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Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:132-157. [PMID: 36816749 PMCID: PMC9922830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt+Foxp3+ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.
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Duarte MJ, Mascarenhas RS, Assis AF, Tanaka PP, Speck-Hernandez CA, Passos GA. Autoimmune regulator act in synergism with thymocyte adhesion in the control of lncRNAs in medullary thymic epithelial cells. Mol Immunol 2021; 140:127-135. [PMID: 34700158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
The autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) encodes the AIRE protein, which interacts with its partners within the nucleus. This "Aire complex" induces stalled RNA Pol II on chromatin to proceed with transcription elongation of a large set of messenger RNAs and microRNAs. Considering that RNA Pol II also transcribes long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), we hypothesized that Aire might be implicated in the upstream control of this RNA species. To test this, we employed a loss-of-function approach in which Aire knockout mTECs were compared to Aire wild-type mTECs for lncRNA transcriptional profiling both in vitro and in vivo model systems. RNA sequencing enables the differential expression profiling of lncRNAs when these cells adhere in vitro to thymocytes or do not adhere to them as a way to test the effect of cell adhesion. Sets of lncRNAs that are unique and that are shared in vitro and in vivo were identified. Among these, we found the Aire-dependent lncRNAs as for example, Platr28, Ifi30, Morrbid, Malat1, and Xist. This finding represents the first evidence that Aire mediates the transcription of lncRNAs in mTECs. Microarray hybridizations enabled us to observe that temporal thymocyte adhesion modulates the expression levels of such lncRNAs as Morrbid, Xist, and Fbxl12o after 36 h of adhesion. This finding shows the existence of a synergistic mechanism involving a link between thymocyte adhesion, Aire, and lncRNAs in mTECs that might be important for immune self-representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Jordan Duarte
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Romário S Mascarenhas
- 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
| | - Pedro Paranhos Tanaka
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cesar A Speck-Hernandez
- Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, 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; 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; Center for Cell-Based Therapy in Dentistry, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Wang M, Wei J, Ji T, Zang K. miRNA-770-5p expression is upregulated in patients with type 2 diabetes and miRNA-770-5p knockdown protects pancreatic β-cell function via targeting BAG5 expression. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:664. [PMID: 33986829 PMCID: PMC8112148 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miR)-770-5p expression is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with healthy controls; however, the roles and molecular mechanism underlying miR-770-5p in T2DM are not completely understood. In the present study, the reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results indicated that miR-770-5p expression was significantly increased and Bcl-2 associated athanogene 5 (BAG5) expression was significantly decreased in the serum of patients with T2DM compared with healthy volunteers. TargetScan and a dual luciferase reporter gene system were used to predict and verify BAG5 as a target gene of miR-770-5p. Additionally, the RT-qPCR results demonstrated that miR-770-5p expression was significantly increased and BAG5 expression was significantly decreased in uric acid (UA)-treated Min6 cells compared with control cells. Min6 cells were transfected with miR-770-5p inhibitor and BAG5-small interfering (si)RNA to alter expression levels. The results indicated that miR-770-5p negatively regulated BAG5. The effect of miR-770-5p knockdown on UA-induced pancreatic β-cell damage and dysfunction was subsequently assessed. Min6 cells were transfected with miR-770-5p inhibitor or miR-770-5p inhibitor + BAG5-siRNA for 48 h, followed by treatment with or without 5 mg/dl UA for 24 h. Cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-related factor expression levels and insulin secretion were assessed. The results demonstrated that UA treatment significantly reduced cell viability, increased cell apoptosis and reduced insulin secretion in Min6 cells compared with the control group. miR-770-5p inhibitor significantly attenuated UA-induced injury and dysfunction of Min6 cells, whereas BAG5 knockdown abolished the protective effects of miR-770-5p inhibitor on UA-damaged Min6 cells. In conclusion, miR-770-5p was highly expressed in the serum of patients with T2DM compared with healthy volunteers. In UA-treated pancreatic β-cells, compared with the inhibitor control group, miR-770-5p knockdown regulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes, increased cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis and increased insulin secretion by targeting BAG5. Therefore, the present study suggested that miR-770-5p inhibitor may serve a protective role in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Huai'an People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Jilou Wei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Huai'an People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Ting Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Huai'an People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
| | - Kui Zang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Huai'an People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, P.R. China
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Zhou H, Ni WJ, Meng XM, Tang LQ. MicroRNAs as Regulators of Immune and Inflammatory Responses: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Diabetic Nephropathy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:618536. [PMID: 33569382 PMCID: PMC7868417 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.618536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the principal cause of end-stage renal disease and results in high morbidity and mortality in patients, causing a large socioeconomic burden. Multiple factors, such as metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, immunoregulation and genetic predisposition, contribute to the pathogenesis of DN, but the exact mechanism is unclear, and the therapeutic strategies are not satisfactory. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for new therapeutic targets and strategies for DN. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as major epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and provide novel insights into our understanding of the molecular and signaling pathways that are associated with various diseases, including DN. Studies in the past decade have shown that different miRNAs affect the progression of DN by modulating different aspects of immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of miRNAs in inflammatory and immune processes, with an integrative comprehension of the detailed signaling network. Additionally, we discussed the possibilities and significance of these miRNAs as therapeutic targets in the treatment of DN. This review will facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets and novel strategies that can be translated into clinical applications for DN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Qin Tang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Pan S, Li M, Yu H, Xie Z, Li X, Duan X, Huang G, Zhou Z. microRNA-143-3p contributes to inflammatory reactions by targeting FOSL2 in PBMCs from patients with autoimmune diabetes mellitus. Acta Diabetol 2021; 58:63-72. [PMID: 32815005 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-020-01591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Autoimmune diabetes mellitus (defined as ADM) comprises classical type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). In this study, microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles and functions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ADM patients were mapped and used to explore epigenetic regulation of the pathogenesis of ADM. METHODS PBMCs samples from T1DM patients, LADA patients, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, as well as age- and sex-matched healthy controls for T1DM and T2DM, respectively, were collected and were sequenced to screen the miRNAs expression profiles. The target genes were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Silencing or overexpressing of the differentially expressed miRNAs, or simultaneously silencing the miRNAs and it's target gene, and then levels of the mRNAs, protein and cytokines were detected. RESULTS miR-143-3p expression was upregulated in ADM patients. The target gene of miR-143-3p was identified as Fos-related antigen 2 (FOSL2). Transfection of a miR-143-3p inhibitor into PBMCs upregulated FOSL2 expression, resulting in a downregulated expression of the IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and an upregulated expression of IL-6. Transfection of a miR-143-3p mimic into PBMCs downregulated FOSL2 expression, leading to an upregulation of IL-2 and TNF-α expression and a downregulation of IL-6 expression. When silencing FOSL2 while inhibiting miR-143-3p in PBMCs, there was no significant change in expression of the FOSL2 mRNA, protein and cytokines. CONCLUSION The expression of miR-143-3p in PBMCs from ADM patients is upregulated. miR-143-3p could function in the pathogenesis of ADM by modulating the inflammatory reaction through FOSL2.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Case-Control Studies
- Cells, Cultured
- Child
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics
- Female
- Fos-Related Antigen-2/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/pathology
- Male
- MicroRNAs/physiology
- Middle Aged
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Pan
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiguo Xie
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xianlan Duan
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Gan Huang
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
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Taheri M, Eghtedarian R, Dinger ME, Ghafouri-Fard S. Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110509. [PMID: 32768981 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that is increasingly prevalent in populations worldwide. As well as affecting adults, T1D is one of the most prevalent chronic childhood disorders. Several lines of evidence point to dysregulation of both cellular and humoral immune responses in this disorder. Several genetic loci have been associated with risk of T1D, implying the presence of a complex multifactorial pattern of inheritance for this disorder. Moreover, recent studies have reported dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in animal models of T1D or clinical samples. Several immune-related molecules and pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/FOXO, JAK, MAPK, mTOR and STAT pathways are regulated by non-coding RNAs in the context of T1D. Improved understanding of the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of T1D would facilitate design of preventive therapeutic modalities. In the current review, we summarize the results of animal and human studies that report dysregulation of these transcripts and their function in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Eghtedarian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Li L, Zhong D, Xie Y, Yang X, Yu Z, Zhang D, Jiang X, Wu Y, Wu F. Blood microRNA 202-3p associates with the risk of essential hypertension by targeting soluble ST2. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:222775. [PMID: 32338289 PMCID: PMC7201562 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miR)-202-3p has attracted a great deal of attention in the fields of oncology, gynecology, and metabolic disorders. However, its role in cardiovascular diseases remains to be clarified. We previously found that disruption of miR-202-3p mediated regulation of expression of soluble (s)ST2, a decoy receptor for interleukin (IL)-33, promotes essential hypertension (EH). In the present study, we first measured miR-202-3p expression levels in the blood of 182 EH cases and 159 healthy controls using TaqMan assays. miR-202-3p levels were shown to be significantly higher in EH cases than controls (fold change = 3.58, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher miR-202-3p expression was associated with an increased occurrence of EH (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-1.82; P<0.001). Addition of miR-202-3p to traditional risk factors showed an additive prediction value for EH. Further functional experiments indicated that miR-202-3p could be induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and inhibited by Ang II-triggered soluble ST2 (sST2) expression in a negative feedback manner. Moreover, blood miR-202-3p levels were negatively correlated with sST2 expression in vivo. Our study shows that blood miR-202-3p levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of EH. These findings indicate that miR-202-3p exerts a protective role against EH by antagonizing the induction of sST2 by Ang II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
- Center for Pathgen Biology and Immunology, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
| | - Danrong Zhong
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
| | - Yudan Xie
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinlei Yang
- Biobank Center, The Second Afflicted Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zuozhong Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dangui Zhang
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinghua Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangqin Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
- Correspondence: Fangqin Wu ()
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Scherm MG, Daniel C. miRNA-Mediated Immune Regulation in Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:606322. [PMID: 33329406 PMCID: PMC7731293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.606322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The important role of microRNAs as major modulators of various physiological processes, including immune regulation and homeostasis, has been increasingly recognized. Consequently, aberrant miRNA expression contributes to the defective regulation of T cell development, differentiation, and function. This can result in immune activation and impaired tolerance mechanisms, which exert a cardinal function for the onset of islet autoimmunity and the progression to T1D. The specific impact of miRNAs for immune regulation and how miRNAs and their downstream targets are involved in the pathogenesis of islet autoimmunity and T1D has been investigated recently. These studies revealed that increased expression of individual miRNAs is involved in several layers of tolerance impairments, such as inefficient Treg induction and Treg instability. The targeted modulation of miRNAs using specific inhibitors, resulting in improved immune homeostasis, as well as improved methods for the targeting of miRNAs, suggest that miRNAs, especially in T cells, are a promising target for the reestablishment of immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G. Scherm
- Institute of Diabetes Research, Group Immune Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Daniel
- Institute of Diabetes Research, Group Immune Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Carolin Daniel,
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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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10
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Abstract
Introduction T-cell activation requires the T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex, which integrates and transduces signals. CD3ζ plays a vital role in TCR signalling by mediating T-cell activation. Abnormal CD3ζ expression is a common characteristic of haematological malignancies with T-cell immune dysfunction or autoimmune diseases. Targeted regulation of CD3ζ expression by either direct or indirect approaches is important for regulating T-cell activation. Aim of the study In this study, we focused on identifying miRNAs that may regulate CD3ζ expression. Material and methods Three microRNA target search algorithms (TargetScan, PicTar, and microrna.org) were used to identify hypothetical miRNAs that target CD3ζ in T cells. Of the predicted miRNAs, miR-214 was chosen and validated to determine whether miR-214 directly binds to the CD3ζ 3’-UTR and regulates CD3ζ expression by luciferase reporter assays, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. Results The results indicate that miR-214 specifically binds the CD3ζ 3’-UTR, and miR-214 mimics remarkably reduce the expression of CD3ζ in MOLT-4 cells. Conclusions We identify for the first time that miR-214 targets expression in MOLT-4 cells, suggesting that miR-214 might negatively regulate T-cell activation by targeting CD3ζ.
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11
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Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lemos JP, Passos GA, Savino W. Abnormal T-Cell Development in the Thymus of Non-obese Diabetic Mice: Possible Relationship With the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Autoimmune Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:381. [PMID: 30050502 PMCID: PMC6052664 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, by direct interactions with autoreactive pancreas infiltrating T lymphocytes (PILs). One of the most important animal models for this disease is the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Alterations in the NOD mouse thymus during the pathogenesis of the disease have been reported. From the initial migratory disturbances to the accumulation of mature thymocytes, including regulatory Foxp3+ T cells, important mechanisms seem to regulate the repertoire of T cells that leave the thymus to settle in peripheral lymphoid organs. A significant modulation of the expression of extracellular matrix and soluble chemoattractant molecules, in addition to integrins and chemokine receptors, may contribute to the progressive accumulation of mature thymocytes and consequent formation of giant perivascular spaces (PVS) that are observed in the NOD mouse thymus. Comparative large-scale transcriptional expression and network analyses involving mRNAs and miRNAs of thymocytes, peripheral T CD3+ cells and PILs provided evidence that in PILs chemokine receptors and mRNAs are post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-202-3p resulting in decreased activity of these molecules during the onset of T1D in NOD mice. In this review, we discuss the abnormal T-cell development in NOD mice in the context of intrathymic expression of different migration-related molecules, peptides belonging to the family of insulin and insulin-like growth factors as well as the participation of miRNAs as post-transcriptional regulators and their possible influence on the onset of aggressive autoimmunity during the pathogenesis of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella A. Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julia P. Lemos
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Assis AF, Li J, Donate PB, Dernowsek JA, Manley NR, Passos GA. Predicted miRNA-mRNA-mediated posttranscriptional control associated with differences in cervical and thoracic thymus function. Mol Immunol 2018; 99:39-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Tahamtan A, Teymoori-Rad M, Nakstad B, Salimi V. Anti-Inflammatory MicroRNAs and Their Potential for Inflammatory Diseases Treatment. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1377. [PMID: 29988529 PMCID: PMC6026627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a complicated biological and pathophysiological cascade of responses to infections and injuries, and inflammatory mechanisms are closely related to many diseases. The magnitude, the complicated network of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, and the direction of the inflammatory response can impact on the development and progression of various disorders. The currently available treatment strategies often target the symptoms and not the causes of inflammatory disease and may often be ineffective. Since the onset and termination of inflammation are crucial to prevent tissue damage, a range of mechanisms has evolved in nature to regulate the process including negative and positive feedback loops. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key gene regulators to control inflammation, and it is speculated that they are fine-tune signaling regulators to allow for proper resolution and prevent uncontrolled progress of inflammatory reactions. In this review, we discuss recent findings related to significant roles of miRNAs in immune regulation, especially the potential utility of these molecules as novel anti-inflammatory agents to treat inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities of using miRNAs as drugs in the form of miRNA mimics or miRNA antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Tahamtan
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Majid Teymoori-Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Britt Nakstad
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Speck-Hernandez CA, Assis AF, Felicio RF, Cotrim-Sousa L, Pezzi N, Lopes GS, Bombonato-Prado KF, Giuliatti S, Passos GA. Aire Disruption Influences the Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Transcriptome and Interaction With Thymocytes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:964. [PMID: 29867946 PMCID: PMC5949327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is associated with thymocyte adhesion, which is crucial for the negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes in the thymus. This process represents the root of central tolerance of self-components and prevents the onset of autoimmune diseases. Since thymic epithelia correspond to an important target of donor T cells during the onset of chronic graft-vs-host-disease, mTEC-thymocyte adhesion may have implications for alloimmunity. The Aire and Fezf2 genes function as transcriptome controllers in mTECs. The central question of this study is whether there is a mutual relationship between mTEC-thymocyte adhesion and the control of the mTEC transcriptome and whether Aire is involved in this process. Here, we show that in vitro mTEC-thymocyte adhesion causes transcriptome changes in mTECs and upregulates the transcriptional expression of Aire and Fezf2, as well as cell adhesion-related genes such as Cd80 or Tcf7, among others. Crispr-Cas9-mediated Aire gene disruption demonstrated that this gene plays a role in the process of mTEC-thymocyte adhesion. Consistent with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) encoded by Aire exon 3, which was targeted, we demonstrate that Aire KO-/- mTECs impair AIRE protein localization in the nucleus. Consequently, the loss of function of Aire reduced the ability of these cells to adhere to thymocytes. Their transcriptomes differed from their wild-type Aire+/+ counterparts, even during thymocyte adhesion. A set of mRNA isoforms that encode proteins involved in cell adhesion were also modulated during this process. This demonstrates that both thymocyte interactions and Aire influence transcriptome profiling of mTEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A. Speck-Hernandez
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda F. Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafaela F. Felicio
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Cotrim-Sousa
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicole Pezzi
- Graduate Programme in Basic and Applied Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel S. Lopes
- Graduate Programme in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina F. Bombonato-Prado
- Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Giuliatti
- Genetics, Bioinformatics Group, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Miao C, Chang J, Zhang G, Fang Y. MicroRNAs in type 1 diabetes: new research progress and potential directions. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:498-506. [PMID: 29554441 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes of about 22 nucleotides, which are involved in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation in animals and plants. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is clinically silent until the majority of β cells are destroyed, and a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in the pathological mechanism of T1D. In this review, we searched the related research in recent years and summarized the important roles of miRNAs in T1D diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, we summarized the current understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation mechanisms of gene expression in the T1D pathogenesis as well as related signaling pathways with a focus on the important roles of miRNAs and their antagonists in T1D pathogenesis, and brought insight into the potential therapeutic value of miRNAs for T1D patients. In view of the important roles of miRNAs in T1D pathology, disordered miRNAs may be important diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for patients with T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenggui Miao
- a Department of Pharmacy, College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Jun Chang
- b Department of Orthopaedics, 4th Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guoxue Zhang
- c College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yanxi Fang
- a Department of Pharmacy, College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
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16
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Qu L, Li J, Zhao Z, Jiang H, Zhang Q. Differential Expression of miR-202 and Validation of Predicted Target Genes in the Skin Tissue of C57BL/6 Black Mice and BALB/c White Mice. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:443-450. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianping Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology College, Jilin, China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huaizhi Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Dernowsek JA, Pereira MC, Fornari TA, Macedo C, Assis AF, Donate PB, Bombonato-Prado KF, Passos-Bueno MR, Passos GA. Posttranscriptional Interaction Between miR-450a-5p and miR-28-5p and STAT1 mRNA Triggers Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:4045-4062. [PMID: 28407302 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that the interaction between miR-450a-5p and miR-28-5p and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA correlates with the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (shed cells). STAT1 negatively regulates runx-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which is an essential transcription factor in this process. However, the elements that trigger osteoblastic differentiation and therefore pause the inhibitory effect of STAT1 need investigation. Usually, STAT1 can be posttranscriptionally regulated by miRNAs. To test this, we used an in vitro model system in which shed cells were chemically induced toward osteoblastic differentiation and temporally analyzed, comparing undifferentiated cells with their counterparts in the early (2 days) or late (7 or 21 days) periods of induction. The definition of the entire functional genome expression signature demonstrated that the transcriptional activity of a large set of mRNAs and miRNAs changes during this process. Interestingly, STAT1 and RUNX2 mRNAs feature contrasting expression levels during the course of differentiation. While undifferentiated or early differentiating cells express high levels of STAT1 mRNA, which was gradually downregulated, RUNX2 mRNA was upregulated toward differentiation. The reconstruction of miRNA-mRNA interaction networks allowed the identification of six miRNAs (miR-17-3p, miR-28-5p, miR-29b, miR-29c-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-450a-5p), and we predicted their respective targets, from which we focused on miR-450a-5p and miR-28-5p STAT1 mRNA interactions, whose intracellular occurrence was validated through the luciferase assay. Transfections of undifferentiated shed cells with miR-450a-5p or miR-28-5p mimics or with miR-450a-5p or miR-28-5p antagonists demonstrated that these miRNAs might play a role as posttranscriptional controllers of STAT1 mRNA during osteoblastic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4045-4062, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaína A Dernowsek
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena C Pereira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaís A Fornari
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Macedo
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda F Assis
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula B Donate
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina F Bombonato-Prado
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Zheng Y, Wang Z, Zhou Z. miRNAs: novel regulators of autoimmunity-mediated pancreatic β-cell destruction in type 1 diabetes. Cell Mol Immunol 2017; 14:488-496. [PMID: 28317889 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a series of conserved, short, non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression in a posttranscriptional manner. miRNAs are involved in almost every physiological and pathological process. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is the result of selective destruction of pancreatic β-cells driven by the immune system. miRNAs are also important participants in T1D pathogenesis. Herein, we review the most recent data on the potential involvement of miRNAs in T1D. Specifically, we focus on two aspects: the roles of miRNAs in maintaining immune homeostasis and regulating β-cell survival and/or functions in T1D. We also discuss circulating miRNAs as potent biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of T1D and investigate potential therapeutic approaches for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Center for Medical Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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19
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Isaacs SR, Wang J, Kim KW, Yin C, Zhou L, Mi QS, Craig ME. MicroRNAs in Type 1 Diabetes: Complex Interregulation of the Immune System, β Cell Function and Viral Infections. Curr Diab Rep 2016; 16:133. [PMID: 27844276 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-016-0819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first mammalian microRNA (miRNA) more than two decades ago, a plethora of miRNAs has been identified in humans, now amounting to more than 2500. Essential for post-transcriptional regulation of gene networks integral for developmental pathways and immune response, it is not surprising that dysregulation of miRNAs is often associated with the aetiology of complex diseases including cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Despite massive expansion of small RNA studies and extensive investigation in diverse disease contexts, the role of miRNAs in type 1 diabetes has only recently been explored. Key studies using human islets have recently implicated virus-induced miRNA dysregulation as a pivotal mechanism of β cell destruction, while the interplay between miRNAs, the immune system and β cell survival has been illustrated in studies using animal and cellular models of disease. The role of specific miRNAs as major players in immune system homeostasis highlights their exciting potential as therapeutics and prognostic biomarkers of type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia R Isaacs
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- UNSW and POWH Virology Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Jie Wang
- Henry Ford Immunology Program, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Ki Wook Kim
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- UNSW and POWH Virology Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Congcong Yin
- Henry Ford Immunology Program, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Li Zhou
- Henry Ford Immunology Program, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Qing Sheng Mi
- Henry Ford Immunology Program, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Maria E Craig
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- UNSW and POWH Virology Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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20
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Oliveira EH, Macedo C, Collares CV, Freitas AC, Donate PB, Sakamoto-Hojo ET, Donadi EA, Passos GA. Aire Downregulation Is Associated with Changes in the Posttranscriptional Control of Peripheral Tissue Antigens in Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2016; 7:526. [PMID: 27933063 PMCID: PMC5120147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune regulator (Aire) is a transcriptional regulator of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Aire also played a role as an upstream posttranscriptional controller in these cells and that variation in its expression might be associated with changes in the interactions between miRNAs and the mRNAs encoding PTAs. We demonstrated that downregulation of Aire in vivo in the thymuses of BALB/c mice imbalanced the large-scale expression of these two RNA species and consequently their interactions. The expression profiles of a large set of mTEC miRNAs and mRNAs isolated from the thymuses of mice subjected (or not) to small-interfering-induced Aire gene knockdown revealed that 87 miRNAs and 4,558 mRNAs were differentially expressed. The reconstruction of the miRNA–mRNA interaction networks demonstrated that interactions between these RNAs were under Aire influence and therefore changed when this gene was downregulated. Prior to Aire-knockdown, only members of the miR-let-7 family interacted with a set of PTA mRNAs. Under Aire-knockdown conditions, a larger set of miRNA families and their members established this type of interaction. Notably, no previously described Aire-dependent PTA interacted with the miRNAs, indicating that these PTAs were somehow refractory. The miRNA–mRNA interactions were validated by calculating the minimal free energy of the pairings between the miRNA seed regions and the mRNA 3′ UTRs and within the cellular milieu using the luciferase reporter gene assay. These results suggest the existence of a link between transcriptional and posttranscriptional control because Aire downregulation alters the miRNA–mRNA network controlling PTAs in mTEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernna H Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Claudia Macedo
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Cristhianna V Collares
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Freitas
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Paula Barbim Donate
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Elza T Sakamoto-Hojo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Geraldo A Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Discipline of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Pezzi N, Assis AF, Cotrim-Sousa LC, Lopes GS, Mosella MS, Lima DS, Bombonato-Prado KF, Passos GA. Aire knockdown in medullary thymic epithelial cells affects Aire protein, deregulates cell adhesion genes and decreases thymocyte interaction. Mol Immunol 2016; 77:157-73. [PMID: 27505711 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate that even a partial reduction of Aire mRNA levels by siRNA-induced Aire knockdown (Aire KD) has important consequences to medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Aire knockdown is sufficient to reduce Aire protein levels, impair its nuclear location, and cause an imbalance in large-scale gene expression, including genes that encode cell adhesion molecules. These genes drew our attention because adhesion molecules are implicated in the process of mTEC-thymocyte adhesion, which is critical for T cell development and the establishment of central self-tolerance. Accordingly, we consider the following: 1) mTECs contribute to the elimination of self-reactive thymocytes through adhesion; 2) Adhesion molecules play a crucial role during physical contact between these cells; and 3) Aire is an important transcriptional regulator in mTECs. However, its role in controlling mTEC-thymocyte adhesion remains unclear. Because Aire controls adhesion molecule genes, we hypothesized that the disruption of its expression could influence mTEC-thymocyte interaction. To test this hypothesis, we used a murine Aire(+) mTEC cell line as a model system to reproduce mTEC-thymocyte adhesion in vitro. Transcriptome analysis of the mTEC cell line revealed that Aire KD led to the down-modulation of more than 800 genes, including those encoding for proteins involved in cell adhesion, i.e., the extracellular matrix constituent Lama1, the CAM family adhesion molecules Vcam1 and Icam4, and those that encode peripheral tissue antigens. Thymocytes co-cultured with Aire KD mTECs had a significantly reduced capacity to adhere to these cells. This finding is the first direct evidence that Aire also plays a role in controlling mTEC-thymocyte adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pezzi
- 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
| | - Larissa Cotrim Cotrim-Sousa
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Sarti Lopes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maritza Salas Mosella
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Djalma Sousa Lima
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina F Bombonato-Prado
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, 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; Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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