MiR-106b exhibits an anti-angiogenic function by inhibiting STAT3 expression in endothelial cells

Upregulation of Anti-Angiogenic miR-106b-3p Correlates Negatively with IGF-1 and Vascular Health Parameters in a Model of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease: Study with Metformin Therapy

Well-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is regarded as a model of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), characterized by inflammation and adverse vascular health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels, their correlation to miR-106b-3p expression in a subclinical CVD model, and the cardioprotective effect of metformin. A total of 20 controls and 29 well-controlled T1DM subjects were studied. Plasma IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels, and miR-106b-3p expression in colony-forming unit-Hills were analyzed and compared with vascular markers. miR-106b-3p was upregulated in T1DM (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with pro-angiogenic markers CD34+/100-lymphocytes (p < 0.05) and IGF-1 (p < 0.05). IGF-1 was downregulated in T1DM (p < 0.01), which was associated with increased inflammatory markers TNF-α, CRP, and IL-10 and reduced CD34+/100-lymphocytes. IGFBP-3 had no significant results. Metformin had no effect on IGF-1 but significantly reduced miR-106b-3p (p < 0.0001). An Ingenuity Pathway analysis predicted miR-106b-3p to inhibit PDGFA, PIK3CG, GDNF, and ADAMTS13, which activated CVD. Metformin was predicted to be cardioprotective by inhibiting miR-106b-3p. In conclusion: Subclinical CVD is characterized by a cardio-adverse profile of low IGF-1 and upregulated miR-106b-3p. We demonstrated that the cardioprotective effect of metformin may be via downregulation of upregulated miR-106b-3p and its effect on downstream targets.

Targeted intervention of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine on epigenetic modification: Possible strategies for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a deadly consequence of cardiovascular disease and has very high mortality rate worldwide. The epigenetic modifications can regulate the pervasiveness and progression of atherosclerosis through its involvement in regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and several other factors. Specific non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications are key regulatory factors of atherosclerosis. Natural products from traditional Chinese medicine have shown promising therapeutic potential against atherosclerosis by means of regulating the expression of specific genes, stabilizing arterial plaques and protecting vascular endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE

Our study is focusing to explore the pathophysiology and probability of traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with a core focus on natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine prying in epigenetic modification related to atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Accumulated evidence demonstrated that natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine have been widely studied as substances that can regulate epigenetic modification. They can participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis through inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and migration, macrophage polarization and autophagy respectively.

CONCLUSION

The function of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine in regulating epigenetic modification may provide a new potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However, more extensive research is essential to determine the potential of these natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis because of least clinical data.

Circulating Small Noncoding RNA Profiling as a Potential Biomarker of Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for most deaths in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, the determinants of plaque composition are unknown. miRNAs regulate gene expression, participate in the development of atherosclerosis, and represent promising CVD biomarkers. This study analyzed the circulating miRNA expression profile in T1D with either carotid calcified (CCP) or fibrous plaque (CFP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Circulating small noncoding RNAs were sequenced and quantified using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis in an exploratory set of 26 subjects with T1D with CCP and in 25 with CFP. Then, in a validation set of 40 subjects with CCP, 40 with CFP, and 24 control subjects with T1D, selected miRNA expression was measured by digital droplet PCR. Putative gene targets enriched for pathways implicated in atherosclerosis/vascular calcification/diabetes were analyzed. The patients' main clinical characteristics were also recorded.

RESULTS

miR-503-5p, let-7d-5p, miR-106b-3p, and miR-93-5p were significantly upregulated, while miR-10a-5p was downregulated in patients with CCP compared with CFP (all fold change >±1.5; P < 0.05). All candidate miRNAs showed a significant correlation with LDL-cholesterol, direct for the upregulated and inverse for the downregulated miRNA, in CCP. Many target genes of upregulated miRNAs in CCP participate in osteogenic differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, cholesterol metabolism, and extracellular matrix organization.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings characterize miRNAs and their signature in the regulatory network of carotid plaque phenotype in T1D, providing new insights into plaque pathophysiology and possibly novel biomarkers of plaque composition.

Circulating plasma levels of miR-106b-5p predicts maximal performance in female and male elite kayakers

Introduction

Plasma miR-106b-5p levels have been described as an exercise performance predictor in male amateur runners, although no information is available about female athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value on sports performance of plasma miR-106b-5p levels in elite female and male kayakers at the beginning and at the end of a training macrocycle, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms using an in silico approach.

Materials and Methods

Eight elite male (26.2 ± 3.6 years) and seven elite female (17.4 ± 0.5 years) kayakers from the Spanish national team. Two fasting blood samples were collected, starting point of the season (A) and maximum fitness level (B). Circulating plasma levels of miR-106b-5p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Maximal 500 m performance was recorded at B.

Results and Discussion

miR-106b-5p levels had no differences between A and B neither in women nor in men. In men but not in women, miR-106b-5p levels showed a negative significant correlation with performance in B which highlights its predictive value for performance. However, in women, progesterone emerged as a determinant and the ratio miR-106b-5p/progesterone showed a significant negative correlation with performance. In silico analysis reveals potential targets in a number of genes of relevant to exercise.

Conclusions

miR-106b-5p emerges as a biomarker of athletic performance in men and in women, if the menstrual cycle is considered. This highlights the need to analyze molecular response to exercise in men and women separately, and considering the stage of the menstrual cycle in women as a relevant factor.

Relationship between Serum miR-106 and MYL4 Levels and the Prevalence, Risk Stratification, and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation

Objective

To analyze the predictive value of serum microRNA-106 (miRNA-106), miR-106, and myosin light chain 4 (MYL4) levels on the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and to explore the relationship between serum miR-106 and MYL4 and the risk stratification and prognosis of atrial fibrillation, thereby providing basis for them to become clinical targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in the future.

Methods

300 patients with atrial fibrillation treated in our hospital from May 2017 to March 2019 were selected as the atrial fibrillation group, and 300 healthy people who came to our hospital for physical examination in the same period were selected as the control group. The general data of the subjects in the two groups were collected. The serum miR-106 level of the subjects in the two groups was detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the level of MYL4 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of miR-106 and MYL4 in the myocardium was observed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the levels of serum miR-106 and MYL4 and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and the score of atrial fibrillation thromboembolism risk stratification scoring system (cha2ds2) was compared between the two groups. The relationship between serum level of miR-106 and prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation was analyzed.

Results

The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and left anterior descending artery (LAD) in the atrial fibrillation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while HDL-C and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The level of serum miR-106 in patients with atrial fibrillation was significantly higher than that in the control group, whereas the level of MYL4 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). miR-106 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, and the positive expression rate of miR-106 was 71.43% (81/115) in patients with atrial fibrillation and 21.74% (25/115) in patients with sinus rhythm. MYL4 was mainly located in the cell membrane and the positive expression rate of MYL4 was 24.35% (28/115) in patients with atrial fibrillation and 64.35% (74/115) in patients with sinus rhythm. With the increase of the severity of atrial fibrillation, the level of serum miR-106 gradually increased and the level of MYL4 gradually decreased, which were statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.05). With the increase of miR-106 level and the decrease of MYL4 level, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation gradually increased. With the increase of cha2ds2 score, the level of serum miR-106 increased and the level of MYL4 decreased. The survival rate of patients with miR − 106 ≤ 1.96 was significantly higher than that of patients with miR − 106 > 1.96. The survival rate of patients with MYL4 ≥ 0.24 was significantly higher than that of patients with MYL4 < 0.24. At the same time, TC and LDL-C were included in the analysis. The results showed that the survival rate of patients with TC ≤ 4.5 mmol/L was significantly higher than that of patients with TC > 4.5 mmol/L, and that of patients with LDL-C ≤ 2.6 mmol/L was significantly higher than that of patients with LDL-C > 2.6 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Serum miR-106 and MYL4 levels are closely related to the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, which can reflect the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and can be used as a biological indicator to predict the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation.

MicroRNAs Influence the Migratory Ability of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

To identify miRNAs that are involved in cell migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we employed RNA sequencing under high glucose incubation and text mining within the databases miRWalk and TargetScanHuman using 83 genes that regulate HUVECs migration. From both databases, 307 predicted miRNAs were retrieved. Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined by exposing HUVECs to high glucose stimulation, which significantly inhibited the migratory ability of HUVECs as compared to cells cultured in normal glucose. A total of 35 miRNAs were found as differently expressed miRNAs in miRNA sequencing, and 4 miRNAs, namely miR-21-3p, miR-107, miR-143-3p, and miR-106b-5p, were identified as overlapping hits. These were subjected to hub gene analysis and pathway analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), identifing 71 pathways which were influenced by all four miRNAs. The influence of all four miRNAs on HUVEC migration was phenomorphologically confirmed. miR21 and miR107 promoted migration in HUVECs while miR106b and miR143 inhibited migration. Pathway analysis also revealed eight shared pathways between the four miRNAs. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was then performed to predict the functionality of interacting genes or proteins. This revealed six hub genes which could firstly be predicted to be related to HUVEC migration.

MicroRNAs and Heat Shock Proteins in Breast Cancer Biology

Breast cancer has five major immune types; luminal A, luminal B, HER2, Basal-like, and normal-like. Cells produce a family of protein called heat shock proteins (Hsps) in response to exposure to thermal and other proteotoxic stresses play essential roles in cancer metabolism and this large family shows a diverse set of Hsp involvement in different breast cancer immune types. Recently, Hsp members categorized according to their immune type roles. Hsp family consists of several subtypes formed by molecular weight; Hsp70, Hsp90, Hsp100, Hsp40, Hsp60, and small molecule Hsps. Cancer cells employ Hsps as survival factors since most of these proteins prevent apoptosis. Several studies monitored Hsp roles in breast cancer cells and reported Hsp27 involvement in drug resistance, Hsp70 in tumor cell transformation-progression, and interaction with p53. Furthermore, the association of Hsp90 with steroid receptors and signaling proteins in patients with breast cancer directed research to focus on Hsp-based treatments. miRNAs are known to play key roles in all types of cancer that are upregulated or downregulated in cancer which respectively referred to as oncogenes (oncomirs) or tumor suppressors. Expression profiles of miRNAs may be used to classify, diagnose, and predict different cancer types. It is clear that miRNAs play regulatory roles in gene expression and this work reveals miRNA correlation to Hsp depending on specific breast cancer immune types. Deregulation of specific Hsp genes in breast cancer subtypes allows for identification of new targets for drug design and cancer treatment. Here, we performed miRNA network analysis by recruiting Hsp genes detected in breast cancer subtypes and reviewed some of the miRNAs related to aforementioned Hsp genes.

Proteome-scale profiling reveals MAFF and MAFG as two novel key transcription factors involved in palmitic acid-induced umbilical vein endothelial cell apoptosis

Background

Vascular endothelial cell apoptosis is the leading risk factor of atherosclerosis (AS). The purpose of our study was to use a new generation high-throughput transcription factor (TF) detection method to identify novel key TFs in vascular endothelial cell apoptosis induced by palmitic acid (PA).

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 0, 300, or 500 µM PA. Candidate TFs in the three groups were identified by differential expression, pathway enrichment, Western Blot (WB), and RT-qPCR analyses. Apoptosis was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using FITC-annexin V and propidium iodide staining.

Results

We established a HUVEC apoptosis model to simulate the process of atherosclerosis onset and identified 51 significant TFs. of the 51 TFs, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein G (MAFG) and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein F (MAFF), were matched to known AS signalling pathways and were validated by WB and RT-qPCR analyses in our study. Overexpression of MAFG or MAFF in HUVECs significantly inhibited PA-induced early apoptosis.

Conclusions

We identified MAFF and MAFG as novel key TFs in vascular endothelial cell apoptosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02246-5.

TRPM2, PDLIM5, BCL3, CD14, GBA Genes as Feasible Markers for Premature Coronary Heart Disease Risk

Background: Beyond non-genetic risk factors, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) plays a major role in the development of CHD. FH is a genetic disorder characterized by heritable and severely elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease, particularly familial coronary heart disease (FH-CHD). Method: To explore genes indicating a risk of familial (premature) coronary heart disease (FH-CHD) development in FH, 30 Thai male volunteers were enrolled: 7 healthy controls (N), 6 patients with hypercholesterolemia (H), 4 with FH, 10 with CHD, and 3 with FH-CHD. Transcriptome data were investigated using next-generation sequencing analysis in whole blood (n = 3). Genes that were significantly expressed in both FH and FH-CHD, but not in N, H, and CHD groups, were selected and functionally analyzed. Results: The findings revealed that 55 intersecting genes were differentially expressed between FH and FH-CHD groups. Ten of the 55 genes (MAPK14, TRPM2, STARD8, PDLIM5, BCL3, BLOC1S5, GBA, RBMS1, CD14, and CD36 were selected for validation. These 10 genes play potential roles in chronic inflammation and are involved in pathways related to pathogenesis of CHD. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we evaluated the mRNA expression of the selected genes in all 30 volunteers. TRPM2, PDLIM5, BCL3 were significantly upregulated and GBA was significantly downregulated in both FH and FH-CHD compared with the N, H, and CHD groups. Conclusion: our preliminary investigation reveals that the TRPM2, PDLIM5, BCL3, and GBA genes may have potential for further development as predictive markers for FH-CHD.

Nourin-Dependent miR-137 and miR-106b: Novel Early Inflammatory Diagnostic Biomarkers for Unstable Angina Patients

BACKGROUND

Currently, no blood biomarkers exist that can diagnose unstable angina (UA) patients. Nourin is an early inflammatory mediator rapidly released within 5 min by reversible ischemic myocardium, and if ischemia persists, it is also released by necrosis. Nourin is elevated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients but not in symptomatic noncardiac and healthy subjects. Recently, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been established as markers of disease, including cardiac injury and inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

To profile and validate the potential diagnostic value of Nourin-dependent miR-137 (marker of cell damage) and miR-106b-5p (marker of inflammation) as early biomarkers in suspected UA patients and to investigate the association of their target and regulating genes.

METHODS

Using Nourin amino acid sequence, an integrated bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Analysis indicated that Nourin is a direct target for miR-137 and miR-106b-5p in myocardial ischemic injury. Two linked molecular networks of lncRNA/miRNAs/mRNAs were also retrieved, including CTB89H12.4/miR-137/FTHL-17 and CTB89H12.4/miR-106b-5p/ANAPC11. Gene expression profiling was assessed in serum samples collected at presentation to an emergency department (ED) from: (1) UA patients (n = 30) (confirmed by invasive coronary angiography with stenosis greater than 50% and troponin level below the clinical decision limit); (2) patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n = 16) (confirmed by persistent ST-segment changes and elevated troponin level); and 3) healthy subjects (n = 16).

RESULTS

Gene expression profiles showed that miR-137 and miR-106b-5p were significantly upregulated by 1382-fold and 192-fold in UA compared to healthy, and by 2.5-fold and 4.6-fold in STEMI compared to UA, respectively. Healthy subjects showed minimal expression profile. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed that the two miRNAs were sensitive and specific biomarkers for assessment of UA and STEMI patients. Additionally, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant association of miRNAs with the associated mRNA targets and the regulating lncRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Nourin-dependent gene expression of miR-137 and miR-106b-5p are novel blood-based biomarkers that can diagnose UA and STEMI patients at presentation and stratify severity of myocardial ischemia, with higher expression in STEMI compared to UA. Early diagnosis of suspected UA patients using the novel Nourin biomarkers is key for initiating guideline-based therapy that improves patients' health outcomes.

miR-106b suppresses pathological retinal angiogenesis

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. We recently demonstrated that levels of miR-106b were significantly decreased in the vitreous and plasma of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we show that expression of the miR-106b-25 cluster is negatively regulated by the unfolded protein response pathway of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) in a mouse model of neovascular AMD. A reduction in levels of miR-106b triggers vascular growth both in vivo and in vitro by inducing production of pro-angiogenic factors. We demonstrate that therapeutic delivery of miR-106b to the retina with lentiviral vectors protects against aberrant retinal angiogenesis in two distinct mouse models of pathological retinal neovascularization. Results from this study suggest that miRNAs such as miR-106b have the potential to be used as multitarget therapeutics for conditions characterized by pathological retinal angiogenesis.

Mechanisms of action of metformin and its regulatory effect on microRNAs related to angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is rapidly initiated in response to pathological conditions and is a key target for pharmaceutical intervention in various malignancies. Anti-angiogenic therapy has emerged as a potential and effective therapeutic strategy for treating cancer and cardiovascular-related diseases. Metformin, a first-line oral antidiabetic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), not only reduces blood glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity and exerts cardioprotective effects but also shows benefits against cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other diverse diseases and regulates angiogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNA molecules with a length of approximately 19-25 bases that are widely involved in controlling various human biological processes. A large number of miRNAs are involved in the regulation of cardiovascular cell function and angiogenesis, of which miR-21 not only regulates vascular cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis but also plays an important role in angiogenesis. The relationship between metformin and abnormal miRNA expression has gradually been revealed in the context of numerous diseases and has received increasing attention. This paper reviews the drug-target interactions and drug repositioning events of metformin that influences vascular cells and has benefits on angiogenesis-mediated effects. Furthermore, we use miR-21 as an example to explain the specific molecular mechanism underlying metformin-mediated regulation of the miRNA signaling pathway controlling angiogenesis and vascular protective effects. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target and theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond Conventional: The New Horizon of Anti-Angiogenic microRNAs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy

GLOBOCAN 2018 identified lung cancer as the leading oncological pathology in terms of incidence and mortality rates. Angiogenesis is a key adaptive mechanism of numerous malignancies that promotes metastatic spread in view of the dependency of cancer cells on nutrients and oxygen, favoring invasion. Limitation of the angiogenic process could significantly hamper the disease advancement through starvation of the primary tumor and impairment of metastatic spread. This review explores the basic molecular mechanisms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) angiogenesis, and discusses the influences of the key proangiogenic factors-the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs-MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9) and hypoxia-and the therapeutic implications of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) throughout the entire process, while also providing critical reviews of a number of microRNAs, with a focus on miR-126, miR-182, miR-155, miR-21 and let-7b. Finally, current conventional NSCLC anti-angiogenics-bevacizumab, ramucirumab and nintedanib-are briefly summarized through the lens of evidence-based medicine.

LincRNA-Cox2 promotes pulmonary arterial hypertension by regulating the let-7a-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway

It is well supported by the literature that the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are critical for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Long intergenic noncoding RNA COX2 (lincRNA-COX2) is a regulator of inflammation and might be conducive to the progression of atherosclerosis, while its role in PAH is still unclear. This study was performed to explore the role and mechanism of lincRNA-COX2 in PASMCs proliferation and migration in an anaerobic environment. PASMCs were treated by hypoxia to construct PAH cell models. RT-PCR and western blot were recruited to evaluate the expression levels of lincRNA-COX2, miR-let-7a and STAT3. Their roles in proliferation and cell and migration of PASMCs were determined by the CCK-8 assay, wound-healing assay, and flow cytometry. In peripheral blood samples from PAH patients and hypoxic PASMCs, lincRNA-COX2 expression was enhanced. Silencing lincRNA-COX2 inhibited hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation by influencing the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Meanwhile, lincRNA-COX2 regulated STAT3 through miR-let-7a and its effects on hypoxic PASMCs worked through miR-let-7a/STAT3 axis. To conclude, silencing lincRNA-COX2 attenuated the development of hypoxic PASMCs. LincRNA-COX2/miR-let-7a/STAT3 axis might be considered as a novel target to treat PAH.

Blood microRNA expressions in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and the relationship between microRNAs and psoriasis activity

Background

In recent studies, microRNAs (mi-RNAs) have been shown to play an important role in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, studies evaluating mi-RNAs in the blood of psoriasis patients including a large number of mi-RNA panels are scarce.

Objective

The authors aimed to assess mi-RNA expressions in blood samples of psoriasis patients, as well as to evaluate the association between mi-RNA expression and psoriasis severity.

Methods

This was a case-control study on 52 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 54 controls. Patients’ medical history, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores, and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores were recorded. The 42 disease-related mi-RNA primers were assessed by real-time PCR.

Results

In the patient group, 13.4% presented nail involvement and 8.2% had psoriatic arthritis. The mean PASI and DLQI scores were 7.90 ± 8.83 and 8.13 ± 5.50, respectively. Among 42 mi-RNA primers; hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-369-3p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-498, hsa-miR-1266-5p, hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-30b-3p, and hsa-miR-515-3p expressions were significantly up-regulated, whereas hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-424-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-126-5p, hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-17-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-130a-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, and hsa-miR-16-5p were significantly down-regulated in psoriasis patients when compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

Study limitations

As the study included patients with mild to moderate psoriasis who mostly only received topical treatments, changes in miRNA before and after systemic treatments were not assessed.

Conclusion

The detection of 24 mi-RNA expressions up- or down-regulated in psoriasis patients, even in those with milder disease, further supports the role of mi-RNAs in the psoriasis pathogenesis. Future studies should clarify whether mi-RNAs can be used as a marker for psoriasis prognosis or as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of psoriasis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Inhibition of MicroRNA-205-5p Expression Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokines in Gingival Epithelial Cells

In this study, we strived to investigate the effect of miR-205-5p on JAK/STAT signaling way induced by P. gingivalis in periodontitis. Microarray analysis was conducted to find differentially expressed miRNAs in periodontitis patients. The miRNAs related to JAK/STAT signaling way were selected via DIANA TOOLS, and the targeted mRNAs of miRNAs were predicted by TargetScan. The expression of miRNAs and mRNAs, differentially expressed in periodontitis and related to JAK/STAT signaling, was detected by qRT-PCR or western blot. The relationship between miRNAs and mRNAs was confirmed by a dual luciferase assay. MiR-205-5p was downregulated and IL6ST was upregulated in periodontitis patients' clinical samples. MiR-205-5p had target binding sites of IL6ST 3' untranslated region. QRT-PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated poor expression of miR-205-5p, while IL6ST, pJAK2, p-STAT3 were extremely upregulated in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) with P. gingivalis induction. IL6ST expression in periodontitis tissue was also increased. P. gingivalis could inhibit miR-205-5p expression to activate JAK/STAT signaling in GECs and promote the occurrence and development of periodontitis.

microRNA-141-3p-containing small extracellular vesicles derived from epithelial ovarian cancer cells promote endothelial cell angiogenesis through activating the JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

Paracrine signaling between tumor and surrounding stromal cells is critical for the maintenance of tumor microenvironment during ovarian cancer progression. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs; exosomes in particular) are nano-sized vesicles secreted actively by many cells including tumor cells and are found to have fundamental roles in intercellular communication through shuttling functional RNAs. Although microRNAs (also called miRNAs or miRs), small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression, are selectively accumulated in tumor sEVs and can mediate intercellular communication, the exact biological mechanisms underlying the functions of exosomal miRNAs in ovarian tumor angiogenesis remain unclear. In this study, sEVs were isolated from conditioned medium of the human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV-3 using ExoQuick Exosome Precipitation Solution, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and immunoblotting. To elucidate the possible paracrine effects on ovarian tumor cell-derived sEVs (TD-sEVs), we investigated the angiogenesis-related signaling events triggered by TD-sEVs in endothelial cells. Due to the possible role in ovarian tumor pathogenesis, we focused on miR-141-3p which was detected to be enriched in TD-sEVs compared with their corresponding donor cells. We identified that sEV transfer of miR-141-3p considerably reduced the expression levels of cytokine-inducible suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-5 leading to up-regulated JAK-STAT3 pathway in endothelial cells. We also observed that sEV-shuttled miR-141-3p may up-regulate the expression of VEGFR-2 in endothelial cells which leads to promoting endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. The putative role of miR-141-3p shuttled by TD-sEVs in regulating VEGFR-2 expression was demonstrated by the ability of anti-miR-141-3p to rescue the promoting effects of TD-sEVs on the expression of VEGFR-2 in endothelial cells. Our results also revealed that TD-sEVs trigger the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of NF-κB signaling in endothelial cells. Taken together, our findings propose a novel model in which sEV transfer of epithelial ovarian cancer-secreted miR-141-3p plays as a significant mediator of intercellular communication, promoting endothelial cell angiogenesis.

Diagnostic and theranostic microRNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small single strand and noncoding RNAs that regulate several physiological and molecular signalling pathways. Alterations of miRNA expression profiles may be involved with pathophysiological processes underlying the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, including changes in the functions of the endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, such as cell proliferation, migration and inflammation, which are involved in angiogenesis, macrophage function and foam cell formation. Thus, miRNAs can be considered to have a crucial role in the progression, modulation and regulation of every stage of atherosclerosis. Such potential biomarkers will enable us to predict therapeutic response and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases and adopt effective preclinical and clinical treatment strategies. In the present review article, the current data regarding the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis were summarized and the potential miRNAs as prognostic, diagnostic and theranostic biomarkers in preclinical and clinical studies were further discussed. The highlights of this review are expected to present opportunities for future research of clinical therapeutic approaches in vascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis with an emphasis on miRNAs.

Deletion of the Mir-106b~ 25 MicroRNA cluster attenuates atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Background

MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the possible role of the miR-106b~ 25 microRNA cluster in regulating atherosclerosis in mice.

Methods

MiR-106b~ 25 knockout mice were outcrossed into Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout background to generate double knockout mice. At 36 weeks of age, lesion size was evaluated in the aortic sinus by oil-red-O staining.

Results

Lesion size was 2-fold smaller in double KO mice in comparison to ApoE KO mice. In addition, collagen staining showed a trend towards a stable plaque phenotype in the double KO mice. Lipid profiling of plasma samples of double KO and ApoE KO mice using FPLC revealed over 2-fold decrease in Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol content and a 50% decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol content in double KO mice. By using target prediction software, we have identified several possible targets for the miR-106b~ 25 cluster including the VLDL and LDL receptors. We found that upon feeding miR-106b~ 25 KO mice with high fat diet, the expression of LDL and VLDL receptors was higher than in the wild-type mice, suggesting the miR-106b~ 25 cluster regulates atherosclerosis by influencing clearance of VLDL and LDL from the plasma.

Conclusions

We identified the miR-106b~ 25 cluster as a novel regulator of atherosclerosis in ApoE KO mice, presumably by regulating plasma cholesterol levels.

MicroRNA profiling of diabetic atherosclerosis in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis (DA) is increasing worldwide. The study aim was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-miRs) potentially associated with the initiation and/or progression of DA, thereby yielding new insights into this disease.

METHODS

Matched iliac artery tissue samples were isolated from 6 male rats with or without DA. The Affymetrix GeneChip microRNA 4.0 Array was used to detect miRs. Differential expression between atherosclerotic group and non-atherosclerotic group samples was analyzed using the Gene-Cloud of Biotechnology Information platform. Targetscan and miRanda were then used to predict targets of DE-miRs. Functions and pathways were identified for significantly enriched candidate target genes and a DE-miR functional regulatory network was assembled to identify DA-associated core target genes.

RESULTS

A total of nine DE-miRs (rno-miR-206-3p, rno-miR-133a-5p, rno-miR-133b-3p, rno-miR-133a-3p, rno-miR-325-5p, rno-miR-675-3p, rno-miR-411-5p, rno-miR-329-3p, and rno-miR-126a-3p) were identified, all of which were up-regulated and together predicted to target 3349 genes. The target genes were enriched in known functions and pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism. The functional regulatory network indicated a modulatory pattern of these metabolic functions with DE-miRs. The miR-gene network suggested arpp19 and MDM4 as possible DA-related core target genes.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified DE-miRs and miRNA-gene networks enriched for lipid and glucose metabolic functions and pathways, and arpp19 and MDM4 as potential DA-related core target genes, suggesting DE-miRs and/or arpp19 and MDM4 could act as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for DA.

The emerging roles of the polycistronic miR-106b∼25 cluster in cancer - A comprehensive review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by inhibiting translation and decreasing the stability of the targeted transcripts. Over the last two decades, miRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of cancer cell biology, acting either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The polycistronic miR-106b∼25 cluster, located within an intron of MCM7 gene, consists of three highly conserved miRNAs: miR-25, miR-93 and miR-106b. A constantly growing body of evidence indicates that these miRNAs are overexpressed in numerous human malignancies and regulate multiple cellular processes associated with cancer development and progression, including: cell proliferation and survival, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that miR-106b∼25 cluster miRNAs modulate cancer stem cells characteristics and might promote resistance to anticancer therapies. In light of these novel discoveries, miRNAs belonging to the miR-106b∼25 cluster have emerged as key oncogenic drivers as well as potential biomarkers and plausible therapeutic targets in different tumor types. Herein, we comprehensively review novel findings on the roles of miR-106b∼25 cluster in human cancer, and provide a broad insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying its oncogenic properties.

MiR-410 inhibition induces HUVECs proliferation and represses ox-LDL-triggered apoptosis through activating STAT3

Ox-LDL-induced endothelial cells injury has been reported to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). MicroRNAs have been identified to regulate their target genes post-transcriptionally and they are able to participate in the various diseases, including AS. However, the role of miR-410 in ox-LDL-triggered abnormal function of endothelial cells remains to be elaborated. Hence, our current study was to find out the underlying mechanism of miR-410 in AS. Here, we observed that ox-LDL can inhibit HUVECs growth and lead to a great cell apoptosis both dose-dependently and time-dependently. Meanwhile, it was exhibited that miR-410 expression was remarkably elevated in ox-LDL-indicated HUVECs. miR-410 knockdown was able to induce cell proliferation and alleviate HUVECs apoptosis subjected to ox-LDL. Reversely, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression was greatly decreased in ox-LDL-incubated HUVECs in a time and dose dependent manner. Additionally, these findings exhibited that STAT3 was a target of miR-410, which was validated by a dual-luciferase assay in our study. Additionally, we observed that overexpression of STAT3 rescued ox-LDL induced AS events in vitro. Taken these together, our current study implied that miR-410 silence can inhibit the ox-LDL-induced HUVECs proliferation and rescue cell apoptosis through activating STAT3 in vitro.

Extract of Stellerachamaejasme L(ESC) inhibits growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating microRNA expression

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are involved in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. ESC, an extract of Stellerachamaejasme L, had been confirmed as a potential anti-tumor extract of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In light of the important role of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma, we questioned whether the inhibitory effects of ESC on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were associated with miRNAs.

METHODS

The proliferation inhibition of ESC on HCC cells was measured with MTT assay. The migration inhibition of ESC on HCC cells was measured with transwell assay. The influences of ESC on growth and metastasis inhibition were evaluated with xenograft tumor model of HCC. Protein expressions were measured with western blot and immunofluorescence methods and miRNA profiles were detected with miRNA array. Differential miRNA and target mRNAs were verified with real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The results showed that ESC could inhibit proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft models in vivo. miRNA array results showed that 69 differential miRNAs in total of 429 ones were obtained in MHCC97H cells treated by ESC. hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-638, hsa-miR-106b-5p were selected to be validated with real-time PCR method in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells. Expressions of hsa-miR-107 and hsa-miR-638 increased obviously in HCC cells treated by ESC. Target genes of three miRNAs were also validated with real-time PCR. Interestingly, only target genes of hsa-miR-107 changed greatly. ESC downregulated the MCL1, SALL4 and BCL2 gene expressions significantly but did not influence the expression of CACNA2D1.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested ESC regressed growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating microRNAs expression and their corresponding target genes.

Effect of miR-106b on Invasiveness of Pituitary Adenoma via PTEN-PI3K/AKT

Background

Pituitary adenomas are mostly benign tumors, although certain cases have invasiveness, which might be related with high expression of miR-106b. The PTEN-PI3K/AKT signal pathway is known to be related with cell migration and invasion. Among these, PTEN is the target gene for miR-106b. Whether miR-106b affects invasiveness of pituitary adenoma via PTEN-PI3K/AKT is unclear.

Material/Methods

Both invasive and non-invasive pituitary adenoma tissue samples were collected from our Neurosurgery Department, in parallel with brain tissues after head contusion surgery. Pituitary adenoma cell line HP75 was cultured in vitro and divided into NC and miR-106b inhibitor groups for measuring cell cycle/proliferation. Malignant growth of cells was measured by agarose gel clonal assay, while cell migration and invasion were reflected by starch assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The expression of PTEN, PI3K/AKT, and MMP-9 was measured.

Results

MiR-106b was significantly up-regulated in pituitary adenoma but PTEN was down-regulated, especially in invasive tumors. The inhibition of miR-106b remarkably suppressed proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of HP75 cells, with major arrest of cell cycles. The inhibition of miR-106b significantly depressed starch healing and invasive potency of cells. A negative targeted regulation existed between miR-106b and PTEN, as the inhibition of miR-106b significantly enhanced PTEN expression, affecting the activity of downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus affecting migration and invasion of pituitary adenoma.

Conclusions

MiR-106b can affect migration and invasion of pituitary adenoma cells via regulating PTEN and further activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and MMP-9 expression.

Let-7a-transfected mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension by suppressing pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell growth through STAT3-BMPR2 signaling

Background

Cell-based gene therapy has become a subject of interest for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a devastating disease characterized by pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) hyperplasia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recently acknowledged as a potential cell vector for gene therapy. Here, we investigated the effect of MSC-based let-7a for PAH.

Methods

After isolation and identification of MSCs from rat bone marrow, cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus vector Ad-let-7a. Lewis rats were subcutaneously injected with monocrotaline (MCT) to induce PAH, followed by the administration of MSCs, MSCs-NC (miR-control), or MSC-let-7a, respectively. Then, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were evaluated. Rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) under hypoxia were co-cultured with MSCs or MSC-let-7a. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were separately determined by ³H thymidine incorporation and flow cytometry analysis. The underlying mechanism was also investigated.

Results

MSC transplantation enhanced let-7a levels in MCT-induced PAH rats. After injection with MSC-let-7a, RVSP, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were notably ameliorated, indicating a protective effect of MSC-let-7a against PAH. When co-cultured with MSC-let-7a, hypoxia-triggered PASMC proliferation was obviously attenuated, concomitant with the decrease in cell proliferation-associated proteins. Simultaneously, the resistance of PASMCs to apoptosis was remarkably abrogated by MSC-let-7a administration. A mechanism assay revealed that MSC-let-7a restrained the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and increased its downstream bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) expression. Importantly, preconditioning with BMPR2 siRNA dramatically abated the suppressive effects of MSC-let-7a on PASMC proliferation and apoptosis resistance.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study suggests that MSCs modified with let-7a may ameliorate the progression of PAH by inhibiting PASMC growth through the STAT3-BMPR2 signaling, supporting a promising therapeutic strategy for PAH patients.

Function, Role, and Clinical Application of MicroRNAs in Vascular Aging

Vascular aging, a specific type of organic aging, is related to age-dependent changes in the vasculature, including atherosclerotic plaques, arterial stiffness, fibrosis, and increased intimal thickening. Vascular aging could influence the threshold, process, and severity of various cardiovascular diseases, thus making it one of the most important risk factors in the high mortality of cardiovascular diseases. As endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main cell biological basis of these pathology changes of the vasculature, the structure and function of ECs and VSMCs play a key role in vascular aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, have been shown to regulate the expression of multiple messenger RNAs (mRNAs) posttranscriptionally, contributing to many crucial aspects of cell biology. Recently, miRNAs with functions associated with aging or aging-related diseases have been studied. In this review, we will summarize the reported role of miRNAs in the process of vascular aging with special emphasis on EC and VSMC functions. In addition, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases will also be discussed.

Circulating MiRNA biomarkers serve as a fingerprint for diabetic atherosclerosis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus induced atherosclerosis (DA) is regarded as a major cause of disability and death in diabetic patients. The early prediction of atherosclerosis in patients DM is necessary. Therefore, we aimed to identify special plasma microRNAs that can serve as a novel non-invasive screening signature of DA patients with atherosclerosis and test its specificity and sensitivity in the early diagnosis of DA. In total, we obtained plasma samples from 285 diabetic atherosclerosis patients and matched diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients, diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, diabetes mellitus without complication (DM) and healthy controls. An initial screening of miRNA expression was performed through TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA). Three miRNAs were significantly increased in patients with DA compared with other groups after the multiple stages. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves of the validated three-plasma miRNAs signature in DA comparing with NC were 0.881, 0.709 and 0.842 while the merged was 0.940 while DA comparing with DM was 0.879, 0.663, 0.731 and the merged was 0.928. The three miRNA could also distinguish DA from DN with an AUC of 0.894, 0.782, 0.910 and 0.963 (merged) as well as from DR with an AUC of 0.876, 0.815, 0.850 and 0.925 (merged). In conclusion, these data provide evidence that plasma miRNAs have the potential to be sensitive, cost-effective biomarkers for the early detection of DA. These biomarkers could serve as a dynamic monitoring factor for detecting the progression of DA from DR, DN, DM patients.