1
|
Yadavalli HC, Park S, Kim Y, Nagda R, Kim TH, Han MK, Jung IL, Bhang YJ, Yang WH, Dalgaard LT, Yang SW, Shah P. Tailed-Hoogsteen Triplex DNA Silver Nanoclusters Emit Red Fluorescence upon Target miRNA Sensing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2306793. [PMID: 37967352 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules, typically 21-22 nucleotides in size, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in most eukaryotes. Their significance in various biological processes and disease pathogenesis has led to considerable interest in their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. In this study, a novel method for sensing target miRNAs using Tailed-Hoogsteen triplex DNA-encapsulated Silver Nanoclusters (DNA/AgNCs) is introduced. Upon hybridization of a miRNA with the tail, the Tailed-Hoogsteen triplex DNA/AgNCs exhibit a pronounced red fluorescence, effectively turning on the signal. It is successfully demonstrated that this miRNA sensor not only recognized target miRNAs in total RNA extracted from cells but also visualized target miRNAs when introduced into live cells, highlighting the advantages of the turn-on mechanism. Furthermore, through gel-fluorescence assays and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis, the turn-on mechanism is elucidated, revealing that the Tailed-Hoogsteen triplex DNA/AgNCs undergo a structural transition from a monomer to a dimer upon sensing the target miRNA. Overall, the findings suggest that Tailed-Hoogsteen triplex DNA/AgNCs hold great promise as practical sensors for small RNAs in both in vitro and cell imaging applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hari Chandana Yadavalli
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeon Park
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeolhoe Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Riddhi Nagda
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyun Han
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Lae Jung
- Department of Radiation Biology, Environmental Radiation Research Group, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Bhang
- Xenohelix Research Institute, BT Centre 305, 56 Songdogwahak-ro Yeonsugu, Incheon, 21984, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ho Yang
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Louise Torp Dalgaard
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Seong Wook Yang
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Pratik Shah
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guzewska MM, Myszczynski K, Heifetz Y, Kaczmarek MM. Embryonic signals mediate extracellular vesicle biogenesis and trafficking at the embryo-maternal interface. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:210. [PMID: 37596609 PMCID: PMC10436626 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01221-1] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated nanoparticles secreted by almost all cell types in living organisms. EVs, as paracrine mediators, are involved in intercellular communication, immune response, and several reproductive events, including the maintenance of pregnancy. Using a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation, we focused on EV biogenesis pathway at the embryo-maternal interface, when the embryonic signaling occurs for maternal recognition and the maintenance of pregnancy. RESULTS Transmission electron microscopy was used during early pregnancy to visualize EVs and apocrine and/or merocrine pathways of secretion. Immunofluorescent staining localized proteins responsible for EV biogenesis and cell polarization at the embryo-maternal interface. The expression profiles of genes involved in biogenesis and the secretion of EVs pointed to the possible modulation of endometrial expression by embryonic signals. Further in vitro studies showed that factors of embryonic origin can regulate the expression of the ESCRT-II complex and EV trafficking within endometrial luminal epithelial cells. Moreover, miRNA-mediated rapid negative regulation of gene expression was abolished by delivered embryonic signals. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that embryonic signals are potent modulators of ESCRT-dependent EV-mediated secretory activity of the endometrium during the critical stages of early pregnancy. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Guzewska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zanda MT, Floris G, Daws SE. Orbitofrontal cortex microRNAs support long-lasting heroin seeking behavior in male rats. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:117. [PMID: 37031193 PMCID: PMC10082780 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and maintenance of abstinence from opioid use is hampered by perseverant drug cravings that may persist for months after cessation of drug use. Drug cravings can intensify during the abstinence period, a phenomenon referred to as the 'incubation of craving' that has been well-described in preclinical studies. We previously reported that animals that self-administered heroin at a dosage of 0.075 mg/kg/infusion (HH) paired with discrete drug cues displayed robust incubation of heroin craving behavior after 21 days (D) of forced abstinence, an effect that was not observed with a lower dosage (0.03 mg/kg/infusion; HL). Here, we sought to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying long-term heroin seeking behavior by profiling microRNA (miRNA) pathways in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a brain region that modulates incubation of heroin seeking. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs with long half-lives that have emerged as critical regulators of drug seeking behavior but their expression in the OFC has not been examined in any drug exposure paradigm. We employed next generation sequencing to detect OFC miRNAs differentially expressed after 21D of forced abstinence between HH and HL animals, and proteomics analysis to elucidate miRNA-dependent translational neuroadaptations. We identified 55 OFC miRNAs associated with incubation of heroin craving, including miR-485-5p, which was significantly downregulated following 21D forced abstinence in HH but not HL animals. We bidirectionally manipulated miR-485-5p in the OFC to demonstrate that miR-485-5p can regulate long-lasting heroin seeking behavior after extended forced abstinence. Proteomics analysis identified 45 proteins selectively regulated in the OFC of HH but not HL animals that underwent 21D forced abstinence, of which 7 were putative miR-485-5p target genes. Thus, the miR-485-5p pathway is dysregulated in animals with a phenotype of persistent heroin craving behavior and OFC miR-485-5p pathways may function to support long-lasting heroin seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tresa Zanda
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie E Daws
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Segmental Upregulation of ASIC1 Channels in the Formalin Acute Pain Mouse Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121539. [PMID: 36558990 PMCID: PMC9784454 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121539] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hindpaw injection of formalin in rodents is used to assess acute persistent pain. The response to formalin is biphasic. The initial response (first minutes) is thought to be linked to inflammatory, peripheral mechanisms, while the latter (around 30 min after the injection), is linked to central mechanisms. This model is useful to analyze the effect of drugs at one or both phases, and the involvement of ion channels in the response. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) regulate synaptic activities and play important roles in pain conditions. Recently, psalmotoxin-1 (Pctx-1), a toxin that inhibits ASIC1a-constituted channels, and antisense ASIC1a-RNA, intrathecal administered in mice were shown to affect both phases of the test. METHODS The mouse formalin test was performed on C57/BL6 7- to 9-week-old mice. Behavioral tests were conducted and tissue was extracted to detect proteins (ASIC1 and pERK) and ASIC1-mRNA and mir485-5p levels. RESULTS The injection of formalin was accompanied by an increase in ASIC1 levels. This was detected at the contralateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) compared to the ipsilateral side, and both sides of the ACC of vehicle-injected animals. At the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, ASIC1 levels followed a gradient stronger at lumbar (L) 3 and decreased towards L5. Gender differences were detected at the ACC; with female mice showing higher ASIC1a levels at the ACC. No significant changes in ASIC1-mRNA levels were detected. Evidence suggests ASIC1 upregulation depends on regulatory microRNAs. CONCLUSION This work highlights the important role of ASIC1 in pain and the potential role of pharmacological therapies aimed at this channel.
Collapse
|
5
|
Davis W, Endo M, Locke JCW. Spatially specific mechanisms and functions of the plant circadian clock. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:938-951. [PMID: 35640123 PMCID: PMC9516738 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Like many organisms, plants have evolved a genetic network, the circadian clock, to coordinate processes with day/night cycles. In plants, the clock is a pervasive regulator of development and modulates many aspects of physiology. Clock-regulated processes range from the correct timing of growth and cell division to interactions with the root microbiome. Recently developed techniques, such as single-cell time-lapse microscopy and single-cell RNA-seq, are beginning to revolutionize our understanding of this clock regulation, revealing a surprising degree of organ, tissue, and cell-type specificity. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our spatial view of the clock across the plant, both in terms of how it is regulated and how it regulates a diversity of output processes. We outline how understanding these spatially specific functions will help reveal the range of ways that the clock provides a fitness benefit for the plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Davis
- Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Motomu Endo
- Authors for correspondence: (M.E.); (J.C.W.L.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Z, Chen G. Insights about circadian clock in glioma: From molecular pathways to therapeutic drugs. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1930-1941. [PMID: 36066207 PMCID: PMC9627379 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is characterized as the most aggressive brain tumor that occurred in the central nervous system. The circadian rhythm is an essential cyclic change system generated by the endogenous circadian clock. Current studies found that the circadian clock affects glioma pathophysiology. It is still controversial whether the circadian rhythm disruption is a cause or an effect of tumorigenesis. This review discussed the association between cell cycle and circadian clock and provided a prominent molecular theoretical basis for tumor therapy. We illustrated the external factors affecting the circadian clock including thermodynamics, hypoxia, post-translation, and microRNA, while the internal characteristics concerning the circadian clock in glioma involve stemness, metabolism, radiotherapy sensitivity, and chemotherapy sensitivity. We also summarized the molecular pathways and the therapeutic drugs involved in the glioma circadian rhythm. There are still many questions in this field waiting for further investigation. The results of glioma chronotherapy in sensitizing radiation therapy and chemotherapy have shown great therapeutic potential in improving clinical outcomes. These findings will help us further understand the characteristics of glioma pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina,Institute of Stroke ResearchSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina,Institute of Stroke ResearchSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Modulation of microRNome by Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Possible Significance in the Induction of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051060. [PMID: 33946985 PMCID: PMC8146000 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have been reportedly suggested as triggers of the onset and/or progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of SSc are still largely unknown but virological and immunological observations support a role for these beta-herpesviruses, and we recently observed a direct impact of HCMV and HHV-6 infection on the expression of cell factors associated with fibrosis at the cell level. Since miRNA expression has been found profoundly deregulated at the tissue level, here we aimed to investigate the impact on cell microRNome (miRNome) of HCMV and HHV-6 infection in in vitro infected primary human dermal fibroblasts, which represent one of the main SSc target cells. The analysis, performed by Taqman arrays detecting and quantifying 754 microRNAs (miRNAs), showed that both herpesviruses significantly modulated miRNA expression in infected cells, with evident early and late effects and deep modulation (>10 fold) of >40 miRNAs at each time post infection, including those previously recognized for their key function in fibrosis. The correlation between these in vitro results with in vivo observations is strongly suggestive of a role of HCMV and/or HHV-6 in the multistep pathogenesis of fibrosis in SSc and in the induction of fibrosis-signaling pathways finally leading to tissue fibrosis. The identification of specific miRNAs may open the way to their use as biomarkers for SSc diagnosis, assessment of disease progression and possible antifibrotic therapies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim T, Croce CM. MicroRNA and ER stress in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 75:3-14. [PMID: 33422566 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of biological technologies in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics has led to the identification and characterization of the complete set of coding genes and their roles in various cellular pathways in cancer. Nevertheless, the cellular pathways have not been fully figured out like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. The discovery of noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) has provided the missing pieces of the cellular pathways. Likewise, miRNAs have settled many questions of inexplicable patches in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. The ER stress-caused pathways typified by the unfolded protein response (UPR) are pivotal processes for cellular homeostasis and survival, rectifying uncontrolled proteostasis and determining the cell fate. Although various factors and pathways have been studied and characterized, the understanding of the ER stress requires more wedges to fill the cracks of knowledge about the ER stress pathways. Moreover, the roles of the ER stress and UPR are still controversial in cancer despite their strong potential to promote cancer. The noncoding RNAs, in particular, miRNAs aid in a better understanding of the ER stress and its role in cancer. In this review, miRNAs that are the more-investigated subtype of noncoding RNAs are focused on the interpretation of the ER stress in cancer, following the introduction of miRNA and ER stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taewan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Developmental Biology, Base for International Science and Technology Cooperation, Carson Cancer Stem Cell Vaccines R&D Center, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Song Y, Xu Z, Wang F. Genetically Encoded Reporter Genes for MicroRNA Imaging in Living Cells and Animals. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:555-567. [PMID: 32721876 PMCID: PMC7390858 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by base paring with the complementary sequences of the target mRNAs, and then exert their function through degrading mRNA or inhibiting protein translation. They play a significant role as a regulatory factor in biological processes of organism development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Some of the traditional methods for studying miRNAs, such as northern blot, real-time PCR, or microarray, have been extensively used to investigate the biological properties and expression patterns of miRNAs. However, these methods often require considerable time, cell samples, and the design of effective primers or specific probes. Therefore, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the role of miRNAs in biological processes and accelerate the clinical application of miRNAs in the field of disease treatment, non-invasive, sensitive, and efficient imaging methods are needed to visualize the dynamic expression of miRNAs in living cells and animals. In this study, we reviewed the recent progress in the genetically encoded reporter genes for miRNA imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhuang Song
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Zhijing Xu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alshamrani AA. Roles of microRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenesis: Two Decades Later, What Have We Learned? Front Oncol 2020; 10:1084. [PMID: 32850313 PMCID: PMC7396563 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the top gynecological malignancies that cause deaths among females in the United States. At the molecular level, significant progress has been made in our understanding of ovarian cancer development and progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules (19–25 nucleotides) that negatively regulate target genes post-transcriptionally. Over the last two decades, mounting evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of miRNAs in different human malignancies, including ovarian carcinomas. Deregulated miRNAs can have profound impacts on various cancer hallmarks by repressing tumor suppressor genes. This review will discuss up-to-date knowledge of how the aberrant expression of miRNAs and their targeted genes drives ovarian cancer initiation, proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapies. Understanding the mechanisms by which these miRNAs affect these hallmarks should allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat these lethal malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Alshamrani
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Herdoiza Padilla E, Crauwels P, Bergner T, Wiederspohn N, Förstner S, Rinas R, Ruf A, Kleemann M, Handrick R, Tuckermann J, Otte K, Walther P, Riedel CU. mir-124-5p Regulates Phagocytosis of Human Macrophages by Targeting the Actin Cytoskeleton via the ARP2/3 Complex. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2210. [PMID: 31636629 PMCID: PMC6787173 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagocytosis is a cellular process crucial for recognition and removal of apoptotic cells and foreign particles, subsequently initiating appropriate immune responses. The process of phagocytosis is highly complex and involves major rearrangements of the cytoskeleton. Due to its complexity and importance for tissue homoeostasis and immune responses, it is tightly regulated. Over the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of biological pathways including the immune response by fine-tuning expression of gene regulatory networks. In order to identify miRNAs implicated in the regulation of phagocytosis, a systematic screening of all currently known, human miRNAs was performed using THP-1 macrophage-like cells and serum-opsonized latex beads. Of the total of 2,566 miRNAs analyzed, several led to significant changes in phagocytosis. Among these, we validated miR-124-5p as a novel regulator of phagocytosis. Transfection with miR-124-5p mimics reduced the number of phagocytic cells as well as the phagocytic activity of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-activated THP-1 cells and ex vivo differentiated primary human macrophages. In silico analysis suggested that miR-124-5p targets genes involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Transcriptional analyses revealed that expression of genes encoding for several subunits of the ARP2/3 complex, a crucial regulator of actin polymerization, is reduced upon transfection of cells with miR-124-5p. Further in silico analyses identified potential binding motifs for miR-124-5p in the mRNAs of these genes. Luciferase reporter assays using these binding motifs indicate that at least two of the genes (ARPC3 and ARPC4) are direct targets of miR-124-5p. Moreover, ARPC3 and ARPC4 protein levels were significantly reduced following miR-124-5p transfection. Collectively, the presented results suggest that miR-124-5p regulates phagocytosis in human macrophages by directly targeting expression of components of the ARP2/3 complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Crauwels
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim Bergner
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nicole Wiederspohn
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sabrina Förstner
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca Rinas
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Ruf
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Kleemann
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach, Germany
| | - René Handrick
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach, Germany
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kerstin Otte
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Biberach, Germany
| | - Paul Walther
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian U Riedel
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Krzysztoń R, Woschée D, Reiser A, Schwake G, Strey HH, Rädler JO. Single-cell kinetics of siRNA-mediated mRNA degradation. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 21:102077. [PMID: 31400572 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) enables the therapeutic use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence disease-related genes. The efficiency of silencing is commonly assessed by measuring expression levels of the target protein at a given time point post-transfection. Here, we determine the siRNA-induced fold change in mRNA degradation kinetics from single-cell fluorescence time-courses obtained using live-cell imaging on single-cell arrays (LISCA). After simultaneous transfection of mRNAs encoding eGFP (target) and CayRFP (reference), the eGFP expression is silenced by siRNA. The single-cell time-courses are fitted using a mathematical model of gene expression. Analysis yields best estimates of related kinetic rate constants, including mRNA degradation constants. We determine the siRNA-induced changes in kinetic rates and their correlations between target and reference protein expression. Assessment of mRNA degradation constants using single-cell time-lapse imaging is fast (<30 h) and returns an accurate, time-independent measure of siRNA-induced silencing, thus allowing the exact evaluation of siRNA therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Krzysztoń
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Nano systems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany.
| | - Daniel Woschée
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Nano systems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany
| | - Anita Reiser
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Nano systems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany
| | - Gerlinde Schwake
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut H Strey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Laufer Center for Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Joachim O Rädler
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Nano systems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Koczka K, Ernst W, Palmberger D, Klausberger M, Nika L, Grabherr R. Development of a Dual-Vector System Utilizing MicroRNA Mimics of the Autographa californica miR-1 for an Inducible Knockdown in Insect Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E533. [PMID: 30691228 PMCID: PMC6387257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is a popular tool for the manufacturing of various attractive recombinant products. Over the years, several attempts have been made to engineer and further improve this production platform by targeting host or baculoviral genes by RNA interference. In this study, an inducible knockdown system was established in insect (Sf9) cells by combining an artificial microRNA precursor mimic of baculoviral origin and the bacteriophage T7 transcription machinery. Four structurally different artificial precursor constructs were created and tested in a screening assay. The most efficient artificial microRNA construct resulted in a 69% reduction in the fluorescence intensity of the target enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP). Next, recombinant baculoviruses were created carrying either the selected artificial precursor mimic under the transcriptional control of the T7 promoter or solely the T7 RNA polymerase under a baculoviral promoter. Upon co-infecting Sf9 cells with these two viruses, the fluorescence intensity of eYFP was suppressed by ~30⁻40% on the protein level. The reduction in the target mRNA level was demonstrated with real-time quantitative PCR. The presented inducible knockdown system may serve as an important and valuable tool for basic baculovirus-insect cell research and for the improvement of production processes using this platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Koczka
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Ernst
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dieter Palmberger
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lisa Nika
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Reingard Grabherr
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|