MicroRNA-26a regulates pathological and physiological angiogenesis by targeting BMP/SMAD1 signaling

The neo-potential therapeutic strategy in preeclampsia: Downregulated miR-26a-2-3p motivates endothelial cell injury by targeting 15-LOX-1

Preeclampsia (PE) poses a life-threatening risk for both mothers and babies, and its onset and progression are linked to endothelial injury. The enzyme 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1), critical in arachidonic acid metabolism, is implicated in various diseases, yet its specific role and precise mechanisms in PE remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that 15-LOX-1 and its main metabolite, 15-HETE, were significantly increased in both the placenta and serum of PE patients. This increase was accompanied by elevated levels of endothelial injury markers, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). A positive correlation between 15-LOX-1 and those markers in the placenta. In Alox15-/- mice, Alox15 deficiency reduced endothelial cell injury in PE-like mice induced by L-NAME. In vitro studies showed that hypoxia-induced upregulation of 15-LOX-1 reduced the cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while increasing apoptosis and inflammatory cell adhesion. Mechanistically, the p38 MAPK pathway was identified as a downstream target of 15-LOX-1. Knocking down 15-LOX-1 or inhibiting p38 MAPK activation improved endothelial cell injury in hypoxia-treated HUVECs. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-26a-2-3p was found to correlate negatively and colocalize with 15-LOX-1 upregulation in the placenta of PE patients. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that miR-26a-2-3p directly bind to the 3'UTR of 15-LOX-1, targeting its expression. Moreover, miR-26a-2-3p agomir ameliorated the PE-like phenotype in mice through the 15-LOX-1/p38 MAPK axis, improving endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of PE and highlight modulating the miR-26a-2-3p/15-LOX-1/p38 MAPK axis as a potential therapeutic target for PE.

Advances in nucleic acid delivery strategies for diabetic wound therapy

In recent years, the prevalence of diabetic wounds has significantly increased, posing a substantial medical challenge due to their propensity for infection and delayed healing. These wounds not only increase mortality rates but also lead to amputations and severe mobility issues. To address this, advancements in bioactive molecules such as genes, growth factors, proteins, peptides, stem cells, and exosomes into targeted gene therapies have emerged as a preferred strategy among researchers. Additionally, the integration of photothermal therapy (PTT), nucleic acid, and gene therapy, along with 3D printing technology and the layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly approach, shows promise in diabetic wound treatment. Effective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) relies on gene vectors. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the pathophysiological characteristics observed in diabetic wounds, encompassing diminished angiogenesis, heightened levels of reactive oxygen species, and impaired immune function. It further examines advancements in nucleic acid delivery, targeted gene therapy, advanced drug delivery systems, layer-by-layer (LBL) techniques, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), 3D printing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and ongoing clinical trials. Through the integration of recent research insights, this review presents innovative strategies aimed at augmenting the multifaceted management of diabetic wounds, thus paving the way for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in the future.

Non-Coding RNA-Targeted Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review

The use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as drug targets is being researched due to their discovery and their role in disease. Targeting ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is an attractive approach for treating various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This seminar discusses the current status of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in different pathological conditions. Regarding miRNA-based drugs, this approach has made significant progress in preclinical and clinical testing for cardiovascular diseases, where the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are evident. The challenges of miRNA-based drugs, including specificity, delivery, and tolerability, will be discussed. New approaches to improve their success will be explored. Furthermore, it extensively discusses the potential development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease. Finally, this document reports on the recent advances in identifying and characterizing microRNAs, manipulating them, and translating them into clinical applications. It also addresses the challenges and perspectives towards clinical application.

MicroRNA-409-3p/BTG2 signaling axis improves impaired angiogenesis and wound healing in obese mice

Wound healing is facilitated by neoangiogenesis, a complex process that is essential to tissue repair in response to injury. MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that can regulate the wound healing process including stimulation of impaired angiogenesis that is associated with type-2 diabetes (T2D). Expression of miR-409-3p was significantly increased in the nonhealing skin wounds of patients with T2D compared to the non-wounded normal skin, and in the skin of a murine model with T2D. In response to high glucose, neutralization of miR-409-3p markedly improved EC growth and migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), promoted wound closure and angiogenesis as measured by increased CD31 in human skin organoids, while overexpression attenuated EC angiogenic responses. Bulk mRNA-Seq transcriptomic profiling revealed BTG2 as a target of miR-409-3p, where overexpression of miR-409-3p significantly decreased BTG2 mRNA and protein expression. A 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) luciferase assay of BTG2 revealed decreased luciferase activity with overexpression of miR-409-3p, while inhibition had opposite effects. Mechanistically, in response to high glucose, miR-409-3p deficiency in ECs resulted in increased mTOR phosphorylation, meanwhile BTG-anti-proliferation factor 2 (BTG2) silencing significantly decreased mTOR phosphorylation. Endothelial-specific and tamoxifen-inducible miR-409-3p knockout mice (MiR-409IndECKO ) with hyperglycemia that underwent dorsal skin wounding showed significant improvement of wound closure, increased blood flow, granulation tissue thickness (GTT), and CD31 that correlated with increased BTG2 expression. Taken together, our results show that miR-409-3p is a critical mediator of impaired angiogenesis in diabetic skin wound healing.

Understanding molecular mechanisms and miRNA-based targets in diabetes foot ulcers

In today's culture, obesity and overweight are serious issues that have an impact on how quickly diabetes develops and how it causes complications. For the development of more effective therapies, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the chronic problems of diabetes. The most prominent effects of diabetes are microvascular abnormalities such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, especially diabetes foot ulcers, as well as macrovascular abnormalities such as heart disease and atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are highly conserved endogenous short non-coding RNA molecules, have been implicated in several physiological functions recently, including the earliest stages of the disease. By binding to particular messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which cause mRNA degradation, translation inhibition, or even gene activation, it primarily regulates posttranscriptional gene expression. These molecules exhibit considerable potential as diagnostic biomarkers for disease and are interesting treatment targets. This review will provide an overview of the latest findings on the key functions that miRNAs role in diabetes and its complications, with an emphasis on the various stages of diabetic wound healing.

FAM222A, Part of the BET-Regulated Basal Endothelial Transcriptome, Is a Novel Determinant of Endothelial Biology and Angiogenesis-Brief Report

BACKGROUND

BETs (bromodomain and extraterminal domain-containing epigenetic reader proteins), including BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4), orchestrate transcriptional programs induced by pathogenic stimuli, as intensively studied in cardiovascular disease and elsewhere. In endothelial cells (ECs), BRD4 directs induced proinflammatory, proatherosclerotic transcriptional responses; BET inhibitors, like JQ1, repress these effects and decrease atherosclerosis. While BET effects in pathogenic conditions have prompted therapeutic BET inhibitor development, BET action under basal conditions, including ECs, has remained understudied. To understand BET action in basal endothelial transcriptional programs, we first analyzed EC RNA-Seq data in the absence versus presence of JQ1 before using BET regulation to identify novel determinants of EC biology and function.

METHODS

RNA-Seq datasets of human umbilical vein ECs without and with JQ1 treatment were analyzed. After identifying C12orf34, also known as FAM222A (family with sequence similarity 222 member A), as a previously unreported, basally expressed, potently JQ1-induced EC gene, FAM222A was studied in endothelial and angiogenic responses in vitro using small-interference RNA silencing and lentiviral overexpression, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo, including aortic sprouting, matrigel plug assays, and murine neonatal oxygen-induced retinopathy.

RESULTS

Resting EC RNA-Seq data indicate BETs direct transcriptional programs underlying core endothelial properties including migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. BET inhibition in resting ECs also significantly induced a subset of mRNAs, including FAM222A-a unique BRD4-regulated gene with no reported EC role. Silencing endothelial FAM222A significantly decreased cellular proliferation, migration, network formation, aorta sprouting, and Matrigel plug vascularization through coordinated modulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and NOTCH mediator expression in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo; lentiviral FAM222A overexpression had opposite effects. In vivo, siFAM222A significantly repressed retinal revascularization in neonatal murine oxygen-induced retinopathy through similar angiogenic signaling modulation.

CONCLUSIONS

BET control over the basal endothelial transcriptome includes FAM222A, a novel, BRD4-regulated, key determinant of endothelial biology and angiogenesis.

Development of miR-26a-activated scaffold to promote healing of critical-sized bone defects through angiogenic and osteogenic mechanisms

Very large bone defects significantly diminish the vascular, blood, and nutrient supply to the injured site, reducing the bone's ability to self-regenerate and complicating treatment. Delivering nanomedicines from biomaterial scaffolds that induce host cells to produce bone-healing proteins is emerging as an appealing solution for treating these challenging defects. In this context, microRNA-26a mimics (miR-26a) are particularly interesting as they target the two most relevant processes in bone regeneration-angiogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the main limitation of microRNAs is their poor stability and issues with cytosolic delivery. Thus, utilising a collagen-nanohydroxyapatite (coll-nHA) scaffold in combination with cell-penetrating peptide (RALA) nanoparticles, we aimed to develop an effective system to deliver miR-26a nanoparticles to regenerate bone defects in vivo. The microRNA-26a complexed RALA nanoparticles, which showed the highest transfection efficiency, were incorporated into collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds and in vitro assessment demonstrated the miR-26a-activated scaffolds effectively transfected human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) resulting in enhanced production of vascular endothelial growth factor, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and greater mineralisation. After implantation in critical-sized rat calvarial defects, micro CT and histomorphological analysis revealed that the miR-26a-activated scaffolds improved bone repair in vivo, producing new bone of superior quality, which was highly mineralised and vascularised compared to a miR-free scaffold. This innovative combination of osteogenic collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds with multifunctional microRNA-26a complexed nanoparticles provides an effective carrier delivering nanoparticles locally with high efficacy and minimal off-target effects and demonstrates the potential of targeting osteogenic-angiogenic coupling using scaffold-based nanomedicine delivery as a new "off-the-shelf" product capable of healing complex bone injuries.

Investigation of miR-26a-5p and miR-19a-3p expression levels in angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs have been found to have an essential role in cardiovascular diseases. In previous experiments, the changed expressions of miR-26a-5p and miR-19a-3p were confirmed in patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis by miRNA microarrays. However, the role of two miRNAs in coronary artery diseases (CAD) still needs to be investigated further. Our current study aimed to analyse two miRNAs in angiographically confirmed CAD and non-CAD with insignificant coronary stenosis. This study aimed to identify the potential diagnostic value of circulating miRNA with CAD.

METHODS

The CAD patients (n = 50) and non-CAD controls (n = 43) were studied. miRNAs (miR-26a-5p and miR-19a-3p) were quantified by TaqMan miRNA assays using real-time PCR. We subsequently assessed the diagnostic value of the miRNAs and correlations of miRNA with clinical parameters. Target prediction tools were utilised to identify miRNA target genes.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-26a-5p was significantly increased in CAD compared to non-CAD controls (p < 0.05). Tertile groups were formed according to the expression levels of miRNAs, and high expression tertile (T3) was compared with low expression tertile (T1). It was found that CAD presence was more prevalent in T3 of miR-26a-5p, and the frequency of diabetes was higher in T3 of miR-19a-3p. There were significant correlations between miRNAs and diabetes risk factors such as HbA1c, glucose levels, and BMI (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that miR-26a-5p expression is altered in CAD presence while miR-19a-3p expression is different in diabetes. Both miRNAs are closely related to risk factors of CAD, therefore, could be therapeutic targets for CAD treatment.

The osteogenic and angiogenic potential of microRNA-26a delivered via a non-viral delivery peptide for bone repair

Bone-related injuries and diseases are among the most common causes of morbidity worldwide. Current bone-regenerative strategies such as auto- and allografts are invasive by nature, with adverse effects such as pain, infection and donor site morbidity. MicroRNA (miRNA) gene therapy has emerged as a promising area of research, with miRNAs capable of regulating multiple gene pathways simultaneously through the repression of post-transcriptional mRNAs. miR-26a is a key regulator of osteogenesis and has been found to be upregulated following bone injury, where it induces osteodifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and facilitates bone formation. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that the amphipathic, cell-penetrating peptide RALA can efficiently deliver miR-26a to MSCs in vitro to regulate osteogenic signalling. Transfection with miR-26a significantly increased expression of osteogenic and angiogenic markers at both gene and protein level. Using a rat calvarial defect model with a critical size defect, RALA/miR-26a NPs were delivered via an injectable, thermo-responsive Cs-g-PNIPAAm hydrogel to assess the impact on both rate and quality of bone healing. Critical defects treated with the RALA/miR-26a nanoparticles (NPs) had significantly increased bone volume and bone mineral density at 8 weeks, with increased blood vessel formation and mechanical properties. This study highlights the utility of RALA to deliver miR-26a for the purpose of bone healing within an injectable biomaterial, warranting further investigation of dose-related efficacy of the therapeutic across a range of in vivo models.

Electrostatically assembled wound dressings deliver pro-angiogenic anti-miRs preferentially to endothelial cells

Chronic non-healing wounds occur frequently in individuals affected by diabetes, yet standard-of-care treatment leaves many patients inadequately treated or with recurring wounds. MicroRNA (miR) expression is dysregulated in diabetic wounds and drives an anti-angiogenic phenotype, but miRs can be inhibited with short, chemically-modified RNA oligonucleotides (anti-miRs). Clinical translation of anti-miRs is hindered by delivery challenges such as rapid clearance and uptake by off-target cells, requiring repeated injections, excessively large doses, and bolus dosing mismatched to the dynamics of the wound healing process. To address these limitations, we engineered electrostatically assembled wound dressings that locally release anti-miR-92a, as miR-92a is implicated in angiogenesis and wound repair. In vitro, anti-miR-92a released from these dressings was taken up by cells and inhibited its target. An in vivo cellular biodistribution study in murine diabetic wounds revealed that endothelial cells, which play a critical role in angiogenesis, exhibit higher uptake of anti-miR eluted from coated dressings than other cell types involved in the wound healing process. In a proof-of-concept efficacy study in the same wound model, anti-miR targeting anti-angiogenic miR-92a de-repressed target genes, increased gross wound closure, and induced a sex-dependent increase in vascularization. Overall, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates a facile, translational materials approach for modulating gene expression in ulcer endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and wound healing. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of probing cellular interactions between the drug delivery system and the target cells to drive therapeutic efficacy.

Deficiency of miR-409-3p improves myocardial neovascularization and function through modulation of DNAJB9/p38 MAPK signaling

Angiogenesis is critical for tissue repair following myocardial infarction (MI), which is exacerbated under insulin resistance or diabetes. MicroRNAs are regulators of angiogenesis. We examined the metabolic regulation of miR-409-3p in post-infarct angiogenesis. miR-409-3p was increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and in a mouse model of acute MI. In endothelial cells (ECs), miR-409-3p was induced by palmitate, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) decreased its expression. Overexpression of miR-409-3p decreased EC proliferation and migration in the presence of palmitate, whereas inhibition had the opposite effects. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiling in ECs identified DNAJ homolog subfamily B member 9 (DNAJB9) as a target of miR-409-3p. Overexpression of miR-409-3p decreased DNAJB9 mRNA and protein expression by 47% and 31% respectively, while enriching DNAJB9 mRNA by 1.9-fold after Argonaute2 microribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation. These effects were mediated through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in EC-specific miR-409-3p knockout (KO) mice (miR-409ECKO) fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet increased isolectin B4 (53.3%), CD31 (56%), and DNAJB9 (41.5%). The left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was improved by 28%, and the infarct area was decreased by 33.8% in miR-409ECKO compared with control mice. These findings support an important role of miR-409-3p in the angiogenic EC response to myocardial ischemia.

Impaired angiogenesis in diabetic critical limb ischemia is mediated by a miR-130b/INHBA signaling axis

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes compose a high-risk population for development of critical limb ischemia (CLI) and amputation, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Comparison of dysregulated microRNAs from diabetic patients with PAD and diabetic mice with limb ischemia revealed the conserved microRNA, miR-130b-3p. In vitro angiogenic assays demonstrated that miR-130b rapidly promoted proliferation, migration, and sprouting in endothelial cells (ECs), whereas miR-130b inhibition exerted antiangiogenic effects. Local delivery of miR-130b mimics into ischemic muscles of diabetic mice (db/db) following femoral artery ligation (FAL) promoted revascularization by increasing angiogenesis and markedly improved limb necrosis and amputation. RNA-Seq and gene set enrichment analysis from miR-130b-overexpressing ECs revealed the BMP/TGF-β signaling pathway as one of the top dysregulated pathways. Accordingly, overlapping downregulated transcripts from RNA-Seq and miRNA prediction algorithms identified that miR-130b directly targeted and repressed the TGF-β superfamily member inhibin-β-A (INHBA). miR-130b overexpression or siRNA-mediated knockdown of INHBA induced IL-8 expression, a potent angiogenic chemokine. Lastly, ectopic delivery of silencer RNAs (siRNA) targeting Inhba in db/db ischemic muscles following FAL improved revascularization and limb necrosis, recapitulating the phenotype of miR-130b delivery. Taken together, a miR-130b/INHBA signaling axis may provide therapeutic targets for patients with PAD and diabetes at risk of developing CLI.

Novel Biotherapeutics Targeting Biomolecular and Cellular Approaches in Diabetic Wound Healing

Wound healing responses play a major role in chronic inflammation, which affects millions of people around the world. One of the daunting tasks of creating a wound-healing drug is finding equilibrium in the inflammatory cascade. In this study, the molecular and cellular mechanisms to regulate wound healing are explained, and recent research is addressed that demonstrates the molecular and cellular events during diabetic wound healing. Moreover, a range of factors or agents that facilitate wound healing have also been investigated as possible targets for successful treatment. It also summarises the various advances in research findings that have revealed promising molecular targets in the fields of therapy and diagnosis of cellular physiology and pathology of wound healing, such as neuropeptides, substance P, T cell immune response cDNA 7, miRNA, and treprostinil growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor, including thymosin beta 4, and immunomodulators as major therapeutic targets.

The various role of microRNAs in breast cancer angiogenesis, with a special focus on novel miRNA-based delivery strategies

After skin malignancy, breast cancer is the most widely recognized cancer detected in women in the United States. Breast cancer (BCa) can happen in all kinds of people, but it's much more common in women. One in four cases of cancer and one in six deaths due to cancer are related to breast cancer. Angiogenesis is an essential factor in the growth of tumors and metastases in various malignancies. An expanded level of angiogenesis is related to diminished endurance in BCa patients. This function assumes a fundamental part inside the human body, from the beginning phases of life to dangerous malignancy. Various factors, referred to as angiogenic factors, work to make a new capillary. Expanding proof demonstrates that angiogenesis is managed by microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNA with 19-25 nucleotides. MiRNA is a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression that controls many critical biological processes. Endothelial miRNAs, referred to as angiomiRs, are probably concerned with tumor improvement and angiogenesis via regulation of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors. In this article, we reviewed therapeutic functions of miRNAs in BCa angiogenesis, several novel delivery carriers for miRNA-based therapeutics, as well as CRISPR/Cas9 as a targeted therapy in breast cancer.

MicroRNAs-mediated regulation pathways in rheumatic diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are two common rheumatic disorders marked by persistent inflammatory joint disease. Patients with RA have osteodestructive symptoms, but those with AS have osteoproliferative manifestations. Ligaments, joints, tendons, bones, and muscles are all affected by rheumatic disorders. In recent years, many epigenetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid disorders have been studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules implicated as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers in rheumatic diseases. MiRNAs play a critical role in the modulation of bone homeostasis and joint remodeling by controlling fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Several miRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in rheumatic diseases, including miR-10a, 16, 17, 18a, 19, 20a, 21, 27a, 29a, 34a, 103a, 125b, 132, 137, 143, 145, 146a, 155, 192, 203, 221, 222, 301a, 346, and 548a.The major molecular pathways governed by miRNAs in these cells are Wnt, bone-morphogenic protein (BMP), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)-RANK ligand (RANKL), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor pathway. This review aimed to provide an overview of the most important signaling pathways controlled by miRNAs in rheumatic diseases.

MicroRNA-375 repression of Kruppel-like factor 5 improves angiogenesis in diabetic critical limb ischemia

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an occlusive disease of limb arteries. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is an advanced form of PAD that is prognostically worse in subjects with diabetes and can result in limb loss, gangrene, and death, although the underlying signaling mechanisms that contribute to its development remain poorly understood. By comparing plasma samples from diabetic humans with PAD and mouse models of PAD, we identified miR-375 to be significantly downregulated in humans and mice during progression to CLI. Overexpression of miR-375 was pro-angiogenic in endothelial cells in vitro and induced endothelial migration, proliferation, sprouting, and vascular network formation, whereas miR-375 inhibition conferred anti-angiogenic effects. Intramuscular delivery of miR-375 improved blood flow recovery to diabetic mouse hindlimbs following femoral artery ligation (FAL) and improved neovessel growth and arteriogenesis in muscle tissues. Using RNA-sequencing and prediction algorithms, Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was identified as a direct target of miR-375 and siRNA knockdown of KLF5 phenocopied the effects of miR-375 overexpression in vitro and in vivo through regulatory changes in NF-kB signaling. Together, a miR-375-KLF5-NF-kB signaling axis figures prominently as a potential therapeutic pathway in the development CLI in diabetes.

Extracellular vesicles and insulin-mediated vascular function in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) raises cardiovascular disease risk. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators of insulin sensitivity, although few studies on vascular function exist in humans. We determined the effect of insulin on EVs in relation to vascular function. Adults with MetS (n = 51, n = 9 M, 54.8 ± 1.0 years, 36.4 ± 0.7 kg/m2 , ATPIII: 3.5 ± 0.1 a.u., VO2 max: 22.1 ± 0.6 ml/kg/min) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Peripheral insulin sensitivity (M-value) was determined during a euglycemic clamp (40 mU/m2 /min, 90 mg/dl), and blood was collected for EVs (CD105+, CD45+, CD41+, TX+, and CD31+; spectral flow cytometry), inflammation, insulin, and substrates. Central hemodynamics (applanation tonometry) was determined at 0 and 120 min via aortic waveforms. Pressure myography was used to assess insulin-induced arterial vasodilation from mouse 3rd order mesenteric arteries (100-200 μm in diameter) at 0.2, 2 and 20 nM of insulin with EVs from healthy and MetS adults. Adults with MetS had low peripheral insulin sensitivity (2.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg/min) and high HOMA-IR (4.7 ± 0.4 a.u.) plus Adipose-IR (13.0 ± 1.3 a.u.). Insulin decreased total/particle counts (p < 0.001), CD45+ EVs (p = 0.002), AIx75 (p = 0.005) and Pb (p = 0.04), FFA (p < 0.001), total adiponectin (p = 0.006), ICAM (p = 0.002), and VCAM (p = 0.03). Higher M-value related to lower fasted total EVs (r = -0.40, p = 0.004) while higher Adipose-IR associated with higher fasted EVs (r = 0.42, p = 0.004) independent of VAT. Fasting CD105+ and CD45+ derived total EVs correlated with fasting AIx75 (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and Pb (r = 0.30, p < 0.05). EVs from MetS participants blunted insulin-induced vasodilation in mesenteric arteries compared with increases from healthy controls across insulin doses (all p < 0.005). These data highlight EVs as potentially novel mediators of vascular insulin sensitivity and disease risk.

Autophagic reprogramming of bone marrow–derived macrophages

Macro-autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process among eukaryotes affecting macrophages. This work studies the genetic regulatory network involving the interplay between autophagy and macrophage polarization (activation). Autophagy-related genes (Atgs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of macrophage polarization (M1–M2) were predicted, and their regulatory networks constructed. Naïve (M0) mouse bone marrow–derived monocytes were differentiated into M1 and M2a. Validation of the targets of Smad1, LC3A and LC3B, Atg16L1, Atg7, IL-6, CD68, Arg-1, and Vamp7 was performed in vitro. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry revealed three macrophage phenotypes: M0 (IL-6 + /CD68 +), M1 (IL-6 + /CD68 + /Arg-1 +), and M2a (CD68 + /Arg-1). Confocal microscopy revealed increased autophagy in both M1 and M2a and a significant increase in the pre-autophagosomes size and number. Bafilomycin A increased the expression of CD68 and Arg-1 in all cell lineages. In conclusion, our approach predicted the protein targets mediating the interplay between autophagy and macrophage polarization. We suggest that autophagy reprograms macrophage polarization via CD68, arginase 1, Atg16L1-1, and Atg16L1-3. The current findings provide a foundation for the future use of macrophages in immunotherapy of different autoimmune disorders.

Small non-coding RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular disease

Novel bio-therapeutic agents that harness the properties of small, non-coding nucleic acids hold great promise for clinical applications. These include antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit messenger RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), or long non-coding RNAs; positive effectors of the miRNA pathway (short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics); or small RNAs that target proteins (i.e. aptamers). These new therapies also offer exciting opportunities for cardiovascular diseases and promise to move the field towards more precise approaches based on disease mechanisms. There have been substantial advances in developing chemical modifications to improve the in vivo pharmacological properties of antisense oligonucleotides and reduce their immunogenicity. Carrier methods (e.g. RNA conjugates, polymers, and lipoplexes) that enhance cellular uptake of RNA therapeutics and stability against degradation by intracellular nucleases are also transforming the field. A number of small non-coding RNA therapies for cardiovascular indications are now approved. Moreover, there is a large pipeline of therapies in clinical development and an even larger list of putative therapies emerging from pre-clinical studies. Progress in this area is reviewed herein along with the hurdles that need to be overcome to allow a broader clinical translation.

Gene therapy to enhance angiogenesis in chronic wounds

Skin injuries and chronic non-healing wounds are one of the major global burdens on the healthcare systems worldwide due to their difficult-to-treat nature, associated co-morbidities, and high health care costs. Angiogenesis has a pivotal role in the wound-healing process, which becomes impaired in many chronic non-healing wounds, leading to several healing disorders and complications. Therefore, induction or promotion of angiogenesis can be considered a promising approach for healing of chronic wounds. Gene therapy is one of the most promising upcoming strategies for the treatment of chronic wounds. It can be classified into three main approaches: gene augmentation, gene silencing, and gene editing. Despite the increasing number of encouraging results obtained using nucleic acids (NAs) as active pharmaceutical ingredients of gene therapy, efficient delivery of NAs to their site of action (cytoplasm or nucleus) remains a key challenge. Selection of the right therapeutic cargo and delivery methods is crucial for a favorable prognosis of the healing process. This article presents an overview of gene therapy and non-viral delivery methods for angiogenesis induction in chronic wounds.

Exercise-induced signaling pathways to counteracting cardiac apoptotic processes

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the world. One of the major causes of cardiac death is excessive apoptosis. However, multiple pathways through moderate exercise can reduce myocardial apoptosis. After moderate exercise, the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as IGF-1, IGF-1R, p-PI3K, p-Akt, ERK-1/2, SIRT3, PGC-1α, and Bcl-2 increases in the heart. While apoptotic proteins such as PTEN, PHLPP-1, GSK-3, JNK, P38MAPK, and FOXO are reduced in the heart. Exercise-induced mechanical stress activates the β and α5 integrins and subsequently, focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation activates the Akt/mTORC1 and ERK-1/2 pathways, leading to an anti-apoptotic response. One of the reasons for the decrease in exercise-induced apoptosis is the decrease in Fas-ligand protein, Fas-death receptor, TNF-α receptor, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), caspase-8, and caspase-3. In addition, after exercise mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic factors such as Bid, t-Bid, Bad, p-Bad, Bak, cytochrome c, and caspase-9 are reduced. These changes lead to a reduction in oxidative damage, a reduction in infarct size, a reduction in cardiac apoptosis, and an increase in myocardial function. After exercising in the heart, the levels of RhoA, ROCK1, Rac1, and ROCK2 decrease, while the levels of PKCε, PKCδ, and PKCɑ are activated to regulate calcium and prevent mPTP perforation. Exercise has an anti-apoptotic effect on heart failure by increasing the PKA-Akt-eNOS and FSTL1-USP10-Notch1 pathways, reducing the negative effects of CaMKIIδ, and increasing the calcineurin/NFAT pathway. Exercise plays a protective role in the heart by increasing HSP20, HSP27, HSP40, HSP70, HSP72, and HSP90 along with increasing JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation. However, research on exercise and factors such as Pim-1, Notch, and FAK in cardiac apoptosis is scarce, so further research is needed. Future research is recommended to discover more anti-apoptotic pathways. It is also recommended to study the synergistic effect of exercise with gene therapy, dietary supplements, and cell therapy for future research.

CircLDLR Modulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Coronary Artery Disease Through miR-26-5p/KDM6A Axis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circLDLR on the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in coronary artery disease and its regulatory mechanism. The expression of KDM6A was detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot. VSMCs were transfected with miR-26-5p mimic/inhibitor or OE KDM6A. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to examine interactions between miR-26-5p and KDM6A in VSMCs. Downregulation of circLDLR was associated with increased miR-26-5p in coronary artery disease tissues. In addition, circLDLR could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by regulating miR-26-5p. Moreover, the overexpression of KDM6A reduced VSMCs proliferation and increased apoptosis in an miR-26-5p/circLDLR axis-dependent manner. CircLDLR modulates the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs through miR-26-5p/KDM6A axis.

The Functional Mechanism of MicroRNA in Oral Lichen Planus

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genomes of mammals and other complex organisms, and many of them are alternately spliced and processed into smaller products. Types of ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs, and long ncRNAs. miRNAs are about 21 nucleotides long and form a broad class of post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that affect numerous developmental and physiological processes in eukaryotes. They usually act as negative regulators of mRNA expression through complementary binding sequences in the 3’-UTR of the target mRNA, leading to translation inhibition and target degradation. In recent years, the importance of ncRNA in oral lichen planus (OLP), particularly miRNA, has attracted extensive attention. However, the biological functions of miRNAs and their mechanisms in OLP are still unclear. In this review, we discuss the role and function of miRNAs in OLP, and we also describe their potential functional roles as biomarkers for the diagnosis of OLP. MiRNAs are promising new therapeutic targets, but more work is needed to understand their biological functions.

Circulating miRNA Fingerprint and Endothelial Function in Myocardial Infarction: Comparison at Acute Event and One-Year Follow-Up

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are major regulators of intercellular communication and key players in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the miRNA fingerprint in a cohort of 53 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) relative to miRNA expression in healthy controls (n = 51). miRNA expression was initially profiled by miRNA array in the serum of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization during NSTEMI (n = 8) and 1 year past the event (follow-up, n = 8) and validated in the entire cohort. In total, 58 miRNAs were differentially expressed during AMI (p < 0.05), while 36 were modified at follow-up (Fisher’s exact test: p = 0.0138). Enrichment analyses revealed differential regulation of biological processes by miRNA at each specific time point (AMI vs. follow-up). During AMI, the miRNA profile was associated mainly with processes involved in vascular development. However, 1 year after AMI, changes in miRNA expression were partially related to the regulation of cardiac tissue morphogenesis. Linear correlation analysis of miRNA with serum levels of cytokines and chemokines revealed that let-7g-5p, let-7e-5p, and miR-26a-5p expression was inversely associated with serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, and the chemokines MCP-3 and MDC. Transient transfection of human endothelial cells (HUVEC) with let-7e-5p inhibitor or mimic demonstrated a key role for this miRNA in endothelial function regulation in terms of cell adhesion and angiogenesis capacity. HUVEC transfected with let-7e-5p mimic showed a 20% increase in adhesion capacity, whereas transfection with let-7e-5p inhibitor increased the number of tube-like structures. This study pinpoints circulating miRNA expression fingerprint in NSTEMI patients, specific to the acute event and changes at 1-year follow-up. Additionally, given its involvement in modulating endothelial cell function and vascularization, altered let-7e-5p expression may constitute a therapeutic biomarker and target for ischemic heart disease.

MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease

The discovery of microRNAs and their role in diseases was a breakthrough that inspired research into microRNAs as drug targets. Cardiovascular diseases are an area in which limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are highly apparent and where microRNA-based drugs have appreciably progressed into preclinical and clinical testing. In this Review, we summarize the current state of microRNAs as therapeutic targets in the cardiovascular system. We report recent advances in the identification and characterization of microRNAs, their manipulation and clinical translation, and discuss challenges and perspectives toward clinical application.

MicroRNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, despite the wide diversity of molecular targets identified and the development of therapeutic methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (about 22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in the cytoplasm and play complicated roles in different CVDs. While miRNA overexpression in one type of cell protects against heart disease, it promotes cardiac dysfunction in another type of cardiac cell. Moreover, recent studies have shown that, apart from cytosolic miRNAs, subcellular miRNAs such as mitochondria- and nucleus-localized miRNAs are dysregulated in CVDs. However, the functional properties of cellular- and subcellular-localized miRNAs have not been well characterized. In this review article, by carefully revisiting animal-based miRNA studies in CVDs, we will address the regulation and functional properties of miRNAs in various CVDs. Specifically, the cell-cell crosstalk and subcellular perspective of miRNAs are highlighted. We will provide the background for attractive molecular targets that might be useful in preventing the progression of CVDs and heart failure (HF) as well as insights for future studies.

Mapping the developing human cardiac endothelium at single-cell resolution identifies MECOM as a regulator of arteriovenous gene expression

AIMS

Coronary vasculature formation is a critical event during cardiac development, essential for heart function throughout perinatal and adult life. However, current understanding of coronary vascular development has largely been derived from transgenic mouse models. The aim of this study was to characterize the transcriptome of the human foetal cardiac endothelium using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to provide critical new insights into the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptional dynamics that underpin endothelial specification within the vasculature of the developing heart.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We acquired scRNA-seq data of over 10 000 foetal cardiac endothelial cells (ECs), revealing divergent EC subtypes including endocardial, capillary, venous, arterial, and lymphatic populations. Gene regulatory network analyses predicted roles for SMAD1 and MECOM in determining the identity of capillary and arterial populations, respectively. Trajectory inference analysis suggested an endocardial contribution to the coronary vasculature and subsequent arterialization of capillary endothelium accompanied by increasing MECOM expression. Comparative analysis of equivalent data from murine cardiac development demonstrated that transcriptional signatures defining endothelial subpopulations are largely conserved between human and mouse. Comprehensive characterization of the transcriptional response to MECOM knockdown in human embryonic stem cell-derived EC (hESC-EC) demonstrated an increase in the expression of non-arterial markers, including those enriched in venous EC.

CONCLUSIONS

scRNA-seq of the human foetal cardiac endothelium identified distinct EC populations. A predicted endocardial contribution to the developing coronary vasculature was identified, as well as subsequent arterial specification of capillary EC. Loss of MECOM in hESC-EC increased expression of non-arterial markers, suggesting a role in maintaining arterial EC identity.

The Role of Bmp- and Fgf Signaling Modulating Mouse Proepicardium Cell Fate

Bmp and Fgf signaling are widely involved in multiple aspects of embryonic development. More recently non coding RNAs, such as microRNAs have also been reported to play essential roles during embryonic development. We have previously demonstrated that microRNAs, i.e., miR-130, play an essential role modulating Bmp and Fgf signaling during early stages of cardiomyogenesis. More recently, we have also demonstrated that microRNAs are capable of modulating cell fate decision during proepicardial/septum transversum (PE/ST) development, since over-expression of miR-23 blocked while miR-125, miR-146, miR-223 and miR-195 enhanced PE/ST-derived cardiomyogenesis, respectively. Importantly, regulation of these microRNAs is distinct modulated by Bmp2 and Fgf2 administration in chicken. In this study, we aim to dissect the functional role of Bmp and Fgf signaling during mouse PE/ST development, their implication regulating post-transcriptional modulators such as microRNAs and their impact on lineage determination. Mouse PE/ST explants and epicardial/endocardial cell cultures were distinctly administrated Bmp and Fgf family members. qPCR analyses of distinct microRNAs, cardiomyogenic, fibrogenic differentiation markers as well as key elements directly epithelial to mesenchymal transition were evaluated. Our data demonstrate that neither Bmp2/Bmp4 nor Fgf2/Fgf8 signaling is capable of inducing cardiomyogenesis, fibrogenesis or inducing EMT in mouse PE/ST explants, yet deregulation of several microRNAs is observed, in contrast to previous findings in chicken PE/ST. RNAseq analyses in mouse PE/ST and embryonic epicardium identified novel Bmp and Fgf family members that might be involved in such cell fate differences, however, their implication on EMT induction and cardiomyogenic and/or fibrogenic differentiation is limited. Thus our data support the notion of species-specific differences regulating PE/ST cardiomyogenic lineage commitment.

MiR-409-3p targets a MAP4K3-ZEB1-PLGF signaling axis and controls brown adipose tissue angiogenesis and insulin resistance

Endothelial cells (ECs) within the microvasculature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are important in regulating the plasticity of adipocytes in response to increased metabolic demand by modulating the angiogenic response. However, the mechanism of EC-adipocyte crosstalk during this process is not completely understood. We used RNA sequencing to profile microRNAs derived from BAT ECs of obese mice and identified an anti-angiogenic microRNA, miR-409-3p. MiR-409-3p overexpression inhibited EC angiogenic properties; whereas, its inhibition had the opposite effects. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-409-3p targets ZEB1 and MAP4K3. Knockdown of ZEB1/MAP4K3 phenocopied the angiogenic effects of miR-409-3p. Adipocytes co-cultured with conditioned media from ECs deficient in miR-409-3p showed increased expression of BAT markers, UCP1 and CIDEA. We identified a pro-angiogenic growth factor, placental growth factor (PLGF), released from ECs in response to miR-409-3p inhibition. Deficiency of ZEB1 or MAP4K3 blocked the release of PLGF from ECs and PLGF stimulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased UCP1 expression in a miR-409-3p dependent manner. MiR-409-3p neutralization improved BAT angiogenesis, glucose and insulin tolerance, and energy expenditure in mice with diet-induced obesity. These findings establish miR-409-3p as a critical regulator of EC-BAT crosstalk by modulating a ZEB1-MAP4K3-PLGF signaling axis, providing new insights for therapeutic intervention in obesity.

MicroRNAs-The Heart of Post-Myocardial Infarction Remodeling

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most frequent cardiac emergencies, with significant potential for mortality. One of the major challenges of the post-MI healing response is that replacement fibrosis could lead to left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and heart failure (HF). This process involves canonical and non-canonical transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways translating into an intricate activation of cardiac fibroblasts and disproportionate collagen synthesis. Accumulating evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly contribute to the modulation of these signaling pathways. This review summarizes the recent updates regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the over 30 miRNAs involved in post-MI LVR. In addition, we compare the contradictory roles of several multifunctional miRNAs and highlight their potential use in pressure overload and ischemia-induced fibrosis. Finally, we discuss their attractive role as prognostic biomarkers for HF, highlighting the most relevant human trials involving these miRNAs.

Approaches to Modulate the Chronic Wound Environment Using Localized Nucleic Acid Delivery

Significance: Nonhealing wounds have been the subject of decades of basic and clinical research. Despite new knowledge about the biology of impaired wound healing, little progress has been made in treating chronic wounds, leaving patients with few therapeutic options. Diabetic ulcers are a particularly common form of nonhealing wound. Recent Advances: Recently, investigation of therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), including plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA, microRNA mimics, anti-microRNA oligonucleotides, messenger RNA, and antisense oligonucleotides, has created a new treatment strategy for chronic wounds. TNAs can modulate the wound toward a prohealing environment by targeting gene pathways associated with inflammation, proteases, cell motility, angiogenesis, epithelialization, and oxidative stress. A variety of delivery systems have been investigated for TNAs, including dendrimers, lipid nanoparticles (NPs), polymeric micelles, polyplexes, metal NPs, and hydrogels. This review summarizes recent developments in TNA delivery for therapeutic targets associated with chronic wounds, with an emphasis on diabetic ulcers. Critical Issues: Translational potential of TNAs remains a key challenge; we highlight some drug delivery approaches for TNAs that may hold promise. We also describe current commercial efforts to locally deliver nucleic acids to modulate the wound environment. Future Directions: Localized nucleic acid delivery holds promise for the treatment of nonhealing chronic wounds. Future efforts to improve targeting of these nucleic acid therapies in the wound with both spatial and temporal control through drug delivery systems will be crucial to successful clinical translation.

Capturing the RNA castle: Exploiting MicroRNA inhibition for wound healing

The growing pipelines of RNA-based therapies herald new opportunities to deliver better patient outcomes for complex disorders such as chronic nonhealing wounds associated with diabetes. Members of the microRNA (miRNA) family of small noncoding RNAs have emerged as targets for diverse elements of cutaneous wound repair, and both miRNA enhancement with mimics or inhibition with antisense oligonucleotides represent tractable approaches for miRNA-directed wound healing. In this review, we focus on miRNA inhibition strategies to stimulate skin repair given advances in chemical modifications to enhance the performance of antisense miRNA (anti-miRs). We first explore miRNAs whose inhibition in keratinocytes promotes keratinocyte migration, an essential part of re-epithelialisation during wound repair. We then focus on miRNAs that can be targeted for inhibition in endothelial cells to promote neovascularisation for wound healing in the context of diabetic mouse models. The picture that emerges is that direct comparisons of different anti-miRNAs modifications are required to establish the most translationally viable options in the chronic wound environment, that direct comparisons of the impact of inhibition of different miRNAs are needed to quantify and rank their relative efficacies in promoting wound repair, and that a standardised human ex vivo model of the diabetic wound is needed to reduce reliance on mouse models that do not necessarily enhance mechanistic understanding of miRNA-targeted wound healing.

MiR-181b suppresses angiogenesis by directly targeting cellular communication network factor 1

Angiogenesis is essential for various physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in blood vessel development and angiogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that miR-181b might be involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in tumors. However, whether miR-181b plays a role in angiogenesis in nontumor diseases is unclear. We found that miR-181b expression was downregulated in hypoxia-stimulated primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a mouse hindlimb ischemia (HLI) model. Gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that a miR-181b mimic inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation in vitro, and a miR-181b inhibitor had the opposite effects. In vivo, agomir-181b suppressed perfusion recovery in the HLI model and capillary density in a Matrigel plug assay, while perfusion recovery and capillary density were increased by injection of antagomir-181b. Mechanistically, we showed with a reporter assay that cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) was a direct target of miR-181b. Moreover, miR-181b suppressed angiogenesis at least in part by targeting CCN1 to inhibit the AMPK signaling pathway. Our research suggests that miR-181b suppresses angiogenesis by directly targeting CCN1, which provides new clues for pro-angiogenic treatment strategies.

Gene- and RNAi-activated scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: Current progress and future directions

Large bone defects are usually managed by replacing lost bone with non-biological prostheses or with bone grafts that come from the patient or a donor. Bone tissue engineering, as a field, offers the potential to regenerate bone within these large defects without the need for grafts or prosthetics. Such therapies could provide improved long- and short-term outcomes in patients with critical-sized bone defects. Bone tissue engineering has long relied on the administration of growth factors in protein form to stimulate bone regeneration, though clinical applications have shown that using such proteins as therapeutics can lead to concerning off-target effects due to the large amounts required for prolonged therapeutic action. Gene-based therapies offer an alternative to protein-based therapeutics where the genetic material encoding the desired protein is used and thus loading large doses of protein into the scaffolds is avoided. Gene- and RNAi-activated scaffolds are tissue engineering devices loaded with nucleic acids aimed at promoting local tissue repair. A variety of different approaches to formulating gene- and RNAi-activated scaffolds for bone tissue engineering have been explored, and include the activation of scaffolds with plasmid DNA, viruses, RNA transcripts, or interfering RNAs. This review will discuss recent progress in the field of bone tissue engineering, with specific focus on the different approaches employed by researchers to implement gene-activated scaffolds as a means of facilitating bone tissue repair.

In Silico Target Prediction of Overexpressed microRNAs from LPS-Challenged Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Treated with the Novel Anti-Inflammatory Peptide TnP

miRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally in various processes, e.g., immunity, development, and diseases. Since their experimental analysis is complex, in silico target prediction is important for directing investigations. TnP is a candidate peptide for anti-inflammatory therapy, first discovered in the venom of Thalassophryne nattereri, which led to miRNAs overexpression in LPS-inflamed zebrafish post-treatment. This work aimed to predict miR-21, miR-122, miR-731, and miR-26 targets using overlapped results of DIANA microT-CDS and TargetScanFish software. This study described 513 miRNAs targets using highly specific thresholds. Using Gene Ontology over-representation analysis, we identified their main roles in regulating gene expression, neurogenesis, DNA-binding, transcription regulation, immune system process, and inflammatory response. miRNAs act in post-transcriptional regulation, but we revealed that their targets are strongly related to expression regulation at the transcriptional level, e.g., transcription factors proteins. A few predicted genes participated concomitantly in many biological processes and molecular functions, such as foxo3a, rbpjb, rxrbb, tyrobp, hes6, zic5, smad1, e2f7, and npas4a. Others were particularly involved in innate immunity regulation: il17a/f2, pik3r3b, and nlrc6. Together, these findings not only provide new insights into the miRNAs mode of action but also raise hope for TnP therapy and may direct future experimental investigations.

Investigation of Circulating miRNA-133, miRNA-26, and miRNA-378 as Candidate Biomarkers for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) involves increased muscular mass of the left ventricle due to increased cardiomyocyte size and is caused by cardiomyopathies. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in processes that contribute to heart disease. This study aimed to examine miRNA-133, miRNA-26 and miRNA-378 as candidate biomarkers to define prognosis in patients with LVH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 70 patients who were diagnosed with LVH and 16 unaffected individuals who served as the control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze serum miRNA-133, miRNA-26, and miRNA-378 expression levels in LVH patients and the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic capability of miRNA-378.

RESULTS

When crossing threshold (CT) values were compared between patient and control samples, we found that there were no statistically significant differences in miRNA-133 and miRNA-26 CT values, while the miRNA-378 expression was significantly increased in LVH patients. ROC analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of miRNA-378 (AUC=0.484, p=0.0013) were significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

We observed a statistically significant relationship between miRNA-378 expression levels and LVH, suggesting that circulating miRNA-378 may be used as a novel biomarker to distinguish patients who have LVH from those who do not.

SHED aggregate exosomes shuttled miR-26a promote angiogenesis in pulp regeneration via TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling

OBJECTIVES

Pulp regeneration brings big challenges for clinicians, and vascularization is considered as its determining factor. We previously accomplished pulp regeneration with autologous stem cells from deciduous teeth (SHED) aggregates implantation in teenager patients, however, the underlying mechanism needs to be clarified for regenerating pulp in adults. Serving as an important effector of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), exosomes have been reported to promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration effectively. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of SHED aggregate-derived exosomes (SA-Exo) in the angiogenesis of pulp regeneration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We extracted exosomes from SHED aggregates and utilized them in the pulp regeneration animal model. The pro-angiogenetic effects of SA-Exo on SHED and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. The related mechanisms were further investigated.

RESULTS

We firstly found that SA-Exo significantly improved pulp tissue regeneration and angiogenesis in vivo. Next, we found that SA-Exo promoted SHED endothelial differentiation and enhanced the angiogenic ability of HUVECs, as indicated by the in vitro tube formation assay. Mechanistically, miR-26a, which is enriched in SA-Exo, improved angiogenesis both in SHED and HUVECs via regulating TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these data reveal that SA-Exo shuttled miR-26a promotes angiogenesis via TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling contributing to SHED aggregate-based pulp tissue regeneration. These novel insights into SA-Exo may facilitate the development of new strategies for pulp regeneration.

Therapies Targeted at Non-Coding RNAs in Prevention and Limitation of Myocardial Infarction and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling-Current Experience and Perspectives

Myocardial infarction is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide and is a main cause of heart failure. This disease appears as a final point of atherosclerotic plaque progression, destabilization, and rupture. As a consequence of cardiomyocytes death during the infarction, the heart undergoes unfavorable cardiac remodeling, which results in its failure. Therefore, therapies aimed to limit the processes of atherosclerotic plaque progression, cardiac damage during the infarction, and subsequent remodeling are urgently warranted. A hopeful therapeutic option for the future medicine is targeting and regulating non-coding RNA (ncRNA), like microRNA, circular RNA (circRNA), or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). In this review, the approaches targeted at ncRNAs participating in the aforementioned pathophysiological processes involved in myocardial infarction and their outcomes in preclinical studies have been concisely presented.

A narrative review of exosomes in vascular calcification

Vascular calcification (VC) is the abnormal deposition of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals in the vessel wall and can be commonly observed in diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic inflammatory disease. It is closely associated with mortality from cardiovascular events. Traditionally, calcification is considered as a degenerative disease associated with the aging process, while increasing evidence has shown that the occurrence and development of calcification is an active biological process, which is highly regulated by multiple factors. The molecular mechanisms of VC have not yet been fully elucidated. Exosomes, as important transporters of substance transport and intercellular communication, have been shown to participate in VC. The regulation of VC by exosomes involves a number of complex biological processes, which occur through a variety of interaction mechanisms. However, the specific role and mechanism of exosomes in the process of VC are still not fully understood and require further study. This review will briefly describe the roles of exosomes in the process of VC including in the promotion of extracellular mineral deposits, induction of phenotypic conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transport of microRNA between cells, and regulation on autophagy and oxidative stress, with the aim of providing novel ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of VC.

Gene Expression Signature in Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

[Figure: see text].

MicroRNA-26a inhibits wound healing through decreased keratinocytes migration by regulating ITGA5 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background: Keratinocyte migration is essential for skin wound healing and recent studies demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the differentiation, migration and apoptosis in keratinocytes. However, the function of miR-26a in wound healing remains to be largely explored.

Methods: Northern blot and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the miR-26a expression and Western blot was used to detect integrin α-5 (ITGA5), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), p-PI3K, protein kinase B (AKT) and p-AKT protein expression in immortalized human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) after 2 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) treatment for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. Transwell assay and Wound healing assay were introduced to measure the cell migration of HaCaT cells. TargetScan online database, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were employed to confirm the relationship between miR-26a and ITGA5.

Results: The RNA expression of miR-26a was down-regulated and ITGA5 protein expression was up-regulated by TGF-β1 treatment in HaCaT and NHEK cells in a time-dependent manner. MiR-26a overexpression inhibited the migration of HaCaT cells induced by TGF-β1 while miR-26a inhibitor enhanced the migration. ITGA5 was a downstream target mRNA and regulated by miR-26a. ITGA5 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-26a on migration in HaCaT, while ITGA5 knockdown attenuated the stimulative effect of miR-26a inhibitor in HaCaT via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion: MiR-26a overexpression inhibited TGF-β1 induced HaCaT cells migration via down-regulating ITGA5 through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Astrocytic neogenin/netrin-1 pathway promotes blood vessel homeostasis and function in mouse cortex

Astrocytes have multiple functions in the brain, including affecting blood vessel (BV) homeostasis and function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we provide evidence that astrocytic neogenin (NEO1), a member of deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) family netrin receptors, is involved in blood vessel homeostasis and function. Mice with Neo1 depletion in astrocytes exhibited clustered astrocyte distribution and increased BVs in their cortices. These BVs were leaky, with reduced blood flow, disrupted vascular basement membranes (vBMs), decreased pericytes, impaired endothelial cell (EC) barrier, and elevated tip EC proliferation. Increased proliferation was also detected in cultured ECs exposed to the conditioned medium (CM) of NEO1-depleted astrocytes. Further screening for angiogenetic factors in the CM identified netrin-1 (NTN1), whose expression was decreased in NEO1-depleted cortical astrocytes. Adding NTN1 into the CM of NEO1-depleted astrocytes attenuated EC proliferation. Expressing NTN1 in NEO1 mutant cortical astrocytes ameliorated phenotypes in blood-brain barrier (BBB), EC, and astrocyte distribution. NTN1 depletion in astrocytes resulted in BV/BBB deficits in the cortex similar to those in Neo1 mutant mice. In aggregate, these results uncovered an unrecognized pathway, astrocytic NEO1 to NTN1, not only regulating astrocyte distribution, but also promoting cortical BV homeostasis and function.

Cell type-specific microRNA therapies for myocardial infarction

Current interventions fail to recover injured myocardium after infarction and prompt the need for development of cardioprotective strategies. Of increasing interest is the therapeutic use of microRNAs to control gene expression through specific targeting of mRNAs. In this Review, we discuss current microRNA-based therapeutic strategies, describing the outcomes and limitations of key microRNAs with a focus on target cell types and molecular pathways. Last, we offer a perspective on the outlook of microRNA therapies for myocardial infarction, highlighting the outstanding challenges and emerging strategies.

Urinary- and Plasma-Derived Exosomes Reveal a Distinct MicroRNA Signature Associated With Albuminuria in Hypertension

Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) is a marker of cardiovascular risk and renal damage in hypertension. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) packaged into exosomes function as paracrine effectors in cell communication and the kidney is not exempt. This study aimed to state an exosomal miRNA profile/signature associated to hypertension with increased UAE and the impact of profibrotic TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1) on exosomes miRNA release. Therefore, exosomes samples from patients with hypertension with/without UAE were isolated and characterized. Three individual and unique small RNA libraries from each subject were prepared (total plasma, urinary, and plasma-derived exosomes) for next-generation sequencing profiling. Differentially expressed miRNAs were over-represented in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, and selected miRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a confirmation cohort. Thus, a signature of 29 dysregulated circulating miRNAs was identified in UAE hypertensive subjects, regulating 21 pathways. Moreover, changes in the levels of 4 exosomes-miRNAs were validated in a confirmation cohort and found associated with albuminuria. In particular miR-26a, major regulator of TGF-β signaling, was found downregulated in both type of exosomes when compared with healthy controls and to hypertension normoalbuminurics (P<0.01). Similarly, decreased miR-26a levels were found in podocyte-derived exosomes after TGF-β stress. Our results revealed an exosomes miRNA signature associated to albuminuria in hypertension. In particular, exosomes miR-26a seemed to play a key role in the regulation of TGF-β, a relevant effector in podocyte damage. These findings support the use of exosomes miRNAs as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk progression and therapeutic tools in early kidney damage.

MALAT1 sponges miR-26a and miR-26b to regulate endothelial cell angiogenesis via PFKFB3-driven glycolysis in early-onset preeclampsia

6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3) is a crucial regulator of glycolysis that has been implicated in angiogenesis and the development of diverse diseases. However, the functional role and regulatory mechanism of PFKFB3 in early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) remain to be elucidated. According to previous studies, noncoding RNAs play crucial roles in EOPE pathogenesis. The goal of this study was to investigate the functional roles and co-regulatory mechanisms of the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1)/microRNA (miR)-26/PFKFB3 axis in EOPE. In our study, decreased MALAT1 and PFKFB3 expression in EOPE tissues correlates with endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. The results of in vitro assays revealed that PFKFB3 regulates the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of ECs by modulating glycolysis. Furthermore, MALAT1 regulates PFKFB3 expression by sponging miR-26a/26b. Finally, MALAT1 knockout reduces EC angiogenesis by inhibiting PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis flux, which is ameliorated by PFKFB3 overexpression. In conclusion, decreased MALAT1 expression in EOPE tissues reduces the glycolysis of ECs in a PFKFB3-dependent manner by sponging miR-26a/26b and inhibits EC proliferation, migration, and tube formation, which may contribute to abnormal angiogenesis in EOPE. Thus, strategies targeting PFKFB3-driven glycolysis may be a promising approach for the treatment of EOPE.

3D Hybrid Nanofiber Aerogels Combining with Nanoparticles Made of a Biocleavable and Targeting Polycation and MiR-26a for Bone Repair

The healing of large bone defects represents a clinical challenge, often requiring some form of grafting. Three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber aerogels could be a promising bone graft due to their biomimetic morphology and controlled porous structures and composition. miR-26a has been reported to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and facilitate bone formation. Introducing miR-26a with a suitable polymeric vector targeting BMSCs could improve and enhance the functions of 3D nanofiber aerogels for bone regeneration. Herein, we first developed the comb-shaped polycation (HA-SS-PGEA) carrying a targeting component, biocleavable groups and short ethanolamine (EA)-decorated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) (abbreviated as PGEA) arms as miR-26a delivery vector. We then assessed the cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of this polycation and cellular response to miR-26a-incorporated nanoparticles (NPs) in vitro. HA-SS-PGEA exhibited a stronger ability to transport miR-26a and exert its functions than the gold standard polyethyleneimine (PEI) and low-molecular-weight linear PGEA. We finally examined the efficacy of HA-SS-PGEA/miR-26a NPs loaded 3D hybrid nanofiber aerogels showing a positive effect on the cranial bone defect healing. Together, the combination of 3D nanofiber aerogels and functional NPs consisting of a biodegradable and targeting polycation and therapeutic miRNA could be a promising approach for bone regeneration.

Extracellular Vesicle miRNAs in the Promotion of Cardiac Neovascularisation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide claiming almost 17. 9 million deaths annually. A primary cause is atherosclerosis within the coronary arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle resulting in myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac cell death. Despite substantial progress in the management of coronary heart disease (CHD), there is still a significant number of patients developing chronic heart failure post-MI. Recent research has been focused on promoting neovascularisation post-MI with the ultimate goal being to reduce the extent of injury and improve function in the failing myocardium. Cardiac cell transplantation studies in pre-clinical models have shown improvement in cardiac function; nonetheless, poor retention of the cells has indicated a paracrine mechanism for the observed improvement. Cell communication in a paracrine manner is controlled by various mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs have emerged as novel regulators of intercellular communication, by transferring molecules able to influence molecular pathways in the recipient cell. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of EVs to stimulate angiogenesis by transferring microRNA (miRNA, miR) molecules to endothelial cells (ECs). In this review, we describe the process of neovascularisation and current developments in modulating neovascularisation in the heart using miRNAs and EV-bound miRNAs. Furthermore, we critically evaluate methods used in cell culture, EV isolation and administration.

Bone morphogenetic proteins: New insights into their roles and mechanisms in CNS development, pathology and repair

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a highly conserved and diverse family of proteins that play essential roles in various stages of development including the formation and patterning of the central nervous system (CNS). Bioavailability and function of BMPs are regulated by input from a plethora of transcription factors and signaling pathways. Intriguingly, recent literature has uncovered novel roles for BMPs in regulating homeostatic and pathological responses in the adult CNS. Basal levels of BMP ligands and receptors are widely expressed in the adult brain and spinal cord with differential expression patterns across CNS regions, cell types and subcellular locations. Recent evidence indicates that several BMP isoforms are transiently or chronically upregulated in the aged or pathological CNS. Genetic knockout and pharmacological studies have elucidated that BMPs regulate several aspects of CNS injury and repair including cell survival and differentiation, reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation, axon regeneration, and myelin preservation and repair. Several BMP isoforms can be upregulated in the injured or diseased CNS simultaneously yet exert complementary or opposing effects on the endogenous cell responses after injury. Emerging studies also show that dysregulation of BMPs is associated with various CNS pathologies. Interestingly, modulation of BMPs can lead to beneficial or detrimental effects on CNS injury and repair mechanisms in a ligand, temporally or spatially specific manner, which reflect the complexity of BMP signaling. Given the significance of BMPs in neurodevelopment, a better understanding of their role in the context of injury may provide new therapeutic targets for the pathologic CNS. This review will provide a timely overview on the foundation and recent advancements in knowledge regarding the role and mechanisms of BMP signaling in the developing and adult CNS, and their implications in pathological responses and repair processes after injury or diseases.

Exploring microRNAs in diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) are one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, occurring mainly in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their target genes are essential regulators of cell physiology and pathology including biological processes that are involved in the regulation of diabetes and diabetes-related microvascular complications. in vivo and in vitro models have revealed that the expression of some miRNAs can be regulated in the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and wound remodelling of DCU. Nevertheless, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical use is still limited. Here, we provide a contemporary overview of the miRNAs as well as their associated target genes and pathways (including Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related to DCU healing. We also summarize the current development of drugs for DCU treatment and discuss the therapeutic challenges of DCU treatment and its future research directions.