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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Wen D, Wang J. Noncoding RNAs: Master Regulator of Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition in Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1801. [PMID: 36675315 PMCID: PMC9861037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts escape apoptosis and proliferate abnormally under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis; they synthesize and secrete a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α-SMA and collagen, which leads to the distortion of organ parenchyma structure, an imbalance in collagen deposition and degradation, and the replacement of parenchymal cells by fibrous connective tissues. Fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is considered to be the main source of myofibroblasts. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influencing factors regulating the process of FMT for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of FMT-related diseases. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have attracted extensive attention from scientists due to their powerful regulatory functions, and they have been found to play a vital role in regulating FMT. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs which regulate FMT during fibrosis and found that they mainly regulated signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, MAPK/P38/ERK/JNK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT/β-catenin. Furthermore, the expression of downstream transcription factors can be promoted or inhibited, indicating that ncRNAs have the potential to be a new therapeutic target for FMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Changsha 410000, China
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2
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Recent Advancements in Molecular Therapeutics for Corneal Scar Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203310. [PMID: 36291182 PMCID: PMC9600986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203310] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of corneal wound healing is complex and induces scar formation. Corneal scarring is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The fibrotic healing of a major ocular wound disrupts the highly organized fibrillar collagen arrangement of the corneal stroma, rendering it opaque. The process of regaining this organized extracellular matrix (ECM) arrangement of the stromal layer to restore corneal transparency is complicated. The surface retention capacity of ocular drugs is poor, and there is a large gap between suitable corneal donors and clinical requirements. Therefore, a more efficient way of treating corneal scarring is needed. The eight major classes of interventions targeted as therapeutic tools for healing scarred corneas include those based on exosomes, targeted gene therapy, microRNAs, recombinant viral vectors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, bioactive molecules, growth factors, and nanotechnology. This review highlights the recent advancements in molecular therapeutics to restore a cornea without scarring. It also provides a scope to overcome the limitations of present studies and perform robust clinical research using these strategies.
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Zhang L, Gao J, Gong A, Dong Y, Hao X, Wang X, Zheng J, Ma W, Song Y, Zhang J, Xu W. The Long Noncoding RNA LINC00963 Inhibits Corneal Fibrosis Scar Formation by Targeting miR-143-3p. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:400-409. [PMID: 35262384 PMCID: PMC9063159 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal fibrosis is a complication of severe corneal injury, one of the major causes of vision loss. The formation of myofibroblasts has emerged as a key stimulative factor of corneal fibrosis. In the current study, we focused on the role of LINC00963 in regulating corneal fibrosis. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce human corneal stromal cells differentiating into corneal myofibroblasts, and the significant increase of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence, respectively. LINC00963 was identified to be one-half decreased compared with nonstimulated human corneal stromal cells, indicating that it might play a role in corneal fibrosis. Interestingly, overexpression of LINC00963 resulted in decreased formation of myofibroblasts indicating that it might exhibit an inhibiting effect. Moreover, bioinformatics tool was applied to predict the downstream target of LINC00963. We investigated that LINC00963 suppressed α-SMA induced by TGF-β1 in corneal fibroblasts, at least in part, by downregulating the expression of miR-143-3p. In addition, either LINC00963 promotion or miR-143-3p inhibition could significantly decrease myofibroblast contractility and collagen I and III secretion, which are the key to contribute to corneal fibrosis. Taken together, our study identified LINC00963 as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhang
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinning Gao
- Center for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Anjing Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanhan Dong
- Center for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaodan Hao
- Center for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuekang Wang
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenmeng Ma
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yiying Song
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Department of Inspection, The Medical Faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Dinç E, Ayaz L, Kurt AH, Dursun Ö, Yılmaz G, Vatansever M, Özer Ö, Yılmaz ŞN. Effects of Bone Marrow and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on microRNA Expressions in Acute Alkaline Corneal Burn. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 37:200-208. [PMID: 33481657 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2020.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNA) expressions of the corneal tissue after an alkaline burn and to compare the efficiency of adipose- and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on expressions. Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups. No intervention was made in the control group. A chemical burn was created by applying 4 μL NaOH soaked in 6 mm filter paper to the right eye of each animal in the other groups. Whereas only subconjunctival 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected to in the group 1, 2 × 106 adipose- or bone marrow-derived MSC in 0.1 mL PBS was injected subconjunctivally to the animals in the remaining groups (groups 2 and 3, respectively). Tissue samples were collected for miRNA analysis on the third day after the burn. Results: When group 1 was compared with the control group, the expression of 3 of 93 miRNAs increased significantly, whereas the expression of 50 miRNAs decreased significantly. Significant changes in miRNA expressions were observed when group 1 was compared with groups 2 and 3. Although a significant change was observed in the expression of 6 miRNAs in the adipose-derived MSC group, it was found that the expression of 65 miRNAs significantly changed in the bone marrow-derived MSC group. Conclusion: This study shows that there are significant changes in some miRNA expressions after corneal alkaline burn and these changes can be reversed with the subconjunctival injection of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Dinç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Lokman Ayaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - A Hakan Kurt
- Department of Pharmacology, Bolu İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Özer Dursun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Yılmaz
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Vatansever
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ömer Özer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ş Necat Yılmaz
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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Saccu G, Menchise V, Giordano C, Delli Castelli D, Dastrù W, Pellicano R, Tolosano E, Van Pham P, Altruda F, Fagoonee S. Regenerative Approaches and Future Trends for the Treatment of Corneal Burn Injuries. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020317. [PMID: 33467167 PMCID: PMC7830803 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular chemical and thermal burns are frequent causes of hospitalization and require immediate interventions and care. Various surgical and pharmacological treatment strategies are employed according to damage severity. Controlling inflammation and neovascularization while promoting normal ocular surface anatomy and function restoration is the principal aim. In the most severe cases, when epithelial healing is severely affected, reconstruction of the ocular surface may be a valid option, which, however, requires expertise, adequate instruments, and qualified donors. Numerous endogenous and exogenous strategies have been considered for corneal repair. Among these, stem cells and their derivatives have offered numerous attractive possibilities in finding an effective way in stimulating corneal regeneration. Limbal epithelial stem cells and mesenchymal cells from the ocular tissue as well as from various sources have demonstrated their effectiveness in dampening neovascularization, scarring, and inflammation, while promoting epithelialization of the injured cornea. Moreover, a plethora of cytokines and growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, which constitute the secretome of these cells, work in concert to enhance wound healing. In this review, we provide an update on the recent potential therapeutic avenues and clinical applications of stem cells and their products in corneal regeneration after burn injury, as well as current imaging strategies for monitoring therapeutic efficacy and damage resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Saccu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Valeria Menchise
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Giordano
- Ophthalmology Veterinary Practice, c.so Galileo Ferraris 121, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Daniela Delli Castelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Walter Dastrù
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | | | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Phuc Van Pham
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, and Stem Cell Institute, VNUHCM University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 08000, Vietnam;
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
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Lu XX, Zhao SZ. Gene-based Therapeutic Tools in the Treatment of Cornea Disease. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:7-19. [PMID: 30543166 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666181213120634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the main blinding ocular diseases, corneal blindness resulted from neovascularization that disrupts the angiogenic privilege of corneal avascularity. Following neovascularization, inflammatory cells are infiltrating into cornea to strengthen corneal injury. How to maintain corneal angiogenic privilege to treat corneal disease has been investigated for decades. METHODOLOGY Local administration of viral and non-viral-mediated anti-angiogenic factors reduces angiogenic protein expression in situ with limited or free of off-target effects upon gene delivery. Recently, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied to treat corneal diseases. Once MSCs are manipulated to express certain genes of interest, they could achieve superior therapeutic efficacy after transplantation. DISCUSSION In the text, we first introduce the pathological development of corneal disease in the aspects of neovascularization and inflammation. We summarize how MSCs become an ideal candidate in cell therapy for treating injured cornea, focusing on cell biology, property and features. We provide an updated review of gene-based therapies in animals and preclinical studies in the aspects of controlling target gene expression, safety and efficacy. Gene transfer vectors are potent to induce candidate protein expression. Delivered by vectors, MSCs are equipped with certain characters by expressing a protein of interest, which facilitates better for MSC-mediated therapeutic intervention for the treatment of corneal disease. CONCLUSION As the core of this review, we discuss how MSCs could be engineered to be vector system to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficiency after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Lu
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital and Institute, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Shao-Zhen Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital and Institute, Tianjin 300384, China
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7
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Condorelli AG, Logli E, Cianfarani F, Teson M, Diociaiuti A, El Hachem M, Zambruno G, Castiglia D, Odorisio T. MicroRNA-145-5p regulates fibrotic features of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin fibroblasts. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:1017-1027. [PMID: 30816994 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, a cutaneous basement membrane component essential for epidermal-dermal adhesion. Hallmarks of the disease are unremitting blistering and chronic wounds with severe inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression also implicated in fibrotic processes. However, the role of miRNAs in RDEB fibrosis is almost unexplored. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to identify miRNAs deregulated in primary RDEB skin fibroblasts (RDEBFs) and to characterize their function in RDEB fibrosis. METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to screen RDEBFs for expression levels of a group of miRNAs deregulated in hypertrophic scars and keloids, pathological conditions with abnormal wound healing and fibrosis. Contractility, proliferation and migration rate were evaluated by different in vitro assays in RDEBFs transfected with a miR-145-5p inhibitor. Expression levels of fibrotic markers and miR-145-5p targets were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS The miR-143/145 cluster was upregulated in RDEBFs compared with fibroblasts from healthy subjects. RDEBFs transfected with a miR-145-5p inhibitor showed attenuated fibrotic traits of contraction, proliferation and migration, accompanied by reduced expression of the contractile proteins α-smooth muscle actin and transgelin. These effects were associated with upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 4 transcriptional repressor and downregulation of Jagged1, a known inducer of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the profibrotic role of miR-145-5p and its regulatory networks in RDEB, shedding light on novel disease pathomechanisms and targets for future therapeutic approaches. What's already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a highly disabling genetic skin disease caused by mutations in the collagen VII gene and characterized by unremitting blistering and defective wound healing, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in health and disease, and their deregulation has been implicated in fibrotic skin conditions. To date, only miR-29 has been associated with injury-driven fibrosis in RDEB. What does this study add? In patients with RDEB, miR-145-5p is overexpressed in RDEB skin fibroblasts (RDEBFs), where it plays a profibrotic role, as its inhibition reduces RDEBF fibrotic traits (contraction, proliferation and migration). miR-145-5p inhibition in RDEBFs determines the reduction of contractile markers α-smooth muscle actin and transgelin through upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 4, a transcriptional repressor of contractile proteins, and downregulation of Jagged1 (JAG1), an inducer of fibrosis. What is the translational message? Our findings expand the knowledge on miRNA-driven pathomechanisms implicated in RDEB fibrosis. miR-145-5p and its targets (e.g. JAG1) could represent relevant molecules for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to counteract fibrosis progression in patients with RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Condorelli
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Logli
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cianfarani
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M Teson
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Diociaiuti
- Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M El Hachem
- Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Zambruno
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - D Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - T Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Mukwaya A, Jensen L, Peebo B, Lagali N. MicroRNAs in the cornea: Role and implications for treatment of corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:400-411. [PMID: 30959113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With no safe and efficient approved therapy available for treating corneal neovascularization, the search for alternative and effective treatments is of great importance. Since the discovery of miRNAs as key regulators of gene expression, knowledge of their function in the eye has expanded continuously, facilitated by high throughput genomic tools such as microarrays and RNA sequencing. Recently, reports have emerged implicating miRNAs in pathological and developmental angiogenesis. This has led to the idea of targeting these regulatory molecules as a therapeutic approach for treating corneal neovascularization. With the growing volume of data generated from high throughput tools applied to study corneal neovascularization, we provide here a focused review of the known miRNAs related to corneal neovascularization, while presenting new experimental data and insights for future research and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Peebo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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Ibrahim Al-Mashahedah AM, Kanwar RK, Kanwar JR. Utility of nanomedicine targeting scar-forming myofibroblasts to attenuate corneal scarring and haze. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:1049-1072. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring refers to the loss of normal corneal tissue, replaced by fibrotic tissue (during wound repair) thereby affecting corneal transparency and vision quality. The corneal wound healing process involves a complex series of physiological events resulting in the transformation of transparent keratocytes into opaque myofibroblasts; the prominent cause of irregular extracellular matrix synthesis leading to the development of corneal opacity/hazy vision. Globally, corneal scarring/haze is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness. Ocular trauma (physical and chemical) and microbial infections induce corneal tissue damage. Although great progress has been made in the clinical management of ocular diseases, the global rates of corneal blindness remain high, nonetheless. The topical conventional modalities treating corneal wounds/injuries have inherent limitations/side effects such as low bioavailability of a therapeutic agent, upregulation of the intraocular pressure and the toxicity/allergy of the drug. These limitations/side effects rather than treating the wound, often negatively affect the healing process, especially, when applied frequently for longer periods. Recently, there has been an increasing evidence provided by the preclinical studies that nanotechnology-based drug-delivery systems can improve drug bioavailability, through controlled drug release and targeted delivery. After reviewing the epidemiology, risk factors of corneal scarring/haze and the conventional ocular medicines, we review here the different nanodrug-delivery systems and potential drug candidates including nanoherbal formulations investigated for their efficacy to heal the damaged cornea. Finally, we discuss the challenges of using these nanomedicinal platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Mahmood Ibrahim Al-Mashahedah
- Nanomedicine-Laboratory of Immunology & Molecular Biomedical Research (NLIMBR), School of Medicine (SOM), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong 3216, Australia
| | - Rupinder Kaur Kanwar
- Nanomedicine-Laboratory of Immunology & Molecular Biomedical Research (NLIMBR), School of Medicine (SOM), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong 3216, Australia
| | - Jagat Rakesh Kanwar
- Nanomedicine-Laboratory of Immunology & Molecular Biomedical Research (NLIMBR), School of Medicine (SOM), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong 3216, Australia
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MicroRNA-145 Regulates Pathological Retinal Angiogenesis by Suppression of TMOD3. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:335-347. [PMID: 30981984 PMCID: PMC6460252 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of various vascular diseases, including vascular eye disorders. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small regulatory RNAs, has been implicated in the regulation of ocular neovascularization. This study investigated the specific role of microRNA-145 (miR-145) in regulating vascular endothelial cell (EC) function and pathological ocular angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Expression of miR-145 was significantly upregulated in OIR mouse retinas compared with room air controls. Treatment with synthetic miR-145 inhibitors drastically decreased levels of pathological neovascularization in OIR, without substantially affecting normal developmental angiogenesis. In cultured human retinal ECs, treatment with miR-145 mimics significantly increased the EC angiogenic function, including proliferation, migration, and tubular formation, whereas miR-145 inhibitors attenuated in vitro angiogenesis. Tropomodulin3 (TMOD3), an actin-capping protein, is a direct miR-145 target and is downregulated in OIR retinas. Treatment with miR-145 mimic led to TMOD3 inhibition, altered actin cytoskeletal architecture, and elongation of ECs. Moreover, inhibition of TMOD3 promoted EC angiogenic function and pathological neovascularization in OIR and abolished the vascular effects of miR-145 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our findings indicate that miR-145 is a novel regulator of TMOD3-dependent cytoskeletal architecture and pathological angiogenesis and a potential target for development of treatments for neovascular eye disorders.
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11
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Huang S, Zhang L, Song J, Wang Z, Huang X, Guo Z, Chen F, Zhao X. Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 mediates cardiac fibrosis in experimental postinfarct myocardium mice model. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:2997-3006. [PMID: 30146700 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological remodeling response to myocardial infarction (MI) and impairs cardiac contractility. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is increased in patients with MI. However, the functions of MALAT1 in cardiac fibrosis have not been elucidated. This study elucidates the roles of MALAT1 in MI and the underlying mechanisms. The MI model was established by artificial coronary artery occlusion in mice. Western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to analyze protein expression and RNA expression, respectively. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. Masson's trichrome staining was used to exhibit the fibrotic area in MI hearts. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from newborn pups, and cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Upregulation of MALAT1 and downregulation of microRNA-145 (miR-145) were induced in MI heart and angiotensin II (AngII)-treated cardiac fibroblasts, and the inhibition of miR-145 expression was reversed by MALAT1 depletion. Knockdown MALAT1 ameliorated MI-impaired cardiac function and prevented AngII-induced fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and α-SMA expression in cardiac fibroblasts. MALAT1 stability and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) activity were regulated by miR-145. AngII-induced TGF-β1 activity in cardiac fibroblasts was blocked by MALAT1 knockdown. Based on these results, we concluded that lncRNA MALAT1 promotes cardiac fibrosis and deteriorates cardiac function post-MI by regulating TGF-β1 activity via miR-145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqun Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Song
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongkai Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmiao Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhifu Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianxian Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Yang Y, Gong B, Wu Z, Shuai P, Li D, Liu L, Yu M. Inhibition of microRNA‐129‐5p expression ameliorates ultraviolet ray‐induced corneal epithelial cell injury via upregulation of EGFR. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11692-11707. [PMID: 30515795 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Bo Gong
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Zheng‐Zheng Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Dong‐Feng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Ling‐Lin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
| | - Man Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital Chengdu China
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Piperigkou Z, Götte M, Theocharis AD, Karamanos NK. Insights into the key roles of epigenetics in matrix macromolecules-associated wound healing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:16-36. [PMID: 29079535 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network of macromolecules, playing a regulatory role in cell functions, tissue regeneration and remodeling. Wound healing is a tissue repair process necessary for the maintenance of the functionality of tissues and organs. This highly orchestrated process is divided into four temporally overlapping phases, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling. The dynamic interplay between ECM and resident cells exerts its critical role in many aspects of wound healing, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, matrix degradation and biosynthesis. Several epigenetic regulatory factors, such as the endogenous non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs), are the drivers of the wound healing response. microRNAs have pivotal roles in regulating ECM composition during wound healing and dermal regeneration. Their expression is associated with the distinct phases of wound healing and they serve as target biomarkers and targets for systematic regulation of wound repair. In this article we critically present the importance of epigenetics with particular emphasis on miRNAs regulating ECM components (i.e. glycoproteins, proteoglycans and matrix proteases) that are key players in wound healing. The clinical relevance of miRNA targeting as well as the delivery strategies designed for clinical applications are also presented and discussed.
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14
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Zahir-Jouzdani F, Mahbod M, Soleimani M, Vakhshiteh F, Arefian E, Shahosseini S, Dinarvand R, Atyabi F. Chitosan and thiolated chitosan: Novel therapeutic approach for preventing corneal haze after chemical injuries. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 179:42-49. [PMID: 29111069 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Corneal haze, commonly caused by deep physical and chemical injuries, can greatly impair vision. Growth factors facilitate fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, which leads to haze intensity. In this study, the potential effect of chitosan (CS) and thiolated-chitosan (TCS) nanoparticles and solutions on inhibition of fibroblast proliferation, fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation, neovascularization, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and pro-fibrotic cytokine expression was examined. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) was induced by interleukin-6 (IL6) in human corneal fibroblasts and expression levels of TGFβ1, Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), α-smooth muscle actins (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col I), fibronectin (Fn) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantified using qRT-PCR. To assess wound-healing capacity, TCS-treated mice were examined for α-SMA positive cells, collagen deposition, inflammatory cells and neovascularization through pathological immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that CS and TCS could down-regulate the expression levels of TGFβ1 and PDGF comparable to that of TGFβ1 knockdown experiment. However, down-regulation of TGFβ1 was not regulated through miR29b induction. Neovascularization along with α-SMA and ECM deposition were significantly diminished. According to these findings, CS and TCS can be considered as potential anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Furthermore, TCS, thiolated derivative of CS, will increase mucoadhesion of the polymer at the corneal surface which makes the polymer efficient and non-toxic therapeutic approach for corneal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouhe Zahir-Jouzdani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14174, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Faezeh Vakhshiteh
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Rasoul Dinarvand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14174, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14174, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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