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Huang X, Wang Z, Song M, Huan H, Cai Z, Wu B, Shen J, Zhou YL, Shi J. CircIQGAP1 regulates RCAN1 and RCAN2 through the mechanism of ceRNA and promotes the growth of malignant glioma. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106979. [PMID: 37918583 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106979] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is one of non-coding RNA with specific circular structure, which has been found to be involved in regulating a series of malignant biological behaviors in many malignant tumors. In this study, based on the IDH1 molecular typing of gliomas, we identified a significant downregulation of circRNA (circIQGAP1) expression in IDH1 mutant gliomas by high-throughput sequencing. In 79 tissue samples, we confirmed that circIQGAP1 expression was significantly downregulated in IDH1 mutant gliomas, and that low circIQGAP1 expression was positively associated with better prognosis. Knockdown of circIQGAP1 in glioma cell lines inhibited glioma cell malignancy and conversely overexpression of circIQGAP1 promoted glioma malignancy. circIQGAP1 regulated glioma cell migration, proliferation, invasion and apoptosis through miR-1256/RCAN1/Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase3 and miR-622/RCAN2/Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase3 axes. These results suggest that circIQGAP1 plays an important role in glioma development, promotes tumor growth, and is a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ziheng Wang
- Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Mengruo Song
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng224000, China
| | - He Huan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zishu Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jianhong Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - You Lang Zhou
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Jinlong Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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The Overexpression of miR-377 Aggravates Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy by Binding to Rcan2 and Mediating CaN Activity. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6659183. [PMID: 36267816 PMCID: PMC9578796 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6659183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis remains a complicated and incompletely understood syndrome, and myocardial dysfunction is one of the main complications contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of the deregulated expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiac pathologies caused by sepsis. Intriguingly, miR-377 has been correlated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis, whereas its effect on myocardial hypertrophy remains to be illustrated. Thus, the current study sets out to explore the impact and underlying mechanism of miR-377 on myocardial hypertrophy induced by sepsis. The expression pattern of miR-377 was detected in myocardial tissues of septic mice induced by cecal ligation-perforation (CLP). We found that miR-377 was highly expressed in myocardial tissues of CLP-induced septic mice with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Besides, miR-377 inhibition could relieve cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduce inflammation in septic mice. Further, mechanistic studies found that miR-377 could target Rcan2 and then regulate calcineurin (CaN) activity via Ca2+/CaN signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings illuminate that miR-377 enhances myocardial hypertrophy caused by sepsis, by targeting Rcan2 and further regulating the Ca2+/CaN signaling pathway. This work highlights downregulation of miR-377 as a novel target for the management of sepsis-induced myocardial hypertrophy.
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Weng J, Wu A, Ying J. Chemosensitivity of gastric cancer: analysis of key pathogenic transcription factors. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:977-984. [PMID: 35837191 PMCID: PMC9274076 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to screen the key pathogenic transcription factors of gastric cancer and analyzed the correlation between the expression of transcription factors and chemotherapy drugs in gastric cancer. METHODS Gastric cancer RNA sequencing data sets, single nucleotide polymorphism data sets, and corresponding clinical data sets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas, which is public data. The expression of transcription factors in gastric cancer and normal tissues was analyzed with R software. Pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed transcription factors was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. Univariate Cox analysis was used to explore the correlation between the differential expression of transcription factors and prognosis. The interaction network among differentially expressed transcription factors was constructed using String database. Spearman test was used to explore the correlation between transcription factor mutation and gene expression. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database was used to examine the relationship between the expression of transcription factors and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. RESULTS A total of 17 differentially expressed transcription factors were screened. The results indicated that CENPA, E2F1, EMX1, HOXA9, FOXM1, and MYBL2 were prognostic risk factors for gastric cancer patients (P<0.05), while RXRG and SOX4 were prognostic protective factors for gastric cancer patients (P<0.05). FDXM1 interacted with E2F7, MYBL2, E2F1, NCAPG, and SOX9. FOXM1 gene mutation was positively correlated with the expression level (P<0.05). Based on the median value of FOXM1, the patients were divided into high expression group and low expression group of FOXM1. There was no significant difference in IC50 of 5-fluorouracil between the FOXM1 high expression group and the FOXM1 low expression group (P>0.05). The IC50 of paclitaxel in the FOXM1 high expression group was higher than that in the FOXM1 low expression group (P<0.001). The expression of IC50 of cisplatin in the FOXM1 high expression group was higher than that in the FOXM1 low expression group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS FOXM1 was a highly expressed transcription factor in gastric cancer. High FOXM1 expression was associated with the resistance of gastric cancer patients to paclitaxel and cisplatin. Therefore, FOXM1 is a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianze Weng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Aixiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingwen Ying
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Fang X, Wang H, Tan X, Ye T, Xu Y, Fan J. Elevated Serum Regulator of Calcineurin 2 is Associated With an Increased Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:840764. [PMID: 35370729 PMCID: PMC8967172 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.840764] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The promoting effect of the regulator of calcineurin 2 (RCAN2) in hepatic steatosis has been observed in animal studies. However, the association of RCAN2 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of RCAN2 in the liver of mice with hepatic steatosis and in the serum of NAFLD patients and to explore the relationship between serum RCAN2 levels and NAFLD. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of RCAN2 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Circulating RCAN2 levels were measured by ELISA kits. The relationship between serum RCAN2 levels and NAFLD was assessed. Results: qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that compared with the corresponding controls, the mRNA and protein expression of RCAN2 were significantly increased in the liver tissues of db/db and mice on a high-fat diet. Serum RCAN2 levels were markedly elevated in NAFLD patients compared with non-NAFLD subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum RCAN2 levels were significantly associated with NAFLD. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that serum RCAN2 might act as a predictive biomarker for NAFLD [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.663, 95% CI = 0.623–0.702], and the serum RCAN2/(AST/ALT) ratio displayed improved predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.785–0.846). Conclusion: Elevated serum RCAN2 levels were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. Serum RCAN2, especially the serum RCAN2/(AST/ALT) ratio, might be a candidate diagnostic marker for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
| | - Hongya Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Luo Y, Xu H, Yang Z, Lin X, Zhao F, Huang Y, Wang Y, Yang X, Li H, Wang L, Wen M, Xian S. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 silencing elevates microRNA-26a-5p to ameliorate myocardial injury in sepsis by reducing regulator of calcineurin 2. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 715:109047. [PMID: 34619102 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery. We aimed to explore the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) sponging microRNA-26a-5p in sepsis-induced myocardial injury by regulating regulator of calcineurin 2 (Rcan2). METHODS HL-1 cells were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce in vitro cardiomyocyte injury models, which were then treated with silenced MALAT1 vector, miR-26a-5p mimic or Rcan2 overexpression vector. Next, inflammatory factor level and apoptosis of cells were determined. The in vivo mouse models were constructed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The modeled mice were injected with relative oligonucleotides and the pathology, apoptosis, and inflammation in mouse myocardial tissues were assessed. Expression of MALAT1, miR-26a-5p and Rcan2 in vivo and in vitro was evaluated. RESULTS MALAT1 and Rcan2 were upregulated while miR-26a-5p was downregulated in LPS-treated HL-1 cells and mice. MALAT1 silencing or miR-26a-5p upregulation suppressed LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in cellular and animal models. These effects of elevated miR-26a-5p could be reversed by upregulating Rcan2, and MALAT1 knockdown-induced ameliorative impacts could be reversed by miR-26a-5p downregulation. CONCLUSION MALAT1 silencing elevated miR-26a-5p to ameliorate LPS-induced myocardial injury by reducing Rcan2. Our research may provide novel biomarkers for the treatment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Haitao Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Zhongqi Yang
- President's Office, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Xinfeng Lin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Fengli Zhao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yusheng Huang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yanjun Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Xueqing Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Minyong Wen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Shaoxiang Xian
- President's Office, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.
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Wang H, Fang X, Ren Q, Zeng Y, Tan X, Ye T, Fan J, Xu Y. Association Between Circulating Regulator of Calcineurin 2 Concentrations With Overweight and Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:857841. [PMID: 35733783 PMCID: PMC9208054 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.857841] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulator of calcineurin 2 (RCAN2) has been reported to promote food intake and weight gain in animal studies. However, its effect on body weight in humans is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum RCAN2 concentrations and participants with overweight/obesity. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 872 Chinese adults, including 348 participants with normal weight (NW), 397 participants with overweight (OW), and 127 participants with obesity (OB). All participants were divided into NW, OW and OB groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Serum RCAN2 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Serum RCAN2 concentrations gradually increased with the increase of BMI (p < 0.001). The percentages of OW/OB gradually increased in tandem with increasing tertiles of RCAN2 (p < 0.001). Additionally, serum RCAN2 concentrations were significantly correlated with a series of anthropometric and metabolic parameters, predominantly including body weight, BMI, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of OW/OB was significantly increased with the increase of serum RCAN2 concentrations. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that serum RCAN2, especially serum RCAN2/(AST/ALT) ratio, might serve as a candidate biomarker for obesity. CONCLUSION Serum RCAN2 concentrations were increased in subjects with OW/OB. The increased serum RCAN2 concentrations were associated with the increased risks of OW/OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongya Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Xia Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiahao Fan, ; Yong Xu,
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiahao Fan, ; Yong Xu,
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Ueda S, Hosoda M, Yoshino KI, Yamanoue M, Shirai Y. Gene Expression Analysis Provides New Insights into the Mechanism of Intramuscular Fat Formation in Japanese Black Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081107. [PMID: 34440281 PMCID: PMC8391117 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) have a unique phenotype in which ectopic intramuscular fat accumulates in skeletal muscle, producing finely marbled beef. However, the mechanism of intramuscular fat formation in Japanese Black cattle remains unclear. To investigate the key genes involved in intramuscular fat accumulation, we comprehensively analyzed mRNA levels in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat tissues using RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis, which detected 27,606 genes. We identified eight key genes, namely carboxypeptidase E, tenascin C, transgelin, collagen type IV alpha 5 (COL4A5), cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2, PDZ, and LIM domain 3, phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14A, and regulator of calcineurin 2. These genes were highly and specifically expressed in intramuscular fat tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a collagen network, including COL4A5, in the basement membrane around the intramuscular fat tissue. Moreover, pathway analysis revealed that, in intramuscular fat tissue, differentially expressed genes are related to cell adhesion, proliferation, and cancer pathways. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and small GTPases regulators RASGRP3, ARHGEF26, ARHGAP10, ARHGAP24, and DLC were upregulated in intramuscular fat. Our study suggests that these genes are involved in intramuscular fat formation in Japanese Black cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Ueda
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; (M.H.); (M.Y.); (Y.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-803-5889
| | - Mana Hosoda
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; (M.H.); (M.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ken-ichi Yoshino
- Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan;
| | - Minoru Yamanoue
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; (M.H.); (M.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yasuhito Shirai
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; (M.H.); (M.Y.); (Y.S.)
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Cui C, Zhou Y, Cui Q. Defining the functional divergence of orthologous genes between human and mouse in the context of miRNA regulation. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6314723. [PMID: 34226920 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models have a certain degree of similarity with human in genes and physiological processes, which leads them to be valuable tools for studying human diseases and for assisting drug development. However, translational researches adopting animal models are largely restricted by the species heterogeneity, which is also a major reason for the failure of drug research. Currently, computational method for exploring the functional differences between orthologous genes is still insufficient. For this purpose, here, we presented an algorithm, functional divergence score (FDS), by comprehensively evaluating the functional differences between the microRNAs regulating the paired orthologous genes. Given that mouse is one of the most popular model animals, currently, FDS was designed to dissect the functional divergence of orthologous genes between human and mouse. The results showed that gene FDS value is significantly associated with gene evolutionary characteristics and can discover expression divergence of human-mouse orthologous genes. Moreover, FDS performed well in distinguishing the targets of approved drugs and the failed ones. These results suggest that FDS is a valuable tool to evaluate the functional divergence of paired human and mouse orthologous genes. In addition, for each orthologous gene pair, FDS can provide detailed differences in functions and phenotypes. Our study provided a useful tool for quantifying the functional difference between human and mouse, and the presented framework is easily to be extended to the orthologous genes between human and other species. An online server of FDS is available at http://www.cuilab.cn/fds/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Lee SK, Ahnn J. Regulator of Calcineurin (RCAN): Beyond Down Syndrome Critical Region. Mol Cells 2020; 43:671-685. [PMID: 32576715 PMCID: PMC7468584 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulator of calcineurin (RCAN) was first reported as a novel gene called DSCR1, encoded in a region termed the Down syndrome critical region (DSCR) of human chromosome 21. Genome sequence comparisons across species using bioinformatics revealed three members of the RCAN gene family, RCAN1, RCAN2, and RCAN3, present in most jawed vertebrates, with one member observed in most invertebrates and fungi. RCAN is most highly expressed in brain and striated muscles, but expression has been reported in many other tissues, as well, including the heart and kidneys. Expression levels of RCAN homologs are responsive to external stressors such as reactive oxygen species, Ca2+, amyloid β, and hormonal changes and upregulated in pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetes, and degenerative neuropathy. RCAN binding to calcineurin, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase, inhibits calcineurin activity, thereby regulating different physiological events via dephosphorylation of important substrates. Novel functions of RCANs have recently emerged, indicating involvement in mitochondria homeostasis, RNA binding, circadian rhythms, obesity, and thermogenesis, some of which are calcineurin-independent. These developments suggest that besides significant contributions to DS pathologies and calcineurin regulation, RCAN is an important participant across physiological systems, suggesting it as a favorable therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Joohong Ahnn
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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