressions of PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) through decreasing miR-494-3p. Further rescue studies showed that LINC00534 played a role by targeting mir-494-3p, which controlled the growth and migration of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells via regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT (Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/protein kinase B). Moreover, lncRNA pull-down assay identified 198 potential bound proteins for LINC00534. Those proteins were mostly involved in RNA processing and modification, posttranslational modification, protein turnover, and chaperones.

CONCLUSION

Overall, by suppressing HTR8/SVneo cell growth and migration via the miR-494-3p/PTEN axis and other mechanisms, LINC00534 offers new insight into PE pathogenesis.

The long noncoding RNA TARID regulates the CXCL3/ERK/MAPK pathway in trophoblasts and is associated with preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

The widely accepted explanation of preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis is insufficient trophoblast invasion and impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

We performed transcriptome sequencing on placentas of normal and PE patients and identified 976 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). TCF21 antisense RNA inducing demethylation (TARID) was one of the most significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and was negatively correlated with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in PE patients. Furthermore, we verified the effect of TARID on the biological behavior of trophoblasts and performed UID mRNA-seq to identify the effectors downstream of TARID. Then, co-transfection experiments were used to better illustrate the interaction between TARID and its downstream effector.

RESULTS

We concluded that the downregulation of TARID expression may inhibit trophoblast infiltration and spiral artery remodeling through inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and tube formation mediated through the CXCL3/ERK/MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings suggested that TARID may be a therapeutic target for PE through the CXCL3/ERK/MAPK pathway.

Functional roles of lncRNA-TUG1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma is malignant cancer that starts from the main liver cells. Although various classical methods have been used for patients with HCC, various molecular mechanisms involved in HCC progression should be invested. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) presented important roles in the pathogenesis of HCC cells. LncRNA TUG1 was found to mediate HCC cell growth, EMT, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting TUG1 and its downstream genes may be a suitable approach for patients with HCC. In this review, we summarized the potential roles of TUG1 in HCC.

A novel regulated network mediated by downregulation HIF1A-AS2 lncRNA impairs placental angiogenesis by promoting ANGPTL4 expression in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is the predominant medical condition leading to maternal and fetal mortality, and the lack of effective treatment increases its risk to the public health. Among the numerous predisposing factors, the ineffectual remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries, which can induce abnormal placental angiogenesis, has been focused to solve the pathogenesis of PE. According to the preceding research results, abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA)s could be associated with the pathological changes inducing PE. To be more specific, lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 was proposed for its potential to participate in the molecular mechanisms underlying PE. In vitro, in trophoblast cell lines HTR-8/SVneo and human umbilical vein endothelial cells HUVECs, HIF1A-AS2 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. Mechanistically, transcription factor FOXP1 could regulate the expression of HIF1A-AS2. Moreover, a series of assays, including RNA pull down and mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, revealed that HIF1A-AS2 interacted with Lamin A/C (LMNA) to inhibit ANGPTL4 expression in trophoblast cells, thus further participating in the progression of PE. Taken together, these findings suggested that further analysis on HIF1A-AS2 could contribute to the development of prospective therapeutic strategy for PE.

Hypoxia induced-disruption of lncRNA TUG1/PRC2 interaction impairs human trophoblast invasion through epigenetically activating Nodal/ALK7 signalling

Inadequate trophoblastic invasion is considered as one of hallmarks of preeclampsia (PE), which is characterized by newly onset of hypertension (>140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria (>300 mg in a 24‐h urine) after 20 weeks of gestation. Accumulating evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs are aberrantly expressed in PE, whereas detailed mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, we showed that lncRNA Taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1) were downregulated in preeclamptic placenta and in HTR8/SVneo cells under hypoxic conditions, together with reduced enhancer of zeste homolog2 (EZH2) and embryonic ectoderm development (EED) expression, major components of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), as well as activation of Nodal/ALK7 signalling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that TUG1 bound to PRC2 (EZH2/EED) in HTR8/SVneo cells and weakened TUG1/PRC2 interplay was correlated with upregulation of Nodal expression via decreasing H3K27me3 mark at the promoter region of Nodal gene under hypoxic conditions. And activation of Nodal signalling prohibited trophoblast invasion via reducing MMP2 levels. Overexpression of TUG1 or EZH2 significantly attenuated hypoxia‐induced reduction of trophoblastic invasiveness via negative modulating Nodal/ALK7 signalling and rescuing expression of its downstream target MMP2. These investigations might provide some evidence for novel mechanisms responsible for inadequate trophoblastic invasion and might shed some light on identifying future therapeutic targets for PE.