MiR-328 targeting PIM-1 inhibits proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in PDGFBB signaling pathway

Transcription Factor 21: A Transcription Factor That Plays an Important Role in Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organisation's Health Report 2019, approximately 17.18 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, accounting for more than 30% of all global deaths. Therefore, the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is still a global concern. The transcription factor 21 (TCF21) plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the regulation mechanism of TCF21 expression and activity and focuses on its important role in atherosclerosis in order to contribute to the development of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

SUMMARY

TCF21 is involved in the phenotypic regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and participates in the activation of inflammatory sequences. Increased proliferation and migration of VSMCs can lead to neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. Abnormal hyperplasia of neointima and inflammation are one of the main features of atherosclerosis. Therefore, targeting TCF21 may become a potential treatment for relieving atherosclerosis.

KEY MESSAGES

TCF21 as a member of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors regulates cell growth and differentiation by modulating gene expression during the development of different organs and plays an important role in cardiovascular development and disease. VSMCs and cells derived from VSMCs constitute the majority of plaques in atherosclerosis. TCF21 plays a key role in regulation of VSMCs' phenotype, thus accelerating atherogenesis in the early stage. However, TCF21 enhances plaque stability in late-stage atherosclerosis. The dual role of TCF21 should be considered in the translational medicine.

CircPCNX Promotes PDGF-BB-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Human Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through Regulating miR-1278/DNMT1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to regulate the biological functions of HA-VSMCs. In this study, the functions of circRNA pecanex homolog (circPCNX) in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced HA-VSMCs were investigated.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression of circPCNX, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and microRNA-1278 (miR-1278). 5'-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to examine cell proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Western blot assay was utilized to measure protein levels. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pull down assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to analyze the relationships among circPCNX, miR-1278, and DNMT1.

RESULTS

CircPCNX was upregulated in PDGF-BB-treated HA-VSMCs in a dose- or time-dependent manner. CircPCNX knockdown alleviated PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in HA-VSMCs. CircPCNX knockdown could reverse PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC progression by regulating DNMT1. Moreover, circPCNX was identified to regulate DNMT1 expression by sponging miR-1278. Inhibition of miR-1278 reversed circPCNX knockdown-mediated effects on cell proliferation and migration in PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMCs. MiR-1278 overexpression suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by targeting DNMT1.

CONCLUSION

CircPCNX promoted PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by elevating DNMT1 expression through sponging miR-1278.

Pim Kinases: Important Regulators of Cardiovascular Disease

Pim Kinases; Pim-1, Pim-2, and Pim-3, are a family of constitutively active serine/threonine kinases, widely associated with cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Historically considered to be functionally redundant, independent roles for the individual isoforms have been described. Whilst most established for their role in cancer progression, there is increasing evidence for wider pathological roles of Pim kinases within the context of cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, thrombosis, and cardiac injury. The Pim kinase isoforms have widespread expression in cardiovascular tissues, including the heart, coronary artery, aorta, and blood, and have been demonstrated to be upregulated in several co-morbidities/risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Pim kinase inhibition may thus be a desirable therapeutic for a multi-targeted approach to treat cardiovascular disease and some of the associated risk factors. In this review, we discuss what is known about Pim kinase expression and activity in cells of the cardiovascular system, identify areas where the role of Pim kinase has yet to be fully explored and characterised and review the suitability of targeting Pim kinase for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals.

Critical miRNAs in regulating pulmonary hypertension: A focus on Signaling pathways and therapeutic Targets

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is complex disease as a result of obstructive pulmonary arterial remodeling, which in turn results in elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and subsequent right ventricular heart failure, eventually leading to premature death. However, there is still a lack of a diagnostic blood-based biomarker and therapeutic target for PH. Because of the difficulty of diagnosis, new and more easily accessible prevention and treatment strategy are being explored. New target and diagnosis biomarkers should also allow for early diagnosis. In biology, miRNAs are short endogenous RNA molecules that are not coding. It is known that miRNAs can regulate gene expression and affect a variety of biological processes. Besides, miRNAs have been proven to be a crucial factor in PH pathogenesis. miRNAs have various effects on pulmonary vascular remodeling and are expressed differentially in various pulmonary vascular cells. Nowadays, it has been shown to be critical in the functions of different miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of miRNAs regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling is of great importance to explore new therapeutic targets of PH and improve the survival qualify and time of patients. This review is focused on the role, mechanism, and potential therapeutic targets of miRNAs in PH and puts forward possible clinical treatment strategies.

Targeting Pim kinases in hematological cancers: molecular and clinical review

Decades of research has recognized a solid role for Pim kinases in lymphoproliferative disorders. Often up-regulated following JAK/STAT and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, Pim kinases regulate cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, cellular trafficking and signaling. Targeting Pim kinases represents an interesting approach since knock-down of Pim kinases leads to non-fatal phenotypes in vivo suggesting clinical inhibition of Pim may have less side effects. In addition, the ATP binding site offers unique characteristics that can be used for the development of small inhibitors targeting one or all Pim isoforms. This review takes a closer look at Pim kinase expression and involvement in hematopoietic cancers. Current and past clinical trials and in vitro characterization of Pim kinase inhibitors are examined and future directions are discussed. Current studies suggest that Pim kinase inhibition may be most valuable when accompanied by multi-drug targeting therapy.

Construction and Comprehensive Analysis of miRNAs and Target mRNAs in Longissimus dorsi Muscle of Queshan Black and Large White Pigs

A miRNA-mRNA combination analysis was performed on the longissimus dorsi muscle of adult Queshan Black and Large White pigs by RNA-seq technology to reveal the molecular mechanism affecting pork quality traits. The sequencing results showed that 39 miRNAs were differentially expressed between Queshan Black and Large White pigs, which targeted 5234 mRNAs, and 15 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 86 differentially expressed mRNAs. The qRT-PCR results showed that miRNAs showed similar expression patterns to RNA-seq. The GO analysis indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs with differential target mRNAs were primarily involved in biological processes such as phospholipase activity, MAP-kinase scaffold activity, lipase activity, and regulation of the extent of cell growth. The KEGG analysis also revealed that such mRNAs were significantly enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction, sphingolipid metabolism, apoptosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. In addition, software predictions showed that 17 (13 of which were upregulated and four were downregulated) of 39 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 118 negatively correlated expression mRNAs. The upregulated miRNAs contained 103 negatively correlated target mRNAs, whereas the downregulated miRNAs contained 15 negatively correlated target mRNAs. The GO analysis showed that such mRNAs were primarily involved in MAP-kinase scaffold activity, myoblast development, and peptidyl-lysine methylation, and the KEGG analysis showed significant enrichment in ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. The functional enrichment analysis of miRNA target genes revealed that miR-328 was screened out as a key miRNA, and preliminary functional validation was performed. Moreover, the overexpressed miR-328 could affect the expression of proliferation-related genes, such as CDK2, CDK4, CCNB1, CCND1, CCNE1, and PCNA. These results indicated that miR-328 may regulate fat deposition and affect meat quality by influencing related pathways. This study revealed that the miRNA−mRNA regulatory axis affects fat deposition and skeletal muscle development, which provides a theoretical basis for further study on the molecular mechanism of meat quality.

Delivery of miR-654-5p via SonoVue Microbubble Ultrasound Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Arterial Thrombosis and Stenosis through Targeting TCF21

Background

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an important cause of vascular stenosis. The study explored the mechanism of inhibition of vascular stenosis through the molecular mechanism of smooth muscle cell phenotype transformation.

Methods

Coronary heart disease-related genes were screened by bioinformatics, and the target genes of miR-654-5p were predicted by dual-luciferase method and immunofluorescence method. miR-654-5p mimic stimulation and transfection of TCF21 and MTAP into cells. SonoVue microbubble sonication was used to deliver miR-654-5p into cells. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8, wound scratch, and Transwell. HE and IHC staining were performed to study the effect of miR-654-5p delivery via SonoVue microbubble ultrasound on vessel stenosis in a model of arterial injury. Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and WB.

Results

TCF21 and MTAP were predicted as the target genes of miR-654-5p. Cytokines induced smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted miR-654-5p downregulation; noticeably, downregulated miR-654-5p was positively associated with the cell proliferation and migration. Overexpression of TCF21 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration, and mimic reversed such effects. miR-654-5p overexpression delivered by SonoVue microbubble ultrasound inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. Moreover, in arterial injury model, we found that SonoVue microbubble ultrasound transmitted miR-654-5p into the arterial wall to inhibit arterial thrombosis and stenosis, while TCF21 was inhibited.

Conclusion

Ultrasound delivery of miR-654-5p via SonoVue microbubbles was able to inhibit arterial thrombosis and stenosis by targeting TCF21.

MicroRNAs in Pulmonary Hypertension, from Pathogenesis to Diagnosis and Treatment

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal and untreatable disease, ultimately leading to right heart failure and eventually death. microRNAs are small, non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression and influence various biological processes. Changes in microRNA expression levels contribute to various cardiovascular disorders, and microRNAs have been shown to play a critical role in PH pathogenesis. In recent years, numerous studies have explored the role of microRNAs in PH, focusing on the expression profiles of microRNAs and their signaling pathways in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) or pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), PH models, and PH patients. Moreover, certain microRNAs, such as miR-150 and miR-26a, have been identified as good candidates of diagnosis biomarkers for PH. However, there are still several challenges for microRNAs as biomarkers, including difficulty in normalization, specificity in PH, and a lack of longitudinal and big sample-sized studies. Furthermore, microRNA target drugs are potential therapeutic agents for PH treatment, which have been demonstrated in PH models and in humans. Nonetheless, synthetic microRNA mimics or antagonists are susceptible to several common defects, such as low drug efficacy, inefficient drug delivery, potential toxicity and especially, off-target effects. Therefore, finding clinically safe and effective microRNA drugs remains a great challenge, and further breakthrough is urgently needed.

Non-Coding RNA Networks in Pulmonary Hypertension

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in various cellular processes. There are several ncRNA classes, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). The detailed roles of these molecules in pulmonary hypertension (PH) remain unclear. We systematically collected and reviewed reports describing the functions of ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) in PH through database retrieval and manual literature reading. The characteristics of identified articles, especially the experimental methods, were carefully reviewed. Furthermore, regulatory networks were constructed using ncRNAs and their interacting RNAs or genes. These data were extracted from studies on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, pulmonary artery endothelial cells, and pulmonary artery fibroblasts. We included 14 lncRNAs, 1 circRNA, 74 miRNAs, and 110 mRNAs in the constructed networks. Using these networks, herein, we describe the current knowledge on the role of ncRNAs in PH. Moreover, these networks actively provide an improved understanding of the roles of ncRNAs in PH. The results of this study are crucial for the clinical application of ncRNAs.

Hypoxia-activated platelets stimulate proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells by phosphatidylserine/LOX-1 signaling-impelled intercellular communication

Continuous recruitment and inappropriate activation of platelets in pulmonary arteries contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our previous study has demonstrated that lectin like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) regulates the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Phosphatidylserine exposed on the surface of activated platelets is a ligand for LOX-1. However, whether hypoxia-activated platelets stimulate the proliferation and migration of PASMCs by phosphatidylserine/LOX-1 signaling-impelled intercellular communication remains unclear. The present study found that rats treated with hypoxia (10% O₂) for 21 days revealed PH with the activation of platelets and the recruitment of platelets in pulmonary arteries, and LOX-1 knockout inhibited hypoxia-induced PH and platelets activation. Notably, co-incubation of PASMCs with hypoxic PH rats-derived platelets up-regulated LOX-1 expression in PASMCs leading to the proliferation and migration of PASMCs, which was inhibited by the phosphatidylserine inhibitor annexin V or the LOX-1 neutralizing antibody. LOX-1 knockout led to decreased proliferation and migration of PASMCs stimulated by hypoxia-activated platelets. In rats, hypoxia up-regulated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and the expression of Pim-1 in pulmonary arteries. Hypoxia-activated platelets also up-regulated the phosphorylation of Stat3 and the expression of Pim-1 in PASMCs, which was inhibited by annexin V, the LOX-1 neutralizing antibody, the protein kinase C inhibitor and LOX-1 knockout. In conclusion, we for the first time demonstrated that hypoxia-activated platelets stimulated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs by phosphatidylserine/LOX-1/PKC/Stat3/Pim-1 signaling-impelled intercellular communication, thereby potentially contributing to hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Analysis of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA Expression Profiling in Type I IFN and Type II IFN Overexpressed in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages

Current data is scarce regarding the function of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the interferon- (IFN-) mediated immune response. This is a comprehensive study that analyzes the lncRNA and miRNA expression profiles of the type I IFN and type II IFN in porcine alveolar macrophages using RNA sequencing. There was a total of 152 overexpressed differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 21 DE miRNAs across type I IFN and type II IFN in porcine alveolar macrophages. Subsequent lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network construction revealed the involvement of 36 DE lncRNAs and 12 DE miRNAs. LncRNAs such as the XLOC_211306, XLOC_100516, XLOC_00695, XLOC_149196, and XLOC_014459 were expressed at a higher degree in the type I IFN group, while XLOC_222640, XLOC_047290, XLOC_147777, XLOC_162298, XLOC_220210, and XLOC_165237 were expressed at a higher degree in the type II IFN group. These lncRNAs were found to act as "sponges" for miRNAs such as miR-34a, miR-328, miR-885-3p, miR-149, miR-30c-3p, miR-30b-5p, miR-708-5p, miR-193a-5p, miR-365-5p, and miR-7. Their target genes FADS2, RPS6KA1, PIM1, and NOD1 were found to be associated with several immune-related signaling pathways including the NOD-like receptor, Jak-STAT, mTOR, and PPAR signaling pathways. These experiments provide a comprehensive profile of overexpressed noncoding RNAs in porcine alveolar macrophages, providing new insights regarding the IFN-mediated immune response.

Novel molecular insights and public omics data in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality which mainly affects women of reproductive age. Despite recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, the high heterogeneity in the presentation of the disease among different patients makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and to apply this knowledge to effective treatments. Therefore, new studies are required to focus on translational and personalized medicine to overcome the lack of specificity and efficacy of current management. Here, we review the majority of public databases storing 'omics' data of pulmonary hypertension studies, from animal models to human patients. Moreover, we review some of the new molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including non-coding RNAs and the application of 'omics' data to understand this pathology, hoping that these new approaches will provide insights to guide the way to personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Co-Targeting PIM Kinase and PI3K/mTOR in NSCLC

Simple Summary

PIM kinases interact with major oncogenic players, including the PI3K/Akt pathway, and provide an escape mechanism leading to drug resistance. This study examined PIM kinase expression in NSCLC and the potential of PIM1 as a prognostic marker. The effect on cell signaling of novel preclinical PI3K/mTOR/PIM kinase inhibitor IBL-301 was compared to PI3K/mTOR inhibition in vitro and ex vivo. PI3K-mTOR inhibitor sensitive (H1975P) and resistant (H1975GR) cells were compared for altered IL6/STAT3 pathway expression and sensitivity to IBL-301. All three PIM kinases are expressed in NSCLC and PIM1 is a marker of poor prognosis. IBL-301 inhibited c-Myc, the PI3K-Akt and JAK/STAT pathways in vitro and in NSCLC tumor tissue explants. IBL-301 also inhibited secreted pro-inflammatory cytokine MCP-1. PIM kinases were activated in H1975GR cells which were more sensitive to IBL-301 than H1975P cells. A miRNA signature of PI3K-mTOR resistance was validated. Co-targeting PIM kinase and PI3K-mTOR warrants further clinical investigation.

Abstract

PIM kinases are constitutively active proto-oncogenic serine/threonine kinases that play a role in cell cycle progression, metabolism, inflammation and drug resistance. PIM kinases interact with and stabilize p53, c-Myc and parallel signaling pathway PI3K/Akt. This study evaluated PIM kinase expression in NSCLC and in response to PI3K/mTOR inhibition. It investigated a novel preclinical PI3K/mTOR/PIM inhibitor (IBL-301) in vitro and in patient-derived NSCLC tumor tissues. Western blot analysis confirmed PIM1, PIM2 and PIM3 are expressed in NSCLC cell lines and PIM1 is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. IBL-301 decreased PIM1, c-Myc, pBAD and p4EBP1 (Thr37/46) and peIF4B (S406) protein levels in-vitro and MAP kinase, PI3K-Akt and JAK/STAT pathways in tumor tissue explants. IBL-301 significantly decreased secreted pro-inflammatory cytokine MCP-1. Altered mRNA expression, including activated PIM kinase and c-Myc, was identified in Apitolisib resistant cells (H1975GR) by an IL-6/STAT3 pathway array and validated by Western blot. H1975GR cells were more sensitive to IBL-301 than parent cells. A miRNA array identified a dysregulated miRNA signature of PI3K/mTOR drug resistance consisting of regulators of PIM kinase and c-Myc (miR17-5p, miR19b-3p, miR20a-5p, miR15b-5p, miR203a, miR-206). Our data provides a rationale for co-targeting PIM kinase and PI3K-mTOR to improve therapeutic response in NSCLC.

High-mobility group box 1 serves as an inflammation driver of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most deadly disease, which can cause sudden death, in which inflammation is a key factor in its occurrence and development. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a novel nuclear DNA-binding protein that activates innate immunity to induce inflammation in CVD. HMGB1 exists in the cytoplasm and nucleus of different cell types, including those in the heart. By binding to its receptors, HMGB1 triggers a variety of signaling cascades, leading to inflammation and CVD. To help develop HMGB1-targeted therapies, here we discuss HMGB1 and its biological functions, receptors, signaling pathways, and pathophysiology related to inflammation and CVD, including cardiac remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy.

Informatics Inference of Exercise-Induced Modulation of Brain Pathways Based on Cerebrospinal Fluid Micro-RNAs in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Introduction: The post-exertional malaise of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) was modeled by comparing micro-RNA (miRNA) in cerebrospinal fluid from subjects who had no exercise versus submaximal exercise. Materials and Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were examined by informatics methods to predict potential targets and regulatory pathways affected by exercise. Results: miR-608, miR-328, miR-200a-5p, miR-93-3p, and miR-92a-3p had higher levels in subjects who rested overnight (nonexercise n=45) compared to subjects who had exercised before their lumbar punctures (n=15). The combination was examined in DIANA MiRpath v3.0, TarBase, Cytoscape, and Ingenuity software® to select the intersection of target mRNAs. DIANA found 33 targets that may be elevated after exercise, including TGFBR1, IGFR1, and CDC42. Adhesion and adherens junctions were the most frequent pathways. Ingenuity selected seven targets that had complementary mechanistic pathways involving GNAQ, ADCY3, RAP1B, and PIK3R3. Potential target cells expressing high levels of these genes included choroid plexus, neurons, and microglia. Conclusion: The reduction of this combination of miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid after exercise suggested upregulation of phosphoinositol signaling pathways and altered adhesion during the post-exertional malaise of ME/CFS. Clinical Trial Registration Nos.: NCT01291758 and NCT00810225.

Role of biomarkers in evaluation, treatment and clinical studies of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a complex disease resulting from the interplay of myriad biological and environmental processes that lead to remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature with consequent pulmonary hypertension. Despite currently available therapies, there remains significant morbidity and mortality in this disease. There is great interest in identifying and applying biomarkers to help diagnose patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, inform prognosis, guide therapy, and serve as surrogate endpoints. An extensive literature on potential biomarker candidates is available, but barriers to the implementation of biomarkers for clinical use in pulmonary arterial hypertension are substantial. Various omic strategies have been undertaken to identify key pathways regulated in pulmonary arterial hypertension that could serve as biomarkers including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches. Other biologically relevant components such as circulating cells, microRNAs, exosomes, and cell-free DNA have recently been gaining attention. Because of the size of the datasets generated by these omic approaches and their complexity, artificial intelligence methods are being increasingly applied to decipher their meaning. There is growing interest in imaging the lung with various modalities to understand and visualize processes in the lung that lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling including high resolution computed tomography, Xenon magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Such imaging modalities have the potential to demonstrate disease modification resulting from therapeutic interventions. Because right ventricular function is a major determinant of prognosis, imaging of the right ventricle with echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of patients and may also be useful in clinical studies of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Downregulation of miRNA‑328 promotes the angiogenesis of HUVECs by regulating the PIM1 and AKT/mTOR signaling pathway under high glucose and low serum condition

Vascular complications are the primary reason for disability and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and numerous microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the process, such as miR‑122, miR‑24 and miR‑423. It has been reported that miR‑328 regulates DM and cardiovascular disease; however, the role and mechanism of action underlying miR‑328 in HUVECs is not completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action underlying the effects of miR‑328 on the functions of HUVECs. To simulate hyperglycemia combined with ischemia‑induced tissue starvation, HUVECs were cultured in endothelial cell medium with 25 mmol/l D‑glucose and 2% FBS for 24 h [high glucose (HG) + 2% FBS group]. HUVEC miR‑328 expression levels were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell migration, cytotoxicity and tube‑like structure formation were analyzed using wound healing, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and tube formation assays, respectively. Following transfection with miR‑328 inhibitor, miR‑328 expression was downregulated in HUVECs. Protein expression levels were determined by western blotting. Compared with the control group, the migration and tube‑like structure formation of HUVECs were decreased, and cell cytotoxicity was increased in the HG + 2% FBS group. The protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were also decreased, and the expression levels of miRNA‑328 in the HG + 2% FBS group were increased compared with the control group. However, miRNA‑328 downregulation reversed the aforementioned effects. Further experiments indicated that the AKT signaling pathway was inhibited in the HG + 2% FBS group; however, miR‑328 downregulation activated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which was blocked by the AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, perifosine. Gene prediction and western blotting demonstrated that miR‑328 displayed a regulatory role via Pim‑1 proto‑oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (PIM1). In conclusion, miR‑328 expression was upregulated and angiogenesis was inhibited when HUVECs were subjected to high glucose and low serum conditions. miR‑328 downregulation enhanced angiogenesis by increasing PIM1 expression and activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HUVECs under high glucose and low serum conditions.

Non-coding RNAs as Epigenetic Gene Regulators in Cardiovascular Diseases

Epigenetic gene regulations can be considered as de-novo initiation of abnormal molecular signaling events whose regulation is otherwise required during normal or specific developmental stages of the organisms. Primarily, three different mechanisms have been identified to participate in epigenetic gene regulations which include, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA species (microRNAs [miRNA], and long non-coding RNAs [LNC-RNA]) and histone modifications. These de-novo epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with altered normal cellular functions which eventually facilitate normal cells to transition into an abnormal phenotype. Among the three modes of regulation, RNA species which are usually considered to be less stable, can be speculated to initiate instant alterations in gene expression compared to DNA methylation or histone modifications. However, LNC-RNAs appear to be more stable in the cells than the other RNA species. Moreover, there is increasing literature which clearly suggests that a single specific LNC-RNA can regulate multiple mechanisms and disease phenotypes. With specific focus on cardiovascular diseases, here we attempt to provide UpToDate information on the functional role of miRNAs and LNC-RNAs. Here we discuss the role of these epigenetic mediators in different components of cardiovascular disease which include physiopathological heart development, athersclerosis, retenosis, diabetic hearts, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion, heart valve disease, aortic aneurysm, osteogenesis, angiogenesis and hypoxia in the heart. While there is abundant literature support that shows the involvement of many LNC-RNAs and miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, very few RNA species have been identified which regulate epigenetic mechanisms which is the current focus in this article. Understanding the role of these RNA species in regulating epigenetic mechanisms in different cell types causing cardiovascular disease, would advance the field and promote disease prevention approaches that are aimed to target epigenetic mechanisms.

Long Noncoding RNA-Maternally Expressed Gene 3 Contributes to Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension

The expression and function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), especially in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), are largely unknown. Herein, we examined the expression and role of lncRNA-maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA-MEG3) in HPH. lncRNA-MEG3 was significantly increased and primarily localized in the cytoplasm of hypoxic PASMCs. lncRNA-MEG3 knockdown by lung-specific delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) significantly inhibited the development of HPH in vivo. Silencing of lncRNA-MEG3 by siRNAs and gapmers attenuated proliferation and cell-cycle progression in both PASMCs from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) patients (iPAH-PASMCs) and hypoxia-exposed PASMCs in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that lncRNA-MEG3 interacts with and leads to the degradation of microRNA-328-3p (miR-328-3p), leading to upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). Additionally, higher expression of lncRNA-MEG3 and IGF1R and lower expression of miR-328-3p were observed in iPAH-PASMCs and relevant HPH models. These data provide insights into the contribution of lncRNA-MEG3 to HPH. Upregulation of lncRNA-MEG3 sequesters cytoplasmic miR-328-3p, eventually leading to expression of IGF1R, revealing a regulatory mechanism by lncRNAs in hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation.

DGCR8 expression is altered in children with congenital heart defects

AIM

To explore the correlation of DGCR8 expression in children with congenital heart defects (CHD) and its clinical significance.

METHODS

Full blood samples were collected from children with congenital heart disease(n = 40) and healthy children(n = 40), respectively.Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of DGCR8 in the blood of healthy children and CHD. Myocardial tissues were collected from children with ventricular septal defect (VSD)(n = 25), and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)(n = 16),. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of DGCR8 in myocardial tissues. Analyze the correlation between DGCR8 expression and congenital heart disease.

RESULTS

The expression levels of DGCR8 was significantly lower in CHD than healthy children (P = 0.037), and lower in TOF tissues compared with VSD tissues (P = 0.046). There was no significant correlation between the expression of DGCR8 and the size of VSD(r = -0.022, P = 0.917).

CONCLUSIONS

The low expression of DGCR8 was significantly correlated with the occurrence of CHD, which may affect the development of heart and the formation of blood vessels. The lower expression of DGCR8 was correlated with severe CHD. However, DGCR8 expression did not associate with the size of VSD.

Mir-455-3p-1 represses FGF7 expression to inhibit pulmonary arterial hypertension through inhibiting the RAS/ERK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of miR-455-3p-1 and its possible mechanisms in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

METHODS

A microarray assay was used to examine the expressed genes between normal and PAH. The expressed genes in PAH was assessed by qRT-PCR. The targeted interaction between miRNAs and FGF7 was confirmed using a dual luciferase reporter assay. A CCK-8 assay and cell count were used to analyze the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) activity and proliferation level, respectively. Apoptotic PASMCs were detected by flow cytometry. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAS/ERK signaling pathway were determined by qRT-PCR and a Western blot assay, respectively. A PAH rat model was used to identify the effects of miR-455-3p-1 in vivo.

RESULTS

FGF7 was upregulated in PAH. MiR-455-3p-1 was downregulated in PAH. MiR-455-3p-1 targeted FGF7. MiR-455-3p-1 decreased the expression of FGF7. Moreover, the effect of FGF7 on PASMCs was suppressed by miR-455-3p-1. MiR-455-3p-1 upregulation was associated with reduced mRNA and protein levels of core RAS/ERK signal genes, suggesting the inhibition of the RAS/ERK pathway. Furthermore, miR-455-3p-1 upregulation improved the RVSP, mPAP, ratio of RV/LV + S, CO and RV function of PAH rat model in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illustrate a role for miR-455-3p-1 in modulating FGF7-RAS/ERK signaling and suggest that an agomir of miR-455-3p-1 could inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs and mitigate PAH in vivo.

MicroRNA-328 ameliorates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced endothelial cells injury through targeting HMGB1 in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease, which can harden the vessel wall and narrow the arteries. MicroRNAs exhibit crucial roles in various diseases including atherosclerosis. However, so far, the role of miR-328 in atherosclerosis remains barely explored. Therefore, our study concentrated on the potential role of miR-328 in vascular endothelial cell injury during atherosclerosis. In our current study, we observed that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) apoptosis and inhibited cell viability dose-dependently and time-dependently. In addition, indicated dosage of ox-LDL obviously triggered HUVECs inflammation and oxidative stress process. Then, it was found that miR-328 in HUVECs was reduced by ox-LDL. HUVECs apoptosis was greatly repressed and cell survival was significantly upregulated by overexpression of miR-328. Furthermore, mimics of miR-328 rescued cell inflammation and oxidative stress process induced by ox-LDL. Oppositely, inhibitors of miR-328 strongly promoted ox-LDL-induced endothelial cells injury in HUVECs. By using bioinformatics analysis, high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) was predicted as a downstream target of miR-328. HMGB1 has been reported to be involved in atherosclerosis development. The correlation between miR-328 and HMGB1 was validated in our current study. Taken these together, it was implied that miR-328 ameliorated ox-LDL-induced endothelial cells injury through targeting HMGB1 in atherosclerosis.

PDGFBB promotes proliferation and migration via regulating miR-1181/STAT3 axis in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) can induce hyperproliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which is a key causative factor to the occurrence and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We previously identified that miR-1181 is significantly downregulated by PDGFBB in human PASMCs. In this work, we further explore the function of miR-1181 and underlying regulatory mechanisms in PDGF-induced PASMCs. First, the expression pattern of miR-1181 was characterized under PDGFBB treatment, and PDGF receptor/PKCβ signaling was found to repress miR-1181 expression. Then, gain- and loss-of-function experiments were respectively conducted and revealed the prominent role of miR-1181 in inhibiting PASMC proliferation and migration. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that miR-1181 regulated the PASMC proliferation through influencing the cell cycle transition from G0/G1 to S phase. Moreover, we exhibited that miR-1181 targeting STAT3 formed a regulatory axis to modulate PASMC proliferation. Finally, serum miR-1181 expression was also observed to be reduced in adult and newborn patients with PAH. Overall, this study provides novel findings that the miR-1181/STAT3 axis mediated PDGFBB-induced dysfunction in human PASMCs, implying a potential use of miR-1181 as a therapeutic and diagnostic candidate for the vascular remodeling diseases.

Circulating microRNAs, Vascular Risk, and Physical Activity in Spinal Cord-Injured Subjects

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) (athletes [SCI-A] and sedentary [SCI-S]) and able-bodied (AB) individuals, and investigate the relationship of miRNAs with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum oxidized LDL-cholesterol (oxLDL) among SCI subjects. Seventeen SCI-S, 23 SCI-A, and 22 AB males were evaluated by clinical and laboratory analysis, and had oxLDL and cIMT measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ultrasonography, respectively. A total of 754 miRNAs were measured using a TaqMan OpenArray^® Human MicroRNA system. SCI-S subjects had higher cIMT and oxLDL than SCI-A and AB. Compared with AB, only one miRNA was differently expressed in both SCI-A and SCI-S individuals, whereas 25 miRNAs were differently expressed in SCI-S, but not in SCI-A. Of these 25 miRNAs, 22 showed different expression between SCI-S and SCI-A. Several miRNAs correlated with oxLDL and cIMT among all SCI individuals. Notably, miR-125b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-103a-3p, and miR-30b-5p correlated with both oxLDL and cIMT, and showed distinct expression between the SCI-A and SCI-S groups. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that miRNAs related to cIMT and oxLDL may be involved in molecular pathways regulating vascular function and remodeling. In conclusion, this exploratory analysis suggests that variations in circulating miRNA expression in individuals with SCI compared with AB subjects are markedly attenuated by regular physical activity. Several miRNAs may be involved in physical activity-related improvements in vascular risk and remodeling among SCI individuals.

Notch3/VEGF-A axis is involved in TAT-mediated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells: Implications for HIV-associated PAH

The incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a significant co-morbidity observed in HIV (+) individuals. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs)—key components of the arterial vessel wall that regulate vessel diameter, demonstrate increased proliferation and hypertrophy in the lungs of HIV infected individuals, underscoring the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated PAH. While several pathways have been implicated in enhanced proliferation of PASMCs, detailed molecular mechanism(s) underlying HIV-associated PASMC proliferation still remain elusive. In the current study, we sought to investigate the effects HIV protein transactivator of transcription (TAT)-mediated proliferation on PASMCs. In agreement with earlier findings, our results also demonstrated TAT-mediated proliferation of human PASMCs. We identified activation of a novel Notch3 signaling pathway in TAT-mediated proliferation of PASMCs. Further validation of the Notch 3 pathway was demonstrated using both pharmacological (γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT), as well as genetic approaches (Notch3 siRNA). Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) was identified as a novel downstream molecule that was induced following Notch activation. Findings from in vitro studies were further validated in archived simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected monkey lung tissues. There was increased activation of Notch3 signaling as well as enhanced expression of VEGF-A in the lungs of SIV-infected macaques compared with the lungs of SIV(−) controls. Taken together, we demonstrated that HIV-TAT increased the proliferation of PASMCs via the Notch3/VEGF-A axis. Targeting the Notch3/VEGF-A axis could thus be considered a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of HIV-associated PAH.

MiR-339 inhibits proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell by targeting FGF signaling

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disorder. Recent studies suggest that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in regulating proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), which underlies the pathology of PAH. However, the exact mechanism of action of miRNAs remains elusive. In this study, we found that miR‐339 was highly expressed in the cardiovascular system and was downregulated by a group of cytokines and growth factors, especially PDGF‐BB and FGF2. Functional analyses revealed that miR‐339 can inhibit proliferation of PASMC. Also, miR‐339 inhibited FGF2‐induced proliferation, but had no effect on proliferation induced by PDGF‐BB. The fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) was identified as a potential direct target of miR‐339. Consistent with the actions of miR‐339, knockdown of FRS2 only inhibited FGF2‐ but not PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation of PASMC. In addition, our results showed that inhibition of ERK and PI3K abrogated the downregulation of miR‐339 induced by PDGF‐BB. Finally, miR‐339 expression was found to be decreased in the pulmonary arteries of rats with MCT‐induced PAH. Our study is the first report on the biological role of miR‐339 in regulating proliferation of PASMC by targeting FGF signaling, providing new mechanistic insights into PASMC proliferation and pathogenesis of PAH.

Epigenetic Regulation and Its Therapeutic Potential in Pulmonary Hypertension

Recent advances in epigenetics have made a tremendous impact on our knowledge of biological phenomena and the environmental stressors on complex diseases. Understanding the mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming during the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is important for advanced studies and clinical therapy. In this article, we review the discovery of novel epigenetic mechanisms associated with PH including DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA interference. In addition, we highlight the role of epigenetic mechanisms in adult PAH resulting from undesirable perinatal environments-Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) and Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Lastly, we give a comprehensive summary for the remaining challenges and discuss future methods of epigenetic targeted therapy for pulmonary hypertension.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-DNA Methyltransferase 1-miR-1281-Histone Deacetylase 4 Regulatory Axis Mediates Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

BACKGROUND

Platelet-derived growth factor BB, a potent mitogen of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), has been implicated in pulmonary arterial remodeling, which is a key pathogenic feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Previous microRNA profiling in platelet-derived growth factor BB-treated PASMCs found a significantly downregulated microRNA, miR-1281, but it has not been associated with any cellular function, and we investigated the possibility.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay proved that downregulation of miR-1281 was a conserved phenomenon in human and rat PASMCs. Overexpression and inhibition of miR-1281 in PASMCs promoted and suppressed, respectively, the cell proliferation and migration. Bioinformatic prediction and 3'-untranslated region reporter assay identified histone deacetylase 4 to be a direct target of miR-1281. Supporting this, proliferation and migration assay demonstrated the cellular function of histone deacetylase 4 is inversely correlated with that of miR-1281. Mechanistically, it is found that platelet-derived growth factor BB activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, which then induces the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1, leading to enhanced methylation of a flanking CpG island and repressed miR-1281 expression. Finally, a reduced miR-1281 level was consistently identified in hypoxic PASMCs in vitro, in pulmonary arteries of rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension, and in serum of patients with coronary heart disease-pulmonary arterial hypertension. These data suggest that there may be a diagnostic and therapeutic use for miR-1281.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we report a novel regulatory axis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-DNA methyltransferase 1-miR-1281-histone deacetylase 4, integrating multiple epigenetic regulators that participate in platelet-derived growth factor BB-stimulated PASMC proliferation and migration and pulmonary vascular remodeling.

miR‑328‑3p enhances the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma and regulates apoptosis and cell viability via H2AX

Osteosarcoma is a kind of high-risk sarcoma of the skeleton typically observed in people under 25 years old. Currently, radiotherapy is widely applied in cancer treatment. However, osteosarcoma is radioresistant and accordingly new, more effective radiosensitizers are needed. miRNAs have been reported to play an important role in osteosarcoma radiosensitivity. We examined the modulating effect of miR-328-3p in vivo and in vitro. miR-328-3p was downregulated in HOS-2R cells. The overexpression of miR-328-3p enhanced the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells. miR-328-3p inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells under radiation conditions. In cells overexpressing miR-328-3p, H2AX expression was downregulated. We found that miR-328-3p targets H2AX and inhibits its expression. It was concluded, that miR-328-3p enhances the radiosensitization of osteosarcoma following X-ray irradiation, and determined that it directly targets H2AX to regulate radiosensitization.

High glucose promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by upregulating proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase Pim-1 expression

Serine/threonine kinase proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (Pim-1) plays an essential role in arterial wall cell proliferation and associated vascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and aortic wall neointima formation. Here we tested a role of Pim-1 in high-glucose (HG)-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Pim-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression levels in arterial samples from streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia rats were increased, compared with their weak expression in normoglycemic groups. In cultured rat VSMCs, HG led to transient Pim-1 expression decline, followed by sustained expression increase at both transcriptional and translational levels. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that HG increased the expression of the 33-kDa isoform of Pim-1, but at much less extent to its 44-kDa plasma membrane isoform. D-glucose at a concentration of 25 mmol/L showed highest activity in stimulating Pim-1 expression. Both Pim-1 inhibitor quercetagetin and STAT3 inhibitor stattic significantly attenuated HG-induced VSMC proliferation and arrested cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Quercetagetin showed no effect on Pim-1 expression but decreased the phosphorylated-Bad (T112)/Bad ratio in HG-treated VSMCs. However, stattic decreased phosphorylated-STAT3 (Y705) levels and caused transcriptional and translational down-regulation of Pim-1 in HG-treated VSMCs. Our findings suggest HG-mediated Pim-1 expression contributes to VSMC proliferation, which may be partly due to the activation of STAT3/Pim-1 signaling.

miR-4632 mediates PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and antiapoptosis of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via targeting cJUN

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the proliferative status of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which is a core factor modulating pulmonary vascular remodeling diseases, such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our previous work has shown that miR-4632, a rarely reported miRNA, is significantly downregulated in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs), yet its cell function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we find that miR-4632 is highly expressed in HPASMCs and its expression significantly decreased in response to different stimuli. Functional studies revealed that miR-4632 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HPASMCs but had no effects on cell contraction and migration. Furthermore, the cJUN was identified as a direct target gene of miR-4632, while knockdown of cJUN was necessary for miR-4632-mediated HPASMC proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, the downregulation of miR-4632 by PDGF-BB was found to associate with histone deacetylation through the activation of PDGF receptor/phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/histone deacetylase 4 signaling. Finally, the expression of miR-4632 was reduced in the serum of patients with PAH. Overall, our results suggest that miR-4632 plays an important role in regulating HPASMC proliferation and apoptosis by suppression of cJUN, providing a novel therapeutic miRNA candidate for the treatment of pulmonary vascular remodeling diseases. It also implies that serum miR-4632 has the potential to serve as a circulating biomarker for PAH diagnosis.

miR-873 suppresses H9C2 cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting GLI1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, non-coding small RNAs that regulate the expression of target genes. Previous studies have suggested that miRNAs are key regulators in cardiovascular systems. This study investigated the role of miR-873 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes by targeting glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1). miR-873 was significantly up-regulated in serum samples from congenital heart disease (CHD) patients compared with those from normal individuals. Furthermore, miR-873 over-expression suppressed H9C2 proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. Bioinformatic algorithms revealed a predicted target site for miR-873 in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of GLI1, which was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. qPCR and western blot analysis also showed that miR-873 negatively regulated GLI1 mRNA and protein expression in H9C2 cells. Conversely, GLI1 over-expression partially reversed the growth-inhibitory effect of miR-873. To summarize, our data suggest that miR-873 is a novel miRNA that regulates H9C2 cell proliferation via targeting GLI1, and miR-873 may serve as a new potential biomarker diagnosis in CHD in the future.

Effect of MicroRNA-30e on the Behavior of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Targeting Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2I

BACKGROUND

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to demonstrate critical roles in differentiation, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods and Results:In this study, a certain amount of miRNA expression in VSMCs was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and it was found that microRNA-30e (miR-30e) was expressed more strongly than other common vascular well-expressed miRNAs in vitro. Subsequently, both a gain and loss of function study was performed in vitro and in vivo. It was found that miR-30e in VSMCs was strongly downregulated concomitantly with stimulation, and miR-30e inhibited VSMCs proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2I (Ube2i) was identified as the target gene of endogenous miR-30e by luciferase reporter assay, and it was confirmed that overexpression of miR-30e significantly reduced Ube2i and inhibited the phenotypic switch of VSMCs. Knockdown of Ube2i had an influence over the proliferation and migration of cultured VSMCs, as same as the miR-30e mimic did. Overexpression of miR-30e induced the apoptosis of VSMCs and deregulated the protein expression of IkBα, which is crucial for the NFκB signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicated that miR-30e in VSMCs exerted an anti-atherosclerosis effect via inhibiting proliferation and migration, and promoting apoptosis of VSMCs. More specifically, it was demonstrated that miR-30e exhibited these effects on VSMCs partially through targeting Ube2i and downregulating the IκBα/NFκB signaling pathway.

Multi-omics analysis reveals regulators of the response to PDGF-BB treatment in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease with pronounced narrowing of pulmonary vessels due to abnormal cell proliferation. The platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) is well known as a potent mitogen for smooth muscle cell proliferation. To better understand how this growth factor regulates pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) proliferation, we sought to characterize the response to PDGF-BB stimulation at system-wide levels, including the transcriptome and proteome.

Results

In this study, we identified 1611 mRNAs (transcriptome), 207 proteins (proteome) differentially expressed in response to PDGF-BB stimulation in PASMCs based on RNA-sequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay. Transcription factor (TF)-target network analysis revealed that PDGF-BB regulated gene expression potentially via TFs including HIF1A, JUN, EST1, ETS1, SMAD1, FOS, SP1, STAT1, LEF1 and CEBPB. Among them, SMAD1-involved BMPR2/SMADs axis plays a significant role in PAH development. Interestingly, we observed that the expression of BMPR2 was decreased in both mRNA and protein level in response to PDGF-BB. Further study revealed that BMPR2 is the direct target of miR-376b that is up-regulated upon PDGF-BB treatment. Finally, EdU incorporation assay showed that miR-376b promoted proliferation of PASMCs.

Conclusion

This integrated analysis of PDGF-BB-regulated transcriptome and proteome was performed for the first time in normal PASMCs, which revealed a crosstalk between PDGF signaling and BMPR2/SMADs axis. Further study demonstrated that PDGF-BB-induced miR-376b upregulation mediated the downregulation of BMPR2, which led to expression change of its downstream targets and promoted proliferation of PASMCs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3122-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.