Overexpression of miR-483-5p/3p cooperate to inhibit mouse liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β stimulated HSCs in transgenic mice

MicroRNA Analysis in Meningiomas with Different Degrees of Tissue Stiffness: A Potential Tool for Effective Preoperative Planning

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Meningioma, the most common primary intracranial tumor, presents challenges in surgical treatment because of varying tissue stiffness. This study explores the molecular background of meningioma stiffness, a critical factor in surgical planning and prognosis, focusing on the utility of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers of tissue stiffness.

METHODS

Patients with meningiomas treated surgically at the University Hospital Brno were included in this study. Total RNA, isolated from tumor tissue samples, underwent quality control and small RNA sequencing to analyze miRNA expression. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, and their association with tumor stiffness was assessed.

RESULTS

This study identified specific miRNAs differentially expressed in meningiomas with different stiffness levels. Key miRNAs, such as miR-31-5p and miR-34b-5p, showed significant upregulation in stiffer meningiomas. These findings were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, revealing a potential link between miRNA expression and tumor consistency. The expression of miR-31-5p was most notably associated with the stiffness of the tumor tissue (sensitivity = 71% and specificity = 83%).

CONCLUSION

This research highlights the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for determining meningioma tissue stiffness. Identifying specific miRNAs associated with tumor consistency could improve preoperative planning and patient prognosis. These findings pave the way for further exploration of miRNAs in the clinical assessment of meningiomas.

Overexpression of Igf2-derived Mir483 inhibits Igf1 expression and leads to developmental growth restriction and metabolic dysfunction in mice

Mir483 is a conserved and highly expressed microRNA in placental mammals, embedded within the Igf2 gene. Its expression is dysregulated in a number of human diseases, including metabolic disorders and certain cancers. Here, we investigate the developmental regulation and function of Mir483 in vivo. We find that Mir483 expression is dependent on Igf2 transcription and the regulation of the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region. Transgenic Mir483 overexpression in utero causes fetal, but not placental, growth restriction through insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF2 and also causes cardiovascular defects leading to fetal death. Overexpression of Mir483 post-natally results in growth stunting through IGF1 repression, increased hepatic lipid production, and excessive adiposity. IGF1 infusion rescues the post-natal growth restriction. Our findings provide insights into the function of Mir483 as a growth suppressor and metabolic regulator and suggest that it evolved within the INS-IGF2-H19 transcriptional region to limit excessive tissue growth through repression of IGF signaling.

The role and mechanism of action of miR-483-3p in mediating the effects of IGF-1 on human renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose

This study aimed to elucidate the influence of miR-483-3p on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) under high glucose conditions and to understand its mechanism. Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were exposed to 50 mmol/L glucose for 48 h to establish a renal tubular epithelial cell injury model, denoted as the high glucose group (HG group). Cells were also cultured for 48 h in a medium containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose, serving as the low glucose group. Transfection was performed in various groups: HK-2 + low glucose (control group), high glucose (50 mM) (HG group), high glucose + miR-483-3p mimics (HG + mimics group), high glucose +miR-483-3p inhibitor (HG + inhibitor group), and corresponding negative controls. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed the mRNA expression of miR-483-3p, bax, bcl-2, and caspase-3. Western blot determined the corresponding protein levels. Proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed using the fluorescence TUNEL method. Western blot and Masson's staining were conducted to observe alterations in cell fibrosis post miR-483-3p transfection. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase assay investigated the targeting relationship between miR-483-3p and IGF-1. The CCK8 assay demonstrated that the HG + mimics group inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation, while the fluorescent TUNEL method revealed induced cell apoptosis in this group. Conversely, the HG + inhibitor group promoted cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis. The HG + mimics group upregulated mRNA and protein expression of pro-apoptotic markers (bax and caspase-3), while downregulating anti-apoptotic marker (bcl-2) expression. In contrast, the HG + inhibitor group showed opposite effects. Collagen I and FN protein levels were significantly elevated in the HG + mimics group compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conversely, in the HG + inhibitor group, the protein expression of Collagen I and FN was notably reduced compared to the HG group (P < 0.05). The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-483-3p could inhibit the luciferase activity of IGF-1's 3'-UTR region (P < 0.05). miR-483-3p exerts targeted regulation on IGF-1, promoting apoptosis and fibrosis in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose conditions.

CircUTRN24/miR-483-3p/IGF-1 Regulates Autophagy Mediated Liver Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare neonatal cholestatic disease that presents with a marked bile duct reaction and rapid fibrotic development. Our earlier research has shown that circUTRN24 is highly elevated in BA, but the exact molecular mechanism is still unknown. This study attempted to investigate whether circUTRN24 induces BA liver fibrosis through regulation of autophagy and to elucidate its molecular mechanism. Using TGF-β-treated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) LX-2, we created a liver fibrosis model. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of circUTRN24, miR-483-3p, and IGF-1. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of IGF-1, HSC activation-related proteins, and autophagy-related proteins. The TGF-β-induced LX-2 cell fibrosis model was then supplemented with circUTRN24 siRNA, miR-483-3p mimics, and the autophagy activator Rapamycin, and functional rescue tests were carried out to investigate the role of circUTRN24, miR-483-3p, and autophagy in BA liver fibrosis. Using a luciferase reporter assay, a direct interaction between miR-483-3p and circUTRN24 or IGF-1 was discovered. With the increase of TGF-β treatment concentration, circUTRN24 expression also gradually increased, as did HSC activation and autophagy-related protein. si-circUTRN24 significantly decreased circUTRN24 expression and inhibited HSC activation and autophagy, which was reversed by Rapamycin. Through bioinformatics prediction and validation, we found circUTRN24 might act through miR-483-3p targeting IGF-1 in the autophagy-related mTOR pathway. Furthermore, miR-483-3p mimics significantly increased miR-483-3p expression and inhibited HSC activation and autophagy, which were reversed by Rapamycin. Functional rescue experiments showed that si-circUTRN24 inhibited circUTRN24 and IGF-1 expressions and promoted miR-483-3p expression, while the miR-483-3p inhibitor abolished these effects. These findings imply that circUTRN24/miR-483-3p/IGF-1 axis mediated LX-2 cell fibrosis by regulating autophagy.

Bone Marrow: The Central Immune System

Bone marrow is known as the site of hematopoiesis. What is not being described in textbooks of immunology is the fact that bone marrow is not only a generative, but also an antigen-responsive, immune organ. It is also a major storage site for antigen-specific memory B and T cells. That bone marrow is a priming site for T cell responses to blood borne antigens was discovered exactly 20 years ago. This review celebrates this important discovery. The review provides a number of examples of medical relevance of bone marrow as a central immune system, including cancer, microbial infections, autoimmune reactions, and bone marrow transplantation. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived stromal cells provide distinct bone marrow niches for stem cells and immune cells. By transmitting anti-inflammatory dampening effects, facilitating wound healing and tissue regeneration mesenchymal stem cells contribute to homeostasis of bone and other tissues. Based on the evidence presented, the review proposes that bone marrow is a multifunctional and protective immune system. In an analogy to the central nervous system, it is suggested that bone marrow be designated as the central immune system.

Impacts of MicroRNA-483 on Human Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in distinct cell types. This review provides a com-prehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the involvement of miR-483-5p and miR-483-3p in various physiological and pathological processes. Downregulation of miR-483-5p has been linked to numerous diseases, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, diabetic nephropathy, and neurological injury. Accumulating evidence indicates that miR-483-5p plays a crucial protective role in preserving cell function and viability by targeting specific transcripts. Notably, elevated levels of miR-483-5p in the bloodstream strongly correlate with metabolic risk factors and serve as promising diagnostic markers. Consequently, miR-483-5p represents an appealing biomarker for predicting the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and holds potential as a therapeutic target for intervention strategies. Conversely, miR-483-3p exhibits significant upregulation in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and has been shown to induce cellular apoptosis and lipotoxicity across various cell types. However, some discrepancies regarding its precise function have been reported, underscoring the need for further investigation in this area.

Characterization of Systemic and Culprit-Coronary Artery miR-483-5p Expression in Chronic CAD and Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In chronic and myocardial infarction (MI) states, aberrant levels of circulating microRNAs compromise gene expression and pathophysiology. We aimed to compare microRNA expression in chronic-CAD and acute-MI male patients in peripheral blood vasculature versus coronary arteries proximal to a culprit area. Blood from chronic-CAD, acute-MI with/out ST segment elevation (STEMI/NSTEMI, respectively), and control patients lacking previous CAD or having patent coronary arteries was collected during coronary catheterization from peripheral arteries and from proximal culprit coronary arteries aimed for the interventions. Random coronary arterial blood was collected from controls; RNA extraction, miRNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing followed. High concentrations of microRNA-483-5p (miR-483-5p) were noted as 'coronary arterial gradient' in culprit acute-MI versus chronic-CAD (p = 0.035) which were similar to controls versus chronic-CAD (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, peripheral miR-483-5p was downregulated in acute-MI and chronic-CAD, compared with controls (1.1 ± 2.2 vs. 2.6 ± 3.3, respectively, p < 0.005). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for miR483-5p association with chronic CAD demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.722 (p < 0.001) with 79% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Using in silico gene analysis, we detected miR-483-5p cardiac gene targets, responsible for inflammation (PLA2G5), oxidative stress (NUDT8, GRK2), apoptosis (DNAAF10), fibrosis (IQSEC2, ZMYM6, MYOM2), angiogenesis (HGSNAT, TIMP2) and wound healing (ADAMTS2). High miR-483-5p 'coronary arterial gradient' in acute-MI, unnoticed in chronic-CAD, suggests important local mechanisms for miR483-5p in CAD in response to local myocardial ischemia. MiR-483-5p may have an important role as a gene modulator for pathologic and tissue repair states, is a suggestive biomarker, and is a potential therapeutic target for acute and chronic cardiovascular disease.

MicroRNA-483-5p Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Cell Steatosis, and Fibrosis by Targeting PPARα and TIMP2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that bind with the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of genes to regulate expression. Downregulation of miR-483-5p (miR-483) is associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the significant roles of miR-483 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic fatty liver diseases (AFLD), and HCC remain elusive. In the current study, we investigated the biological significance of miR-483 in NAFLD, AFLD, and HCC in vitro and in vivo. The downregulation of miR-483 expression in HCC patients’ tumor samples was associated with Notch 3 upregulation. Overexpression of miR-483 in a human bipotent progenitor liver cell line HepaRG and HCC cells dysregulated Notch signaling, inhibited cell proliferation/migration, induced apoptosis, and increased sensitivity towards antineoplastic agents sorafenib/regorafenib. Interestingly, the inactivation of miR-483 upregulated cell steatosis and fibrosis signaling by modulation of lipogenic and fibrosis gene expression. Mechanistically, miR-483 targets PPARα and TIMP2 gene expression, which leads to the suppression of cell steatosis and fibrosis. The downregulation of miR-483 was observed in mice liver fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or a standard Lieber-Decarli liquid diet containing 5% alcohol, leading to increased hepatic steatosis/fibrosis. Our data suggest that miR-483 inhibits cell steatosis and fibrogenic signaling and functions as a tumor suppressor in HCC. Therefore, miR-483 may be a novel therapeutic target for NAFLD/AFLD/HCC management in patients with fatty liver diseases and HCC.

Comprehensive evaluation of circRNAs in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy before and after liver transplantation

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. Many patients with cirrhotic livers do not die from liver failure but from abnormal hemodynamics secondary to liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is one of the most effective treatments for liver diseases. Recent studies have found that liver transplantation can reverse CCM and improve cardiac function; however, its role and remedial mechanism remain unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have become an important marker for diagnosing diseases. The differential expression of circRNAs is associated with heart diseases. In this study, we used gene sequencing to detect the circRNA expression profile of patients with CCM before and after liver transplantation and predicted the differential circRNA target genes. The results showed that a total of 1495 circRNAs were dysregulated after liver transplantation, 1319 genes were downregulated, and 176 were upregulated (P < 0.05, log2 (fold change) > 2.0). The qRT-PCR results showed that circ-ASAP1, circ-N4BP2L2, circ-EXOC6B were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), which were consistent with the RNA sequencing data, and circ-ASAP1 had the most significant difference. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways might be involved in the pathogenesis of CCM. By constructing a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network, hsa-miR-197-3p, hsa-miR-483-3p, and hsa-miR-885-3p, particularly key miRNA (hsa-miR-483-3p), were found to be the major potential genes involved in CCM regulation. In summary, this study suggested that circRNAs play a crucial regulatory role in the occurrence of CCM before and after liver transplantation, and their potential biological function might be the key to diagnosis and treatment.

miR-98-5p as a novel biomarker suppress liver fibrosis by targeting TGFβ receptor 1

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is the repair reaction of excessive deposition and abnormal distribution of extracellular matrix after various liver injuries, especially chronic HBV infection, which is a key step in the development of various chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis. Recent studies have showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate a series of liver fibrosis-related gene express and play an important role in the development of liver fibrosis. But the miRNAs expression profiling and the differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis were little known. This study aims to have a record of a systemic screening for liver fibrosis-associated miRNAs in patients infected with HBV.

METHODS

A IlluminaHiSeq sequencing of plasma miRNAs from the HBV-related liver fibrosis patients (S2/3, n = 8) based on Scheuer's staging criteria and from healthy volunteers 42 (n = 7) was performed. Cluster analysis and target gene prediction were performed for the differentially expressed miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis also were performed on the differentially expressed target miRNA genes.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy control group, 77 miRNAs were screened out from the liver fibrosis group, among which 51 miRNAs were up-regulated and 26 miRNAs were down-regulated. Eventually, miR-98-5p was identified as a candidate predictor of liver fibrosis progression. miR-98-5p is reduced in activated LX2 cells, and miR-98-5p overexpression inhibited the HSCs activation. Mechanically, MiR-98-5p prevents liver fibrosis by targeting TGFbR1 and blocking TGFb1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, serum miR-98-5p levels were measured from a total of 70 recruited patients with chronic HBV infection and 29 healthy individuals as controls. Serum miR-98-5p level was significantly lower in patients with liver fibrosis than in healthy controls and HBV carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of miRNAs in patients with liver fibrosis is significantly different from that of healthy volunteers. Many signal pathways of hepatic fibrosis are regulated by miRNAs. The potential value of miR-98-5p is as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HBV-related liver fibrosis.

Report of Exosomes Isolated from a Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Line and Their Impact on Endometrial Vascular Endothelial Cells

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumor in women of reproductive age; they cause irregular heavy menstrual bleeding leading to anemia and subsequent negative effects on quality of life. Exosomes have arisen as main players of disease progression in several illnesses, including a range of benign and malignant conditions; however, their role in leiomyomas' pathophysiology remains unknown. We investigated the effect of exosomes derived from human uterine leiomyoma tumor cells (HULM) and human myometrial cells (UTSM) on the behavior of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMEC). HULM- and UTSM-derived exosomes were isolated and cocultured with HEMECs. Then, cell proliferation, mRNA expression, tube formation assay, and RNA-seq were performed. Treatment of HEMEC with HULM-derived exosomes increased cell proliferation by 60% compared to control untreated cells, upregulated C-MYC and VEGFA expression levels, and increased tube formation, length, and branching (markers of angiogenesis). Profiling of miRNA revealed that 84 miRNAs were significantly downregulated and 71 were upregulated in HULM-derived exosomes compared to UTSM-derived exosomes. These findings suggest that HULM-derived exosomes might have effects on HEMEC function, containing factors that enhance endometrial proliferation and angiogenesis, which may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. Further research on exosomes in uterine leiomyoma may identify possible novel biomarkers for treatment.

Endothelial MicroRNA-483-3p Is Hypertension-Protective

Hypertension is a high-risk factor for developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial remodeling can lead to increased vascular wall thickness and arterial stiffness. Previous studies showed that microRNA-483 (miR-483) enhances endothelial cell (EC) function. Here, we investigated the protective role of miR-483 in hypertension. Data collected from two patient cohorts showed that the serum miR-483-3p level was associated with the progression of hypertension and positively correlated with vascular function. In cultured ECs, miR-483 targets a number of endothelial dysfunction-related genes, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Overexpression of miR-483-3p in ECs inhibited Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction, revealed by the decreased expression of TGF-β, CTGF, ACE1, and ET-1. Furthermore, miR-483-3p secreted from ECs was taken up by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) via the exosome pathway, which also decreased these genes in SMCs. Additionally, telmisartan could increase the aortic and serum levels of miR-483-3p in hypertension patients and spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR). These findings suggest that miR-483-3p exerts a protective effect on EC function during the onset of hypertension and thus may be considered a potential therapeutic target for hypertension-related cardiovascular diseases.

Comparative serum microRNA array analysis of the spleen-stomach dampness-heat syndrome in different diseases: Chronic hepatitis B and chronic gastritis

Spleen-stomach dampness-heat syndrome (SSDHS) is the common Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome observed in both chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic gastritis (CG). The specialized TCM prescription for CHB and CG patients with SSDHS is same, but there is limited information about the biological characteristics of this TCM syndrome. This study aimed to identify the serum miRNAs profile for the SSDHS in two different diseases in order to evaluate the miRNA-mediated biological characteristics of this TCM syndrome. We performed comparative microarray analysis of serum miRNA expression profiles in 10 CHB patients with SSDHS (SSDHS-CHB), 10 CG patients with SSDHS (SSDHS-CG), and 10 healthy controls (HC). The selected miRNAs were further validated by qRT-PCR in 13 SSDHS-CHB patients, 13 SSDHS-CG patients, and 13 HC. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis (GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses) was applied to identify the involved target genes and pathways for these selected miRNAs. Nine significantly differentially expressed (SDE)-miRNAs in the SSDHS-CHB group and 24 SDE-miRNAs in the SSDHS-CG group were identified, compared with the HC group (fold change >2.0 and p < .05). Among these, upregulated hsa-miR-483-3p and downregulated hsa-miR-223-3p were identified as the common SDE-miRNAs for both SSDHS-CHB and SSDHS-CG groups. Bioinformatics analysis of the common SDE-miRNA's target genes showed their involvement in the regulation of inflammation, immune response, and tumorigenesis. SSDHS-specific hsa-miR-483-3p and hsa-miR-223-3p identified in this study indicated a relevance to the underlying biological basis of SSDHS, and may provide scientific basis for the application of same TCM prescription in CHB and CG.

MiR-15b and miR-16 suppress TGF-β1-induced proliferation and fibrogenesis by regulating LOXL1 in hepatic stellate cells

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an important event during the progress of liver fibrosis. MicroRNA (miR)-15b and miR-16 have been found to be involved in activation of HSCs. However, the roles of miR-15b/16 in liver fibrosis remain unclear. The expression of miR-15b/16 was decreased in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells. Overexpression of miR-15b/16 in LX-2 cells suppressed TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 1, collagen type I, and α-smooth muscle actin. The activation of Smad2/3 caused by TGF-β1 was repressed by miR-15b/16 overexpression. The two miRNAs directly bound to the 3'-UTR of lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) and suppressed the LOXL1 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of LOXL1 attenuated miR-15b/16 downregulation-induced cell proliferation, fibrogenic response and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Collectively, miR-15b/16 exhibited anti-fibrotic activity through regulation of Smad2/3 pathway.

MicroRNA-375 represses tumor angiogenesis and reverses resistance to sorafenib in hepatocarcinoma

Sorafenib was originally identified as an inhibitor of multiple oncogenic kinases and remains the first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of HCC. In this study, we aimed to identify sorafenib-induced miRNAs and demonstrate their regulatory roles. First, we identified that the expression of the tumor-suppressive miRNA miR-375 was significantly induced in hepatoma cells treated with sorafenib, and miR-375 could exert its antiangiogenic effect partially via platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGFC) inhibition. Then, we demonstrated that sorafenib inhibited PDGFC expression by inducing the expression of miR-375 and a transcription factor, achaete-scute homolog-1 (ASH1), mediated the induction of miR-375 by sorafeinb administration in hepatoma cells. Finally, we verified that the expression of miR-375 was reduced in sorafenib-resistant cells and that the restoration of miR-375 could resensitize sorafenib-resistant cells to sorafenib partially by the degradation of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that miR-375 is a critical determinant of HCC angiogenesis and sorafenib tolerance, revealing a novel miRNA-mediated mechanism underlying sorafenib treatment.

microRNA-483 ameliorates hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting PCSK9 production

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) affects cholesterol homeostasis by targeting hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) for lysosomal degradation. Clinically, PCSK9 inhibitors effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events. Because microRNAs (miRs) are integral regulators of cholesterol homeostasis, we investigated the involvement of miR-483 in regulating LDL-C metabolism. Using in silico analysis, we predicted that miR-483-5p targets the 3′-UTR of PCSK9 mRNA. In HepG2 cells, miR-483-5p targeted the PCSK9 3′-UTR, leading to decreased PCSK9 protein and mRNA expression, increased LDLR expression, and enhanced LDL-C uptake. In hyperlipidemic mice and humans, serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C were inversely correlated with miR-483-5p levels. In mice, hepatic miR-483 overexpression increased LDLR levels by targeting Pcsk9, with a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. Mechanistically, the cholesterol-lowering effect of miR-483-5p was significant in mice receiving AAV8 PCSK9-3′-UTR but not Ldlr-knockout mice or mice receiving AAV8 PCSK9-3′-UTR (ΔBS) with the miR-483-5p targeting site deleted. Thus, exogenously administered miR-483 or similarly optimized compounds have potential to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia.

MicroRNA-483 targeting 3’ untranslated region of PCSK9 mRNA inhibits hepatic PCSK9 expression, resulting in increased LDLR expression and LDL uptake, which ameliorates hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Using next-generation sequencing of microRNAs to identify host and/or pathogen nucleic acid signatures in samples from children with biliary atresia - a pilot study

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive disease affecting infants resulting in inflammatory obliteration and fibrosis of the extra- and intra-hepatic biliary tree. BA may be grouped into type 1 isolated; type 2 syndromic, where other congenital malformations may be present; type 3 cystic BA, where there is cyst formation within an otherwise obliterated biliary tree; and cytomegalovirus-associated BA. The cause of BA is unclear, with immune dysregulation, inflammation and infection, particularly with cytomegalovirus (CMV), all implicated. In this study a total of 50/67 samples were tested for CMV DNA using quantitative real-time PCR. Ten liver tissue and 8 bile samples from 10 patients representing the range of BA types were also analysed by next-generation sequencing. CMV DNA was found in 8/50 (16 %) patients and a total of 265 differentially expressed microRNAs were identified. No statistically significant differences between the various types of BA were found. However, differences were identified in the expression patterns of 110 microRNAs in bile and liver tissue samples (P<0.05). A small number of bacterial and viral sequences were found, although their relevance to BA remains to be determined. No direct evidence of viral causes of BA were found, although clear evidence of microRNAs associated with hepatocyte and cholangiocyte differentiation together with fibrosis and inflammation were identified. These include miR-30 and the miR-23 cluster (liver and bile duct development) and miR-29, miR-483, miR-181, miR-199 and miR-200 (inflammation and fibrosis).

Role of ncRNAs in modulation of liver fibrosis by extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles carrying bioactive lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of the cell of origin. In particular, EVs carry non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the vesicle membrane may protect them from degradation. Once released within the extracellular space, EVs can transfer their cargo, including ncRNAs, to neighboring or distant cells, thus inducing phenotypical and functional changes that may be relevant in several physio-pathological conditions. This review provides an overview of the role of EV-carried ncRNAs in the modulation of liver fibrosis. In particular, we focused on EV-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved into the development of liver fibrosis and on the potential use of EV-associated ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of liver fibrosis.

MicroRNA-483 amelioration of experimental pulmonary hypertension

Endothelial dysfunction is critically involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and that exogenously administered microRNA may be of therapeutic benefit. Lower levels of miR-483 were found in serum from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), particularly those with more severe disease. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses showed that miR-483 targets several PAH-related genes, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), TGF-β receptor 2 (TGFBR2), β-catenin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Overexpression of miR-483 in ECs inhibited inflammatory and fibrogenic responses, revealed by the decreased expression of TGF-β, TGFBR2, β-catenin, CTGF, IL-1β, and ET-1. In contrast, inhibition of miR-483 increased these genes in ECs. Rats with EC-specific miR-483 overexpression exhibited ameliorated pulmonary hypertension (PH) and reduced right ventricular hypertrophy on challenge with monocrotaline (MCT) or Sugen + hypoxia. A reversal effect was observed in rats that received MCT with inhaled lentivirus overexpressing miR-483. These results indicate that PAH is associated with a reduced level of miR-483 and that miR-483 might reduce experimental PH by inhibition of multiple adverse responses.

Toll-Like Receptor 5 Signaling Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inducing Interferon β-Modulated IL-1 Receptor Antagonist in Mice

Bacterial flagellin, recognized by cell surface of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 5, is a potent activator of many types of cells, leading to the activation of innate or adaptive immunity, which are pivotal in regulating fibrotic process. However, the exact role of TLR5 signaling in hepatic fibrogenesis remains unclear, and this study aims to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Flagellin was injected to hepatotoxin- and cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis murine models. Flagellin-induced TLR5 activation significantly decreased the severity of liver fibrosis. Interestingly, the expression levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and interferon (IFN)β markedly increased in fibrotic livers on flagellin treatment. Consistently, in vivo activation of TLR5 signaling markedly increased IFNβ and IL1RN expression in the livers. Notably, flagellin injection significantly exacerbated the severity of liver fibrosis in IFN-α/β receptor 1 (IFNAR1) knockout mice. Furthermore, hepatic expression of IL1RN in the fibrotic livers of IFNAR1 knockout mice was significantly lower than those of wild-type mice. In support of these findings, flagellin-mediated IL1RN production is not sufficient to alleviate the severity of hepatic fibroinflammatory responses in IFNAR1-deficient milieu. Finally, hepatic stellate cells treated with IL1RN had significantly decreased cellular activation and its associated fibrogenic responses. Collectively, manipulation of TLR5 signaling may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

MicroRNA-744/transforming growth factor β1 relationship regulates liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs have added a new dimension to our understanding of liver cirrhosis (LC) and associated processes like the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 40 LC patients and 30 healthy donors. CCl4-induced LC mouse model in vivo and in vitro human HSC LX-2 and murine HSC JS-1 cells were researched.

RESULTS

The levels of serum microRNA (miR)-744 is inversely correlated with the severity of LC and is a reliable biomarker of LC. In CCl4-induced LC model, the abundance of miR-744 was reduced in both sera and livers compared with sham controls. Importantly, increasing miR-744 abundance with synthetic miR-744 Agomir alleviated liver fibrosis, a critical component of LC, while reducing miR-744 with Antagomir exacerbated it. To elucidate molecular mechanism underlying the suppressive role of miR-744 in LC, we observed that miR-744 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) are inversely correlated in LC patients' sera as well as sera/livers from CCl4-induced LC mice. We demonstrated that miR-744 Agomir downregulated the expression of TGFβ1 and further confirmed that TGFβ1 mRNA was a bona fide miR-744 target in HSCs. Moreover, miR-744 Agomir reduced the degree of F-actin formation and cell proliferation while miR-744 Antagomir promoted these events, suggesting that miR-744 is a negative regulator of HSC activation.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-744-led suppression in HSC activation is most likely through TGFβ1 because exogenous TGFβ1 nearly negated miR-744 Agomir's action. This study suggests that reduction of miR-744 is a reliable biomarker for LC and miR-744/TGFβ1 relationship is a key regulator of LC.

Circulating Exosomal miRNA Profile During Term and Preterm Birth Pregnancies: A Longitudinal Study

Despite decades of research in the field of human reproduction, the mechanisms responsible for human parturition still remain elusive. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in the exosomal miRNA concentrations circulating in the maternal plasma between mothers delivering term and preterm neonates, across gestation using a longitudinal study design. This descriptive study identifies the miRNA content in exosomes present in maternal plasma of term and preterm birth (PTB) (n = 20 and n = 10 per each gestational period, respectively) across gestation (i.e., first, second, and third trimesters and at the time of delivery). Changes in exosomal miRNA signature in maternal plasma during term and preterm gestation were determined using the NextSeq 500 high-output 75 cycles sequencing platform. A total of 167 and 153 miRNAs were found to significantly change (P < 0.05) as a function of the gestational age across term and PTB pregnancies, respectively. Interestingly, a comparison analysis between the exosomal miRNA profile between term and PTB reveals a total of 173 miRNAs that significantly change (P < 0.05) across gestation. Specific trends of changes (i.e., increase, decrease, and both) as a function of the gestational age were also identified. The bioinformatics analyses establish that the differences in the miRNA profile are targeting signaling pathways associated with TGF-β signaling, p53, and glucocorticoid receptor signaling, respectively. These data suggest that the miRNA content of circulating exosomes in maternal blood might represent a biomolecular "fingerprint" of the progression of pregnancy.

Anti-fibrotic Effects and Mechanism of Shengmai Injection () on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells LX-2

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Shengmai Injection (, SMI) on the proliferation, apoptosis and N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2, a tumour suppressor gene) expression in varying densities of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2.

METHODS

LX-2 cells were cultured in vitro. Then, cells were plated in 96-well plates at an approximate density of 2.5×10⁴ cells/mL and cultured for 48, 72, 96 or 120 h followed by the application of different concentrations of SMI (0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL). Cell proliferation was measured after an additional 24 or 48 h using the 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of SMI on different cell growth states (cultured for 48, 72, 96, or 120 h) were observed by light microscopy at 24 h after treatment. When the cells reached 80% conflfluence, apoptosis was detected by flflow cytometry after 24 h. Lastly, LX-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of SMI and extracted with protein lysis buffer. The levels of NDRG2 were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

When the LX-2 cells grew for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL of SMI significantly inhibited cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h after treatment (P<0.05). And 2.4 μL/mL of SMI also inhibited cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment when cell growth for 48 h (P<0.05) and at 48 h after treatment when cell growth for 72, 96 and 120 h (P<0.05). The NDRG2 expression level in the LX-2 cell was significantly increased when treated with SMI at concentrations of 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effects of SMI on the proliferation of LX-2 cells were related to not only concentration dependent but also cell density. In addition, SMI (2.4, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL) could accelerate apoptosis in LX-2 cells, and the mechanism might be associated with NDRG2 over-expression.

The Glucose-Regulated MiR-483-3p Influences Key Signaling Pathways in Cancer

The hsa-mir-483 gene, located within the IGF2 locus, transcribes for two mature microRNAs, miR-483-5p and miR-483-3p. This gene, whose regulation is mediated by the the CTNNB1/USF1 complex, shows an independent expression from its host gene IGF2. The miR-483-3p affects the Wnt/β-catenin, the TGF-β, and the TP53 signaling pathways by targeting several genes as CTNNB1, SMAD4, IGF1, and BBC3. Accordingly, miR-483-3p is associated with various tissues specific physiological properties as insulin and melanin production, as well as with cellular physiological functions such as wounding, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Deregulation of miR-483-3p is observed in different types of cancer, and its overexpression can inhibit the pro-apoptotic pathway induced by the TP53 target effectors. As a result, the oncogenic characteristics of miR-483-3p are linked to the effect of some of the most relevant cancer-related genes, TP53 and CTNNB1, as well as to one of the most important cancer hallmark: the aberrant glucose metabolism of tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the miR-483-3p, to elucidate its functional role in physiological and pathological contexts, focusing overall on its involvement in cancer and in the TP53 pathway.

Large-scale screening of circulating microRNAs in individuals with HIV-1 mono-infections reveals specific liver damage signatures

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-induced inflammation and/or long-term antiretroviral drug toxicity may contribute to the evolution of liver disease. We investigated circulating plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers of liver injury in patients mono-infected with HIV-1. We performed large-scale deep sequencing analyses of small RNA level on plasma samples from patients with HIV-1 mono-infection that had elevated or normal levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infected patients were also studied. Compared to healthy donors, patients with HIV-1 or HCV mono-infections showed significantly altered (fold change >2, adjusted p < 0.05) level of 25 and 70 miRNAs, respectively. Of the 25 altered miRNAs found in patients with HIV-1, 19 were also found in patients mono-infected with HCV. Moreover, 13 of the 14 most up-regulated miRNAs (range: 9.3-3.4-fold increase) in patients with HCV mono-infections were also up-regulated in patients with HIV-1 mono-infections. Importantly, most of these miRNAs significantly and positively correlated with ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and liver fibrosis stage (p < 0.05). MiR-122-3p and miR-193b-5p were highly up-regulated HIV-1 mono-infected patients with elevated ALT or FNH, but not in HIV-1 patients with normal levels of ALT. These results reveal that HIV-1 infections impacted liver-related miRNA levels in the absence of an HCV co-infection, which highlights the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for the progression of liver injury in HIV-1 infected patients.

Mir-483 inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting TRAF1

MicroRNAs are important regulators during human growth and development. Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs play important roles in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to reveal the biological function and direct target gene of miR-483 in colorectal cancer. The biological function of miR-483 on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was then examined by Edu assay and transwell assay, respectively. Our findings revealed that miR-483 mimic could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration. The target gene of miR-483 was predicted by target scan software and identified by a dual fluorescence reporter system which showed that TRAF1 was a direct target gene of miR-483 in SW480 cell line. These data suggest that miR-483 is a colorectal cancer suppressor which could inhibit cell proliferation and migration, possibly via targeting TRAF1. The miR-483 could be a potential treatment target for colorectal cancer.

Effect of miR-182 on hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosomiasis japonica by targeting FOXO1 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

The study aimed to investigate the impact of miR-182 and FOXO1 on S. japonica-induced hepatic fibrosis. Microarray analysis was performed to screen out differential expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Rat hepatic fibrosis model and human hepatocellular cell line LX-2 were used to study the effect of miR-182 and FOXO1. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-182, FOXO1 or other fibrosis markers. The targeting relationship between FOXO1 and miR-182 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect FOXO1 or α-SMA in rat hepatic tissues. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins was detected by Western blot. miR-182 was highly expressed in liver fibrosis samples, and FOXO1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-182 expression. After transfection of miR-182, FOXO1 expression was down-regulated, with the results of LX-2 cells proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction, as well as the aggravation of rat hepatic fibrosis. The expression of p-AKT/AKT and p-S6/S6 was increased, meaning that the PI3K/AKT signal pathway was activated. The results were reversed when treated with Wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor). After transfection of miR-182 inhibitor, FOXO1 expression was up-regulated, LX-2 cell proliferation was inhibited, and apoptosis rate was increased. High-expressed miR-182 and low-expressed FOXO1 promoted proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis on liver fibrosis cells, stimulating the development of S. japonica-induced hepatic fibrosis through feeding back to PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for coronary plaque rupture

Coronary plaque rupture is the most common cause of acute coronary syndrome. However, the timely biomarker-based diagnosis of plaque rupture remains a major unmet clinical challenge. Balloon dilatation and stent implantation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could cause plaque injury and rupture. Here we aimed to assess the possibility of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers of acute coronary plaque rupture by virtue of the natural model of PCI-induced plaque rupture. Stable coronary artery disease patients underwent PCI with single stent implantation were recruited and a three-phase approach was conducted in the present study: (i) profiling of plasma miRNAs in a group of patients before (0 h) and after balloon dilatation for 1 h (1 h vs. 0 h), (ii) replication of significant miRNAs in the second group of patients (1 h vs. 0 h), (iii) validation of a multi-miRNAs panel in the third group of patients (0.5 h, 1 h vs. 0 h). Out of 24 miRNAs selected for replication, 6 miRNAs remained significantly associated with plaque rupture. In the validation phase, combinations of miR-483-5p and miR-451a showed the highest area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) (0.982; CI: 0.907-0.999) in patients with plaque rupture for 0.5 h; combinations of miR-483-5p and miR-155-5p showed the highest AUC (0.898; CI: 0.790-0.962) after plaque rupture for 1 h. In conclusion, using a profiling-replication-validation model, we identified 3 miRNAs including miR-155-5p, miR-483-5p and miR-451a, which may be biomarkers for the early identification of plaque rupture.

Therapeutic effects of serum extracellular vesicles in liver fibrosis

The lack of approved therapies for hepatic fibrosis seriously limits medical management of patients with chronic liver disease. Since extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as conduits for intercellular molecular transfer, we investigated if EVs from healthy individuals have anti-fibrotic properties. Hepatic fibrogenesis or fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)- or thioacetic acid-induced liver injury models in male or female mice were suppressed by serum EVs from normal mice (EVN) but not from fibrotic mice (EVF). CCl₄-treated mice undergoing EVN therapy also exhibited reduced levels of hepatocyte death, inflammatory infiltration, circulating AST/ALT levels and hepatic or circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hepatic histology, liver function tests or circulating proinflammatory cytokine levels were unaltered in control mice receiving EVN. As determined using PKH26-labelled EVN, principal target cells included hepatic stellate cells (HSC; a normally quiescent fibroblastic cell that undergoes injury-induced activation and produces fibrosis during chronic injury) or hepatocytes which showed increased EVN binding after, respectively, activation or exposure to CCl₄. In vitro, EVN decreased proliferation and fibrosis-associated molecule expression in activated HSC, while reversing the inhibitory effects of CCl₄ or ethanol on hepatocyte proliferation. In mice, microRNA-34c, -151-3p, -483-5p, -532-5p and -687 were more highly expressed in EVN than EVF and mimics of these microRNAs (miRs) individually suppressed fibrogenic gene expression in activated HSC. A role for these miRs in contributing to EVN actions was shown by the ability of their corresponding antagomirs to individually and/or collectively block the therapeutic effects of EVN on activated HSC or injured hepatocytes. Similarly, the activated phenotype of human LX-2 HSC was attenuated by serum EVs from healthy human subjects and contained higher miR-34c, -151-3p, -483-5p or -532-5p than EVs from hepatic fibrosis patients. In conclusion, serum EVs from normal healthy individuals are inherently anti-fibrogenic and anti-fibrotic, and contain microRNAs that have therapeutic actions in activated HSC or injured hepatocytes.

Abbreviations: ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; CCl₄: carbon tetrachloride; CCN2: connective tissue growth factor; E: eosin; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; EVs: extracellular vesicles; EVF: serum EVs from mice with experimental hepatic fibrosis; EVN: serum EVs from normal mice; H: hematoxylin; HSC: hepatic stellate cell; IHC: immunohistochemistry; IL: interleukin; MCP-1: monocyte chemotactic protein-1; miR: microRNA; mRNA: messenger RNA; NTA: nanoparticle tracking analysis; PCNA: proliferating cell nuclear antigen; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulphate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; αSMA: alpha smooth muscle actin; TAA: thioacetic acid; TG: transgenic; TGF-β: transforming growth factor beta; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TNFα: tumour necrosis factor alpha.

Serum microRNA screening and functional studies reveal miR-483-5p as a potential driver of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules, which have been addressed as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatic diseases. Here, we investigated the miRNA signature in the serum of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and we further assessed their expression in early stages of the disease.

METHODS

The levels of 758 miRNAs were evaluated in the serum of 26 SSc patients as compared to 9 healthy controls by using an Openarray platform. Three miRNAs were examined in an additional cohort of 107 SSc patients and 24 healthy donors by single qPCR. MiR-483-5p expression was further analysed in the serum of patients with localized scleroderma (LoS) (n = 22), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 33) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) (n = 23). The function of miR-483-5p was examined by transfecting miR-483-5p into primary human dermal fibroblasts and pulmonary endothelial cells.

RESULTS

30 miRNAs were significantly increased in patients with SSc. Of these, miR-483-5p showed reproducibly higher levels in an independent SSc cohort and was also elevated in patients with preclinical-SSc symptoms (early SSc). Notably, miR-483-5p was not differentially expressed in patients with SLE or pSS, whereas it was up-regulated in LoS, indicating that this miRNA could be involved in the development of skin fibrosis. Consistently, miR-483-5p overexpression in fibroblasts and endothelial cells modulated the expression of fibrosis-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that miR-483-5p is up-regulated in the serum of SSc patients, from the early stages of the disease onwards, and indicated its potential function as a fine regulator of fibrosis in SSc.

Predicting Value of ALCAM as a Target Gene of microRNA-483-5p in Patients with Early Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The long-term survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor. One of the reasons for the poor rate of survival is the high rate of recurrence caused by intrahepatic metastas is that adversely affects long-term outcome. Many studies have indicated that microRNAs play an important role in HCC, but there has been no research of clonal origins on recurrent HCC (RHCC) by analzing microRNAs. In the present study, we found that miR-483-5p was significantly upregulated in RHCC tissues of short-term recurrence (≤ 2 years) by miRNA microarray screening, and can significantly promote migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and increase intrahepatic metastasis in nude mice in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), which significantly suppressed migration and invasion of HCC cells, was a direct target of miR-483-5p, and the re-introduction of ALCAM expression could antagonize the promoting effects of miR-483-5p on the capacity of HCC cells for migration and invasion. In addition, expression level of ALCAM was negatively correlated with microvascular invasion and tumor size recognized as prognostic factors. The cases which were negative for ALCAM expression had shorter time to recurrence than positive cases, and univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that ALCAM was an independent risk factor of HCC recurrence. qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression of EMT related genes (MMP-2, MMP-9, E-caherin and vimentin) significantly changed as a result of interfering or overexpression of ALCAM, and ALCAM was significantly associated with EMT in HCC. These results suggest that the miR-483-5p/ALCAM axis is an important regulator in invasion and metastasis and biomarker for recurrence risk assessment of HCC.

Epigenetic alterations of the Igf2 promoter and the effect of miR‑483‑5p on its target gene expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most widespread malignancies in China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are endogenous evolutionarily-conserved small non-coding RNAs that are able to regulate ESCC formation and deterioration by negatively regulating specific target genes. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-483-5p and its associated mRNAs were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and the methylation levels of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) promoter were detected via the methylation-specific PCR method in serum and tissues from patients with ESCC. The results demonstrated that the expression level of miR-483-5p was significantly upregulated in preoperative serum and cancer tissues from patients with ESCC (P<0.01), and the miR-483-5p expression levels were correlated with the tumor, node, metastasis stage (P<0.05) and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). In addition, the mRNA levels of miR-483-5p target genes (Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor α, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) in cancer tissues were significantly decreased compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. These results indicated that miR-483-5p and its target genes may be involved in the developmental process of ESCC. The Igf2 levels in cancer tissues were significantly increased compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues (P<0.01). Additionally, the methylation levels of the Igf2 promoter region were 31.82 and 54.55% in cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues, respectively, suggesting that low methylation of the Igf2 gene promoter region may promote the expression of Igf2 and miR-483-5p; this, in turn, induces the degradation of miR-483-5p target genes, and leads to the upregulation of oncogenes and the downregulation of tumor suppressors, which promotes the development of ESCC.

Microarray profiling of circular RNAs and the potential regulatory role of hsa_circ_0071410 in the activated human hepatic stellate cell induced by irradiation

Radiation-induced liver fibrosis (RILF) is considered as a major complication of radiation therapy for liver cancer. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been recently identified as a functional noncoding RNA involving in various biological processes. However, the expression pattern and regulatory capacity of circRNA in the irradiated hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the main fibrogenic cell type, still remain unclear. A circRNA microarray was used to identify circRNA expression profiles in irradiated and normal HSC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the dysregulated circRNAs. Bioinformatic analyses including gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway and circRNA/microRNA interaction network analysis were applied to predict the potential functions of circRNAs. Compared with the normal HSC, 179 circRNAs were found to be up-regulated and 630 circRNAs were down-regulated in irradiated HSC (fold change ≥2.0 and P<0.05). Six dysregulated circRNAs selected randomly were successfully verified by qRT-PCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that dysregulated circRNA might be involved in the cell response to irradiation and biological processes of hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, inhibition of hsa_circ_0071410 increased the expression of miR-9-5p, resulting in the attenuation of irradiation induced HSC activation. In summary, this study revealed the expression profile and potential function of differentially expressed circRNAs in irradiated HSC, which provides novel clues for RILF study.

Dysregulation of miRNA Expression in Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) and Its Consequences on the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), has developed as an important target for understanding tumor progression, clinical prognosis and treatment responses of cancer. Cancer cells appear to transform normal fibroblasts (NF) into CAFs involving direct cell-cell communication and epigenetic regulations. This review summarizes the current understanding on miR involvement in cancer cell—tumor environment/stroma communication, transformation of NFs into CAFs, their involved targets and signaling pathways in these interactions; and clinical relevance of CAF-related miR expression profiles. There is evidence that miRs have very similar roles in activating hepatic (HSC) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) as part of precancerous fibrotic diseases. In summary, deregulated miRs affect various intracellular functional complexes, such as transcriptional factors, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, EMT/MET regulation, soluble factors, tyrosine kinase and G-protein signaling, apoptosis and cell cycle & differentiation, but also formation and composition of the extracellular microenvironment. These processes result in the clinical appearance of desmoplasia involving CAFs and fibrosis characterized by deregulated stellate cells. In addition, modulated release of soluble factors can act as (auto)activating feedback loop for transition of NFs into their pathological counterparts. Furthermore, epigenetic communication between CAFs and cancer cells may confer to cancer specific functional readouts and transition of NF. MiR related epigenetic regulation with many similarities should be considered as key factor in development of cancer and fibrosis specific environment.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: A novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells lose their specific markers and acquire a mesenchymal or myofibroblastic phenotype. Similar to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), EndMT can be induced by multiple stimulants such as cytokines and metabolic factors that play crucial roles in the development of the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have demonstrated that EndMT may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and may represent a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular remodeling and fibrotic disorders. The exact molecular mechanisms involved in cardiovascular pathogenesis that occur as a result of EndMT, however, are not fully explained. In this review, we reveal the multiple intercellular mechanisms of EndMT including stimulants, signaling pathways, and seek to explore the relationship between this biological process, cardiovascular system development, and CVDs that may lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CVDs.

miR-200a targets Gelsolin: A novel mechanism regulating secretion of microvesicles in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Microvesicle biogenesis is a highly regulated process. Aberrant release of microvesicles from cancer cells have been associated with their invasiveness and prognosis. However, the mechanism of aberrant release remains poorly understood. Herein, we found that hepatocellular carcinoma cells shed more microvesicles than normal hepatocytes and miR-200a were shown to inhibit the release of microvesicles in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Then, we confirmed that miR-200a might target Gelsolin and change cytoskeleton to regulate microvesicles secretion. Further miR-200a may inhibit the proliferation of adjacent cells by inhibiting the release of microvesicles. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-200a regulated the microvesicle biogenesis involved in the hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Intra-articular Delivery of Antago-miR-483-5p Inhibits Osteoarthritis by Modulating Matrilin 3 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. In our study, a real-time PCR assay revealed that miR-483-5p was upregulated in articular cartilage from OA patients and experimental OA mice induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus compared to their controls. Overexpression of miR-483-5p by intra-articular injection of lentivirus LV3-miR-483-5p significantly enhanced the severity of experimental OA. Consequently, we synthesized antago-miR-483-5p to silence the endogenous miR-483-5p and delivered it intra-articularly, which revealed that antago-miR-483-5p delayed the progression of experimental OA. To investigate the functional mechanism of miR-483-5p in OA development, we generated doxycycline-inducible miR-483 transgenic (TG483) mice. TG483 mice exhibited significant acceleration and increased severity of OA, and age-related OA occurred with higher incidence and greater severity in TG483 mice compared with their controls. Furthermore, our results revealed miR-483-5p directly targeted to the cartilage matrix protein matrilin 3 (Matn3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp2) to stimulate chondrocyte hypertrophy, extracellular matrix degradation, and cartilage angiogenesis, and it consequently initiated and accelerated the development of OA. In conclusion, our findings reveal an miRNA functional pathway important for OA development. Targeting of miR-483-5p by intra-articular injection of antago-miR-483-5p represents an approach that could prevent the onset of OA and delay its progression.

Latest advances in understanding of relationship between microRNAs and hepatic fibrosis

Studies have shown the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatic fibrosis. MiRNAs are important in regulating hepatic fibrosis, and have a close relationship with the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. This article reviews the latest advances in the understanding of the relationship between miRNAs and hepatic fibrosis.

Cellular and viral microRNAs in sepsis: mechanisms of action and clinical applications

Regardless of its etiology, once septic shock is established, survival rates drop by 7.6% for every hour antibiotic therapy is delayed. The early identification of the cause of infection and prognostic stratification of patients with sepsis are therefore important clinical priorities. Biomarkers are potentially valuable clinical tools in this context, but to date, no single biomarker has been shown to perform adequately. Hence, in an effort to discover novel diagnostic and prognostic markers in sepsis, new genomic approaches have been employed. As a result, a number of small regulatory molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key regulators of the inflammatory response. Although deregulated miRNA expression is increasingly well described, the pathophysiological roles of these molecules in sepsis have yet to be fully defined. Moreover, non-human miRNAs, including two Kaposi Sarcoma herpesvirus-encoded miRNAs, are implicated in sepsis and may drive enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines exacerbating sepsis. A better understanding of the mechanism of action of both cellular and viral miRNAs, and their interactions with immune and inflammatory cascades, may therefore identify novel therapeutic targets in sepsis and make biomarker-guided therapy a realistic prospect.

Metformin inhibits tumor growth by regulating multiple miRNAs in human cholangiocarcinoma

The antidiabetic drug metformin exerts antineoplastic effects in many types of malignancies, however the effect of metformin on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated that metformin treatment was closely associated with the clinicopathologic characteristics and improved postoperative survival of CCA patients. Metformin inhibited CCA tumor growth by cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. We explored that the expression of six miRNAs (mir124, 182, 27b, let7b, 221 and 181a), which could directly target cell-cycle-regulatory genes, was altered by metformin in vitro and in vivo. These miRNAs were dysregulated in cholangiocarcinoma and promoted the CCA genesis and metformin exactly modulated these carcinogenic miRNAs expression to arrest the cell cycle and inhibit the proliferation. Meanwhile, these miRNAs expression changes correlated with the tumor volume and postoperative survival of CCA patients and could be used to predict the prognosis. Further we confirmed that metformin upregulated Drosha to modulate these miRNAs expression. Our results elucidated that metformin inhibited CCA tumor growth via the regulation of Drosha-mediated multiple carcinogenic miRNAs expression and comprehensive evaluation of these miRNAs expression could be more efficient to predict the prognosis. Moreover, metformin might be a quite promising strategy for CCA prevention and treatment.

Hepatic Stellate Cells and microRNAs in Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by either blocking translation or inducing degradation of target mRNA. miRNAs play essential roles in diverse biological and pathological processes, including development of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in development of hepatic fibrosis and there are intricate regulatory effects of miRNAs on their activation, proliferation, collagen production, migration, and apoptosis. There are multiple differentially expressed miRNAs in activated HSCs, and in this review we aim to summarize current data on miRNAs that participate in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Based on this review, miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of liver disease, as well as markers of disease progression. Most importantly, dysregulated miRNAs may potentially be targeted by novel therapies to treat and reverse progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways alleviate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) deficiency mice

Current researches showed that TLR family plays an important role in liver fibrosis, yet the molecular mechanism by which this occurs is not fully explained. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR5 in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis, and further examined wether TLR5 knockout attenuated tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation via modulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Our results found that carbon tetrachloride induced liver function injury in WT mice with a inflammatory responses through the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, resulting in hepatic stellate cells activation. In contrast, TLR5 deficiency mice after carbon tetrachloride administration reduced NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways activation, which down regulated hepatic stellate cells activation. In addition, alpha smooth muscle-actin as marker of hepatic stellate cells further indicated that TLR5 knockout mice have a lower collagen accumulation in liver tissue than WT mice after carbon tetrachloride administration, resulting in inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways activation. Moreover, in vitro experiment of hepatic stellate cells challenged with LPS or TGF-β, further indicated that NF-κB and MAPK were involved in liver fibrosis development, leading to α-SMA expression and inflammation infiltration. However, cells from TLR5(-)(/-) may weaken phosphorylation levels of signal pathways, finally suppress progress of collagen accumulation and inflammatory responses. These results suggest a new therapeutic approach or target to protect against fibrosis caused by chronic liver diseases.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Circulating miRNAs for Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Because early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult to diagnose using the existing techniques, identifying better biomarkers would likely improve the patients' prognoses. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to appraise the utility of microRNAs (miRNAs) for the early diagnosis of HCC. Pertinent literature was collected from the Medline, Embase, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. We analyzed 50 studies that included 3423 cases of HCC, 2403 chronic hepatic disease (CH) patients, and 1887 healthy controls in 16 articles. Summary receiver operating characteristic analyses of all miRNAs showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82, with 75.8% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity in discriminating patients with HCC from healthy controls. miR-21 and miR-122 individually distinguished patients with HCC from healthy controls, with an AUC of 0.88 for miR-21 and 0.77 for miR-122. The sensitivity and specificity for miR-21 were 86.6% and 79.5%, respectively, those for miR-122 were 68.0% and 73.3%. We conclude that circulating miRNAs, particularly miR-21, and miR-122, are promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC.

Noncoding RNAs as potential biomarkers to predict the outcome in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a common digestive system cancer, is highly malignant and has a poor disease outcome. Currently, all available examination and detection methods cannot accurately predict the clinical outcome. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify novel molecular biomarkers for personalized medication and to significantly improve the overall outcome. The “noncoding RNAs” (ncRNAs) are a group of RNAs that do not code for proteins, and they are categorized as structural RNAs and regulatory RNAs. It has been shown that microRNAs and long ncRNAs function as regulatory RNAs to affect the progression of various diseases. Many studies have confirmed a role for ncRNAs in the progression of PDAC during the last few years. Because of the significant role of ncRNAs in PDAC, ncRNA profiling may be used to predict PDAC outcome with high accuracy. This review comprehensively analyzes the value of ncRNAs as potential biomarkers to predict the outcome in PDAC and the possible mechanisms thereof.

The role of miRNAs in the regulation of inflammatory processes during hepatofibrogenesis

Liver cirrhosis represents the end stage of most chronic inflammatory liver diseases and is a major global health burden. Despite the enormous relevance of cirrhotic disease, pharmacological strategies for prevention or treatment of hepatic fibrosis are still limited, underlining the need to establish a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hepatic cirrhosis. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as a new class of RNAs that do not withhold the information to encode for proteins but regulate whole gene expression networks during different physiological and pathological processes. Various authors demonstrated that miRNA species are functionally involved in the regulation of chronic liver damage and development of liver cirrhosis in inflamed livers. Moreover, circulating miRNA patterns were suggested to serve as blood-based biomarkers indicating liver injury and progression to hepatic cirrhosis and cancer. Here we summarize current findings on a potential role of miRNAs in the cascade leading from liver inflammation to liver fibrosis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. We compare data from animal models with findings on miRNAs dysregulated in human patients and finally highlight a potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers for liver injury, fibrosis and cancer.

Delivery and targeting of miRNAs for treating liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition originating from liver damage that leads to excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the liver. Viral infection, chronic injury, local inflammatory responses and oxidative stress are the major factors contributing to the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Multiple cell types and various growth factors and inflammatory cytokines are involved in the induction and progression of this disease. Various strategies currently being tried to attenuate liver fibrosis include the inhibition of HSC activation or induction of their apoptosis, reduction of collagen production and deposition, decrease in inflammation, and liver transplantation. Liver fibrosis treatment approaches are mainly based on small drug molecules, antibodies, oligonucleotides (ODNs), siRNA and miRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNA or miR) are endogenous noncoding RNA of ~22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at post transcription level. There are several miRNAs having aberrant expressions and play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Single miRNA can target multiple mRNAs, and we can predict its targets based on seed region pairing, thermodynamic stability of pairing and species conservation. For in vivo delivery, we need some additional chemical modification in their structure, and suitable delivery systems like micelles, liposomes and conjugation with targeting or stabilizing the moiety. Here, we discuss the role of miRNAs in fibrogenesis and current approaches of utilizing these miRNAs for treating liver fibrosis.