MicroRNA-10b promotes nucleus pulposus cell proliferation through RhoC-Akt pathway by targeting HOXD10 in intervetebral disc degeneration

PAQR4 oncogene: a novel target for cancer therapy

Despite decades of basic and clinical research and trials of promising new therapies, cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to the emergence of drug resistance to anticancer drugs. These resistance events have a very well-understood underlying mechanism, and their therapeutic relevance has long been recognized. Thus, drug resistance continues to be a major obstacle to providing cancer patients with the intended "cure". PAQR4 (Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor Family Member 4) gene is a recently identified novel protein-coding gene associated with various human cancers and acts through different signaling pathways. PAQR4 has a significant influence on multiple proteins that may regulate various gene expressions and may develop chemoresistance. This review discusses the roles of PAQR4 in tumor immunity, carcinogenesis, and chemoresistance. This paper is the first review, discussing PAQR4 in the pathogenesis of cancer. The review further explores the PAQR4 as a potential target in various malignancies.

Assessment of miRNA-10b Expression Levels as a Potential Precursor to Metastasis in Localized and Locally Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer among Iraqi Patients

Breast cancer (BC) stands as the most prevalent form of carcinoma among women, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the female population. The objective of this study is to assess the expression of miR-10b and determine its diagnostic and prognostic significance in breast cancer patients across various disease stages. The investigation was carried out in Baghdad at the Oncology Teaching Hospital within Baghdad Medical City and the Oncology Unit at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital. A total of 150 samples were included and divided into two groups: the blood group consisting of 90 samples (including control subjects, localized BC patients, and those with metastatic and locally advanced BC) and the tissue group comprising 60 samples (representing both benign and malignant BC cases). The study spanned from March 2022 to January 2023, with patients' ages ranging from 24 to 75 years. The primary focus of this investigation was to identify the gene expression of miRNA-10b in all sample types. This was achieved by measuring gene expression levels and normalizing them to the level of a housekeeping gene (U6), and quantification was carried out considering the ΔCt value and the fold change method (2-ΔΔCt). The results revealed an upregulated fold expression of miRNA-10b, particularly in locally advanced and metastatic BC, where the expression was significantly higher compared to the other groups, with a fold expression of 1.770 ± 0.1070. In localized breast cancer, the fold expression was 1.624 ± 0.064, and in malignant tissue, it measured 1.546 ± 0.06754, all relative to apparently healthy control subjects. In summary, our research provides compelling evidence supporting the classification of miRNA-10b as an oncogenic factor in BC. The central involvement of miRNA-10b in the tumorigenic processes of BC highlights its reference for developing novel targeted therapeutic interventions and detection biomarkers for BC treatment. Notably, elevated expression of miRNA-10b was observed in BC tissues, correlating with an unfavorable distant metastasis-free survival outcome.

Biological principles of adult degenerative scoliosis

The global aging population has led to an increase in geriatric diseases, including adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). ADS is a spinal deformity affecting adults, particularly females. It is characterized by asymmetric intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration, leading to spinal imbalance that can result in severe pain and neurological deficits, thus significantly reducing the quality of life. Despite improved management, molecular mechanisms driving ADS remain unclear. Current literature primarily comprises epidemiological and clinical studies. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ADS, with a focus on angiogenesis, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and biomechanical stress. We discuss current limitations and challenges in the field and highlight potential translational applications that may arise with a better understanding of these mechanisms.

High-Tech Methods of Cytokine Imbalance Correction in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

An important mechanism for the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an imbalance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therapeutic and non-therapeutic approaches for cytokine imbalance correction in IDD either do not give the expected result, or give a short period of time. This explains the relevance of high-tech medical care, which is part of specialized care and includes the use of new resource-intensive methods of treatment with proven effectiveness. The aim of the review is to update knowledge about new high-tech methods based on cytokine imbalance correction in IDD. It demonstrates promise of new approaches to IDD management in patients resistant to previously used therapies, including: cell therapy (stem cell implantation, implantation of autologous cultured cells, and tissue engineering); genetic technologies (gene modifications, microRNA, and molecular inducers of IDD); technologies for influencing the inflammatory cascade in intervertebral discs mediated by abnormal activation of inflammasomes; senolytics; exosomal therapy; and other factors (hypoxia-induced factors; lysyl oxidase; corticostatin; etc.).

Research hotspots and trends of microRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various pathological processes, such as proliferation, growth, and apoptosis, of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and play an important role in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Although some studies have reported the role of miRNAs in IDD, scientific econometric analysis in this field is not available.

OBJECTIVES

We designed this study to describe the current research trends and potential mechanisms associated with the role of miRNAs in IDD and to provide new ideas for future research in this field.

METHODS

We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the publications on the role of miRNAs in IDD included in the Web of Science core collection database to elucidate the current research trends in this field. The potential mechanisms were constructed using the Arrowsmith project.

RESULTS

We found that the number of miRNAs and IDD-related publications increased over the years. China was the most important contributor to research in this field. The top three institutions in terms of number of articles published were Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Xi'an Jiao Tong University. Shanghai Jiao Tong University had the highest number of citations. Experimental and thermal medicine had the maximum number of documents, and Cell promotion had the most citations. The journal with the most mean times cited per study was Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The author Wang K had the highest number of publications, and Wang HQ had the highest number of citations. These two authors made important contributions to the research in this field. The keyword analysis showed that recent studies have focused on miRNAs regulating nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and proliferation. Moreover, we revealed the potential mechanisms of miRNAs associated with IDD, including miRNAs regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, mediating cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration, and participating in inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the knowledge map of miRNAs and IDD-related research through bibliometric analysis and elucidated the current research status and hotspots in this field. The mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate the apoptosis and proliferation of degenerated IVDs, promote ECM degradation, mediate CEP degeneration, and participate in inflammatory responses should be explored in further studies.

Mechanobiology of MicroRNAs in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is an intricate pathological process contributing to one of the major causes of low back pain. The degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, and apoptosis have all been investigated as critical factors involved in the pathology of degenerative disk disease. Additionally, the presence of aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs), conserved molecules that regulate the amount protein post-transcriptionally, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IDD. Research regarding the dysfunction of miRNAs in IDD has been well researched over the past five years. Here, we provide a critical overview of the current knowledge of miRNAs, emphasizing the processes involved in the degenerative disk pathology.

Molecular Characterization of Primary and Metastatic Colon Cancer Cells to Identify Therapeutic Targets with Natural Compounds

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the world's leading cause of colon cancer morbidity. Due to its heterogeneity, it has been challenging to understand primary to metastatic colon cancer progression and find a molecular target for colon cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The current investigation aimed to characterize the immune and genotypic profiles of primary and metastatic colon cancer cell lines and identify a molecular target for colon cancer treatment.

METHODS

Colony-forming potential, migration and invasion potential, cytokine profiling, miRNA, and mRNA expression were examined. Molecular docking for the Wnt signaling proteins with various plant compounds was performed.

RESULTS

Colony formation, migration, and invasion potential were significantly higher in metastatic cells. The primary and metastatic cells' local immune and genetic status revealed TGF β-1, IL-8, MIP-1b, I-TAC, GM-CSF, and MCP-1 were highly expressed in all cancer cells. RANTES, IL-4, IL- 6, IFNγ, and G-CSF were less expressed in cancer cell lines. mRNA expression analysis displayed significant overexpression of proliferation, cell cycle, and oncogenes, whereas apoptosis cascade and tumor suppressor genes were significantly down-regulated in metastatic cells more evidently. Most importantly, the results of molecular docking with dysregulated Wnt signaling proteins shows that peptide AGAP and coronaridine had maximum hydrogen bonds to β-catenin and GSK3β with a better binding affinity.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasized genotypic differences between the primary and metastatic colon cancer cells, delineating the intricate mechanisms to understand the primary to metastatic advancement. The molecular docking aided in understanding the future molecular targets for bioactive- based colon cancer therapeutic interventions.

The Potential Role of Dysregulated miRNAs in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), affecting 2-4% of adolescents, is a multifactorial spinal disease. Interactions between genetic and environmental factors can influence disease onset through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression. Recent evidence reported that, among all clinical features in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS), scoliosis can occur with a higher incidence than in the general population. Methods: A PubMed and Ovid Medline search was performed for idiopathic scoliosis in the setting of 22q11.2DS and miRNA according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Four papers, accounting for 2841 individuals, reported clinical data about scoliosis in individuals with 22q11.2DS, showing that approximately 35.1% of the individuals with 22q11.2DS developed scoliosis. Conclusions: 22q11.2DS could be used as a model for the study of AIS. The DGCR8 gene seems to be essential for microRNA biogenesis, which is why we propose that a possible common pathological mechanism between scoliosis and 22q11.2DS could be the dysregulation of microRNA expression. In the current study, we identified two miRNAs that were altered in both 22q11.2DS and AIS, miR-93 and miR-1306, thus, corroborating the hypothesis that the two diseases share common molecular alterations.

N6-Methyladenosine-induced miR-143-3p promotes intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating SOX5

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the basic cause of lumbocrural pain, which not only causes pain and but also serious economic burdens on patients. Increasingly more evidence has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is involved in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration, but the specific molecular mechanism is still unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanism and function of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)/miR-143-3p/SOX5 regulatory axis in nucleus pulposus cells under the action of TNF-α. Human nucleus pulposus cells were treated with TNF-α to construct an in vitro model of intervertebral disc degeneration. Flow cytometry, quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot (WB) and luciferase assays were used to identify the mechanism of action of miR-143-3p in the course of intervertebral disc degeneration in vitro and the downstream targeted regulatory molecules. The role of miR-143-3p in intervertebral disc degeneration was also validated by in vivo. RT-qPCR, WB, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and flow cytometry were used to verify the regulatory effect of METTL3 on miR-143-3p maturation. RT-qPCR and WB were adopted to detect differences in METTL3, miR-143-3p and SOX5 expression in human nucleus pulposus tissue. miR-143-3p in nucleus pulposus cells was involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism and apoptosis after TNF-α stimulation, and intervertebral disc degeneration was relieved by effectively regulating miR-143-3p expression. Subsequent experiments showed that the downstream direct target gene of miR-143-3p was SOX5 and that miR-143-3p negatively regulated the expression of SOX5. In addition, METTL3 promoted miR-143-3p maturation, and METTL3 and miR-143-3p were significantly upregulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus, an effect that was significantly negatively correlated with low SOX5 expression. In conclusion, TNF-α upregulates METTL3, METTL3 promotes miR-143-3p maturation, and miR-143-3p inhibits the transcriptional activity of SOX5 through targeted binding, thereby inducing intervertebral disc degeneration. The inhibition of METTL3 or miR-143-3p expression may be an effective way to treat intervertebral disc degeneration.

Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment with Deer Antlers Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

With the aging of the population, the prevalence of IVDD increases preoperatively. How to better treat IVDD has become an important clinical issue. Deer antlers proved to have a great effect on the treatment of IVDD in many studies, but the molecular mechanism has not been clarified.

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanism and target of deer antlers in the treatment of IVDD.

Methods

Compounds from deer antlers were collected and targets were predicted using HERB, TCMSP, TCMID, SwissADME, and SwissTargetPrediction. Collection of disease targets for IVDD was done using GeneCards, TTD, DrugBank, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Cytoscape 3.7.2, AutoDock Vina (v1.1.2), and R software were used for data analysis and the construction of network diagrams.

Results

A total of 5 active compounds from deer antlers were screened and 104 therapeutic targets were predicted. A total of 1023 IVDD disease targets were collected. Subsequently, PPI network prediction analysis was performed for disease and treatment targets, and 112 core targets were collected after screening. After obtaining the core target, we used the clusterProfiler software package of R software to carry out GO and KEGG enrichment analyses for the core target and plot the bubble maps. According to the GO enrichment results, the main biological processes of IVDD treatment by deer antlers lie in the rhythmic process, mRNA catabolic process, and G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle. KEGG results were mainly related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, and Notch signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that estrone had the best docking results on ESR1.

Conclusion

Deer antlers are rich in various compounds that can prevent the development of IVDD by upregulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Notch signaling pathway. Its key compounds estradiol and estrone can reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in tissues and organs, thus slowing down the progression of IVDD. Estrone, the active compound in deer antlers, was found by molecular docking to have good results against ESR1, the target of the disease, which may be a potential site for drug therapy.

Targeting Autophagy for Developing New Therapeutic Strategy in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent cause of low back pain. IVDD is characterized by abnormal expression of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and aggrecan. In addition, it results in dysfunctional growth, senescence, and death of intervertebral cells. The biological pathways involved in the development and progression of IVDD are not fully understood. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD could aid in the development of strategies for prevention and treatment. Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged proteins and dysfunctional organelles, and its dysfunction is linked to a variety of diseases, including IVDD and osteoarthritis. In this review, we describe recent research findings on the role of autophagy in IVDD pathogenesis and highlight autophagy-targeting molecules which can be exploited to treat IVDD. Many studies exhibit that autophagy protects against and postpones disc degeneration. Further research is needed to determine whether autophagy is required for cell integrity in intervertebral discs and to establish autophagy as a viable therapeutic target for IVDD.

The Mechanism and Function of miRNA in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) disease has been considered as the main cause of low back pain (LBP), which is a very common symptom and the leading cause of disability worldwide today. The pathological mechanism of IDD remains quite complicated, and genetic, developmental, biochemical, and biomechanical factors all contribute to the development of the disease. There exists no effective, non-surgical treatment for IDD nowadays, which is largely related to the lack of knowledge of the specific mechanisms of IDD, and the lack of effective specific targets. Recently, non-coding RNA, including miRNA, has been recognized as an important regulator of gene expression. Current studies on the effects of miRNA in IDD have confirmed that a variety of miRNAs play a crucial role in the process of IDD via nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) apoptosis, abnormal proliferation, inflammatory factors, the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and annulus fibrosus (AF) degeneration. In the past 10 years, research on miRNA has been quite active in IDD. This review summarizes the current research progression of miRNA in the IDD and puts forward some prospects and challenges on non-surgical treatment for IDD.

LncRNA HOTAIR influences cell proliferation via miR-130b/PTEN/AKT axis in IDD

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) constitutes the pathological foundation of most musculoskeletal disorders of the spine. Previous studies have noted that cell proliferation is a common feature of IDD. Bioinformatics indicated that aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in the development of IDD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA HOTAIR in the proliferation of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells of IDD in vitro and further clarified its mechanism. The expression of HOTAIR and miR-130b was quantified by qRT-PCR in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. Furthermore, NP cells proliferation were assayed by CCK8 and Immunostaining. Dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assay were used to examine the expression of HOTAIR, PTEN, and their co-target gene miR-130b. Western blotting was used to test AKT expression. Our in vitro experiments on human normal NP cells observed that HOTAIR was significantly dysregulated in IDD. Further, HOTAIR can suppress proliferation by directly targeting miR-130b. In addition, Both HOTAIR and PTEN were confirmed to target miR-130b, and miR-130b upregulation reversed the phenomenon of ectopic expression of HOTAIR. More importantly, HOTAIR upregulation significantly reduced CyclinD1 protein expression by PTEN/AKT signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that HOTAIR may bind to miR-130b and subsequently increased CyclinD1 expression via PTEN/Akt pathway. Thereby, HOTAIR could become a potential target for the treatment of IDD.Abbreviations : IDD; intervertebral disc degeneration ncRNAs; non-coding RNAs lncRNAs; long non-coding RNAs miRNAs; microRNAs NP; nucleus pulposus qRT-PCR; quantitative reverse transcription-PCR LBP; Low back pain ORF; open reading frame HOTAIR; Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA FAF1; Fas-associated protein factor-1 Erk; extracellular signal-regulated kinase TUG1; Taurine Up-regulated Gene 1 HIF1A hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha PI3K; phosphoinositide-3 kinase AIS; adolescent idiopathic scoliosis ECM; extracellular matrix LN;lupus nephritis CT;computed tomography MRI; magnetic resonance imaging PBS; phosphate-buffered salin PBS; phosphate-buffered salin PVDF; polyvinylidene fluoride TBST; Tris-buffered saline Tween ECL; enhanced chemiluminescence RIP; RNA immunoprecipitation.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting miR-25-3p

It is obvious that epigenetic processes influence the evolution of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been validated to exert vital roles in IDD. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that OIP5-AS1, a potential regulator of IDD, modulates IDD progression. RT-PCR was utilized to detect levels of OIP5-AS1, miR-25-3p, Collagen II and Aggrecan in IDD tissues and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Immunofluorescence assay measured Collagen II expression. CCK-8, EdU, and flow cytometry estimated the levels of proliferation and apoptosis. Proteins were assessed via Western blot. The binding affinity of OIP5-AS1 with miR-25-3p was investigated by luciferase reporter assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyzed the levels of inflammatory factors. OIP5-AS1 was high expressed in IDD tissues and its expression gradually promoted with the increasing of Pfirrmann scores. The cell morphology of NPCs changed into spindle-shaped, and Collagen II expression was low. After OIP5-AS1 was silenced, cell proliferation was boosted whereas both apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation were restrained. In LPS-activated NPCs, OIP5-AS1 depletion also suppressed inflammation response. Further, miR-25-3p was a target of OIP5-AS1. The effects of OIP5-AS1 silence on proliferation, apoptosis, and ECM degradation were reversed upon miR-25-3p downregulation. Moreover, the inhibitory impact of OIP5-AS1 knockdown on the inflammation of LPS-treated NPCs was rescued with miR-25-3p inference. In general, lncRNA OIP5-AS1 exerted its effects in IDD by targeting miR-25-3p, implying the usage of OIP5-AS1/miR-25-3p as a novel regulatory axis for the molecular targets of IDD therapy.

miR-489-3p overexpression inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation via targeting Toll-like receptor 4

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common disease with a high morbidity rate, which results in a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that influence target genes and serve critical roles in numerous biological processes. However, the role of miR-489-3p in lumbar disc degeneration is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, human NP cells were treated with 10 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h to investigate the role of miR-489-3p in IDD in an in vitro model. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR was performed to determine the expression levels of miR-489-3p. Then, the TargetScan database was used to predict the potential binding sites between miR-489-3p and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the findings. Subsequently, RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to analyze the expression levels of TLR4. In addition, human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were transfected with a miR-489-3p mimic and TLR4 overexpression plasmid to study the effects of miR-489-3p on LPS-induced human NP cells. Cell apoptosis and cell viability were also determined using flow cytometry and MTT assays, respectively. Finally, ELISAs were performed to analyze the levels of inflammatory factors. The expression levels of miR-489-3p were discovered to be downregulated in LPS-treated human NP cells. In addition, TLR4 was revealed to be a direct target gene of miR-489-3p, and its expression levels were upregulated in LPS-treated human NP cells. miR-489-3p was found to inhibit the LPS-induced decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis, and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, miR-489-3p suppressed the LPS-induced decreases in extracellular matrix deposition via decreasing the expression levels of aggrecan and collagen type II in human NP cells. Finally, the results revealed that miR-489-3p inhibited the LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in human NP cells. Conversely, all of the effects of miR-489-3p on LPS-induced human NP cells were reversed by the TLR4 overexpression plasmid. These findings suggested that miR-489-3p may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of IDD.

Hub Genes and Key Pathways of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation

Objective

To identify significant pathways and genes in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) based on bioinformatics analysis.

Design

The GEO database was used to download the GSE124272 dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using Limma package in R language. Then, gene ontologies (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were used to further identify hub genes. The mRNA expression levels of top six hub genes were verified.

Results

We found 563 DEGs, of which 214 were upregulated and 349 were downregulated. The top 5 GO terms and pathways were shown including immune response, cell cycle, and p53 pathway. Based on the PPI analysis, we verified the mRNA expression levels of 6 hub genes. The mRNA levels of CHEK1, CDCA2, SKA3, and KIF20A were upregulated in degenerative NP tissue than in healthy NP tissue. However, the mRNA level of BUB1 and SPC25 was downregulated.

Conclusions

This study may provide new biomarkers for the IDD and treatments to repair IDD related to CHEK1, CDCA2, SKA3, BUB1, KIF20A, and SPC25.

Preliminary construction of a regulatory network of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of nucleus pulposus degeneration - a review based on data mining

In this study, we attempted to further collate existing transcriptome sequencing (mRNA-Seq) data by applying data mining and screening intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD)-related miRNAs. At the same time, combined with published articles, the miRNAs that have been screened out were further excluded, and only the miRNAs confirmed by the reported studies were retained and reviewed. We obtained 12 pro-IVDD miRNAs and ten anti-IVDD miRNAs using the above screening process, involving 33 literature sources. By reviewing and summarizing the above studies, we preliminarily constructed the regulatory network of miRNA in the pathogenesis of IVDD. This regulatory network comprises many gaps and potential miRNA interactions, and these points may be the breakthrough points for further IVDD-related research. This new review approach can also provide a reference for the mechanistic studies of other diseases.

Role of microRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration (Review)

The incidence of lower back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is gradually increasing. IDD not only affects the quality of life of the patients, but also poses a major socioeconomic burden. There is currently no optimal method for delaying or reversing IDD, mainly due to its unknown pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) participate in the development of a number of diseases, including IDD. Abnormal expression of miRNAs in the intervertebral disc is implicated in various pathological processes underlying the development of IDD, including nucleus pulposus (NP) cell (NPC) proliferation, NPC apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation and cartilaginous endplate changes, among others. The focus of the present review was the advances in research on the involvement of miRNAs in the mechanism underlying IDD. Further research is expected to identify markers for early diagnosis of IDD and new targets for delaying or reversing IDD.

Identification of Differentially Expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and Genes in Patients Associated with Cartilaginous Endplate Degeneration

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) disease is a global challenge because of its predominant pathogenic factor in triggering low back pain, whereas cartilaginous endplate degeneration (CEPD) is the main cause of IDD. Accumulating evidence have indicated that the differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been determined to be involved in multiple biological processes to mediate CEPD progression. However, the differentially expressed circular RNAs (DECs) and their potential biofunctions in CEPD have not been identified.

Methods

GSE153761 dataset was analyzed using R software to predict DECs, DEMs, and DEGs. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs and host genes of DECs and protein-protein interaction network of DEGs were conducted to explore their potential biofunctions. Furthermore, we explore the potential relationship between DEGs and DECs.

Results

There were 74 DECs, 17 DEMs, and 68 DEGs upregulated whereas 50 DECs, 16 DEMs, and 67 DEGs downregulated in CEPD group. Pathway analysis unveiled that these RNAs might regulate CEPD via mediating inflammatory response, ECM metabolism, chondrocytes apoptosis, and chondrocytes growth. A total of 17 overlapping genes were predicted between the host genes of DEGs and DECs, such as SDC1 and MAOA. Moreover, 6 upregulated DECs, of which hsa_circ_0052830 was the most upregulated circRNA in CEPD, were derived from the host genes SDC1, whereas 8 downregulated DECs were derived from the host genes MAOA.

Conclusion

This will provide novel clues for future experimental studies to elucidate the pathomechanism of CEPD and therapeutic targets for CEPD-related diseases.

Non-coding RNA Identification in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Competitive Endogenous RNA Network Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory network of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODS

The gene expression profile GSE74089 of ONFH and microRNA (miRNA) expression profile of GSE89587 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE74089 contained four ONFH samples and four controls. The GSE89587 included 10 ONFH samples and 10 control samples. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and DE-mRNAs between ONFH group and control group were identified from GSE74089 using the limma package based on criteria of adjusted P value <0.05 and |log fold change (FC)| ≥2. The DEmiRNAs between ONFH group and control group were screened from GSE89587 on the basis of adjusted P value <0.05. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway for DE-mRNAs were analyzed using DAVID 6.7 and GSEA 3.0, respectively. Coexpressed lncRNA-mRNA pairs were identified by corr.test method in R based on the criteria of adjusted P value <0.01 and |r| ≥ 0.9. A ceRNA network was constructed and visualized using cytoscape 3.7.0 by integrating the DE-lncRNA, DE-miRNA, and DEmRNA data. The key mRNAs and lncRNAs in the ceRNA network were further validated in an independent dataset of GSE123568.

RESULTS

Based on our analysis, a total of 28 DE-lncRNAs, 1403 DE-mRNAs, and 134 DE-miRNAs were identified, respectively. The DE-mRNAs were significantly enriched in the function of "skeletal system development," "collagen fibril organization," "blood vessel development," and "regulation of nervous system development." Besides, 72 KEGG pathways, including eight active pathways and 64 suppressed pathways were identified, including which immune pathway was the most significantly activated one and which ribosome-related function was the most suppressed. A co-expression network including 161 DE-mRNAs and 16 DE-lncRNAs was built. Highly connected nodes were identified among lncRNAs such as H19, C20orf203, LINC00355, SFTA3, CRNDE, CASC2, LINC00494, C9orf163, C10orf91, and LINC00301. The ceRNA network indicated that lncRNA H19 functioned as a ceRNA of hsa-miR-519b-3p and hsa-miR-296-5p in ANKH and ECHDC1 regulation; lncRNA C9orf163 functioned as a ceRNA of hsa-miR-424-5p in CCNT1 regulation. The expression trends of ANKH, CCNT1, and C9orf163 were successfully validated in independent dataset of GSE123568.

CONCLUSION

The ceRNAs of lncRNA H19- hsa-miR-519b-3p/hsa-miR-296-5p-ANKH and lncRNA c9orf163- hsa-miR-424-5p-CCNT1 might play important roles in ONFH development. Our research provided an understanding of the important role of lncRNA-related ceRNAs in ONFH.

The Role of miR-31-5p in the Development of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Its Therapeutic Potential

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) refers to the abnormal response of cell-mediated progressive structural failure. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of the maintenance and destruction of the intervertebral disc, new IDD treatment methods are developed. Here, we first analyzed the key regulators of IDD through microRNAs microarrays. Then, the level of miR-31-5p was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The association between miR-31-5p and Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/CXCR7 axis was assessed by 3′-untranslated region (UTR) cloning and luciferase assay. The apoptosis of cells under different treatments was evaluated by flow cytometer. The cell proliferation was assessed by EdU assay. After IDD model establishment, the discs of mice tail were harvested for histological and radiographic evaluation in each group. Finally, the protein levels of SDF-1, CXCR7, ADAMTS-5, Col II, Aggrecan, and MMP13 were assessed by western blot. The results show that miR-31-5p is a key regulator of IDD and its level is down-regulated in IDD. Overexpression of miR-31-5p facilitates nucleus pulposus cell proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, facilitates ECM formation, and inhibits the level of matrix degrading enzymes in NP cells. The SDF-1/CXCR7 axis is the direct target of miR-31-5p. miR-31-5p acts on IDD by regulating SDF-1/CXCR7. In vitro experiments further verified that the up-regulation of miR-31-5p prevented the development of IDD. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-31-5p can inhibit IDD by regulating SDF-1/CXCR7.

Novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common form of biliary tract malignancy with a dismal prognosis. A poor outcome in patients with GBC is related to the aggressive nature of the tumor, delayed diagnosis, and a lack of reliable biomarkers and effective treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and accurate disease assessment are crucial to prolonging the patient survival. Identification of novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers may help improve the early diagnostic rate and develop specific targeted treatments for patients with GBC. We herein review the novel biomarkers that may be associated with the diagnosis and prognosis in GBC and their potential clinical significance in the management of GBC.

New insights into the interplay between miRNAs and autophagy in the aging of intervertebral discs

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been widely known as a main contributor to low back pain which has a negative socioeconomic impact worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and serve key roles in the ageing process of intervertebral disc. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that maintains cellular homeostasis through recycling of nutrients and degradation of damaged or aged cytoplasmic organelles. Autophagy has been proposed as a "double-edged sword" and autophagy dysfunction of IVD cells is considered as a crucial reason of IDD. A rapidly growing number of recent studies demonstrate that both miRNAs and autophagy play important roles in the progression of IDD. Furthermore, accumulated research has indicated that miRNAs target autophagy-related genes and influence the onset and development of IDD. Hence, this review focuses mainly on the current findings regarding the correlations between miRNA, autophagy, and IDD and provides new insights into the role of miRNA-autophagy pathway involved in IDD pathophysiology.

MicroRNAs and target molecules in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is considered as one of the most common malignant tumors in humans with complex pathogenesis including gene expression variation, protein degradation, and changes in signaling pathways. Many studies on involved miRNAs in BC have demonstrated that they could be used as potential biomarkers in the prognosis, response to treatment, and screening before the cancerous phenotype onset. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many cellular processes through their different effects on special targets along with modifying signaling pathways, apoptosis, cell growth, and differentiation. The diverse expression of miRNAs in cancerous tissues could mediate procedures leading to the oncogenic or suppressor behavior of certain genes in cancer cells. Since a specific miRNA may have multiple targets, an mRNA could also be regulated by multiple miRNAs which further demonstrates the actual role of miRNAs in cancer. In addition, miRNAs can be utilized as biomarkers in some cancers that cannot be screened in the early stages. Hence, finding blood, urine, or tissue miRNA biomarkers by novel or routine gene expression method could be an essential step in the prognosis and control of cancer. In the present review, we have thoroughly evaluated the recent findings on different miRNAs in BC which can provide comprehensive information on better understanding the role of diverse miRNAs and better decision making regarding the new approaches in the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of BC.

Emerging evidence on noncoding-RNA regulatory machinery in intervertebral disc degeneration: a narrative review

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common cause of low-back pain. Accumulating evidence indicates that the expression profiling of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are different between intervertebral disc tissues obtained from healthy individuals and patients with IDD. However, the roles of ncRNAs in IDD are still unclear until now. In this review, we summarize the studies concerning ncRNA interactions and regulatory functions in IDD. Apoptosis, aberrant proliferation, extracellular matrix degradation, and inflammatory abnormality are tetrad fundamental pathologic phenotypes in IDD. We demonstrated that ncRNAs are playing vital roles in apoptosis, proliferation, ECM degeneration, and inflammation process of IDD. The ncRNAs participate in underlying mechanisms of IDD in different ways. MiRNAs downregulate target genes’ expression by directly binding to the 3′-untranslated region of mRNAs. CircRNAs and lncRNAs act as sponges or competing endogenous RNAs by competitively binding to miRNAs and regulating the expression of mRNAs. The lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs widely crosstalk and form complex regulatory networks in the degenerative processes. The current review presents novel insights into the pathogenesis of IDD and potentially sheds light on the therapeutics in the future.

Regulation of Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response in Interleukin-1β-Induced Nucleus Pulposus Cells by miR-125b-5p Via Targeting TRIAP1

The aim of the present study was to determine the function of microRNA (miR)-125b-5p in lumbar disc degeneration (LDD). Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml IL-1β for 24 h to establish an LDD model. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to assess miR-125b-5p levels in human lumbar degenerative NP samples and IL-1β-treated NP cells. An interaction between miR-125b-5p and TP53-regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) was revealed by TargetScan 7.1 and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors were determined using ELISA. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. miR-125b-5p was markedly upregulated in both human lumbar degenerative NP specimens and IL-1β-treated NP cells. TRIAP1, which directly targets miR-125b-5p, was markedly downregulated in human lumbar degenerative NP specimens and IL-1β-treated NP cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were inhibited in IL-1β-treated NP cells transfected with miR-125b-5p inhibitor. Moreover, miR-125b-5p inhibitor increased NP cell viability, prevented apoptosis and repressed the apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1/caspase 9 pathway in IL-1β-treated NP cells. Thus, the present findings suggested that miR-125b-5p could regulate LDD by adjusting NP cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses via TRIAP1.

A Bioinformatic Analysis of MicroRNAs' Role in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Objectives The aim of our study was to ascertain the underlying role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Design Bioinformatic analysis from multiple databases. Methods Studies of the association of miRNAs and IDD were identified in multiple electronic databases. All potential studies were assessed by the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. We recorded whether miRNA expression was commonly increased or suppressed in the intervertebral disc tissues and cells of IDD subjects. We used String to identify biological process and cellular component pathways of differentially expressed genes. Results We included fifty-seven articles from 1,277 records in this study. This report identified 40 different dysregulated miRNAs in 53 studies, including studies examining cell apoptosis (26 studies, 49.06%), cell proliferation (15 studies, 28.3%), extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation (10 studies, 18.86%), and inflammation (five studies, 9.43%) in IDD patients. Three upregulated miRNAs (miR-19b, miR-32, miR-130b) and three downregulated miRNAs (miR-31, miR-124a, miR-127-5p) were considered common miRNAs in IDD tissues. The top three biological process pathways for upregulated miRNAs were positive regulation of biological process, nervous system development, and negative regulation of biological process, and the top three biological process pathways for downregulated miRNAs were negative regulation of gene expression, intracellular signal transduction, and negative regulation of biological process. Conclusions This study revealed that miRNAs could be novel targets for preventing IDD and treating patients with IDD by regulating their target genes. These results provide valuable information for medical professionals, IDD patients, and health care policy makers.

MicroRNA‑25‑3p regulates human nucleus pulposus cell proliferation and apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting Bim

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a degenerative disease of the spine originating from the intervertebral disc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a group of endogenous small non‑coding RNAs that act on target genes and play a critical role in numerous biological processes. However, the underlying mechanism of miR‑25‑3p in IDD remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the role of miR‑25‑3p in the pathogenesis of IDD. The results demonstrated that miR‑25‑3p was downregulated in rat degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and that Bcl‑2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) was a direct target of miR‑25‑3p. Next, to investigate the effect of miR‑25‑3p on normal NP cell proliferation and apoptosis, NP cells were transfected with an miR‑25‑3p inhibitor, a negative control of miR‑25‑3p inhibitor, miR‑25‑3p inhibitor + control‑small interference RNA (siRNA) or miR‑25‑3p inhibitor + Bim‑siRNA for 48 h and cell proliferation and apoptosis were then analyzed. The results demonstrated that the miR‑25‑3p inhibitor could decrease NP cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis, and these effects were reversed by Bim‑siRNA. In addition, an in vitro cell model of IDD was established by subjecting NP cells to 10 ng/ml interleukin (IL)‑1β for 24 h. Further experiments suggested that IL‑1β treatment induced a reduction in NP cell proliferation and an increase in cell apoptosis, which were prevented by the miR‑25‑3p mimic. All the effects of miR‑25‑3p mimic on IL‑1β‑treated NP cells were significantly reversed by Bim upregulation. These findings suggested that miR‑25‑3p may be a novel therapeutic target for IDD prevention.

LINC01121 induced intervertebral disc degeneration via modulating miR-150-5p/MMP16 axis

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence indicates that Long noncoding RNAs contribute to cell differentiation, invasion, metabolism, proliferation and metastasis. However, the potential role of LINC01121 in progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains unclear.

METHODS

LINC01121, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-16 and miR-150-5p expression was determined by a quantitative-reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. Inflammatory cytokines level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell counting kit-8 analysis was used to assess cell proliferation. MMP-16-specific binding with miR-150-5p was verified with a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We noted that interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment enhanced LINC01121 and MMP-16 expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. LINC01121 was higher in IDD specimens compared to that in control specimens. Higher expression of LINC01121 was correlated with disc degeneration degree. Ectopic expression of LINC01121 enhanced cell proliferation and promoted ki-67, MMP-3 and ADAMTS5 expression and also suppressed collagen II expression in NP cells. We observed that overexpression of LINC01121 increased the secretion of three inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. We found that ectopic expression of LINC01121 decreased the miR-150-5p level in NP cells. Luciferase reporter data confirmed that MMP-16 was one direct target of miR-150-5p. Overexpression of miR-150-5p inhibited MMP-16 level and elevated the expression of LINC01121 enhanced MMP-16 level. We also found that MMP-16 was up-regulated in IDD specimens compared to that in control specimens. Higher expression of MMP-16 was correlated with disc degeneration degree. Interestingly, MMP-16 expression was positively related to LINC01121 in IDD specimens. Finally, overexpression of LINC01121 regulated cell growth, extracellular matrix degradation and inflammatory cytokine secretion via modulating MMP-16.

CONCLUSIONS

our data suggested LINC01121 may be a new therapeutic target for IDD.

circ_001653 Silencing Promotes the Proliferation and ECM Synthesis of NPCs in IDD by Downregulating miR-486-3p-Mediated CEMIP

Functional changes of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) are considered to be the initiating factors of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). In this study, we investigated whether circular RNA homo sapiens (hsa)_circ_001653 (circ_001653) could bind to microRNA-486-3p (miR-486-3p) to regulate the biological properties of NPCs and the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) in IDD. Initially, circ_001653 was highly expressed in isolated NPCs and degenerative NP tissues in close relation to the severity of IDD. To evaluate the effects of circ_001653 on cellular processes, we performed experiments in vitro and in vivo with altered expression of circ_001653 and miR-486-3p. An increased expression of circ_001653 in the NPCs and the degenerative NP tissues was directly associated with elevated apoptosis and an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic factors of the ECM. miR-486-3p regulated NPC proliferation and inhibited the expression of CEMIP, the cell migration-inducing hyaluronan binding protein. circ_001653 regulated miR-486-3p expression, functioning in NPCs to upregulate CEMIP, whereas circ_001653 silencing alleviated IDD in the mouse model. Altogether, circ_001653 downregulation could potentially alleviate NPC apoptosis and the metabolic imbalance of the ECM through the miR-486-3p/CEMIP axis. These mechanistic insights may present new therapeutic targets for the treatment of IDD.

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in scoliosis

Scoliosis, a complex three‐dimensional deformity of the spine with the Cobb angle (a measure of the spinal lateral curvature) >10 degree, encompasses a spectrum of pathologies, including congenital, idiopathic, syndromic and neuromuscular aetiologies. The pathogenesis is multifactorial involving both environmental and genetic factors but the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease development remain largely unknown. Emerging evidence showed that non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), namely microRNAs, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs, are deregulated in many orthopaedic diseases, including scoliosis. Importantly, these deregulated ncRNAs functionally participate in the initiation and progression of scoliosis. Here, we review recent progress in ncRNA research on scoliosis.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00958 accelerates the proliferation and matrix degradation of the nucleus pulposus by regulating miR-203/SMAD3

Emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). LncRNA LINC00958 has recently been shown to play crucial roles in the development of tumors. However, the role of LINC00958 in IDD remains unclear. We showed that the expression of lncRNA LINC00958 was upregulated in degenerative NP samples, and LINC00958 expression increased gradually along with the grade of exacerbation of disc degeneration. Ectopic expression of LINC00958 promoted nucleus pulposus (NP) cell proliferation, inhibited aggrecan and Col II expression and promoted MMP-2 and MMP-13 expression. In addition, we showed that miR-203 expression was downregulated in degenerative NP samples, and miR-203 expression reduced gradually along with the grade of exacerbation of disc degeneration. Moreover, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-203 was inversely related with LINC00958 expression in NP samples. Ectopic expression of miR-203 inhibited NP cell growth and inhibited ECM degradation. Furthermore, we showed that ectopic expression of miR-203 suppressed the luciferase activity of the wild-type LINC00958 3'-UTR but not the mutant LINC00958 3'-UTR. Elevated expression of LINC00958 inhibited the expression of miR-203 and promoted the expression of SMAD3. In addition, we demonstrated that lncRNA LINC00958 exerted its function by targeting miR-203 in the NP cells. These data suggested that dysregulated lncRNA LINC00958 expression might play an important role in the development of IDD.

miR-137 suppresses cell growth and extracellular matrixdegradation through regulating ADAMTS-5 in chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been showen to act critical roles in several diseases including OA. However, the involvement and underlying mechanism of miR-137 in development of OA remains unkown. In our study, we firstly showed that IL-1β decreased the expression of miR-137 in the chondrocytes and we demonstrated that the miR-37 expression level was lower in the OA cases than in the control patients. Dual-luciferase reporter analysis was performed to confirm that ADAMTS-5 was a direct target gene of miR-137. Furthermore, we indicated that elevated expression of miR-137 decreased the protein expression of ADAMTS-5 in the chondrocytes. In additional, we showed that IL-1β induces the ADAMTS-5 expression in the chondrocytes. The ADAMTS-5 expression level was higher in the OA cases than in the control patients. We showed that the expression of ADAMTS-5 was negatively correlated with the miR-137 expression level in OA tissues. Overexpression of miR-137 suppressed cell growth, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammation in chondrocytes. These preliminary data elucidated that miR-137 suppressed OA progression via inhibiting cell growth, inflammation and ECM degradation.

MiR-485-3p modulates neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation via regulating TRIP6 expression

Recent references have showed crucial roles of several miRNAs in neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation. However, the expression and role of miR‐485‐3p remains unknown. In our reference, we indicated that miR‐485‐3p expression was down‐regulated during NSCs differentiation to neural and astrocytes cell. In addition, the TRIP6 expression was up‐regulated during NSCs differentiation to neural and astrocytes cell. We carried out the dual‐luciferase reporter and found that overexpression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the luciferase activity of pmirGLO‐TRIP6‐wt but not the pmirGLO‐TRIP6‐mut. Ectopic expression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the expression of TRIP6 in NSC. Ectopic miR‐485‐3p expression suppressed the cell growth of NSCs and inhibited nestin expression of NSCs. Moreover, elevated expression of miR‐485‐3p decreased the ki‐67 and cyclin D1 expression in NSCs. Furthermore, we indicated that miR‐485‐3p reduced proliferation and induced differentiation of NSCs via targeting TRIP6 expression. These data suggested that a crucial role of miR‐485‐3p in self‐proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. Thus, altering miR‐485‐3p and TRIP6 modulation may be one promising therapy for treating with neurodegenerative and neurogenesis diseases.

MicroRNA-221 silencing attenuates the degenerated phenotype of intervertebral disc cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of an antichondrogenic factor, MIR221 (miR-221), in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), and provide basic information for the development of a therapeutic strategy for the disc repair based on specific nucleic acid based drugs, such as miR-221 silencing. We established a relatively quick protocol to minimize artifacts from extended in vitro culture, without selecting the different types of cells from intervertebral disc (IVD) or completely disrupting extracellular matrix (ECM), but by using the whole cell population with a part of resident ECM. During the de-differentiation process miR-221 expression significantly increased. We demonstrated the effectiveness of miR-221 silencing in driving the cells towards chondrogenic lineage. AntagomiR-221 treated cells showed in fact a significant increase of expression of typical chondrogenic markers including COL2A1, ACAN and SOX9, whose loss is associated with IDD. Moreover, antagomiR-221 treatment restored FOXO3 expression and increased TRPS1 expression levels attenuating the severity grade of degeneration, and demonstrating in a context of tissue degeneration and inflammation not investigated before, that FOXO3 is target of miR-221. Data of present study are promising in the definition of new molecules useful as potential intradiscal injectable biological agents.

Downregulation of microRNA-3934-5p induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells by targeting TP53INP1

Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumour in the world. miRNAs are a group of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that act on target genes to serve critical roles in many biological processes. Presently, the expression and role of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines and to assess the role of miR-3934-5p in neuroblastoma. In the current study, the results revealed that miR-3934-5p was significantly upregulated in neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines. The data also identified TP53INP1 as a direct target gene of miR-3934-5p, which was negatively regulated by miR-3934-5p. The present study further demonstrated that TP53INP1 was downregulated in both neuroblastoma tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, the results of the current study indicate that miR-3934-5p downregulation may induce apoptosis and inhibit neuroblastoma cell viability. However, these effects were reversed via TP53INP1-siRNA. Data from the current study indicates that the miR-3934-5p/TP53INP1 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for neuroblastoma treatment.

Up-regulation of circulating microRNA-17 is associated with lumbar radicular pain following disc herniation

Background

Previous studies suggest that regulatory microRNAs (miRs) may modulate neuro-inflammatory processes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of miR-17 following intervertebral disc herniation.

Methods

In a cohort of 97 patients with leg pain and disc herniation verified on MRI, we investigated the association between circulating miR-17 and leg pain intensity. A rat model was used to examine possible changes in miR-17 expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) associated with leak of NP tissue out of the herniated disc. The functional role of miR-17 was addressed by transfection of miR-17 into THP-1 cells (human monocyte cell line).

Results

An association between the level of miR-17 in serum and the intensity of lumbar radicular pain was shown. Up-regulation of miR-17 in the rat NP tissue when applied onto spinal nerve roots and increased release of TNF following transfection of miR-17 into THP-1 cells were also observed. Hence, our data suggest that miR-17 may be involved in the pathophysiology underlying lumbar radicular pain after disc herniation.

Conclusions

We conclude that miR-17 may be associated with the intensity of lumbar radicular pain after disc herniation, possibly through a TNF-driven pro-inflammatory mechanism.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1967-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ERRFI1 Inhibits Proliferation and Inflammation of Nucleus Pulposus and Is Negatively Regulated by miR-2355-5p in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

STUDY DESIGN

In vivo and in vitro studies of the role of miR-2355-5p and its possible targets in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the regulatory role of miR-2355-5p in IVDD and the underlying mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

IVDD, which is caused by multiple factors, is the main cause of lower back pain with or without extremity pain. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of IVDD pathogenesis are not well elucidated. Cell hyper-proliferation, inflammation, and epidermal growth factor receptor activation have been implicated in IVDD. Up-regulated miR-2355-5p level was identified to associate with IVDD. ERRFI1 (the product of mitogen-inducible gene 6 [MIG6]) was known to inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor activation.

METHODS

We monitored the expression of miR-2355-5p and ERRFI1 in IVDD tissues and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. We explored the effects of ERFFI1 on NP cells proliferation and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production. We searched the targets of miR-2355-5p and explored the effects of miR-2355-5p on NP cells proliferation and cytokines production.

RESULTS

We identified the up-regulation of miR-2355-5p and down-regulation of ERFFI1 in IVDD samples and LPS-treated NP cells. ERFFI1 inhibited NP cells proliferation and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. MiR-2355-5p targeted ERFFI1 and negatively regulated ERFFI1 expression. MiR-2355-5p regulated IVDD by targeting ERFFI1.

CONCLUSION

MiR-2355-5p negatively regulated ERFFI1 and prevented the effects of ERRFI1 on inhibiting NP cells proliferation and inflammation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

MicroRNA-132 inhibits migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via TGFβ1/Smad2 signaling pathway in human bladder cancer

Background and aim: Increasing evidence shows that microRNAs play an important regulatory role in the development of several types of cancers. However, the role of microRNA-132 (miR-132) in human bladder cancer (BC) metastasis remains unclear. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effect of miR-132 on the cell migration and relate potential mechanism in BC.

Methods: miR-132 expression level was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 32 BC tissues and BC cell lines (T24). The function of miR-132 was evaluated by Transwell assay. Gene expression was determined by using qRT-PCR or Western blot.

Results: The results showed that miR-132 had a lower expression in BC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. At the same time, compared to human normal urethral epithelium cells, the expression level of miR-132 was downregulated in T24 cell lines. miR-132 overexpression significantly inhibited migration and invasion capacities in T24 cells, while downregulation of miR-132 expression strengthened such capacities. Compared with those transfected with miR-132 mimic, EMT-related markers and TGFβ1/Smad2 expression levels were higher in T24 cells transfected with miR-132 inhibitor. Moreover, EMT-related markers and Smad2 expression levels was obviously increased in BC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. The correlation result indicated that the expression of miR-132 and Smad2 was reversed.

Conclusion: In short, our results suggest that miR-132 may play a suppressive role in the metastasis of BC cells via TGFβ1/Smad2 signaling pathway.

Upregulated miR-154 promotes ECM degradation in intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), a common global health issue, is a major cause for low back pain (LBP). Given the complex etiology of IDD, micro RNA (miRNA) recently has been demonstrated to play essential roles in the progression of IDD. Therefore, this study aims to investigate functions of the miR-154, which is well-documented in a series of cell activities, IDD, and other relevant mechanisms. Lumbar nucleus pulposus (NP) samples were collected from patients with IDD and the control group. After solexa sequencing and bioinformatical analysis, the results showed that miR-154 was increased in NP cells of patients with IDD. Inhibition of miR-154 increased type II collagen and aggrecan and decreased mRNA expressions of collagenase-3 (MMP13) and aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS4), whereas overexpression of miR-154 reversed such effects in NP cells. In addition, the luciferase reporter assay revealed that fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) is a direct target of miR-154 and that the overexpression of FGF14 leads to similar effects as inhibition of miR-154 did. In conclusion, the results suggested that miR-154 participates in the development of IDD and its effects are mediated via targeting FGF14. Thus, miR-154 may be thought as a potential etiological factor for IDD and may provide insights into a therapeutic target to treat IDD.

miR‑329‑3p regulates neural stem cell proliferation by targeting E2F1

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are a class of self‑renewing and undifferentiated progenitor cells that retain the ability to differentiate to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that serve crucial roles in regulating a number of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Our previous GeneChip data indicated that the expression of miR‑329‑3p was increased in neurons compared with NSCs. However, whether miRNA‑329‑3p participates in regulating NSC function remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was identified that the expression of miR‑329‑3p was upregulated in NSCs during neuronal differentiation, whereas expression of transcription factor E2F1 (E2F1), a putative target gene of miR‑329‑3p, was downregulated. Using luciferase reporter assays, it was confirmed that miR‑329‑3p regulated E2F1 expression. As differentiation has been demonstrated to limit the proliferative capacity of NSCs, the effects of miR‑329‑3p and E2F1 modulation on NSC proliferation were examined. Forced overexpression of miR‑329‑3p or RNA‑mediated silencing of E2F1 inhibited NSC proliferation, and overexpression of miR‑329‑3p also inhibited E2F1 expression. Notably, ectopic expression of E2F1 reversed the inhibition of NSC proliferation induced by miR‑329‑3p overexpression. These results indicated that miR‑329‑3p may serve crucial roles in regulating the proliferation of NSCs, at least in part via inhibition of E2F1 expression. These data improve the understanding of the microRNA‑mRNA regulatory network that controls NSC proliferation.

Melatonin protected against the detrimental effects of microRNA-363 in a rat model of vitamin A-associated congenital spinal deformities: Involvement of Notch signaling

Congenital spinal deformities are a result of defective somitogenesis and are associated with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, the molecular mechanisms of VAD-associated congenital spinal deformities remain largely unknown. Increasing number of studies suggested that microRNAs and melatonin played important roles in the development of congenital spinal deformities. In this study, we showed that the whole-embryo expression of miR-363 was upregulated in VAD rats. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-363 inhibited the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of primary cultured NSCs, accompanied by downregulation of Notch1. To this end, melatonin suppressed miR-363 expression and rescued the effects of miR-363 on NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation together with restoration of Notch signaling. The present study provided new insights into the mechanism of VAD-associated spinal deformities and the therapeutic effect of melatonin that may lead to novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms of congenital spinal deformities.

TLR4/NF-κB axis signaling pathway-dependent up-regulation of miR-625-5p contributes to human intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting COL1A1

The activation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been found to play a critical role in many inflammatory diseases by controlling the expression of many cytokines. However, this pathway's role in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has not been reported to date. In the present study, we found universal activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in IDD patients. The in vitro analyses in human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPC) and annulus fibrosus cells (hAFC) also indicated that Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment could activate TLR4/NF-κB signaling and induce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. By comparing the results of two microRNA (miRNA)-based microarrays, we identified 15 miRNAs that were dysregulated in both IDD tissues and LPS-treated cells. Of these miRNAs, the most prominently up-regulated was miR-625-5p, which was predicted to bind to the three prime untranslated region (3'-UTR) of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1). In vitro overexpression or down-regulation of miR-625-5p was able to repress or induce the expression of COL1A1, respectively. The in vitro analyses showed that treatment with LPS, recombinant IL-6 or TNF-α could induce miR-625-5p levels but decrease COL1A1 expression. In contrast, the treatments with their corresponding inhibitors, CLI095, siltuximab and D2E7, respectively, resulted in the exact opposite effects. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which further up-regulates the expression of miR-625-5p, resulting in the down-regulation of COL1A1 and eventually contributing to the pathological process of IDD.

MiR-106a directly targets LIMK1 to inhibit proliferation and EMT of oral carcinoma cells

Background

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) expression levels are closely associated with microRNA (miRNA) processing. Higher levels of LIMK1 are reported during the progression of many cancers. Our study explored the interaction between LIMK1 and miR-106a in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the levels of LIMK1 and miR-106a in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The rates of cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed to determine the biological functions of miR-106a and LIMK1 in OSCC cells. The mRNA and protein levels of LIMK1 were measured using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. Luciferase assays were performed to validate LIMK1 as an miR-106a target in OSCC cells.

Results

We found that the level of miR-106a significantly decreased and the expression of LIMK1 significantly increased in OSCC tissues and cell lines. There was a close association between these changes. Knockdown of LIMK1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and EMT of OSCC cells. The bioinformatics analysis predicted that LIMK1 is a potential target gene of miR-106a and the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-106a could directly target LIMK1. Introduction of miR-106a to OSCC cells had similar effects to LIMK1 silencing. Overexpression of LIMK1 in OSCC cells partially reversed the inhibitory effects of the miR-106a mimic.

Conclusion

MiR-106a inhibited the cell proliferation and EMT of OSCC cells by directly decreasing LIMK1 expression.