Pathological Bases and Clinical Application of Long Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases

Role of long noncoding RNAs in diabetes-associated peripheral arterial disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that heightens the risks of many vascular complications, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Various types of cells, including but not limited to endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and macrophages (MΦs), play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DM-PAD. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are epigenetic regulators that play important roles in cellular function, and their dysregulation in DM can contribute to PAD. This review focuses on the developing field of lncRNAs and their emerging roles in linking DM and PAD. We review the studies investigating the role of lncRNAs in crucial cellular processes contributing to DM-PAD, including those in ECs, VSMCs, and MΦ. By examining the intricate molecular landscape governed by lncRNAs in these relevant cell types, we hope to shed light on the roles of lncRNAs in EC dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and vascular remodeling contributing to DM-PAD. Additionally, we provide an overview of the research approach and methodologies, from identifying disease-relevant lncRNAs to characterizing their molecular and cellular functions in the context of DM-PAD. We also discuss the potential of leveraging lncRNAs in the diagnosis and therapeutics for DM-PAD. Collectively, this review provides a summary of lncRNA-regulated cell functions contributing to DM-PAD and highlights the translational potential of leveraging lncRNA biology to tackle this increasingly prevalent and complex disease.

Natural products and long noncoding RNA signatures in gallbladder cancer: a review focuses on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and drug resistance

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with a poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and natural products have emerged as key orchestrators of cancer pathogenesis through widespread dysregulation across GBC transcriptomes. Functional studies have revealed that lncRNAs interact with oncoproteins and tumor suppressors to control proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness, and drug resistance. Curcumin, baicalein, oleanolic acid, shikonin, oxymatrine, arctigenin, liensinine, fangchinoline, and dioscin are a few examples of natural compounds that have demonstrated promising anticancer activities against GBC through the regulation of important signaling pathways. The lncRNAs, i.e., SNHG6, Linc00261, GALM, OIP5-AS1, FOXD2-AS1, MINCR, DGCR5, MEG3, GATA6-AS, TUG1, and DILC, are key players in regulating the aforementioned processes. For example, the lncRNAs FOXD2-AS1, DILC, and HOTAIR activate oncogenes such as DNMT1, Wnt/β-catenin, BMI1, and c-Myc, whereas MEG3 and GATA6-AS suppress the tumor proteins NF-κB, EZH2, and miR-421. Clinically, specific lncRNAs can serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers based on overexpression correlating with advanced TNM stage, metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor survival. Therapeutically, targeting aberrant lncRNAs with siRNA or antisense oligos disrupts their oncogenic signaling and inhibits GBC progression. Overall, dysfunctional lncRNA regulatory circuits offer multiple avenues for precision medicine approaches to improve early GBC detection and overcome this deadly cancer. They have the potential to serve as novel biomarkers as they are detectable in bodily fluids and tissues. These findings enhance gallbladder treatments, mitigating resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy.

Exosomal long non-coding RNA AU020206 alleviates macrophage pyroptosis in atherosclerosis by suppressing CEBPB-mediated NLRP3 transcription

Recent studies have suggested exosomes (EXO) as potential therapeutic tools for cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis (AS). This study investigates the function of bone marrow stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes (EXO) on macrophage pyroptosis in AS and explores the associated mechanism. BMSC-EXO were isolated from healthy mice and identified. RAW264.7 cells (mouse macrophages) were exposed to oxLDL to simulate an AS condition. BMSC-EXO treatment enhanced viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release of macrophages. An animal model of AS was established using ApoE-/- mice. BMSC-EXO treatment suppressed plaque formation as well as macrophage and lipid infiltration in mouse aortic tissues. Moreover, BMSC-EXO decreased concentrations of pyroptosis-related markers interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, cleaved-caspase-1 and gasdermin D in vitro and in vivo. Long non-coding RNA AU020206 was carried by the BMSC-EXO, and it bound to CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) to block CEBPB-mediated transcriptional activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). Functional assays revealed that silencing of AU020206 aggravated macrophage pyroptosis and exacerbated AS symptoms in mice. These exacerbations were blocked upon CEBPB silencing but then restored after NLRP3 overexpression. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that AU020206 delivered by BMSC-EXO alleviates macrophage pyroptosis in AS by blocking CEBPB-mediated transcriptional activation of NLRP3.

Non-coding RNAs as regulators of the Hippo pathway in cardiac development and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases pose a serious threat to human health. The onset of cardiovascular diseases involves the comprehensive effects of multiple genes and environmental factors, and multiple signaling pathways are involved in regulating the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. The Hippo pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Recently, it has been widely studied in the fields of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cell regeneration. Non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), which are important small molecules for the regulation of gene expression in cells, can directly target genes and have diverse regulatory functions. Recent studies have found that ncRNAs interact with Hippo pathway components to regulate myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and hypertrophy and play an important role in cardiovascular disease. In this review, we describe the mode of action of ncRNAs in regulating the Hippo pathway, provide new ideas for further research, and identify molecules involved in the mechanism of action of ncRNAs and the Hippo pathway as potential therapeutic targets, with the aim of finding new modes of action for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Non-coding RNAs regulating endothelial progenitor cells for venous thrombosis: promising therapy and innovation

Venous thromboembolism, which includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, is the third most common vascular disease in the world and seriously threatens the lives of patients. Currently, the effect of conventional treatments on DVT is limited. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in the resolution and recanalization of DVT, but an unfavorable microenvironment reduces EPC function. Non-coding RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, play a crucial role in improving the biological function of EPCs. Non-coding RNAs have become clinical biomarkers of diseases and are expected to serve as new targets for disease intervention. A theoretical and experimental basis for the development of new methods for preventing and treating DVT in the clinic will be provided by studies on the role and molecular mechanism of non-coding RNAs regulating EPC function in the occurrence and development of DVT. To summarize, the characteristics of venous thrombosis, the regulatory role of EPCs in venous thrombosis, and the effect of non-coding RNAs regulating EPCs on venous thrombosis are reviewed. This summary serves as a useful reference and theoretical basis for research into the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis of venous thrombosis.

Long Noncoding RNA AC078850.1 Induces NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Atherosclerosis by Upregulating ITGB2 Transcription via Transcription Factor HIF-1α

As a chronic progressive inflammatory disease, atherosclerosis constitutes a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The effect of lncRNA AC078850.1 in atherosclerosis is unknown; this study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of the lncRNA AC078850.1/HIF-1α complex in atherosclerosis. Initially, we identified the lncRNA AC078850.1 associated with atherosclerosis using multiple bioinformatic methods, finding that the level of lncRNA AC078850.1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was positively related to the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. LncRNA AC078850.1 was upregulated, and found to be predominately localized in the nucleus of THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Both the knockdown of lncRNA AC078850.1 and the transcription factor HIF-1α can each markedly suppress ITGB2 gene transcription, ROS production, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β/18 release, lipid accumulation, and pyroptotic cell death in ox-LDL-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Additionally, the downregulation of HIF-1α attenuated the positive effects of lncRNA AC078850.1 on pyroptosis and foam cell formation. In addition, the knockdown of lncRNA AC078850.1 suppressed HIF-1α-aggravated macrophages pyroptosis and foam cell formation. Meanwhile, inhibition of ITGB2 gene expression ameliorated HIF-1α-aggravated ROS generation in THP-1-derived macrophages. Taken together, our study demonstrated that lncRNA AC078850.1 was involved in the regulation of ITGB2 gene transcription by binding to the HIF-1α and lncRNA AC078850.1/HIF-1α complex, promoting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and foam cell formation through the ROS-dependent pathway in cases of atherosclerosis.

Long non-coding RNA KCND1 protects hearts from hypertrophy by targeting YBX1

Cardiac hypertrophy is a common structural remodeling in many cardiovascular diseases. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were found to be involved in the physiological and pathological processes of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we found that LncRNA KCND1 (LncKCND1) was downregulated in both transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophic mouse hearts and Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. Further analyses showed that the knockdown of LncKCND1 impaired cardiac mitochondrial function and led to hypertrophic changes in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, overexpression of LncKCND1 inhibited Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophic changes. Importantly, enhanced expression of LncKCND1 protected the heart from TAC-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy and improved heart function in TAC mice. Subsequent analyses involving mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation assays showed that LncKCND1 directly binds to YBX1. Furthermore, overexpression of LncKCND1 upregulated the expression level of YBX1, while silencing LncKCND1 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, YBX1 was downregulated during cardiac hypertrophy, whereas overexpression of YBX1 inhibited Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, silencing YBX1 reversed the effect of LncKCND1 on cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function and its protective role in cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting that YBX1 is a downstream target of LncKCND1 in regulating cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, our study provides mechanistic insights into the functioning of LncKCND1 and supports LncKCND1 as a potential therapeutic target for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

FIMICS: A panel of long noncoding RNAs for cardiovascular conditions

Cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure are leading causes of mortality. Patient stratification via identification of novel biomarkers could improve management of cardiovascular diseases of complex etiologies. Long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are highly tissue-specific in nature and have emerged as important biomarkers in human diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify cardiac-enriched lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular conditions. Deep RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR identified differentially expressed lncRNAs between failing and non-failing hearts. An independent dataset was used to evaluate the enrichment of lncRNAs in normal hearts. We identified a panel of 2906 lncRNAs, named FIMICS, that were either cardiac-enriched or differentially expressed between failing and non-failing hearts. Expression of lncRNAs in blood samples differentiated patients with myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction. We hereby present the FIMICS panel, a readily available tool to provide insights into cardiovascular pathologies and which could be helpful for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis purposes.

lncRNA LOC100911717-targeting GAP43-mediated sympathetic remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats

Objective

Sympathetic remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is the primary cause of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD). M1-type macrophages are closely associated with inflammation and sympathetic remodeling after MI. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for the regulation of cardiovascular disease development. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the lncRNAs involved in MI and reveal a possible regulatory mechanism.

Methods and results

M0- and M1-type macrophages were selected for sequencing and screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs. The data revealed that lncRNA LOC100911717 was upregulated in M1-type macrophages but not in M0-type macrophages. In addition, the lncRNA LOC100911717 was upregulated in heart tissues after MI. Furthermore, an RNA pull-down assay revealed that lncRNA LOC100911717 could interact with growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). Essentially, immunofluorescence assays and programmed electrical stimulation demonstrated that GAP43 expression was suppressed and VA incidence was reduced after lncRNA LOC100911717 knockdown in rat hearts using an adeno-associated virus.

Conclusions

We observed a novel relationship between lncRNA LOC100911717 and GAP43. After MI, lncRNA LOC100911717 was upregulated and GAP43 expression was enhanced, thus increasing the extent of sympathetic remodeling and the frequency of VA events. Consequently, silencing lncRNA LOC100911717 could reduce sympathetic remodeling and VAs.

Salidroside Inhibits Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Myocardial Apoptosis by Targeting Mir-378a-3p Via the Igf1r/Pi3k/Akt Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of salidroside (SAL) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

We set up an H/R H9c2 cell model in vitro and an I/R rat model in vivo. Cell viability, apoptosis and histopathologic evaluation were conducted.

RESULTS

The cell viability of H/R-induced cardiomyocytes was increased by pretreatment of SAL, whereas the release of lactate dehydrogenase, reactive oxygen species production, and apoptosis were decreased accompanied with reduced Cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, and increased Bcl-2 expressions. The SAL restored mitochondrial membrane potential both in vitro and in vivo, and improved electrocardiographic abnormality, and attenuated myocardial apoptosis and injury in I/R-induced rats. The transfection of miR-378a-3p inhibitor counteracted the effects of SAL-induced increase of cell viability and decrease of cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. SAL reduced the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and increased the expressions of PI3K and Akt, however, these alterations were blocked by miR-378a-3p inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-378a-3p might participate in the protective effect of SAL in I/R-induced myocardial apoptosis via the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

lncNALT knockdown ameliorates hypertensive retinopathy via PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway

This study aimed to explore the role of the long non-coding RNA NOTCH1-associated lncRNA in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (lncNALT) in the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy (HR). LncNALT expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effects of lncNALT knockdown on the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were determined via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, and Transwell assays. Protein expression levels were determined using western blotting. We found that lncNALT expression levels were increased in RMECs treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), while the knockdown of lncNALT rescued the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of RMECs treated with H₂O₂. Moreover, lncNALT interacted with ELAV like RNA binding protein 1 to affect the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. Knockdown of lncNALT enhanced the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of RMECs via the PTEN/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase (AKT) pathway. Taken together, knockdown of lncNALT enhanced the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of RMECs via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that lncNALT could be a potential therapeutic target for patients with HR.

β‑aminoisobutyric acid ameliorates hypertensive vascular remodeling via activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in VSMCs

Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of hypertension-related vascular remodeling. β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) is a nonprotein β-amino acid with multiple pharmacological actions. Recently, BAIBA has been shown to attenuate salt‑sensitive hypertension, but the role of BAIBA in hypertension-related vascular remodeling has yet to be fully clarified. This study examined the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of BAIBA in VSMC proliferation and migration induced by hypertension. Primary VSMCs were cultured from the aortas of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Our results showed that BAIBA pretreatment obviously alleviated the phenotypic transformation, proliferation, and migration of SHR-derived VSMCs. Exogenous BAIBA significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines by diminishing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 NFκB, retarding IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, as well as erasing STAT3 phosphorylation in VSMCs. Supplementation of BAIBA triggered Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1 and inhibited oxidative stress in VSMCs from SHR. Mechanistically, activation of the AMPK/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis was required for BAIBA to cube hypertension-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, oxidative damage and inflammatory response. Most importantly, exogenous BAIBA alleviated hypertension, ameliorated vascular remodeling and fibrosis, abated vascular oxidative burst and inflammation in SHR, an effect that was abolished by deficiency of AMPKα1 and SIRT1. BAIBA might serve as a novel therapeutic agent to prevent vascular remodeling in the context of hypertension.

LncRNA LINC00281/Annexin A2 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Switching via the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway

Abnormal phenotype switch in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in the initiation and progression of vascular proliferative diseases. Annexin A2 (ANXA2), related to the pro-inflammatory response, contributes to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. This study explored the mechanisms involved in the regulation of VSMC phenotype modulation via ANXA2. The results revealed that ANXA2 promotes the phosphorylation of p65 and co-translocates with p65 into the nucleus, resulting in VSMC proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation. Based on bioinformatics predictions and RNA immunoprecipitation assays, LINC00281 was confirmed to be an upstream regulator of ANXA2. Taken together, ANXA2, which is negatively regulated by the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00281, has significant importance in the regulation of VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotype switching via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) p65 signaling pathway. This indicates that the lncRNA LINC00281/ANXA2/NF-кB p65 signaling pathway might be a new therapeutic target for vascular proliferative diseases.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Contacts: A Potential Therapy Target for Cardiovascular Remodeling-Associated Diseases

Cardiovascular remodeling occurs in cardiomyocytes, collagen meshes, and vascular beds in the progress of cardiac insufficiency caused by a variety of cardiac diseases such as chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic overload heart disease, myocarditis, and myocardial infarction. The morphological changes that occur as a result of remodeling are the critical pathological basis for the occurrence and development of serious diseases and also determine morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the inhibition of remodeling is an important approach to prevent and treat heart failure and other related diseases. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are tightly linked by ER-mitochondria contacts (ERMCs). ERMCs play a vital role in different signaling pathways and provide a satisfactory structural platform for the ER and mitochondria to interact and maintain the normal function of cells, mainly by involving various cellular life processes such as lipid metabolism, calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, ER stress, and autophagy. Studies have shown that abnormal ERMCs may promote the occurrence and development of remodeling and participate in the formation of a variety of cardiovascular remodeling-associated diseases. This review focuses on the structure and function of the ERMCs, and the potential mechanism of ERMCs involved in cardiovascular remodeling, indicating that ERMCs may be a potential target for new therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular remodeling-induced diseases.

Long Non-Coding RNA Regulation of Epigenetics in Vascular Cells

The vascular endothelium comprises the interface between the circulation and the vessel wall and, as such, is under the dynamic regulation of vascular signalling, nutrients, and hypoxia. Understanding the molecular drivers behind endothelial cell (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function and dysfunction remains a pivotal task for further clinical progress in tackling vascular disease. A newly emerging era in vascular biology with landmark deep sequencing approaches has provided us with the means to profile diverse layers of transcriptional regulation at a single cell, chromatin, and epigenetic level. This review describes the roles of major vascular long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in the epigenetic regulation of EC and VSMC function and discusses the recent progress in their discovery, detection, and functional characterisation. We summarise new findings regarding lncRNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms—often regulated by hypoxia—within the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle to control vascular homeostasis in health and disease. Furthermore, we outline novel molecular techniques being used in the field to delineate the lncRNA subcellular localisation and interaction with proteins to unravel their biological roles in the epigenetic regulation of vascular genes.