Inhibition of miR-182-5p protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis by targeting CIAPIN1

Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in Zi goose testis with high and low sperm mobility

Sperm mobility (SM) is an objective index for measuring sperm motility; however, the mechanisms underlying its regulation in geese remain unclear. The present study sought to elucidate the genetic mechanism underlying SM traits in Zi geese (Anser cygnoides L.). To this end, three successive experiments were performed. In Experiment I, SM was determined in 40 ganders; the 3 ganders with the highest mobility and three with the lowest mobility were assigned to the high and low sperm mobility rank (SMR) groups, respectively. In Experiment II, the differences in fertility between the two SMR groups were assessed within two breeding flocks comprising the selected six ganders from Experiment I and 30 females (each flock had 3 ganders and 15 females). In Experiment III, the testes of the 6 ganders were harvested for histological observation and whole-transcriptome sequencing. Results revealed better fertility, well-developed seminiferous tubules, and abundant mature sperm in the high-SMR-flock compared to those of the low-SMR-flock (89 vs. 81%) (P < 0.05). Differential expression (DE) analysis identified 76 mRNAs, 344 lncRNAs, and 17 miRNAs between the SMR groups, with LOC106049708, XPNPEP3, GNB3, ADCY8, PRKAG3, oha-miR-182-5p, and ocu-miR-10b-5p identified as key mRNAs and miRNAs contributing to SM. Enrichment analysis implicated these DE RNAs in pathways related to ATP binding, cell metabolism, apelin signaling, Wnt signaling, and Adherens junctions. Additionally, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks comprising 9 DE mRNAs, 17 DE miRNAs, and 169 DE lncRNAs were constructed. Two ceRNA network pathways (LOC106049708-oha-miR-182-5p-MSTRG.2479.6 and PRKAG3-ocu-miR-10b-5p-MSTRG.9047.14) were identified as key regulators of SM in geese. These findings offer crucial insights into the identification of key genes and ceRNA pathways influencing sperm mobility in geese.

Non-coding RNAs modulate pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: A comprehensive review

Reperfusion therapy is the most effective treatment for acute myocardial infarction. However, reperfusion itself can also cause cardiomyocytes damage. Pyroptosis has been shown to be an important mode of myocardial cell death during ischemia-reperfusion. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in regulating pyroptosis. The regulation of pyroptosis by microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs may represent a new mechanism of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. This review summarizes the currently known regulatory roles of ncRNAs in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and interactions between ncRNAs. Potential therapeutic strategies using ncRNA modulation are also discussed.

Effect of miR-182-5p on apoptosis in myocardial infarction

Objective

This study aimed to delineate the diagnostic significance of miR-182-5p by investigating its influence on myocardial apoptosis and function, employing both in vivo and in vitro myocardial infarction models.

Methods

A rat myocardial infarction model was established. Myocardial infarction area was detected using the 2,3,5-chlorotriphenyltetrazolium (TTC) method, myocardial enzyme spectrums were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), myocardial structure was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, myocardial apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL method, and expression levels of miR-182-5p and apoptosis-related molecules were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. miR-182-5p mimics and inhibitor were transfected into rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes and mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes to establish a hypoxia model. Cardiomyocyte viability was detected using the CCK-8 method, expression levels of apoptosis-related indicators were detected using Western blot, and caspase-3/7 activity was detected using a caspase-3/7 activity detection kit. AAV9 adeno-associated virus was used to construct an miR-182-5p overexpression virus, which was injected into mice through the tail vein to create a mouse myocardial infarction model. TTC, ELISA, HE staining, echocardiography, real-time fluorescence qPCR, and Western blot methods were used to detect the effects of AAV9-miR-182-5p on myocardial injury, myocardial function, and myocardial apoptosis levels in myocardial infarction.

Results

The rat model displayed reduced miR-182-5p expression concurrent with an increase in apoptosis. The in vitro H9C2 and HL-1 hypoxia models revealed that miR-182-5p augmented the hypoxia-induced decrease in myocardial cell viability, suppressed Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax, Bnip3, and caspase-3/7 activity levels. The injection of AAV9-miR-182-5p significantly exacerbated myocardial tissue damage, impaired myocardial function, and enhanced apoptosis.

Conclusion

miR-182-5p escalates myocardial injury during myocardial infarction by fostering apoptosis. Interventions that aim to reduce miR-182-5p levels might be crucial in halting the progression of myocardial infarction.

B7 Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating the Expression of Caspase-3 and Inhibits Autophagy

Purpose

Heterocyclic compounds are organic compounds with heterocyclic structures, which are common in drug molecules. They include pyrazines with diverse functions, including anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticholinergic activities. In this study a new small molecular compound B7 based on tetrazolium substituted pyrazine was synthesized and its effect on the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its potential mechanism were investigated.

Methods

We synthesized a series of tetrazolium-substituted pyrazine compounds by chemoenzymatic method. NCM460 (Human), HCT116 (Human), SW480 (Human) cell lines were selected to analyse the inhibitory effect of B7 on CRC by CCK-8, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, qPCR, Western blotting, molecular docking, immunofluorescence. Moreover, a CRC xenograft model of mice was used to analyzed the role of B7 in vivo.

Results

Among these compounds, 3-methyl-5je-6-bis (1H-tetrazole-5-yl) pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (B7) inhibited CRC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. The expression of Caspase-3 was increased after B7 treatment. In addition, the mitochondria abnormalities was observed in B7 group due to decrease the expression of Beclin-1. In addition, B7 inhibited the migration and invasion in CRC cells. Finally, the results showed that B7 had anti-tumor activity in CRC xenograft model of mice.

Conclusion

In summary, compound B7 was synthesized efficiently using tetrazolium-substituted pyrazine via a chemoenzymatic method. Moreover, B7 have ability to regulate the expression of Caspase-3 which induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, decreased Beclin-1 expression after B7 treatment, indicating inhibited autophagy. This study showed that B7 effectively induced apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in CRC cells.

Role of miR-182 in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

The treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have undergone major advances in recent decades, allowing for a more effective prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, cardiac and cerebral atherothrombotic complications still account for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Novel therapeutic strategies are critical to improve patient outcomes following cardiovascular diseases. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, that regulate gene expression. Here, we discuss the role of miR-182 in regulating myocardial proliferation, migration, hypoxia, ischemia, apoptosis and hypertrophy in atherosclerosis, CAD, MI, I/R injury, organ transplant, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart disease and cardiotoxicity. Besides, we also summarize the current progress of miR-182 therapeutics in clinical development and discuss challenges that will need to be overcome to enter the clinic for patients with cardiac disease.

Inhibition of miR-182-5p Targets FGF9 to Alleviate Osteoarthritis

Background. The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is complex and there is no specific drug for treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular targets of OA therapy, focusing on the expression and biological functions of miR-182-5p and its target genes in OA. Methods. miR-182-5p and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) were overexpressed or knocked down in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. An OA knee model was performed by surgically destroying the medial meniscus. The gene expression of miR-182-5p and FGF9 was calculated. The protein FGF9 was tested by western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), plate cloning assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. The expression of inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and interleukin (IL)-8, was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated the targeting relationship between miR-182-5p and FGF9. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and safranin O-fast Green (S–O) staining were utilized to access cartilage damage. Ki67 expression in cartilage was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC). TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to calculate the apoptosis rate of cartilage. Results. The expression of miR-182-5p was upregulated, and FGF9 was downregulated in the IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes proliferation ability in the miR-182-5p mimics group was decreased, and the apoptosis rate and inflammatory factor were increased. Transfection with miR-182-5p inhibitor increased the proliferative ability and decreased the apoptosis rate in the IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Transfection with miR-182-5p inhibitor reversed IL-1β-induced inflammatory factor release in chondrocytes. Targeted binding sites existed between miR-182-5p and FGF9. After overexpression of FGF9, the miR-182-5p effect on OA chondrocytes was reversed. The hyaline cartilage thickness and proteoglycan content decreased in OA rats, and this was reversed by miR-182-5p inhibitor treatment. Conclusions. miR-182-5p expression levels were increased in OA chondrocytes and regulated chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation by targeting FGF9. miR-182-5p is a potential gene for OA treatment.

Hypoxia-induced miR-182-5p regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch by targeting RGS5

In response to vascular injury or alterations in the local environment, such as hypoxia and hypertension, contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are able to switch to a synthetic phenotype characterized by increased extracellular matrix synthesis with decreased expression of contractile markers. miR-182-5p has recently been reported to play a regulatory role in VSMCs proliferation. However, little is known about its target genes and related pathways in VSMCs phenotypic switch. Here, we investigated the function of miR-182-5p in VSMCs phenotypic switch. The results showed that upregulation of miR-182-5p promoted the switching of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, hypoxia elevated miR-182-5p, leading to a reduction in expression of contractile markers and weakened RhoA signaling. Using bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue assays, we demonstrated that miR-182-5p suppressed RhoA signaling by targeting RGS5. Collectively, the results from the present study indicated that miR-182-5p/RGS5/RhoA axis regulated hypoxia-induced VSMCs phenotypic switch.

Inhibition of miR-182-5p attenuates ROS and protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by targeting STK17A

Reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction inevitably leads to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. A number of miRNAs are reported to be involved in I/R injury. This study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-182-5p in I/R injury. An in vivo model of I/R-induced rat myocardial injury and an in vitro model of H/R H9c2 cells were established to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-182-5p in I/R injury. The myocardial infarct size was determined by TTC staining. The serum CK-MB level was determined by ELISA kit. The miR-182-5p inhibitors or mimics were used to down-regulate or up-regulate its expression. The apoptosis and ROS were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of the proteins was detected by western blot. The binding of STK17A and miR-182-5p was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The miR-182-5p was confirmed to be highly expressed in I/R injury rats and H/R H9c2 cells. Inhibition of miR-182-5p significantly reduced the infarct size and decreased the serum CK-MB level of I/R rats, and significantly reduced the ROS level but increased the level of MnSOD and catalase. While, an opposite effect was observed in the miR-182-5p mimics group. Furthermore, our results suggested that miR-182-5p targeted STK17A, and TK17A knockdown significantly increased the apoptotic rate and ROS level. The inhibitory effect of miR-182-5p inhibitors on apoptotic rate, ROS, MnSOD, and catalase levels were abrogated by siSTK17A. These results indicate that miR-182-5p regulates the apoptosis and ROS and protects against myocardial I/R injury by targeting STK17A.

MicroRNA-182-5p aggravates ulcerative colitis by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through DNMT3A-mediated SMARCA5 methylation

This research focused on novel molecular mechanisms underlying microRNA (miR)-182-5p in ulcerative colitis (UC). Colon tissues were obtained from UC patients, and dextrose sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced Caco-2 cell models were generated. Then, miR-182-5p, SMARCA5, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were altered in IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells and DSS-treated mice to assess their function. MiR-182-5p and SMARCA5 were upregulated and DNMT3A, β-catenin, and Cyclin D1 were downregulated in UC patients, IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells, and DSS-treated mice. Mechanistically, miR-182-5p targeted DNMT3A to upregulate SMARCA5, thus blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, SMARCA5 silencing or Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation repressed apoptosis and augmented proliferation and epithelial barrier function of IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells. SMARCA5 silencing annulled the impacts of miR-182-5p overexpression on IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells. SMARCA5 silencing or miR-182-5p inhibition ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunction in DSS-treated mice. Collectively, miR-182-5p aggravates UC by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through DNMT3A-mediated SMARCA5 methylation.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-182-5p alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by targeting GSDMD in mice

Recent evidence indicates that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) confer protective effects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Exosomes are carriers of potentially protective endogenous molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs). The current study set out to test the effects of transferring miR-182-5p from MSC-derived exosomes into myocardial cells on myocardial I/R injury. First, an I/R mouse model was developed by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, and myocardial cells were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) for in vitro I/R model establishment. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments of miR-182-5p and GSDMD were conducted to explore the effects of miR-182-5p via MSC-derived exosomes on cell pyroptosis and viability. GSDMD was robustly expressed in I/R-injured myocardial tissues and H/R-exposed myocardial cells. GSDMD upregulation promoted H/R-induced myocardial cell pyroptosis and reduced viability, corresponding to increased lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species production, and pyroptosis. A luciferase assay demonstrated GSDMD as a target of miR-182-5p. In addition, exosomal miR-182-5p was found to diminish GSDMD-dependent cell pyroptosis and inflammation induced by H/R. Furthermore, MSC-derived exosomes carrying miR-182-5p improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial infarction, accompanied with reduced inflammation and cell pyroptosis in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest a cardioprotective effect of exosomal miR-182-5p against myocardial I/R injury, shedding light on an attractive therapeutic strategy.

Downregulation of Talin-1 is associated with the increased expression of miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p in coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicates that the dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The Talin-1 (TLN1) gene is a major component of the ECM, and it mediates integrin adhesion to the ECM. In this study, we aimed to determine microRNAs (miRs) that regulate the expression of TLN1 and determine expression alterations in TLN1 and its targeting miRs in coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Data sets of CAD and normal samples of blood exosomes were downloaded, and TLN1 was chosen as one of the genes with differential expressions in an in silico analysis. Next, miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p, which have a binding site on 3´-UTR of TLN1, were selected using bioinformatics tools. Then, the miR target site was cloned in the psiCHECK-2 vector, and direct interaction between the miR target site and the TLN1 3'-UTR putative target site was investigated by luciferase assay. The expression of miR-182-5p, miR-9-5p, and TLN1 in the serum samples of CAD and non-CAD individuals was assessed via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that miR-182-5p directly regulated the expression of TLN1. Moreover, miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p were significantly upregulated in the CAD group. Hence, both bioinformatics and experimental analyses determined the downregulated expression of TLN1 in the CAD samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p could play significant roles in TLN1 regulation and participate in CAD development by targeting TLN1. These findings introduce novel biomarkers with a potential role in CAD pathogenesis.

1,2-Dichloroethane induces apoptosis in the cerebral cortexes of NIH Swiss mice through microRNA-182-5p targeting phospholipase D1 via a mitochondria-dependent pathway

1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) is a pervasive environmental pollutant found in ambient and residential air, as well as ground and drinking water. Overexposure to it results in cortex edema, in both animals and humans. 1,2-DCE induces apoptosis in the cerebellum, liver and testes. This promotes the hypothesis that 1,2-DCE may induce apoptosis in the cortex as brain edema progresses. To validate our hypothesis, 40 NIH male mice were exposed to 0, 100, 350, 700 mg/m³ 1,2-DCE by whole-body dynamic inhalation for 28 consecutive days. MicroRNA (miRNA) and mRNA microarray combined with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, flow cytometry, and mitochondrial membrane potential (mtΔΨ) measurement were applied to identify the cortex apoptosis pathways' specific responses to 1,2-DCE, in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that 1,2-DCE caused brain edema and increased apoptosis in the mouse cortexes. We confirmed that 1,2-DCE induced increased apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway, both in vitro and in vivo, as evidenced by increased Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, Cytochrome c and Bax expression, and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, mtΔΨ decreased after 1,2-DCE treatment in vitro. 1,2-DCE exposure increased miR-182-5p and decreased phospholipase D1 (PLD1) in the cerebral cortex of mice. MiR-182-5p overexpression and PLD1 inhibition reduced mtΔΨ and increased astrocyte apoptosis, yet miR-182-5p inhibition alleviated the 1,2-DCE-induced PLD1 down-regulation and the increased apoptosis. Finally, PLD1 was confirmed to be a target of miR-182-5p by luciferase assay. Taken together, our findings indicate that 1,2-DCE exposure induces apoptosis in the cortex via a mitochondria-dependent pathway. This pathway is regulated by a miR-182-5p⊣PLD1 axie.

Tat-CIAPIN1 protein prevents against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity in pancreatic RINm5F β-cells

Cytokines activate inflammatory signals and are major mediators in progressive β-cell damage, which leads to type 1 diabetes mellitus. We recently showed that the cell-permeable Tat-CIAPIN1 fusion protein inhibits neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. However, how the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein affects cytokine-induced β-cell damage has not been investigated yet. Thus, we assessed whether the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein can protect RINm5F β-cells against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity. In cytokine-exposed RINm5F β-cells, the transduced Tat-CIAPIN1 protein elevated cell survivals and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA fragmentation levels. The Tat-CIAPIN1 protein reduced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB activation levels and elevated Bcl-2 protein, whereas Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins were decreased by this fusion protein. Thus, the protection of RINm5F β-cells by the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity can suggest that the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein might be used as a therapeutic inhibitor against RINm5F β-cell damage.

Astragalus Polysaccharide Regulates miR-182/Bcl-2 Axis to Relieve Metabolic Memory through Suppressing Mitochondrial Damage-Mediated Apoptosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic memory is one of the causes of diabetic retinopathy, and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has great advantages in the treatment of diabetes. However, the effect of APS on metabolic memory remains to be investigated.

METHODS

Retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 and primary retinal pigment epithelial cells were used to verify the effect of APS on mitochondria damage and apoptosis induced by high glucose-induced metabolic memory. The relationship between miR-182 and Bcl-2 was confirmed by a luciferase activity assay. Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were conducted to investigate the changes in mitochondrial damage- and apoptosis-associated markers. The cell mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by JC-1 fluorescence. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the occurrence of apoptosis.

RESULTS

Treatment with high glucose followed by normal glucose significantly upregulated the expression of miR-182 and downregulated the expression of its target Bcl-2, and APS treatment reversed the above effects. Additionally, APS treatment restored mitochondrial function and inhibited apoptosis in cells in a state of metabolic memory. The effects of APS against mitochondrial damage and apoptosis were partially inhibited after miR-182 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

APS alleviated mitochondrial damage and apoptosis induced by metabolic memory by regulating the miR-182/Bcl-2 axis, which might serve as a new strategy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

lncRNA NONHSAT069381 and NONHSAT140844 Increase in Aging Human Blood, Regulating Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Aging augments postischemic apoptosis via incomplete mechanisms. Our previous animal study suggests that in addition to proapoptotic effects, lncRNAs also exert antiapoptotic effects in cardiomyocytes. However, whether this unexpected phenomenon exists in humans is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between aging and apoptosis regulation in human blood samples and confirmed their role by utilizing the cardiomyocyte lines (AC16 cells). Human blood samples were collected from 20 pairs of older adult and young volunteers. Age-different apoptotic regulatory lncRNAs and miRNAs were identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. The results indicated that lncRNA (NONHSAT069381 and NONHSAT140844) and miRNA (hsa-miR-124-5p and hsa-miR-6507-5p) were increased in aging human blood, confirmed by both bioinformatics analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overexpression of NONHSAT069381 in AC16 cells increased caspase-3 levels and increased cardiomyocyte apoptotic cell death (determined by TUNEL staining and caspase activity assays) after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), while overexpression of NONHSAT140844 increased X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) content and decreased the myocardial apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay revealed that hsa-miR-124-5p might be a mediator between NONHSAT069381 and mCASP3 and hsa-miR-6507-5p might be a mediator between NONHSAT140844 and mXIAP. Overexpression of hsa-miR-124-5p decreased caspase-3 levels and overexpression of hsa-miR-6507-5p decreased XIAP content in AC16 cells. We have found evidence that lncRNAs are important regulatory molecules in aging-mediated effects upon apoptosis. More interestingly, besides apoptosis-promoting effects, aging also inhibits myocardial apoptosis after H/R. This phenomenon also exists in the human cardiomyocyte line.

Inhibition of lncRNA SNHG8 plays a protective role in hypoxia-ischemia-reoxygenation-induced myocardial injury by regulating miR-335 and RASA1 expression

Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs serve a role in a number of diseases, including different types of cancer and acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 (SNHG8) in hypoxia-ischemia-reoxygenation (HI/R)-induced myocardial injury and its potential mechanism of action. Cell viability, proliferation, creatine kinase myocardial band, cell apoptosis and protein expression levels were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, EdU assay, ELISA, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. The association between SNHG8 and microRNA (miR)-335 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of the miR-335 inhibitor transfections had on increasing apoptosis and decreasing H9C2 cell viability were reversed in cells co-transfected with SNHG8 small interfering (si)RNA. Furthermore, it was found that miR-335 could regulate RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) expression and that transfection with SNHG8 siRNA downregulated RASA1 expression. Silencing of RASA1 protected against HI/R-induced H9C2 cell injury. However, SNHG8 siRNA did not further reduce apoptosis, demonstrating that SNHG8 may act through RASA1, and RASA1 may mediate the protection of SNHG8 siRNA in HI/R myocardial injury. Thus, inhibition of lncRNA SNHG8 alleviated HI/R-induced myocardial damage by regulating miR-335 and RASA1.

Inhibition of miR-322-5p Protects Cardiac Myoblast Cells Against Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis and Injury Through Regulating CIAPIN1

ABSTRACT

Hypoxia leads to insufficient supply of blood and nutrients, which is major incentive for cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis. Previous studies reported the regulation effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) in myocardial infarction, whereas function and molecular mechanisms of miR-322-5p were still unclear. Therefore, our study focused on the biological role of miR-322-5p in hypoxia-induced cardiac myoblast cells apoptosis and injury. The expression levels of miR-322-5p and cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cardiac myoblast cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide (MTT), lactic dehydrogenase, and flow cytometry assays were performed to examine proliferation, injury, and apoptosis of cardiac myoblast cells, respectively. The protein expression levels were evaluated with western blot assay. The relationship between miR-322-5p and CIAPIN1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter analysis. We found that miR-322-5p level was increased in cardiac myoblast cells exposed to hypoxia. In addition, miR-322-5p silencing could weaken injury and apoptosis in cardiac myoblast cells induced by hypoxia; meanwhile, inhibition of miR-322-5p activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathway. Besides, CIAPIN1 was a target mRNA of miR-322-5p based on bioinformatics prediction. CIAPIN1 knockdown reversed the effects of miR-322-5p silencing on hypoxic cardiac myoblast cells. Suppression of miR-322-5p protected cardiac myoblast cells against hypoxia-induced injury and apoptosis through regulation of CIAPIN1 expression and PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Interrelation between miRNA and mRNA expression in HT-29 line cells under hypoxia

Hypoxia accompanies various pathophysiological processes, including progression of tumors and metastasis. One of the mechanisms of molecular response of cells to hypoxia implies recruitment of specific miRNAs that regulate the expression of their target genes. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoxia-induced change in expression of miRNAs and their target genes in the HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line with the help of integrated miRNA and mRNA sequencing. To simulate hypoxia, the cells were treated with cobalt (II) chloride. We registered a significant change in expression of sixteen human miRNAs. Six of them (hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-215 -5p, hsa-miR-425-5p) had a significant proportion of target genes that had the expression changing in the opposite direction. Based on the bioinformatic analysis of interactions between differentially expressed transcription factors and miRNAs, we built a possible regulatory network with its main hubs being HIF-1α, p65, с-Myc, and Egr1 (encoded by the HIF1A, RELA, MYC and EGR1 genes).

Effects of carbon nanotube-mediated Caspase3 gene silencing on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac function during early acute myocardial infarction

RNA interference (RNAi) technology can achieve efficient and specific silencing of Caspase3 gene expression, thus providing new options for anti-apoptosis treatment. However, delivering siRNA to specific cells and tissues in the body is a significant challenge. Therefore, we aim to construct a functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (F-CNT) bound to siRNA from Caspase3. The obtained gene transfer carrier F-CNT-siCas3 not only demonstrated a good water solubility and biocompatibility, but also had a high transfection efficiency of up to 82%, which significantly downregulated the expression level of the Caspase3 gene miRNA and protein in primary cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, it was verified by in vivo experiments that Caspase3 gene silencing had obvious protective effects on myocardial cell apoptosis, ventricular remodeling, and cardiac function in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after coronary artery ligation. This study may provide an important theoretical basis for the application of F-CNT in vivo siRNA gene therapy to treat cardiovascular diseases.

MicroRNA-182 exacerbates blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption by downregulating the mTOR/FOXO1 pathway in cerebral ischemia

Cerebral ischemia causes damage to the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and alleviating BBB destruction will be of great significance for the treatment and prognosis of ischemic stroke. Recently, microRNAs have been shown to play a critical role in BBB integrity. However, the potential mechanism by which microRNA-182 (miR-182) affects the BBB in ischemic stroke remains unclear. We demonstrated for the first time that cerebral ischemia leads to a significant progressive increase in miR-182 after pMCAO, and bEnd.3 cells are the primary target cells of miR-182. In miR-182 KD transgenic mice, infarct volume, and BBB permeability were attenuated, and tight junction (TJ) proteins increased. Inhibition of miR-182 with an antagomir reduced OGD-induced apoptosis of bEnd.3 cells and the loss of ZO-1 and Occludin. To further explore the mechanism by which miR-182 regulates BBB integrity, we detected the apoptotic proteins Bcl-2/Bax and demonstrated that mTOR and FOXO1 were the targets of miR-182. Inhibition of mTOR/FOXO1 by rapamycin/AS1842856 decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and exacerbated TJ protein loss. Taken together, inhibition of miR-182 protects BBB integrity by reducing endothelial cell apoptosis through the mTOR/FOXO1 pathway. Thus, miR-182 may be a potential target for the treatment of BBB disruption during cerebral ischemia.

Re-Evaluating the Mechanism of Action of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl DUB Inhibitors b-AP15 and VLX1570: A Paradigmatic Example of Unspecific Protein Cross-linking with Michael Acceptor Motif-Containing Drugs

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are a growing target class across multiple disease states, with several inhibitors now reported. b-AP15 and VLX1570 are two structurally related USP14/UCH-37 inhibitors. Through a proteomic approach, we demonstrate that these compounds target a diverse range of proteins, resulting in the formation of higher molecular weight (MW) complexes. Activity-based proteome profiling identified CIAPIN1 as a submicromolar covalent target of VLX1570, and further analysis demonstrated that high MW complex formation leads to aggregation of CIAPIN1 in intact cells. Our results suggest that in addition to DUB inhibition, these compounds induce nonspecific protein aggregation, providing molecular explanation for general cellular toxicity.

Extensive Changes in Transcriptomic "Fingerprints" and Immunological Cells in the Large Organs of Patients Dying of Acute Septic Shock and Multiple Organ Failure Caused by Neisseria meningitidis

Background: Patients developing meningococcal septic shock reveal levels of Neisseria meningitidis (10⁶-10⁸/mL) and endotoxin (10¹-10³ EU/mL) in the circulation and organs, leading to acute cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal failure, coagulopathy and a high case fatality rate within 24 h. Objective: To investigate transcriptional profiles in heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen and immunostain key inflammatory cells and proteins in post mortem formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from meningococcal septic shock patients. Patients and Methods: Total RNA was isolated from FFPE and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from five patients and two controls (acute non-infectious death). Differential expression of genes was detected using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Lung and heart tissue samples were immunostained for T-and B cells, macrophages, neutrophils and the inflammatory markers PAI-1 and MCP-1. Inflammatory mediators were quantified in lysates from FF tissues. Results: The transcriptional profiles showed a complex pattern of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs with significant regulation of pathways associated with organismal death, cell death and survival, leukocyte migration, cellular movement, proliferation of cells, cell-to-cell signaling, immune cell trafficking, and inflammatory responses in an organ-specific clustering manner. The canonical pathways including acute phase response-, EIF2-, TREM1-, IL-6-, HMBG1-, PPAR signaling, and LXR/RXR activation were associated with acute heart, pulmonary, and renal failure. Fewer genes were regulated in the liver and particularly in the spleen. The main upstream regulators were TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, RICTOR, miR-6739-3p, and CD3. Increased numbers of inflammatory cells (CD68+, MPO+, CD3+, and CD20+) were found in lungs and heart. PAI-1 inhibiting fibrinolysis and MCP-1 attracting leukocyte were found significantly present in the septic tissue samples compared to the controls. Conclusions: FFPE tissue samples can be suitable for gene expression studies as well as immunostaining of specific cells or molecules. The most pronounced gene expression patterns were found in the organs with highest levels of Neisseria meningitidis DNA. Thousands of protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts were altered in lungs, heart and kidneys. We identified specific biomarker panels both protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts, which differed from organ to organ. Involvement of many genes and pathways add up and the combined effect induce organ failure.

New prognostic markers revealed by RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis after MYC silencing in a metastatic gastric cancer cell line

MYC overexpression is considered a driver event in gastric cancer (GC), and is frequently correlated with poor prognosis and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of genes upregulated by MYC in patients with GC. Metastatic GC cells (AGP01) characterized by MYC amplification, were transfected with siRNAs targeting MYC. RNA-seq was performed in silenced and non-silenced AGP01 cells. Among the differentially expressed genes, CIAPIN1, MTA2, and UXT were validated using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry in gastric tissues of 213 patients with GC; and their expressions were correlated with clinicopathological and survival data. High mRNA and protein levels of CIAPIN1, MTA2, and UXT were strongly associated with advanced GC stages (P < 0.0001). However, only CIAPIN1 and UXT gene expressions were able to predict distant metastases in patients with early-stage GC (P < 0.0001), with high sensitivity (> 92%) and specificity (> 90%). Overall survival rate of patients with overexpressed CIAPIN1 or UXT was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, CIAPIN1 and UXT may serve as potential molecular markers for GC prognosis.

Downregulation of miR‑16 protects H9c2(2‑1) cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation damage by targeting CIAPIN1 and regulating the NF‑κB pathway

The aim of the present study was to determine the function of microRNA‑16 (miR‑16) in myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‑induced cardiomyocyte injury and the possible mechanism underlying its involvement. An H/R model was constructed using H9c2(2‑1) cells in vitro. The results of reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of miR‑16 were significantly upregulated in H9c2(2‑1) cells in the H/R group compared with the sham group (1.53±0.09 vs. 1.0±0.08; P=0.0019). Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays revealed that the relative proliferative ability of H9c2(2‑1) cells was significantly decreased in the H/R + negative control (NC) group compared with the sham group (0.53±0.05 vs. 1.0±0.08; P=0.00005). Upregulation of miR‑16 using miR‑16 mimics further decreased the proliferative ability of cells (0.31±0.03 vs. 0.53±0.05; P=0.0097), whereas downregulation of miR‑16 using an miR‑16 inhibitor increased the proliferative ability of cells compared with the H/R+NC group (0.89±0.08 vs. 0.53±0.05; P=0.000385). Flow cytometric analysis found that the apoptotic rate of H9c2(2‑1) cells was increased significantly following H/R compared with the sham group (25.86±2.62% vs. 9.29±0.82%, P=0.000014). Upregulation of miR‑16 further increased the apoptotic rate (38.62±2.04% vs. 25.86±2.62%; P=0.000099), whereas downregulation of miR‑16 decreased the apoptotic rate compared with the H/R+NC group (15.14±0.92% vs. 25.86±2.62%; P=0.000343). miR‑16 directly bound to the 3'‑untranslated region of cytokine‑induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) and negatively modulated CIAPIN1 expression. Overexpression of CIAPIN1 reversed the changes in the expression of apoptosis‑associated proteins caused by H/R. Western blot analysis revealed that the levels of phospho‑(p‑)nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and p‑NF‑κB inhibitor α (IκBα) were upregulated following H/R (1.82±0.11 vs. 1.0±0.08; P=0.000152; and 1.77±0.07 vs. 1.0±0.00; P=0.000024, respectively), and these changes were further enhanced when miR‑16 expression levels were increased (3.10±0.14 vs. 1.82±0.11; P=0.000006; and 2.19±0.10 vs. 1.77±0.07; P=0.0017, respectively). Downregulation of miR‑16 exhibited the opposite effect on p‑NF‑κB and p‑IκBα expression levels. The present study illustrates that downregulation of miR‑16 may protect against H/R‑induced injury partially by targeting CIAPIN1 and the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Differentially Expressed Proteins in Primary Endothelial Cells Derived From Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the primary factors in the onset and progression of atherothrombosis resulting in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the pathological and cellular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in AMI have not been systematically studied. Protein expression profiling in combination with a protein network analysis was used by the mass spectrometry-based label-free quantification approach. This identified and quantified 2246 proteins, of which 335 were differentially regulated in coronary arterial endothelial cells from patients with AMI compared with controls. The differentially regulated protein profiles reveal the alteration of (1) metabolism of RNA, (2) platelet activation, signaling, and aggregation, (3) neutrophil degranulation, (4) metabolism of amino acids and derivatives, (5) cellular responses to stress, and (6) response to elevated platelet cytosolic Ca²⁺ pathways. Increased production of oxidants and decreased production of antioxidant biomarkers as well as downregulation of proteins with antioxidant properties suggests a role for oxidative stress in mediating endothelial dysfunction during AMI. In conclusion, this is the first quantitative proteomics study to evaluate the cellular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in patients with AMI. A better understanding of the endothelial proteome and pathophysiology of AMI may lead to the identification of new drug targets.

CIAPIN1 Targeted NHE1 and ERK1/2 to Suppress NSCLC Cells' Metastasis and Predicted Good Prognosis in NSCLC Patients Receiving Pulmonectomy

Objective

Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) acts as a downstream effector of the receptor tyrosine kinase-Ras signaling pathway and has been reported as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in various cancers. Our current study was aimed at investigating the prognostic impact of CIAPIN1 on Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) patients and the effect of CIAPIN1 on NSCLC A549 cells' metastasis.

Methods

Western blot analysis was applied to detect CIAPIN1 expression; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the effect of CIAPIN1 on NSCLC patients' prognosis. Wound healing assay, Transwell chamber invasion analysis, and tumorigenicity assay in BALB/c nude mice were used to measure the metastasis potential of A549 cells.

Results

We found that CIAPIN1 overexpression indicated good survival duration during the follow-up period. CIAPIN1 overexpression inhibited the migration, invasion, MMPs, and EMT-associated markers in A549 cells. Further, NHE1 (Na+/H+ exchanger 1) expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation decreased along with CIAPIN1 upregulation. Importantly, treating A549 cells with CIAPIN1 overexpression with the NHE1-specific inhibitor, Cariporide, further inhibited the metastatic capacity, MMP expression, EMT-associated markers, and phosphorylated ERK1/2. Treatment with the MEK1-specific inhibitor, PD98059, induced nearly the same suppression of CIAPIN1 overexpression-dependent metastatic capacity, MMP expression, and EMT-associated markers as was observed with Cariporide. Further, Cariporide and PD98059 exert synergistical suppression of A549 cells' metastatic capacity.

Conclusion

Thus, the current results implied a potential management by which CIAPIN1 upregulation may have a crucial effect on the suppression of NSCLC, indicating that overexpression of CIAPIN1 might serve as a combination with chemotherapeutical agents in NSCLC therapy.

The diagnostic value of circulating microRNAs in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome, characterized by inadequate blood perfusion of tissues and organs caused by decreased heart ejection capacity resulting from structural or functional cardiac disorders. HF is the most severe heart condition and it severely compromises human health; thus, its early diagnosis and effective management are crucial. However, given the lack of satisfactory sensitivity and specificity of the currently available biomarkers, the majority of patients with HF are not diagnosed early and do not receive timely treatment. A number of studies have demonstrated that peripheral blood circulating nucleic acids [such as microRNAs (miRs), mRNA and DNA] are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response in HF. miRs have been attracting increasing attention as promising biomarkers, given their presence in body fluids and relative structural stability under diverse conditions of sampling. The aim of the present review was to analyze the associations between the mechanisms underlying the development of HF and the expression of miRs, and discuss the value of using circulating miRs as diagnostic biomarkers in HF management. In particular, miR-155, miR-22 and miR-133 appear to be promising for the diagnosis, prognosis and management of HF patients.