Knockdown of lncRNA BDNF-AS inhibited the progression of multiple myeloma by targeting the miR-125a/b-5p-BCL2 axis

Spatiotemporal Dysregulation of Neuron-Glia Related Genes and Pro-/Anti-Inflammatory miRNAs in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is a multifactorial disease influenced by aging, genetics, and environmental factors. miRNAs are crucial regulators of gene expression and play significant roles in AD onset and progression. This exploratory study analyzed the expression levels of 28 genes and 5 miRNAs (miR-124-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-155-5p) related to AD pathology and neuroimmune responses using RT-qPCR. Analyses were conducted in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HPC) of the 5xFAD mouse AD model at 6 and 9 months old. Data highlighted upregulated genes encoding for glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (Trem2) and cystatin F (Cst7), in the 5xFAD mice at both regions and ages highlighting their roles as critical disease players and potential biomarkers. Overexpression of genes encoding for CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (Cebpa) and myelin proteolipid protein (Plp) in the PFC, as well as for BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl2) and purinergic receptor P2Y12 (P2yr12) in the HPC, together with upregulated microRNA(miR)-146a-5p in the PFC, prevailed in 9-month-old animals. miR-155 positively correlated with miR-146a and miR-21 in the PFC, and miR-125b positively correlated with miR-155, miR-21, while miR-146a in the HPC. Correlations between genes and miRNAs were dynamic, varying by genotype, region, and age, suggesting an intricate, disease-modulated interaction between miRNAs and target pathways. These findings contribute to our understanding of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for AD, given their multifaceted effects on neurons and glial cells.

Non-coding RNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in multiple myeloma: An emphasis on molecular pathways

One of the most common hematological malignancies is multiple myeloma (MM) that its mortality and morbidity have increased. The incidence rate of MM is suggested to be higher in Europe and various kinds of therapeutic strategies including stem cell transplantation. However, MM treatment is still challenging and gene therapy has been shown to be promising. The non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are considered as key players in initiation, development and progression of MM. In the present review, the role of ncRNAs in MM progression and drug resistance is highlighted to provide new insights for future experiments for their targeting and treatment of MM. The miRNAs affect proliferation and invasion of MM cells, and targeting tumor-promoting miRNAs can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and reduces proliferation of MM cells. Furthermore, miRNA regulation is of importance for modulating metastasis and chemotherapy response of tumor cells. The lncRNAs exert the same function and determine proliferation, migration and therapy response of MM cells. Notably, lncRNAs mainly target miRNAs in regulating MM progression. The circRNAs also target different molecular pathways in regulating MM malignancy that miRNAs are the most well-known ones. Furthermore, clinical application of ncRNAs in MM is discussed.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: focus on the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and the development of treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy

For many years, intensive research has been carried out on the in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). Nevertheless, the multifactorial nature of the disease, the development of drug resistance, and the side effects of therapy, make it difficult to effectively treat patients. One of the many factors involved in the pathogenesis of MM is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This factor is widely described as a neuroregenerative and neuroprotective agent, but it also regulates non-neuronal cell functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and viability. Therefore, BDNF appears to be a good therapeutic target in MM. On the other hand, its decreased concentration during treatment closely correlates with the development of peripheral neuropathy (PN). BDNF dualism requires a detailed understanding of its action on individual molecular mechanisms. Perhaps the optimization of the BDNF level will contribute to the improvement of MM treatment and the reduction of chemotherapy side effects.

Potential Predictive Value of miR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p and Their Target Genes in the Course of COVID-19

Purpose

This study aimed to provide new biomarkers for predicting the disease course of COVID-19 by analyzing the dynamic changes of microRNA (miRNA) and its target gene expression in the serum of COVID-19 patients at different stages.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from all COVID-19 patients at three time points: the acute stage, the turn-negative stage, and the recovery stage. The expression level of miRNA and the target mRNA was measured by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The classification tree model was established to predict the disease course, and the prediction efficiency of independent variables in the model was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The expression of miR-125b-5p and miR-155-5p was significantly up-regulated in the acute stage and gradually decreased in the turn-negative and recovery stages. The expression of the target genes CDH5, STAT3, and TRIM32 gradually down-regulated in the acute, turn-negative, and recovery stages. MiR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p, STAT3, and TRIM32 constituted a classification tree model with 100% accuracy of prediction and AUC >0.7 for identification and prediction in all stages.

Conclusion

MiR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p, STAT3, and TRIM32 could be useful biomarkers to predict the time nodes of the acute, turn-negative, and recovery stages of COVID-19.