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Zhang X, Hu S, Xiang X, Li Z, Chen Z, Xia C, He Q, Jin J, Chen H. Bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiling identify potential cellular targets of the long noncoding RNA Gas5 in renal fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167206. [PMID: 38718848 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 (lncRNA Gas5) is implicated in various kidney diseases. In this study, we investigated the lncRNA Gas5 expression profile and its critical role as a potential biomarker in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Subsequently, we assessed the effect of lncRNA Gas5 deletion on renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The results indicated that loss of lncRNA Gas5 exacerbates UUO-induced renal injury and extracellular matrix deposition. Notably, the deletion of lncRNA Gas5 had a similar effect on control mice. The fibrogenic phenotype observed in mice lacking lncRNA Gas5 correlates with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway activation and aberrant cytokine and chemokine reprogramming. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed key transcriptomic features of fibroblasts after Gas5 deletion, revealing heterogeneous cellular states suggestive of a propensity for renal fibrosis. Our findings indicate that lncRNA Gas5 regulates the differentiation and activation of immune cells and the transcription of key genes in the PPAR signaling pathway. These data offer novel insights into the involvement of lncRNA Gas5 in renal fibrosis, potentially paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Shouci Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhejun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China.
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Zong Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Tan N, Zhang Y, Li L, Liu L. Sitagliptin Ameliorates Creb5/lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271-Mediated Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Obese Mice. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2024; 38:679-691. [PMID: 36738369 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07436-1] [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] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Obesity is mediated by the changes in dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to vascular endothelial dysfunction. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors prevent the development of endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism still remains largely unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), one class of non-coding small RNAs, have been shown to exert a regulatory impact on the endothelial function in obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether the elevation of GLP-1 by a DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin improved vascular endothelial function by modulating lncRNAs in obese mice and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 4 months to induce obesity and some obese mice were treated with sitagliptin for the last 1 month. Levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in plasma were detected by ELISA. LncRNA expression profile was analyzed via microarray. Aortic relaxations were examined by myograph. Protein expressions and phosphorylations were determined using western blot. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR. RESULTS Obese mice exhibited increased levels of TC and LDL, decreased concentrations of HDL and GLP-1 in plasma, and impaired aortic endothelium-dependent relaxations; such effects could be reversed by sitagliptin. Moreover, the altered expression profile of lncRNAs in the obese mouse aortae could be modulated by sitagliptin. Consistent with microarray analysis, qRT-PCR also revealed that lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 was up-regulated in obese mouse aortae and aortic endothelial cells (ECs), which could be down-regulated by sitagliptin. Creb5 silencing reduced lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 in obese mouse ECs. Knockdown of either Creb5 or lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 restored the activation of AMPK/eNOS in obese mouse ECs. Furthermore, sitagliptin also suppressed Creb5 and lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 and increased the phosphorylations of AMPK and eNOS in obese mice. CONCLUSION Creb5/lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction through inhibiting AMPK/eNOS cascade in obesity. Elevation of GLP-1 by sitagliptin possibly improved endothelial function by suppressing Creb5/lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 and subsequently restoring AMPK/eNOS activation in obese mice. This study will provide new evidence for the benefits of GLP-1 against vasculopathy in obesity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Sitagliptin Phosphate/pharmacology
- Male
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Obesity/drug therapy
- Obesity/metabolism
- Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/metabolism
- Diet, High-Fat
- Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Mice
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Mice, Obese
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Phosphorylation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Tan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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Liu W, Liang W, Zhang C, Liu H, Li H, Zhou L, Zhou L. LncR-GAS5 decrease in adenine phosphoribosyltransferase expresssion via binding TAF1 to increase kidney damage created by CIH. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33084. [PMID: 38994083 PMCID: PMC11238052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) mainly results from chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced renal injury. This study aimed to explore the interaction between the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) and recombinant adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) in CIH-induced renal injury. Methods A rat intermittent hypoxia model was constructed, total RNA was extracted from kidney tissue, and transcriptome sequencing was performed using high-throughput sequencing technology. CIH rat models were established and injected with sh-GAS5 or OE-APRT plasmid, the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine amidohydrolase were measured, and the expression of oxidative stress-related factors was detected. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were used for morphological observations, and cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. Interactions between GAS5, TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 1 (TAF1), and APRT were predicted and verified. After transfection of HK-2 cells, the expression of GAS5, TAF1, APRT, Bax, Bcl-2, apoptosis-related factors, fibrosis-related factors (collagen I and Ⅳ), and autophagy-related proteins (LC3-Ⅱ, LC3-Ⅰ, p62, and Beclin-1) was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Results Sequencing results revealed that TAF1 was significantly increased and APRT was significantly decreased in the CIH group. RNA was significantly involved in the biological process of kidney injury mediated by CIH. CIH rats injected with GAS5 suppression or APRT overexpression plasmids showed decreased GAS5 and elevated APRT expression, along with suppressed serum levels of BUN and creatinine amidohydrolase. Meanwhile, GAS5 suppression or APRT overexpression attenuated apoptosis and fibrosis, suppressed oxidative stress, and promoted autophagy in CIH-induced renal tubular epithelial cells. The RNA pull-down assay and RIP verified the binding and interaction of GAS5 and TAF1. Chip immunoprecipitation (ChIP) identified TAF1 regulation of the APRT promoter. GAS5 and TAF1 negatively regulated APRT expression. Conclusion The lncRNA GAS5 can bind TAF1 to suppress APRT transcription, thereby enhancing CIH-induced renal injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wukaiyang Liang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - CunTai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huiguo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lun Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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Zhang Y, Gu T, Xu S, Wang J, Zhu X. Anti-Liver Fibrosis Role of miRNA-96-5p via Targeting FN1 and Inhibiting ECM-Receptor Interaction Pathway. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:6840-6855. [PMID: 36943602 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant expression of mRNAs participates in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, the precise mechanisms regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions about differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) in liver fibrosis and their regulatory mechanisms. The DEMs datasets about hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) obtained from hepatic fibrosis mice versus HSCs obtained from normal mice were downloaded from the GEO database (GSE120281). According to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the GSE120281 datasets, ECM-receptor interaction was the most significant enrichment pathway that was correlated with hepatic fibrosis, and the fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene was upregulated most significantly in the signaling pathway. Downregulation of the expression of the FN1 gene by transfecting with FN1-siRNA alleviated the activity of HSCs. Four different bioinformatics web-based tools were used to predict that microRNA-96-5p (miR-96-5p) would directly target FN1, and a luciferase assay further confirmed this. Moreover, miR-96-5p was declined in activated HSCs and FN1, whereas laminin γ1 (LAMC1), collagen 1α1 (COL1A1) in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway, and the fibrosis marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) could be reduced by upregulation of the miRNA. Additionally, miR-96-5p expression was low in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice. Increased miR-96-5p expression alleviated liver fibrosis, improved liver function, and inhibited the expression of α-SMA, FN1, COL1A1, and LAMC1. In conclusion, this study indicated that upregulation of miR-96-5p could reduce HSC activation and relieve hepatic fibrosis by restraining the FN1/ECM-receptor interaction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Tengfei Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Lianshui County, Huaian, 223400, China
| | - Sanrong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224006, China.
| | - Xinguo Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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Geng R, Fang J, Kang SG, Huang K, Tong T. Chronic exposure to UVB induces nephritis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice based on the integration of renal transcriptome profiles and 16S rRNA sequencing data. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122035. [PMID: 37343920 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) is a common and abundant environmental factor that affects daily life. Although the effects of UV radiation on the skin have been extensively reported, studies on the influence of UV radiation on internal organs are still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of UVB exposure on the kidney of mice and to investigate the possible mechanism. In the present study, histopathology changes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response were used to evaluate the kidney and colon injury induced by UVB exposure. The results showed that the 14-week chronic skin exposure to UVB triggers a kidney injury response characterized by macrophage infiltration, elevated oxidative stress as well as inflammatory and injury markers. The RNA sequencing demonstrated that chronic UVB exposure could alter the kidney transcriptomic profile distinguished by the regulation of genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction. Besides, chronic UVB exposure also resulted in gut dysbiosis, manifested as colon macrophage infiltration, stimulated inflammatory responses, impaired barrier integrity, and microbiota structural and functional disorders. The Spearman analysis results further revealed a strong correlation between gut microbiota and kidney injury. In conclusion, skin chronic exposure to UVB causes nephritis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice, and these findings provide new insight into the underlying risks of chronic UVB exposure to human wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixuan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jingjing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Seong-Gook Kang
- Department of Food Engineering, Mokpo National University, Muangun 58554, South Korea
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms (Food), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China; Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Tong
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms (Food), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China; Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.
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Xing Y, Feng L, Dong Y, Li Y, Zhang L, Wu Q, Huo R, Dong Y, Tian X, Tian X. Exploration and Validation of Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Ferroptosis of Asthma. J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:689-710. [PMID: 37465372 PMCID: PMC10350417 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s416276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease involving multiple mechanisms, of which ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma, but no specific ferroptosis gene has been found in asthma, and the exact mechanism is still unclear. The present study aimed to screen ferroptosis genes associated with asthma and find therapeutic targets, in order to contribute a new clue for the diagnosis and therapy of asthma. Methods Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (FR-DEGs) in asthma were selected by the GSE41861, GSE43696 and ferroptosis datasets. Next, the FR-DEGs were subjected by GO and KEGG enrichment, and the mRNA-miRNA network was constructed. Then, GSEA and GSVA enrichment analysis and Immune infiltration analysis were performed, followed by targeted drug prediction. Finally, the expression of FR-DEGs was confirmed using GSE63142 dataset and RT-PCR assay. Results We found 13 FR-DEGs by the GSE41861, GSE43696 and ferroptosis database. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the 13 FR-DEGs were enriched in oxidative stress, immune response, ferroptosis, lysosome, necrosis, apoptosis etc. Moreover, our results revealed the mRNA-miRNA network of the FR-DEGs and identified candidate drugs. Also, immune infiltration revealed that ELAVL1, CREB5, CBR1 and NR1D2 are associated with the immune cells and may be potential targets in asthma. Finally, 10 FR-DEGs were validated by the GSE63142 database. It was verified that 7 FR-DEGs were differentially expressed by collecting asthma patients and healthy controls. Conclusion This study ultimately identified 7 FR-DEGs for the diagnosis and therapy of asthma. These 7 FR-DEGs contribute to oxidative stress and immune responses. This study provides potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for asthma patients, shedding further light on the pathogenesis of asthma as well as providing new insights into the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Xing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liting Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yangdou Dong
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiannan Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rujie Huo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanting Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Tian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinli Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Shi W, Le W, Tang Q, Shi S, Shi J. Regulon analysis identifies protective FXR and CREB5 in proximal tubules in early diabetic kidney disease. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:180. [PMID: 37337149 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms underlying early kidney damage in DKD remain poorly understood. In this study, we used single nucleus RNA-seq to construct gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in the kidney cortex of patients with early DKD. By comparing these networks with those of healthy controls, we identify cell type-specific changes in genetic regulation associated with diabetic status. The regulon activities of FXR (NR1H4) and CREB5 were found to be upregulated in kidney proximal convoluted tubule epithelial cells (PCTs), which were validated using immunofluorescence staining in kidney biopsies from DKD patients. In vitro experiments using cultured HK2 cells showed that FXR and CREB5 protected cells from apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings suggest that FXR and CREB5 may be promising targets for early intervention in patients with DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weibo Le
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoli Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shaolin Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jingsong Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Sun A, Ye H, Xu Z, Chen J, Xiao W, Zhang T, Sha X, Bi S, Zhou T, Yang H. Serelaxin Alleviates Fibrosis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy via the Notch Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098356. [PMID: 37176063 PMCID: PMC10179109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the late stage of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), resulting in serious complications. Effective therapeutic drugs are still lacking. We aimed to explore the mechanism of TAO fibrosis and to find a targeted drug. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed on orbital connective tissues from twelve patients with TAO and six healthy controls. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and we identified the hub gene by Cytoscape software. Additionally, the RNA sequencing results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic prediction identified the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further orbital connective tissue and serum samples of the TAO and control groups were collected for subsequent experiments. Histologic staining, Western blotting (WB), qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), gene overexpression through lentiviral infection or silencing gene by short interfering RNA (siRNA) were performed. We found that the relaxin signaling pathway is an important regulatory pathway in TAO fibrosis pathogenesis. Serelaxin exerts antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in TAO. Furthermore, the downstream Notch pathway was activated by serelaxin and was essential to the antifibrotic effect of serelaxin in TAO. The antifibrotic effect of serelaxin is dependent on RXFP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Te Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaotong Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shaowei Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tianyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Wen D, Wang J. Noncoding RNAs: Master Regulator of Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition in Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1801. [PMID: 36675315 PMCID: PMC9861037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts escape apoptosis and proliferate abnormally under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis; they synthesize and secrete a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α-SMA and collagen, which leads to the distortion of organ parenchyma structure, an imbalance in collagen deposition and degradation, and the replacement of parenchymal cells by fibrous connective tissues. Fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is considered to be the main source of myofibroblasts. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influencing factors regulating the process of FMT for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of FMT-related diseases. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have attracted extensive attention from scientists due to their powerful regulatory functions, and they have been found to play a vital role in regulating FMT. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs which regulate FMT during fibrosis and found that they mainly regulated signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, MAPK/P38/ERK/JNK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT/β-catenin. Furthermore, the expression of downstream transcription factors can be promoted or inhibited, indicating that ncRNAs have the potential to be a new therapeutic target for FMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Changsha 410000, China
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Xiang Z, Liqing Y, Qingqing Y, Qiang H, Hongbo C. Retard or exacerbate: Role of long non-coding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 in the fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 67:89-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Liang J, Huang X, Li W, Hu Y. Identification and external validation of the hub genes associated with cardiorenal syndrome through time-series and network analyses. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1351-1373. [PMID: 35133974 PMCID: PMC8876909 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), defined as acute or chronic damage to the heart or kidney triggering impairment of another organ, has a poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CRS remain largely unknown. The RNA-sequencing data of the left ventricle tissue isolated from the sham-operated and CRS model rats at different time points were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Genomic differences, protein–protein interaction networks, and short time-series analyses, revealed fibronectin 1 (FN1) and periostin (POSTN) as hub genes associated with CRS progression. The transcriptome sequencing data of humans obtained from the GEO revealed that FN1 and POSTN were both significantly associated with many different heart and kidney diseases. Peripheral blood samples from 20 control and 20 CRS patients were collected from the local hospital, and the gene expression levels of FN1 and POSTN were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. FN1 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.807) and POSTN (AUC = 0.767) could distinguish CRS in the local cohort with high efficacy and were positively correlated with renal and heart damage markers, such as left ventricular ejection fraction. To improve the diagnostic ability, diagnosis models comprising FN1 and POSTN were constructed by logistic regression (F-Score = 0.718), classification tree (F-Score = 0.812), and random forest (F-Score = 1.000). Overall, the transcriptome data of CRS rat models were systematically analyzed, revealing that FN1 and POSTN were hub genes, which were validated in different public datasets and the local cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Weiwen Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yunzhao Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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