Analysis of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in LPS-induced human HMC3 microglial cells

MSC-derived exosomal miR-140-3p improves cognitive dysfunction in sepsis-associated encephalopathy by HMGB1 and S-lactoylglutathione metabolism

MiRNAs in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosome (MSCs-exo) play an important role in the treatment of sepsis. We explored the mechanism through which MSCs-exo influences cognitive impairment in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Here, we show that miR-140-3p targeted Hmgb1. MSCs-exo plus miR-140-3p mimic (Exo) and antibiotic imipenem/cilastatin (ABX) improve survival, weight, and cognitive impairment in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mice. Exo and ABX inhibit high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), IBA-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, p65/p-p65, NLRP3, Caspase 1, and GSDMD-N levels. In addition, Exo upregulates S-lactoylglutathione levels in the hippocampus of CLP mice. Our data further demonstrates that Exo and S-lactoylglutathione increase GSH levels in LPS-induced HMC3 cells and decrease LD and GLO2 levels, inhibiting inflammatory responses and pyroptosis. These findings suggest that MSCs-exo-mediated delivery of miR-140-3p ameliorates cognitive impairment in mice with SAE by HMGB1 and S-lactoylglutathione metabolism, providing potential therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of SAE.

Identification of differentially expressed mRNA/lncRNA modules in acutely regorafenib-treated sorafenib-resistant Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but many patients become sorafenib-resistant (SR). This study investigated the efficacy of another kinase inhibitor, regorafenib (Rego), as a second-line treatment. We produced SR HCC cells, wherein the PI3K-Akt, TNF, cAMP, and TGF-beta signaling pathways were affected. Acute Rego treatment of these cells reversed the expression of genes involved in TGF-beta signaling but further increased the expression of genes involved in PI3K-Akt signaling. Additionally, Rego reversed the expression of genes involved in nucleosome assembly and epigenetic gene expression. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed four differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (DElncRNA) modules that were associated with the effectiveness of Rego on SR cells. Eleven putative DElncRNAs with distinct expression patterns were identified. We associated each module with DEmRNAs of the same pattern, thus obtaining DElncRNA/DEmRNA co-expression modules. We discuss the potential significance of each module. These findings provide insights and resources for further investigation into the potential mechanisms underlying the response of SR HCC cells to Rego.

Repopulated spinal cord microglia exhibit a unique transcriptome and contribute to pain resolution

Microglia are implicated as primarily detrimental in pain models; however, they exist across a continuum of states that contribute to homeostasis or pathology depending on timing and context. To clarify the specific contribution of microglia to pain progression, we take advantage of a temporally controlled transgenic approach to transiently deplete microglia. Unexpectedly, we observe complete resolution of pain coinciding with microglial repopulation rather than depletion. We find that repopulated mouse spinal cord microglia are morphologically distinct from control microglia and exhibit a unique transcriptome. Repopulated microglia from males and females express overlapping networks of genes related to phagocytosis and response to stress. We intersect the identified mouse genes with a single-nuclei microglial dataset from human spinal cord to identify human-relevant genes that may ultimately promote pain resolution after injury. This work presents a comprehensive approach to gene discovery in pain and provides datasets for the development of future microglial-targeted therapeutics.