MiR‐199‐3p–Dnmt3a–STAT3 signalling pathway in ovalbumin‐induced allergic rhinitis

Role of LINC00240 on T-helper 9 differentiation in allergic rhinitis through influencing DNMT1-dependent methylation of PU.1

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disease with increasing prevalence globally. However, the molecular mechanism underlying AR pathogenesis remains largely undefined.

METHODS

Peripheral blood and nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients with AR (n = 22), and ovalbumin-induced AR mouse model (n = 8 per group) were prepared for subsequent detection. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of LINC00240, miR-155-5p, PU.1 and other key molecules. ELISA assay and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the secretion of IL-9 and T-helper 9 (Th9) cell ratio, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were employed to further elucidate the regulatory network of LINC00240/miR-155-5p/DNMT1. The methylation of PU.1 promoter was assessed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). This signaling axis was further validated in the mouse model of AR.

RESULTS

LINC00240 was downregulated, while miR-155-5p and PU.1 were upregulated in the peripheral blood and nasal mucosa of AR patients, as well as in AR mice. This was accompanied with the increased ratio of Th9 cells and elevated IL-9 secretion. Mechanistically, LINC00240 served as a miR-155-5p sponge, and DNMT1 was a target of miR-155-5p. In addition, DNMT1 mediated the methylation of PU.1 promoter. In vivo studies verified that LINC00240 mitigated AR progression, possibly via miR-155-5p/DNMT1/PU.1-dependent Th9 differentiation.

CONCLUSION

The involvement of LINC00240 in AR pathogenesis is closely associated with Th9 differentiation through modulating DNMT1-dependent methylation of PU.1 by sponging miR-155-5p.

Circulating mir-199-3p screens the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the complication of coronary heart disease and predicts the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which causes an adverse prognosis. There is an urgent need to explore effective biomarkers to evaluate the patients' adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify a novel indicator for screening T2DM and T2DM-CHD and predicting adverse prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled 52 healthy individuals, 85 T2DM patients, and 97 T2DM patients combined with CHD. Serum miR-199-3p levels in all study subjects were detected with PCR, and its diagnostic significance was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The involvement of miR-199-3p in disease development was assessed by the Chi-square test, and the logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in T2DM-CHD patients.

RESULTS

Significant downregulation of miR-199-3p was observed in the serum of both T2DM and T2DM-CHD patients, which discriminated patients from healthy individuals and distinguished T2DM and T2DM-CHD patients. Reduced serum miR-199-3p was associated with the increasing blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) of T2DM patients and the increasing triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fibrinogen, and total cholesterol (TC) and decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of T2DM-CHD patients. miR-199-3p was also identified as a biomarker predicting the occurrence of MACE.

CONCLUSION

Downregulated miR-199-3p could screen the onset of T2DM and its complication with CHD. Reduced serum miR-199-3p was associated with the severe development of T2DM and T2DM-CHD and predicted the adverse outcomes of T2DM-CHD patients.

Understanding the role of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in allergic rhinitis: A review

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, caused by the immunoglobulin E-mediated immune response. The annual incidence rate of AR is on the rise, exerting a significant impact on individuals' physical and mental wellbeing. The treatment effect in some patients is still not ideal, as the pathogenesis of AR is complex and diverse. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is widely involved in the occurrence and development of AR through various pathways. This article reviews the mechanism of pyroptosis and its research progress in the field of AR, and puts forward possible therapeutic targets to offer innovative approaches for its management.

A novel ratiometric sensor prepared based aggregation-induced emission for ultrafast detection of SO2 derivatives in food samples and living cells

As one of the gaseous signaling molecules, aberrant levels of SO₂ are usually associated with many diseases. it is of great significance to develop sensitive methods for detection SO₂ on real. In this paper, a D-π-A near-infrared aggregation-induced fluorescent probe (DPA-CN) was built using diphenylamino-4-benzaldehyde and malononitrile for sensing SO₂. The DPA-CN exhibit AIE characterization that can quickly recognize SO₂ via the Michael addition mechanism. The DPA-CN displayed emission blue drift from 650 nm to 560 nm after adding SO₂, thereby realizing rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection of SO₂. The mechanism for recognition of SO₂ was verified via magnetic resonance imaging ⁽¹H NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The DPA-CN realized rapid and sensitive recognition of SO₂ with high specificity in 10 s within the concentration range of 0-100 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) is as low as 0.31 μM. Owing to its high sensitivity and low toxicity, the DPA-CN can be applied in monitoring of SO₂ in living cells and food analysis. Furthermore, the DPA-CN was used to prepare a visible and ultrafast semiquantitative paper-based SO₂ sensor with low cost and easy operation.

Association of H-Type Hypertension with miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 in Kazahks of Xinjiang, China

Objective

This study aims to analyze the expressions of miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 in the serum of the patients with H-type hypertension among Kazakhs. Then, we analyzed the effect of MTHFR 677C > T polymorphism on the association between the above miRNA and H-type hypertension.

Method

In this study, the expression of miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 was quantitatively measured in 120 serum samples and then stratified according to the C677T polymorphism to analyze the relationship between target miRNAs and HHcy.

Results

The expression of miR-21/-29 in the hypertension group was higher than the normal group (P < 0.001). And the expression of miR-199 was higher in the hcy group than in the normal group (P < 0.001). In the CC and CT genotypes of MTHFR 677C > T, the expression of miR-21 was lower in the HHcy patients than in the normal individuals (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001) and miR-199 was significantly higher in the HHcy patients than in the normal ones (P = 0.002 and P = 0.048). No such difference was found in the TT genotype. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and MTHFRC677 T gene polymorphism, miR-21 was negatively correlated with hcy (OR = 0.222, 95% CI (0.101–0.485), P < 0.001) and miR-199 was positively correlated with hcy (OR = 1.823,95%CI (1.272∼2.614), P = 0.001).

Conclusion

miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 are associated with H-type hypertension in the Kazakhs, especially hyperhomocysteinemia. And these three miRNAs may serve as biomarkers to provide clues to the potential pathogenesis of H-type hypertension.

A near-infrared emitted fluorescence probe for the detection of biosulfite in live zebrafish, mouse and real food samples

Bisulfite (HSO₃^-) has been widely used as an important food additive in daily life. Furthermore, a normal amount of HSO₃^- plays a significant role in biological systems. However, excessive intake of HSO₃^- will lead to a variety of diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop an efficient fluorescent probe that can be used for detection of HSO₃^- in biological systems and food samples. In this work, a near-infrared (NIR) emitted fluorescent probe (SZY) based on hemicyanine dye was successfully synthesized and applied to detect HSO₃^- in several food samples and live animals. The proposed nucleophilic addition sensing mechanism of SZY towards HSO₃^- has been confirmed by ¹H NMR titration, high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical computation. The HSO₃^--induced nucleophilic reaction with α,β-unsaturated C=C binding of SZY results in the dramatic decline of the UV-vis absorption and remarkable quenching of the fluorescence emission. SZY features the advantages of near infrared emission (centered at 720 nm), high water solubility (in 98% aqueous solution), fast response time (50 s), large Stokes shift (244 nm) and low cytotoxicity. The probe SZY was successfully applied to image of HSO₃^- in live nude mouse and adult zebrafish. Semi-quantitatively analyzing the HSO₃^- level by "naked eye" in several food samples including canned fruit, white wine, white sugar and jasmine tea drinks has been realized by the colorimetric method.

miR-199b-5p-AKAP1-DRP1 pathway plays a key role in ox-LDL-induced mitochondrial fission and endothelial apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) remains prevalent despite hyperlipidemia-lowering therapies. Although multiple functions of miR-199b-5p have been implicated in cancers, its role in endothelial apoptosis and AS remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the role of miR-199b-5p in mitochondrial dynamics and endothelial apoptosis.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were subjected to other treatments, followed by a series analysis. We found that ox-LDL-treated HUVECs were associated with miR-199b-5p downregulation, increased reactive oxygen species level, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, mitochondrial fission, and apoptosis, whereas enhanced miR-199b-5p expression or applied mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) markedly reversed these changes.

RESULTS

Mechanistically, A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) was confirmed as a downstream target of miR-199b-5p by dual-luciferase activity reporter assay, AKAP1 overexpression reversed the anti-apoptotic effects of miR-199b-5p through the enhanced interaction of AKAP1 and dynamin protein 1 (DRP1) in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. Moreover, miR-199b-5p downregulation, AKAP1 upregulation, and excessive mitochondrial fission were verified in human coronary AS endothelial tissues.

CONCLUSION

The miR-199b-5p-dependent regulation of AKAP1/DRP1 is required to inhibit hyperlipidemia-induced mitochondrial fission and endothelial injury and could be a promising therapeutic target for AS.

MiR-199-3p Suppressed Inflammatory Response by Targeting MECP2 to Alleviate TRX-Induced PHN in Mice

Varicella zoster virus–induced postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can be alleviated by limited medications with serious side effects. This study aims to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-199-3p in mediating PHN in mice. 293T cells were transfected with miR-199-3p vectors (mimic/inhibitor). The target relationship between miR-199-3p and MECP2 was confirmed using luciferase reporter assay. PHN mouse model was established by TRX injection. Animal behaviors were evaluated using Hargreaves test and Von Frey test. Western blot was used for protein analysis, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed for messenger RNA quantification. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators were determined using ELISA. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) were decreased in resiniferatoxin-induced PHN mice. Downregulated miR-199-3p and upregulated MECP2 were found in PHN mice. Upregulated miR-199-3p increased PWL and MWT, but inhibited MECP2 in PHN mice. Besides, increased miR-199-3p suppressed proinflammatory indicators and activated anti-inflammatory mediators. It also found that MECP2 was the target of miR-199-3p. Further study showed miR-199-3p enhanced PWL and MWT, and supported inflammatory response via targeting MECP2. miR-199-3p regulated inflammation by targeting MECP2 to alleviate TRX-induced PHN in mice.

Activation of STAT6 by intranasal allergens correlated with the development of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in a mouse model

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by prominent eosinophilic infiltration along with a T-helper-2 (Th2) response. It has been well documented that signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a nuclear transcription factor that mediates Th2-type immunity and is implicatory of STAT1 and STAT3 in the pathogenesis of allergic airway diseases. However, little is known about the association between STATs and ECRS. Here, we explored the relationship between STAT1, STAT3, and/or STAT6 and eosinophilic inflammation accompanied by Th2-type immunity in a mouse model of ECRS. An ovalbumin (OVA)-staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced ECRS murine model was first established. The mucosal histological alterations were determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The number of eosinophils in peripheral blood was measured using a blood cell analyzer. The cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL17 A and IFN-γ) expression levels in the sinonasal mucosa and total and OVA-specific IgE from serum were measured using ELISA. Then, the protein levels of STAT1, STAT3, STAT6, phosphorylated STAT1 (p-STAT1), p-STAT3, p-STAT6, T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγt) in the sinonasal mucosa were examined by immunohistochemical staining or Western blotting. Local administration of OVA combined with SEB (OVA + SEB) induced multiple polyp-like lesions, accompanied by prominent eosinophilic infiltration in the sinonasal mucosa. The OVA- and OVA+SEB-treated groups showed significantly higher eosinophil counts from peripheral blood and total and OVA-specific IgE levels from serum than those in the PBS- and SEB-treated groups. The levels of p-STAT6 were markedly increased by OVA + SEB exposure, as well as GATA-3, IL-4, and IL-5, but did not affect STAT6, p-STAT1, p-STAT3, T-bet, RORγt, IFN-γ, or IL-17A. Furthermore, an eosinophil count in the sinonasal mucosa showed a positive correlation with the level of p-STAT6 in the ECRS mouse model. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 signaling could be activated in the OVA+SEB-induced ECRS model and might be a crucial signal transducer in the development of Th2-skewed ECRS.

Circ_0084615 is an oncogenic circular RNA in colorectal cancer and promotes DNMT3A expression via repressing miR-599

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in modulating cancer progression, exerting a pro- or anti-cancer effect. This work is aimed to probe the biological function of circ_0084615 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Circ_0084615 was selected from two circRNA microarray datasets (GSE138589 and GSE142837). Circ_0084615, microRNA (miR)-599 and DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) mRNA expression in CRC tissues and cell lines were examined by qRT-PCR. The relationship between circ_0084615 expression level and clinical features were analyzed with chi-square test. Circ_0084615 knockdown model was constructed by siRNA in two CRC cell lines. The biological functions of circ_0084615 in CRC cells were evaluated by CCK-8 and Transwell experiments. The effect of circ_0084615 on CRC cell metastasis in vivo was examined with lung metastasis model of nude mice. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine whether circ_0084615 and miR-599, and miR-599 and DNMT3A interacted with each other. Western blot was employed to examine the regulatory effects of circ_0084615 and miR-599 on DNMT3A protein expression in CRC cells.

RESULTS

Circ_0084615 was up-regulated in CRC and was correlated with poor overall survival rate and advanced clinical stage of CRC patients. Functional assays validated that depletion of circ_0084615 impeded CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Circ_0084615 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-599 to repress its expression. DNMT3A was a downstream target of miR-599. Functional compensation experiments showed that miR-599 inhibitors partially counteracted the the biological effects of silencing circ_0084615 on CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0084615 is a tumor-promoting circRNA in CRC that functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate DNMT3A expression via sponging miR-599. Our research provides a potential therapeutic target for CRC patients.

CircRNA circ_SEC24A upregulates DNMT3A expression by sponging miR-26b-5p to aggravate osteoarthritis progression

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by degeneration and injury of articular cartilage. Circular RNA_SEC24A (circ_SEC24A; circBase ID: hsa_circ_0005105) is upregulated and promotes multiple tumor processes. However, its role in OA progression remained mostly unknown.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the RNA expression of circ_SEC24A, miR-26b-5p and DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A). Cell proliferation was verified by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of DNMT3A, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (Collagen II and Aggrecan), and ECM degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase-13 [MMP13] and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 [ADAMTS5]). The target relationship between miR-26b-5p and circ_SEC24A or DNMT3A was predicted by Statbase3.0 or TargetScan and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Circ_SEC24A was upregulated in osteoarthritic cartilage tissues and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, accompanying with miR-26b-5p downregulation and DNMT3A upregulation. Circ_SEC24A expression was resistant to RNase R digestion and mainly expressed in the cytoplasm. Interfering circ_SEC24A abolished IL-1β-induced effects on proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, and ECM degradation in chondrocytes, but overexpressing circ_SEC24A had the opposite effects. Inhibiting miR-26b-5p counteracted but upregulating miR-26a-5p mimicked the functions of circ_SEC24A silencing. Reinforcing DNMT3A reversed miR-26b-5p overexpression's role in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Mechanically, circ_SEC24A and DNMT3A were competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) for miR-26b-5p.

CONCLUSION

Circ_SEC24A was a promoting factor for IL-1β-induced OA progression via circ_SEC24A/miR-26b-5p/DNMT3A ceRNA axis.

Targeting a novel hsa_circ_0000520/miR-556-5p/NLRP3 pathway-mediated cell pyroptosis and inflammation attenuates ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice models

OBJECTIVES

The circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks involve in regulating the development of various inflammation-associated diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR), and the present study aimed to identify novel AR-associated ceRNA networks.

METHODS

The mRNA and protein levels of the associated genes were, respectively, examined by real-time qPCR and western blot analysis. The targeting sites in miR-556-5p and NLRP3 were validated by performing dual-luciferase reporter gene system assay. ELISA was used to measure inflammatory cytokines secretion, and CCK-8 assay was conducted to determine cell proliferation.

RESULTS

Here, we first identified a hsa_circ_0000520/miR-556-5p/NLRP3 signaling cascade triggered epithelium pyroptosis and inflammation to regulate the development of AR in cellular and mice models. Specifically, the pyroptosis-associated biomarkers (NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (OVA-specific IgE, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5) were upregulated in the nasal subjects collected from AR patients and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice models, compared to their normal counterparts. Next, using the ceRNA networks analysis software, we screened out a hsa_circ_0000520/miR-556-5p axis that potentially regulated NLRP3 in the human nasal epithelial cell line. Mechanistically, miR-556-5p targeted both hsa_circ_0000520 and 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of NLRP3, and knock-down of hsa_circ_0000520 inactivated NLRP3-mediated epithelium pyroptosis through miR-556-5p in a ceRNA-dependent manner. Furthermore, we proved that both hsa_circ_0000520 ablation and miR-556-5p overexpression suppressed NLRP3-mediated cell pyroptosis to attenuate AR in mice models.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, we evidenced that targeting the hsa_circ_0000520/miR-556-5p/NLRP3 signaling pathway was a novel AQ1strategy to ameliorate AR progression; however, future clinical data are still required to validate our preliminary results.

Inhibition of miR-144/199 promote myeloma pathogenesis via upregulation of versican and FAK/STAT3 signaling

The continuous rise in relapse rate and mortality for multiple myeloma (MM) demands an effective treatment option. The microRNAs are emerging nowadays for their promising therapeutic potential. Earlier, we reported involvement of Versican (VCAN) in myeloma pathogenesis which could be inhibited by miR-144 and miR-199 in stroma. However, there is dearth of literature showcasing the direct effect of these miRs in association with VCAN in MM. Expression of miR-144 and miR-199 was determined in myeloma cell lines (RPMI8226 & U266). These miRs were inhibited by small oligos to elucidate changes in expression of VCAN along with variation in parameters such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, effect on certain downstream signaling cascades was also evaluated. Lastly, interaction of miRs with VCAN was assessed by reporter luciferase assay. microRNAs expression were found significantly elevated in myeloma cells in comparison to stromal levels reported previously. The antagomirs-mediated inhibition of miR-144 and miR-199 significantly induced VCAN expression in myeloma cells along with alteration in myeloma-associated parameters in favor of myeloma pathogenesis with downstream activation of FAK/STAT3 signaling. Interestingly, miR-144 found to have direct binding with VCAN 3' UTR while miR-199 possess different mechanism. The inhibition of miR-144 and miR-199 contributed in myeloma progression via upregulation of VCAN in vitro affirming the translational significance of VCAN and associated microRNAs in MM. These miRs, hence might be employed for targeting VCAN and might emerge as an effective therapy for the better outcome of MM in clinical settings in future.

Reaction-Based Ratiometric and Colorimetric Chemosensor for Bioimaging of Biosulfite in Live Cells, Zebrafish, and Food Samples

In this work, a reaction-based ratiometric and colorimetric sensor was designed and synthesized for probing bisulfite (HSO₃^-) by coupling coumarin (CM) with barbituric (BA) moiety. Further tests have shown that CM-BA has high selectivity and sensitivity for the recognition of HSO₃^-, which can be applied for the detection of HSO₃^- in environmental and biological systems very effectively. The fluorescence intensity ratios (F₄₆₂/F₅₆₈) exhibited an outstanding HSO₃^--dependent response with ultrafast response time (within 20 s) and a lower detection limit (105 nM). Meanwhile, the color of the CM-BA solution changed from green to colorless during the recognition process, and its fluorescence changed from green to blue. The mechanism of response is confirmed by the density functional theory (DFT) model. In summary, CM-BA has demonstrated low toxicity and good permeability, which can be applied for imaging HSO₃^- in cells and zebrafish safely and effectively. Besides, this novel sensor CM-BA successfully realized the quantification of the concentration of HSO₃^- in paper strips and food samples.

Serum LUCAT1 implicates the pathogenesis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer via targeting miR-199a-5p and miR-199b-5p

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a common malignancy of urinary system cancers, accounting for about 1/3 of all newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases. Due to its strong metastasis, the 5-year survival of MIBC is less than 50%, and in serious cases, the overall survival of metastatic bladder cancer patients is about 1.3 years. LncRNAs, a type of non-coding RNAs defined as the transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, are frequently aberrant in multiple cancers including cervical, ovarian, breast and bladder cancers. Recently, LUCAT1 (short for lung cancer-associated transcript 1), a lncRNA first reported to be involved in smoking-related lung cancer, has been observed to exhibit crucial roles in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion processes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and colorectal cancer. However, whether it involves in the pathogenesis of MIBC remains underexplored. In the present study, LUCAT1 was up-regulated in the serum samples of MIBC patients and bladder cancer cell lines, as assessed using real-time PCR. Our in vitro data (including wound healing and trans-well assays) showed that LUCAT1 was required for the proliferation, EMT, migration and invasion processes of T24 cells. Moreover, LUCAT1 directly targeted miR-199a-5p and miR-199b-5p, as affirmed using the luciferase reporter assay, and manipulation of LUCAT1 significantly suppressed miR-199a-5p and miR-199b-5p. Collectively, our findings highlight an axis of LUCAT1/miR-199a/b-5p in MIBC pathogenesis. Therefore, LUCAT1 may possibly be a promising candidate for diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of MIBC.

MicroRNA-223-3p regulates allergic inflammation by targeting INPP4A

Introduction

Emerging evidence indicates that physiological and pathological conditions of the nose are posttranscriptionally regulated by microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs. Recently, microRNA-223-3p has been increasingly implicated in the modulation of allergic rhinitis

Objective

This study aimed to assess the role and mechanism of microRNA-223-3p in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

Methods

The expression level of miR-223-3p was measured in the serum of 41 allergic rhinitis patients and 39 healthy controls using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. BALB/c mice were used to establish an allergic rhinitis model by intraperitoneal sensitization and intranasal challenge with ovalbumin. MicroRNA-223-3p agomir/antagomir was then intranasally administered to mice after ovalbumin challenge for another week. The symptoms of nasal rubbing and sneezing were recorded. Serum ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E concentration, microRNA-223-3p expression and proinflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) levels in nasal mucosa were measured by ELISA and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Histopathologic changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

MicroRNA-223-3p levels increased significantly in both allergic rhinitis patients and allergic rhinitis mice. In addition, upregulation of microRNA-223-3p levels by nasal administration of microRNA-223-3p agomir also markedly increased the concentration of ovalbumin -specific IgE, the frequencies of nasal rubbing and sneezing, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) and eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice. Moreover, microRNA-223-3p antagomir appeared to strongly ameliorate the symptoms and pathology in nasal mucosa. Subsequently, we demonstrated for the first time that microRNA-223-3p negatively regulated INPP4A expression by binding with the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of INPP4A.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that microRNA-223-3p plays an important role in regulating the pathology and symptoms of allergic rhinitis by targeting INPP4A.