miR-30c-5p Reduces Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Involving Macrophage

Role of miRNAs in macrophage-mediated kidney injury

Macrophages, crucial components of the human immune system, can be polarized into M1/M2 phenotypes, each with distinct functions and roles. Macrophage polarization has been reported to be significantly involved in the inflammation and fibrosis observed in kidney injury. MicroRNA (miRNA), a type of short RNA lacking protein-coding function, can inhibit specific mRNA by partially binding to its target mRNA. The intricate association between miRNAs and macrophages has been attracting increasing interest in recent years. This review discusses the role of miRNAs in regulating macrophage-mediated kidney injury. It shows how miRNAs can influence macrophage polarization, thereby altering the biological function of macrophages in the kidney. Furthermore, this review highlights the significance of miRNAs derived from exosomes and extracellular vesicles as a crucial mediator in the crosstalk between macrophages and kidney cells. The potential of miRNAs as treatment applications and biomarkers for macrophage-mediated kidney injury is also discussed.

miR-141-3p attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway

The present research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-141-3p on pulmonary fibrosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A rat ARDS model was established by the intratracheal drip of 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). miR-141-3p and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression was detected using RT-qPCR assay. Inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung fibrosis was evaluated using Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay kits. Tissue oxidative stress marker levels were assessed by a commercial kit. Protein variations in the EMT pathway and Keap1/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway were investigated by Western blot analysis. Targeting relationship verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of miR-141-3p was significantly upregulated in LPS-induced ARDS rats, while Keap1 was downregulated. Overexpression of miR-141-3p decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) while elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in LPS-induced ARDS rats. Elevation of miR-141-3p reduced fibrosis scores, enhanced E-cadherin protein expression, and decreased vimentin and α-SMA protein expression in LPS-induced ARDS rats. This elevation of miR-141-3p also upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxido-reductase-1 (NQO1) proteins levels. Moreover, Keap1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-141-3p on LPS-triggered inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. miR-141-3p may attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Our study provides new ideas for the treatment of ARDS.

Renal macrophages and NLRP3 inflammasomes in kidney diseases and therapeutics

Macrophages are exceptionally diversified cell types and perform unique features and functions when exposed to different stimuli within the specific microenvironment of various kidney diseases. In instances of kidney tissue necrosis or infection, specific patterns associated with damage or pathogens prompt the development of pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1). These M1 macrophages contribute to exacerbating tissue damage, inflammation, and eventual fibrosis. Conversely, anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2) arise in the same circumstances, contributing to kidney repair and regeneration processes. Impaired tissue repair causes fibrosis, and hence macrophages play a protective and pathogenic role. In response to harmful stimuli within the body, inflammasomes, complex assemblies of multiple proteins, assume a pivotal function in innate immunity. The initiation of inflammasomes triggers the activation of caspase 1, which in turn facilitates the maturation of cytokines, inflammation, and cell death. Macrophages in the kidneys possess the complete elements of the NLRP3 inflammasome, including NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1. When the NLRP3 inflammasomes are activated, it triggers the activation of caspase-1, resulting in the release of mature proinflammatory cytokines (IL)-1β and IL-18 and cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD). This activation process therefore then induces pyroptosis, leading to renal inflammation, cell death, and renal dysfunction. The NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1-IL-1β-IL-18 pathway has been identified as a factor in the development of the pathophysiology of numerous kidney diseases. In this review, we explore current progress in understanding macrophage behavior concerning inflammation, injury, and fibrosis in kidneys. Emphasizing the pivotal role of activated macrophages in both the advancement and recovery phases of renal diseases, the article delves into potential strategies to modify macrophage functionality and it also discusses emerging approaches to selectively target NLRP3 inflammasomes and their signaling components within the kidney, aiming to facilitate the healing process in kidney diseases.

Autophagy-associated non-coding RNAs: Unraveling their impact on Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological condition marked by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The precise etiology of PD remains unclear, but emerging evidence suggests a significant role for disrupted autophagy-a crucial cellular process for maintaining protein and organelle integrity.

METHODS

This review focuses on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating autophagy in PD. We conducted a comprehensive review of recent studies to explore how ncRNAs influence autophagy and contribute to PD pathophysiology. Special attention was given to the examination of ncRNAs' regulatory impacts in various PD models and patient samples.

RESULTS

Findings reveal that ncRNAs are pivotal in regulating key processes associated with PD progression, including autophagy, α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Dysregulation of specific ncRNAs appears to be closely linked to these pathogenic processes.

CONCLUSION

ncRNAs hold significant therapeutic potential for addressing autophagy-related mechanisms in PD. The review highlights innovative therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy-related ncRNAs and discusses the challenges and prospective directions for developing ncRNA-based therapies in clinical practice. The insights from this study underline the importance of ncRNAs in the molecular landscape of PD and their potential in novel treatment approaches.

MicroRNAs as Potential Graft Rejection or Tolerance Biomarkers and Their Dilemma in Clinical Routines Behaving like Devilish, Angelic, or Frightening Elements

Allograft rejection is a widespread complication in allograft recipients with chronic kidney disease. Undertreatment of subclinical and clinical rejection and later post-transplant problems are caused by an imperfect understanding of the mechanisms at play and a lack of adequate diagnostic tools. Many different biomarkers have been analyzed and proposed to detect and monitor these crucial events in transplant outcomes. In this sense, microRNAs may help diagnose rejection or tolerance and indicate appropriate treatment, especially in patients with chronic allograft rejection. As key epigenetic regulators of physiological homeostasis, microRNAs have therapeutic potential and may indicate allograft tolerance or rejection. However, more evidence and clinical validation are indispensable before microRNAs are ready for clinical prime time.

Transcriptome-based exploration of potential molecular targets and mechanisms of selenomethionine in alleviating renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRIs) are one of the leading causes of acute kidney injuries (AKIs). Selenium, as an essential trace element, is able to antioxidant stress and reduces inflammatory responses. The regulation mechanism of selenomethionine, one of the major forms of selenium intake by humans, is not yet clear in renal IRIs. Therefore, we aimed to explore the key targets and related mechanisms of selenomethionine regulation in renal IRIs and provide new ideas for the treatment of selenomethionine with renal IRIs. We used transcriptome sequencing data from public databases as well as animal experiments to explore the key target genes and related mechanisms regulated by selenomethionine in renal IRI. We found that selenomethionine can effectively alleviate renal IRI by a mechanism that may be achieved by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we also found that the key target of selenomethionine regulation in renal IRI might be selenoprotein GPX3 based on the PPI protein interaction network and machine learning. Through a comprehensive analysis of bioinformatic techniques and animal experiments, we found that Gpx3 might serve as a key gene for the regulation of selenomethionine in renal IRIs. Selenomethionine may exert a protective effect against renal IRI by up-regulating GPX3, inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, increased production of antioxidants, decreasing inflammation levels, mitigation of apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, this reduces renal histopathological damage and protects renal function. Providing a theoretical basis for the mechanism of selenomethionine actions in renal IRIs.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome where a rapid decrease in kidney function and/or urine output is observed, which may result in the imbalance of water, electrolytes and acid base. It is associated with poor prognosis and prolonged hospitalization. Therefore, an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid the severe AKI stage are important. While several biomarkers, such as urinary L-FABP and NGAL, can be clinically useful, there is still no gold standard for the early detection of AKI and there are limited therapeutic options against AKI. miRNAs are non-coding and single-stranded RNAs that silence their target genes in the post-transcriptional process and are involved in a wide range of biological processes. Recent accumulated evidence has revealed that miRNAs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AKI. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for AKI, as well as the challenges in their clinical use.

HCK induces macrophage activation to promote renal inflammation and fibrosis via suppression of autophagy

Renal inflammation and fibrosis are the common pathways leading to progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). We previously identified hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) as upregulated in human chronic allograft injury promoting kidney fibrosis; however, the cellular source and molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, using immunostaining and single cell sequencing data, we show that HCK expression is highly enriched in pro-inflammatory macrophages in diseased kidneys. HCK-knockout (KO) or HCK-inhibitor decreases macrophage M1-like pro-inflammatory polarization, proliferation, and migration in RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). We identify an interaction between HCK and ATG2A and CBL, two autophagy-related proteins, inhibiting autophagy flux in macrophages. In vivo, both global or myeloid cell specific HCK-KO attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis with reduces macrophage numbers, pro-inflammatory polarization and migration into unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidneys and unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) models. Finally, we developed a selective boron containing HCK inhibitor which can reduce macrophage pro-inflammatory activity, proliferation, and migration in vitro, and attenuate kidney fibrosis in the UUO mice. The current study elucidates mechanisms downstream of HCK regulating macrophage activation and polarization via autophagy in CKD and identifies that selective HCK inhibitors could be potentially developed as a new therapy for renal fibrosis.

GPX3 and GSTT1 as biomarkers related to oxidative stress during renal ischemia reperfusion injuries and their relationship with immune infiltration

Background

Renal ischemia reperfusion injuries (IRIs) are very common in clinical diagnoses and treatments, which are a common cause of impaired renal functions, worsening pathological damage, affecting disease progression and hindering recovery. Renal IRIs are an inflammatory disease mediated by the adaptive and innate immune system. There is a complex interaction between oxidative stress and immune cell infiltration. Therefore, we aimed to determine biomarkers associated with oxidative stress during renal IRIs and their relationship with immune cell infiltration.

Method

A differential gene expression analysis was made based on the GSE148420 dataset from the NCBI Gene Expression Comprehensive Database (GEO) combined with 92 oxidative-stress (OS)-related genes identified in the Molecular Signatures Database. Then we identified differentially-expressed genes (DEOSGs) associated with oxidative stress, which were used for gene ontology (GO) and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. At the same time, we used PPI protein interaction networks and Lasso regression analysis to identify key genes, which were verified by the validation sets GSE58438 and GSE71647, as well as Western Blot detection on rat renal IRI models. At the same time, PAS staining, HE staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect tissue damage and expression of markers related to oxidative stress during renal ischemia-reperfusion. Single-gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to further clarify the underlying biological functions of key genes. Cibersort was used to analyze the immune cell infiltration during renal IRI and the correlation of key genes with immune cells. At the same time, we constructed a network of transcription-factor (TF)-Hub genes and miRNA-Hub genes. DGIDB was used to predict drugs and molecular compounds that might interact with the Hub genes.

Results

Compared with the control group, a total of 5456 differential genes (DEGs) were measured in the renal IRI group, 2486 of which were upregulated and 2970 were down-regulated. Among them, we found 30 DEGs (DEOSGs) associated with oxidative stress. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEOSGs were mainly enriched in glutathione metabolism, the response to oxidative stress stimulation, the regulation of T cell activation and apoptosis signaling pathways. Through a protein interaction network (PPI) and a LASSO regression analysis, a total of two Hub genes were identified, namely GPX3 and GSTT1, which were validated through external validation sets and animal experiments. Through pathological methods, we found that the pathological damage of renal tissue and the expression of oxidative stress markers increased after renal ischemia-reperfusion. The results of GSEA showed that the Hub genes were related to oxidative stress pathways, apoptosis signaling pathways and immune-response-related signaling pathways. An immunoinfiltration correlation analysis showed that genes GPX3 and GSTT1 were significantly positively correlated with plasma cells and macrophage M0, while were negatively correlated with monocytes and macrophages M1 and M2. Using the Strust, Starbase and DGIDB database, we predicted that 81 transcription factors, 49 miRNAs and 13 drug or molecular compounds might interact with the Hub genes.

Conclusion

Through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression, our findings may provide new potential biomarkers for the pathogenesis of renal IRIs and a reliable basis for its early diagnosis as well as treatment.

Emerging Role of MicroRNA-30c in Neurological Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate the expression of target genes by interacting with 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs to induce mRNA degradation and translational repression. The miR-30 family members are involved in the development of many tissues and organs and participate in the pathogenesis of human diseases. As a key member of the miR-30 family, miR-30c has been implicated in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Mechanistically, miR-30c may act as a multi-functional regulator of different pathogenic processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, oxidative stress, thrombosis, and neurovascular function, thereby contributing to different disease states. Here, we review and discuss the biogenesis, gene regulation, and the role and mechanisms of action of miR-30c in several neurological disorders and therapeutic potential in clinics.

Role of microRNA in Endocrine Disruptor-Induced Immunomodulation of Metabolic Health

The prevalence of poor metabolic health is growing exponentially worldwide. This condition is associated with complex comorbidities that lead to a compromised quality of life. One of the contributing factors recently gaining attention is exposure to environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Considerable evidence suggests that EDCs can alter the endocrine system through immunomodulation. More concerning, EDC exposure during the fetal development stage has prominent adverse effects later in life, which may pass on to subsequent generations. Although the mechanism of action for this phenomenon is mostly unexplored, recent reports implicate that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRs), may play a vital role in this scenario. MiRs are significant contributors in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Studies demonstrating the immunomodulation of EDCs via miRs in metabolic health or towards the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Hypothesis are still deficient. The aim of the current review was to focus on studies that demonstrate the impact of EDCs primarily on innate immunity and the potential role of miRs in metabolic health.

MicroRNAs in kidney injury and disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by degrading or repressing the translation of their target messenger RNAs. As miRNAs are critical regulators of cellular homeostasis, their dysregulation is a crucial component of cell and organ injury. A substantial body of evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease and allograft damage. Different subsets of miRNAs are dysregulated during AKI, chronic kidney disease and allograft rejection, which could reflect differences in the physiopathology of these conditions. miRNAs that have been investigated in AKI include miR-21, which has an anti-apoptotic role, and miR-214 and miR-668, which regulate mitochondrial dynamics. Various miRNAs are downregulated in diabetic kidney disease, including the miR-30 family and miR-146a, which protect against inflammation and fibrosis. Other miRNAs such as miR-193 and miR-92a induce podocyte dedifferentiation in glomerulonephritis. In transplantation, miRNAs have been implicated in allograft rejection and injury. Further work is needed to identify and validate miRNAs as biomarkers of graft function and of kidney disease development and progression. Use of combinations of miRNAs together with other molecular markers could potentially improve diagnostic or predictive power and facilitate clinical translation. In addition, targeting specific miRNAs at different stages of disease could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Flurbiprofen axetil protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via regulating miR-30c-5p and SOX9

The modulatory mechanism of flurbiprofen axetil (FPA) by which it relieves cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (CIRI) is still obscure. In the present work, adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with FPA before the construction of a rat model of CIRI. Longa's scoring method and dry-wet method were employed to examine the neurological function and brain water content of the rats. MiR-30c-5p, SOX9, AQP4, SOX9, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB expression levels in the brain tissues of the rats were examined by qRT-PCR or Western blot. ELISA was executed to evaluate the IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the serum of rat. SOD and MDA levels in rat brain homogenates were also examined to indicate the oxidative stress. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the pathological changes of the brain tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was implemented to validate the binding relationship between miR-30c-5p and SOX9. In the present work, compared with the rats with CIRI, FPA pre-treatment attenuated neurological injury, cerebral edema, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cerebral pathological changes in the rat model with CIRI. FPA up-modulated miR-30c-5p expression. SOX9 was a downstream target of miR-30c-5p. In conclusion, FPA ameliorates CIRI through up-modulating miR-30c-5p expression and reducing SOX9 expression.

The Role of Immune-Related miRNAs in the Pathology of Kidney Transplantation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of the non-coding regulatory RNA family that play pivotal roles in physiological and pathological conditions, including immune response. They are particularly interesting as promising therapeutic targets, prognostic and diagnostic markers due to their easy detection in body fluids and stability. There is accumulating evidence that different miRNAs provide disease-specific signatures in liquid samples of distinct kidney injuries. Using experimental models and human samples, there have been numerous suggestions that immune-related miRNAs are also important contributors to the development of different kidney diseases as well as important markers for monitoring response after kidney transplantation. However, there are limited data for understanding their function in the molecular pathways of allograft pathologies. In our review, we focused on microRNAs that are related to different aspects of immune response after kidney transplantation.

The Role of Macrophages in Kidney Fibrosis

The phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity of macrophages confer on them complexed roles in the development and progression of kidney diseases. After kidney injury, bone marrow-derived monocytes are rapidly recruited to the glomerulus and tubulointerstitium. They are activated and differentiated on site into pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which initiate Th1-type adaptive immune responses and damage normal tissues. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages induce Th2-type immune responses, secrete large amounts of TGF-β and anti-inflammatory cytokines, transform into αSMA+ myofibroblasts in injured kidney, inhibit immune responses, and promote wound healing and tissue fibrosis. Previous studies on the role of macrophages in kidney fibrosis were mainly focused on inflammation-associated injury and injury repair. Apart from macrophage-secreted profibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β, evidence for a direct contribution of macrophages to kidney fibrosis is lacking. However, under inflammatory conditions, Wnt ligands are derived mainly from macrophages and Wnt signaling is central in the network of multiple profibrotic pathways. Largely underinvestigated are the direct contribution of macrophages to profibrotic signaling pathways, macrophage phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity in relation to kidney fibrosis, and on their cross-talk with other cells in profibrotic signaling networks that cause fibrosis. Here we aim to provide an overview on the roles of macrophage phenotypic and functional diversity in their contribution to pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, and on the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophages for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.

MiR-30c-5p/ATG5 Axis Regulates the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Serum miR-30c-5p correlates with Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet its role has not been illustrated. This research analyzed the function of miR-30c-5p in PD. The behavioral evaluation was performed on MPTP-treated PD mice transfected with miR-30c-5p agomiR, antagomiR, siATG5, or 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor). Oxidative stress-related factors, miR-30c-5p, and apoptosis- and autophagy-associated proteins in brain tissues or cells were determined by molecular experiments. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine metabolic markers were detected using immunofluorescence and Diode Array Detector (DAD), respectively. Effects of miR-30c-5p and its target gene Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5 protein (ATG5) on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells were determined through a series of molecular experiments. MiR-30c-5p was upregulated but ATG5 was downregulated in PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR attenuated the decrease of ATG5 in PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR partly alleviated the behavioral symptoms and inhibited the increases of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and SOD in PD mice. The levels of Bcl-2, dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), TH, and LC3 II were downregulated in PD mice, while Bax, cleaved caspase-3, P62, and LC3 I were upregulated. However, miR-30c-5p antagomiR partly reversed the levels of these factors in PD mice. 3-MA could block the effects of miR-30c-5p antagomiR on PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR attenuated apoptosis and induced autophagy in brain tissues of MPTP-treated mice by targeting ATG5. In vitro assay results also showed that silence of ATG5 reduced the protective effect of miR-30c-5p downregulation on the cells. MiR-30c-5p regulates the progression of Parkinson’s disease through attenuating ATG5-inhibited apoptosis and -induced autophagy.

Borneol inhibits CD4 + T cells proliferation by down-regulating miR-26a and miR-142-3p to attenuate asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease caused by a variety of cytokines and signaling pathways closely related to immunoregulation. Corticosteroids are the most widely used drug in the asthma treatment. However, the use of corticosteroids could cause topical side effects. So, it's important to find new drugs for asthma treatment. Our study aims to explore the pharmacological effect of borneol on asthma and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We constructed the OVA-induced asthma model to investigate the effect of borneol on asthma in mice. HE and PAS staining was used to detect the effect of borneol on pathological change of mice with asthma. Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. qRT-PCR was used to explore the effect of borneol on microRNAs expression. Cell proliferation of CD4 + T cells was detected by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect pten expression and Akt activation.

RESULTS

We found that borneol significantly alleviated asthma progression in mice. Borneol inhibited CD4 + T cells infiltration in vivo and proliferation in vitro by downregulating miR-26a and miR-142-3p. miR-26a and miR-142-3p promoted CD4 + T cells proliferation in vitro through targeting Pten. Overexpression of miR-26a and miR-142-3p abolished the effect of borneol in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In a word, these findings suggested that borneol attenuated asthma in mice by decreasing the CD4 + T cells infiltration. The molecular mechanism of borneol was dependent on the downregulation of miR-26a and miR-142-3p to upregulate the Pten expression.

MiR-30c-5p/ROCK2 axis regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and EMT via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HG-induced HK-2 cells

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNA-30c-5p (miR-30c-5p) participates in the pathogenesis of DN, but the mechanism has not been clearly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-30c-5p in human DN progression in vitro. Compared with the controls, DN tissues and high glucose-induced HK-2 cells had significantly reduced miR-30c-5p levels, while ROCK2 expression was prominently elevated. Additionally, the miR-30c-5p mimic distinctly facilitated cell proliferation and blocked cell apoptosis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, ROCK2 was a target gene of miR-30c-5p, and the effects of miR-30c-5p mimic on cell proliferation, apoptosis and EMT were reversed by ROCK2 upregulation in vitro. Furthermore, the pathogenesis of DN was regulated by the miR-30c-5p/ROCK2 axis via the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiR-30c-5p regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and EMT through targeting ROCK2 via the PI3K/AKT pathway provides the novel potential target for clinical treatment of DN.

Advances of miRNAs in kidney graft injury

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, various types of kidney graft injury after transplantation are still key factors that affect the survival of the kidney graft. Therefore, exploring the underlying mechanisms involved is very important. Current diagnostic measures for kidney graft injury (including needle biopsy, blood creatinine, eGFR, etc.) have many limiting factors such as invasiveness, insufficient sensitivity and specificity, so they cannot provide timely and effective information to clinicians. As for kidney grafts that have occurred injury, the traditional treatment has a little efficacy and many side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing new biomarkers and targeted treatment for kidney graft injury. Recently, studies have found that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of the progression of kidney graft injury. At the same time, it has high stability in blood, urine, and other body fluids, so it is suggested to have the potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for kidney graft injury. Here, we reviewed the miRNAs involved in the pathophysiology of kidney graft injury such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, acute rejection, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, chronic allograft dysfunction, BK virus infection, and the latest advances of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of kidney graft injury, then summarized the specific data of miRNAs expression level in kidney graft injury, which aims to provide a reference for subsequent basic research and clinical transformation.

miR-30c-5p Alleviated Pyroptosis During Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Targeting TXNIP

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SAKI) is a common complication of hospitalized patients, often leading to unacceptable mortality. Limited effective treatment or diagnosis biomarkers are available and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The miR-30c-5p is considered as a critical mediator of kidney diseases and aberrantly decreased in patients with SAKI, while the mechanism is still unclear. For this purpose, the role of miR-30c-5p in SAKI has been investigated in this study. Here, we first confirmed that miR-30c-5p expression decreased in our septic models and was associated with the activation of NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis. Overexpression of miR-30c-5p alleviated the kidney injury via suppressing HK-2 cell pyroptosis. Furthermore, we identified that TXNIP was a direct target of miR-30c-5p. Upregulation of miR-30c-5p repressed the expression of TXNIP, which inhibited NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression, as well as secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, our data suggested that miR-30c-5p negatively controlled the NLRP3 signal pathway-related pyroptosis and sepsis-induced injury via TXNIP, indicating that this axis might be a positive therapeutic target for the patient with SAKI.

Network Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Changes in the Prelimbic Cortex of Rats With Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Pointing to Inflammation

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a complex, chronic pain condition caused by injury or dysfunction affecting the somatosensory nervous system. This study aimed to identify crucial mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the prelimbic cortex (PL) of NP rats. mRNA and miRNA microarrays were applied in the present study. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed by using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). A total of 35 differentially expressed (DE) RNAs (24 miRNAs and 10 mRNAs) were identified in the spared nerve injury (SNI) group compared with the control group. The DE miRNA-mRNA network showed that IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were core components. Mir-30c-5p and mir-16-5p were the most connected miRNAs in the network. Interestingly, four mRNAs (Rnase 4, Egr2, Rexo4, and Klf2) with significantly increased expression were abundantly expressed in microglia, which was verified by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Furthermore, the expression of Rnase4 and Egr2 decreased in M1-polarized macrophages and increased in M2-polarized macrophages. In conclusion, we screened dozens of DE mRNAs and miRNAs in the PL of SNI rats. The core of the DE mRNA and miRNA network pointed to molecules associated with inflammation. Four mRNAs (Rnase4, Egr2, Rexo4, and Klf2) might be the potential markers of M2 polarization.

Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Renal Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory and regenerative effects in many organs, including the kidney. Emerging evidence has shown that the trophic effects from MSCs are mainly mediated by the paracrine mechanism rather than the direct differentiation of MSCs into injured tissues. These secretomes from MSCs include cytokines, growth factors, chemokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. Many research studies have revealed that secretomes from MSCs have potential to ameliorate renal injury in renal disease models, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease through a variety of mechanisms. These trophic mechanisms include immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. In addition, accumulating evidence has uncovered the specific factors and therapeutic mechanisms in MSC-derived EVs. In this article, we summarize the recent advances of immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of EVs from MSCs, especially focusing on the microRNAs.

Overexpression of miR‑30c‑5p reduces cellular cytotoxicity and inhibits the formation of kidney stones through ATG5

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are critical regulators in various diseases. In the current study, the role of miR-30c-5p in the formation of sodium oxalate-induced kidney stones was investigated. For this purpose, human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were incubated with sodium oxalate at the concentrations of 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 µM. Cell viability and the miR-30c-5p expression level were respectively measured by CCK-8 assay and RT-qPCR. After separately transfecting miR-30c-5p mimic and inhibitor into the HK-2 cells, the cell apoptotic rate, the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ROS were determined by flow cytometry. The levels of oxidative stress indicators [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] were determined using commercial kits. Crystal-cell adhesion assay was performed to evaluate the crystal adhesion capacity in vitro. miR-30c-5p binding at autophagy related 5 (ATG5) was predicted by TargetScan7.2 and further verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were performed to confirm the molecular mechanisms underlying sodium oxalate-induced kidney formation in HK-2 cells. The results revealed that sodium oxalate decreased the viability of HK-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and that miR-30c-5p expression was significantly downregulated by exposure to 750 µM sodium oxalate. In addition, the increase in cell apoptosis and crystal number, and the upregulated levels of LDH, MDA and ROS were reversed by the overexpression of miR-30c-5p. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-30c-5p upregulated the levels of SOD, CAT and MMP induced by sodium oxalate. ATG5 was directly regulated by miR-30c-5p, and the inhibition of cell cytotoxicity and crystal-cell adhesion induced by miR-30c-5p mimic was blocked by ATG5. These data indicated that the overexpression of miR-30c-5p alleviated cell cytotoxicity and crystal-cell adhesion induced by sodium oxalate through ATG5. Thus, the current study provides a better understanding of the role of miR-30c-5p in sodium oxalate-induced kidney stones.