1
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Li JZ, Ramalingam N, Li S. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in amyloid-β-mediated Alzheimer's pathophysiology: unveiling therapeutic potential. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:54-66. [PMID: 38767476 PMCID: PMC11246147 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a prominent chronic neurodegenerative condition characterized by a gradual decline in memory leading to dementia. Growing evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease is associated with accumulating various amyloid-β oligomers in the brain, influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors. The memory and cognitive deficits observed during the prodromal and mild cognitive impairment phases of Alzheimer's disease are believed to primarily result from synaptic dysfunction. Throughout life, environmental factors can lead to enduring changes in gene expression and the emergence of brain disorders. These changes, known as epigenetic modifications, also play a crucial role in regulating the formation of synapses and their adaptability in response to neuronal activity. In this context, we highlight recent advances in understanding the roles played by key components of the epigenetic machinery, specifically DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, in the development of Alzheimer's disease, synaptic function, and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we explore various strategies, including enriched environments, exposure to non-invasive brain stimulation, and the use of pharmacological agents, aimed at improving synaptic function and enhancing long-term potentiation, a process integral to epigenetic mechanisms. Lastly, we deliberate on the development of effective epigenetic agents and safe therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer's disease. We suggest that addressing Alzheimer's disease may require distinct tailored epigenetic drugs targeting different disease stages or pathways rather than relying on a single drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Z Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Parkins EV, Gross C. Small Differences and Big Changes: The Many Variables of MicroRNA Expression and Function in the Brain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0365242024. [PMID: 39111834 PMCID: PMC11308354 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0365-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are emerging as crucial regulators within the complex, dynamic environment of the synapse, and they offer a promising new avenue for the treatment of neurological disease. These small noncoding RNAs modify gene expression in several ways, including posttranscriptional modulation via binding to complementary and semicomplementary sites on target mRNAs. This rapid, finely tuned regulation of gene expression is essential to meet the dynamic demands of the synapse. Here, we provide a detailed review of the multifaceted world of synaptic microRNA regulation. We discuss the many mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate gene expression at the synapse, particularly in the context of neuronal plasticity. We also describe the various factors, such as age, sex, and neurological disease, that can influence microRNA expression and activity in neurons. In summary, microRNAs play a crucial role in the intricate and quickly changing functional requirements of the synapse, and context is essential in the study of microRNAs and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Parkins
- University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Christina Gross
- University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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3
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Musgrove MRB, Mikhaylova M, Bredy TW. Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: At the intersection between the brain and the immune system: Non-coding RNAs spanning learning, memory and adaptive immunity. J Neurochem 2024; 168:961-976. [PMID: 38339812 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16071] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are highly plastic RNA molecules that can sequester cellular proteins and other RNAs, serve as transporters of cellular cargo and provide spatiotemporal feedback to the genome. Mounting evidence indicates that ncRNAs are central to biology, and are critical for neuronal development, metabolism and intra- and intercellular communication in the brain. Their plasticity arises from state-dependent dynamic structure states that can be influenced by cell type and subcellular environment, which can subsequently enable the same ncRNA with discrete functions in different contexts. Here, we highlight different classes of brain-enriched ncRNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNA and other enigmatic ncRNAs, that are functionally important for both learning and memory and adaptive immunity, and describe how they may promote cross-talk between these two evolutionarily ancient biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason R B Musgrove
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- AG Optobiologie, Institute für Biologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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4
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Tahmasebi F, Asl ER, Vahidinia Z, Barati S. Stem Cell-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Novel Potential Approach for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:44. [PMID: 38713302 PMCID: PMC11076329 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01478-1] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation and demyelination of CNS neurons. Up to now, there are many therapeutic strategies for MS but they are only being able to reduce progression of diseases and have not got any effect on repair and remyelination. Stem cell therapy is an appropriate method for regeneration but has limitations and problems. So recently, researches were used of exosomes that facilitate intercellular communication and transfer cell-to-cell biological information. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that we can used to their dysregulation in order to diseases diagnosis. The miRNAs of microvesicles obtained stem cells may change the fate of transplanted cells based on received signals of injured regions. The miRNAs existing in MSCs may be displayed the cell type and their biological activities. Current studies show also that the miRNAs create communication between stem cells and tissue-injured cells. In the present review, firstly we discuss the role of miRNAs dysregulation in MS patients and miRNAs expression by stem cells. Finally, in this study was confirmed the relationship of microRNAs involved in MS and miRNAs expressed by stem cells and interaction between them in order to find appropriate treatment methods in future for limit to disability progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tahmasebi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elmira Roshani Asl
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Zeinab Vahidinia
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shirin Barati
- Department of Anatomy, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
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5
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Yu JYH, Chen TC, Danilov CA. MicroRNA-133b Dysregulation in a Mouse Model of Cervical Contusion Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3058. [PMID: 38474302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous research studies have demonstrated the role of microRNA133b (miR133b) in healing the contused spinal cord when administered either intranasally or intravenously 24 h following an injury. While our data showed beneficial effects of exogenous miR133b delivered within hours of a spinal cord injury (SCI), the kinetics of endogenous miR133b levels in the contused spinal cord and rostral/caudal segments of the injury were not fully investigated. In this study, we examined the miR133b dysregulation in a mouse model of moderate unilateral contusion injury at the fifth cervical (C5) level. Between 30 min and 7 days post-injury, mice were euthanized and tissues were collected from different areas of the spinal cord, ipsilateral and contralateral prefrontal motor cortices, and off-targets such as lung and spleen. The endogenous level of miR133b was determined by RT-qPCR. We found that after SCI, (a) most changes in miR133b level were restricted to the injured area with very limited alterations in the rostral and caudal parts relative to the injury site, (b) acute changes in the endogenous levels were predominantly specific to the lesion site with delayed miR133b changes in the motor cortex, and (c) ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres responded differently to unilateral SCI. Our results suggest that the therapeutic window for exogenous miR133b therapy begins earlier than 24 h post-injury and potentially lasts longer than 7 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Young Ho Yu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Southern California, 1200 N State St., Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Thomas C Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Southern California, 1200 N State St., Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Camelia A Danilov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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6
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Lauria G, Curcio R, Tucci P. A Machine Learning Approach for Highlighting microRNAs as Biomarkers Linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis and Progression. Biomolecules 2023; 14:47. [PMID: 38254647 PMCID: PMC10813207 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The early diagnosis of ALS can be challenging, as it usually depends on clinical examination and the exclusion of other possible causes. In this regard, the analysis of miRNA expression profiles in biofluids makes miRNAs promising non-invasive clinical biomarkers. Due to the increasing amount of scientific literature that often provides controversial results, this work aims to deepen the understanding of the current state of the art on this topic using a machine-learning-based approach. A systematic literature search was conducted to analyze a set of 308 scientific articles using the MySLR digital platform and the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm. Two relevant topics were identified, and the articles clustered in each of them were analyzed and discussed in terms of biomolecular mechanisms, as well as in translational and clinical settings. Several miRNAs detected in the tissues and biofluids of ALS patients, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have been linked to ALS diagnosis and progression. Some of them may represent promising non-invasive clinical biomarkers. In this context, future scientific priorities and goals have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.T.); Tel.: +39-0984493046 (R.C.); +39-0984493185 (P.T.)
| | - Paola Tucci
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.T.); Tel.: +39-0984493046 (R.C.); +39-0984493185 (P.T.)
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7
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Afonso GJM, Cavaleiro C, Valero J, Mota SI, Ferreiro E. Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Emergent Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:1763. [PMID: 37443797 PMCID: PMC10340215 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It is a rare disease characterized by high patient-to-patient heterogeneity, which makes its study arduous and complex. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in the development of ALS. Thus, ALS phenotype-expressing cells can spread their abnormal bioactive cargo through the secretion of EVs, even in distant tissues. Importantly, owing to their nature and composition, EVs' formation and cargo can be exploited for better comprehension of this elusive disease and identification of novel biomarkers, as well as for potential therapeutic applications, such as those based on stem cell-derived exosomes. This review highlights recent advances in the identification of the role of EVs in ALS etiopathology and how EVs can be promising new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo J. M. Afonso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Cavaleiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sandra I. Mota
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Mucha M, Skrzypiec AE, Kolenchery JB, Brambilla V, Patel S, Labrador-Ramos A, Kudla L, Murrall K, Skene N, Dymicka-Piekarska V, Klejman A, Przewlocki R, Mosienko V, Pawlak R. miR-483-5p offsets functional and behavioural effects of stress in male mice through synapse-targeted repression of Pgap2 in the basolateral amygdala. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2134. [PMID: 37185241 PMCID: PMC10130081 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37688-2] [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: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe psychological trauma triggers genetic, biochemical and morphological changes in amygdala neurons, which underpin the development of stress-induced behavioural abnormalities, such as high levels of anxiety. miRNAs are small, non-coding RNA fragments that orchestrate complex neuronal responses by simultaneous transcriptional/translational repression of multiple target genes. Here we show that miR-483-5p in the amygdala of male mice counterbalances the structural, functional and behavioural consequences of stress to promote a reduction in anxiety-like behaviour. Upon stress, miR-483-5p is upregulated in the synaptic compartment of amygdala neurons and directly represses three stress-associated genes: Pgap2, Gpx3 and Macf1. Upregulation of miR-483-5p leads to selective contraction of distal parts of the dendritic arbour and conversion of immature filopodia into mature, mushroom-like dendritic spines. Consistent with its role in reducing the stress response, upregulation of miR-483-5p in the basolateral amygdala produces a reduction in anxiety-like behaviour. Stress-induced neuromorphological and behavioural effects of miR-483-5p can be recapitulated by shRNA mediated suppression of Pgap2 and prevented by simultaneous overexpression of miR-483-5p-resistant Pgap2. Our results demonstrate that miR-483-5p is sufficient to confer a reduction in anxiety-like behaviour and point to miR-483-5p-mediated repression of Pgap2 as a critical cellular event offsetting the functional and behavioural consequences of psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Mucha
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - Anna E Skrzypiec
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jaison B Kolenchery
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Valentina Brambilla
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Satyam Patel
- Pharmacy Department, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alberto Labrador-Ramos
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lucja Kudla
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kathryn Murrall
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nathan Skene
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Agata Klejman
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Valentina Mosienko
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Robert Pawlak
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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9
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miR-34a regulates silent synapse and synaptic plasticity in mature hippocampus. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 222:102404. [PMID: 36642095 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AMPAR-lacking silent synapses are prevailed and essential for synaptic refinement and synaptic plasticity in developing brains. In mature brain, they are sparse but could be induced under several pathological conditions. How they are regulated molecularly is far from clear. miR-34a is a highly conserved and brain-enriched microRNA with age-dependent upregulated expression profile. Its neuronal function in mature brain remains to be revealed. Here by analyzing synaptic properties of the heterozygous miR-34a knock out mice (34a_ht), we have discovered that mature but not juvenile 34a_ht mice have more silent synapses in the hippocampus accompanied with enhanced synaptic NMDAR but not AMPAR function and increased spine density. As a result, 34a_ht mice display enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the Schaffer collateral synapses and better spatial learning and memory. We further found that Creb1 is a direct target of miR-34a, whose upregulation and activation may mediate the silent synapse increment in 34a_ht mice. Hence, we reveal a novel physiological role of miR-34a in mature brains and provide a molecular mechanism underlying silent synapse regulation.
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10
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Wang H, Wang Q, Xiao X, Luo X, Gao L. Clinical Trials of Non-Coding RNAs as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers for Central Nervous System Injuries. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2237-2246. [PMID: 36443964 PMCID: PMC10556392 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221128090025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Wang
- Medical Simulation Centre, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and the Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Linbo Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
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11
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Rokavec M, Huang Z, Hermeking H. Meta-analysis of miR-34 target mRNAs using an integrative online application. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:267-274. [PMID: 36582442 PMCID: PMC9764205 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the microRNA-34/miR-34 family are induced by the p53 tumor suppressor and themselves possess tumor suppressive properties, as they inhibit the translation of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in processes, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here we performed a comprehensive integrative meta-analysis of multiple computational and experimental miR-34 related datasets and developed tools to identify and characterize novel miR-34 targets. A miR-34 target probability score was generated for every mRNA to estimate the likelihood of representing a miR-34 target. Experimentally validated miR-34 targets were strongly enriched among mRNAs with the highest scores providing a proof of principle for our analysis. We integrated the results from the meta-analysis in a user-friendly METAmiR34TARGET website (www.metamir34target.com/) that allows to graphically represent the meta-analysis results for every mRNA. Moreover, the website harbors a screen function, which allows to select multiple miR-34-related criteria/analyses and cut-off values to facilitate the stringent and comprehensive prediction of relevant miR-34 targets in expression data obtained from cell lines and tumors/tissues. Furthermore, information on more than 200 miR-34 target mRNAs, that have been experimentally validated so far, has been integrated in the web-tool. The website and datasets provided here should facilitate further investigation into the mechanisms of tumor suppression by the p53/miR-34 connection and identification of potential cancer drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany,Corresponding authors at: Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Thalkirchner Strasse 36, D-80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Zekai Huang
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Germany,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany,Corresponding authors at: Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Thalkirchner Strasse 36, D-80337 Munich, Germany.
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12
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Tsujimura K, Shiohama T, Takahashi E. microRNA Biology on Brain Development and Neuroimaging Approach. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101366. [PMID: 36291300 PMCID: PMC9599180 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper brain development requires the precise coordination and orchestration of various molecular and cellular processes and dysregulation of these processes can lead to neurological diseases. In the past decades, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression has been shown to contribute to various aspects of brain development and function in the central nervous system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs, are emerging as crucial players in post-transcriptional gene regulation in a variety of tissues, such as the nervous system. In recent years, miRNAs have been implicated in multiple aspects of brain development, including neurogenesis, migration, axon and dendrite formation, and synaptogenesis. Moreover, altered expression and dysregulation of miRNAs have been linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful imaging technology to obtain high-quality, detailed structural and functional information from the brains of human and animal models in a non-invasive manner. Because the spatial expression patterns of miRNAs in the brain, unlike those of DNA and RNA, remain largely unknown, a whole-brain imaging approach using MRI may be useful in revealing biological and pathological information about the brain affected by miRNAs. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in the research of miRNA-mediated modulation of neuronal processes that are important for brain development and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Also, we overview each MRI technique, and its technological considerations, and discuss the applications of MRI techniques in miRNA research. This review aims to link miRNA biological study with MRI analytical technology and deepen our understanding of how miRNAs impact brain development and pathology of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Tsujimura
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya 4648602, Japan
- Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648602, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (E.T.)
| | - Tadashi Shiohama
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 2608677, Japan
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (E.T.)
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13
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Rafiee M, Nosrati R, Babaei P. Protective effect of miR-34c antagomir against STZ-induced memory impairment by targeting mTOR and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 789:136881. [PMID: 36152745 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
After long times of ongoing research, still there is no appropriate cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, epigenetic alterations, particularly miRNA, have gotten attention in AD research. Among various miRNA, miR-34c has been addressed to be elevated in the brain of AD patients, however, its exact role and downstream mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of miR-34c antagomir on cognitive dysfunction induced by streptozocin (STZ), considering postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and mammalian target of rapamycin expression (mTOR). Forty rats were cannulated intraventricularly under deep anesthesia using stereotaxic apparatus and divided into five groups: saline + saline, STZ + saline, STZ + miR-34c antagomir, STZ + lipofectamine, and STZ + scrambled, and received the related treatments for two weeks. At the end of the treatments, spatial memory and locomotor activity were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM), and open fields, respectively. Finally, PSD-95 and mTOR levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting on hippocampal samples. Results showed that miR-34c antagomir markedly ameliorated spatial learning and memory deficits induced by STZ, and significantly enhanced PSD-95 and mTOR levels in the hippocampus. In conclusion, miR-34c antagomir may be considered as a promising novel therapeutic target for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Rafiee
- Cellular &Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine,Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Rahim Nosrati
- Cellular &Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Parvin Babaei
- Cellular &Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine,Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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14
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Chen F, Xu Y, Shi K, Zhang Z, Xie Z, Wu H, Ma Y, Zhou Y, Chen C, Yang J, Wang Y, Robbins TW, Wang K, Yu J. Multi-omics study reveals associations among neurotransmitter, extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA and psychiatric comorbidities during heroin and methamphetamine withdrawal. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113685. [PMID: 36137407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research in the field of substance withdrawal, molecular biomarkers and related mechanistic study have generally been lacking. In addition to known neurotransmitters, circulating miRNAs are found in small vesicles known as exosomes within blood that have diagnostic potential and are known to contribute to psychiatric disorders. The aim of this work was to characterize the changes in neurotransmitter and exosomal miRNA profiles during heroin and methamphetamine withdrawal using a cross-sectional study design, and to determine their associations to psychiatric comorbidities in a large group of patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, a series of known, conserved, and novel exosomal miRNAs were identified as being associated with the severity of anxiety and depression, as well as the concentrations of neurotransmitters GABA, choline, and serotonin. Bioinformatics analyses established that the differences in the miRNA profile target signaling pathways are significantly associated with developmental and intellectual abnormalities. Notably, a set of dysregulated miRNA signatures including hsa-mia-451a and hsa-mir-21a resulted in an AUC of 0.966 and 0.861, respectively, for predicting the patients with SUDs. Furthermore, hsa-miR-744a-5p was positively correlated with serotonin, and its important role in maintaining neuronal development and function was revealed using an in vitro human induced pluripotent stem cells derived neuronal model. Our results suggest that the miRNA content of circulating exosomes represent a biomolecular "fingerprint" of the progression of substance withdrawal and may uncover the putative mechanism of how these exosomal miRNAs contribute to psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengrong Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology
| | - Yu Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Kai Shi
- College of Science, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Zunyue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhenrong Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Hongjin Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yuru Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Jiqing Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of R&D, Echo Biotech Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Department of Psychology and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunhua Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Yunnan, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China.
| | - Juehua Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine (Kunming Medical University), First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China.
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15
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Domingo‐Rodriguez L, Cabana‐Domínguez J, Fernàndez‐Castillo N, Cormand B, Martín‐García E, Maldonado R. Differential expression of miR-1249-3p and miR-34b-5p between vulnerable and resilient phenotypes of cocaine addiction. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13201. [PMID: 36001423 PMCID: PMC9286869 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a complex brain disorder involving long-term alterations that lead to loss of control over drug seeking. The transition from recreational use to pathological consumption is different in each individual, depending on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Epigenetic mechanisms are ideal candidates to study psychiatric disorders triggered by these interactions, maintaining persistent malfunctions in specific brain regions. Here we aim to study brain-region-specific epigenetic signatures following exposure to cocaine in a mouse model of addiction to this drug. Extreme subpopulations of vulnerable and resilient phenotypes were selected to identify miRNA signatures for differential vulnerability to cocaine addiction. We used an operant model of intravenous cocaine self-administration to evaluate addictive-like behaviour in rodents based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition criteria to diagnose substance use disorders. After cocaine self-administration, we performed miRNA profiling to compare two extreme subpopulations of mice classified as resilient and vulnerable to cocaine addiction. We found that mmu-miR-34b-5p was downregulated in the nucleus accumbens of vulnerable mice with high motivation for cocaine. On the other hand, mmu-miR-1249-3p was downregulated on vulnerable mice with high levels of motor disinhibition. The elucidation of the epigenetic profile related to vulnerability to cocaine addiction is expected to help find novel biomarkers that could facilitate the interventions to battle this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Domingo‐Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology‐Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life SciencesUniversitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Judit Cabana‐Domínguez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)BarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR‐SJD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez‐Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)BarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR‐SJD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)BarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR‐SJD)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Elena Martín‐García
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology‐Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life SciencesUniversitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology‐Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life SciencesUniversitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM)BarcelonaSpain
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16
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MicroRNAs in Learning and Memory and Their Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081856. [PMID: 36009403 PMCID: PMC9405363 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory formation rely on the precise spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression, such as microRNA (miRNA)-associated silencing, to fine-tune gene expression for the induction and maintenance of synaptic plasticity. Much progress has been made in presenting direct evidence of miRNA regulation in learning and memory. Here, we summarize studies that have manipulated miRNA expression using various approaches in rodents, with changes in cognitive performance. Some of these are involved in well-known mechanisms, such as the CREB-dependent signaling pathway, and some of their roles are in fear- and stress-related disorders, particularly cognitive impairment. We also summarize extensive studies on miRNAs correlated with pathogenic tau and amyloid-β that drive the processes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although altered miRNA profiles in human patients with AD and in mouse models have been well studied, little is known about their clinical applications and therapeutics. Studies on miRNAs as biomarkers still show inconsistencies, and more challenges need to be confronted in standardizing blood-based biomarkers for use in AD.
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17
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Arzhanov I, Sintakova K, Romanyuk N. The Role of miR-20 in Health and Disease of the Central Nervous System. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091525. [PMID: 35563833 PMCID: PMC9100679 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) injury is limited, and traditional therapeutic methods lack a molecular approach either to prevent acute phase or secondary damage, or to support restorative mechanisms in the nervous tissue. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNA molecules that have recently been discovered as fundamental and post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The capacity of microRNAs to regulate the cell state and function through post-transcriptionally silencing hundreds of genes are being acknowledged as an important factor in the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic CNS injuries. In this study, we have summarized the knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, and the role of most canonical miRNAs in their development. We have focused on the miR-20, the miR-17~92 family to which miR-20 belongs, and their function in the normal development and disease of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Arzhanov
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.A.); (K.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University, 150 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Sintakova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.A.); (K.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University, 150 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nataliya Romanyuk
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.A.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Rizzuti M, Melzi V, Gagliardi D, Resnati D, Meneri M, Dioni L, Masrori P, Hersmus N, Poesen K, Locatelli M, Biella F, Silipigni R, Bollati V, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Van Damme P, Nizzardo M, Corti S. Insights into the identification of a molecular signature for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exploiting integrated microRNA profiling of iPSC-derived motor neurons and exosomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:189. [PMID: 35286466 PMCID: PMC8921154 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Most cases are sporadic, whereas 10% are familial. The pathological mechanisms underlying the disease are partially understood, but it is increasingly being recognized that alterations in RNA metabolism and deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression occur in ALS. In this study, we performed miRNA expression profile analysis of iPSC-derived MNs and related exosomes from familial patients and healthy subjects. We identified dysregulation of miR-34a, miR-335 and miR-625-3p expression in both MNs and exosomes. These miRNAs regulate genes and pathways which correlate with disease pathogenesis, suggesting that studying miRNAs deregulation can contribute to deeply investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. We also assayed the expression profile of these miRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of familial (fALS) and sporadic patients (sALS) and we identified a significant dysregulation of miR-34a-3p and miR-625-3p levels in ALS compared to controls. Taken together, all these findings suggest that miRNA analysis simultaneously performed in different human biological samples could represent a promising molecular tool to understand the etiopathogenesis of ALS and to develop new potential miRNA-based strategies in this new propitious therapeutic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Resnati
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Dioni
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pegah Masrori
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Hersmus
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Poesen
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Locatelli
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Biella
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Silipigni
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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19
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Chen P, Chen F, Wu Y, Zhou B. New Insights Into the Role of Aberrant Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 12:727065. [PMID: 34975709 PMCID: PMC8714646 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.727065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Data accumulated over the past four decades have confirmed that adult hippocampal neurogenesis (HN) plays a key role in the wide spectrum of hippocampal pathology. Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Although neurogenesis in persistent germinative zones is altered in the adult rodent models of epilepsy, the effects of seizure-induced neurogenesis in the epileptic brain, in terms of either a pathological or reparative role, are only beginning to be explored. In this review, we described the most recent advances in neurogenesis in epilepsy and outlooked future directions for neural stem cells (NSCs) and epilepsy-in-a-dish models. We proposed that it may help in refining the underlying molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and improving the therapies and precision medicine for patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuchao Chen
- Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Benhong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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20
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Abstract
Exosomes are a new horizon in modern therapy, presenting exciting new opportunities for advanced drug delivery and targeted release. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles with a size range of 30-100 nm, secreted by all cell types in the human body and carrying a unique collection of DNA fragments, RNA species, lipids, protein biomarkers, transcription factors and metabolites. miRNAs are one of the most common RNA species in exosomes, and they play a role in a variety of biological processes including exocytosis, hematopoiesis and angiogenesis, as well as cellular communication via exosomes. Exosomes can act as cargo to transport this information from donor cells to near and long-distance target cells, participating in the reprogramming of recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihat Dilsiz
- Molecular Biology & Genetics, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, 34700, Turkey
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21
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Role of MicroRNAs in the Development and Progression of the Four Medulloblastoma Subgroups. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246323. [PMID: 34944941 PMCID: PMC8699467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumour in children. Medulloblastoma originate during the embryonic stage. They are located in the cerebellum, which is the area of the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for controlling equilibrium and coordination of movements. In 2012, medulloblastoma were divided into four subgroups based on a genome-wide analysis of RNA expression. These subgroups are named Wingless, Sonic Hedgehog, Group 3 and Group 4. Each subgroup has a different cell of origin, prognosis, and response to therapies. Wingless and Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma are so named based on the main mutation originating these tumours. Group 3 and Group 4 have generic names because we do not know the key mutation driving these tumours. Gene expression at the post-transcriptional level is regulated by a group of small single-stranded non-coding RNAs. These microRNA (miRNAs or miRs) play a central role in several cellular functions such as cell differentiation and, therefore, any malfunction in this regulatory system leads to a variety of disorders such as cancer. The role of miRNAs in medulloblastoma is still a topic of intense clinical research; previous studies have mostly concentrated on the clinical entity of the single disease rather than in the four molecular subgroups. In this review, we summarize the latest discoveries on miRNAs in the four medulloblastoma subgroups.
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22
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Lena AM, Foffi E, Agostini M, Mancini M, Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli M, Aberdam D, Velletri T, Shi Y, Melino G, Wang Y, Candi E. TAp63 regulates bone remodeling by modulating the expression of TNFRSF11B/Osteoprotegerin. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:2428-2441. [PMID: 34763601 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1985772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS MSC, mesenchymal stem cells; OPG, osteoprotegerin; RUNX2, Run-trelated transcription factor 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Lena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Foffi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Tania Velletri
- Cogentech Società Benefit Srl, Parco Scientifico E Tecnologico Della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- Cas Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ying Wang
- Cas Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta, Rome, IT
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23
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Abuelezz NZ, Nasr FE, AbdulKader MA, Bassiouny AR, Zaky A. MicroRNAs as Potential Orchestrators of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Pathologies: Insights on Current Status and Future Possibilities. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:743573. [PMID: 34712129 PMCID: PMC8546247 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.743573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and deleterious neurodegenerative disease, strongly affecting the cognitive functions and memory of seniors worldwide. Around 58% of the affected patients live in low and middle-income countries, with estimates of increasing deaths caused by AD in the coming decade. AD is a multifactor pathology. Mitochondrial function declines in AD brain and is currently emerging as a hallmark of this disease. It has been considered as one of the intracellular processes severely compromised in AD. Many mitochondrial parameters decline already during aging; mitochondrial efficiency for energy production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, to reach an extensive functional failure, concomitant with the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. Besides its impact on cognitive functions, AD is characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, accompanied by drastic sleep disorders, sensory function alterations and pain sensitization. Unfortunately, till date, effective management of AD-related disorders and early, non-invasive AD diagnostic markers are yet to be found. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding nucleic acids that regulate key signaling pathway(s) in various disease conditions. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain where they regulate neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, and synaptic plasticity. Increasing studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and specific signals during memory formation. This has been the pivotal key for considering miRNAs crucial molecules to be studied in AD. MicroRNAs dysfunctions are increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal contributor in AD via deregulating genes involved in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, miRNAs have been proved to control pain sensitization processes and regulate circadian clock system that affects the sleep process. Interestingly, the differential expression of miRNA panels implies their emerging potential as diagnostic AD biomarkers. In this review, we will present an updated analysis of miRNAs role in regulating signaling processes that are involved in AD-related pathologies. We will discuss the current challenges against wider use of miRNAs and the future promising capabilities of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic means for better management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen Z Abuelezz
- Biochemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fayza Eid Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmad R Bassiouny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Zaky
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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24
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Bazrgar M, Khodabakhsh P, Prudencio M, Mohagheghi F, Ahmadiani A. The role of microRNA-34 family in Alzheimer's disease: A potential molecular link between neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105805. [PMID: 34371173 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that overexpression of the microRNA-34 (miR-34) family in the brain may play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis by targeting and downregulating genes associated with neuronal survival, synapse formation and plasticity, Aβ clearance, mitochondrial function, antioxidant defense system, and energy metabolism. Additionally, elevated levels of the miR-34 family in the liver and pancreas promote the development of metabolic syndromes (MetS), such as diabetes and obesity. Importantly, MetS represent a well-documented risk factor for sporadic AD. This review focuses on the recent findings regarding the role of the miR-34 family in the pathogenesis of AD and MetS, and proposes miR-34 as a potential molecular link between both disorders. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of miR-34 family in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of AD brains may lead to the discovery of a breakthrough treatment strategy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bazrgar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pariya Khodabakhsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Mohagheghi
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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25
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p53/p73 Protein Network in Colorectal Cancer and Other Human Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122885. [PMID: 34207603 PMCID: PMC8227208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The p53 family of proteins comprises p53, p63, and p73, which share high structural and functional similarity. The two distinct promoters of each locus, the alternative splicing, and the alternative translation initiation sites enable the generation of numerous isoforms with different protein-interacting domains and distinct activities. The co-expressed p53/p73 isoforms have significant but distinct roles in carcinogenesis. Their activity is frequently impaired in human tumors including colorectal carcinoma due to dysregulated expression and a dominant-negative effect accomplished by some isoforms and p53 mutants. The interactions between isoforms are particularly important to understand the onset of tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic response. The understanding of the p53/p73 network can contribute to the development of new targeted therapies. Abstract The p53 tumor suppressor protein is crucial for cell growth control and the maintenance of genomic stability. Later discovered, p63 and p73 share structural and functional similarity with p53. To understand the p53 pathways more profoundly, all family members should be considered. Each family member possesses two promoters and alternative translation initiation sites, and they undergo alternative splicing, generating multiple isoforms. The resulting isoforms have important roles in carcinogenesis, while their expression is dysregulated in several human tumors including colorectal carcinoma, which makes them potential targets in cancer treatment. Their activities arise, at least in part, from the ability to form tetramers that bind to specific DNA sequences and activate the transcription of target genes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biological activities and regulation of the p53/p73 isoforms, highlighting their role in colorectal tumorigenesis. The analysis of the expression patterns of the p53/p73 isoforms in human cancers provides an important step in the improvement of cancer therapy. Furthermore, the interactions among the p53 family members which could modulate normal functions of the canonical p53 in tumor tissue are described. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of clinical studies to assess the significance of combining the deregulation of different members of the p53 family to define the outcome of the disease.
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26
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Kanakis I, Alameddine M, Folkes L, Moxon S, Myrtziou I, Ozanne SE, Peffers MJ, Goljanek-Whysall K, Vasilaki A. Small-RNA Sequencing Reveals Altered Skeletal Muscle microRNAs and snoRNAs Signatures in Weanling Male Offspring from Mouse Dams Fed a Low Protein Diet during Lactation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051166. [PMID: 34064819 PMCID: PMC8150574 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the development of skeletal muscles in offspring and determines muscle health in later life. In this paper, we describe the association between maternal low protein diet-induced changes in offspring skeletal muscle and the differential expression (DE) of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). We used a mouse model of maternal protein restriction, where dams were fed either a normal (N, 20%) or a low protein (L, 8%) diet during gestation and newborns were cross-fostered to N or L lactating dams, resulting in the generation of NN, NL and LN offspring groups. Total body and tibialis anterior (TA) weights were decreased in weanling NL male offspring but were not different in the LN group, as compared to NN. However, histological evaluation of TA muscle revealed reduced muscle fibre size in both groups at weaning. Small RNA-sequencing demonstrated DE of multiple miRs, snoRNAs and snRNAs. Bioinformatic analyses of miRs-15a, -34a, -122 and -199a, in combination with known myomiRs, confirmed their implication in key muscle-specific biological processes. This is the first comprehensive report for the DE of sncRNAs in nutrition-associated programming of skeletal muscle development, highlighting the need for further research to unravel the detailed molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kanakis
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (M.A.); (M.J.P.); (K.G.-W.); (A.V.)
- Chester Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Chester CH2 1BR, UK;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Moussira Alameddine
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (M.A.); (M.J.P.); (K.G.-W.); (A.V.)
| | - Leighton Folkes
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (L.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Simon Moxon
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (L.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Ioanna Myrtziou
- Chester Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Chester CH2 1BR, UK;
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Mandy J. Peffers
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (M.A.); (M.J.P.); (K.G.-W.); (A.V.)
| | - Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (M.A.); (M.J.P.); (K.G.-W.); (A.V.)
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and REMEDI, CMNHS, NUI Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Aphrodite Vasilaki
- Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (M.A.); (M.J.P.); (K.G.-W.); (A.V.)
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27
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Melino G. Molecular Mechanisms and Function of the p53 Protein Family Member - p73. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1202-1209. [PMID: 33202205 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Over 20 years after identification of p53 and its crucial function in cancer progression, two members of the same protein family were identified, namely p63 and p73. Since then, a body of information has been accumulated on each of these genes and their interrelations. Biological role of p73 has been elucidated thanks to four distinct knockout mice models: (i) with deletion of the entire TP73 gene, (ii) with deletion of exons encoding the full length TAp73 isoforms, (iii) with deletions of exons encoding the shorter DNp73 isoform, and (iv) with deletion of exons encoding C-terminal of the alpha isoform. This work, as well as expression studies in cancer and overwhelming body of molecular studies, allowed establishing major role of TP73 both in cancer and in neuro-development, as well as ciliogenesis, and metabolism. Here, we recapitulate the major milestones of this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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28
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Marchetti P, Antonov A, Anemona L, Vangapandou C, Montanaro M, Botticelli A, Mauriello A, Melino G, Catani MV. New immunological potential markers for triple negative breast cancer: IL18R1, CD53, TRIM, Jaw1, LTB, PTPRCAP. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:6. [PMID: 35201443 PMCID: PMC8777524 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00401-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, and settings of specific prognostic factors and efficacious therapies are made difficult by phenotypic heterogeneity of BC subtypes. Therefore, there is a current urgent need to define novel predictive genetic predictors that may be useful for stratifying patients with distinct prognostic outcomes. Here, we looked for novel molecular signatures for triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). By a bioinformatic approach, we identified a panel of genes, whose expression was positively correlated with disease-free survival in TNBC patients, namely IL18R1, CD53, TRIM, Jaw1, LTB, and PTPRCAP, showing specific immune expression profiles linked to survival prediction; most of these genes are indeed expressed in immune cells and are required for productive lymphocyte activation. According to our hypothesis, these genes were not, or poorly, expressed in different TNBC cell lines, derived from either primary breast tumours or metastatic pleural effusions. This conclusion was further supported in vivo, as immuno-histochemical analysis on biopsies of TNBC invasive ductal carcinomas highlighted differential expression of these six genes in cancer cells, as well as in intra- and peri-tumoral infiltrating lymphocytes. Our data open to the possibility that inter-tumour heterogeneity of immune markers might have predictive value; further investigations are recommended in order to establish the real power of cancer-related immune profiles as prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Marchetti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alexey Antonov
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QR UK
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Chaitania Vangapandou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - M. Valeria Catani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Segaran RC, Chan LY, Wang H, Sethi G, Tang FR. Neuronal Development-Related miRNAs as Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease, Depression, Schizophrenia and Ionizing Radiation Exposure. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:19-52. [PMID: 31965936 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200121122910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiation exposure may induce Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression or schizophrenia. A number of experimental and clinical studies suggest the involvement of miRNA in the development of these diseases, and also in the neuropathological changes after brain radiation exposure. The current literature review indicated the involvement of 65 miRNAs in neuronal development in the brain. In the brain tissue, blood, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), 11, 55, or 28 miRNAs are involved in the development of AD respectively, 89, 50, 19 miRNAs in depression, and 102, 35, 8 miRNAs in schizophrenia. We compared miRNAs regulating neuronal development to those involved in the genesis of AD, depression and schizophrenia and also those driving radiation-induced brain neuropathological changes by reviewing the available data. We found that 3, 11, or 8 neuronal developmentrelated miRNAs from the brain tissue, 13, 16 or 14 miRNAs from the blood of patient with AD, depression and schizophrenia respectively were also involved in radiation-induced brain pathological changes, suggesting a possibly specific involvement of these miRNAs in radiation-induced development of AD, depression and schizophrenia respectively. On the other hand, we noted that radiationinduced changes of two miRNAs, i.e., miR-132, miR-29 in the brain tissue, three miRNAs, i.e., miR- 29c-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-34a-5p in the blood were also involved in the development of AD, depression and schizophrenia, thereby suggesting that these miRNAs may be involved in the common brain neuropathological changes, such as impairment of neurogenesis and reduced learning memory ability observed in these three diseases and also after radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Chandra Segaran
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Li Yun Chan
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Hong Wang
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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MicroRNA-34a: the bad guy in age-related vascular diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7355-7378. [PMID: 34698884 PMCID: PMC8629897 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03979-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The age-related vasculature alteration is the prominent risk factor for vascular diseases (VD), namely, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, vascular calcification (VC) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The chronic sterile low-grade inflammation state, alias inflammaging, characterizes elderly people and participates in VD development. MicroRNA34-a (miR-34a) is emerging as an important mediator of inflammaging and VD. miR-34a increases with aging in vessels and induces senescence and the acquisition of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in vascular smooth muscle (VSMCs) and endothelial (ECs) cells. Similarly, other VD risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension, modify miR-34a expression to promote vascular senescence and inflammation. miR-34a upregulation causes endothelial dysfunction by affecting ECs nitric oxide bioavailability, adhesion molecules expression and inflammatory cells recruitment. miR-34a-induced senescence facilitates VSMCs osteoblastic switch and VC development in hyperphosphatemia conditions. Conversely, atherogenic and hypoxic stimuli downregulate miR-34a levels and promote VSMCs proliferation and migration during atherosclerosis and PAH. MiR34a genetic ablation or miR-34a inhibition by anti-miR-34a molecules in different experimental models of VD reduce vascular inflammation, senescence and apoptosis through sirtuin 1 Notch1, and B-cell lymphoma 2 modulation. Notably, pleiotropic drugs, like statins, liraglutide and metformin, affect miR-34a expression. Finally, human studies report that miR-34a levels associate to atherosclerosis and diabetes and correlate with inflammatory factors during aging. Herein, we comprehensively review the current knowledge about miR-34a-dependent molecular and cellular mechanisms activated by VD risk factors and highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of modulating its expression in order to reduce inflammaging and VD burn and extend healthy lifespan.
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31
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Yi LT, Zhu JX, Dong SQ, Chen M, Li CF. Berberine exerts antidepressant-like effects via regulating miR-34a-synaptotagmin1/Bcl-2 axis. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2021; 13:116-123. [PMID: 36117760 PMCID: PMC9476493 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Grossi I, Radeghieri A, Paolini L, Porrini V, Pilotto A, Padovani A, Marengoni A, Barbon A, Bellucci A, Pizzi M, Salvi A, De Petro G. MicroRNA‑34a‑5p expression in the plasma and in its extracellular vesicle fractions in subjects with Parkinson's disease: An exploratory study. Int J Mol Med 2020; 47:533-546. [PMID: 33416118 PMCID: PMC7797475 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an important disabling age-related disorder and is the second most common neuro-degenerative disease. Currently, no established molecular biomarkers exist for the early diagnosis of PD. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), either vesicle-free or encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as potential blood-based biomarkers also for neurodegenerative diseases. In this exploratory study, we focused on miR-34a-5p because of its well-documented involvement in neurobiology. To explore a differential profile of circulating miR-34a-5p in PD, PD patients and age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Serial ultracentrifugation steps and density gradient were used to separate EV subpopulations from plasma according to their different sedimentation properties (Large, Medium, Small EVs). Characterization of EV types was performed using western blotting and atomic force microscopy (AFM); purity from protein contaminants was checked with the colorimetric nanoplasmonic assay. Circulating miR-34a-5p levels were evaluated using qPCR in plasma and in each EV type. miR-34a-5p was significantly up-regulated in small EVs devoid of exogenous protein contaminants (pure SEVs) from PD patients and ROC analysis indicated a good diagnostic performance in discriminating patients from controls (AUC=0.74, P<0.05). Moreover, miR-34a-5p levels in pure SEVs were associated with disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr and Beck Depression Inventory scores. These results under-line the necessity to examine the miRNA content of each EV subpopulation to identify miRNA candidates with potential diagnostic value and lay the basis for future studies to validate the overexpression of circulating miR-34a-5p in PD via the use of pure SEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Grossi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Radeghieri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Lucia Paolini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Vanessa Porrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Pilotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marengoni
- General Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina De Petro
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, I‑25123 Brescia, Italy
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Karisetty BC, Bhatnagar A, Armour EM, Beaver M, Zhang H, Elefant F. Amyloid-β Peptide Impact on Synaptic Function and Neuroepigenetic Gene Control Reveal New Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:577622. [PMID: 33304239 PMCID: PMC7693454 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.577622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides can form protease-resistant aggregates within and outside of neurons. Accumulation of these aggregates is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and contributes to devastating cognitive deficits associated with this disorder. The primary etiological factor for Aβ aggregation is either an increase in Aβ production or a decrease in its clearance. Aβ is produced by the sequential activity of β- and γ-secretase on the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the clearance is mediated by chaperone-mediated mechanisms. The Aβ aggregates vary from soluble monomers and oligomers to insoluble senile plaques. While excess intraneuronal oligomers can transduce neurotoxic signals into neurons causing cellular defects like oxidative stress and neuroepigenetic mediated transcriptional dysregulation, extracellular senile plaques cause neurodegeneration by impairing neural membrane permeabilization and cell signaling pathways. Paradoxically, senile plaque formation is hypothesized to be an adaptive mechanism to sequester excess toxic soluble oligomers while leaving native functional Aβ levels intact. This hypothesis is strengthened by the absence of positive outcomes and side effects from immunotherapy clinical trials aimed at complete Aβ clearance, and support beneficial physiological roles for native Aβ in cellular function. Aβ has been shown to modulate synaptic transmission, consolidate memory, and protect against excitotoxicity. We discuss the current understanding of beneficial and detrimental roles for Aβ in synaptic function and epigenetic gene control and the future promising prospects of early therapeutic interventions aimed at mediating Aβ induced neuroepigenetic and synaptic dysfunctions to delay AD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Felice Elefant
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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34
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Hu Y, Pei W, Hu Y, Li P, Sun C, Du J, Zhang Y, Miao F, Zhang A, Shen Y, Zhang J. MiR34a Regulates Neuronal MHC Class I Molecules and Promotes Primary Hippocampal Neuron Dendritic Growth and Branching. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:573208. [PMID: 33192317 PMCID: PMC7655649 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.573208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the immune system, Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) molecules are located on the surface of most nucleated cells in vertebrates where they mediate immune responses. Accumulating evidence indicates that MHC-I molecules are also expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they play important roles that are significantly different from their immune functions. Classical MHC-I molecules are temporally and spatially expressed in the developing and adult CNS, where they participate in the synaptic formation, remodeling and plasticity. Therefore, clarifying the regulation of MHC-I expression is necessary to develop an accurate understanding of its function in the CNS. Here, we show that microRNA 34a (miR34a), a brain enriched noncoding RNA, is temporally expressed in developing hippocampal neurons, and its expression is significantly increased after MHC-I protein abundance is decreased in the hippocampus. Computational algorithms identify putative miR34a target sites in the 3′UTR of MHC-I mRNA, and here we demonstrate direct targeting of miR34a to MHC-I mRNA using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. MiR34a targeting can decrease constitutive MHC-I expression in both Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells and primary hippocampal neurons. Finally, miR34a mediated reduction of MHC-I results in increased dendritic growth and branching in cultured hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our findings identify miR34a as a novel regulator of MHC-I for shaping neural morphology in developing hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenqin Pei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawei Du
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengqin Miao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aifeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqing Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianqiong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Qi L, Jiang-Hua M, Ge-Liang H, Qing C, Ya-Ming L. MiR-34a Inhibits Spinal Cord Injury and Blocks Spinal Cord Neuron Apoptosis by Activating Phatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT Pathway Through Targeting CD47. Curr Neurovasc Res 2020; 16:373-381. [PMID: 31490756 DOI: 10.2174/1567202616666190906102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dysregulation of miR-34a has been reported for its implication in neuronal development. This study aims to explore the effect and possible mechanism of miR-34a on neuron apoptosis induced by Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS SCI model was established using Allen's weight-drop method and rats in the sham group were performed with laminectomy without weight-drop injury. Basso Bcattie Bresnahan (BBB) rating scale was applied to evaluate the locomotor function of rats. Pathological changes of spinal cord tissues in SCI rats were observed after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Rats were separately injected with miR-34a agomir, miR-34a agomir NC, si-CD47 and si- CD47 NC before their spinal cord tissues were collected for terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Expressions of miR-34a, si-CD47, apoptosis related proteins and AKT pathway related proteins were measured by quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. RESULTS SCI rat models were successfully established evidenced by decreased BBB scores and HE staining. Injection of miR-34a agomir and/or si-CD47 could suppress neuron cell apoptosis, with deceased apoptotic index (AI) and pro-apoptotic protein (cleaved caspase-3 and Bax) levels, and increased expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Mcl-1). Phosphorylated levels of phatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT were further increased in rats injected with miR-34a agomir and si-CD47, compared with miR-34a agomir or si-CD47 injection alone. CONCLUSION MiR-34a can downregulate CD47 expression to activate PI3K/AKT signal pathway, and thus inhibit SCI induced spinal neuron apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ming Jiang-Hua
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hu Ge-Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chen Qing
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Li Ya-Ming
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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miR-34a induces spine damages via inhibiting synaptotagmin-1 in depression. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100243. [PMID: 33344699 PMCID: PMC7739037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that participate in the pathophysiology of depression by targeting many functional genes. As shown in our previous study, chronic stress up-regulates miR-34a in the hippocampus. However, little is known about the mechanism by which miR-34a regulates the process of depression or its functions as an antidepressant by regulating its targets. In the present study, the dynamic alterations in miR-34a expression and the mechanism underlying miR-34a regulation were assessed after the administration of the antidepressant fluoxetine to mice exposed to chronic stress. In addition, the effects of miR-34a inhibition on mice were directly evaluated. Both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and corticosterone treatment caused depression-like symptoms and increased miR-34a expression. Additionally, the expression of miR-34a, which was regulated by tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)/MEK1/ERK signaling, was consistent with the onset of action of fluoxetine. A luciferase reporter assay identified synaptotagmin-1 and Bcl-2 as the targets of miR-34a. Moreover, a miR-34a antagomir exerted antidepressant-like effects, activated TrkB/MEK1/ERK signaling and improved spine morphology in the hippocampus. In conclusion, hippocampal miR-34a overexpression was a typical feature in depression-like animals, and miR-34a downregulation exerts antidepressant-like effects by restoring the spine morphology through its target synaptotagmin-1. LPS and corticosterone cause depression and miR-34a overexpression. Fluoxetine affects miR-34a in a dynamic alteration in chronic stress. Inhibition of TrkB and ERK signaling upregulates the expression of miR-34a. Synaptotagmin-1 and Bcl-2 are the targets of miR-34a. Inhibition of miR-34a improves spinal morphology.
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37
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Niklison-Chirou MV, Agostini M, Amelio I, Melino G. Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis in Mammalian Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144869. [PMID: 32660154 PMCID: PMC7402357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process by which neurons are generated and integrated into existing neuronal circuits. In the adult brain, neurogenesis is mainly localized in two specialized niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) adjacent to the lateral ventricles. Neurogenesis plays a fundamental role in postnatal brain, where it is required for neuronal plasticity. Moreover, perturbation of adult neurogenesis contributes to several human diseases, including cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. The interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic factors is fundamental in regulating neurogenesis. Over the past decades, several studies on intrinsic pathways, including transcription factors, have highlighted their fundamental role in regulating every stage of neurogenesis. However, it is likely that transcriptional regulation is part of a more sophisticated regulatory network, which includes epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs and metabolic pathways. Here, we review recent findings that advance our knowledge in epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic regulation of adult neurogenesis in the SGZ of the hippocampus, with a special attention to the p53-family of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Niklison-Chirou
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI-Bath), Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
- Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HU, UK
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
- Correspondence:
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38
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Abstract
The p53 family member p73 has a complex gene structure, including alternative promoters and alternative splicing of the 3' UTR. This results in a complex range of isoforms whose biological relevance largely remains to be determined. By deleting exon 13 (which encodes a sterile α motif) from the Trp73 gene, we selectively engineered mice to replace the most abundantly expressed C-terminal isoform, p73α, with a shorter product of alternative splicing, p73β. These mice (Trp73 Δ13/Δ13 ) display severe neurodevelopmental defects with significant functional and morphological abnormalities. Replacement of p73α with p73β results in the depletion of Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells in embryonic stages, thus depriving the developing hippocampus of the pool of neurons necessary for correct hippocampal architecture. Consequently, Trp73 Δ13/Δ13 mice display severe hippocampal dysgenesis, reduced synaptic functionality and impaired learning and memory capabilities. Our data shed light on the relevance of p73 alternative splicing and show that the full-length C terminus of p73 is essential for hippocampal development.
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39
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Aberrant activation of neuronal cell cycle caused by dysregulation of ubiquitin ligase Itch results in neurodegeneration. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:441. [PMID: 32513985 PMCID: PMC7280246 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is critical for the neuronal cell cycle to remain suppressed in terminally differentiated neurons as its activation results in aberrant cell cycle re-entry that causes neuronal apoptosis (CRNA), which has been observed in several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we report that E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch is a major regulator of CRNA and elucidated the mechanism via which it is regulated in this process. Neurotoxic amyloid peptide Aβ42-treated neurons or neurons from an AD transgenic mouse model (TgAD) exhibited aberrant activation of the JNK pathway which resulted in the hyperphosphorylation of Itch. The phosphorylation of Itch primes it for autoubiquitination, which is necessary for its activation. These post-translational modifications of Itch facilitate its interaction with TAp73 resulting in its degradation. These series of events are critical for Itch-mediated CRNA and its phosphorylation and autoubiquitination site mutants reversed this process and were neuroprotective. These studies unravel a novel pathway via which neurodegeneration in AD and possibly other related disorders may be regulated by aberrant regulation of the neuronal cell cycle.
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40
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Reza-Zaldivar EE, Hernández-Sápiens MA, Minjarez B, Gómez-Pinedo U, Sánchez-González VJ, Márquez-Aguirre AL, Canales-Aguirre AA. Dendritic Spine and Synaptic Plasticity in Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on MicroRNA. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:255. [PMID: 32432108 PMCID: PMC7214692 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrites and dendritic spines are dynamic structures with pivotal roles in brain connectivity and have been recognized as the locus of long-term synaptic plasticity related to cognitive processes such as learning and memory. In neurodegenerative diseases, the spine dynamic morphology alteration, such as shape and spine density, affects functional characteristics leading to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Recent evidence implicates dendritic spine dysfunction as a critical feature in the pathogenesis of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The alteration of spine morphology and their loss is correlated with the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients even in the absence of neuronal loss, however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Currently, the microRNAs have emerged as essential regulators of synaptic plasticity. The changes in neuronal microRNA expression that contribute to the modification of synaptic function through the modulation of dendritic spine morphology or by regulating the local protein translation to synaptic transmission are determinant for synapse formation and synaptic plasticity. Focusing on microRNA and its targets may provide insight into new therapeutic opportunities. In this review we summarize the experimental evidence of the role that the microRNA plays in dendritic spine remodeling and synaptic plasticity and its potential therapeutic approach in Alzheimer’s disease. Targeting synaptic deficits through the structural alteration of dendritic spines could form part of therapeutic strategies to improve synaptic plasticity and to ameliorate cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benito Minjarez
- University Center of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Ulises Gómez-Pinedo
- Institute of Neurosciences, IdISSC, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Laura Márquez-Aguirre
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Unit, CIATEJ, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Preclinical Evaluation Unit, CIATEJ, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Arturo Canales-Aguirre
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Unit, CIATEJ, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Preclinical Evaluation Unit, CIATEJ, Guadalajara, Mexico
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41
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Zhang M, Li X, Xiao D, Lu T, Qin B, Zheng Z, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Yan T, Han X. Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs and their target genes in the hippocampal tissues of Fmr1 knockout mice. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:813-824. [PMID: 32269714 PMCID: PMC7137065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common forms of inherited mental retardation; it is usually associated with the transcriptional silencing of the Fmr1 gene and loss of its encoded protein, the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein and participates in regulating the development of dendritic spines and synaptic plasticity. To uncover the possible role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in FXS and their relationship with FMRP, we used microarray analysis to investigate the miRNA expression profiles in the hippocampal tissues of Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice and wild type (WT) mice. A total of 75 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, of which 58 were significantly upregulated and no miRNAs were significantly downregulated in Fmr1-KO mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was applied to validate the expression of 7 upregulated miRNAs; results indicated that the levels of only miR-449a and miR-720 were significantly upregulated. We further used bioinformatics software and databases to predict the target genes of these two miRNAs. The genes were related to dendritic spine development and synaptic plasticity; the qRT-PCR and western blotting results showed that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) were differentially expressed in the Fmr1-KO mice and WT mice. In conclusion, this study evidenced diverse changes in the expression of miRNAs, and validated the miRNAs and their targeted genes in Fmr1-KO mice. Although further studies are required to better understand the function of miRNAs in FXS, the present research highlights a potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malan Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Hexian Memorial Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
| | - Du Xiao
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityLiuzhou, China
| | - Bing Qin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Zheng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityPingxiang, China
| | - Yonggen Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityPingxiang, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityPingxiang, China
| | - Tiebin Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Rehabilitation and Elderly CareGuangzhou, China
| | - Xinjia Han
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
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42
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McNeill EM, Warinner C, Alkins S, Taylor A, Heggeness H, DeLuca TF, Fulga TA, Wall DP, Griffith LC, Van Vactor D. The conserved microRNA miR-34 regulates synaptogenesis via coordination of distinct mechanisms in presynaptic and postsynaptic cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1092. [PMID: 32107390 PMCID: PMC7046720 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro(mi)RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been broadly implicated in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections required to shape neural circuits, however, relatively few specific miRNAs have been identified that control synapse formation. Using a conditional transgenic toolkit for competitive inhibition of miRNA function in Drosophila, we performed an unbiased screen for novel regulators of synapse morphogenesis at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). From a set of ten new validated regulators of NMJ growth, we discovered that miR-34 mutants display synaptic phenotypes and cell type-specific functions suggesting distinct downstream mechanisms in the presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. A search for conserved downstream targets for miR-34 identified the junctional receptor CNTNAP4/Neurexin-IV (Nrx-IV) and the membrane cytoskeletal effector Adducin/Hu-li tai shao (Hts) as proteins whose synaptic expression is restricted by miR-34. Manipulation of miR-34, Nrx-IV or Hts-M function in motor neurons or muscle supports a model where presynaptic miR-34 inhibits Nrx-IV to influence active zone formation, whereas, postsynaptic miR-34 inhibits Hts to regulate the initiation of bouton formation from presynaptic terminals. Although micro(mi)RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been implicated in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections, few miRNAs have been identified that control synapse formation. Here, authors performed an unbiased screen for novel regulators of synapse morphogenesis at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction and discovered that miR-34 inhibits Nrx-IV to influence active zone formation, whereas, postsynaptic miR-34 inhibits Hts to regulate the initiation of bouton formation from presynaptic terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M McNeill
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Chloe Warinner
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stephen Alkins
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02454, USA
| | - Alicia Taylor
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Hansine Heggeness
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Todd F DeLuca
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tudor A Fulga
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Weatherall Institute, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Dennis P Wall
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Systems Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Leslie C Griffith
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02454, USA
| | - David Van Vactor
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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43
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Hu H, Hone EA, Provencher EAP, Sprowls SA, Farooqi I, Corbin DR, Sarkar SN, Hollander JM, Lockman PR, Simpkins JW, Ren X. MiR-34a Interacts with Cytochrome c and Shapes Stroke Outcomes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3233. [PMID: 32094435 PMCID: PMC7040038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction occurs in cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke. Opening of the BBB during a stroke has a negative impact on acute outcomes. We have recently demonstrated that miR-34a regulates the BBB by targeting cytochrome c (CYC) in vitro. To investigate the role of miR-34a in a stroke, we purified primary cerebrovascular endothelial cells (pCECs) from mouse brains following 1 h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and measured real-time PCR to detect miR-34a levels. We demonstrate that the miR-34a levels are elevated in pCECs from tMCAO mice at the time point of BBB opening following 1 h tMCAO and reperfusion. Interestingly, knockout of miR-34a significantly reduces BBB permeability, alleviates disruption of tight junctions, and improves stroke outcomes compared to wild-type (WT) controls. CYC is decreased in the ischemic hemispheres and pCECs from WT but not in miR-34a−/− mice following stroke reperfusion. We further confirmed CYC is a target of miR-34a by a dural luciferase reporter gene assay in vitro. Our study provides the first description of miR-34a affecting stroke outcomes and may lead to discovery of new mechanisms and treatments for cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Hu
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA.,Experimental Stroke Core, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Emily A Hone
- Neuroscience, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA.,Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Edward A P Provencher
- Neuroscience, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Samuel A Sprowls
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutic Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Imran Farooqi
- Neuroscience, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Deborah R Corbin
- Neuroscience, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Saumyendra N Sarkar
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - John M Hollander
- Human Performance, School of Medicine, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Paul R Lockman
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutic Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - James W Simpkins
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA.,Experimental Stroke Core, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Xuefang Ren
- Neuroscience, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA. .,Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA. .,Human Performance, School of Medicine, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research; West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA.
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44
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Xu L, Zheng YL, Yin X, Xu SJ, Tian D, Zhang CY, Wang S, Ma JZ. Excessive Treadmill Training Enhances Brain-Specific MicroRNA-34a in the Mouse Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:7. [PMID: 32082120 PMCID: PMC7002558 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: An imbalance between total training load and total recovery may cause overtraining (OT). The purpose of the present study was to verify the effects of OT on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and p75 and the dynamic expression patterns of brain-specific miR-34a and miR-124 or inflammation-related miR-21 and miR-132 in the mouse hippocampus. Method: Eight weeks old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control (CON), normal training (NT) and OT groups. An 8-week OT training protocol was applied to evaluate the phenotype of mice endurance (incremental load test, ILT) and cognitive capacity (Morris water maze test). We used qRT-PCR and immunoblotting to detect changes in the molecular level of hippocampal samples. Result: Compared with the CON, both NT and OT decreased bodyweight after 8-week training. After 8-week of training, NT increased the exhaustion velocity (EV) while the EV of OT was lower than NT. Mice in NT decreased the escape latency than CON. The percentage of time spent in the probe quadrant and the number of crossing platform times in NT were higher than CON and OT. The BDNF, p75 and TrkB mRNA levels were increased in NT than CON, only the p75 mRNA was increased in OT. The NT exhibited increased protein levels of BDNF and TrkB compared to CON. The protein expression of BDNF was decreased in OT than NT and CON. The protein level of p75 in the OT was higher than in NT and CON. In addition, the phosphorylation level of TrkB in OT was higher than CON and NT. Only the miR-34a level was increased in the OT. Moreover, the expression of miR-34a was found to be negatively correlated with the expression of BDNF, and the increase in miR-34a level was accompanied by a decrease in performance. Conclusion: In summary, the training-evoked increase in the BDNF level may help to improve performance, whereas this conditioning is lost after OT. Moreover, miR-34a potentially mediated changes in the expression of BDNF and may reflect the decrease in performance after OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- Department of Exercise and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.,The Research Center of Military Exercise Science, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Exercise and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.,The Research Center of Military Exercise Science, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Jia Xu
- The Research Center of Military Exercise Science, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Tian
- The Research Center of Military Exercise Science, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji Zheng Ma
- The Research Center of Military Exercise Science, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, China
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45
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Smirnov A, Cappello A, Lena AM, Anemona L, Mauriello A, Di Daniele N, Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli M, Melino G, Candi E. ZNF185 is a p53 target gene following DNA damage. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:3308-3326. [PMID: 30446632 PMCID: PMC6286825 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor p53 is a key player in the tumour suppressive DNA damage response and a growing number of target genes involved in these pathways has been identified. p53 has been shown to be implicated in controlling cell motility and its mutant form enhances metastasis by loss of cell directionality, but the p53 role in this context has not yet being investigated. Here, we report that ZNF185, an actin cytoskeleton-associated protein from LIM-family of Zn-finger proteins, is induced following DNA-damage. ChIP-seq analysis, chromatin crosslinking immune-precipitation experiments and luciferase assays demonstrate that ZNF185 is a bona fide p53 target gene. Upon genotoxic stress, caused by DNA-damaging drug etoposide and UVB irradiation, ZNF185 expression is up-regulated and in etoposide-treated cells, ZNF185 depletion does not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis, but interferes with actin cytoskeleton remodelling and cell polarization. Bioinformatic analysis of different types of epithelial cancers from both TCGA and GTEx databases showed a significant decrease in ZNF185 mRNA level compared to normal tissues. These findings are confirmed by tissue micro-array IHC staining. Our data highlight the involvement of ZNF185 and cytoskeleton changes in p53-mediated cellular response to genotoxic stress and indicate ZNF185 as potential biomarker for epithelial cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Angela Cappello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Lena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.,MRC-Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.,Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome 00163, Italy
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Nemajerova A, Moll UM. Tissue-specific roles of p73 in development and homeostasis. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/19/jcs233338. [PMID: 31582429 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.233338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
p73 (TP73) belongs to the p53 family of transcription factors. Its gene locus encodes two opposing types of isoforms, the transcriptionally active TAp73 class and the dominant-negative DNp73 class, which both play critical roles in development and homeostasis in an astonishingly diverse array of biological systems within specific tissues. While p73 has functions in cancer, this Review focuses on the non-oncogenic activities of p73. In the central and peripheral nervous system, both isoforms cooperate in complex ways to regulate neural stem cell survival, self-renewal and terminal differentiation. In airways, oviduct and to a lesser extent in brain ependyma, TAp73 is the master transcriptional regulator of multiciliogenesis, enabling fluid and germ cell transport across tissue surfaces. In male and female reproduction, TAp73 regulates gene networks that control cell-cell adhesion programs within germinal epithelium to enable germ cell maturation. Finally, p73 participates in the control of angiogenesis in development and cancer. While many open questions remain, we discuss here key findings that provide insight into the complex functions of this gene at the organismal, cellular and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Nemajerova
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8691, USA
| | - Ute M Moll
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8691, USA
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Lo Iacono L, Ielpo D, Accoto A, Di Segni M, Babicola L, D’Addario SL, Ferlazzo F, Pascucci T, Ventura R, Andolina D. MicroRNA-34a Regulates the Depression-like Behavior in Mice by Modulating the Expression of Target Genes in the Dorsal Raphè. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:823-836. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Periyasamy P, Thangaraj A, Bendi VS, Buch S. HIV-1 Tat-mediated microglial inflammation involves a novel miRNA-34a-NLRC5-NFκB signaling axis. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:227-237. [PMID: 30872089 PMCID: PMC6660398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has dramatically increased the lifespan of people living with HIV-1 paradoxically, the prevalence of NeuroHIV in people treated with cART is on the rise. It has been well documented that despite the effectiveness of cART in suppressing viremia, CNS continues to harbor viral reservoirs with persistent low-level virus replication. This, in turn, leads to the presence and accumulation of early viral protein - HIV-1 Tat, that is a well-established cytotoxic agent. In the current study, we demonstrated that exposure of mouse microglia to HIV-1 Tat resulted both in a dose- and time-dependent upregulation of miRNA-34a, with concomitant downregulation of NLRC5 (a negative regulator of NFκB signaling) expression. Using bioinformatics analyses and Argonaute immunoprecipitation assay NLRC5 was identified as a novel target of miRNA-34a. Transfection of mouse primary microglia with miRNA-34a mimic significantly downregulated NLRC5 expression, resulting in increased expression of NFκB p65. In contrast, transfection of cells with miRNA-34a inhibitor upregulated NLRC5 levels. Using pharmacological approaches, our findings showed that HIV-1 Tat-mediated microglial activation involved miRNA-34a-mediated downregulation of NLRC5 with concomitant activation of NFκB signaling. Reciprocally, inhibition of miRNA-34a blocked HIV-1 Tat-mediated microglial activation. In summary, our findings identify yet another novel mechanism of HIV-1 Tat-mediated activation of microglia involving the miRNA-34a-NLRC5-NFκB axis. These in vitro findings were also validated in the medial prefrontal cortices of HIV-1 transgenic rats as well as in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Overall, these findings reveal the involvement of miRNA-34a-NLRC5-NFκB signaling axis in HIV-1 Tat-mediated microglial inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, 985880 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Modulates Dendritic Spine Maturation and Morphogenesis via MicroRNA-132 Upregulation. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4208-4220. [PMID: 30886013 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2468-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a multifunctional neuropeptide, and its receptors have been identified as risk factors for certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Increasing evidence from human genetic and animal model studies suggest an association between various psychiatric disorders and altered dendritic spine morphology. In the present study, we investigated the role of exogenous and endogenous PACAP in spine formation and maturation. PACAP modified the density and morphology of PSD-95-positive spines in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Notably, PACAP increased the levels of microRNA (miR)-132 and decreased expression of corresponding miR-132 target genes and protein expression of p250GAP, a miR-132 effector known to be involved in spine morphology regulation. In corroboration, PSD-95-positive spines were reduced in PACAP-deficient (PACAP -/-) mice versus WT mice. Golgi staining of hippocampal CA1 neurons revealed a reduced spine densities and atypical morphologies in the male PACAP -/- mice. Furthermore, viral miR-132 overexpression reversed the reduction in hippocampal spinal density in the male PACAP -/- mice. These results indicate that PACAP signaling plays a critical role in spine morphogenesis possibly via miR-132. We suggest that dysfunction of PACAP signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, at least partly through its effects on spine formation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling dysfunction and dendritic spine morphology alterations have recently been suggested as important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying several psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated whether PACAP regulates dendritic spine morphogenesis. In a combination of pharmacological and viral gain- and loss-of-function approaches in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found PACAP to increase the size and density of dendritic spines via miR-132 upregulation. Together, our data suggest that a dysfunction of PACAP signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, at least partly through abnormal spine formation.
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Roitbak T. MicroRNAs and Regeneration in Animal Models of CNS Disorders. Neurochem Res 2019; 45:188-203. [PMID: 30877519 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02777-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are recently identified small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and significantly influence the essential cellular processes associated with CNS repair after trauma and neuropathological conditions including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. A number of specific miRNAs are implicated in regulating the development and propagation of CNS injury, as well as its subsequent regeneration. The review focuses on the functions of the miRNAs and their role in brain recovery following CNS damage. The article introduces a brief description of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms of miRNA-induced gene suppression, followed by an overview of miRNAs involved in the processes associated with CNS repair, including neuroprotection, neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration, vascular reorganization, neuroinflammation, and endogenous stem cell activation. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of multifunctional miRNA miR-155, as it appears to be involved in multiple neurorestorative processes during different CNS pathologies. In association with our own studies on miR-155, I introduce a new and unexplored approach to cerebral regeneration: regulation of brain tissue repair through a direct modulation of specific miRNA activity. The review concludes with discussion on the challenges and the future potential of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Roitbak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1101 Yale Blvd, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-3834, USA.
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