Differential microRNAs expression profiles in liver from three different lifestyle modification mice models

Overexpression of miR-125a-5p Inhibits Hepatocyte Proliferation through the STAT3 Regulation In Vivo and In Vitro

microRNAs (miRNAs) are critically involved in liver regeneration (LR). miR-125a-5p (miR-125a) is a tumor-suppressing miRNA, but its role in LR has not been studied. Our previous studies have proved that miR-125a was related to LR at the initiation phase, while the mechanism hepatocyte proliferation triggered by miR-125a in LR has been rarely evaluated. Herein, we mainly studied the molecular mechanism of miR-125a in triggering hepatocyte proliferation and the proliferation stage of LR. Firstly, a striking reduction of miR-125a was found at 24 h as well as 30 h following partial hepatectomy (PH) in rat liver tissue by miRNAs expression profiles as well as qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, in vitro, upregulation of miR-125a decreased proliferation as well as G1/S conversion, which promoted hepatocytes apoptosis. STAT3 was the target of miR-125a. In vivo, upregulation of miR-125a by tail vein injection of agomir inhibited LR index. Upregulation of miR-125a inhibited LR index and hepatocytes proliferation by STAT3/p-STAT3/JUN/BCL2 axis. In summary, these current discoveries indicated that miR-125a inhibited hepatocytes proliferation as well as LR by targeting STAT3 and via acting on the STAT3/p-STAT3/JUN/BCL2 axis.

MicroRNAs and Metabolism: Revisiting the Warburg Effect with Emphasis on Epigenetic Background and Clinical Applications

Since the well-known hallmarks of cancer were described by Hanahan and Weinberg, fundamental advances of molecular genomic technologies resulted in the discovery of novel puzzle pieces in the multistep pathogenesis of cancer. MicroRNAs are involved in the altered epigenetic pattern and metabolic phenotype of malignantly transformed cells. They contribute to the initiation, progression and metastasis-formation of cancers, also interacting with oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes and epigenetic modifiers. Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells results from the dysregulation of a complex network, in which microRNAs are located at central hubs. MicroRNAs regulate the expression of several metabolic enzymes, including tumor-specific isoforms. Therefore, they have a direct impact on the levels of metabolites, also influencing epigenetic pattern due to the metabolite cofactors of chromatin modifiers. Targets of microRNAs include numerous epigenetic enzymes, such as sirtuins, which are key regulators of cellular metabolic homeostasis. A better understanding of reversible epigenetic and metabolic alterations opened up new horizons in the personalized treatment of cancer. MicroRNA expression levels can be utilized in differential diagnosis, prognosis stratification and prediction of chemoresistance. The therapeutic modulation of microRNA levels is an area of particular interest that provides a promising tool for restoring altered metabolism of cancer cells.