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Zhou Y, Tabib T, Huang M, Yuan K, Kim Y, Morse C, Sembrat J, Valenzi E, Lafyatis R. Molecular Changes Implicate Angiogenesis and Arterial Remodeling in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated and Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:e210-e225. [PMID: 38841857 PMCID: PMC11269037 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a leading cause of mortality among patients with this disease. PH can also occur as an idiopathic condition (idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension). Investigation of transcriptomic alterations in vascular populations is critical to elucidating cellular mechanisms underlying pathobiology of SSc-associated and idiopathic PH. METHODS We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing profiles of endothelial and perivascular mesenchymal populations from explanted lung tissue of patients with SSc-associated PH (n=16), idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=3), and healthy controls (n=15). Findings were validated by immunofluorescence staining of explanted human lung tissue. RESULTS Three disease-associated endothelial populations emerged. Two angiogenic endothelial cell (EC) subtypes markedly expanded in SSc-associated PH lungs: tip ECs expressing canonical tip markers PGF and APLN and phalanx ECs expressing genes associated with vascular development, endothelial barrier integrity, and Notch signaling. Gene regulatory network analysis suggested enrichment of Smad1 (SMAD family member 1) and PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) regulon activities in these 2 populations, respectively. Mapping of potential ligand-receptor interactions highlighted Notch, apelin-APJ (apelin receptor), and angiopoietin-Tie (tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 1) signaling pathways between angiogenic ECs and perivascular cells. Transitional cells, expressing both endothelial and pericyte/smooth muscle cell markers, provided evidence for the presence of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Transcriptional programs associated with arterial endothelial dysfunction implicated VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor-A), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta-1), angiotensin, and TNFSF12 (tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12)/TWEAK (TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis) in the injury/remodeling phenotype of PH arterial ECs. CONCLUSIONS These data provide high-resolution insights into the complexity and plasticity of the pulmonary endothelium in SSc-associated PH and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and provide direct molecular insights into soluble mediators and transcription factors driving PH vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Zhou
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Mengqi Huang
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Ke Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yunhye Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Yu X, Huang J, Liu X, Li J, Yu M, Li M, Xie Y, Li Y, Qiu J, Xu Z, Zhu T, Zhang W. LncRNAH19 acts as a ceRNA of let-7 g to facilitate endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension via regulating TGF-β signalling pathway. Respir Res 2024; 25:270. [PMID: 38987833 PMCID: PMC11238495 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02895-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a challenging lung arterial disorder with remarkably high incidence and mortality rates, and the efficiency of current HPH treatment strategies is unsatisfactory. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the pulmonary artery plays a crucial role in HPH. Previous studies have shown that lncRNA-H19 (H19) is involved in many cardiovascular diseases by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation but the role of H19 in EndMT in HPH has not been defined. METHODS In this research, the expression of H19 was investigated in PAH human patients and rat models. Then, we established a hypoxia-induced HPH rat model to evaluate H19 function in HPH by Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements. Moreover, luciferase reporter gene detection, and western blotting were used to explore the mechanism of H19. RESULTS Here, we first found that the expression of H19 was significantly increased in the endodermis of pulmonary arteries and that H19 deficiency obviously ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodelling and right heart failure in HPH rats, and these effects were associated with inhibition of EndMT. Moreover, an analysis of luciferase activity indicated that microRNA-let-7 g (let-7 g) was a direct target of H19. H19 deficiency or let-7 g overexpression can markedly downregulate the expression of TGFβR1, a novel target gene of let-7 g. Furthermore, inhibition of TGFβR1 induced similar effects to H19 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our findings demonstrate that the H19/let-7 g/TGFβR1 axis is crucial in the pathogenesis of HPH by stimulating EndMT. Our study may provide new ideas for further research on HPH therapy in the near future.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Rats
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/physiology
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Hypoxia/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Pulmonary Artery/metabolism
- Pulmonary Artery/pathology
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/metabolism
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/genetics
- RNA, Competitive Endogenous/genetics
- RNA, Competitive Endogenous/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jiabing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jin-sui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Miao Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jin-sui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Minghui Li
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jin-sui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Yuliang Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jin-sui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Ye Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junyu Qiu
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tiantian Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jin-sui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, P.R. China.
| | - Weifang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China.
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3
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Singh B, Cui K, Eisa-Beygi S, Zhu B, Cowan DB, Shi J, Wang DZ, Liu Z, Bischoff J, Chen H. Elucidating the crosstalk between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and endothelial autophagy in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 155:107368. [PMID: 38548093 PMCID: PMC11303600 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic systemic inflammatory condition, is implicated in most cardiovascular ischemic events. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis involves various cell types and associated processes, including endothelial cell activation, monocyte recruitment, smooth muscle cell migration, involvement of macrophages and foam cells, and instability of the extracellular matrix. The process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) has recently emerged as a pivotal process in mediating vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. This transition occurs gradually, with a significant portion of endothelial cells adopting an intermediate state, characterized by a partial loss of endothelial-specific gene expression and the acquisition of "mesenchymal" traits. Consequently, this shift disrupts endothelial cell junctions, increases vascular permeability, and exacerbates inflammation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that drives atherosclerotic progression. While endothelial cell dysfunction initiates the development of atherosclerosis, autophagy, a cellular catabolic process designed to safeguard cells by recycling intracellular molecules, is believed to exert a significant role in plaque development. Identifying the pathological mechanisms and molecular mediators of EndoMT underpinning endothelial autophagy, may be of clinical relevance. Here, we offer new insights into the underlying biology of atherosclerosis and present potential molecular mechanisms of atherosclerotic resistance and highlight potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandana Singh
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kui Cui
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahram Eisa-Beygi
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo Zhu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas B Cowan
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of South Florida Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hall IF, Kishta F, Xu Y, Baker AH, Kovacic JC. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition: at the axis of cardiovascular health and disease. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:223-236. [PMID: 38385523 PMCID: PMC10939465 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels and play a major role in vascular (patho)-physiology by acting as a barrier, sensing circulating factors and intrinsic/extrinsic signals. ECs have the capacity to undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a complex differentiation process with key roles both during embryonic development and in adulthood. EndMT can contribute to EC activation and dysfunctional alterations associated with maladaptive tissue responses in human disease. During EndMT, ECs progressively undergo changes leading to expression of mesenchymal markers while repressing EC lineage-specific traits. This phenotypic and functional switch is considered to largely exist in a continuum, being characterized by a gradation of transitioning stages. In this report, we discuss process plasticity and potential reversibility and the hypothesis that different EndMT-derived cell populations may play a different role in disease progression or resolution. In addition, we review advancements in the EndMT field, current technical challenges, as well as therapeutic options and opportunities in the context of cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernando Hall
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Franceska Kishta
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yang Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School and University of New South Wales, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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5
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Wu Q, Huang F. LncRNA H19: a novel player in the regulation of diabetic kidney disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1238981. [PMID: 37964955 PMCID: PMC10641825 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1238981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), has received considerable attention owing to its increasing prevalence and contribution to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). However, the use of drugs targeting DKD remains limited. Recent data suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in the development of DKD. The lncRNA H19 is the first imprinted gene, which is expressed in the embryo and down-regulated at birth, and its role in tumors has long been a subject of controversy, however, in recent years, it has received increasing attention in kidney disease. The LncRNA H19 is engaged in the pathological progression of DKD, including glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis via the induction of inflammatory responses, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and oxidative damage. In this review, we highlight the most recent research on the molecular mechanism and regulatory forms of lncRNA H19 in DKD, including epigenetic, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation, providing a new predictive marker and therapeutic target for the management of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fengjuan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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6
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Simons M. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: advances and controversies. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 34:100678. [PMID: 37305156 PMCID: PMC10249652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a physiological process that is equally important during development and under certain pathological conditions in adult tissues. The last decade has witnessed a remarkable explosion of information about EndMT from molecular mechanisms responsible for its development to its role in various disease processes. The emerging picture is that of a complex set of interactions that underly pathophysiological basis of some of the most deadly and intractable diseases. This mini review brings together recent advances and attempts to present a unified view of this complex field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511
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7
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Bink DI, Pauli J, Maegdefessel L, Boon RA. Endothelial microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in cardiovascular ageing. Atherosclerosis 2023; 374:99-106. [PMID: 37059656 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and numerous other cardiovascular diseases develop in an age-dependent manner. The endothelial cells that line the vessel walls play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Non-coding RNA like microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are known to play an important role in endothelial function and are implicated in the disease progression. Here, we summarize several microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs that are known to have an altered expression with endothelial aging and discuss their role in endothelial cell function and senescence. These processes contribute to aging-induced atherosclerosis development and by targeting the non-coding RNAs controlling endothelial cell function and senescence, atherosclerosis can potentially be attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diewertje I Bink
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jessica Pauli
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reinier A Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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8
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Yang Z, Xu F, Teschendorff AE, Zhao Y, Yao L, Li J, He Y. Insights into the role of long non-coding RNAs in DNA methylation mediated transcriptional regulation. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1067406. [PMID: 36533073 PMCID: PMC9755597 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1067406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms that governing regulation of gene expression, aberrant DNA methylation patterns are strongly associated with human malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have being discovered as a significant regulator on gene expression at the epigenetic level. Emerging evidences have indicated the intricate regulatory effects between lncRNAs and DNA methylation. On one hand, transcription of lncRNAs are controlled by the promoter methylation, which is similar to protein coding genes, on the other hand, lncRNA could interact with enzymes involved in DNA methylation to affect the methylation pattern of downstream genes, thus regulating their expression. In addition, circular RNAs (circRNAs) being an important class of noncoding RNA are also found to participate in this complex regulatory network. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on this crosstalk between lncRNA, circRNA, and DNA methylation as well as their potential functions in complex diseases including cancer. This work reveals a hidden layer for gene transcriptional regulation and enhances our understanding for epigenetics regarding detailed mechanisms on lncRNA regulatory function in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation of Pudong Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation of Pudong Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew E. Teschendorff
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Experiment Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation of Pudong Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yungang He
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation of Pudong Hospital, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Hao X, Wei H. LncRNA H19 alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by regulating the miR-107/TGFBR3 axis. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:371. [PMID: 36180862 PMCID: PMC9524034 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute lung injury (ALI) increases sepsis morbidity and mortality. LncRNA H19 plays a critical role in sepsis. miR-107 is highly-expressed and TGFβ type III receptor (TGFBR3) is poorly-expressed in sepsis, yet their roles in sepsis development require further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of H19 in alleviating sepsis-induced ALI through the miR-107/TGFBR3 axis. METHODS Mice were intravenously injected with Ad-H19 adenovirus vector or control vector one week before establishing the mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were transfected with oe-H19 or oe-NC plasmids and then stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lung injury was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, measurement of wet-to-dry (W/D) ratio, and TUNEL staining. Levels of H19, miR-107, and TGFBR3 were determined by RT-qPCR. Apoptosis of PMVECs was evaluated by flow cytometry. Levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in lung tissues and PMVECs were measured using Western blot. Total protein concentration and the number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were quantified. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in BALF, lung tissues, and PMVECs were measured by ELISA. Cross-linking relationships among H19, miR-107 and TGFBR3 were verified by dual-luciferase and RIP assays. RESULTS H19 was poorly-expressed in CLP-operated mice. H19 overexpression attenuated sepsis-induced ALI, which was manifested with complete alveolar structure, decreased lung injury score and lung W/D ratio, and inhibited apoptosis in CLP-operated mice, which was manifested with decreased number of TUNEL-positive cells and Bax level and increased Bcl-2 level. CLP-operated mice had increased concentration of total protein and number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in BALF, which was nullified by H19 overexpression. H19 overexpression declined levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and elevated IL-10 levels. H19 inhibited LPS-induced PMVEC apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. H19 targeted TGFBR3 as the ceRNA of miR-107. miR-107 overexpression or silencing TGFBR3 partially averted the inhibition of H19 overexpression on LPS-induced PMVEC apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. CONCLUSION LncRNA H19 inhibited LPS-induced PMVEC apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and attenuated sepsis-induced ALI by targeting TGFBR3 as the ceRNA of miR-107.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuling Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 80, Huanghe Avenue, East Development Zone, Shijiazhuang City, 050000, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqiang Wei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 80, Huanghe Avenue, East Development Zone, Shijiazhuang City, 050000, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China.
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10
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The multifaceted actions of the lncRNA H19 in cardiovascular biology and diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1157-1178. [PMID: 35946958 PMCID: PMC9366862 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and debility worldwide. Various molecular mechanisms have been studied to better understand the development and progression of cardiovascular pathologies with hope to eradicate these diseases. With the advancement of the sequencing technology, it is revealed that the majority of our genome is non-coding. A growing body of literature demonstrates the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as epigenetic regulators of gene expression. LncRNAs can regulate cellular biological processes through various distinct molecular mechanisms. The abundance of lncRNAs in the cardiovascular system indicates their significance in cardiovascular physiology and pathology. LncRNA H19, in particular, is a highly evolutionarily conserved lncRNA that is enriched in cardiac and vascular tissue, underlining its importance in maintaining homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we discuss the versatile function of H19 in various types of cardiovascular diseases. We highlight the current literature on H19 in the cardiovascular system and demonstrate how dysregulation of H19 induces the development of cardiovascular pathophysiology.
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Deng L, Han X, Wang Z, Nie X, Bian J. The Landscape of Noncoding RNA in Pulmonary Hypertension. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060796. [PMID: 35740920 PMCID: PMC9220981 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptome of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is complex and highly genetically heterogeneous, with noncoding RNA transcripts playing crucial roles. The majority of RNAs in the noncoding transcriptome are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with less circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are two characteristics gaining increasing attention in the forefront of RNA research field. These noncoding transcripts (especially lncRNAs and circRNAs) exert important regulatory functions in PH and emerge as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent technological advancements have established great momentum for discovery and functional characterization of ncRNAs, which include broad transcriptome sequencing such as bulk RNA-sequence, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and RNA-protein/RNA interactions. In this review, we summarize the current research on the classification, biogenesis, and the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of these noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in the pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH. Furthermore, we highlight the utility and challenges of using these ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutics in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (L.D.); (Z.W.)
| | - Xiaofeng Han
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Ziping Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (L.D.); (Z.W.)
| | - Xiaowei Nie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (X.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Jinsong Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (L.D.); (Z.W.)
- Correspondence: (X.N.); (J.B.)
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12
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Xie D, Chen F, Zhang Y, Shi B, Song J, Chaudhari K, Yang SH, Zhang GJ, Sun X, Taylor HS, Li D, Huang Y. Let-7 underlies metformin-induced inhibition of hepatic glucose production. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122217119. [PMID: 35344434 PMCID: PMC9169108 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122217119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceA clear mechanistic understanding of metformin's antidiabetic effects is lacking. This is because suprapharmacological concentrations of metformin have been used in most studies. Using mouse models and human primary hepatocytes, we show that metformin, at clinically relevant doses, suppresses hepatic glucose production by activating a conserved regulatory pathway encompassing let-7, TET3, and a fetal isoform of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α). We demonstrate that metformin no longer has potent antidiabetic actions in a liver-specific let-7 loss-of-function mouse model and that hepatic delivery of let-7 ameliorates hyperglycemia and improves glucose homeostasis. Our results thus reveal an important role of the hepatic let-7/TET3/HNF4α axis in mediating the therapeutic effects of metformin and suggest that targeting this axis may be a potential therapeutic for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Bei Shi
- Medical Basic Experimental Teaching Center, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jiahui Song
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Kiran Chaudhari
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Shao-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Gary J. Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yingqun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
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13
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Yoshimatsu Y, Watabe T. Emerging roles of inflammation-mediated endothelial–mesenchymal transition in health and disease. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:9. [PMID: 35130955 PMCID: PMC8818500 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-021-00186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a cellular differentiation process in which endothelial cells (ECs) lose their properties and differentiate into mesenchymal cells, has been observed not only during development but also in various pathological states in adults, including cancer progression and organ/tissue fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an inflammation-related cytokine, has been shown to play central roles in the induction of EndoMT. TGF-β induces EndoMT by regulating the expression of various transcription factors, signaling molecules, and cellular components that confer ECs with mesenchymal characteristics. However, TGF-β by itself is not necessarily sufficient to induce EndoMT to promote the progression of EndoMT-related diseases to a refractory extent. In addition to TGF-β, additional activation by other inflammatory factors is often required to stabilize the progression of EndoMT. Since recent lines of evidence indicate that inflammatory signaling molecules act as enhancers of EndoMT, we summarize the roles of inflammatory factors in the induction of EndoMT and related diseases. We hope that this review will help to develop therapeutic strategies for EndoMT-related diseases by targeting inflammation-mediated EndoMT.
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14
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Transcriptomic profiling and pathway analysis of cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells following ionizing radiation exposure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24214. [PMID: 34930946 PMCID: PMC8688546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular system is sensitive to radiation injury, and vascular damage is believed to play a key role in delayed tissue injury such as pulmonary fibrosis. However, the response of endothelial cells to radiation is not completely understood. We examined the response of primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) to 10 Gy (1.15 Gy/min) X-irradiation. HLMVEC underwent senescence (80-85%) with no significant necrosis or apoptosis. Targeted RT-qPCR showed increased expression of genes CDKN1A and MDM2 (10-120 min). Western blotting showed upregulation of p2/waf1, MDM2, ATM, and Akt phosphorylation (15 min-72 h). Low levels of apoptosis at 24-72 h were identified using nuclear morphology. To identify novel pathway regulation, RNA-seq was performed on mRNA using time points from 2 to 24 h post-irradiation. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed increased cell cycle inhibition, DNA damage response, pro- and anti- apoptosis, and pro-senescence gene expression. Based on published literature on inflammation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) pathway genes, we identified increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes and EndMT-associated genes by 24 h. Together our data reveal a time course of integrated gene expression and protein activation leading from early DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest to senescence, pro-inflammatory gene expression, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
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15
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Wang Y, Sun X, Sun X. The Functions of LncRNA H19 in the Heart. Heart Lung Circ 2021; 31:341-349. [PMID: 34840062 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Great effort has been put into exploring early diagnostic biomarkers and innovative therapeutic strategies for preventing CVD progression over the last two decades. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as novel regulators in cardiac development and cardiac pathogenesis. For example, lncRNA H19 (H19), also known as a fetal gene abundant in adult heart and skeletal muscles and evolutionarily conserved in humans and mice, has a regulatory role in aortic aneurysm, myocardial hypertrophy, extracellular matrix reconstitution, and coronary artery diseases. Yet, the exact function of H19 in the heart remains unknown. This review summarises the functions of H19 in the heart and discusses the challenges and possible strategies of H19 research for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianglan Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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16
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Huang Q, Gan Y, Yu Z, Wu H, Zhong Z. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: An Insight in Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:734550. [PMID: 34604359 PMCID: PMC8484517 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.734550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a fundamental disease of the cardiovascular system that leads to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The endothelium is the first protective barrier in atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells have the potential to be transformed into mesenchymal cells, in a process termed endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). On the one hand, EndMT is known to contribute to atherosclerosis by inducing a number of phenotypes ranging from endothelial cell dysfunction to plaque formation. On the other hand, risk factors for atherosclerosis can lead to EndMT. A substantial body of evidence has suggested that EndMT induces the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying EndMT in atherosclerosis might provide insights to reverse this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyan Huang
- Center for Precision Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Antibody Therapeutics, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China
| | - Yuhong Gan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Antibody Therapeutics, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China
| | - Zhikang Yu
- Center for Precision Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Antibody Therapeutics, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China
| | - Heming Wu
- Center for Precision Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Antibody Therapeutics, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhong
- Center for Precision Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Antibody Therapeutics, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, China
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17
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Hernández-Aguilar AI, Luciano-Villa CA, Tello-Flores VA, Beltrán-Anaya FO, Zubillaga-Guerrero MI, Flores-Alfaro E. Dysregulation of lncRNA-H19 in cardiometabolic diseases and the molecular mechanism involved : a systematic review. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:809-821. [PMID: 34133256 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1944808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases are a global public health problem, with significant increases in their prevalence. Different epigenetic factors involved in the progression of metabolic alterations have been described, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). H19 is a multifunctional lncRNA expressed from the maternal allele, with low expression after birth, except in the skeletal muscle and heart. Recent studies have linked its dysregulation to alterations in cell metabolism.Areas covered: H19 plays a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic and renal fibrosis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. H19 acts mainly as a competitive endogenous RNA of molecules involved in pathways that regulate cell metabolism. In this review, we analyzed the dysregulation of H19 in cardiometabolic diseases and its relationship with molecular alterations in different signaling pathways.Expert opinion: The association of H19 with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, indicates that H19 could be a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for these diseases. Controversies have been reported regarding the expression of H19 in some metabolic diseases, therefore, it is necessary to continue research to clarify its pathogenic effect in different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Iris Hernández-Aguilar
- Faculty of Chemical‑Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | | | | | - Fredy Omar Beltrán-Anaya
- Faculty of Chemical‑Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | | | - Eugenia Flores-Alfaro
- Faculty of Chemical‑Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
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18
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Cao T, Jiang Y, Li D, Sun X, Zhang Y, Qin L, Tellides G, Taylor HS, Huang Y. H19/TET1 axis promotes TGF-β signaling linked to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FASEB J 2020; 34:8625-8640. [PMID: 32374060 PMCID: PMC7364839 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000073rrrrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While emerging evidence suggests the link between endothelial activation of TGF-β signaling, induction of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the molecular underpinning of this connection remains enigmatic. Here, we report aberrant expression of H19 lncRNA and TET1 in endothelial cells (ECs) of human atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) we show that TNF-α, a known risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and CVD, induces H19 expression which in turn activates TGF-β signaling and EndMT via a TET1-dependent epigenetic mechanism. We also show that H19 regulates TET1 expression at the posttranscriptional level. Further, we provide evidence that this H19/TET1-mediated regulation of TGF-β signaling and EndMT occurs in mouse pulmonary microvascular ECs in vivo under hyperglycemic conditions. We propose that endothelial activation of the H19/TET1 axis may play an important role in EndMT and perhaps CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiefeng Cao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yingqun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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