Non-coding RNAs in vascular disease - from basic science to clinical applications: scientific update from the Working Group of Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds Acting through Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Findings and Future Directions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. These diseases have a multifaceted nature being influenced by a multitude of biochemical, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Epigenetic modifications have a crucial role in the onset and progression of CVD. Epigenetics, which regulates gene activity without altering the DNA's primary structure, can modulate cardiovascular homeostasis through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation. The effects of environmental stimuli on CVD are mediated by epigenetic changes, which can be reversible and, hence, are susceptible to pharmacological interventions. This represents an opportunity to prevent diseases by targeting harmful epigenetic modifications. Factors such as high-fat diets or nutrient deficiencies can influence epigenetic enzymes, affecting fetal growth, metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds can modulate epigenetic regulators and inflammatory responses, contributing to the cardioprotective effects of diets. Understanding these nutriepigenetic effects and their reversibility is crucial for developing effective interventions to combat CVD. This review delves into the general mechanisms of epigenetics, its regulatory roles in CVD, and the potential of epigenetics as a CVD therapeutic strategy. It also examines the role of epigenetic natural compounds (ENCs) in CVD and their potential as intervention tools for prevention and therapy.

Special Issue "The Role of Non-Coding RNAs Involved in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cellular Communication"

Despite the great progress in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still the most prominent cause of death worldwide [...].

Multi-omics in thoracic aortic aneurysm: the complex road to the simplification

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a serious condition that affects the aorta, characterized by the dilation of its first segment. The causes of TAA (e.g., age, hypertension, genetic syndromes) are heterogeneous and contribute to the weakening of the aortic wall. This complexity makes treating this life-threatening aortopathy challenging, as there are currently no etiological therapy available, and pharmacological strategies, aimed at avoiding surgical aortic replacement, are merely palliative. Recent studies on novel therapies for TAA have focused on identifying biological targets and etiological mechanisms of the disease by using advanced -omics techniques, including epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches.

METHODS

This review presents the latest findings from -omics approaches and underscores the importance of integrating multi-omics data to gain more comprehensive understanding of TAA.

RESULTS

Literature suggests that the alterations in TAA mediators frequently involve members of pro-fibrotic process (i.e., TGF-β signaling pathways) or proteins associated with cell/extracellular structures (e.g., aggrecans). Further analyses often reported the importance in TAA of processes as inflammation (PCR, CD3, leukotriene compounds), oxidative stress (chromatin OXPHOS, fatty acids), mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (e.g., PPARs and HIF1a). Of note, more recent metabolomics studies added novel molecular markers to the list of TAA-specific detrimental mediators (proteoglycans).

CONCLUSION

It is increasingly clear that integrating data from different -omics branches, along with clinical data, is essential as well as complicated both to reveal hidden relevant information and to address complex diseases such as TAA. Importantly, recent progresses in metabolomics highlighted novel potential and unprecedented marks in TAA diagnosis and therapy.

Role of miR-143 and miR-146 in Risk Evaluation of Coronary Artery Diseases in Autopsied Samples

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common and fatal cardiovascular disease. Among known CAD risk factors, miRNA polymorphisms, such as Has-miR-143 (rs41291957 C>G) and Has-miR-146a (rs2910164 G>A), have emerged as important genetic markers of CAD. Despite many genetic association studies in multiple populations, no study assessing the association between CAD risk and SNPs of miR-143 and miR-146 was documented in the Japanese people. Therefore, using the TaqMan SNP assay, we investigated two SNP genotypes in 151 subjects with forensic autopsy-proven CAD. After pathological observation, we used ImageJ software to assess the degree of coronary artery atresia. Moreover, the genotypes and miRNA content of the two groups of samples with atresia <10% and >10% were analyzed. The results showed that the CC genotype of rs2910164 was more frequent in patients with CAD than in controls, which was associated with the risk of CAD in the study population. However, Has-miR-143 rs41291957 genotype did not show a clear correlation with the risk of CAD.

MIR503HG silencing promotes endometrial stromal cell progression and metastasis and suppresses apoptosis in adenomyosis by activating the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway via targeting miR‑191

MIR503HG is a 786 bp long lncRNA located on chromosome Xq26.3, and it can regulate diverse cellular processes. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis (AD) is associated with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The present study investigated the specific role of MIR503HG in AD pathogenesis and progression using ESCs derived from the endometrium of patients with AD as a model. Expression of MIR503HG and microRNA (miR)-191 were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. An immunocytochemistry assay was used to detect cytokeratin- or vimentin-positive ESCs. Transfections of ESCs with MIR503HG overexpression plasmid, short hairpin-MIR503HG and miR-191 inhibitor were performed. ESC viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and flow cytometry assays. The association between MIR503HG and miR-191 was predicted by StarBase and confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related molecules (β-catenin) in ESCs were analyzed by western blotting. The isolated ESCs were vimentin-positive and cytokeratin-negative. MIR503HG was lowly expressed in the endometrial tissues derived from patients with AD. MIR503HG overexpression hindered ESC viability, migration and invasion while enhancing the apoptosis and downregulating miR-191 expression. MIR503HG knockdown induced the opposite effects, accompanied by downregulation of the E-cadherin expression and upregulation of N-cadherin and β-catenin levels. MIR503HG directly targeted miR-191 that was highly expressed in endometrial tissues derived from patients with AD. In ESCs, downregulation of miR-191 inhibited the viability, migration and invasion and the expression of N-cadherin and β-catenin levels while enhancing the apoptosis and E-cadherin expression in ESCs. Moreover, downregulation of miR-191 partially reversed the effect of MIR503HG knockdown. Collectively, overexpressed MIR503HG impeded the proliferation and migration of ESCs derived from endometrium of patients with AD, while promoting apoptosis via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via targeting miR-191.

Non Coding RNAs as Regulators of Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy histologically characterized by the replacement of myocardium by fibrofatty infiltration, cardiomyocyte loss, and inflammation. ACM has been defined as a desmosomal disease because most of the mutations causing the disease are located in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Interestingly, the instable structures of these intercellular junctions in this disease are closely related to a perturbed Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Imbalance in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and also in the crosslinked Hippo pathway leads to the transcription of proadipogenic and profibrotic genes. Aiming to shed light on the mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulate the progression of the pathological ACM phenotype, the study of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has emerged as a potential source of actionable targets. ncRNAs comprise a wide range of RNA species (short, large, linear, circular) which are able to finely tune gene expression and determine the final phenotype. Some share recognition sites, thus referred to as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and ensure a coordinating action. Recent cancer research studies regarding the key role of ceRNAs in Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulation pave the way to better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ACM.

The negative regulation of gene expression by microRNAs as key driver of inducers and repressors of cardiomyocyte differentiation

Cardiac muscle damage-induced loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and dysfunction of the remaining ones leads to heart failure, which nowadays is the number one killer worldwide. Therapies fostering effective cardiac regeneration are the holy grail of cardiovascular research to stop the heart failure epidemic. The main goal of most myocardial regeneration protocols is the generation of new functional CMs through the differentiation of endogenous or exogenous cardiomyogenic cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of cardiomyocyte commitment, specification, differentiation and maturation is needed to devise innovative approaches to replace the CMs lost after injury in the adult heart. The transcriptional regulation of CM differentiation is a highly conserved process that require sequential activation and/or repression of different genetic programs. Therefore, CM differentiation and specification have been depicted as a step-wise specific chemical and mechanical stimuli inducing complete myogenic commitment and cell-cycle exit. Yet, the demonstration that some microRNAs are sufficient to direct ESC differentiation into CMs and that four specific miRNAs reprogram fibroblasts into CMs show that CM differentiation must also involve negative regulatory instructions. Here, we review the mechanisms of CM differentiation during development and from regenerative stem cells with a focus on the involvement of microRNAs in the process, putting in perspective their negative gene regulation as a main modifier of effective CM regeneration in the adult heart.

FGF21 alleviates pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting mTORC1/EIF4EBP1 pathway via H19

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our preliminary data showed that hypoxia‐induced PH is attenuated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) administration. Therefore, we further investigated the regulatory role of long non‐coding RNAs in PH treated with FGF21. RNA sequencing analysis and real‐time PCR identified a significantly up‐regulation of the H19 after FGF21 administration. Moreover, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays demonstrated that FGF21 suppressed hypoxia‐induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells partially through upregulation of H19. In addition, FGF21 deficiency markedly exacerbated hypoxia‐induced increases of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular remodelling. In addition, AAV‐mediated H19 overexpression reversed the malignant phenotype of FGF21 knockout mice under hypoxia expose. Further investigation uncovered that H19 also acted as an orchestra conductor that inhibited the function of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by disrupting the interaction of mTORC1 with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E–binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1). Our work highlights the important role of H19 in PH treated with FGF21 and suggests a mechanism involving mTORC1/EIF4EBP1 inhibition, which may provide a fundamental for clinical application of FGF21 in PH.

Circular RNAs in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the arterial vessel wall caused by a variety of complex factors. Furthermore, it is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of death. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new family of endogenous non-coding RNAs with unique covalently closed loops that have sparked interest due to their unique characteristics and potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in various diseases. A growing number of studies have shown that circRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of AS. In this article, we review the biogenesis, classification as well as functions of circRNA and summarize the research on circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker for AS. Finally, we describe the regulatory capacity of circRNA in AS pathogenesis through its pathogenesis and demonstrate the potential therapeutic role of circRNA for AS.

Emerging Potential of Exosomal Non-coding RNA in Parkinson’s Disease: A Review

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released by cells and circulate freely in body fluids. Under physiological and pathological conditions, they serve as cargo for various biological substances such as nucleotides (DNA, RNA, ncRNA), lipids, and proteins. Recently, exosomes have been revealed to have an important role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). When secreted from damaged neurons, these exosomes are enriched in non-coding RNAs (e.g., miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) and display wide distribution characteristics in the brain and periphery, bridging the gap between normal neuronal function and disease pathology. However, the current status of ncRNAs carried in exosomes regulating neuroprotection and PD pathogenesis lacks a systematic summary. Therefore, this review discussed the significance of ncRNAs exosomes in maintaining the normal neuron function and their pathogenic role in PD progression. Additionally, we have emphasized the importance of ncRNAs exosomes as potential non-invasive diagnostic and screening agents for the early detection of PD. Moreover, bioengineered exosomes are proposed to be used as drug carriers for targeted delivery of RNA interference molecules across the blood-brain barrier without immune system interference. Overall, this review highlighted the diverse characteristics of ncRNA exosomes, which may aid researchers in characterizing future exosome-based biomarkers for early PD diagnosis and tailored PD medicines.

CAD increases the long noncoding RNA PUNISHER in small extracellular vesicles and regulates endothelial cell function via vesicular shuttling

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as biomarkers and regulators of cardiovascular disease. However, the expression pattern of circulating extracellular vesicle (EV)-incorporated lncRNAs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still poorly investigated. A human lncRNA array revealed that certain EV-lncRNAs are significantly dysregulated in CAD patients. Circulating small EVs (sEVs) from patients with (n = 30) or without (n = 30) CAD were used to quantify PUNISHER (also known as AGAP2-antisense RNA 1 [AS1]), GAS5, MALAT1, and H19 RNA levels. PUNISHER (p = 0.002) and GAS5 (p = 0.02) were significantly increased in patients with CAD, compared to non-CAD patients. Fluorescent labeling and quantitative real-time PCR of sEVs demonstrated that functional PUNISHER was transported into the recipient cells. Mechanistically, the RNA-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK), interacts with PUNISHER, regulating its loading into sEVs. Knockdown of PUNISHER abrogated the EV-mediated effects on endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, tube formation, and sprouting. Angiogenesis-related gene profiling showed that the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) RNA was significantly increased in EV recipient cells. Protein stability and RNA immunoprecipitation indicated that the PUNISHER-hnRNPK axis regulates the stability and binding of VEGFA mRNA to hnRNPK. Loss of PUNISHER in EVs abolished the EV-mediated promotion of VEGFA gene and protein expression. Intercellular transfer of EV-incorporated PUNISHER promotes a pro-angiogenic phenotype via a VEGFA-dependent mechanism.

Regulation of Mitochondrial Function by Noncoding RNAs in Heart Failure and Its Application in Diagnosis and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Heart failure (HF) is the terminal stage of multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, the pathogenesis of HF remains unclear and prompt; appropriate diagnosis and treatment of HF are crucial. Cardiomyocytes isolated from HF subjects frequently present mitochondrial impairment and dysfunction. Many studies have suggested that the regulation by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) of mitochondria can affect the occurrence and progression of HF. The regulation by ncRNAs of myocardial mitochondria during HF and the recent applications of ncRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HF are summarized in this review that is intended to gain keen insights into the mechanisms of HF and more effective treatments.

Leveraging clinical epigenetics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a call for individualized therapies

Described as the 'single largest unmet need in cardiovascular medicine', heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains an untreatable disease currently representing 65% of new heart failure diagnoses. HFpEF is more frequent among women and associates with a poor prognosis and unsustainable healthcare costs. Moreover, the variability in HFpEF phenotypes amplifies complexity and difficulties in the approach. In this perspective, unveiling novel molecular targets is imperative. Epigenetic modifications-defined as changes of DNA, histones, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)-represent a molecular framework through which the environment modulates gene expression. Epigenetic signals acquired over the lifetime lead to chromatin remodelling and affect transcriptional programmes underlying oxidative stress, inflammation, dysmetabolism, and maladaptive left ventricular remodelling, all conditions predisposing to HFpEF. The strong involvement of epigenetic signalling in this setting makes the epigenetic information relevant for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with HFpEF. The recent advances in high-throughput sequencing, computational epigenetics, and machine learning have enabled the identification of reliable epigenetic biomarkers in cardiovascular patients. Contrary to genetic tools, epigenetic biomarkers mirror the contribution of environmental cues and lifestyle changes and their reversible nature offers a promising opportunity to monitor disease states. The growing understanding of chromatin and ncRNAs biology has led to the development of several Food and Drug Administration approved 'epidrugs' (chromatin modifiers, mimics, anti-miRs) able to prevent transcriptional alterations underpinning left ventricular remodelling and HFpEF. In the present review, we discuss the importance of clinical epigenetics as a new tool to be employed for a personalized management of HFpEF.

Imaging and Targeting Coronary Artery Inflammation

Significance: Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world despite significant progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Recent Advances: The focus of the cardiovascular community has shifted toward seeking a better understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms driving residual CAD risk that is not modulated by current therapies. Significant progress has been achieved in revealing both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and how shift of the balance in favor of the former can drive the development of disease. Critical Issues: Advances in the noninvasive detection of coronary artery inflammation have been forthcoming. These advances include multiple imaging modalities, with novel applications of computed tomography both with and without positron emission tomography, and experimental ultrasound techniques. These advances will enable better selection of patients for anti-inflammatory treatments and assessment of treatment response. The rapid advancement in pharmaceutical design has enabled the production of specific antibodies against inflammatory pathways of atherosclerosis, with modest success to date. The pursuit of demonstrating the efficacy and safety of novel anti-inflammatory and/or proinflammatory resolution therapies for atherosclerotic CAD has become a major focus. Future Directions: This review seeks to provide an update of the latest evidence of all three of these highly related but disparate areas of inquiry: Our current understanding of the key mechanisms by which inflammation contributes to coronary artery atherosclerosis, the evidence for noninvasive assessment of coronary artery inflammation, and finally, the evidence for targeted therapies to treat coronary inflammation for the reduction of CAD risk. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 1217-1243.

Microarray analysis of the time-dependent expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs in the progression of vein graft stenotic disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in various biological processes, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the expression profiles of lncRNAs in patients with vein graft restenosis remain unknown. In the present study, the time-dependent expression profiles of genes in vein bypass grafting models were examined by microarray analysis. A total of 2,572 lncRNAs and 1,652 mRNAs were identified to be persistently significantly differentially expressed. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of these lncRNAs. A total of 360 lncRNAs and 135 protein-coding genes were predicted to be involved in the vascular remodeling process. Co-expression network analysis revealed the association between 194 lncRNAs and seven associated protein-coding genes, including transforming growth factor-β1, Fes, Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1, Src, insulin receptor and melanoma cell adhesion molecule. Moreover, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results supported those of the microarray data, and overexpression of AF062402, which regulates the transcription of Src, stimulated the proliferation of primary vascular smooth muscle cells. The findings of the present study may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic targets for vein graft restenosis and may help to improve the prognosis of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Non-coding RNAs in ossification of spinal ligament

PURPOSE

Ossification of the spinal ligament (OSL) is a disease characterized by progressive ectopic ossification or calcification in the tissues of spinal ligament. The molecular pathogenesis of OSL has not been clearly elucidated. Recently, ncRNAs was found to functionally participate in OSL development. This review summarized current knowledge regarding the deregulation and function of ncRNAs in OSL METHODS: Relevant studies on deregulation and function of ncRNAs in OSL were retrieved from the PubMed databases. Then, studies were manually selected for inclusion based on predefined criteria.

RESULT

14 studies were reviewed, with 4 studies about high throughput sequencing and microarray of ncRNAs, 8 studies relevant to the function of ncRNAs and 2 studies regarding the ncRNAs as the biomarker of OSL.

CONCLUSION

ncRNA play a vital role in the ossification of spinal ligament fibrocyte, including cell osteogenesis and inflammation. ncRNAs also have potential clinical utilities as therapeutic targets, risk predication and early detection in the management of OSL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

MicroRNA-34a: the bad guy in age-related vascular diseases

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.

Circular RNA cZNF292 silence alleviates OGD/R-induced injury through up-regulation of miR-22 in rat neural stem cells (NSCs)

Background: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a prevailing severe brain damage disease in newborns, and caused by perinatal asphyxia cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion. Here, we investigated the role of cZNF292 in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced neural stem cells (NSCs) injury, and explored the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Before NSCs were subjected to OGD/R treatment, NSCs were transfected with or without overexpressing cZNF292, si-cZNF292 or miR-22 inhibitor. Viability, apoptosis and potential molecular mechanism were examined. Cell viability and apoptotic rate were evaluated utilizing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. The cZNF292 and miR-22 expression was determined utilizing quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Moreover, apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin and PKC/ERK pathways-associated proteins were quantified applying western blot.Results: OGD/R repressed viability and promoted apoptosis of NSCs. Also, cZNF292 expression was promoted by OGD/R treatment. Moreover, cZNF292 overexpression further caused OGD/R-stimulated damage. Inversely, silencing cZNF292 alleviated OGD/R-stimulated damage in NSCs. In addition, miR-22 expression was negatively regulated by cZNF292. It was confirmed that silencing cZNF292 attenuated OGD/R-induced NSCs injury and promoted the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and PKC/ERK pathways via the up-regulation of miR-22.Conclusions: The cZNF292 silence alleviated OGD/R-induced injury through the up-regulation of miR-22 in NSCs, and which furnished the theoretical basis for further research on HIE progression.

Identification of aberrantly expressed circular RNAs in hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction in mice

Hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction is a complex pathological process. circRNAs are important regulators of biological processes and disease progression. However, the expression pattern of circRNAs in hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction remains unclear. Herein, we used a murine model of hyperlipidemia and identified 317 differentially expressed circRNAs between hyperlipidemic retinas and normolipidemic retinas by circRNA microarrays. GO analysis indicated that the host genes of dysregulated circRNAs were targeted to cell differentiation (ontology: biological process), cytoplasm (ontology: cellular component), and protein binding (ontology: molecular function). Pathway analysis revealed that circRNAs-mediated network was mostly enriched in focal adhesion signaling. Notably, circLDB1 was significantly up-regulated in the serum of coronary artery disease patients and aqueous humor of age-related macular degeneration patients. circLDB1 regulated endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis in vitro. Thus, circRNAs are the promising targets for the prediction and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia-induced vascular diseases.

Identification of Candidate Biomarkers for Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

In the current study, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers for salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP), which may provide a novel insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of salt-sensitive hypertension. Firstly, we conducted weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and selected a gene module and 60 hub genes significantly correlated to SSBP. Then, GO function and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed. Furthermore, we identified a five-gene signature with high connectivity degree in the PPI network and high AUC of ROC curves, which may have high diagnosis value for SSBP. Moreover, through combining two gene screening methods, we identified 23 differentially expressed circRNAs and selected the top 5% circRNAs (1 circRNA) with the highest connectivity degree in the coexpression network as hub circRNA highly associated with SSBP. Finally, we carried out RT-qPCR to validate the expression of five hub genes, and our results showed that the expression of HECTD1 (P = 0.017), SRSF5 (P = 0.003), SRSF1 (P = 0.006), HERC2 (P = 0.004), and TNPO1 (P = 0.002) was significantly upregulated in the renal tissue in salt-sensitive rats compared to salt-resistant rats, indicating that these five hub genes can serve as potential biomarkers for SSBP.

Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Knowledge, Tools and Technologies for Investigation, and Future Directions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The discovery that much of the non-protein-coding genome is transcribed and plays a diverse functional role in fundamental cellular processes has led to an explosion in the development of tools and technologies to investigate the role of these noncoding RNAs in cardiovascular health. Furthermore, identifying noncoding RNAs for targeted therapeutics to treat cardiovascular disease is an emerging area of research. The purpose of this statement is to review existing literature, offer guidance on tools and technologies currently available to study noncoding RNAs, and identify areas of unmet need.

METHODS

The writing group used systematic literature reviews (including MEDLINE, Web of Science through 2018), expert opinion/statements, analyses of databases and computational tools/algorithms, and review of current clinical trials to provide a broad consensus on the current state of the art in noncoding RNA in cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Significant progress has been made since the initial studies focusing on the role of miRNAs (microRNAs) in cardiovascular development and disease. Notably, recent progress on understanding the role of novel types of noncoding small RNAs such as snoRNAs (small nucleolar RNAs), tRNA (transfer RNA) fragments, and Y-RNAs in cellular processes has revealed a noncanonical function for many of these molecules. Similarly, the identification of long noncoding RNAs that appear to play an important role in cardiovascular disease processes, coupled with the development of tools to characterize their interacting partners, has led to significant mechanistic insight. Finally, recent work has characterized the unique role of extracellular RNAs in mediating intercellular communication and their potential role as biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid expansion of tools and pipelines for isolating, measuring, and annotating these entities suggests that caution in interpreting results is warranted until these methodologies are rigorously validated. Most investigators have focused on investigating the functional role of single RNA entities, but studies suggest complex interaction between different RNA molecules. The use of network approaches and advanced computational tools to understand the interaction of different noncoding RNA species to mediate a particular phenotype may be required to fully comprehend the function of noncoding RNAs in mediating disease phenotypes.

Circulating miR-206 and Wnt-signaling are associated with cardiovascular complications and a history of preeclampsia in women

Women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. However, the molecular determinants underlying this risk remain unclear. We sought to understand how circulating miRNA levels are affected by prior PE, and related to biological pathways underpinning cardiovascular disease. RNA sequencing was used to profile plasma levels of 2578 miRNAs in a retrospective study of women with a history of PE or normotensive pregnancy, in two independent cohorts with either acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 17–18/group) or no ACS (n = 20/group). Differential miRNA alterations were assessed in relation to a history of PE (within each cohort) or ACS (across cohorts), and compared with miRNAs previously reported to be altered during PE. A history of PE was associated with altered levels of 30 and 20 miRNAs in the ACS and non-ACS cohorts, respectively, whereas ACS exposure was associated with alterations in 259 miRNAs. MiR-206 was identified at the intersection of all comparisons relating to past/current PE and ACS exposure, and has previously been implicated in atherogenic activities related to hepatocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages. Integration of all differentially altered miRNAs with their predicted and experimentally validated targets in silico revealed a number of highly targeted genes with potential atherogenic functions (including NFAT5, CCND2 and SMAD2), and one significantly enriched KEGG biological pathway (Wnt signaling) that was shared between all exposure groups. The present study provides novel insights into miRNAs, target genes and biological pathways that may underlie the long-term cardiovascular sequelae of PE.

Regulatory RNAs in Heart Failure

Cardiovascular disease is an enormous socioeconomic burden worldwide and remains a leading cause of mortality and disability despite significant efforts to improve treatments and personalize healthcare. Heart failure is the main manifestation of cardiovascular disease and has reached epidemic proportions. Heart failure follows a loss of cardiac homeostasis, which relies on a tight regulation of gene expression. This regulation is under the control of multiple types of RNA molecules, some encoding proteins (the so-called messenger RNAs) and others lacking protein-coding potential, named noncoding RNAs. In this review article, we aim to revisit the notion of regulatory RNA, which has been thus far mainly confined to noncoding RNA. Regulatory RNA, which we propose to abbreviate as regRNA, can include both protein-coding RNAs and noncoding RNAs, as long as they contribute, directly or indirectly, to the regulation of gene expression. We will address the regulation and functional role of messenger RNAs, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs (ie, regRNAs) in heart failure. We will debate the utility of regRNAs to diagnose, prognosticate, and treat heart failure, and we will provide directions for future work.

Vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a major cell type present at all stages of an atherosclerotic plaque. According to the 'response to injury' and 'vulnerable plaque' hypotheses, contractile VSMCs recruited from the media undergo phenotypic conversion to proliferative synthetic cells that generate extracellular matrix to form the fibrous cap and hence stabilize plaques. However, lineage-tracing studies have highlighted flaws in the interpretation of former studies, revealing that these studies had underestimated both the content and functions of VSMCs in plaques and have thus challenged our view on the role of VSMCs in atherosclerosis. VSMCs are more plastic than previously recognized and can adopt alternative phenotypes, including phenotypes resembling foam cells, macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells and osteochondrogenic cells, which could contribute both positively and negatively to disease progression. In this Review, we present the evidence for VSMC plasticity and summarize the roles of VSMCs and VSMC-derived cells in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression. Correct attribution and spatiotemporal resolution of clinically beneficial and detrimental processes will underpin the success of any therapeutic intervention aimed at VSMCs and their derivatives.

LncRNA MIR503HG inhibits cell migration and invasion via miR-103/OLFM4 axis in triple negative breast cancer

Long non‐coding RNA MIR503 host gene (MIR503HG) is located on chromosome Xq26.3, and has been found to be deregulated in many types of human malignancy and function as tumour suppressor or promoter based on cancer types. The role of MIR503HG in breast cancer was still unknown. In our study, we found MIR503HG expression was significantly decreased in triple‐negative breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we observed low MIR503HG expression was correlated with late clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. In the survival analysis, we observed that triple‐negative breast cancer patients with low MIR503HG expression had a statistically significant worse prognosis compared with those with high MIR503HG expression, and low MIR503HG expression was a poor independent prognostic factor for overall survival in triple‐negative breast cancer patients. The study in vitro suggested MIR503HG inhibits cell migration and invasion via miR‐103/OLFM4 axis in triple negative breast cancer. In conclusion, MIR503HG functions as a tumour suppressive long non‐coding RNA in triple negative breast cancer.