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Casciaro C, Hamada H, Kostaki A, Matthews SG. Glucocorticoid exposure modifies the miRNA profile of sperm in the guinea pig: Implications for intergenerational transmission. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22879. [PMID: 36928999 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201784r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 1%-3% of the adult population are treated with synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) for a variety of conditions. Studies have demonstrated that adversities experienced by males prior to conception may lead to abnormal neuroendocrine function and behaviors in offspring and that epigenetic factors including microRNA (miRNA) within sperm may be responsible for driving these effects. However, it remains unclear where in the epididymis sperm miRNA changes are occurring. Here, we hypothesized that sGC exposure will alter the miRNA profile of sperm in the epididymis in a region-specific manner. Adult male guinea pigs were exposed to regular drinking water (Ctrl) or water with the sGC dexamethasone (Dex; 3mg/kg) (n = 6/group) every other day for 48 days. Sperms were collected from epididymal seminal fluid in the caput and cauda regions of the epididymis and total RNA was extracted. miRNAs were assessed by miRNA 4.0 microarray; data were processed by TAC 4.0.1 and R. miRNA analysis revealed one miRNA in the caput that was significantly decreased by Dex in sperm. In the cauda, 31 miRNAs were reduced in sperm following Dex-exposure. The findings of this study demonstrate that Dex-exposure influences miRNA profile of sperm in the cauda but not the caput of the epididymis. This suggests that glucocorticoids target the epididymis to modify sperm miRNA and do not modify the miRNA content during spermiation in the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Casciaro
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alisa Kostaki
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of microRNA-181c-5p's Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122343. [PMID: 36553610 PMCID: PMC9777864 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease, accounting for 75-85% of primary liver cancers. The conclusive research on miR-181c-5p's role in hepatocarcinogenesis, whether it has oncogenic effects or acts as a tumor repressor, is limited and fluctuating. Therefore, the current study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-181c-5p in HCC in silico and in vivo. The bioinformatics analysis of miR-181c-5p expression data in HCC using several databases strongly shed light on its involvement in HCC development, but also confirmed the fluctuating data around its role. miR-181c-5p was proven here to have an oncogenic role by increasing HepG2 cells' viability as confirmed by MTT analysis. In addition, miR-181c-5p was upregulated in the HCC positive control group and progressed the HCC development and malignant features by its forced expression in an HCC mouse model by targeted delivery using a LA-PAMAM polyplex. This is indicated by the cancerous gross and histological features, and the significant increase in liver function biomarkers. The functional enrichment bioinformatics analyses of miR-181c-5p-downregulated targets in HCC indicated that miR-181c-5p targets were significantly enriched in multiple pathways and biological processes involved in HCC development. Fbxl3, an example for miR-181c-5p potential targets, downregulation and its correlation with miR-181c-5p were validated by qPCR. In conclusion, miR-181c-5p is upregulated in HCC and has an oncogenic role enhancing HCC progression.
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Stress-induced immunosuppression affecting avian influenza virus vaccine immune response through miR-20a-5p/NR4A3 pathway in chicken. Vet Microbiol 2022; 273:109546. [PMID: 35994844 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Stress-induced immunosuppression is one of the most common hazards in poultry intensive production, which often leads to vaccination failure and severe economic losses. At present, there is no report about the function and mechanism of circulating miRNA on stress-induced immunosuppression affecting immune response. In this study, the changes of circulating miR-20a-5p under stress-induced immunosuppressive condition were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the key time points, tissues and mechanisms for functional regulation of miR-20a-5p in the process of stress-induced immunosuppression affecting avian influenza virus (AIV) vaccine immune response were identified. The results showed that stress-induced immunosuppression down-regulated miR-20a-5p and further affected AIV vaccine immune response, in which 5 day post immunization (dpi) was a key time point, and the heart, lung, and proventriculus were the important tissues. The game relationship analysis between miR-20a-5p and its target nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) gene showed that "miR-20a-5p/NR4A3" pathway was the potential key mechanism of this process, especially for heart and lung. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of stress-induced immunosuppression affecting immune response.
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Sabaie H, Gharesouran J, Asadi MR, Farhang S, Ahangar NK, Brand S, Arsang-Jang S, Dastar S, Taheri M, Rezazadeh M. Downregulation of miR-185 is a common pathogenic event in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome-related and idiopathic schizophrenia. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1175-1184. [PMID: 35075501 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is known as a complicated mental disease with an unknown etiology. The microdeletion of 22q11.2 is the most potent genetic risk factor. Researchers are still trying to find which genes in the deletion region are linked to SCZ. MIR185, encoding microRNA (miR)-185, is present in the minimal 1.5 megabase deletion. Nonetheless, the miR-185 expression profile and its corresponding target genes in animal models and patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) imply that more study is required about miR-185 and its corresponding downstream pathways within idiopathic SCZ. The expression of hsa-miR-185-5p and its corresponding target gene, shisa family member 7 (SHISA7), sometimes called CKAMP59, were evaluated in the peripheral blood (PB) samples of Iranian Azeri patients with idiopathic SCZ and healthy subjects, matched by gender and age as control groups by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Fifty SCZ patients (male/female: 22/28, age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)): 35.9 ± 5.6) and 50 matched healthy controls (male/female: 23/27, age (mean ± SD): 34.7 ± 5.4) were enrolled. The expression of hsa-miR-185-5p in the PB samples from subjects with idiopathic SCZ was substantially lower than in that of control groups (posterior beta = -0.985, adjusted P-value < 0.0001). There was also a difference within the expression profile between female and male subgroups (posterior beta = -0.86, adjusted P-value = 0.046 and posterior beta = -1.015, adjusted P-value = 0.004, in turn). Nevertheless, no significant difference was present in the expression level of CKAMP59 between PB samples from patients and control groups (adjusted P-value > 0.999). The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that hsa-miR-185-5p may correctly distinguish subjects with idiopathic SCZ from healthy people (the area under curve (AUC) value: 0.722). Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation between the expression pattern of the abovementioned genes in patients with SCZ and healthy subjects (r = 0.870, P < 0.001 and r = 0.812, P < 0.001, respectively), indicating that this miR works as an enhancer. More research is needed to determine if the hsa-miR-185-5p has an enhancer activity. In summary, this is the first research to highlight the expression of the miR-185 and CKAMP59 genes in the PB from subjects with idiopathic SCZ. Our findings suggest that gene expression alterations mediated by miR-185 may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic and 22q11.2DS SCZ. It is worth noting that, despite a substantial and clear relationship between CKAMP59 and hsa-miR-185-5p, indicating an interactive network, their involvement in the development of SCZ should be reconsidered based on the whole blood sample since the changed expression level of CKAMP59 was not significant. Further research with greater sample sizes and particular leukocyte subsets can greatly make these results stronger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Sabaie
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Gharesouran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Asadi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Farhang
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Rob Giel Research Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Noora Karim Ahangar
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Serge Brand
- Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saba Dastar
- Division of Cancer Genetics, Department of Basic Oncology, Oncology Institute, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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5
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Camacho-Ordonez N, Ballestar E, Timmers HTM, Grimbacher B. What can clinical immunology learn from inborn errors of epigenetic regulators? J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:1602-1618. [PMID: 33609625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome is at the interface between environmental factors and the genome, regulating gene transcription, DNA repair, and replication. Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining cell identity and are especially crucial for neurology, musculoskeletal integrity, and the function of the immune system. Mutations in genes encoding for the components of the epigenetic machinery lead to the development of distinct disorders, especially involving the central nervous system and host defense. In this review, we focus on the role of epigenetic modifications for the function of the immune system. By studying the immune phenotype of patients with monogenic mutations in components of the epigenetic machinery (inborn errors of epigenetic regulators), we demonstrate the importance of DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and mRNA processing for immunity. Moreover, we give a short overview on therapeutic strategies targeting the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Camacho-Ordonez
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Th Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Urology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; DZIF - German Center for Infection Research, Satellite Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany; RESIST- Cluster of Excellence 2155 to Hanover Medical School, Satellite Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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6
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Coskun FS, Srivastava S, Raj P, Dozmorov I, Belkaya S, Mehra S, Golden NA, Bucsan AN, Chapagain ML, Wakeland EK, Kaushal D, Gumbo T, van Oers NSC. sncRNA-1 Is a Small Noncoding RNA Produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Infected Cells That Positively Regulates Genes Coupled to Oleic Acid Biosynthesis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1631. [PMID: 32849337 PMCID: PMC7399025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly one third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). While much work has focused on the role of different Mtb encoded proteins in pathogenesis, recent studies have revealed that Mtb also transcribes many noncoding RNAs whose functions remain poorly characterized. We performed RNA sequencing and identified a subset of Mtb H37Rv-encoded small RNAs (<30 nts in length) that were produced in infected macrophages. Designated as smaller noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), three of these predominated the read counts. Each of the three, sncRNA-1, sncRNA-6, and sncRNA-8 had surrounding sequences with predicted stable secondary RNA stem loops. Site-directed mutagenesis of the precursor sequences suggest the existence of a hairpin loop dependent RNA processing mechanism. A functional assessment of sncRNA-1 suggested that it positively regulated two mycobacterial transcripts involved in oleic acid biosynthesis. Complementary loss- and gain- of-function approaches revealed that sncRNA-1 positively supports Mtb growth and survival in nutrient-depleted cultures as well as in infected macrophages. Overall, the findings reveal that Mtb produces sncRNAs in infected cells, with sncRNA-1 modulating mycobacterial gene expression including genes coupled to oleic acid biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma S Coskun
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Shashikant Srivastava
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Experimental Therapeutics, Baylor Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Igor Dozmorov
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Serkan Belkaya
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Smriti Mehra
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Nadia A Golden
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Allison N Bucsan
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Moti L Chapagain
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Experimental Therapeutics, Baylor Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Edward K Wakeland
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Deepak Kaushal
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Tawanda Gumbo
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Experimental Therapeutics, Baylor Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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7
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Cron MA, Guillochon É, Kusner L, Le Panse R. Role of miRNAs in Normal and Myasthenia Gravis Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1074. [PMID: 32587589 PMCID: PMC7297979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, provides a complex environment essential for the generation of the T-cell repertoire. Thymic alterations occur during life either in the context of thymic involution upon aging or the pathophysiological context of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). These changes involve complicated regulatory networks, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players. Here, we analyzed the role of miRNAs in thymocyte maturation and differentiation sustained by thymic epithelial cells. We compared data from the literature regarding the role of mouse thymic miRNAs and original data obtained from a human thymic miRnome study. We identified a set of highly expressed miRNAs defined as ThymiRs and investigated miRNA expression in infants as compared to adults to determine those associated with human thymic involution. Thymic changes are also frequently observed in MG, an autoimmune disease which results in the production of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies that lead to muscle weaknesses. Alterations such as thymoma in late-onset MG patients and hyperplasia with ectopic germinal centers (GCs) in early-onset (EOMG) patients are found. Thymic miRNA expression has been studied in AChR-MG patients both in thymoma-associated MG (TAMG) and EOMG, and their function through their mRNA targets investigated. Most of the dysregulated thymic miRNAs in EOMG are associated with GC development, such as miR-7, miR-24, miR-139, miR-143, miR-145, miR-146, miR-150, miR-452, miR-548 or thymic inflammation, such as miR-125b, miR-146, or miR-29. Understanding these pathways may provide therapeutic targets or biomarkers of disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Émilie Guillochon
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Linda Kusner
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
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8
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Rezaei T, Amini M, Hashemi ZS, Mansoori B, Rezaei S, Karami H, Mosafer J, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baradaran B. microRNA-181 serves as a dual-role regulator in the development of human cancers. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:432-454. [PMID: 31899343 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the regulatory short noncoding RNAs are involved in a wide array of cellular and molecular processes. They negatively regulate gene expression and their dysfunction is correlated with cancer development through modulation of multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, these molecules could be considered as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for more effective management of human cancers. Recent studies have demonstrated that the miR-181 family is dysregulated in various tumor tissues and plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. They have been shown to act as oncomirs or tumor suppressors considering their mRNA targets and to be involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis and drug resistance. Additionally, these miRNAs have been demonstrated to exert their regulatory effects through modulating multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, TGF-b, Wnt, NF-κB, Notch pathways. Given that, in this review, we briefly summarise the recent studies that have focused on the roles of miRNA-181 family as the multifunctional miRNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer development. These miRNAs may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in human cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Rezaei
- Department of Biology, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sarah Rezaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Hadi Karami
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Jafar Mosafer
- Research Center of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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9
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Bhalla P, Wysocki CA, van Oers NSC. Molecular Insights Into the Causes of Human Thymic Hypoplasia With Animal Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:830. [PMID: 32431714 PMCID: PMC7214791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge), CHARGE syndrome, Nude/SCID and otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OTFCS2) are distinct clinical conditions in humans that can result in hypoplasia and occasionally, aplasia of the thymus. Thymic hypoplasia/aplasia is first suggested by absence or significantly reduced numbers of recent thymic emigrants, revealed in standard-of-care newborn screens for T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Subsequent clinical assessments will often indicate whether genetic mutations are causal to the low T cell output from the thymus. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the thymic hypoplasia/aplasia in diverse human syndromes are not fully understood, partly because the problems of the thymus originate during embryogenesis. Rodent and Zebrafish models of these clinical syndromes have been used to better define the underlying basis of the clinical presentations. Results from these animal models are uncovering contributions of different cell types in the specification, differentiation, and expansion of the thymus. Cell populations such as epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and thymocytes are variably affected depending on the human syndrome responsible for the thymic hypoplasia. In the current review, findings from the diverse animal models will be described in relation to the clinical phenotypes. Importantly, these results are suggesting new strategies for regenerating thymic tissue in patients with distinct congenital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Christian A. Wysocki
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nicolai S. C. van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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10
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Du Q, de la Morena MT, van Oers NSC. The Genetics and Epigenetics of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Front Genet 2020; 10:1365. [PMID: 32117416 PMCID: PMC7016268 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2del) is a complex, multi-organ disorder noted for its varying severity and penetrance among those affected. The clinical problems comprise congenital malformations; cardiac problems including outflow tract defects, hypoplasia of the thymus, hypoparathyroidism, and/or dysmorphic facial features. Additional clinical issues that can appear over time are autoimmunity, renal insufficiency, developmental delay, malignancy and neurological manifestations such as schizophrenia. The majority of individuals with 22q11.2del have a 3 Mb deletion of DNA on chromosome 22, leading to a haploinsufficiency of ~106 genes, which comprise coding RNAs, noncoding RNAs, and pseudogenes. The consequent haploinsufficiency of many of the coding genes are well described, including the key roles of T-box Transcription Factor 1 (TBX1) and DiGeorge Critical Region 8 (DGCR8) in the clinical phenotypes. However, the haploinsufficiency of these genes alone cannot account for the tremendous variation in the severity and penetrance of the clinical complications among those affected. Recent RNA and DNA sequencing approaches are uncovering novel genetic and epigenetic differences among 22q11.2del patients that can influence disease severity. In this review, the role of coding and non-coding genes, including microRNAs (miRNA) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), will be discussed in relation to their bearing on 22q11.2del with an emphasis on TBX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Du
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - M. Teresa de la Morena
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicolai S. C. van Oers
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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11
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Desoky AE, Badrawy H, Razik DIAE, Riad KF, Abdelhamid ON, Hassan E. Predictive Value of miRNA-181a in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. JOURNAL OF CANCER THERAPY 2020; 11:673-682. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2020.1111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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12
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Du Q, Huynh LK, Coskun F, Molina E, King MA, Raj P, Khan S, Dozmorov I, Seroogy CM, Wysocki CA, Padron GT, Yates TR, Markert ML, de la Morena MT, van Oers NS. FOXN1 compound heterozygous mutations cause selective thymic hypoplasia in humans. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:4724-4738. [PMID: 31566583 PMCID: PMC6819092 DOI: 10.1172/jci127565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on 2 patients with compound heterozygous mutations in forkhead box N1 (FOXN1), a transcription factor essential for thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation. TECs are critical for T cell development. Both patients had a presentation consistent with T-/loB+NK+ SCID, with normal hair and nails, distinct from the classic nude/SCID phenotype in individuals with autosomal-recessive FOXN1 mutations. To understand the basis of this phenotype and the effects of the mutations on FOXN1, we generated mice using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to genocopy mutations in 1 of the patients. The mice with the Foxn1 compound heterozygous mutations had thymic hypoplasia, causing a T-B+NK+ SCID phenotype, whereas the hair and nails of these mice were normal. Characterization of the functional changes due to the Foxn1 mutations revealed a 5-amino acid segment at the end of the DNA-binding domain essential for the development of TECs but not keratinocytes. The transcriptional activity of this Foxn1 mutant was partly retained, indicating a region that specifies TEC functions. Analysis of an additional 9 FOXN1 mutations identified in multiple unrelated patients revealed distinct functional consequences contingent on the impact of the mutation on the DNA-binding and transactivation domains of FOXN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Du
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Larry K. Huynh
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Fatma Coskun
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Erika Molina
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew A. King
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Igor Dozmorov
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christine M. Seroogy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christian A. Wysocki
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Grace T. Padron
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - M. Louise Markert
- Department of Pediatrics and
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M. Teresa de la Morena
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington , USA
| | - Nicolai S.C. van Oers
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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13
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Cotrim-Sousa L, Freire-Assis A, Pezzi N, Tanaka PP, Oliveira EH, Passos GA. Adhesion between medullary thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes is regulated by miR-181b-5p and miR-30b. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:600-611. [PMID: 31539668 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate that adhesion between medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and thymocytes is controlled by miRNAs. Adhesion between mTECs and developing thymocytes is essential for triggering negative selection (NS) of autoreactive thymocytes that occurs in the thymus. Immune recognition is mediated by the MHC / TCR receptor, whereas adhesion molecules hold cell-cell interaction stability. Indeed, these processes must be finely controlled, if it is not, it may lead to aggressive autoimmunity. Conversely, the precise molecular genetic control of mTEC-thymocyte adhesion is largely unclear. Here, we asked whether miRNAs would be controlling this process through the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNAs that encode adhesion molecules. For this, we used small interfering RNA to knockdown (KD) Dicer mRNA in vitro in a murine mTEC line. A functional assay with fresh murine thymocytes co-cultured with mTECs showed that single-positive (SP) CD4 and CD8 thymocyte adhesion was increased after Dicer KD and most adherent subtype was CD8 SP cells. Analysis of broad mTEC transcriptional expression showed that Dicer KD led to the modulation of 114 miRNAs and 422 mRNAs, including those encoding cell adhesion or extracellular matrix proteins, such as Lgals9, Lgals3pb, Tnc and Cd47. Analysis of miRNA-mRNA networks followed by miRNA mimic transfection showed that these mRNAs are under the control of miR-181b-5p and miR-30b*, which may ultimately control mTEC-thymocyte adhesion. The expression of CD80 surface marker in mTECs was increased after Dicer KD following thymocyte adhesion. This indicates the existence of new mechanisms in mTECs that involve the synergistic action of thymocyte adhesion and regulatory miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Cotrim-Sousa
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Freire-Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, MG, Brazil
| | - Nicole Pezzi
- Graduate Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paranhos Tanaka
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ernna Hérida Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Graduate Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Du Q, Hoover AR, Dozmorov I, Raj P, Khan S, Molina E, Chang TC, de la Morena MT, Cleaver OB, Mendell JT, van Oers NSC. MIR205HG Is a Long Noncoding RNA that Regulates Growth Hormone and Prolactin Production in the Anterior Pituitary. Dev Cell 2019; 49:618-631.e5. [PMID: 30982661 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are processed from primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs), many of which are annotated as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We assessed whether MIR205HG, the host gene for miR-205, has independent functions as an lncRNA. Comparing mice with targeted deletions of MIR205HG and miR-205 revealed a functional role for the lncRNA in the anterior pituitary. Mice lacking MIR205HG had a temporal reduction in Pit1, growth hormone, and prolactin. This was mediated, in part, through the ability of this lncRNA to bind and regulate the transcriptional activity of Pit1 in conjunction with Zbtb20. Knockdown of MIR205HG in lactotropes decreased the expression of Pit1, Zbtb20, prolactin, and growth hormone, while its overexpression enhanced the levels of these transcripts. The effects of MIR205HG on the pituitary were independent of miR-205. The data support a role for MIR205HG as an lncRNA that regulates growth hormone and prolactin production in the anterior pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Du
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashley R Hoover
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Igor Dozmorov
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Erika Molina
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tsung-Cheng Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Maria Teresa de la Morena
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Ondine B Cleaver
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Joshua T Mendell
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- Department of Immunology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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15
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Cron MA, Maillard S, Truffault F, Gualeni AV, Gloghini A, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Behin A, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Causes and Consequences of miR-150-5p Dysregulation in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:539. [PMID: 30984166 PMCID: PMC6450174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease mainly due to antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction that induce invalidating muscle weaknesses. In early-onset MG, the thymus is the effector organ and is often characterized by B-cell infiltrations leading to ectopic germinal center (GC) development. The microRNA miR-150-5p has been previously characterized as a biomarker in MG due to its increase in the serum of patients and its decrease after thymectomy, correlated with an improvement of symptoms. Here, we investigated the causes and consequences of the miR-150 increase in the serum of early-onset MG patients. We observed that miR-150 expression was upregulated in MG thymuses in correlation with the presence of thymic B cells and showed by in situ hybridization experiments, that miR-150 was mainly expressed by cells of the mantle zone of GCs. However, we did not observe any correlation between the degree of thymic hyperplasia and the serum levels in MG patients. In parallel, we also investigated the expression of miR-150 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients. We observed that miR-150 was down-regulated, especially in CD4+ T cells compared to controls. These results suggest that the increased serum levels of miR-150 could result from a release from activated peripheral CD4+ T cells. Next, we demonstrated that the in vitro treatment of PBMCs with miR-150 or antimiR-150 oligonucleotides, respectively, decreased or increased the expression of one of its major target gene: the proto-oncogene MYB, a well-known actor of hematopoiesis. These results revealed that increased serum levels of miR-150 in MG patients could have a functional effect on PBMCs. We also showed that antimiR-150 caused increased cellular death of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, along with the overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes targeted by miR-150 suggesting that miR-150 controlled the survival of these cells. Altogether, these results showed that miR-150 could play a role in MG both at the thymic level and in periphery by modulating the expression of target genes and peripheral cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A Cron
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Solène Maillard
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Truffault
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Ambra Vittoria Gualeni
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Gloghini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elie Fadel
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Julien Guihaire
- Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Anthony Behin
- Neuromuscular Disease Center, AIM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Association Institute of Myology - UMRS 974, Paris, France
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16
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Cron MA, Maillard S, Delisle F, Samson N, Truffault F, Foti M, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Analysis of microRNA expression in the thymus of Myasthenia Gravis patients opens new research avenues. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:588-600. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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MicroRNAs Regulate Thymic Epithelium in Age-Related Thymic Involution via Down- or Upregulation of Transcription Factors. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:2528957. [PMID: 29226156 PMCID: PMC5684555 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2528957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related thymic involution is primarily induced by defects in nonhematopoietic thymic epithelial cells (TECs). It is characterized by dysfunction of multiple transcription factors (TFs), such as p63 and FoxN1, and also involves other TEC-associated regulators, such as Aire. These TFs and regulators are controlled by complicated regulatory networks, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) act as a key player. miRNAs can either directly target the 3'-UTRs (untranslated regions) of the TFs to suppress TF expression or target TF inhibitors to reduce or increase TF inhibitor expression and thereby indirectly enhance or inhibit TF expression. Here, we review the current understanding and recent studies about how miRNAs are involved in age-related thymic involution via regulation of TEC-autonomous TFs. We also discuss potential strategies for targeting miRNAs to rejuvenate age-related declined thymic function.
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18
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The role of microRNAs in the therapeutic action of D-cycloserine in a post-traumatic stress disorder animal model. Psychiatr Genet 2017; 27:139-151. [DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Guo D, Ye Y, Qi J, Tan X, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Li Y. Age and sex differences in microRNAs expression during the process of thymus aging. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2017; 49:409-419. [PMID: 28369179 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The gender-biased thymus involution and the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) expression in modulating the thymus development have been reported in many studies. However, how males and females differ in so many ways in thymus involution remains unclear. To address this question, we investigated the miRNA expression profiles in both untreated 3- and 12-month-old female and male mice thymuses. The results showed that 7 and 18 miRNAs were defined as the sex- and age-specific miRNAs, respectively. The expression of miR-181c-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-98b-5p, miR-329-3p, miR-341-5p, and miR-2137 showed significant age-difference in mice thymus by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. High expression levels of miR-2137 were detected in mice thymic epithelial cells and gradually increased during the process of thymus aging. MiR-27b-3p and miR-378a-3p of the female-biased miRNAs were confirmed as the sex- and estrogen-responsive miRNAs in mice thymus in vivo. Their potential target genes and the pathway were identified by the online software. Possible regulation roles of sex- and age-specific miRNA expression during the process of thymus aging were discussed. Our results suggested that these miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for the study of sex- and age-specific thymus aging and involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongguang Guo
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Junjie Qi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaotong Tan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongjiang Ma
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yugu Li
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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20
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Ansari AR, Liu H. Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:401-420. [PMID: 28331940 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute thymic involution (ATI) is usually regarded as a virulence trait. It is caused by several infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) and other factors, including stress, pregnancy, malnutrition and chemotherapy. However, the complex mechanisms that operate during ATI differ substantially from each other depending on the causative agent. For instance, a transient reduction in the size and weight of the thymus and depletion of populations of T cell subsets are hallmarks of ATI in many cases, whereas severe disruption of the anatomical structure of the organ is also associated with some factors, including fungal, parasitic and viral infections. However, growing evidence shows that ATI may be therapeutically halted or reversed. In this review, we highlight the current progress in this field with respect to numerous pathological factors and discuss the possible mechanisms. Moreover, these new observations also show that ATI can be mechanistically reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman Ansari
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Jhang, Pakistan.,University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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21
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Zhao A, Kong F, Liu CJ, Yan G, Gao F, Guo H, Guo AY, Chen Z, Li Q. Tumor Cell-Derived Microvesicles Induced Not Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition but Apoptosis in Human Proximal Tubular (HK-2) Cells: Implications for Renal Impairment in Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030513. [PMID: 28264449 PMCID: PMC5372529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal impairment (RI) is one of the hallmarks of multiple myeloma (MM) and carries a poor prognosis. Microvesicles (MVs) are membrane vesicles and play an important role in disease progression. Here, we investigated the role of MVs derived from MM cells (MM-MVs) in RI of MM. We found that MM-MVs significantly inhibited viability and induced apoptosis, but not epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human kidney-2 (HK-2), a human renal tubular epithelial cell line. The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, 8, and 9, and E-cadherin, were increased, but vementin levels were decreased in the HK-2 cells treated with MM-MVs. Through a comparative sequencing and analysis of RNA content between the MVs from RPMI8226 MM cells (RPMI8226-MVs) and K562 leukemia cells, RPMI8226-MVs were enriched with more renal-pathogenic miRNAs, in which the selective miRNAs may participate in the up-regulation of the levels of cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, the levels of CD138+ circulating MVs (cirMVs) in the peripheral blood were positively correlated with the severity of RI in newly-diagnosed MM. Our study supports MM-MVs representing a previously undescribed factor and playing a potential role in the development of RI of MM patients, and sheds light on the potential application of CD138+ cirMV counts in precise diagnosis of RI in MM and exploring MM-MVs as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqi Zhao
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Fancong Kong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China.
| | - Chun-Jie Liu
- Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Guoxin Yan
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Hao Guo
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - An-Yuan Guo
- Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Zhichao Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Qiubai Li
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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22
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Wei X, Hou X, Li J, Liu Y. miRNA-181a/b Regulates Phenotypes of Vessel Smooth Muscle Cells Through Serum Response Factor. DNA Cell Biol 2016; 36:127-135. [PMID: 27911586 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic modulation of vessel smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a crucial role in the physiological and pathological conditions of vasculature in response to local environmental changes. The phenotypic transition of VSMCs is largely modulated by the serum response factor (SRF). miR-181a and miR-181b are members of the well-studied miR-181 family and both have complementary sequence in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of SRF gene. In this article, evidence insinuates that miR-181a/b was involved in VSMCs differentiation through upregulating synthetic marker genes and downregulating contractile ones, respectively. We also confirmed the roles of the miR-181a/b in promoting SMC proliferation, migration, and synthetic phenotype transformation. In addition, miR-181a/b was indicated as directly targeting at 3' UTR of SRF by dual-luciferase assay and Western blot assay. In a word, miR-181a/b is one of the factors involved in VSMC differentiation toward a synthetic phenotype through targeting at SRF. These findings may provide a potential therapeutic approach that miR-181a/b took part in regulating the vessel disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Wei
- 1 Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Qinghai University , Xining, People's Republic of China .,2 State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University , Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Hou
- 1 Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Qinghai University , Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Li
- 1 Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Qinghai University , Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongnian Liu
- 1 Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Qinghai University , Xining, People's Republic of China
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23
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Wang J, Xie C, Pan S, Liang Y, Han J, Lan Y, Sun J, Li K, Sun B, Yang G, Shi H, Li Y, Song R, Liu X, Zhu M, Yin D, Wang H, Song X, Lu Z, Jiang H, Zheng T, Liu L. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 inhibits human cholangiocarcinoma progression and is regulated by leukemia inhibitory factor/MicroRNA-181c negative feedback pathway. Hepatology 2016; 64:1606-1622. [PMID: 27533020 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Increasing evidence supports a role for N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) deregulation in tumorigenesis. We investigated the roles and mechanisms of NDRG2 in human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) progression. In the present study, expression of NDRG2, microRNA (miR)-181c and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in human CCA and adjacent nontumor tissues were examined. The effects of NDRG2 on CCA tumor growth and metastasis were determined both in vivo and in vitro. The role of the NDRG2/LIF/miR-181c signaling pathway in cholangiocarcinogenesis and metastasis were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that human CCA tissues exhibited decreased levels of NDRG2 and increased levels of miR-181c and LIF compared with nontumor tissues. NDRG2 could inhibit CCA cell proliferation, chemoresistance, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. We found that NDRG2 is a target gene of miR-181c, and the down-regulation of NDRG2 was attributed to miR-181c overexpression in CCA. Furthermore, miR-181c can be activated by LIF treatment, whereas NDRG2 could inhibit LIF transcription through disrupting the binding between Smad, small mothers against decapentaplegic complex and LIF promoter. Down-regulation of NDRG2 and overexpression of miR-181c or LIF are significantly associated with a poorer overall survival (OS) in CCA patients. Finally, we found that a combination of NDRG2, miR-181c, and LIF expression is a strong predictor of prognosis in CCA patients. CONCLUSION These results establish the counteraction between NDRG2 and LIF/miR-181c as a key mechanism that regulates cholangiocarcinogenesis and metastasis. Our results elucidated a novel pathway in NDRG2-mediated inhibition of cholangiocarcinogenesis and metastasis and suggest new therapeutic targets, including NDRG2, LIF, miR-181c, and transforming growth factor beta, in CCA prevention and treatment. (Hepatology 2016;64:1606-1622).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Changming Xie
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingjian Liang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jihua Han
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yaliang Lan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Keyu Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Boshi Sun
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Huawen Shi
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yuejin Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Ruipeng Song
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xirui Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Mingxi Zhu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Huanlai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qiqihaer City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qiqihaer, China
| | - Xuan Song
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Zhaoyang Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China. .,Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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24
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Deng M, Tufan T, Raza MU, Jones TC, Zhu MY. MicroRNAs 29b and 181a down-regulate the expression of the norepinephrine transporter and glucocorticoid receptors in PC12 cells. J Neurochem 2016; 139:197-207. [PMID: 27501468 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that provide global regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Such regulation has been found to play a role in stress-induced epigenetic responses in the brain. The norepinephrine transporter (NET) and glucocorticoid receptors are closely related to the homeostatic integration and regulation after stress. Our previous studies demonstrated that NET mRNA and protein levels in rats are regulated by chronic stress and by administration of corticosterone, which is mediated through glucocorticoid receptors. Whether miRNAs are intermediaries in the regulation of these proteins remains to be elucidated. This study was undertaken to determine possible regulatory effects of miRNAs on the expression of NET and glucocorticoid receptors in the noradrenergic neuronal cell line. Using computational target prediction, we identified several candidate miRNAs potentially targeting NET and glucocorticoid receptors. Western blot results showed that over-expression of miR-181a and miR-29b significantly repressed protein levels of NET, which is accompanied by a reduced [3 H] norepinephrine uptake, and glucocorticoid receptors in PC12 cells. Luciferase reporter assays verified that both miR-181a and miR-29b bind the 3'UTR of mRNA of NET and glucocorticoid receptors. Furthermore, exposure of PC12 cells to corticosterone markedly reduced the endogenous levels of miR-29b, which was not reversed by the application of glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone. These observations indicate that miR-181a and miR-29b can function as the negative regulators of NET and glucocorticoid receptor translation in vitro. This regulatory effect may be related to stress-induced up-regulation of the noradrenergic phenotype, a phenomenon observed in stress models and depressive patients. This study demonstrated that miR-29b and miR-181a, two short non-coding RNAs that provide global regulation of gene expression, markedly repressed protein levels of norepinephrine (NE) transporter and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as NE uptake by binding the 3'UTR of their mRNAs in PC12 cells. Also, exposure of cells to corticosterone significantly reduced miR-29b levels through a GR-independent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxian Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Jiangsu Polytechnic College of A&F, Jurong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Turan Tufan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Muhammad U Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas C Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Meng-Yang Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
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25
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Hoover AR, Dozmorov I, MacLeod J, Du Q, de la Morena MT, Forbess J, Guleserian K, Cleaver OB, van Oers NSC. MicroRNA-205 Maintains T Cell Development following Stress by Regulating Forkhead Box N1 and Selected Chemokines. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:23237-23247. [PMID: 27646003 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.744508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus, an organ responsible for T cell development, is one of the more stress-sensitive tissues in the body. Stress, in the form of infections, radiation exposure, and steroids, impairs thymic epithelial cell (TEC) functions and induces the programmed cell death of immature thymocytes. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs involved in tissue repair and homeostasis, with several supporting T cell development. We report that miR-205, an epithelial-specific miR, maintains thymopoiesis following inflammatory perturbations. Thus, the activation of diverse pattern recognition receptors in mice causes a more severe thymic hypoplasia and delayed T cell recovery when miR-205 is conditionally ablated in TECs. Gene expression comparisons in the TECs with/without miR-205 revealed a significant differential regulation of chemokine/chemokine receptor pathways, antigen processing components, and changes in the Wnt signaling system. This was partly a consequence of reduced expression of the transcriptional regulator of epithelial cell function, Forkhead Box N1 (Foxn1), and its two regulated targets, stem cell factor and ccl25, following stress. miR-205 mimics supplemented into miR-205-deficient fetal thymic organ cultures restored Foxn1 expression along with ccl25 and stem cell factor A number of putative targets of miR-205 were up-regulated in TECs lacking miR-205, consistent with an important role for this miR in supporting T cell development in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Forbess
- Internal Medicine.,Children's Health, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | | | | | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- From the Departments of Immunology, .,Pediatrics.,Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-9093 and
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26
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Hollins SL, Cairns MJ. MicroRNA: Small RNA mediators of the brains genomic response to environmental stress. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 143:61-81. [PMID: 27317386 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The developmental processes that establish the synaptic architecture of the brain while retaining capacity for activity-dependent remodeling, are complex and involve a combination of genetic and epigenetic influences. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to problems with neural circuitry which manifest in humans as a range of neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and fragile X mental retardation. Recent studies suggest that prenatal, postnatal and intergenerational environmental factors play an important role in the aetiology of stress-related psychopathology. A number of these disorders have been shown to display epigenetic changes in the postmortem brain that reflect early life experience. These changes affect the regulation of gene expression though chromatin remodeling (transcriptional) and post-transcriptional influences, especially small noncoding microRNA (miRNA). These dynamic and influential molecules appear to play an important function in both brain development and its adaption to stress. In this review, we examine the role of miRNA in mediating the brain's response to both prenatal and postnatal environmental perturbations and explore how stress- induced alterations in miRNA expression can regulate the stress response via modulation of the immune system. Given the close relationship between environmental stress, miRNA, and brain development/function, we assert that miRNA hold a significant position at the molecular crossroads between neural development and adaptations to environmental stress. A greater understanding of the dynamics that mediate an individual's predisposition to stress-induced neuropathology has major human health benefits and is an important area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Hollins
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Murray J Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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27
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Huertas CS, Fariña D, Lechuga LM. Direct and Label-Free Quantification of Micro-RNA-181a at Attomolar Level in Complex Media Using a Nanophotonic Biosensor. ACS Sens 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.6b00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- César S. Huertas
- Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical
Applications Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
(ICN2), CSIC, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, and CIBER-BBN, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Fariña
- Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical
Applications Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
(ICN2), CSIC, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, and CIBER-BBN, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura M. Lechuga
- Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical
Applications Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
(ICN2), CSIC, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, and CIBER-BBN, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Fiume G, Scialdone A, Albano F, Rossi A, Tuccillo FM, Rea D, Palmieri C, Caiazzo E, Cicala C, Bellevicine C, Falcone C, Vecchio E, Pisano A, Ceglia S, Mimmi S, Iaccino E, de Laurentiis A, Pontoriero M, Agosti V, Troncone G, Mignogna C, Palma G, Arra C, Mallardo M, Buonaguro FM, Scala G, Quinto I. Impairment of T cell development and acute inflammatory response in HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13864. [PMID: 26343909 PMCID: PMC4561375 DOI: 10.1038/srep13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune activation and chronic inflammation are hallmark features of HIV infection causing T-cell depletion and cellular immune dysfunction in AIDS. Here, we addressed the issue whether HIV-1 Tat could affect T cell development and acute inflammatory response by generating a transgenic mouse expressing Tat in lymphoid tissue. Tat-Tg mice showed thymus atrophy and the maturation block from DN4 to DP thymic subpopulations, resulting in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells depletion in peripheral blood. In Tat-positive thymus, we observed the increased p65/NF-κB activity and deregulated expression of cytokines/chemokines and microRNA-181a-1, which are involved in T-lymphopoiesis. Upon LPS intraperitoneal injection, Tat-Tg mice developed an abnormal acute inflammatory response, which was characterized by enhanced lethality and production of inflammatory cytokines. Based on these findings, Tat-Tg mouse could represent an animal model for testing adjunctive therapies of HIV-1-associated inflammation and immune deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annarita Scialdone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Rea
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Camillo Palmieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Cicala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Falcone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vecchio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Ceglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Selena Mimmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Iaccino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria de Laurentiis
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Pontoriero
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valter Agosti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Mignogna
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scala
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ileana Quinto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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29
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Linhares-Lacerda L, Palu CC, Ribeiro-Alves M, Paredes BD, Morrot A, Garcia-Silva MR, Cayota A, Savino W. Differential Expression of microRNAs in Thymic Epithelial Cells from Trypanosoma cruzi Acutely Infected Mice: Putative Role in Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2015; 6:428. [PMID: 26347748 PMCID: PMC4543887 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A common feature seen in acute infections is a severe atrophy of the thymus. This occurs in the murine model of acute Chagas disease. Moreover, in thymuses from Trypanosoma cruzi acutely infected mice, thymocytes exhibit an increase in the density of fibronectin and laminin integrin-type receptors, with an increase in migratory response ex vivo. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) play a major role in the intrathymic T cell differentiation. To date, the consequences of molecular changes promoted by parasite infection upon thymus have not been elucidated. Considering the importance of microRNA for gene expression regulation, 85 microRNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed in TEC from T. cruzi acutely infected mice. The infection significantly modulated 29 miRNAs and modulation of 9 was also dependent whether TEC sorted out from the thymus exhibited cortical or medullary phenotype. In silico analysis revealed that these miRNAs may control target mRNAs known to be responsible for chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and cell death. Considering that we sorted TEC in the initial phase of thymocyte loss, it is conceivable that changes in TEC miRNA expression profile are functionally related to thymic atrophy, providing new clues to better understanding the mechanisms of the thymic involution seen in experimental Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Linhares-Lacerda
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cintia Cristina Palu
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Bruno Diaz Paredes
- The National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Alfonso Cayota
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo , Uruguay
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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30
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Lee JH, Patel K, Tae HJ, Lustig A, Kim JW, Mattson MP, Taub DD. Ghrelin augments murine T-cell proliferation by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and protein kinase C signaling pathways. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4708-19. [PMID: 25447526 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy occurs during normal aging, and is accelerated by exposure to chronic stressors that elevate glucocorticoid levels and impair the naïve T cell output. The orexigenic hormone ghrelin was recently shown to attenuate age-associated thymic atrophy. Here, we report that ghrelin enhances the proliferation of murine CD4+ primary T cells and a CD4+ T-cell line. Ghrelin induced activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways, via upstream activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase C, to enhance T-cell proliferation. Moreover, ghrelin induced expression of the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and retinoblastoma phosphorylation. Finally, ghrelin activated the above-mentioned signaling pathways and stimulated thymocyte proliferation in young and older mice in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalpesh Patel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Hyun Jin Tae
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Ana Lustig
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Jie Wan Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - Dennis D Taub
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Center of Translational Studies, Medical Services, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, United States.
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31
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Ferrando-Martínez S, Ruiz-Mateos E, Dudakov JA, Velardi E, Grillari J, Kreil DP, Muñoz-Fernandez MÁ, van den Brink MRM, Leal M. WNT signaling suppression in the senescent human thymus. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2014; 70:273-81. [PMID: 24657825 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glu030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymus is completely developed in late fetal stages and its function peaks in newborns. After the first year of life, the thymus undergoes a progressive atrophy that dramatically decreases de novo T-lymphocyte maturation. Hormonal signaling and changes in the microRNA expression network are identified as underlying causes of human thymus involution. However, specific pathways involved in the age-related loss of thymic function remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed differential gene-expression profile and microRNA expression in elderly (70 years old) and young (less than 10 months old and 11 years old) human thymic samples. Our data have shown that WNT pathway deregulation through the overexpression of different inhibitors by the nonadipocytic component of the human thymus stimulates the age-related involution. These results are of particular interest because interference of WNT signaling has been demonstrated in both animal models and in vitro studies, with the three major hallmarks of thymic involution: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenic process, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. Thus, our results suggest that secreted inhibitors of the WNT pathway could be explored as a novel therapeutical target in the reversal of the age-related thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrando-Martínez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain. Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain.
| | - Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos
- Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, USA
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, USA
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Department of Biotechnology, VIBT-BOKU, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David P Kreil
- Chair of Bioinformatics, BOKU University Vienna, Austria and Life Sciences, University of Warwick, UK
| | - M Ángeles Muñoz-Fernandez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | | | - Manuel Leal
- Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain
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Transgenic expression of microRNA-181d augments the stress-sensitivity of CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85274. [PMID: 24416377 PMCID: PMC3887031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological stress resulting from infections, trauma, surgery, alcoholism, malnutrition, and/or pregnancy results in a substantial depletion of immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. We previously identified 18 distinct stress-responsive microRNAs (miRs) in the thymus upon systemic stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex). MiRs are short, non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in the immune system by targeting diverse mRNAs, suggesting that their modulation in the thymus in response to stress could impact thymopoiesis. MiR-181d is one such stress-responsive miR, exhibiting a 15-fold down-regulation in expression. We utilized both transgenic and gene-targeting approaches to study the impact of miR-181d on thymopoiesis under normal and stress conditions. The over-expression of miR-181d in developing thymocytes reduced the total number of immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. LPS or Dex injections caused a 4-fold greater loss of these cells when compared with the wild type controls. A knockout mouse was developed to selectively eliminate miR-181d, leaving the closely spaced and contiguous family member miR-181c intact. The targeted elimination of just miR-181d resulted in a thymus stress-responsiveness similar to wild-type mice. These experiments suggest that one or more of three other miR-181 family members have overlapping or compensatory functions. Gene expression comparisons of thymocytes from the wild type versus transgenic mice indicated that miR-181d targets a number of stress, metabolic, and signaling pathways. These findings demonstrate that selected miRs enhance stress-mediated thymic involution in vivo.
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Canteros MG. D-Arginine as a neuroprotective amino acid: promising outcomes for neurological diseases. Drug Discov Today 2013; 19:627-36. [PMID: 24252866 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, as in other mammals, endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for adapting to physiological life stress. They are also crucial for the healthy development of the fetus. However, when the physiological concentrations of GCs increase over a long period of time, the central nervous system (CNS) is predisposed to the development of psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases. Here, I discuss the strong influence of GCs on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). I also highlight supporting evidence for the neuroprotective actions of d-arginine (d-Arg) against neurotoxicity induced by high levels of GCs in the CNS. Given that d-Arg does not interfere with the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of GCs, this might be a novel way of neutralizing the neurotoxic effects of GCs in the CNS without compromising their positive peripheral actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Griselda Canteros
- National University of Northeast, School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Corrientes 3400, Argentina.
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Role of miR-181 family in regulating vascular inflammation and immunity. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2013; 24:105-12. [PMID: 24183793 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The microRNA family, miR-181, plays diverse roles in regulating key aspects of cellular growth, development, and activation. Accumulating evidence supports a central role for the miR-181 family in vascular inflammation by controlling critical signaling pathways, such as downstream NF-κB signaling, and targets relevant to endothelial cell activation and immune cell homeostasis. This review examines the current knowledge of the miR-181 family's role in key cell types that critically control cardiovascular inflammation under pathological and physiological stimuli.
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Belkaya S, Murray SE, Eitson JL, de la Morena MT, Forman JA, van Oers NSC. Transgenic expression of microRNA-185 causes a developmental arrest of T cells by targeting multiple genes including Mzb1. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:30752-30762. [PMID: 24014023 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.503532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-185 is a microRNA (miR) that targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase in B cells, with reductions in miR-185 linked to B cell autoantibody production. In hippocampal neurons, miR-185 targets both sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 and a novel Golgi inhibitor. This miR is haploinsufficient in 90-95% of individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, patients who can present with immune, cardiac, and parathyroid problems, learning disorders, and a high incidence of schizophrenia in adults. The reduced levels of miR-185 in neurons cause presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Many of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients have a thymic hypoplasia, which results in a peripheral T cell lymphopenia and unusual T helper cell skewing. The molecular targets of miR-185 in thymocytes are unknown. Using an miR-185 T cell transgenic approach, increasing levels of miR-185 attenuated T cell development at the T cell receptor β (TCRβ) selection checkpoint and during positive selection. This caused a peripheral T cell lymphopenia. Mzb1, Nfatc3, and Camk4 were identified as novel miR-185 targets. Elevations in miR-185 enhanced TCR-dependent intracellular calcium levels, whereas a knockdown of miR-185 diminished these calcium responses. These effects concur with reductions in Mzb1, an endoplasmic reticulum calcium regulator. Consistent with their haploinsufficiency of miR-185, Mzb1 levels were elevated in thymocyte extracts from several 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients. Our findings indicate that miR-185 regulates T cell development through its targeting of several mRNAs including Mzb1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicolai S C van Oers
- From the Departments of Immunology,; Pediatrics, and; Microbiology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9093 and.
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Interleukin-21 accelerates thymic recovery from glucocorticoïd-induced atrophy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72801. [PMID: 24023776 PMCID: PMC3759406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Both physiological and psychological stress cause thymic atrophy via glucocorticoïd (GC)-dependent apoptosis of double-positive (DP) thymocytes. Given the pervasiveness of stress, GC-induced thymic atrophy is arguably the most common type of acquired immunodeficiency. We recently reported that interleukin-21 (IL-21) has a unique ability to expand the small subset of DP thymocytes (CD69(+)) which are ongoing positive selection, and that administration of IL-21 increases thymic output in aged mice. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether IL-21 could mitigate GC-induced thymic atrophy. In contrast to double-negative (DN) and single-positive (SP) thymocytes, most DP thymocytes (CD69(-)) do not constitutively express the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R). Accordingly, CD69(-) DP thymocytes from PBS-treated mice were unresponsive to IL-21 administration. However, following GC injection, surviving CD69(-) DP thymocytes up-regulated IL-21R and responded to IL-21 treatment as evidenced by enhancement of Bcl6 expression and phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5. Consequently, IL-21 administration to GC-treated mice accelerated thymic recovery by expanding considerably DP thymocytes and, to a lesser extent, DN thymocytes. However, IL-21-induced expansion of DN/DP thymocytes did not alter the diversity of the intrathymic or peripheral T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. We conclude that IL-21 dramatically accelerates recovery from GC-induced thymic atrophy.
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Tekirdag KA, Korkmaz G, Ozturk DG, Agami R, Gozuacik D. MIR181A regulates starvation- and rapamycin-induced autophagy through targeting of ATG5. Autophagy 2013; 9:374-85. [PMID: 23322078 DOI: 10.4161/auto.23117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (autophagy herein) is a cellular catabolic mechanism activated in response to stress conditions including starvation, hypoxia and misfolded protein accumulation. Abnormalities in autophagy were associated with pathologies including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, elucidation of the signaling pathways controlling autophagy is of utmost importance. Recently we and others described microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel and potent modulators of the autophagic activity. Here, we describe MIR181A (hsa-miR-181a-1) as a new autophagy-regulating miRNA. We showed that overexpression of MIR181A resulted in the attenuation of starvation- and rapamycin-induced autophagy in MCF-7, Huh-7 and K562 cells. Moreover, antagomir-mediated inactivation of endogenous miRNA activity stimulated autophagy. We identified ATG5 as an MIR181A target. Indeed, ATG5 cellular levels were decreased in cells upon MIR181A overexpression and increased following the introduction of antagomirs. More importantly, overexpression of ATG5 from a miRNA-insensitive cDNA construct rescued autophagic activity in the presence of MIR181A. We also showed that the ATG5 3' UTR contained functional MIR181A responsive sequences sensitive to point mutations. Therefore, MIR181A is a novel and important regulator of autophagy and ATG5 is a rate-limiting miRNA target in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumsal Ayse Tekirdag
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Greer JM, McCombe PA. The role of epigenetic mechanisms and processes in autoimmune disorders. Biologics 2012; 6:307-27. [PMID: 23055689 PMCID: PMC3459549 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s24067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The lack of complete concordance of autoimmune disease in identical twins suggests that nongenetic factors play a major role in determining disease susceptibility. In this review, we consider how epigenetic mechanisms could affect the immune system and effector mechanisms in autoimmunity and/or the target organ of autoimmunity and thus affect the development of autoimmune diseases. We also consider the types of stimuli that lead to epigenetic modifications and how these relate to the epidemiology of autoimmune diseases and the biological pathways operative in different autoimmune diseases. Increasing our knowledge of these epigenetic mechanisms and processes will increase the prospects for controlling or preventing autoimmune diseases in the future through the use of drugs that target the epigenetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Greer
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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