Long noncoding RNAs: Important participants and potential therapeutic targets for myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury

Extracellular matrix gene set and microRNA network in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury: Insights from RNA sequencing for diagnosis and therapy

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IIRI) is a complex and severe pathophysiological process characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In recent years, the critical roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in IIRI have garnered widespread attention. This review aims to systematically summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of ECM gene sets and miRNA regulatory networks in IIRI. First, we review the molecular mechanisms of IIRI, focusing on the dual role of the ECM in tissue injury and repair processes. The expression changes and functions of ECM components such as collagen, elastin, and matrix metalloproteinases during IIRI progression are deeply analyzed. Second, we systematically summarize the regulatory roles of miRNAs in IIRI, particularly the mechanisms and functions of miRNAs such as miR-125b and miR-200a in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and ECM remodeling. Additionally, this review discusses potential diagnostic biomarkers and treatment strategies based on ECM genes and miRNAs. We extensively evaluate the prospects of miRNA-targeted therapy and ECM component modulation in preventing and treating IIRI, emphasizing the clinical translational potential of these emerging therapies. In conclusion, the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of ECM gene sets and miRNA regulatory networks in IIRI provides new directions for further research, necessitating additional clinical and basic studies to validate and expand these findings for improving clinical outcomes in IIRI patients.

Importance of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI), a major global cause of mortality and morbidity, continues to pose a significant burden on public health. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, there remains a need to elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying MI progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in diverse biological processes, yet their specific roles in MI pathophysiology remain elusive. Conducting a thorough review of literature using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, we investigated the involvement of lncRNAs in MI, focusing on their regulatory functions and downstream signaling pathways. Our analysis revealed extensive dysregulation of lncRNAs in MI, impacting various biological processes through diverse mechanisms. Notably, lncRNAs act as crucial modulators of gene expression and signaling cascades, functioning as decoys, regulators, and scaffolds. Furthermore, studies identified the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in modulating inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, fibrosis, remodeling, and ischemia-reperfusion injury during MI progression. Recent research highlights the pivotal contribution of lncRNAs to MI pathogenesis, offering novel insights into potential therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the identification of circulating lncRNA signatures holds promise for the development of non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. In summary, findings underscore the significance of lncRNAs in MI pathophysiology, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for improved patient management and outcomes.

In Silico Bioinformatics Analysis on the Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs as Drivers and Gatekeepers of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Using LNCaP and PC-3 Cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cancer in men globally. The association between PCa and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported. Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs have been documented in each of the cancer "hallmarks". Androgen signaling plays an important role in PCa progression. This study aimed to profile the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in androgen-dependent (LNCaP) PCa compared to androgen-independent (PC-3) PCa cells. This was achieved by using a 384-well plate of PCa lncRNA gene panel. Differential expression of ±2 up or downregulation was determined using the CFX Maestro software v2.1. LncSEA and DIANA-miRPath were used to identify the enriched pathways. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) lncRNA was illustrated to participate in various tumourigenic classes by in silico bioinformatics analysis and was thus selected for validation using RT-qPCR. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed the involvement of differentially expressed lncRNAs in oncogenic pathways. Some lncRNAs undergo hypermethylation, others are encapsulated by exosomes, while others interact with several microRNAs (miRNAs), favouring tumourigenic pathways. Notably, TERC lncRNA was shown to interact with tumour-suppressor miRNAs hsa-miR-4429 and hsa-miR-320b. This interaction in turn activates TGF-β-signaling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways, favouring the progression of PCa. Understanding lncRNAs as competitive endogenous RNA molecules and their interactions with miRNAs may aid in the identification of novel prognostic PCa biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Panax ginseng against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: A review of preclinical evidence and potential mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) is effective in the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mechanism by which P. ginseng exerts cardioprotective effects is complex. P. ginseng contains many pharmacologically active ingredients, such as molecular glycosides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. P. ginseng and each of its active components can potentially act against myocardial I/R injury. Myocardial I/R was originally a treatment for myocardial ischemia, but it also induced irreversible damage, including oxygen-containing free radicals, calcium overload, energy metabolism disorder, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular injury, autophagy, and apoptosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to clarify the protective effects of P. ginseng and its active ingredients against myocardial I/R injury, so as to provide experimental evidence and new insights for the research and application of P. ginseng in the field of myocardial I/R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review was based on a search of PubMed, NCBI, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception to February 21, 2022, using terms such as "ginseng," "ginsenosides," and "myocardial reperfusion injury." In this review, we first summarized the active ingredients of P. ginseng, including ginsenosides, ginseng polysaccharides, and phytosterols, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial I/R injury. Importantly, preclinical models with myocardial I/R injury and potential mechanisms of these active ingredients of P. ginseng for the prevention and treatment of myocardial disorders were generally summarized.

RESULTS

P. ginseng and its active components can regulate oxidative stress related proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis factors, while protecting the myocardium and preventing myocardial I/R injury. Therefore, P. ginseng can play a role in the prevention and treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

CONCLUSIONS

P. ginseng has a certain curative effect on myocardial I/R injury. It can prevent and treat myocardial I/R injury in several ways. When ginseng exerts its effects, should be based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and with the help of modern medicine; the clinical efficacy of P. ginseng in preventing and treating myocardial I/R injury can be improved.

lncRNAs: Key Regulators of Signaling Pathways in Tumor Glycolysis

In response to overstimulation of growth factor signaling, tumor cells can reprogram their metabolism to preferentially utilize and metabolize glucose to lactate even in the presence of abundant oxygen, which is termed the “Warburg effect” or aerobic glycolysis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides and do not encode proteins. Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNAs can affect aerobic glycolysis through multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of glycolytic transporters and key rate-limiting enzymes. In addition, maladjusted signaling pathways are critical for glycolysis. Therefore, this article mainly reviews the lncRNAs involved in the regulation of tumor glycolysis key signal pathways in recent years and provides an in-depth understanding of the role of differentially expressed lncRNAs in the key signal pathways of glucose metabolism, which may help to provide new therapeutic targets and new diagnostic and prognostic markers for human cancer.

Clinicopathological and Prognostic Value of Necroptosis-Associated lncRNA Model in Patients with Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Background. Necroptosis, a recently identified type of programmed necrotic cell death, is closely related to the tumorigenesis and development of cancer. However, it remains unclear whether necroptosis-associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used to predict the prognosis of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). This work was designed to probe the possible prognostic worth of necroptosis-associated lncRNAs along with their impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in KIRC. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to extract KIRC gene expression and clinicopathological data. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate necroptosis-associated lncRNAs against 159 known necroptosis-associated genes. To define molecular subtypes, researchers used univariate Cox regression analysis and consensus clustering, as well as clinical significance, TME, and tumor immune cells in each molecular subtype. We develop the necroptosis-associated lncRNA prognostic model using univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to prognostic model. Moreover, comprehensive analyses, including prognostic value, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint gene expression, were performed between the two risk groups. Finally, anticancer drug sensitivity analyses were employed for assessing associations for necroptosis-associated lncRNA expression profile and anticancer drug chemosensitivity. Results. Through univariate analysis, sixty-nine necroptosis-associated lncRNAs were found to have a significant relationship with KIRC prognosis. Two molecular clusters were identified, and significant differences were found with respect to clinicopathological features and prognosis. The segregation of patients into two risk groups was done by the constructed necroptosis-associated lncRNA model. The survival prognosis, clinical features, degree of immune cell infiltration, and expression of immune checkpoint genes of high-risk and low-risk groups were all shown to vary. Conclusions. Our study identified a model of necroptosis-associated lncRNA signature and revealed its prognostic role in KIRC. It is expected to provide a reference for the screening of KIRC prognostic markers and the evaluation of immune response.

Dysregulated Circulating Apoptosis- and Autophagy-Related lncRNAs as Diagnostic Markers in Coronary Artery Disease

Objective

Increasing evidence emphasizes the implications of dysregulated apoptosis and autophagy cellular processes in coronary artery disease (CAD). Herein, we aimed to explore apoptosis- and autophagy-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in peripheral blood of CAD patients.

Methods

The mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. With ∣fold change | >1.5 and adjusted p value < 0.05, differentially expressed apoptosis- and autophagy-related mRNAs were screened between CAD and healthy blood samples. Also, differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified for CAD. Using the psych package, apoptosis- and autophagy-related lncRNAs were defined with Spearson's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted for the assessment of the diagnosed efficacy of these apoptosis- and autophagy-related lncRNAs.

Results

Our results showed that 24 apoptosis- and autophagy-related mRNAs were abnormally expressed in CAD than normal controls. 12 circulating upregulated and 1 downregulated apoptosis- and autophagy-related lncRNAs were identified for CAD. The ROCs confirmed that AC004485.3 (AUC = 0.899), AC004920.3 (AUC = 0.93), AJ006998.2 (AUC = 0.776), H19 (AUC = 0.943), RP5-902P8.10 (AUC = 0.956), RP5-1114G22.2 (AUC = 0.883), RP11-247A12.1 (AUC = 0.885), RP11-288L9.4 (AUC = 0.928), RP11-344B5.2 (AUC = 0.858), RP11-452C8.1 (AUC = 0.929), RP11-565A3.1 (AUC = 0.893), and XXbac-B33L19.4 (AUC = 0.932) exhibited good performance in differentiating CAD from healthy controls.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings proposed that circulating apoptosis- and autophagy-related lncRNAs could become underlying diagnostic markers for CAD in clinical practice.

LncRNA HCP5 in hBMSC-derived exosomes alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by sponging miR-497 to activate IGF1/PI3K/AKT pathway

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an inevitable process during heart transplant and suppressing I/R injury could greatly improve the survival rate of recipients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have positive effects on I/R. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective roles of MSCs in I/R. Both cell model and rat model of myocardial I/R were used. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. QRT-PCR and western blotting were employed to measure levels of lncRNA HCP5 (HLA complex P5), miR-497, apoptosis-related proteins, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1)/PI3K/AKT pathway. Dual luciferase assay was used to validate interactions of HCP5 and miR-497, miR-497 and IGF1. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function of rats. Serum levels of CK-MB and LDH were measured. H&E and Masson staining were used to examine morphology of myocardial tissues. hBMSC-derived exosomes (hBMSC-Exos) increased the viability of cardiomyocytes following hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R) and decreased apoptosis. H/R diminished HCP5 expression in cardiomyocytes while hBMSC-Exos recovered the level. Overexpression of HCP5 in hBMSC-Exos further enhanced the protective effects in H/R while HCP5 knockdown suppressed. HCP5 directly bound miR-497 and miR-497 targeted IGF1. miR-497 mimics or si-IGF1 blocked the effects of HCP5 overexpression. Further, hBMSC-Exos alleviated I/R injury in vivo and knockdown of HCP5 in hBMSC-Exos decreased the beneficial effects. AntagomiR-497 blocked the effects of HCP5 knockdown. HCP5 from hBMSC-Exos protects cardiomyocytes against I/R injury via sponging miR-497 to disinhibit IGF1/PI3K/AKT pathway. These results shed light on mechanisms underlying the protective role of hBMSC-Exos in I/R.

Role of long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 in cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of non-protein coding RNAs with a length of more than 200 bp. The lncRNA taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) is abnormally expressed in many human malignant cancers, where it acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), regulating gene expression by specifically sponging its corresponding microRNAs. In the present review, we summarised the current understanding of the role of lncRNA TUG1 in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemotherapeutic drug resistance, radiosensitivity, cell regulation, and cell glycolysis, as well as highlighting its potential application as a clinical biomarker or therapeutic target for malignant cancer. This review provides the basis for new research directions for lncRNA TUG1 in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Silencing of SNHG6 alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by modulating miR-135a-5p/HIF1AN to activate Shh/Gli1 signalling pathway

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) on apoptosis during myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

In vitro model of I/R was built through exposing mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to determine gene expression. Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometric and western blot assays were conducted to detect cell viability, apoptosis and protein expression. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was examined by a commercial detection kit. Dual-luciferase gene reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were applied for determining the interaction between the molecules.

KEY FINDINGS

SNHG6 expression was increased in H/R-challenged cardiomyocytes. Depletion of SNHG6 protected against H/R-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. SNHG6 could sponge miR-135a-5p to inhibit its expression. Down-regulation of miR-135a-5p reversed the anti-apoptotic effect caused by SNHG6 knockdown in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha inhibitor (HIF1AN) was identified as a direct target of miR-135a-5p, and knockdown of HIF1AN relieved H/R-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Silencing of SNHG6 activated Shh/Gli1 signalling pathway by regulating miR-135a-5p/HIF1AN. Furthermore, inactivation of Shh/Gli signalling abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of SNHG6 knockdown in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG6 serves as a sponge for miR-135a-5p to promote HIF1AN expression and inactivate Shh/Gli1 signalling, eventually aggravating H/R-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.