MicroRNA-665 mediates propofol-induced cell apoptosis in human stem cell-derived neurons

miR-665 overexpression inhibits the apoptosis of luteal cells in small ruminants suppressing HPGDS

Evidence has shown that microRNA-665 (miR-665) is highly expressed in the mid-luteal phase compared with the early and end-luteal phase of the corpus luteum (CL) life cycle. However, whether miR-665 is a positive regulator of the life span of the CL is still unknown. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of miR-665 on the structural luteolysis in the ovarian CL. In this study, the targeting relationship between miR-665 and hematopoietic prostaglandin synthase (HPGDS) was firstly verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Then, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-665 and HPGDS in luteal cells. Following miR-665 overexpression, the apoptosis rate of the luteal cells was determined using flow cytometry; B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and caspase-3 mRNA and protein were measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB) analysis. Finally, the DP1 and CRTH2 receptors of PGD₂, a synthetic product of HPGDS, were localized using immunofluorescence. Results confirmed that HPGDS was a direct target gene of miR-665, and miR-665 expression was negatively correlated with HPGDS mRNA expression in luteal cells. Meanwhile, after miR-665 was overexpressed, the apoptotic rate of the luteal cells showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) and this was accompanied by elevated expression levels of anti-apoptotic factor BCL-2 mRNA and protein and decreased expression levels of apoptotic factor caspase-3 mRNA and protein (P < 0.01). Moreover, the immune fluorescence staining results showed that the DP1 receptor was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05), but the CRTH2 receptor was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in luteal cells. Overall, these results indicate that miR-665 reduces the apoptosis of luteal cells via inhibiting caspase-3 expression and promoting BCL-2 expression, and the biological function of miR-665 may be attributed to its target gene HPGDS which regulates the balance of DP1 and CRTH2 receptors expression in luteal cells. As a consequence, this study suggests that miR-665 might be a positive regulator of the life span of the CL rather than destroy the integrity of CL in small ruminants.

Propofol-Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Propofol is the most commonly used intravenous general anesthetic in clinical anesthesia, and it is also widely used in general anesthesia for pregnant women and infants. Some clinical and preclinical studies have found that propofol causes damage to the immature nervous system, which may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive dysfunction in infants and children. However, its potential molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have found that some exogenous drugs and interventions can effectively alleviate propofol-induced neurotoxicity. In this review, we focus on the relevant preclinical studies and summarize the latest findings on the potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of propofol-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Recent progress on the role of non-coding RNA in postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), especially in elderly patients, is a serious complication characterized by impairment of cognitive and sensory modalities after surgery. The pathogenesis of POCD mainly includes neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, accumulation of Aβ, and tau hyperphosphorylation; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) may play an important role in POCD. Some evidence suggests that microRNA, long ncRNA, and circular RNA can regulate POCD-related processes, making them promising biomarkers in POCD diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This article reviews the crosstalk between ncRNAs and POCD, and systematically discusses the role of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of POCD. Additionally, we explored the possible mechanisms of ncRNA-associated POCD, providing new knowledge for developing ncRNA-based treatments for POCD.

MicroRNA-424-5p Alleviates Isoflurane Anesthesia-Induced Neurotoxicity in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons by Targeting FASN

Isoflurane (ISO) is a type of anesthetic that might cause neurotoxicity in children. Although miR-424-5p is considerably downregulated in ISO-treated rat brain samples, its physiological role in ISO-induced neuronal injury in human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons remains unknown (hESC-derived neurons). miR-424-5p expression and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in ISO-treated hESC-derived neurons were tested via qRT-PCR. The amount of protein for Bax, Cleaved-caspase-8, Bcl-2, and FASN was investigated through western blot analysis. The viability and apoptosis of hESC-derived neurons were estimated through cell counting kit-8 assessment and TUNEL assay, accordingly. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels were discovered via corresponding kits. The contents of inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The combination between FASN and miR-424-5p was resolute via dual-luciferase reporter assessment. After exposure to ISO, induced neurotoxicity and a decreased miR-424-5p production were identified in hESC-derived neurons. Upregulation of miR-424-5p repressed ISO-induced apoptosis and mitigated ISO-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in vitro. FASN expression levels were reduced by elevation of miR-424-5p and upregulated after ISO treatment. Mechanically, FASN was directly targeted by miR-424-5p in hESC-derived neurons. Of note, the miR-424-5p elevation-suppressed neuronal apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress were countered by upregulation of FASN.

Circular RNA SOX5 promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of the hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting miR-502-5p/synoviolin 1 axis

We aimed to explore the role of circ-SOX5 in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The circRNAs in HCC were screened using the GEO database. RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expression. Targeting relationships were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. CCK-8 and EDU staining were used to measure cell viability and proliferation, respectively. Cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Circ-SOX5 expression was increased in HCC tissues. Inhibition of circ-SOX5 expression reduced the viability, proliferation, and colony formation, and increased the apoptosis of HCC cells. However, miR-502-5p inhibition or overexpression of synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) can reverse the effects of circ-SOX5 knockdown on proliferation and apoptosis. This study demonstrated that the circ-SOX5/miR-502-5p/SYVN1 axis promotes the development of HCC by regulating cell apoptosis. Therefore, circ-SOX5 may be a potential biomarker of HCC.

Propofol induces the apoptosis of neural stem cells via microRNA-9-5p / chemokine CXC receptor 4 signaling pathway

Recent studies suggested that propofol, one of the most widely used anesthetics, may cause neurotoxicity in the developing brain, leading to cognitive deficits in adults. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of propofol neurotoxicity in the neural stem cells (NSCs). The mRNA and protein expression levels of microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) and chemokine CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 and Hoechst staining kits. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein, and caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting analysis. These results confirmed that propofol activated cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in the miR-9-5p and CXCR4 expression was observed in the propofol-treated cells. The overexpression of miR-9-5p induced apoptosis in NSCs, accompanied by elevated apoptosis-related protein activity. Furthermore, mitigated CXCR4 expression reduced propofol-induced cell apoptosis. We conclude that propofol induces cell death in NSCs, and overexpression of miR-9-5p/CXCR4 contributes to propofol-induced cell apoptosis, which might be a target for developing novel strategies to treat propofol neurotoxicity.

Sinomenine ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy by activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a result of the physiological adaptation of the heart to coronary heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Sinomenine is extracted from Caulis Sinomenii. This study aimed to explore the specific mechanism of the action of sinomenine in cardiac hypertrophy (CH) via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. To establish a model of CH, H9C2 cells were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) and intraperitoneally injected with isoproterenol. Then the cells were treated with 50 and 100 μM sinomenine. TUNEL, HE, rhodamine-labeled phalloidin, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis rates. mRNA expression of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC was determined by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression. After sinomenine treatment, the surface area and apoptosis rates were decreased. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC, levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and protein expression of Caspase3 and Bax were down-regulated, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated. Sinomenine activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and inhibition of this signaling pathway reversed the effects of sinomenine. In animal experiments, sinomenine decreased the heart weight and left ventricular weight indices, as well as the expression of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC. Furthermore, sinomenine reduced the apoptosis rate and relieved CH-related oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Together, these findings reveal that sinomenine is a potential candidate drug for CH treatment and further research is required to generalize the result in human subjects.

Specificity protein 1/microRNA-92b forms a feedback loop promoting the migration and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

In this study we report a novel specificity protein 1 (SP1)/microRNA-92b (miR-92b) feedback loop regulating the migration and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Microarray and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were used to detect gene expression in HNSCC tissues and cell lines. Transwell migration, invasion, wound healing and cell counting kit - 8 (CCK-8) cell assays were used to compare cell migration, invasion and proliferation abilities. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to detect SP1 binding to the miR-92b promoter. Western blot was used to detect protein levels. An in vivo tumorigenesis experiment was used to evaluate the effect of SP1 knockdown on tumor growth and protein levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that the miR-92b expression level was elevated in HNSCC primary focus tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue, and a higher level of miR-92b was related to a higher clinical stage and worse prognosis of HNSCC patients. MiR-92b and SP1 mutually promoted each expression and cooperatively facilitated the migration, invasion and proliferation of HNSCC cells. A decreased level of SP1/miR-92b resulted in a restraint of in vivo tumor growth. In conclusion, our results suggest that the SP1/miR-92b feedback loop generally promotes HNSCC invasion and metastasis, thus presenting a possible therapeutic target in the treatment of HNSCC patients.

RNF144A-AS1 promotes the development of glioma cells by targeting miR-665/HMGA1 axis

PURPOSE

Glioma is a malignant tumor in the central nervous system. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RNF144A-AS1 exerts a regulatory effect in cancers, but its role in glioma remains obscure and needs to be further study.

METHODS

Expressions of RNF144A-AS1, miR-665 and High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) in glioma tissues and/or cells were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between miR-665 and RNF144A-AS1/HMGA1 was determined by bioinformatics and Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay. The effect of RNF144A-AS1 on the biological functions of glioma cells was confirmed by loss and gain experiments (including cell counting kit 8, clone formation, wound healing, Transwell, qRT-PCR and western blot). The regulatory mechanism of RNF144A-AS1/miR-665/HMGA1 axis on glioma was confirmed by rescue experiments.

RESULTS

RNF144A-AS1 and HMGA1 were high-expressed in gliomas, and miR-665 was low-expressed in gliomas, which led to the increase of glioma cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion ability and insufficient apoptosis ability. Overexpression of RNF144A-AS1 suppressed the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and promoted Bcl-2 expression. RNF144A-AS1 up-regulated the expression of HMGA1 by targeting miR-665, thereby promoting the development of glioma cells.

CONCLUSION

RNF144A-AS1/miR-665/HMGA1 axis implicated in the development of glioma.

Knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 ameliorates acute kidney injury by mediating the miR-204/APOL1 pathway

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) was characterized by loss of renal function, associated with chronic kidney disease, end‐stage renal disease, and length of hospital stay. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participated in AKI development and progression. Here, we aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of lncRNA MALAT1 in AKI.

Methods

AKI serum samples were obtained from 129 AKI patients. ROC analysis was conducted to confirm the diagnostic value of MALAT1 in differentiating AKI from healthy volunteers. After hypoxic treatment on HK‐2 cells, the expressions of inflammatory cytokines, MALAT1, miR‐204, APOL1, p65, and p‐p65, were measured by RT‐qPCR and Western blot assays. The targeted relationship between miR‐204 and MALAT1 or miR‐204 and APOL1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down analysis. After transfection, CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and TUNEL staining assays were performed to evaluate the effects of MALAT1 and miR‐204 on AKI progression.

Results

From the results, lncRNA MALAT1 was strongly elevated in serum samples from AKI patients, with the high sensitivity and specificity concerning differentiating AKI patients from healthy controls. In vitro, we established the AKI cell model after hypoxic treatment. After experiencing hypoxia, we found significantly increased MALAT1, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α expressions along with decreased miR‐204 level. Moreover, the targeted relationship between MALAT1 and miR‐204 was confirmed. Silencing of MALAT1 could reverse hypoxia‐triggered promotion of HK‐2 cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, the increase of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α after hypoxia treatment could be repressed by MALAT1 knockdown as well. After co‐transfection with MALAT1 silencing and miR‐204 inhibition, we found that miR‐204 could counteract the effects of MALAT1 on HK‐2 cell progression and inflammation after under hypoxic conditions. Finally, NF‐κB signaling was inactivated while APOL1 expression was increased in HK‐2 cells after hypoxia treatment, and lncRNA MALAT1 inhibition reactivated NF‐κB signaling while suppressed APOL1 expression by sponging miR‐204.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results illustrated that knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could ameliorate AKI progression and inflammation by targeting miR‐204 through APOL1/NF‐κB signaling.