1
|
Li S, Huang Q, Yang Q, Peng X, Wu Q. MicroRNAs as promising therapeutic agents: A perspective from acupuncture. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154652. [PMID: 37406378 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gaining recognition as potential therapeutic agents due to their small size, ability to target a wide range of genes, and significant role in disease progression. However, despite their promising potential, nearly half of the miRNA drugs developed for therapeutic purposes have been discontinued or put on hold, and none have advanced to phase III clinical trials. The development of miRNA therapeutics has faced obstacles such as difficulties in validating miRNA targets, conflicting evidence regarding competition and saturation effects, challenges in miRNA delivery, and determining appropriate dosages. These hurdles primarily arise from the intricate functional complexity of miRNAs. Acupuncture, a distinct, complementary therapy, offers a promising avenue to overcome these barriers, particularly by addressing the fundamental issue of preserving functional complexity through acupuncture regulatory networks. The acupuncture regulatory network consists of three main components: the acupoint network, the neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) network, and the disease network. These networks represent the processes of information transformation, amplification, and conduction that occur during acupuncture. Notably, miRNAs serve as essential mediators and shared biological language within these interconnected networks. Harnessing the therapeutic potential of acupuncture-derived miRNAs can help reduce the time and economic resources required for miRNA drug development and alleviate the current developmental challenges miRNA therapeutics face. This review provides an interdisciplinary perspective by summarizing the interactions between miRNAs, their targets, and the three acupuncture regulatory networks mentioned earlier. The aim is to illuminate the challenges and opportunities in developing miRNA therapeutics. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of miRNAs, their interactions with acupuncture regulatory networks, and their potential as therapeutic agents. By bridging the miRNA research and acupuncture fields, we aim to offer valuable insights into the obstacles and prospects of developing miRNA therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Qianhui Huang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Qingqing Yang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Xiaohua Peng
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China; Acupuncture & Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China; Institute of Acupuncture and Homeostasis Regulation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Chen L, Li Y, Deng P, Yang C, Li Y, Liao L, Zhu Z, Wang Y, Huang R. miR-2188-5p promotes GCRV replication by the targeted degradation of klf2a in Ctenopharyngodon idellus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 138:104516. [PMID: 36084755 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies on host immunity evasion by aquatic viruses have largely focused on coding genes. There is accumulating evidence for the important biological functions of non-coding miRNAs in virus-host interactions. The regulatory functions of non-coding miRNAs in fish reovirus-host interactions remain unknown. Here, miR-2188-5p in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), a miRNA specific to teleosts, was predicted to target the 3' UTR of the transcription factor klf2a. A correlation analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-2188-5p could induce the degradation of klf2a. The expression of miR-2188-5p induced the degradation of klf2a in a dose-dependent manner, suppressing the type I interferon response and promoting grass carp reovirus (GCRV) replication. As determined by a co-expression analysis, klf2a inhibited viral infection when miR-2188-5p was overexpressed. The targeted degradation of klf2a by miR-2188-5p could inhibit the type I interferon response and promote the replication of GCRV; however, this targeted degradation ability was insufficient to fully inhibit GCRV infection. These results provide novel insights into the regulatory effects and biological functions of non-coding miRNAs in fish-virus interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liangming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430207, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yongming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lanjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Rong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Gao Y, Li Q, Chen L, Chen Y, Li J. LncRNA COL1A2-AS1 promotes skin fibroblast apoptosis by repressing p-Smad3 and promoting β-catenin expression. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1090-1098. [PMID: 33354832 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
LncRNA COL1A2-AS1 has been demonstrated to inhibit fibroblast proliferation of hypertrophic scars. However, the function of COL1A2-AS1 in normal skin fibroblasts remains poorly studied. Here, we report that overexpression of COL1A2-AS1 promoted normal skin fibroblast apoptosis. On the basis of mRNA-seq data and gene set enrichment analysis plus Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis, 16 upregulated and 125 downregulated mRNAs were found; TGF-β, Wnt, and MAPK pathways were potentially involved. Western blot assay confirmed that overexpression of COL1A2-AS1 repressed p-Smad3 expression and promoted β-catenin expression. Furthermore, COL1A2-AS1 overexpression combined with either TGF-β1 or siRNA against β-catenin reversed the upregulation of apoptosis in the COL1A2-AS1 overexpression group. In conclusion, our study revealed the roles of COL1A2-AS1 in normal skin fibroblast apoptosis, with COL1A2-AS1 functioning by repressing p-Smad3 expression and promoting β-catenin expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Gao
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyun Li
- Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Medical Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu H, Li B, Qiao L, Liu J, Ren D, Liu W. miR-340-5p inhibits sheep adipocyte differentiation by targeting ATF7. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13462. [PMID: 33190272 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to play roles in adipocyte differentiation. However, little is known about their involvement in the differentiation of ovine intramuscular adipocytes. Here, the role of one such miRNA, miR-340-5p, in ovine adipocyte differentiation was investigated. Stromal vascular (SV) cells were isolated from skeletal muscle tissues of 1-month-old lambs and induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes. miRNA mimics and inhibitors were used for miR-340-5p overexpression and knockdown assays. For overexpression and knockdown of activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), lentivirus infection was performed. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the relationship between miR-340-5p and ATF7. The expression of adipogenesis marker genes, PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, ADIPOQ, and ACC, and formation of lipid droplets were detected after the overexpression and inhibition of miR-340-5p, or upon overexpression or knockdown of ATF7. miR-340-5p inhibited the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipid droplets. ATF7 positively regulated the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipids. Thus, ATF7 is the target of miR-340-5p in sheep. Overall, these findings indicate that miR-340-5p acts as an inhibitor of the differentiation of intramuscular adipocytes by targeting ATF7. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for improving sheep meat quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Baojun Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Liying Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Duanyang Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Wenzhong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Q, Chen X, Chen L, Yan H, Li J. LINC00173 promotes the apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through increasing β-catenin expression. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:1005-1014. [PMID: 33141309 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 173 (LINC00173) in several pathological disorders. However, the function of LINC00173 in the hypertrophic scar is not well understood. This study confirmed that the two transcript variants of TSV1 and TSV2 were both upregulated in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. The overexpression of TSV1 or TSV2 promoted the apoptosis of fibroblasts, whereas the overexpression of TSV2 inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling might be involved in the role of LINC00173 in hypertrophic scar pathogenesis. Furthermore, the protein expression of β-catenin was upregulated in the TSV1 or TSV2 overexpression group. Overall, the study demonstrated that LINC00173 promoted the apoptosis of fibroblasts through increasing β-catenin expression, suggesting that LINC00173 might be a new target for hypertrophic scar treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 123rd Tianfei Street, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Caridology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 123rd Tianfei Street, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 123rd Tianfei Street, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 123rd Tianfei Street, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| |
Collapse
|