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Peng N, Zheng M, Song B, Jiao R, Wang W. Transcription Factor EGR1 Facilitates Neovascularization in Mice with Retinopathy of Prematurity by Regulating the miR-182-5p/EFNA5 Axis. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:1070-1086. [PMID: 37530910 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization is the hallmark of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Early growth response 1 (EGR1) has been reported as an angiogenic factor. This study was conducted to probe the regulatory mechanism of EGR1 in neovascularization in ROP model mice. The ROP mouse model was established, followed by determination of EGR1 expression and assessment of neovascularization [vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)]. Retinal vascular endothelial cells were cultured and treated with hypoxia, followed by the tube formation assay. The state of oxygen induction was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay to determine hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1A). The levels of microRNA (miRNA)-182-5p and ephrin-A5 (EFNA5) in tissues and cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were used to validate gene interaction. EGR1 and EFNA5 were upregulated in the retina of ROP mice while miR-182-5p was downregulated. EGR1 knockdown decreased VEGF-A and HIF-1A expression and increased PEDF expression in the retina of ROP mice. In vitro, EGR1 knockdown also reduced neovascularization. EGR1 binding to the miR-182-5p promoter inhibited miR-182-5p transcription and further promoted EFNA5 transcription. miR-182-5p downregulation or EFNA5 overexpression averted the inhibition of neovascularization caused by EGR1 downregulation. Overall, EGR1 bound to the miR-182-5p promoter to inhibit miR-182-5p transcription and further promoted EFNA5 transcription, thus promoting retinal neovascularization in ROP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Peng
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bei Song
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Rong Jiao
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China.
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Zhao Y, Wang J, Qin W, Hu Q, Li J, Qin R, Ma N, Zheng F, Tian W, Jiang J, Huang J, Qin A. Dehydroepiandrosterone promotes ovarian angiogenesis and improves ovarian function in a rat model of premature ovarian insufficiency by up-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signalling. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103914. [PMID: 38917774 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What impact does dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have on ovarian angiogenesis and function in a rat model of with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and what are the potential mechanisms of action? DESIGN DHEA was added to a culture of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) to investigate its effects on cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. A rat model of POI was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide, followed by continuous oral administration of DHEA or vehicle for 28 days. Ovarian angiogenesis, follicular growth and granulosa cell survival in ovarian tissues were assessed through haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). The effect of DHEA on the fertility of rats with POI was evaluated in pregnant animals. The expression levels of characteristic genes and proteins in the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway was determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. RESULTS In-vitro experiments revealed that DHEA stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HMEC-1. In in-vivo studies, DHEA treatment improved the disruption of the oestrous cycle and hormone imbalances in POI rats. Key genes in the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway exhibited up-regulated expression, promoting ovarian angiogenesis in POI rats, and enhancing follicular development and granulosa cell survival, thereby restoring fertility in rats. CONCLUSIONS DHEA can potentially restore ovarian function in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced POI by up-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signalling, which promotes the growth of blood vessels in the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Zhao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Guangxi, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weili Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Qianwen Hu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaxu Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Rongyan Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Nana Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Fengque Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Wencai Tian
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingmen People's Hospital, JingChu University of Technology Affiliated Central Hospital, Jingmen, China.
| | - Jialv Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China.
| | - Aiping Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, China.
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Lv W, Jiang X, Zhang Y. The role of platelets in the blood-brain barrier during brain pathology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1298314. [PMID: 38259501 PMCID: PMC10800710 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1298314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Platelets play critical roles in maintaining hemostasis. The blood brain barrier (BBB), a significant physical and metabolic barrier, helps maintain physiological stability by limiting transportations between the blood and neural tissues. When the brain undergoes inflammation, tumor, trauma, or bleeding, the platelet responses to help with maintaining BBB homeostasis. In the traditional point of view, activated platelets aggregate to form thrombi which cover the gaps of the blood vessels to protect BBB. However, increasing evidences indicate that platelets may harm BBB by enhancing vascular permeability. Hereby, we reviewed recently published articles with a special focus on the platelet-mediated damage of BBB. Factors released by platelets can induce BBB permeability, which involve platelet-activating factors (PAF), P-selectin, ADP, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) superfamily proteins, especially PDGF-AA and PDGF-CC, etc. Platelets can also secrete Amyloid-β (Aβ), which triggers neuroinflammation and downregulates the expression of tight junction molecules such as claudin-5 to damage BBB. Additionally, platelets can form aggregates with neutrophils to release reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can destroy the DNA, proteins, and lipids of endothelial cells (ECs). Moreover, platelets participate in neuroinflammation to affect BBB. Conversely, some of the platelet released factors such as PDGF-BB, protects BBB. In summary, platelets play dual roles in BBB integrity and the related mechanisms are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaofan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Wang S, Zhang J, Chen J, Tang L, Ke M, Xue Y, He Y, Gong Y, Li Z. ω-3PUFAs Inhibit Hypoxia-Induced Retinal Neovascularization via Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis through METTL14-Mediated m6A Modification of IFNB1 mRNA. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04795-1. [PMID: 38175416 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Retinal neovascular disease is the leading reason of vision impairment in all ages. Here, we figured out the function and mechanism of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs) in hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization by focusing on microglial pyroptosis. Microglia BV-2 cells were given ω-3PUFAs treatment and co-cultured with mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells (MRMECs) under hypoxia. Tube formation assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were utilized to monitor the MRMEC angiogenesis. Cell counting kit-8, western blot, lactate dehydrogenase assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to assess pyroptosis of BV-2 cells. RNA sequencing and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction were utilized to identify the target gene of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) and its N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level in BV-2 cells. BV-2 cells prominently enhanced MRMEC angiogenesis under hypoxia, but this effect was abolished after ω-3PUFAs treatment. ω-3PUFAs inhibited pyroptosis in hypoxia-induced BV-2 cells, and BV-2 cell pyroptosis boosted angiogenesis of MRMECs. Additionally, ω-3PUFAs markedly augment the expression of MELLL14 in BV-2 cells, and METTL14 knockdown promoted BV-2 cell pyroptosis and BV-2 cell-mediated angiogenesis in MEMECs. Mechanistically, interferon beta 1 (IFNB1) was a target of METTL14, and METTL14 silencing increased the mRNA expression and decreased the m6A modification of IFNB1 in BV-2 cells. Our results uncovered that ω-3PUFAs diminished hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization through controlling microglial pyroptosis via METTL14-mediated m6A modification. This study offers a novel potential target for the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People's Hospital of Huangmei, Huangmei Hospital Affiliated to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lanlan Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Ke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Yanni Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
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Wang J, Liu X, Wei W, Yang J, Li Q, Chu S, Liu P, Zhang J, He W. Regulation of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced inflammatory responses and M1-M2 phenotype switch of BV2 microglia by lobetyolin. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2627-2644. [PMID: 37837601 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01292-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the protective mechanism of lobetyolin on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced damage in BV2 microglial cells. The OGD/R model was established using a chemical modeling method to simulate in vivo brain ischemia in lobetyolin-pretreated BV2 cells. The optimum lobetyolin dosage, chemical concentration, and OGD/R modeling duration were screened. The changes in cell morphology were observed, and the levels of immune response-related factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cluster of differentiation (CD)206, were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of chemokine-like-factor-1 (CKLF1), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, TNF-α, and CD206, was detected using western blotting. The gene expression of M1 and M2 BV2 phenotype markers was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The localization of M1 and M2 BV2 markers was detected using immunofluorescence analysis. The results showed that lobetyolin could protect BV2 cells from OGD/R-induced damage. After OGD/R, CKLF1/C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) levels increased in BV2 cells, whereas the CKLF1/CCR4 level was decreased due to lobetyolin pretreatment. Additionally, BV2 cells injured with OGD/R tended to be M1 type, but lobetyolin treatment shifted the phenotype of BV2 cells from M1 type to M2 type. Lobetyolin decreased the expression of TNF-α and HIF-1α but increased the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in BV2 cells, indicating a dose-effect relationship. The qPCR results showed that lobetyolin decreased the expression of CD16, CD32, and iNOS at the gene level and increased the expression of C-C-chemokine ligand-22 and TGF-β. The immunofluorescence analysis showed that lobetyolin decreased CD16/CD32 levels and increased CD206 levels. Lobetyolin can protect BV2 cells from OGD/R-induced damage by regulating the phenotypic polarization of BV2 and decreasing inflammatory responses. Additionally, CKLF1/CCR4 may participate in regulating lobetyolin-induced polarization of BV2 cells via the HIF-1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Qinqing Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Pulin Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| | - Junlong Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China.
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China.
| | - Wenbin He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China.
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Song S, Zhang G, Chen X, Zheng J, Liu X, Wang Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Song Y, Zhou Q. HIF-1α increases the osteogenic capacity of ADSCs by coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis via the HIF-1α/VEGF/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:257. [PMID: 37550736 PMCID: PMC10405507 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stabilization and increased activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) can directly increase cancellous bone formation and play an essential role in bone modeling and remodeling. However, whether an increased HIF-1α expression in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) increases osteogenic capacity and promotes bone regeneration is not known. RESULTS In this study, ADSCs transfected with small interfering RNA and HIF-1α overexpression plasmid were established to investigate the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and osteogenic capacity of ADSCs and the angiogenic ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Overexpression of HIF-1α could promote the biological functions of ADSCs, and the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. Western blotting showed that the protein levels of osteogenesis-related factors were increased when HIF-1α was overexpressed. Furthermore, the influence of upregulation of HIF-1α in ADSC sheets on osseointegration was evaluated using a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats implant model, in which the bone mass and osteoid mineralization speed were evaluated by radiological and histological analysis. The overexpression of HIF-1α in ADSCs enhanced bone remodeling and osseointegration around titanium implants. However, transfecting the small interfering RNA (siRNA) of HIF-1α in ADSCs attenuated their osteogenic and angiogenic capacity. Finally, it was confirmed in vitro that HIF-1α promotes osteogenic differentiation and the biological functions in ADSCs via the VEGF/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that HIF-1α has a critical ability to promote osteogenic differentiation in ADSCs by coupling osteogenesis and angiogenesis via the VEGF/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which in turn increases osteointegration and bone formation around titanium implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Song
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004 China
| | - Guanhua Zhang
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Xutao Chen
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Yingliang Song
- Department of Oral Implants, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004 China
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Wan H, Gao W, Zhang W, Tao Z, Lu X, Chen F, Qin J. Network-based inference of master regulators in epithelial membrane protein 2-treated human RPE cells. BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:52. [PMID: 35799115 PMCID: PMC9264685 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The application of cell-specific construction of transcription regulatory networks (TRNs) to identify their master regulators (MRs) in EMP2 induced vascular proliferation disorders has been largely unexplored.
Methods
Different expression gene (DEGs) analyses was processed with DESeq2 R package, for public RNA-seq transcriptome data of EMP2-treated hRPECs versus vector control (VC) or wild type (WT) hRPECs. Virtual Inference of protein activity by Enriched Regulon analysis (VIPER) was used for inferring regulator activity and ARACNE algorithm was conducted to construct TRNs and identify some MRs with DEGs from comparisons.
Results
Functional analysis of DEGs and the module analysis of TRNs demonstrated that over-expressed EMP2 leads to a significant induction in the activity of regulators next to transcription factors and other genes implicated in vasculature development, cell proliferation, and protein kinase B signaling, whereas regulators near several genes of platelet activation vascular proliferation were repressed. Among these, PDGFA, ALDH1L2, BA1AP3, ANGPT1 and ST3GAL5 were found differentially expressed and significantly activitve in EMP2-over-expressed hRPECs versus vector control under hypoxia and may thus identified as MRs for EMP2-induced lesion under hypoxia.
Conclusions
MRs obtained in this study might serve as potential biomarkers for EMP2 induced lesion under hypoxia, illustrating gene expression landscapes which might be specific for diabetic retinopathy and might provide improved understanding of the disease.
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Effects of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) Signaling Pathway on Acute Ischemic Stroke. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1860925. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1860925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Epidemiological surveys show that a large number of cerebrovascular diseases occur in China every year, and among these cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic diseases are predominant. Ischemia leads to irreversible degenerative necrosis of a large number of brain neurons and severe neurological deficits. Aims. This study is aimed at exploring the mechanism of the major regulatory effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway on proangiogenesis and providing new ideas for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods. The rats were randomly divided into normal and ischemic control groups, and the ischemic control group was subjected to the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) cerebral ischemia model by the wire embolization method, and the rats were executed in batches at 6 h, 1 d, and 3 d after ischemia-reperfusion, and the brain tissue specimens were taken for examination to investigate the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-l) signaling pathway on acute ischemic stroke. Results. At 3 d, the number of VEGFR2 positive cells increased significantly, and there was a significant difference compared with the control group (
). At 3 d, the number of HIF-1α-positive cells increased significantly, and there was a significant difference compared with the control group (
). The number of Hes1+factor VIII positive cells in the ischemic cortex increased significantly on the 1st and 3rd day, and there was a significant difference compared with the control group (
). The expression of Hes1 protein was significantly lower than the normal level after 6 h of ischemia, and the protein expression was significantly increased at 1 d and 3 d after ischemia (
). Conclusion. By detecting the expression changes of Hesl+factor VII in the ischemic area, the results show that ischemia and hypoxia activate the HIF-1, making the HIF-l the main regulatory pathway in the process of angiogenesis after ischemia.
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Differential expression of aqueous humor microRNAs in central retinal vein occlusion and its association with matrix metalloproteinases: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16429. [PMID: 36180575 PMCID: PMC9525721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20834-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and their association with AH matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Eighteen subjects, including 10 treatment naïve patients with CRVO and 8 control subjects, scheduled for intravitreal injection and cataract surgery, respectively, were included. AH samples were collected at the beginning of the procedure. A microarray composed of 84 miRNAs was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in CRVO AH, which were further analyzed using bioinformatic tools to identify directly related cytokines/proteins. Eight miRNAs (hsa-mir-16-5p, hsa-mir-142-3p, hsa-mir-19a-3p, hsa-mir-144-3p, hsa-mir-195-5p, hsa-mir-17-5p, hsa-mir-93-5p, and hsa-mir-20a-5p) were significantly downregulated in the CRVO group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a direct relationship among downregulated miRNAs, CRVO, and the following proteins: MMP-2, MMP-9, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor beta-1, caspase-3, interleukin-6, interferon gamma, and interleukin-1-beta. Activities of MMP-2 and -9 in AH were detected using gelatin zymography, showing significant increase in the CRVO group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). This pilot study first revealed that MMP-2 and -9 were directly related to downregulated miRNAs and showed significant increase in activity in AH of patients with CRVO. Therefore, the relevant miRNAs and MMPs in AH could serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CRVO.
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Gong R, Han R, Zhuang X, Tang W, Xu G, Zhang L, Wu J, Ma J. MiR-375 mitigates retinal angiogenesis by depressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6594-6604. [PMID: 35980290 PMCID: PMC9467412 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant neovascularization in the retina is an important threat to vision and closely related to several retinal diseases, such as wet form of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. However, the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical regulatory roles in angiogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to identify the key miRNAs that regulate retinal neovascularization and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing of microRNAs in the retina and found that miR-375 was significantly downregulated in the retina of oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. In retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs), overexpression of miR-375 inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Conversely, inhibition of miR-375 had the opposite effects. Moreover, our results showed that miR-375 negatively regulated the protein expression of JAK2 by inhibiting its translation. The promoting effects of anti-miR-375 on cell proliferation and angiogenesis were attenuated by an inhibitor of STAT3. These results indicate that miR-375 mitigates cell proliferation and angiogenesis, at least in part, through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in RMECs, which implies an important underlying mechanism of retinal angiogenesis and provides potential therapeutic targets for retinal microangiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruowen Gong
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ruyi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wenyi Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
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11
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Laschke MW, Gu Y, Menger MD. Replacement in angiogenesis research: Studying mechanisms of blood vessel development by animal-free in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches. Front Physiol 2022; 13:981161. [PMID: 36060683 PMCID: PMC9428454 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.981161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is an essential process determining numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Accordingly, there is a high demand for research approaches allowing the investigation of angiogenic mechanisms and the assessment of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. The present review provides a selective overview and critical discussion of such approaches, which, in line with the 3R principle, all share the common feature that they are not based on animal experiments. They include in vitro assays to study the viability, proliferation, migration, tube formation and sprouting activity of endothelial cells in two- and three-dimensional environments, the degradation of extracellular matrix compounds as well as the impact of hemodynamic forces on blood vessel formation. These assays can be complemented by in vivo analyses of microvascular network formation in the chorioallantoic membrane assay and early stages of zebrafish larvae. In addition, the combination of experimental data and physical laws enables the mathematical modeling of tissue-specific vascularization, blood flow patterns, interstitial fluid flow as well as oxygen, nutrient and drug distribution. All these animal-free approaches markedly contribute to an improved understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms underlying angiogenesis. Hence, they do not only represent essential tools in basic science but also in early stages of drug development. Moreover, their advancement bears the great potential to analyze angiogenesis in all its complexity and, thus, to make animal experiments superfluous in the future.
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12
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Chiang C, Yang H, Zhu L, Chen C, Chen C, Zuo Y, Zheng D. The Epigenetic Regulation of Nonhistone Proteins by SETD7: New Targets in Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:918509. [PMID: 35812730 PMCID: PMC9256981 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.918509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are essential mechanism by which to ensure cell homeostasis. One such modification is lysine methylation of nonhistone proteins by SETD7, a mono-methyltransferase containing SET domains. SETD7 methylates over 30 proteins and is thus involved in various classical pathways. As such, SETD7 has been implicated in both the basic functions of normal tissues but also in several pathologies, such as cancers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of SETD7 substrates, especially transcriptional-related proteins and enzymes, and their putative roles upon SETD7-mediated methylation. We focus on the role of SETD7 in cancers, and speculate on the possible points of intervention and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyao Chiang
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Yantian Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Heng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizhi Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunlan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - You Zuo
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Yantian Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: You Zuo, ; Duo Zheng,
| | - Duo Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: You Zuo, ; Duo Zheng,
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13
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Application Progress of High-Throughput Sequencing in Ocular Diseases. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123485. [PMID: 35743555 PMCID: PMC9225376 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases affect multiple eye parts and can be caused by pathogenic infections, complications of systemic diseases, genetics, environment, and old age. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of eye diseases and improving their diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing any adverse consequences of these diseases. Recently, the advancement of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology has paved wide prospects for identifying the pathogenesis, signaling pathways, and biomarkers involved in eye diseases. Due to the advantages of HTS in nucleic acid sequence recognition, HTS has not only identified several normal ocular surface microorganisms but has also discovered many pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses associated with eye diseases, including rare pathogens that were previously difficult to identify. At present, HTS can directly sequence RNA, which will promote research on the occurrence, development, and underlying mechanism of eye diseases. Although HTS has certain limitations, including low effectiveness, contamination, and high cost, it is still superior to traditional diagnostic methods for its efficient and comprehensive diagnosis of ocular diseases. This review summarizes the progress of the application of HTS in ocular diseases, intending to explore the pathogenesis of eye diseases and improve their diagnosis.
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14
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Zhao K, Jiang Y, Zhang J, Shi J, Zheng P, Yang C, Chen Y. Celastrol inhibits pathologic neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy by targeting the miR-17-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2091-2108. [PMID: 35695424 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2087277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is characterized by retinal neovascularization (RNV), is a major cause of neonatal blindness. The primary treatment for ROP is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, which is costly and can rapidly lead to desensitization. Celastrol, a bioactive compound extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. ("Thunder of God Vine"), has been shown to exert anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether celastrol has antiangiogenic activity and can suppress inflammation to inhibit ROP progression is unclear. This was investigated in the present study in vitro as well as in vivo using a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Our results showed that celastrol treatment reduced neovascular and avascular areas in the retina and inhibited microglia activation and inflammation in OIR mice. Celastrol also inhibited proliferation, migration, and tube formation in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, and reversed the activation of the microRNA (miR)-17-5p/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/VEGF pathway in the retina of OIR mice. These results indicate that celastrol alleviates pathologic RNV in the retina by protecting neuroglia and suppressing inflammation via inhibition of miR-17-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling, and thus has therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of ROP.Abbreviations: BSA, bovine serum albumin; COX2, cyclooxygenase 2; ECM, endothelial cell medium; FBS, fetal bovine serum; HDAC, histone deacetylase; HIF-1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1; HRMEC, human retinal microvascular endothelial cell; Hsp70, heat shock protein; IB4, isolectin B4; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1; IL-1β/6, interleukin 1 beta/6; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MCP-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; miRNA, microRNA; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; NF-κB, nuclear factor-kappa B; OIR, oxygen-induced retinopathy; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase; qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR; RNV, retinal neovascularization; ROP, retinopathy of prematurity; RTCA, real-time cell analyzer; RVO, retinal vaso-obliteration; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha; VCAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yaping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Pengxiang Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chuanxi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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15
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Wonnacott A, Denby L, Coward RJM, Fraser DJ, Bowen T. MicroRNAs and their delivery in diabetic fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114045. [PMID: 34767865 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 463 million people in 2019 and is predicted to rise to 700 million by 2045. The associated financial and societal costs of this burgeoning epidemic demand an understanding of the pathology of this disease, and its complications, that will inform treatment to enable improved patient outcomes. Nearly two decades after the sequencing of the human genome, the significance of noncoding RNA expression is still being assessed. The family of functional noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs regulates the expression of most genes encoded by the human genome. Altered microRNA expression profiles have been observed both in diabetes and in diabetic complications. These transcripts therefore have significant potential and novelty as targets for therapy, therapeutic agents and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Wonnacott
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Laura Denby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard J M Coward
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Donald J Fraser
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Timothy Bowen
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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16
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Wu L, Li J, Zhao F, Xiang Y. MiR-340-5p inhibits Müller cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by targeting BMP4 in experimental diabetic retinopathy. Cytokine 2022; 149:155745. [PMID: 34689058 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a disease that can cause blindness. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) was reported be overexpressed in DR model. However, the specific mechanism of BMP4 in DR development has not been explored. MiR-340-5p and BMP4 levels were detected by RT-qPCR in MIO-M1 cells and retinas of mice. Western blot analysis was used to examine GFAP, BMP4 and BRB junction protein levels. Inflammatory cytokine secretion and the retina structure were examined by ELISA and H&E staining, respectively. The interaction between miR-340-5p and BMP4 was identified by luciferase reporter assay. In HG-stimulated MIO-M1 cells, BMP4 was upregulated. Mechanically, BMP4 was targeted by miR-340-5p and negatively regulated by miR-340-5p. In rescue assays, BMP4 countervailed the suppressive effects of miR-340-5p on activation of Müller cells and release of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, miR-18a-3p overexpression alleviated BRB injury to inhibit DR progression in vivo. In conclusion, miR-340-5p inhibits DR progression by targeting BMP4, which may offer a new pathway for treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China.
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