MicroRNAs as a Novel Player for Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes

Tanshinone IIA Protects Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting the HAS2/FGF9 Axis

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in coronary heart disease (CHD), and to determine whether Tan IIA regulates myocardial cell injury induced by I/R through the Hyaluronan Synthase 2/fibroblast growth factor 9 (HAS2/FGF9) axis.

Methods

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of the GSE23561 microarray dataset determined gene modules linked to CHD. The key genes were further explored through differential expression and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. Human AC16 cardiomyocytes were treated with Tan IIA, HAS2 knockdown, and FGF9 overexpression and they were exposed to normoxic, hypoxic, and I/R environments. Cell viability, apoptosis, gene/protein expression, and markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in vitro.

Results

The turquoise module was significantly correlated with CHD and HAS2 was identified as a hub gene. Under hypoxic conditions, Tan IIA exhibited a dose-dependent cardioprotective effect. Tan IIA ameliorated I/R-induced cellular injury, as evidenced by increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis, and regulation of key proteins (PCNA, Bax). After I/R conditions, knockdown of HAS2 increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of FGF9 reversed these effects. Notably, HAS2 knockdown also ameliorated I/R-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and synergistic protection was provided by combined treatment with FGF9 and Tan IIA.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings confirm that Tan IIA protects cardiomyocytes from I/R-induced injury by controlling the HAS2/FGF9 axis. These findings reveal the potential therapeutic significance of Tan IIA in alleviating CHD-related myocardial dysfunction.

Translational potential of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative therapies for human diseases: challenges and opportunities

Advances in stem cell technology offer new possibilities for patients with untreated diseases and disorders. Stem cell-based therapy, which includes multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has recently become important in regenerative therapies. MSCs are multipotent progenitor cells that possess the ability to undergo in vitro self-renewal and differentiate into various mesenchymal lineages. MSCs have demonstrated promise in several areas, such as tissue regeneration, immunological modulation, anti-inflammatory qualities, and wound healing. Additionally, the development of specific guidelines and quality control methods that ultimately result in the therapeutic application of MSCs has been made easier by recent advancements in the study of MSC biology. This review discusses the latest clinical uses of MSCs obtained from the umbilical cord (UC), bone marrow (BM), or adipose tissue (AT) in treating various human diseases such as pulmonary dysfunctions, neurological disorders, endocrine/metabolic diseases, skin burns, cardiovascular conditions, and reproductive disorders. Additionally, this review offers comprehensive information regarding the clinical application of targeted therapies utilizing MSCs. It also presents and examines the concept of MSC tissue origin and its potential impact on the function of MSCs in downstream applications. The ultimate aim of this research is to facilitate translational research into clinical applications in regenerative therapies.

Research hotspots and emerging trends of mesenchymal stem cells in cardiovascular diseases: a bibliometric-based visual analysis

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have important research value and broad application prospects in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, few bibliometric analyses on MSCs in cardiovascular diseases are available. This study aims to provide a thorough review of the cooperation and influence of countries, institutions, authors, and journals in the field of MSCs in cardiovascular diseases, with the provision of discoveries in the latest progress, evolution paths, frontier research hotspots, and future research trends in the regarding field.

Methods

The articles related to MSCs in cardiovascular diseases were retrieved from the Web of Science. The bibliometric study was performed by CiteSpace and VOSviewer, and the knowledge map was generated based on data obtained from retrieved articles.

Results

In our study, a total of 4,852 publications launched before August 31, 2023 were accessed through the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database via our searching strategy. Significant fluctuations in global publications were observed in the field of MSCs in CVDs. China emerged as the nation with the largest number of publications, yet a shortage of high-quality articles was noted. The interplay among countries, institutions, journals and authors is visually represented in the enclosed figures. Importantly, current research trends and hotspots are elucidated. Cluster analysis on references has highlighted the considerable interest in exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and microvesicles. Besides, keywords analysis revealed a strong emphasis on myocardial infarction, therapy, and transplantation. Treatment methods-related keywords were prominent, while keywords associated with extracellular vesicles gathered significant attention from the long-term perspective.

Conclusion

MSCs in CVDs have become a topic of active research interest, showcasing its latent value and potential. By summarizing the latest progress, identifying the research hotspots, and discussing the future trends in the advancement of MSCs in CVDs, we aim to offer valuable insights for considering research prospects.

Emerging roles for lncRNA-NEAT1 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer death in the world that arises from the glandular and epithelial cells of the large intestine, during a series of genetic or epigenetic alternations. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has opened a separate window of research in molecular and translational medicine. Emerging evidence has supported that lncRNAs can regulate cell cycle of CRC cells. LncRNA NEAT1 has been verified to participate in colon cancer development and progression. NEAT1 as a competing endogenous RNA could suppress the expression of miRNAs, and then regulate molecules downstream of these miRNAs. In this review, we summarized emerging roles of NEAT1 in CRC cells.