MiR-130a-5p prevents angiotensin II-induced podocyte apoptosis by modulating M-type phospholipase A2 receptor

Containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibody induces podocyte injury in idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Background: Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is widely recognized as an autoimmune kidney disease that is accompanied by the discovery of several autoantibodies, and the antibody subclass in the circulation of patients with iMN is mainly IgG. However, the direct pathogenic effect of the containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibody on podocytes is not clear.Method: A protein G affinity chromatography column was used to purify serum IgG antibodies. Containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibodies from iMN patients and IgG from healthy controls were also obtained. Based on the established in vitro podocyte culture system, purified IgG antibodies from the two groups were used to stimulate podocytes, and the expression of essential podocyte proteins (podocin), the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the cell supernatant, cytoskeletal disorders, and podocyte apoptosis were analyzed.Results: Compared with that in the normal IgG group, the expression of podocin and podocin mRNA was reduced (p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively), the fluorescence intensity of podocin on the surface of podocytes was reduced, the cytoskeleton of podocytes was disordered and reorganized, and the ratio of podocyte apoptosis was increased in the iMN group (p = 0.008).Conclusion: The containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibody might have a direct damaging effect on podocytes in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Circular RNA circWHSC1 facilitates colorectal cancer cell proliferation by targeting miR-130a-5p/zeb1 signaling in vitro and in vivo

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent cancer globally and has become a threaten of human health. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely studied in the cancer area, and the function of circular RNA circWHSC1 has been identified in several cancers. However, the role of circWHSC1 in colorectal cancer remains elusive. In this study, we were interested in the effects of circWHSC1 on colorectal cancer progression. We found that level of circWHSC1 was elevated in colorectal cancer cells compared with normal colon epithelial cells. FISH assay further confirmed that circWHSC1 was mainly localized in cytoplasm. CircWHSC1 depletion repressed the viability of colorectal cancer cells. The colony formation number and Edu-positive colorectal cancer cells were inhibited by the depletion of circWHSC1, respectively. The knockdown of circWHSC1 promoted the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. The tumor growth of colorectal cancer cells in nude mice was attenuated by circWHSC1 silencing. Meanwhile, the invasion and migration ability of colorectal cancer cells was suppressed by circWHSC1 depletion. Mechanically, circWHSC1 targets miR-130a-5p to promote zeb1 expression in colorectal cancer cell. The depletion of circWHSC1 remarkably reduced the cell viability and Edu-positive colorectal cancer cells, and the miR-130a-5p inhibitor or zeb1 overexpression could restore the phenotypes. Furthermore, the tumor growth of colorectal cancer cells in nude mice was attenuated by circWHSC1 knockdown, while miR-130a-5p depletion or zeb1 overexpression reversed the effect in the model. Therefore, we concluded that Circular RNA circWHSC1 facilitated colorectal cancer cell proliferation by targeting miR-130a-5p/zeb1 signaling in vitro and in vivo.

APC ameliorates idiopathic membranous nephropathy by affecting podocyte apoptosis through the ERK1/2/YB-1/PLA2R1 axis

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) belongs to an important pathogenic category of adult nephrotic syndrome. PLA2R1 exposure is critical for triggering the pathogenesis of PLA2R1-related IMN. However, the pathogenesis of IMN and the molecular mechanism of treatment remain to be further clarified. The expression changes of activated protein C (APC) and PLA2R1 in IMN patients were quantified by qPCR. A zymosan activated serum (ZAS)-induced IMN podocyte model was established in vitro. Podocyte apoptosis was detected via flow cytometry and caspase‑3 assay. The expression levels of APC, p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, YB-1 and PLA2R1 were detected by western blotting. The regulation relationship between YB-1 and PLA2R1 was detected by dual fluorescent reporter system. In IMN patients, the expression level of PLA2R1 was increased, whereas the expression level of APC was decreased. When APC was added to podocytes in vitro, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was increased, which could promote the translocation of YB-1 to the nucleus that reduces the expression of PLA2R1 at the cellular transcriptional level, thereby inhibiting podocyte apoptosis. Our study is the first to report that APC can improve membranous nephropathy by affecting podocyte apoptosis through the ERK1/2/YB-1/PLA2R1 axis. This study will provide a new targeted therapy for IMN patients with high PLA2R1 expression.

Present and Future of IgA Nephropathy and Membranous Nephropathy Immune Monitoring: Insights from Molecular Studies

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and Membranous Nephropathy (MN) are primary immune-mediated glomerular diseases with highly variable prognosis. Current guidelines recommend that greater immunologic activity and worse prognosis should guide towards the best treatment in an individualized approach. Nevertheless, proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate, the current gold standards for prognosis assessment and treatment guidance in primary glomerular diseases, may be altered with chronic damage and nephron scarring, conditions that are not related to immune activity. In recent years, thanks to the development of new molecular technologies, among them genome-wide genotyping, RNA sequencing techniques, and mass spectrometry, we have witnessed an outstanding improvement in understanding the pathogenesis of IgAN and MN. In addition, recent genome-wide association studies have suggested potential targets for immunomodulating agents, stressing the need for the identification of specific biomarkers of immune activity. In this work, we aim to review current evidence and recent progress, including the more recent use of omics techniques, in the identification of potential biomarkers for immune monitoring in IgAN and MN.

Propofol Suppresses LPS-induced BBB Damage by Regulating miR-130a-5p/ZO-1 Axis

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semi-permeable barrier that separates circulating blood from the extracellular fluid of the brain and central nervous system, which is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the role of propofol in BBB damage and further evaluate the underlying molecular mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to mice to create an in vivo BBB damage mice model. Additionally, hCMEC/D3 cells as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were treated with LPS to establish the in vitro BBB damage cell model. Subsequently, propofol was used for the BBB damage model. Evans blue staining and fluorescein sodium were utilized in the in vivo experiments to demonstrate BBB leakage and BBB permeability. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess cell viability and the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) value was measured using an epithelial voltmeter. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the levels of the inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The levels of miR-130a-5p and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in brain tissues and cells were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, or immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate the association between miR-130a-5p and ZO-1. Propofol treatment suppressed BBB leakage, the amount of fluorescein sodium, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the LPS-induced BBB damage mice model. Meanwhile, propofol treatment increased the TEER value in the LPS-induced hCMEC/D3 cells. Additionally, propofol treatment significantly down-regulated miR-130a-5p and up-regulated ZO-1. More importantly, miR-130a-5p directly targeted ZO-1 and negatively regulated ZO-1 expression in hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, miR-130a-5p mimic partially reversed the effect of propofol on the TEER value and the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α in the LPS-induced hCMEC/D3 cells. Propofol suppressed LPS-induced BBB damage by regulating miR-130a-5p/ZO-1 axis. These findings suggested a potentially effective treatment approach for BBB damage.

Myostatin silencing inhibits podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy through Smad3/PKA/NOX4 signaling pathway

This article focuses on deciphering the effect of myostatin (MSTN) on podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy (MN) and fathoming out its underlying mechanism. Rats received the intravenous injection of cationized-bovine serum albumin to induce MN in vivo, while angiotensin II (Ang II) was exposed to AB8/13 cells to induce MN model in vitro. The mRNA expression of MSTN was detected by qRT-PCR. The effects of MSTN silencing on MN model rats and cells were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and TUNEL assay. The expressions of proteins related to apoptosis and Smad3/protein kinase A (PKA)/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway were examined by western blot. As a result, MSTN was highly expressed in MN cell and rat models. Besides, knockdown of MSTN elevated the MN cell viability and dwindled apoptosis rate, as well as attenuated kidney injury in MN rats. Meanwhile, MSTN silencing lessened the expressions of phosphorylated (p)-Smad3 and Nox4, while boosting the p-PKA expression in MN rats and cells. Additionally, Smad3 overexpression reversed the above effects of MSTN silencing on Ang II-induced podocytes. In conclusion, MSTN knockdown restrains the podocyte apoptosis through regulating Smad3/PKA/NOX4 signaling pathway.

MicroRNAs in kidney injury and disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by degrading or repressing the translation of their target messenger RNAs. As miRNAs are critical regulators of cellular homeostasis, their dysregulation is a crucial component of cell and organ injury. A substantial body of evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease and allograft damage. Different subsets of miRNAs are dysregulated during AKI, chronic kidney disease and allograft rejection, which could reflect differences in the physiopathology of these conditions. miRNAs that have been investigated in AKI include miR-21, which has an anti-apoptotic role, and miR-214 and miR-668, which regulate mitochondrial dynamics. Various miRNAs are downregulated in diabetic kidney disease, including the miR-30 family and miR-146a, which protect against inflammation and fibrosis. Other miRNAs such as miR-193 and miR-92a induce podocyte dedifferentiation in glomerulonephritis. In transplantation, miRNAs have been implicated in allograft rejection and injury. Further work is needed to identify and validate miRNAs as biomarkers of graft function and of kidney disease development and progression. Use of combinations of miRNAs together with other molecular markers could potentially improve diagnostic or predictive power and facilitate clinical translation. In addition, targeting specific miRNAs at different stages of disease could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Clinical application of microRNAs in glomerular diseases

RNA interference (RNAi) occurs in all organisms and modulates most, if not all, biological pathways. It is the process by which non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRs), regulate gene transcription and post-transcriptional processing of messenger RNA (mRNA). A single miR can modulate several genes within a cell, and several miRs can regulate expression of the same gene, adding tiers of complexity to regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs and other RNAi approaches have been successfully used in vitro and in vivo to selectively manipulate gene transcription, making them pivotal agents for basic science research and candidates for targeted therapeutics. This review will focus on miRs and their potential as biomarkers and novel therapeutics for glomerular disease.

Pathogenic Role of MicroRNA Dysregulation in Podocytopathies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the regulation of various important biological processes by regulating the expression of various genes at the post-transcriptional level. Podocytopathies are a series of renal diseases in which direct or indirect damage of podocytes results in proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome. Despite decades of research, the exact pathogenesis of podocytopathies remains incompletely understood and effective therapies are still lacking. An increasing body of evidence has revealed a critical role of miRNAs dysregulation in the onset and progression of podocytopathies. Moreover, several lines of research aimed at improving common podocytopathies diagnostic tools and avoiding invasive kidney biopsies have also identified circulating and urine miRNAs as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for podocytopathies. The present review mainly aims to provide an updated overview of the recent achievements in research on the potential applicability of miRNAs involved in renal disorders related to podocyte dysfunction by laying particular emphasis on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), minimal change disease (MCD), membranous nephropathy (MN), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Further investigation into these dysregulated miRNAs will not only generate novel insights into the mechanisms of podocytopathies, but also might yield novel strategies for the diagnosis and therapy of this disease.

Knockdown of circ_CDYL Contributes to Inhibit Angiotensin II-Induced Podocytes Apoptosis in Membranous Nephropathy via the miR-149-5p/TNFSF11 Pathway

ABSTRACT

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been verified as vital regulators in various diseases, including membranous nephropathy (MN). Therefore, the role of circ_CDYL in podocyte apoptosis and MN was investigated. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of circ_CDYL, microRNA-149-5p (miR-149-5p), and tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11) in podocytes. In addition, angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to induce apoptosis of podocytes. The apoptosis-related protein expression was quantified by western blot assay. The apoptosis of podocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry assay. The interaction relationship between miR-149-5p and circ_CDYL or TNFSF11 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Circ_CDYL was significantly overexpressed in MN patients and Ang II-induced podocytes compared with control groups. Importantly, loss-of-functional experiments indicated that knockdown of circ_CDYL protected podocytes from Ang II-induced apoptosis. MiR-149-5p was verified as target of circ_CDYL and negatively correlated with circ_CDYL expression in MN patients. Knockdown of circ_CDYL-mediated effects on Ang II-induced podocyte cells were abolished by silencing miR-149-5p. Besides, the upregulation of miR-149-5p could suppress apoptosis in Ang II-induced podocyte cells by targeting TNFSF11. Under Ang II stimulation, the upregulation of TNFSF11 could increase the expression of TNFSF11 and induce apoptosis in circ_CDYL-silencing podocytes. Our results confirmed that circ_CDYL specifically targeted miR-149-5p/TNFSF11 pathway to regulate Ang II-induced apoptosis in podocytes, which might be useful diagnostic biomarkers in MN.

Extracellular Vesicles Released from Stem Cells as a New Therapeutic Strategy for Primary and Secondary Glomerulonephritis

Current treatment of primary and secondary glomerulopathies is hampered by many limits and a significant proportion of these disorders still evolves towards end-stage renal disease. A possible answer to this unmet challenge could be represented by therapies with stem cells, which include a variety of progenitor cell types derived from embryonic or adult tissues. Stem cell self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation ability explain their potential to protect and regenerate injured cells, including kidney tubular cells, podocytes and endothelial cells. In addition, a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions appears to interfere with the pathogenic mechanisms of glomerulonephritis. Of note, mesenchymal stromal cells have been particularly investigated as therapy for Lupus Nephritis and Diabetic Nephropathy, whereas initial evidence suggest their beneficial effects in primary glomerulopathies such as IgA nephritis. Extracellular vesicles mediate a complex intercellular communication network, shuttling proteins, nucleic acids and other bioactive molecules from origin to target cells to modulate their functions. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles recapitulate beneficial cytoprotective, reparative and immunomodulatory properties of parental cells and are increasingly recognized as a cell-free alternative to stem cell-based therapies for different diseases including glomerulonephritis, also considering the low risk for potential adverse effects such as maldifferentiation and tumorigenesis. We herein summarize the renoprotective potential of therapies with stem cells and extracellular vesicles derived from progenitor cells in glomerulonephritis, with a focus on their different mechanisms of actions. Technological progress and growing knowledge are paving the way for wider clinical application of regenerative medicine to primary and secondary glomerulonephritis: this multi-level, pleiotropic therapy may open new scenarios overcoming the limits and side effects of traditional treatments, although the promising results of experimental models need to be confirmed in the clinical setting.

Novel Biomarkers in Membranous Nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the main cause of adult nephrotic syndrome (NS). The pathogenesis of MN is complex and involves subepithelial immune complex deposition. Approximately one-third of patients with MN develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Timely diagnosis and reasonable intervention are the keys to improving prognosis. In recent years, with the development of high-throughput technologies, such as mass spectrometry (MS), microarray, and sequencing technologies, the discovery of biomarkers for MN has become an important area of research. In this review, we summarize the significant progress in biomarker identification. For example, a variety of podocyte target antigens and their autoantibodies have been reported. Phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is the most well-established target antigen in MN. PLA2R and its autoantibodies have clinical significance, with both diagnostic and therapeutic value for MN. In addition, a variety of new biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and immune cells, have recently been found. These MN-related biomarkers have great significance in the diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and treatment response of MN.

MicroRNAs: Potential mediators between particulate matter 2.5 and Th17/Treg immune disorder in primary membranous nephropathy

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), is an autoimmune glomerular disease and the main reason of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Studies have confirmed that the incidence of PMN increases yearly and is related to fine air pollutants particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure. These imply that PM2.5 may be associated with exposure to PMN-specific autoantigens, such as the M-type receptor for secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2R1). Emerging evidence indicates that Th17/Treg turns to imbalance under PM2.5 exposure, but the molecular mechanism of this process in PMN has not been elucidated. As an important indicator of immune activity in multiple diseases, Th17/Treg immune balance is sensitive to antigens and cellular microenvironment changes. These immune pathways play an essential role in the disease progression of PMN. Also, microRNAs (miRNAs) are susceptible to external environmental stimulation and play link role between the environment and immunity. The contribution of PM2.5 to PMN may induce Th17/Treg imbalance through miRNAs and then produce epigenetic affection. We summarize the pathways by which PM2.5 interferes with Th17/Treg immune balance and attempt to explore the intermediary roles of miRNAs, with a particular focus on the changes in PMN. Meanwhile, the mechanism of PM2.5 promoting PLA2R1 exposure is discussed. This review aims to clarify the potential mechanism of PM2.5 on the pathogenesis and progression of PMN and provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Ramipril pretreatment worsened renal injury and survival despite a reduction in renal inflammation in experimentally induced sepsis in mice

INTRODUCTION

The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril is a standard antihypertensive therapy for many patients. Because angiotensin II may promote inflammation, we were interested in whether basal pretreatment with ramipril may modify renal function and inflammation as well as systemic outcome in experimentally induced sepsis in mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ramipril (10 mg/kg/day) pretreatment or placebo (NaCl) was given intraperitoneally for 5 days to C57BL6/J mice, followed by either sham operation or cecal ligation and puncture sepsis induction. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunological stains were used to evaluate renal gene and protein expression, respectively. Plasma creatinine, neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin, and blood urea nitrogen were used as markers for renal function. A clinical severity score was determined.

RESULTS

Administration of ramipril before cecal ligation and puncture surgery was associated with reduced renal inflammation but did not improved renal function and structure and even worsened the clinical status of septic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that the effects of ramipril pretreatment are complex. Additional studies including monitoring of hemodynamic parameters are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism(s) of this observation. In addition, the timing of the ramipril administration could be of importance.

miR-130a-3p, a Preclinical Therapeutic Target for Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease [CD] is a chronic, relapsing and incurable inflammatory disorder. Micro RNAs [miRNAs], which modulate gene expression by binding to mRNAs, may make significant contributions to understanding the complex pathobiology and aetiology of CD. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic role and mechanism of miR-130a-3p in CD.

METHODS

Differentially expressed miRNAs in colon tissues of CD patients and normal controls [NCs] were screened using an miRNA microarray and then validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR [qRT-PCR]. The functional role of miR-130a-3p in the pathogenesis of CD was then demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. The target genes of miR-130a-3p and the associated signalling pathways were identified using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification of the interactions between the target predicted by the algorithms and dysregulated mRNAs. The therapeutic role of miR-130a-3p in trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid [TNBS]-induced colitis models was further investigated.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that miR-130a-3p is the most significantly upregulated miRNA and that miR-130a knockout significantly protects mice against TNBS-induced colitis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that miR-130a-3p promotes CD development by targeting ATG16L1 via the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, an miR-130a-3p inhibitor significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activity by inducing autophagy in a mouse macrophage cell line [RAW264.7]. Therapeutically, an miR-130a-3p inhibitor effectively ameliorated the severity of TNBS-induced colitis.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that miR-130a-3p promotes CD progression via the ATG16L1/NF-κB pathway and serves as a potential preclinical therapeutic target in CD.

Circ_0000524/miR-500a-5p/CXCL16 axis promotes podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Podocytes apoptosis is a hallmark of membranous nephropathy (MN). Circ_0000524 has been reported to be associated with patients with MN, whereas the effect of circ_0000524 on podocytes apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms in MN have not been elaborated.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the expressions of circ_0000524, microRNA-500a-5p (miR-500a-5p), and C-X-C chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) in MN tissues and podocytes. Podocyte injury was induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 or caspase-9 activity was evaluated using a caspase-3 or caspase-9 activity assay kit, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assay were used to address the relationship among circ_0000524,miR-500a-5p and CXCL16.

RESULTS

Upregulation of circ_0000524 and CXCL16 and low expression of miR-500a-5p were observed in MN tissues. AngII treatment induced the overexpression of circ_0000524 and CXCL16, a decrease of miR-500a-5p, and induced cell apoptosis in podocytes. Circ_0000524 negatively modulated the expression of miR-500a-5p. Circ_0000524 depletion inhibited podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by loss of miR-500a-5p. miR-500a-5p contained the binding sites with CXCL16. Circ_0000524 knockdown hampered CXCL16 expression by upregulating miR-500a-5p expression. Additionally, miR-500a-5p upregulation suppressed AngII-induced podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by enhanced expression of CXCL16.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0000524/miR-500a-5p/CXCL16 pathway regulated podocyte apoptosis in MN.

Upregulating miR-130a-5p relieves astrocyte over activation-induced neuropathic pain through targeting C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 12/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 axis

OBJECTIVES

This study intends to explore the role and specific mechanism of miR-130a-5p in neuropathic pain through regulating the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 12 (CXCL12)-C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathway.

METHODS

First, mouse neuropathic pain model was constructed by spinal nerve ligation. MiR-130a-5p mimics were used to upregulate miR-130a-5p in vivo. The behaviour and pain scores of the spinal cord injury (SCI) mice were assessed. In addition, astrocytic activation as well as inflammatory response in the spinal lesions was determined.

RESULTS

The results manifested miR-130a-5p was notably downregulated in neuropathic pain model and reached the lowest point at 3 days after injury. Besides, tail vein injection of miR-130a-5p mimics inhibited the activation and inflammatory response of astrocytes, thus alleviating chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain. Moreover, miR-130a-5p inactivated CXCR4 and its downstream Rac1, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular regulated protein kinases signalling pathways by attenuating CXCL12.

CONCLUSION

MiR-130a-5p inactivated astrocytes by targeting CXCL12/CXCR4, thus alleviating SCI-induced neuropathic pain.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome represents the clinical situation characterized by presence of massive proteinuria and low serum protein caused by a variety of diseases, including minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and membranous glomerulonephropathy. Differentiating between diagnoses requires invasive renal biopsies in general. Even with the biopsy, we encounter difficulties to differentiate MCNS and FSGS in some cases. There is no other better option currently available for the diagnosis other than renal biopsy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are no-coding RNAs of approximately 20 nucleotides in length, which regulate target genes in the post-transcriptional processes and have essential roles in many diseases. MiRNAs in serum and urine have been shown as non-invasive biomarkers in multiple diseases, including renal diseases. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of miRNAs as the promising biomarkers for nephrotic syndrome.

miR-130a promotes immature porcine Sertoli cell growth by activating SMAD5 through the TGF-β-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Sertoli cells play vital roles in normal spermatogenesis, and microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating Sertoli cell development. However, the functions and mechanisms of action of most identified miRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells remain largely unknown. Herein, we primarily explored the regulatory roles of miR-130a in immature porcine Sertoli cells using EdU-based high-content screening assay. The results demonstrated that 27 miRNAs have potential roles in the promotion of immature porcine Sertoli cell proliferation, and miR-130a was identified as a promising candidate. miR-130a promoted cell cycle progression and cell proliferation, whereas it impeded cell apoptosis in immature porcine Sertoli cells. It also contributed to Sertoli cell proliferation and testis development in vivo. A TMT-based proteomics approach revealed that miR-130a regulated the expression of 91 proteins and multiple pathways, including the TGF-β and PI3K/AKT signaling. miR-130a did not directly target the 3'-UTR of SMAD5; however, it increased SMAD5 phosphorylation. Moreover, miR-130a enhanced TGF-β signaling by activating SMAD5 protein, and TGF-β signaling further activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells. Collectively, miR-130a promoted immature porcine Sertoli cell growth by activating SMAD5 through the TGF-β-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study, therefore, provides novel insights into the effects of miR-130a on porcine spermatogenesis through the regulation of immature Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis.

LncRNA MEG8 Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia After Ischemic Stroke Through Targeting miR-130a-5p/VEGFA Signaling

MEG8 is involved in ischemia stroke, however, its role in ischemia stroke remains unknown. The current research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of MEG8 in ischemic stroke. Mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were treated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Then, the expressions of MEG8 and miR-130a-5p were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing, tube formation, Western blot, and q-PCR assays were performed to detect the effects of MEG8 and miR-130a-5p on cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis and VEGFA expression. Bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation analysis were carried out to investigate the targeting relationship between MEG8 and miR-130a-5p, and between miR-130a-5p and VEGFA. Then, rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and MEG8 overexpression MCAO model were established, and neurological deficit and infarct volume of the model rats were evaluated. Finally, Western blot and q-PCR were carried out to detect the expressions of MEG8, miR-130a-5p, and VEGFA. MEG8 was upregulated and miR-130a-5p was downregulated in OGD-treated BMECs. MiR-130a-5p was found to be a target of MEG8, and VEGFA was predicted to be a potential target of miR-130a-5p. Downregulation of MEG8 inhibited the cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis and the expression of VEGFA via negatively regulating miR-130a-5p of BMECs treated by OGD/non-OGD. In addition, MEG8 reduced cerebral ischemia, neurological score and miR-130a-5p expression, and increased VEGFA expression of MCAO rat. Our findings proved that MEG8 regulates angiogenesis and attenuates cerebral ischemia after ischemic stroke via miR-130a-5p/VEGFA signaling.

MiR-130a alleviated high-glucose induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) death by modulating TNF-α/SOD1/ROS cascade mediated pyroptosis

High-glucose induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) death by triggering oxidative stress, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully delineated. In this study, the RPE cell line ARPE-19 were treated with different concentrations of glucose, the results showed that high-glucose (50 mM) inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a time-dependent manner. Notably, we found that high-glucose (50 mM) increased the expression levels of Caspase-1, Gasdermin D, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 in ARPE-19 cells, which indicated that high-glucose triggered pyroptotic cell death. Further results validated that both ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and pyroptosis inhibitor necrosulfonamide (NSA) reversed the effects of high-glucose (50 mM) on ARPE-19 cell proliferation, apoptosis and pyroptosis. In addition, high-glucose (50 mM) significantly decreased the levels of miR-130a and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and promoted tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expressions in ARPE-19 cells. Interestingly, upregulation of miR-130a increased SOD1 levels in a TNF-α dependent manner. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-130a abrogated the effects of high-glucose (50 mM) on the above cell functions, which were all reversed by either upregulating TNF-α or knocking down SOD1 in ARPE-19 cells. Taken together, upregulation of miR-130a alleviated the cytotoxic effects of high-glucose (50 mM) on ARPE-19 cells by regulating TNF-α/SOD1/ROS axis mediated pyroptotic cell death.

Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Renal Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory and regenerative effects in many organs, including the kidney. Emerging evidence has shown that the trophic effects from MSCs are mainly mediated by the paracrine mechanism rather than the direct differentiation of MSCs into injured tissues. These secretomes from MSCs include cytokines, growth factors, chemokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. Many research studies have revealed that secretomes from MSCs have potential to ameliorate renal injury in renal disease models, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease through a variety of mechanisms. These trophic mechanisms include immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. In addition, accumulating evidence has uncovered the specific factors and therapeutic mechanisms in MSC-derived EVs. In this article, we summarize the recent advances of immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of EVs from MSCs, especially focusing on the microRNAs.

Circular RNA circVAPA regulates breast cancer cell migration and invasion via sponging miR-130a-5p

Aim: We aimed to explore the roles of circular RNA, circVAPA in regulating cell migration and invasion of breast cancer. Materials & methods: CircVAPA expression was detected in breast cancer tissues and cells. The role of circVAPA was evaluated by MTT assay, wound-healing and transwell assay. The relationship between circVAPA and miR-130a-5p and the location of circVAPA were explored. Results: We discovered that circVAPA was dysregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells. Ectopic circVAPA regulated breast cancer migration, invasion and proliferation. CircVAPA was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and could act as a miRNA sponge for miR-130a-5p, but did not regulate its parental gene. Conclusion: CircVAPA may promote migration and invasion capacity of breast cancer via harboring miR-130a-5p.