LncRNA H19 induces immune dysregulation of BMMSCs, at least partly, by inhibiting IL-2 production

LncRNAs involvement in pathogenesis of immune-related disease via regulation of T regulatory cells, an updated review

The pathophysiology of several illnesses, including cancer and autoimmune diseasesdepends on human regulatory T cells (Tregs), and abnormalities in these cells may function as triggers for these conditions. Cancer and autoimmune, and gynecological diseases are associated with the differentiation of the proinflammatory T cell subset TH17 and its balance with the production of Treg. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important regulatory molecules in a wide range of illnesses. During epigenetic regulation, they can control the expression of important genes at several levels by affecting transcription, post-transcriptional actions, translation, and protein modification. They might connect with different molecules, such as proteins, DNA and RNA, and their structural composition is intricate. Because lncRNAs regulatebiological processes, including cell division, death, and growth, they are linked to severaldiseases. A notable instance of this is the lncRNA NEAT1, which has been the subject of several investigations to ascertain its function in immune cell development. In the context of immune cell development, several additional lncRNAs have been connected to Treg cell differentiation. In this work, we summarize current findings about the diverse functions of lncRNAs in Treg cell differentiation and control of the Th17/Treg homeostasis in autoimmune disorders, cancers, as well as several gynecological diseases where Tregs are key players.

Identification and coregulation pattern analysis of long noncoding RNAs in the mouse brain after Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection

BACKGROUND

Angiostrongyliasis is a highly dangerous infectious disease. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae migrate to the mouse brain and cause symptoms, such as brain swelling and bleeding. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are novel targets for the control of parasitic infections. However, the role of these molecules in A. cantonensis infection has not been fully clarified.

METHODS

In total, 32 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups, and the infection groups were inoculated with 40 A. cantonensis larvae by gavage. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and RNA library construction were performed on brain tissues from infected mice. Differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in brain tissues was identified by high-throughput sequencing. The pathways and functions of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. The functions of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were further characterized by lncRNA‒microRNA (miRNA) target interactions. The potential host lncRNAs involved in larval infection of the brain were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR).

RESULTS

The pathological results showed that the degree of brain tissue damage increased with the duration of infection. The transcriptome results showed that 859 lncRNAs and 1895 mRNAs were differentially expressed compared with those in the control group, and several lncRNAs were highly expressed in the middle-late stages of mouse infection. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the differentially expressed target genes were enriched mainly in immune system processes and inflammatory response, among others, and several potential regulatory networks were constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the expression profiles of lncRNAs in the brains of mice after infection with A. cantonensis. The lncRNAs H19, F630028O10Rik, Lockd, AI662270, AU020206, and Mexis were shown to play important roles in the infection of mice with A. cantonensis infection.

Serum long non-coding Ribonucleic Acid H19 serves as a biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus and participates in the disease progression

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the expression of H19 and its possible molecular mechanism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The expression of H19 and miR-19b in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum H19 in SLE. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of H19 and miR-19b. Flow cytometry and Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were performed to detect cell apoptosis and viability. The levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the interaction between H19 and miR-19b.

RESULTS

The expression of H19 and miR-19b in SLE group were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Serum H19 has certain clinical diagnostic value in SLE. In in vitro studies, overexpression of H19 can significantly inhibit the viability of PBMCs and promote apoptosis and inflammatory response of PBMCs by interacting with miR-19b.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of H19 is upregulated in patients with SLE and plays a role in cell function and inflammation by targeting miR-19b in PBMCs, which may be one of the pathological mechanisms of SLE.

miRNA-133 and lncRNA-H19 expressions and their relation to serum levels of PKM2 and TGF-β in patients with systemic sclerosis

Background and aims

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a common autoimmune disorder involving the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs with an elusive pathophysiology. SSc is believed to be a genetically prone T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. miRNAs and lncRNAs were thought to be involved in the etiology of several immunological diseases including SSc. This work aimed to assess the expression of miRNA-133, lncRNA-H19, PKM2, and TGF-β levels in SSc in comparison to controls and their relationship to the clinical course and severity of disease.

Patients and methods

Fifty patients with SSc and 40 healthy age and sex-matched controls were included in this study. miRNA-133 and H19 expression levels were detected using quantitative RT-PCR while serum levels of PKM2 and TGF-β were measured using ELISA techniques. Patients' clinical data and treatments received were extracted and correlated with proteins investigated.

Results

Our results showed that miRNA-133 was significantly downregulated in SSc patients in comparison to controls (Mean + SD of SSc = 0.61 ± 0.22, Mean ± SD of HC = 0.97 ± 0.007, p = 0.003). However, there was significant upregulation of the serum expressions of all other tested biomarkers in SSc patients in comparison to controls; H19 (Mean + SD of SSc = 10.37 ± 3.13, Mean ± SD of HC = 1.01 ± 0.01, p = 0.0001), PKM2 (Mean + SD of SSc = 28.0 ± 4.84, Mean ± SD of HC = 16.19 ± 1.32, p = 0.005) and TGF-β (Mean + SD of SSc = 150.8 ± 6.36, Mean ± SD of HC = 23.83 ± 0.93, p = 0.0001). We also detected several correlations between serum levels of the investigated proteins in patients with SSc.

Conclusion

Along with TGF-β, our results show that miRNA-133, H19, and PKM2 seem to be potential contributors to SSc pathogenesis and could be promising biomarkers in the diagnosis of SSc patients. The lncRNA-H19 correlations with TGF- β, miRNA-133, and PKM2 suggest a possible influential effect of this RNA molecule on the pathogenesis of SSc.

Molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in pathogenesis and diagnosis of auto-immune diseases, with a special focus on lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches

Autoimmune diseases are a diverse set of conditions defined by organ damage due to abnormal innate and acquired immune system responses. The pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders is exceedingly intricate and has yet to be fully understood. The study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), non-protein-coding RNAs with at least 200 nucleotides in length, has gained significant attention due to the completion of the human genome project and the advancement of high-throughput genomic approaches. Recent research has demonstrated how lncRNA alters disease development to different degrees. Although lncRNA research has made significant progress in cancer and generative disorders, autoimmune illnesses are a relatively new research area. Moreover, lncRNAs play crucial functions in differentiating various immune cells, and their potential relationships with autoimmune diseases have received growing attention. Because of the importance of Th17/Treg axis in auto-immune disease development, in this review, we discuss various molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate the differentiation of Th17/Treg cells. Also, we reviewed recent findings regarding the several approaches in the application of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of human autoimmune diseases, as well as current challenges in lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches to auto-immune diseases.

Cellular microenvironment: a key for tuning mesenchymal stem cell senescence

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, making them highly suitable for use as seed cells in tissue engineering. These can be derived from various sources and have been found to play crucial roles in several physiological processes, such as tissue repair, immune regulation, and intercellular communication. However, the limited capacity for cell proliferation and the secretion of senescence-associated secreted phenotypes (SASPs) pose challenges for the clinical application of MSCs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the senescence characteristics of MSCs and examine the different features of cellular microenvironments studied thus far. Additionally, we discuss the mechanisms by which cellular microenvironments regulate the senescence process of MSCs, offering insights into preserving their functionality and enhancing their effectiveness.

Long Non-coding RNA Genes Polymorphisms H19 (rs2251375) and MALAT1 (rs3200401) Association with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Correlation with Disease Activity in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients: A Pilot Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that could be disabling throughout its course. It affects people in their most reproductive years with relatively high morbidity and mortality. Long non-coding RNAs became one of the epigenetic mechanisms to prove a link to RA pathogenesis and development, including H19 and MALAT1 genes. These two genes' expressions had proved to increase in multiple diseases, attracting attention to their polymorphisms and their possible risk role. Assess the association between H19 SNP (rs2251375) and MALAT1 SNP (rs3200401) and the susceptibility of RA and its disease activity. In this pilot study, 200 hundred subjects (100 RA patients and 100 healthy controls) were investigated for a possible link between the polymorphisms H19 SNP (rs2251375) and MALAT1 SNP (3200401) and RA susceptibility and disease activity. RA-related investigations and clinical assessment were done. Real-time PCR genotyping of both SNPs was done using TaqMan® MGB probes. There was no association between the SNPs and risk of developing RA. However, both SNPs had a significant association with high disease activity. H19 SNP (rs2251375) heterozygous genotype CA had an association with elevated levels of ESR (p = 0.04) and higher DAS28-ESR score (p = 0.03). MALAT1 (rs3200401) C allele had an association with elevated ESR (p = 0.001), DAS28-ESR (p = 0.03), and DAS28-CRP (p = 0.007), while CC genotype had an association with DAS28-CRP (p = 0.015). Linkage disequilibrium and haplotyping of the alleles of both SNPs were analyzed as both genes are present on chromosome 11, but no significant association was found between any of the combinations of the alleles (p > 0.05), denoting that (rs2251375) and (rs3200401) are not in linkage disequilibrium. There is no association between H19 SNP (rs2251375) and MALAT1 SNP (rs3200401) and the susceptibility of RA. However, there is an association between H19 SNP (rs2251375) genotype CA and MALAT1 SNP (rs3200401) genotype CC with RA high disease activity.

Research progress on the regulation of bone marrow stem cells by noncoding RNAs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity in young women, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The primary pathogenic factors contributing to its development include genetics, abnormal bone metabolism, and endocrine factors. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AIS by regulating its occurrence and progression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are also involved in the pathogenesis of AIS, and their role in regulating BMSCs in patients with AIS requires further evaluation. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature regarding the osteogenic, chondrogenic, and lipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The corresponding mechanisms of ncRNA-mediated BMSC regulation in patients with AIS, recent advancements in AIS and ncRNA research, and the importance of ncRNA translation profiling and multiomics are highlighted.

Pathological role of LncRNAs in immune-related disease via regulation of T regulatory cells

Human regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential in pathogenesis of several diseases such as autoimmune diseases and cancers, and their imbalances may be promoting factor in these disorders. The development of the proinflammatory T cell subset TH17 and its balance with the generation of regulatory T cells (Treg) is linked to autoimmune disease and cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as powerful regulatory molecules in a variety of diseases and can regulate the expression of significant genes at multiple levels through epigenetic regulation and by modulating transcription, post-transcriptional processes, translation, and protein modification. They may interact with a wide range of molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, and have a complex structural makeup. LncRNAs are implicated in a range of illnesses due to their regulatory impact on a variety of biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this regard, a prominent example is lncRNA NEAT1 which several studies have performed to determine its role in the differentiation of immune cells. Many other lncRNAs have been linked to Treg cell differentiation in the context of immune cell differentiation. In this study, we review recent research on the various roles of lncRNAs in differentiation of Treg cell and regulation of the Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune diseases and tumors in which T regs play an important role.

Progress in the application of body fluid and tissue level mRNAs-non-coding RNAs for the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of systemic lupus erythematosus

The diagnosis and differential classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is difficult, especially in patients with early-onset SLE who are susceptible to systemic multi-organ damage and serious complications and have difficulties in individualized treatment. At present, diagnosis is based mainly on clinical manifestations and the detection of serological antinuclear antibodies. The pathogenesis of SLE involves multiple factors, is clinically heterogeneous, and lacks specific biomarkers. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis and subtype classification of SLE. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are composed of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, circular RNAs, and transfer RNAs. They play an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases and are used widely in the early diagnosis and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we focus on the research progress in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of SLE using humoral to tissue level ncRNAs.

Association Between HOTAIR rs920778 and H19 rs3741219 Polymorphisms with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' Disease (GD)

Background

Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are two autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). The current study aimed to assess possible association between HOTAIR rs920778 and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms with GD and HT.

Methods

We recruited 248 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (133 HT patients and 115 GD patients) and 135 age- and sex-matched controls. The PCR-RFLP method was applied for genotyping of HOTAIR rs920778, and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms.

Results

The HOTAIR rs920778 GA frequency was significantly higher in control compared to HT group. The Overdominant model showed a significant association with the risk of HT. However, no significant association was observed between this polymorphism and HT susceptibility in dominant and recessive models. The H19 rs3741219 GA was more repeated in HT patients compared to control group, but the difference was not significant. There was no association between HOTAIR rs920778 and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms with GD in all genetic models.

Discussion

Our findings indicated that HOTAIR rs920778 polymorphism decreased the risk of HT. Since, this the first study, further studies with different races are required to confirm our results.

Long Intergenic Noncoding RNAs Affect Biological Pathways Underlying Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a class of independently transcribed molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not overlap known protein-coding genes. LincRNAs have diverse roles in gene expression and participate in a spectrum of biological processes. Dysregulation of lincRNA expression can abrogate cellular homeostasis, cell differentiation, and development and can also deregulate the immune and nervous systems. A growing body of literature indicates their important and multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of several different diseases. Furthermore, certain lincRNAs can be considered potential therapeutic targets and valuable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers capable of predicting the onset of a disease, its degree of activity, or the progression phase. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms and molecular functions of lincRNAs in the pathogenesis of selected autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This summary can provide new ideas for future research, diagnosis, and treatment of these highly prevalent and devastating diseases.

Study on the Relationship between lncRNA Gene Polymorphism and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage to multiple systems of the body. A number of studies have shown that long-chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of autoimmune diseases. This study is aimed at detecting the expression levels of 5 lncRNAs in SLE patients and healthy controls and at exploring the relationship between expression levels and clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators.

Methods

The design type of this study is a case-control study. A total of 76 SLE patients and 71 healthy controls were included in the first phase of the study. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression level of 5 kinds of lncRNAs including lnc7514, lnc0640, lncagf, nc3643, and lnc5150 in PBMCs of two groups of patients; the expression of lncRNAs in the case group and the control group was analyzed. We analyzed the differences in the expression levels of lncRNAs between case and control groups, and explored the association of expression levels with clinical manifestations and laboratory characteristics. SPSS23.0 was used to analyze the expression level and gene polymorphism results; the statistical analysis test level α = 0.05.

Results

The expression level of lnc0640 in PBMCs of SLE patient group was higher than that of healthy control group (Z = -3.56, P = 0.03). However, lnc5150 was lower than in healthy controls (Z = -7.16, P < 0.001). lnc3643 expression levels were lower in SLE patients of SLE patients with pleurisy was lower than that of patients without pleurisy (Z = -2.44, P = 0.02). Low lnc3643 expression levels were observed in PBMCs with SLE patients with rash symptoms (Z = -2.75, P = 0.013). SLE expressed lower lnc3643 levels in PBMCs with SLE compared with those without pleurisy (Z = -2.42, P = 0.02). The above differences were statistically significant. Association analysis of lncRNA expression levels and clinical manifestations in SLE patients found that SLE was lower than those without rash or pleurisy (both P < 0.05); association analysis of lncRNA expression level and laboratory results found a negative correlation between lnc3643, lnc7514, and SLE disease activity score (SLEDAI-2K), blood sink (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

lnc0640 was overexpressed in PBMCs in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. lnc3643 was negatively correlated with SLEDAI, and expression levels were associated with SLE patients with arthritis, rash, and pleuritis.