The miR-378c-Samd1 circuit promotes phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and foam cells formation in atherosclerosis lesions

miR-223-5p serves as a diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and its predictive value for the clinical outcome after PCI

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a serious cardiovascular disease that severely affects the quality of life and longevity of patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the progression of ACS with significant clinical value. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical value of miR-223-5p in ACS and on the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The plasma expression of miR-223-5p was detected by RT-qPCR. The correlation of miR-223-5p and cTnI or Gensini score was shown by the Pearson method. Risk factors for the development of ACS were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. The efficacy of miR-223-5p in identifying patients with ACS was shown by ROC curve. The predictive value of miR-223-5p for MACE development in ACS patients within 6 months after PCI was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

miR-223-5p levels were markedly elevated in ACS patients. miR-223-5p was found to be positively related to cTnI or Gensini score. miR-223-5p was a risk factor for ACS and significantly identified patients with ACS. MACE was more likely to occur after PCI in patients with high miR-223-5p levels, and miR-223-5p was an independent prognostic indicator of MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-223-5p had diagnostic value for ACS and predicted MACE after PCI.

Peripheral whole blood microRNA expression in relation to vascular function: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

As key regulators of gene expression, microRNAs affect many cardiovascular mechanisms and have been associated with several cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation of whole blood microRNAs with several quantitative measurements of vascular function, and explore their biological role through an integrative microRNA-gene expression analysis.

METHODS

Peripheral whole blood microRNA expression was assessed through RNA-Seq in 2606 participants (45.8% men, mean age: 53.93, age range: 30 to 95 years) from the Rhineland Study, an ongoing population-based cohort study in Bonn, Germany. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to cluster microRNAs with highly correlated expression levels into 14 modules. Through linear regression models, we investigated the association between each module's expression and quantitative markers of vascular health, including pulse wave velocity, total arterial compliance index, cardiac index, stroke index, systemic vascular resistance index, reactive skin hyperemia and white matter hyperintensity burden. For each module associated with at least one trait, one or more hub-microRNAs driving the association were defined. Hub-microRNAs were further characterized through mapping to putative target genes followed by gene ontology pathway analysis.

RESULTS

Four modules, represented by hub-microRNAs miR-320 family, miR-378 family, miR-3605-3p, miR-6747-3p, miR-6786-3p, and miR-330-5p, were associated with total arterial compliance index. Importantly, the miR-320 family module was also associated with white matter hyperintensity burden, an effect partially mediated through arterial compliance. Furthermore, hub-microRNA miR-192-5p was related to cardiac index. Functional analysis corroborated the relevance of the identified microRNAs for vascular function by revealing, among others, enrichment for pathways involved in blood vessel morphogenesis and development, angiogenesis, telomere organization and maintenance, and insulin secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several microRNAs robustly associated with cardiovascular function, especially arterial compliance and cardiac output. Moreover, our results highlight miR-320 as a regulator of cerebrovascular damage, partly through modulation of vascular function. As many of these microRNAs were involved in biological processes related to vasculature development and aging, our results contribute to the understanding of vascular physiology and provide putative targets for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Noncoding RNAs in atherosclerosis: regulation and therapeutic potential

Atherosclerosis, a chronic disease of arteries, results in high mortality worldwide as the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The development of clinically relevant atherosclerosis involves the dysfunction of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. A large amount of evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Recently, noncoding RNAs were identified as key regulators in the development of atherosclerosis, including the dysfunction of endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells and it is pertinent to understand the potential function of noncoding RNAs in atherosclerosis development. In this review, the latest available research relates to the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs in the progression of atherosclerosis and the therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis is summarized. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory and interventional roles of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis and to inspire new insights for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Altered gut microbial profile is associated with differentially expressed fecal microRNAs in patients with functional constipation

While dysbiosis within the intestinal ecosystem has been associated with functional constipation (FC), the mechanisms underlying the interactions between FC and the microbiome remain poorly elucidated. Recent investigations suggested that host microRNAs (miRNAs) can modulate bacterial growth and influence the composition of the gut microbiome. To explore the connection between gut microbiota and fecal miRNAs in FC patients, we initially employed 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the gut microbial landscape in 30 FC patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs). The α-diversity within the FC group exhibited some alterations, and the β-diversity significantly differed, signifying distinctive variations in gut microbiota composition between FC patients and HCs. Subsequently, we identified 44 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in feces from FC patients and HCs. Through correlation analysis between DE miRNAs and FC-associated microbiota, we detected an interaction involving nine DE miRNAs (miR-205-5p, miR-493-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-184, miR-378c, miR-335-5p, miR-514a-3p, miR-141-3p, and miR-34c-5p) with seven bacterial genera (Oscillibacter, Escherichia.Shigella, UCG.002, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG.010, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group and Megamonas), as evidenced by a co-occurrence network. Further, a comprehensive panel of seven diagnostic biomarkers (Oscillibacter, Escherichia.Shigella, UCG.002, miR-205-5p, miR-493-5p, miR-215-5p, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group) demonstrated robust discriminatory capacity in predicting FC status when integrated into a random forest model (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 65.73-98.88). Microbiomes correlating with DE miRNAs exhibited enrichment in distinct predicted metabolic categories. Moreover, miRNAs correlated with FC-associated bacteria were found to be enriched in signaling pathways linked to colonic contractility, including Axon guidance, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Hippo signaling pathway. Our study offers a comprehensive insight into the global relationship between microbiota and fecal miRNAs in the context of FC, presenting potential targets for further experimental validation and therapeutic interventions.

SAMD1 attenuates antiphospholipid syndrome-induced pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE

This study was intended to investigate the effect of SAMD1 on antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-induced pregnancy complications in mice.

METHODS

The mRNA and protein expression of SAMD1 in APS patients and healthy controls was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Anti-B2 GPI and ACA levels were tested by ELISA, MMP-9, iNOS, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels determined by qRT-PCR and western blot, cellular senescence detected by β-galactosidase staining, cell proliferation ability detected by CCK-8 assay, cell viability detected by trypan blue staining, cell mobility detected by Transwell, and cell angiogenesis ability detected by matrigel tube formation assay. An APS pregnant mouse model was constructed, and the embryo absorption rate was calculated.

RESULTS

SAMD1 expression was low in serum of APS patients, which was correlated with the history of thrombosis and the number of adverse pregnancies. Anti-B2 GPI and ACA levels were increased in APS. The expressions of MMP-9, iNOS, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 were also significantly upregulated in HUVECs treated with APS serum. APS promoted HUVEC senescence and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Overexpression of SAMD1 reversed the above results. Experiments on the APS pregnant mouse model confirmed that overexpression of SAMD1 reduced the rate of fetal loss.

CONCLUSION

SAMD1 may reduce APS-induced embryo loss by regulating cellular senescence, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Circulating mir-483-5p as a novel diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and its predictive value for the clinical outcome after PCI

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a critical function in the progression of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This research was designed to probe the diagnostic accuracy of miR-483-5p in patients with ACS and its predictive value of MACEs.

METHODS

118 patients with ACS (40 with unstable angina pectoris [UAP] and 78 with acute myocardial infarction [AMI]) and 75 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum miR-483-5p was detected in the subjects by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). ROC curve and logistic regression models were employed to estimate the diagnosis. Patients were monitored for 6 months after PCI to document the occurrence of MACEs. Kaplan-Meier survival was conducted to explore the predictive significance of miR-483-5p for the MACEs.

RESULTS

Serum miR-483-5p levels were higher in ACS patients and associated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score. miR-483-5p was effective in identifying ACS patients from healthy individuals (AUC = 0.919) and AMI patients from ACS patients (AUC = 0.867), demonstrating a high diagnostic value, proven by logistic regression (OR = 9.664, 95%CI = 4.462-20.928, P < 0.001). The prevalence of MACEs during follow-up were 24.58%, and a higher prevalence of MACEs were observed in patients with elevated miR-483-5p (P = 0.01). miR-483-5p was also an effective predictor of MACE occurrence (HR = 5.955, 95%CI = 1.928-18.389, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Expression of serum miR-483-5p can be utilized as a non-invasive marker for diagnosing ACS and predicting the onset of MACE after PCI.

Anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis: focusing on IKKβ

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a major contributor in the development of atherosclerosis. Nuclear Factor-κappa B (NF-κB) is a critical transcription factors family of the inflammatory pathway. As a major catalytic subunit of the IKK complex, IκB kinase β (IKKβ) drives canonical activation of NF-κB and is implicated in the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis, making it a promising therapeutic target. Various natural product derivatives, extracts, and synthetic, show anti-atherogenic potential by inhibiting IKKβ-mediated inflammation. This review focuses on the latest knowledge and current research landscape surrounding anti-atherosclerotic drugs that inhibit IKKβ. There will be more opportunities to fully understand the complex functions of IKKβ in atherogenesis and develop new effective therapies in the future.

Investigation of SAMD1 ablation in mice

SAM domain-containing protein 1 (SAMD1) has been implicated in atherosclerosis, as well as in chromatin and transcriptional regulation, suggesting a versatile and complex biological function. However, its role at an organismal level is currently unknown. Here, we generated SAMD1^-/- and SAMD1^+/- mice to explore the role of SAMD1 during mouse embryogenesis. Homozygous loss of SAMD1 was embryonic lethal, with no living animals seen after embryonic day 18.5. At embryonic day 14.5, organs were degrading and/or incompletely developed, and no functional blood vessels were observed, suggesting failed blood vessel maturation. Sparse red blood cells were scattered and pooled, primarily near the embryo surface. Some embryos had malformed heads and brains at embryonic day 15.5. In vitro, SAMD1 absence impaired neuronal differentiation processes. Heterozygous SAMD1 knockout mice underwent normal embryogenesis and were born alive. Postnatal genotyping showed a reduced ability of these mice to thrive, possibly due to altered steroidogenesis. In summary, the characterization of SAMD1 knockout mice suggests a critical role of SAMD1 during developmental processes in multiple organs and tissues.

Identification of biomarkers, pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for heart failure using next-generation sequencing data and bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is the most common cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases related deaths. Increasing molecular targets have been discovered for HF prognosis and therapy. However, there is still an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers. Therefore, we evaluated biomarkers that might aid the diagnosis and treatment of HF.

METHODS

We searched next-generation sequencing (NGS) dataset (GSE161472) and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comparing 47 HF samples and 37 normal control samples using limma in R package. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed using the g: Profiler database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was plotted with Human Integrated Protein-Protein Interaction rEference (HiPPIE) and visualized using Cytoscape. Module analysis of the PPI network was done using PEWCC1. Then, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network were constructed by Cytoscape software. Finally, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict the diagnostic effectiveness of the hub genes.

RESULTS

A total of 930 DEGs, 464 upregulated genes and 466 downregulated genes, were identified in HF. GO and REACTOME pathway enrichment results showed that DEGs mainly enriched in localization, small molecule metabolic process, SARS-CoV infections, and the citric acid tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and respiratory electron transport. After combining the results of the PPI network miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, 10 hub genes were selected, including heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1), arrestin beta 2 (ARRB2), myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1 (HSP90AB1), filamin A (FLNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), cullin 4A (CUL4A), YEATS domain containing 4 (YEATS4), and lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B).

CONCLUSIONS

This discovery-driven study might be useful to provide a novel insight into the diagnosis and treatment of HF. However, more experiments are needed in the future to investigate the functional roles of these genes in HF.

Silencing lncRNA HCG18 regulates GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis by adsorbing miR-450b-5p to avert sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Ferroptosis is potential to relieve drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a critical modulator of ferroptosis. This study discussed the mechanism of GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis in sorafenib resistance in HCC. HCG18 in HCC cells was detected. Sorafenib resistant (SR) cell line Huh7-SR cells were treated with sorafenib (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 μM). After silencing HCG18 in Huh7-SR cells, cell activity, proliferation and apoptosis were detected. The levels of iron, the concentration of MDA, GSH and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to evaluate the ferroptosis. The downstream mechanism of HCG18 was predicted and verified. Huh7-SR cells were infected with lentivirus sh-HCG18 to establish xenograft tumor model. HCG18 was elevated in HCC cells and associated with sorafenib resistance. Silencing HCG18 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and impaired sorafenib resistance. Ferroptosis was inhibited in Huh7-SR cells, while silencing HCG18 inhibited sorafenib resistance by promoting ferroptosis. GPX4 overexpression averted the promotion of sh-HCG18 on ferroptosis, thereby reducing sorafenib resistance. HCG18 sponged miR-450b-5p to regulate GPX4. Collectively, Silencing HCG18 inhibits GPX4 by binding to miR-450b-5p, promotes GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis, and averts sorafenib resistance in HCC.

SAMD1 attenuates antiphospholipid syndrome-induced vascular injury and pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE

This study was intended to investigate the effect of SAMD1 on antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-induced vascular injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and pregnancy complications in mice.

METHODS

The expression of SAMD1 in APS patients and healthy controls was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Anti-B2 GPI and anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, MMP-9, iNOS, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, cellular senescence detected by β-galactosidase staining, cell proliferation ability detected by CCK-8 assay, cell viability detected by trypan blue staining, cell mobility detected by Transwell, and cell angiogenesis ability detected by matrigel tube formation assay. An APS pregnant mouse model was constructed, and the embryo absorption rate was calculated.

RESULTS

SAMD1 expression was low in serum of APS patients, which was correlated with the history of thrombosis and the number of adverse pregnancies. Anti-B2 GPI and ACA levels were increased in APS. The expressions of MMP-9, iNOS, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 were also significantly upregulated in HUVECs treated with APS serum. APS promoted HUVEC senescence and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Overexpression of SAMD1 reversed the above results. Experiments on the APS pregnant mouse model confirmed that overexpression of SAMD1 reduced the rate of fetal loss.

CONCLUSION

SAMD1 may reduce APS-induced vascular injury and embryo loss by regulating cellular senescence, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Silencing METTL3 Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques by Regulating the Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 Axis

PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in AS plaques via modulating the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

METHODS

AS mouse models and MOVAS cell models were established through high-fat diet and the treatment of ox-LDL, respectively. METTL3 expression in AS models was detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot. The AS plaques, lipid deposition, and collagen fibers were examined via histological staining. The levels of Ly-6c, α-SMA, and OPN were examined via Western blot. The blood lipid indexes in mouse aortic tissues were determined using kits. The proliferation and migration of MOVAS cells were detected via CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The m⁶A modification level of mRNA was quantified. The binding relationship between pri-miR-375 and DGCR8, and the enrichment of m⁶A on pri-miR-375 were detected via RIP. The binding relationship between miR-375-3p and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) was verified via dual-luciferase assay. Joint experiments were designed to investigate the role of miR-375-3P/PDK1 in the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs.

RESULTS

METTL3 was highly expressed in AS. Silencing METTL3 alleviated AS progression and stabilized AS plaques in mice, and limited the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. Silencing METTL3 inhibited m⁶A level and decreased the binding of DGCR8 to pri-miR-375 and further limited miR-375-3p expression. miR-375-3p targeted PDK1 transcription. miR-375-3p upregulation or PDK1 downregulation facilitated the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs.

CONCLUSION

METTL3-mediated m⁶A modification promoted VSMC phenotype transformation and made AS plaques more vulnerable via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 axis.

Molecular basis of acute coronary syndrome

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) comprise of various heart and blood vessels-related diseases. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of them. Basic researchers and cardiologists have witnessed landmark developments related to ACS and despite rapid refinement in our understanding; scientists are seeking answers for more questions. Scientists have mapped wide ranging proteins and intricate protein networks which play central role in the pathogenesis in ACS. In this review, we have attempted to summarize underlying causes of ACS. Better understanding of the disease pathology will enable us to get a step closer to an effective clinical management.

Serum miR-497-5p serves as a diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and predicts the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of microRNA (miR)-497-5p in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its predictive value for the occurrence of adverse major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of serum miR-497-5p in 110 ACS patients and 82 controls. And miR-497-5p levels were found to be significantly elevated in the patients (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient confirmed that miR-497-5p was positively correlated with Gensini scores (r = 0.684). The area under the Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.861, which significantly identified patients with ACS, and was confirmed by logistic regression (OR = 8.533, 95%CI = 4.113–17.787, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression was performed to evaluate the predictive value of miR-497-5p in the occurrence of MACEs during a 6-month follow-up after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ACS. The results demonstrated that miR-497-5p was an independent predictor of MACEs (HR = 4.773, 95%CI = 1.569–12.036, P = 0.013) and that patients with high level of miR-497-5p were more likely to develop MACEs after PCI (long-rank P = 0.019). Finally, miR-497-5p positively correlated with endothelial proinflammatory and adhesion factors. Our study suggests that serum miR-497-5p is a potential diagnostic marker for ACS and its elevated levels can predict a high risk of MACEs in ACS patients after PCI. And this may be associated with vascular endothelial injury.

Downregulation of microRNA-512-3p enhances the viability and suppresses the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells, alleviates autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as represses atherosclerotic lesions in atherosclerosis by adjusting spliced/unspliced ratio of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1S/XBP-1U)

AS is an important pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. It has been reported that miRNAs are involved in almost all steps of AS, including the injury and dysfunction of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. This work was designed to elucidate the biological functions of miR-512-3p in the pathological process of AS and probe into the underlying molecular mechanism. In the present work, ox-LDL-treated HUVECs served as the in vitro model of AS and ApoE-/- mice were nourished with a high-fat diet to establish an in vivo model of AS. Proliferation, apoptosis and migration of HUVECs were evaluated by performing CCK-8, TUNEL staining, western blot and transwell assays. Immunofluorescence examined LC3 expression and levels of autophagy-related and ER stress-related proteins were determined by western blot assay. In addition, starBase predicted the complementary binding sites of XBP-1 to miR-512-3p and luciferase reporter assay confirmed the interaction between miR-512-3p and XBP-1. Moreover, H&E staining was employed to evaluate atherosclerotic lesions in AS model mice. Results revealed that ox-LDL treatment decreased the proliferative and migrative activities and promoted the apoptosis of HUVECs as well as induced autophagy and ER stress, which were abrogated by miR-512-3p silencing. Importantly, ox-LDL treatment elevated miR-512-3p expression and XBP-1 was a direct target of miR-512-3p. Mechanistically, knockdown of miR-512-3p enhanced the viability, suppressed the apoptosis and promoted the migration of ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, alleviated atherosclerotic lesions in AS model mice as well as repressed autophagy and ER stress by targeting XBP-1 to manipulate the ratio of XBP-1S/XBP-1U.