1
|
Cell-Penetrating Peptide and siRNA-Mediated Therapeutic Effects on Endometriosis and Cancer In Vitro Models. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101618. [PMID: 34683911 PMCID: PMC8541686 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a powerful tool for the development of new treatment strategies for various conditions, by aiming to transport biologically active nucleic acids into diseased cells. To achieve that goal, we used highly potential delivery vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as oligonucleotide carriers for the development of a therapeutic approach for endometriosis and cancer. Despite marked differences, both of these conditions still exhibit similarities, like excessive, uncoordinated, and autonomous cellular proliferation and invasion, accompanied by overlapping gene expression patterns. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of CPP and siRNA nanoparticles using in vitro models of benign endometriosis and malignant glioblastoma. We demonstrated that CPPs PepFect6 and NickFect70 are highly effective in transfecting cell lines, primary cell cultures, and three-dimensional spheroids. CPP nanoparticles are capable of inducing siRNA-specific knockdown of therapeutic genes, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which results in the reduction of in vitro cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, we proved that it is possible to achieve synergistic suppression of endometriosis cellular proliferation and invasion by combining gene therapy and hormonal treatment approaches by co-administering CPP/siRNA nanoparticles together with the endometriosis-drug danazol. We suggest a novel target, RRM2, for endometriosis therapy and as a proof-of-concept, we propose a CPP-mediated gene therapy approach for endometriosis and cancer.
Collapse
|
2
|
Misir S, Hepokur C, Oksasoglu B, Yildiz C, Yanik A, Aliyazicioglu Y. Circulating serum miR-200c and miR-34a-5p as diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102092. [PMID: 33601073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma grow in areas outside the uterus. A simple blood test for endometriosis-specific biomarkers would offer a more timely accurate diagnosis of the disease and could lead to earlier treatment intervention. Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) levels in blood may reflect changes during normal physiologic processes and have been related to several pathologic conditions, including gynecologic diseases. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the level of serum miR-34a-5p and miR-200c from women with and without endometriosis, and to explore the potential of miRNAs as reliable non-invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis of endometriosis. METHODS Expression levels of miRNAs were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels were analyzed by autoanalyzer. RESULTS miR-34a-5p expression levels were decreased and miR-200c expression levels were increased in the endometriosis patients compared to the control group. According to the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) values, miR-200c and miR-34a-5p may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Serum miR-34a-5p and miR-200c had a sensitivity of 78.95 % and 100 % and a specificity of 49.12 % and 100 %, respectively, for the detection of endometriosis. CONCLUSION Serum miRNAs may provide a promising opportunity for diagnosis of endometriosis. Understanding the role of circulating miRNAs will serve a better comprehension of the systemic effects of endometriosis and offer options for new treatments. It is clear that more work is needed in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sema Misir
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkiye.
| | - Ceylan Hepokur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkiye
| | - Bugra Oksasoglu
- Sarkisla Public Hospital, Clinic Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 58140 Sivas, Turkiye
| | - Caglar Yildiz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkiye
| | - Ali Yanik
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkiye
| | - Yüksel Aliyazicioglu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080 Trabzon, Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bjorkman S, Taylor HS. MicroRNAs in endometriosis: biological function and emerging biomarker candidates†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1135-1146. [PMID: 30721951 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNA molecules, have been recognized as key post-transcriptional regulators associated with a multitude of human diseases. Global expression profiling studies have uncovered hundreds of miRNAs that are dysregulated in several diseases, and yielded many candidate biomarkers. This review will focus on miRNAs in endometriosis, a common chronic disease affecting nearly 10% of reproductive-aged women, which can cause pelvic pain, infertility, and a myriad of other symptoms. Endometriosis has delayed time to diagnosis when compared to other chronic diseases, as there is no current accurate, easily accessible, and noninvasive tool for diagnosis. Specific miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for this disease in multiple studies. These and other miRNAs have been linked to target genes and functional pathways in disease-specific pathophysiology. Highlighting investigations into the roles of tissue and circulating miRNAs in endometriosis, published through June 2018, this review summarizes new connections between miRNA expression and the pathophysiology of endometriosis, including impacts on fertility. Future applications of miRNA biomarkers for precision medicine in diagnosing and managing endometriosis treatment are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bjorkman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vashisht A, Alali Z, Nothnick WB. Deciphering the Role of miRNAs in Endometriosis Pathophysiology Using Experimental Endometriosis Mouse Models. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020; 232:79-97. [PMID: 33278008 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease for which we still have a poor understanding on how and why the disease develops. In recent years, miRNAs, small noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally, have been evaluated for their role in endometriosis pathophysiology. This review will provide a brief summary on the role of miRNAs in endometrial physiology and pathophysiology as related to endometriosis. We will then discuss mouse models used in endometriosis research and the incorporation of some of these models in studies which examined the role of miRNAs in endometriosis pathophysiology. We conclude with providing future prospective on the role of mouse models in dissecting the role of miRNAs in endometriosis pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Vashisht
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Zahraa Alali
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Warren B Nothnick
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA. .,Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weng CF, Wu CF, Kao SH, Chen JC, Lin HH. Down-Regulation of miR-34a-5p Potentiates Protective Effect of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against Ischemic Myocardial Infarction by Stimulating the Expression of C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Protein-9. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1445. [PMID: 31920683 PMCID: PMC6927948 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown great promise for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), although their potential therapeutic mechanism remains poorly understood. Growing evidence has implicated microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) in the biological processes whereby ADSCs could ameliorate cardiovascular disease. In this study, we explored the contribution of miR-34a-5p down-regulation to the protective actions of ADSCs against MI. We initially identified the interaction between miR-34a-5p and C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-9 (CTRP9) through in silico analysis. We next tested the effects of miR-34a-5p and CTRP9 on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), and antioxidant proteins [manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)] through gain- and loss-of-function tests. In other experiments, we assessed the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of ADSCs using the EdU assay, scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Finally, we studied whether miR-34a-5p/CTRP9 axis could modulate the protective effect of ADSCs against MI during stem cell transplantation in MI mouse models. miR-34a-5p could target and down-regulate CTRP9 in cardiomyocytes. Down-regulated miR-34a-5p increased the expression of ERK1, MMP-9, NRF2, MnSOD, and HO-1, whereas down-regulation of miR-34a-5p or up-regulation of CTRP9 in vitro promoted ADSC proliferation and migration and inhibited ADSC apoptosis. Moreover, miR-34a-5p down-regulation or CTRP9 up-regulation promoted the protective role of ADSCs against MI damage in vivo. Thus, inhibition of miR-34a-5p may facilitate ADSC’s protective function against MI damage by stimulating the expression of CTRP9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Feng Weng
- Surgical Department Cardiovascular Division, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Wu
- Surgical Department Cardiovascular Division, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Jeen-Chen Chen
- Surgical Department Cardiovascular Division, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Han Lin
- Surgical Department Cardiovascular Division, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bao Y, Lu Y, Feng W, Yu H, Guo H, Tao Y, Shi Q, Chen W, Wang X. COUP‑TFII promotes epithelial‑mesenchymal transition by inhibiting miR‑34a expression in colorectal cancer. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1337-1344. [PMID: 30968145 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter‑transcription factor II (COUP‑TFII) expression is upregulated in colorectal cancer and is associated with its progression and a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether COUP‑TFII regulates colorectal cancer cell (CRC) invasion and migration by inhibiting microRNA (miR)‑34a. Transwell system and wound healing assays were performed to examine cell invasiveness and migration, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the RNA and protein levels of target molecules, respectively. The results revealed that COUP‑TFII knockdown significantly inhibited CRC invasion and migration. In addition, the expression of miR‑34a, a well‑known tumor suppressor was revealed to be inversely correlated with COUP‑TFII expression. The miR‑34a mimic significantly reduced CRC invasion and migration abilities, while the miR‑34a inhibitor enhanced CRC invasion and migration activity. There was no significant difference between the negative small interfering RNA and miR‑34a inhibitor groups following knockdown of COUP‑TFII. Furthermore, western blotting demonstrated that miR‑34a mimics inhibited the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of CRCs, while the miR‑34a inhibitor had the opposite effect. Taken together, the results demonstrate that miR‑34a regulates CRC invasion and migration by examining the mechanism by which COUP‑TFII regulates EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bao
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Yongliang Lu
- Department of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Wenming Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Huihui Guo
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Yulong Tao
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Qian Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen HS, Hsu CY, Chang YC, Chuang HY, Long CY, Hsieh TH, Tsai EM. Benzyl butyl phthalate decreases myogenic differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells through miR-137-mediated regulation of PITX2. Sci Rep 2017; 7:186. [PMID: 28298639 PMCID: PMC5428022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalate, an environmental toxin, has been considered as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Growing evidence has demonstrated links between endocrine-disrupting chemicals, tissue development, and reproductive physiology, but the mechanisms of gene expression regulation by environmental factors that affect cell differentiation are unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on human endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (EN-MSC) differentiation and identified a novel signaling pathway. Differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells decreased after administration of BBP. We analyzed BBP regulation of gene expression in EN-MSC using cDNA microarrays and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software to identify affected target genes and their biological functions. PITX2 emerged as a common gene hit from separate screens targeting skeletal and muscular disorders, cell morphology, and tissue development. BBP decreased transcription of PITX2 and elevated expression of the microRNA miR-137, the predicted upstream negative regulator of PITX2. These data indicated that BBP affects PITX2 expression through miR-137 targeting of the 3' untranslated region of PITX2 mRNA. PITX2 down-regulation also decreased MyoD transcript levels in EN-MSC. Our results demonstrate that BBP decreases EN-MSC myogenic differentiation through up-regulation of miR-137, contribute to our understanding of EN-MSC differentiation, and underline the hazardous potential of environmental hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Sheng Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|