MiR-29b-3p promotes particulate matter-induced inflammatory responses by regulating the C1QTNF6/AMPK pathway

m6A-mediated HDAC9 upregulation promotes particulate matter-induced airway inflammation via epigenetic control of DUSP9-MAPK axis and acts as an inhaled nanotherapeutic target

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) can cause airway inflammation and worsen various airway diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which PM triggers airway inflammation has not been completely elucidated, and effective interventions are lacking. Our study revealed that PM exposure increased the expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) in human bronchial epithelial cells and mouse airway epithelium through the METTL3/m6A methylation/IGF2BP3 pathway. Functional assays showed that HDAC9 upregulation promoted PM-induced airway inflammation and activation of MAPK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HDAC9 modulated the deacetylation of histone 4 acetylation at K12 (H4K12) in the promoter region of dual specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9) to repress the expression of DUSP9 and resulting in the activation of MAPK signaling pathway, thereby promoting PM-induced airway inflammation. Additionally, HDAC9 bound to MEF2A to weaken its anti-inflammatory effect on PM-induced airway inflammation. Then, we developed a novel inhaled lipid nanoparticle system for delivering HDAC9 siRNA to the airway, offering an effective treatment for PM-induced airway inflammation. Collectively, we elucidated the crucial regulatory mechanism of HDAC9 in PM-induced airway inflammation and introduced an inhaled therapeutic approach targeting HDAC9. These findings contribute to alleviating the burden of various airway diseases caused by PM exposure.

miRNAs mediate the impact of smoking on dental pulp stem cells via the p53 pathway

Cigarette smoke changes the genomic and epigenomic imprint of cells. In this study, we investigated the biological consequences of extended cigarette smoke exposure on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and the potential roles of miRNAs. DPSCs were treated with various doses of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) for up to 6 weeks. Cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation were evaluated. Cytokine and miRNA expression were profiled. The results showed that extended exposure to CSC significantly impaired the regenerative capacity of the DPSCs. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the cell cycle pathway, cancer pathways (small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, colorectal, and prostate cancer), and pathways for TNF, TGF-β, p53, PI3K-Akt, mTOR, and ErbB signal transduction, were associated with altered miRNA profiles. In particular, 3 miRNAs has-miR-26a-5p, has-miR-26b-5p, and has-miR-29b-3p fine-tune the p53 and cell cycle signaling pathways to regulate DPSC cellular activities. The work indicated that miRNAs are promising targets to modulate stem cell regeneration and understanding miRNA-targeted genes and their associated pathways in smoking individuals have significant implications for disease control and prevention.

Evaluating the pro-survival potential of apoptotic bodies derived from 2D- and 3D- cultured adipose stem cells in ischaemic flaps

In the realm of large-area trauma flap transplantation, averting ischaemic necrosis emerges as a pivotal concern. Several key mechanisms, including the promotion of angiogenesis, the inhibition of oxidative stress, the suppression of cell death, and the mitigation of inflammation, are crucial for enhancing skin flap survival. Apoptotic bodies (ABs), arising from cell apoptosis, have recently emerged as significant contributors to these functions. This study engineered three-dimensional (3D)-ABs using tissue-like mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mADSCs) cultured in a 3D environment to compare their superior biological effects against 2D-ABs in bolstering skin flap survival. The findings reveal that 3D-ABs (85.74 ± 4.51) % outperform 2D-ABs (76.48 ± 5.04) % in enhancing the survival rate of ischaemic skin flaps (60.45 ± 8.95) % (all p < 0.05). Mechanistically, they stimulated angiogenesis, mitigated oxidative stress, suppressed apoptosis, and facilitated the transition of macrophages from M1 to M2 polarization (all p < 0.05). A comparative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) profiles in 3D- and 2D-ABs identified several specific miRNAs (miR-423-5p-up, miR30b-5p-down, etc.) with pertinent roles. In summary, ABs derived from mADSCs cultured in a 3D spheroid-like arrangement exhibit heightened biological activity compared to those from 2D-cultured mADSCs and are more effective in promoting ischaemic skin flap survival. These effects are attributed to their influence on specific miRNAs.

Comprehensive review for non-coding RNAs: From mechanisms to therapeutic applications

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an assorted collection of transcripts that are not translated into proteins. Since their discovery, ncRNAs have gained prominence as crucial regulators of various biological functions across diverse cell types and tissues, and their abnormal functioning has been implicated in disease. Notably, extensive research has focused on the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and human cancers, although other types of ncRNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are also emerging as significant contributors to human disease. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge regarding the roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in cancer and other major human diseases, particularly cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and infectious diseases. Moreover, we discuss the potential utilization of ncRNAs as disease biomarkers and as targets for therapeutic interventions.

Fetal Brain-Derived Exosomal miRNAs from Maternal Blood: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability but cannot be diagnosed early in utero. Because several microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in other neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, the effects of EtOH exposure on the expression of these miRNAs and their target genes and pathways were assessed. In women who drank alcohol (EtOH) during pregnancy and non-drinking controls, matched individually for fetal sex and gestational age, the levels of miRNAs in fetal brain-derived exosomes (FB-Es) isolated from the mothers' serum correlated well with the contents of the corresponding fetal brain tissues obtained after voluntary pregnancy termination. In six EtOH-exposed cases and six matched controls, the levels of fetal brain and maternal serum miRNAs were quantified on the array by qRT-PCR. In FB-Es from 10 EtOH-exposed cases and 10 controls, selected miRNAs were quantified by ddPCR. Protein levels were quantified by ELISA. There were significant EtOH-associated reductions in the expression of several miRNAs, including miR-9 and its downstream neuronal targets BDNF, REST, Synapsin, and Sonic hedgehog. In 20 paired cases, reductions in FB-E miR-9 levels correlated strongly with reductions in fetal eye diameter, a prominent feature of FASDs. Thus, FB-E miR-9 levels might serve as a biomarker to predict FASDs in at-risk fetuses.

Neurotensin contributes to cholestatic liver disease potentially modulating matrix metalloprotease-7

The diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia pose challenges due to the absence of reliable biomarkers and limited understanding of its etiology. The plasma and liver of patients with biliary atresia exhibit elevated levels of neurotensin. To investigate the specific role of neurotensin in the progression of biliary atresia, the patient's liver pathological section was employed. Biliary organoids, cultured biliary cells, and a mouse model were employed to elucidate both the potential diagnostic significance of neurotensin and its underlying mechanistic pathway. In patients' blood, the levels of neurotensin were positively correlated with matrix metalloprotease-7, interleukin-8, and liver function enzymes. Neurotensin and neurotensin receptors were mainly expressed in the intrahepatic biliary cells and were stimulated by bile acids. Neurotensin suppressed the growth and increased expression of matrix metalloprotease-7 in biliary organoids. Neurotensin inhibited mitochondrial respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, and attenuated the activation of calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (CaMKK2-AMPK) signaling in cultured biliary cells. The stimulation of neurotensin in mice and cultured cholangiocytes resulted in the upregulation of matrix metalloprotease-7 expression through binding to its receptors, namely neurotensin receptors 1/3, thereby attenuating the activation of the CaMKK2-AMPK pathway. In conclusion, these findings revealed the changes of neurotensin in patients with cholestatic liver disease and its mechanism in the progression of the disease, providing a new understanding of the complex mechanism of hepatobiliary injury in children with biliary atresia.

miR-29b-3p regulates cardiomyocytes pyroptosis in CVB3-induced myocarditis through targeting DNMT3A

BACKGROUND

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a disease resulting from viral infection, which manifests as inflammation of myocardial cells. Until now, the treatment of VMC is still a great challenge for clinicians. Increasing studies indicate the participation of miR-29b-3p in various diseases. According to the transcriptome sequencing analysis, miR-29b-3p was markedly upregulated in the viral myocarditis model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-29b-3p in the progression of VMC.

METHODS

We used CVB3 to induce primary cardiomyocytes and mice to establish a model of viral myocarditis. The purity of primary cardiomyocytes was identified by immunofluorescence. The cardiac function of mice was detected by Vevo770 imaging system. The area of inflammatory infiltration in heart tissue was shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of miR-29b-3p and DNMT3A was detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of a series of pyroptosis-related proteins was detected by western blot. The role of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A in CVB3-induced pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes was studied in this research.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the expression of miR-29b-3p was upregulated in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes and heart tissues in mice. To explore the function of miR-29b-3p in CVB3-induced VMC, we conducted in vivo experiments by knocking down the expression of miR-29b-3p using antagomir. We then assessed the effects on mice body weight, histopathology changes, myocardial function, and cell pyroptosis in heart tissues. Additionally, we performed gain/loss-of-function experiments in vitro to measure the levels of pyroptosis in primary cardiomyocytes. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) as a potential target gene of miR-29b-3p. Furthermore, we found that the expression of DNMT3A can be modulated by miR-29b-3p during CVB3 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a correlation between the expression of DNMT3A and CVB3-induced pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. These findings unveil a previously unidentified mechanism by which CVB3 induces cardiac injury through the regulation of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A-mediated pyroptosis.

Circ-CARD6 inhibits oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy in ARPE-19 cells via the miR-29b-3p/PRDX6/PI3K/Akt axis

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress-induced damage and dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are important pathogenetic factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and hereditary retinopathy diseases (HRDs). This study aimed to elucidate the roles and mechanisms of circ-CARD6 and miR-29b-3p in oxidative stress-induced RPE and provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy disease (RD).

METHODS

A model of oxidative stress-induced RPE (ARPE-19) was established, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and MDA kit. The cell viability was measured by a CCK-8 assay. The expression of PRDX6/PI3K/Akt axis genes and proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy were determined by RT‒qPCR and Western blot analyses. The dual-luciferase reporter system confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-29b-3p and circ-CARD6 and between miR-29b-3p and PRDX6.

RESULTS

In H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells, the expression of circ-CARD6 and PRDX6 was decreased, while the expression of miR-29b-3p was increased. The overexpression of circ-CARD6 inhibits oxidative stress-induced increases in ROS, apoptosis and autophagy in ARPE-19 cells. circ-CARD6 targets miR-29b-3p, miR-29b-3p targets PRDX6, and circ-CARD6 regulates PRDX6 via miR-29b-3p. Further studies showed that circ-CARD6 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR-29b-3p to affect the expression of PRDX6, thereby inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells.

CONCLUSION

circ-CARD6 can inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating the miR-29b-3p/PRDX6/PI3K/Akt axis.

Retroelement-Age Clocks: Epigenetic Age Captured by Human Endogenous Retrovirus and LINE-1 DNA methylation states

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), the remnants of ancient viral infections embedded within the human genome, and long interspersed nuclear elements 1 (LINE-1), a class of autonomous retrotransposons, are silenced by host epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation. The resurrection of particular retroelements has been linked to biological aging. Whether the DNA methylation states of locus specific HERVs and LINEs can be used as a biomarker of chronological age in humans remains unclear. We show that highly predictive epigenetic clocks of chronological age can be constructed from retroelement DNA methylation states in the immune system, across human tissues, and pan-mammalian species. We found retroelement epigenetic clocks were reversed during transient epigenetic reprogramming, accelerated in people living with HIV-1, responsive to antiretroviral therapy, and accurate in estimating long-term culture ages of human brain organoids. Our findings support the hypothesis of epigenetic dysregulation of retroelements as a potential contributor to the biological hallmarks of aging.

Impacts and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on male testosterone biosynthesis disruption

Exposure to PM2.5 is the most significant air pollutant for health risk. The testosterone level in male is vulnerable to environmental toxicants. In the past, researchers focused more attention on the impacts of PM2.5 on respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, and few researchers focused attention on the reproductive system. Recent studies have reported that PM2.5 involved in male testosterone biosynthesis disruption, which is closely associated with male reproductive health. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PM2.5 causes testosterone biosynthesis disruption are still not clear. To better understand its potential mechanisms, we based on the existing scientific publications to critically and comprehensively reviewed the role and potential mechanisms of PM2.5 that are participated in testosterone biosynthesis in male. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of PM2.5 triggering the change of testosterone level in male, which involve in oxidative stress, inflammatory response, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy, microRNAs (miRNAs), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. It will provide new suggestions and ideas for prevention and treatment of testosterone biosynthesis disruption caused by PM2.5 for future research.

Downregulation of MicroRNA-29-3p Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Implication of YY1/IRAK1 Pathway in the Post-Vascular Injury Inflammation

This study explored the expression of microRNA (miR)-29b-3p following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the implication of its downstream Yin Yang 1 (YY1)/interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) pathway in post-vascular injury inflammation. Blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma miR-29b-3p from patients with acute coronary syndrome before surgery, 1 day after PCI, and 30 days after PCI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were transfected with miR-29b-3p mimic/inhibitor or YY1 shRNA and underwent viability tests. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum and cell culture supernatant. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA/chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the targeting relationships among miR-29b-3p, YY1, and IRAK1. A rat model of intraluminal injury of the common femoral artery was established to address the role of miR-29b-3p and relevant mechanisms. miR-29b-3p was lowly expressed, and sVCAM-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were upregulated 1 day after PCI and 24 h after LPS treatment. miR-29b-3p overexpression or YY1 knockdown alleviated LPS-induced inflammatory responses and improved the viability of HCAECs. miR-29b-3p inhibition aggravated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in HCAECs. miR-29b-3p bound to YY1 mRNA and inhibited the expression of YY1 protein. YY1 bound to the IRAK1 promoter and activated the transcription of IRAK1. Upregulation of miR-29b-3p suppressed the inflammatory response after intraluminal injury of the common femoral artery in rats. In conclusion, dysregulation of the YY1/IRAK1 pathway via miR-29b-3p downregulation may be implicated in post-vascular injury inflammation.

The regulatory role of differential microRNA expressions on cellular inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-10 in Echinococcus granulosus-induced anaphylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pathogenesis and molecular targets of anaphylaxis caused by hydatid cyst fluid leakage.

METHODS

First, Balb/c mice were infected with Echinococcus granulosus, and then the anaphylaxis model was developed. The mice were separated into: anaphylaxis caused by the cystic echinococcosis group (ANPC), the cystic echinococcosis without anaphylaxis group (CE group), and the normal control group (CTRL). Following this, the spleen tissue was collected for microRNA (miRNA) sequencing. Using bioinformatics analysis, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Then, through the use of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, the key target genes for miRNA regulation associated with echinococcosis-induced anaphylaxis were identified.

RESULTS

ANPC and CE groups have 29 and 39 DEMs compared to the CTRL group, respectively. Based on these 25 DEMs, interactions between miRNA and mRNA were screened, and 174 potential target genes were identified. We performed gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis on these 174 target genes, and the results revealed that the three pathways with the highest enrichment were the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and Focal adhesion. The interaction analysis of PPI and miRNA-hub gene networks revealed that interleukin 6 (IL-6) was regulated by miR-146a-5p and miR-149-5p, while IL-10 was regulated by miR-29b-3p and miR-29c-3. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found that the miRNAs regulating IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly upregulated in the ANPC group, and there are three pathways involved in that process: Pathways of PI3K-Akt signaling, FoxO signaling, and Focal adhesion. IL-6 and IL-10 play an important role in cellular pyroptosis and apoptosis. Therefore, the aforementioned results provide significant reference value for elucidating the mechanism of cellular pyroptosis and apoptosis in echinococcosis-induced anaphylaxis, and for formulating tissue and organ protection strategies for patients with cystic echinococcosis when anaphylaxis is triggered by hydatid cyst rupture.

Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Emergent Perspectives

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It is a rare disease characterized by high patient-to-patient heterogeneity, which makes its study arduous and complex. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in the development of ALS. Thus, ALS phenotype-expressing cells can spread their abnormal bioactive cargo through the secretion of EVs, even in distant tissues. Importantly, owing to their nature and composition, EVs' formation and cargo can be exploited for better comprehension of this elusive disease and identification of novel biomarkers, as well as for potential therapeutic applications, such as those based on stem cell-derived exosomes. This review highlights recent advances in the identification of the role of EVs in ALS etiopathology and how EVs can be promising new therapeutic strategies.

Perturbation of arachidonic acid and glycerolipid metabolism promoted particulate matter-induced inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells

Particulate matter (PM) has become the main risk factor for public health, being linked with an increased risk of respiratory diseases. However, the potential mechanisms underlying PM-induced lung injury have not been well elucidated. In this study, we systematically integrated the metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics data obtained from the human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) exposed to PM to reveal metabolic disorders in PM-induced lung injury. We identified 170 differentially expressed metabolites (82 upregulated and 88 downregulated metabolites), 218 differentially expressed lipid metabolites (125 upregulated and 93 downregulated lipid metabolites), and 1417 differentially expressed genes (643 upregulated and 774 downregulated genes). Seven key metabolites (prostaglandin E2, inosinic acid, L-arginine, L-citrulline, L-leucine, adenosine, and adenosine monophosphate), and two main lipid subclasses (triglyceride and phosphatidylcholine) were identified in PM-exposed HBECs. The amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism were the significantly enriched pathways of identified differentially expressed genes. Then, conjoint analysis of these three omics data and further qRT-PCR validation showed that arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism were the key metabolic pathways in PM-exposed HBECs. The knockout of AKR1C3 in arachidonic acid metabolism or GPAT3 in glycerolipid metabolism could significantly inhibit PM-induced inflammatory responses in HBECs. These results revealed the potential metabolic pathways in PM-exposed HBECs and provided a new target to protect from PM-induced airway damage.

Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression Pattern (miR-28, miR-181a, miR-34a, and miR-31) in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to ICU and Diabetic COVID-19 Patients

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, with regulatory performance in inflammatory responses and infection are the prevalent manifestations of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate whether PBMC miRNAs are diagnostic biomarkers to screen the ICU COVID-19 and diabetic COVID-19 subjects.

METHODS

Candidate miRNAs were selected through previous studies, and then the PBMC levels of selected miRNAs (miR-28, miR-31, miR-34a, and miR-181a) were measured via quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The diagnostic value of miRNAs was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the DEM genes and relevant bio-functions.

RESULTS

The COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU had significantly greater levels of selected miRNAs compared to non-hospitalized COVID-19 and healthy people. Besides, the mean miR-28 and miR-34a expression levels in the diabetic COVID-19 group were significantly upregulated when compared with the non-diabetic COVID-19 group. ROC analyses demonstrated the role of miR-28, miR-34a, and miR-181a as new biomarkers to discriminate the non-hospitalized COVID-19 group from the COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU samples, and also miR-34a can probably act as a useful biomarker for screening diabetic COVID-19 patients. Using bioinformatics analyses, we found the performance of target transcripts in many bioprocesses and diverse metabolic routes such as the regulation of multiple inflammatory parameters.

DISCUSSION

The difference in miRNA expression patterns between the studied groups suggested that miR-28, miR-34a, and miR-181a could be helpful as potent biomarkers for diagnosing and controlling COVID-19.

MicroRNA-29b Suppresses Inflammation and Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Ischemic Stroke

Objectives. Following cerebral ischemia, microRNA- (miR-) 29b in circulating blood is downregulated. This study investigates the underlying mechanism and implications of miR-29b in leukocyte induction. Methods. miR-29b from stroke patients and rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). miR-29b agomir was used to increase miR-29b expression in leukocytes via intravenous injection. C1q and tumor necrosis factor (C1QTNF) 6, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, zonula occludens- (ZO-) 1, occludin, and ischemic outcomes were assessed in MCAO rats. Additionally, hCMEC/D3 cells were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and cocultured with HL-60 cells. Results. miR-29b levels in neutrophils were found to be significantly lower in stroke patients compared with healthy controls, which may indicate its high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for stroke. Moreover, miR-29b levels in leukocytes showed a negative correlation with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and C1QTNF6 levels. In MCAO rats, miR-29b overexpression reduced brain infarct volume and brain edema, decreasing IL-1β levels in leukocytes and in the brain 24 hours poststroke. miR-29b attenuated IL-1β expression via C1QTNF6 inhibition, leading to decreased blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and leukocyte infiltration. Moreover, miR-29b overexpression in HL-60 cells downregulated OGD-induced hCMEC/D3 cell apoptosis and increased ZO-1 and occludin levels in vitro. Conclusion. Leukocytic miR-29b attenuates inflammatory response by augmenting BBB integrity through C1QTNF6, suggesting a novel miR-29b-based therapeutic therapy for ischemic stroke.

Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome-wide m6A methylome in the lung tissues of mice with acute particulate matter exposure

Particulate matter (PM) exposure is identified as a critical risk factor for chronic airway diseases, but the biological mechanism of PM-induced lung damage was not fully elucidated. The m⁶A methylation, as the main member of epigenetic modifications, has been found to play an important role in different pulmonary diseases, but its regulatory effect on PM-induced lung damage remains unknown. This study firstly used the methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) to reveal the m⁶A methylome profiles in the lung tissues of mice with acute PM exposure. Compared with the normal control, a total of 2210 differentially hypermethylated m⁶A peaks within 1879 genes and 1278 differentially hypomethylated m⁶A peaks within 1153 genes were identified in the PM-exposed group. Conjoint analysis of MeRIP-seq and high-throughput sequencing for RNA (RNA-seq) data predicated several potential pathways including MAPK signaling pathway, cell senescence, and cell cycle. Four m⁶A-modified differentially expressed genes (IL-1a, IL-1b, ADAM-8, and HMOX-1) were selected for validation using MeRIP-qPCR. Furthermore, the m⁶A-modified IL-1a promoted PM-induced inflammation via regulating MAPK signaling pathway. These results provide a new insight into the biological mechanism of PM-induced lung damage, and help us to develop new methods to prevent and treat PM-induced adverse health effects.

Chlorogenic Acid Prevents Microglia-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress under Hypoxia-Ischemia Environment by Regulating the MIR497HG/miR-29b-3p/SIRT1 Axis

Background

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CGA has been shown to improve neuroinflammation. This study is aimed at elucidating the exact mechanism by which CGA reduces neuroinflammation.

Methods

Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was utilized to treat BV2 microglia and HT-22 hippocampal neurons to engineer an in vitro model of hypoxic ischemia reperfusion. The levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10) and oxidative stress factors (MDA, SOD, and GSH-PX) in microglia were determined by ELISA kits. The neuron proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, and LDH kit was used to determine LDH release in neurons. The fluorescent dye DCF-DA was employed to measure ROS levels in neurons. Correlation of MIR497HG, miR-29b-3p, and SIRT1/NF-κB in neurons and microglia was determined by qRT-PCR. Expressions of inflammatory proteins (COX2, iNOS), oxidative stress pathways (Nrf2, HO-1), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase3, caspase8, and caspase9) in microglia or neurons were determined by western blot. The interactions between MIR497HG and miR-29b-3p, as well as between miR-29b-3p and SIRT1, were determined by dual luciferase assay and RIP assay.

Results

CGA attenuated OGD-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in microglia and inhibited microglia-mediated neuronal apoptosis. CGA increased the levels of MIR497HG and SIRT1 and suppressed the levels of miR-29b-3p in BV2 and HT-22 cells. MIR497HG knockdown, miR-29b-3p upregulation, and SIRT1 inhibition inhibited CGA-mediated anti-inflammatory and neuronal protective functions. There is a targeting correlation between MIR497HG, miR-29b-3p, and Sirt1. MIR497HG sponges miR-29b-3p to regulate SIRT1 expression in an indirect manner.

Conclusion

CGA upregulates MIR497HG to curb miR-29b-3p expression, hence initiating the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and repressing OGD-elicited inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuron apoptosis.

Edaravone Attenuated Particulate Matter-Induced Lung Inflammation by Inhibiting ROS-NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background

Particulate matter (PM) exposure is related to mitochondria dysfunction and airway inflammation. Antioxidant drug edaravone (EDA) is reported to improve the occurrence and development of oxidative stress-related diseases. At present, there is no data on whether EDA can alleviate lung inflammation caused by PM.

Methods

The anti-inflammatory effects of EDA were investigated in urban PM-induced human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and C57/BL6J mouse models. In vitro, its effects on the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and inflammatory cytokines were assessed by DCFH-DA staining, JC-1 assay, and real-time PCR, respectively. In vivo, the oxidant stress in lung tissues was assessed by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed by ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, the potential signaling pathways were studied by siRNA transfection and western blot.

Results

PM increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and protein, including IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, and COX-2, while these alternations were significantly alleviated following EDA treatment in a dose-dependent manner. EDA treatment also alleviated the inflammatory responses in lung tissues of PM-exposed mice. We further showed mitochondrial dysfunction in PM-exposed HBECs and mice, which were reversed by EDA treatment. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in PM-exposed HBECs and mice was weakened by EDA. Transfection with NF-κB p65 siRNA further inhibited PM-induced inflammation in HBECs.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that EDA treatment had a protective role in PM-induced lung inflammation through maintaining mitochondrial balance and regulating the ROS-NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. This provided a new therapeutic method for PM-induced lung inflammation in the future.

Role of air pollutants in airway epithelial barrier dysfunction in asthma and COPD

Chronic exposure to environmental pollutants is a major contributor to the development and progression of obstructive airway diseases, including asthma and COPD. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of obstructive lung diseases upon exposure to inhaled pollutants will lead to novel insights into the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of these diseases. The respiratory epithelial lining forms a robust physicochemical barrier protecting the body from inhaled toxic particles and pathogens. Inhalation of airborne particles and gases may impair airway epithelial barrier function and subsequently lead to exaggerated inflammatory responses and airway remodelling, which are key features of asthma and COPD. In addition, air pollutant-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, thereby increasing the risk of exacerbations and thus triggering further inflammation. In this review, we discuss the molecular and immunological mechanisms involved in physical barrier disruption induced by major airborne pollutants and outline their implications in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD. We further discuss the link between these pollutants and changes in the lung microbiome as a potential factor for aggravating airway diseases. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention to restore airway epithelial integrity in asthma and COPD.

Exposure to air pollution induces airway epithelial barrier dysfunction through several mechanisms including increased oxidative stress, exaggerated cytokine responses and impaired host defence, which contributes to development of asthma and COPD. https://bit.ly/3DHL1CA

Long non-coding RNA H19 promotes leukocyte inflammation in ischemic stroke by targeting the miR-29b/C1QTNF6 axis

Aims

Inflammatory processes induced by leukocytes are crucially involved in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke. This study aimed to elucidate the inflammatory mechanism of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) H19‐mediated regulation of C1q and tumor necrosis factor 6 (C1QTNF6) by sponging miR‐29b in leukocytes during ischemic stroke.

Methods

H19 and miR‐29b expression in leukocytes of patients with ischemic stroke and rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. H19 siRNA and miR‐29b antagomir were used to knock down H19 and miR‐29b, respectively. We performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to determine the impact of H19 and miR‐29b on C1QTNF6 expression in leukocytes after ischemic injury.

Results

H19 and C1QTNF6 upregulation, as well as miR‐29b downregulation, was detected in leukocytes of patients with stroke. Moreover, miR‐29b could bind C1QTNF6 mRNA and repress its expression, while H19 could sponge miR‐29b to maintain C1QTNF6 expression. C1QTNF6 overexpression promoted the release of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in leukocytes, further exacerbated blood‐brain barrier disruption, and aggravated the cerebral ischemic injury.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that H19 promotes leukocyte inflammation by targeting the miR‐29b/C1QTNF6 axis in cerebral ischemic injury.

C1QTNF6 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Related to Immune Infiltration and Drug Sensitivity: A Pan-Cancer Analysis

Background: The discovery of reliable cancer biomarkers could tune a diagnosis and improve the way patients are treated. However, many cancers lack robust biomarkers. C1QTNF6 has been preliminarily elucidated for its role in some tumors. However, no pan-cancer analysis has been performed to comprehensively explore the value of C1QTNF6.

Methods: Data from the TCGA database, GTEx database stored in the USUC Xena were used for analyzing the profiles of C1QTNF6 expression in normal and tumor tissues in pan-cancer. Subsequently, the gene alteration rates of C1QTNF6 were acquired on the online web cBioportal. With the aid of the TCGA data, the association between C1QTNF6 mRNA expression and copy number alterations (CNA) and methylation was determined. Survival analyses of C1QTNF6 were carried out. Moreover, the tumor biological and immunological characteristics of C1QTNF6 were clarified in the forms of the correlation between C1QTNF6 expression and hallmark Pathway scores in MsigDB database, immune cell infiltration, immune-related genes. We conducted a GSEA of C1QTNF6 to illustrate its potential biological functions. In addition, GDSC2 data with 198 drugs were adopted to explore drug sensitivity with the change of C1QTNF6 expression.

Result:C1QTNF6 was overexpressed in many types of cancer, Survival analysis showed that C1QTNF6 independently served as a prognostic indicator for poor survival in many tumors. Besides, we also identified a positive correlation between C1QTNF6 and cancer hallmark pathway score, tumor microenvironment related pathways score (TMEp score), and immune characteristic. In terms of drug sensitivity analysis, we found higher expression level of C1QTNF6 predicts a high IC50 value for most of 198 drugs which predicts drug resistance.

Conclusions: Our study provides a new biological marker for pan-cancer, which is beneficial to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which bring a new therapeutic target for tumors.

Nucleic Acid-Based COVID-19 Therapy Targeting Cytokine Storms: Strategies to Quell the Storm

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the world and triggered drastic changes in our lifestyle to control it. Despite the non-typical efforts, COVID-19 still thrives and plagues humanity worldwide. The unparalleled degree of infection has been met with an exceptional degree of research to counteract it. Many drugs and therapeutic technologies have been repurposed and discovered, but no groundbreaking antiviral agent has been introduced yet to eradicate COVID-19 and restore normalcy. As lethality is directly correlated with the severity of disease, hospitalized severe cases are of the greatest importance to reduce, especially the cytokine storm phenomenon. This severe inflammatory phenomenon characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory mediators can be targeted to relieve symptoms and save the infected patients. One of the promising therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19 is nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches, including microRNAs (miRNAs). This work is an up-to-date review aimed to comprehensively discuss the current nucleic acid-based therapeutics against COVID-19 and their mechanisms of action, taking into consideration the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, as well as providing potential future directions. miRNAs can be used to run interference with the expression of viral proteins, while endogenous miRNAs can be targeted as well, offering a versatile platform to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. By targeting these miRNAs, the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm can be suppressed. Therefore, nucleic acid-based therapeutics (miRNAs included) have a latent ability to break the COVID-19 infection in general and quell the cytokine storm in particular.

The circular RNA circTXNRD1 promoted ambient particulate matter-induced inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells by regulating miR-892a/COX-2 axis

Particulate matter (PM)-induced airway inflammation contributes to the development and exacerbation of chronic airway diseases. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new class of non-coding RNA that participates in gene regulation in various respiratory diseases, but the regulatory role of circRNA in PM-induced airway inflammation has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we performed the human circRNA microarray to reveal differentially expressed circRNAs in PM-induced human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). A total of 176 upregulated and 15 downregulated circRNAs were identified. Of these, a new circRNA termed circTXNRD1 was upregulated by PM exposure in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Knockdown of circTXNRD1 significantly attenuated PM-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). CircRNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that circTXNRD1 acted as an endogenous sponge to decrease miR-892a levels in HBECs. Downregulation of miR-892a could increase cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and eventually promote IL-6 secretion in PM-induced HBECs. Taken together, our findings reveal circTXNRD1 as a novel inflammatory mediator in PM-induced inflammation in HBECs via regulating miR-892a/COX-2 axis. These results provide new insight into the biological mechanism underlying PM-induced inflammation in chronic airway diseases.

Non-Coding RNAs in COVID-19: Emerging Insights and Current Questions

The highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late 2019, igniting an unprecedented pandemic. A mechanistic picture characterising the acute immunopathological disease in severe COVID-19 is developing. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute the transcribed but un-translated portion of the genome and, until recent decades, have been undiscovered or overlooked. A growing body of research continues to demonstrate their interconnected involvement in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 development by regulating several of its pathological hallmarks: cytokine storm syndrome, haemostatic alterations, immune cell recruitment, and vascular dysregulation. There is also keen interest in exploring the possibility of host-virus RNA-RNA and RNA-RBP interactions. Here, we discuss and evaluate evidence demonstrating the involvement of short and long ncRNAs in COVID-19 and use this information to propose hypotheses for future mechanistic and clinical studies.

Silencing microRNA‑29b‑3p expression protects human trabecular meshwork cells against oxidative injury via upregulation of RNF138 to activate the ERK pathway

In recent years, the potential involvement of numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) in glaucoma has been widely reported. However, the role of microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p) in the pathogenesis of glaucoma remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the biological role and regulatory mechanism of miR-29b-3p in the oxidative injury of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells induced by H₂O₂ stimulation. By establishing a glaucoma rat model, the effects of miR-29-3p in glaucoma were detected in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that miR-29b-3p was upregulated in a glaucoma model and antagomiR-29b-3p alleviated the symptoms of glaucoma. In vitro assays revealed that miR-29b-3p expression was significantly upregulated in HTM cells with H₂O₂ stimulation. Knockdown of miR-29b-3p alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury in HTM cells by promoting cell viability, and inhibiting cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation and extracellular matrix production. Subsequently, it was found that E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF138 (RNF138) was a downstream target of miR-29b-3p. RNF138 expression was downregulated in HTM cells with H₂O₂ stimulation. RNF138 knockdown significantly rescued the protective effect of miR-29b-3p inhibitor on HTM cells under oxidative injury. Additionally, miR-29b-3p silencing activated the ERK pathway via upregulating RNF138. Collectively, silencing of miR-29b-3p protected HTM cells against oxidative injury by upregulation of RNF138 to activate the ERK pathway.

LncRNA HOXA-AS3 Promotes the Progression of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension through Mediation of miR-675-3p/PDE5A Axis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) seriously threatens the elder people. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in multiple diseases. However, the study of the lncRNAs in the occurrence of PAH is just beginning. For this, we sought to explore the biological function of lncRNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 3 (HOXA-AS3) in PAH. Hypoxia (HYP) was used to mimic in vitro model of PAH. Gene and protein expressions in cells were detected by q-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, cell proliferation and viability were tested by CCK-8 and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Wound healing was used to detect cell migration. Furthermore, the connection of HOXA-AS3, miR-675-3p, and phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was verified by dual-luciferase report assay. HOXA-AS3 and PDE5A were upregulated in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) in the presence of HYP, while miR-675-3p was downregulated. Moreover, knockdown of HOXA-AS3 suppressed the growth and migration of HPASMCs, but induced the apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-675-3p achieved the same effect. MiR-675-3p inhibitor or overexpression of PDE5A notably reversed the inhibitory effect of HOXA-AS3 knockdown on PAH. Finally, HOXA-AS3 could sponge miR-675-3p, and PDE5A was directly targeted by miR-675-3p. HOXA-AS3 increased the development of PAH via regulation of miR-675-3p/PDE5 axis, which could be the potential biomarker for treatment of PAH.