Overexpression of miR-146b-5p Ameliorates Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy by Inhibiting IRAK1/TRAF6/TAK1/NF-αB Signaling

CYR61 is involved in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage via modulating astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation

The activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in astrocytes has been found in the hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model. Cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) is secreted by reactive astrocytes. However, the effects of CYR61 on HIBD and its related mechanisms remain unclear. This study sought to explore the role of CYR61 in the activation of astrocytes and the NLRP3 inflammasome in neonatal HIBD. HIBD models were established in 7-day Sprague-Dawley rat pups. Neurobehavioral evaluation and 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride staining were performed. In addition, rat primary astrocytes were used to establish the cell model of HIBD in vitro by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). Then, CYR61-overexpression and sh-CYR61 viruses mediated by lentivirus were transduced into ODG/R-treated primary astrocytes. The expressions of related genes were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that hypoxia-ischemia induced short-term neurological deficits, neuronal damage, and cerebral infarction in neonatal rats. In vivo, the expressions of CYR61, NLRP3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were up-regulated in the HIBD model. In vitro, CYR61 exhibited high expression. CYR61 overexpression increased the expressions of GFAP and C3, whereas decreased S100A10 expression. CYR61 overexpression increased the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 p20 and IL-1β. CYR61 overexpression activated NF-κB by promoting the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. Thus, CYR61 is involved in neonatal HIBD progress, which may be related to the activation of astrocytes, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Differential responses to avian pathogenic E. coli and the regulatory role of splenic miRNAs in APEC infection in Silkie chickens

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a bacterial disease that harms the poultry industry worldwide, but its effect on Chinese Silkie has not been reported. Studies on whether there are differences in Silkie individual resistance to APEC and the regulatory role of spleen miRNAs lay the foundation for strategies against APEC. Therefore, 270 Silkie chickens were infected with the median lethal dose of an E. coli O1, O2, and O78 mixture. These chickens were divided into a susceptible group (Group S) and a recovery group (Group R) according to whether they survived 15 days postinfection (dpi). Moreover, 90 uninfected APEC Silkie served as controls (Group C). The splenic miRNA expression profile was examined to evaluate the role of miRNAs in the APEC infection response. Of the 270 Silkies infected with APEC, 144 were alive at 15 dpi. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) of splenic miRNAs revealed that the four Group R replicates were clustered with the three Group C replicates and were far from the three Group S replicates. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, especially gga-miR-146b-5p, play essential roles in immune and inflammatory responses to APEC. Functional enrichment analyses of DEmiRNAs suggested that suppression of immune system processes (biological processes) might contribute to susceptibility to APEC and that FoxO signaling pathways might be closely associated with the APEC infection response and postinfection repair. This study paves the way for screening anti-APEC Silkies and provides novel insights into the regulatory role of miRNAs in APEC infection.

Identifying Stress-Exacerbated Thermal-Injury Induced MicroRNAs

Using a model of combat and operational stress reaction (COSR), our lab recently showed that exposure to an unpredictable combat stress (UPCS) procedure prior to a thermal injury increases pain sensitivity in male rats. Additionally, our lab has recently shown that circulating extracellular vesicle-microRNAs (EV-miRNAs), which normally function to suppress inflammation, were downregulated in a male rat model of neuropathic pain. In this current study, male and female rats exposed to UPCS, followed by thermal injury, were evaluated for changes in circulating EV-miRNAs. Adult female and male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a UPCS procedure for either 2 or 4 weeks. Groups consisted of the following: nonstress (NS), stress (S), NS + thermal injury (TI), and S + TI. Mechanical sensitivity was measured, and plasma was collected at baseline, throughout the UPCS exposure, and post-thermal injury. EV-miRNA isolation was performed, followed by small RNA sequencing and subsequent data analysis. UPCS exposure alone resulted in mechanical allodynia in both male and female rats at specific time points. Thermal-injury induction occurring at peak UPCS resulted in increased mechanical allodynia in the injured hind paw compared to thermal injury alone. Differential expression of the EV-miRNAs was observed between the NS and S groups as well as between NS + TI and S + TI groups. Consistent differences in EV-miRNAs are detectable in both COSR as well as during the development of mechanical sensitivity and potentially serve as key regulators, biomarkers, and targets in the treatment of COSR and thermal-injury induced mechanical sensitivity. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the effects of unpredictable combat stress and thermal injury on EV-contained microRNAs in an animal model. These same mechanisms may exist in clinical patients and could be future prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Diagnostic potential and pathogenic performance of circulating miR-146b, miR-194, and miR-214 in liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Due to the lack of an accurate test for an early diagnosis of liver fibrosis and the invasiveness of the liver biopsy procedure, there is an urgent need for effective non-invasive biomarkers for screening the patients. we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of circulating miRNAs (miR-146b, -194, -214) and their related mechanisms in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of miR-146b, -194, and -214 were quantified in whole blood samples from NAFLD patients using real-time PCR. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed for HSC activation-related genes. Also, the transcription factor (TF)-miR co-regulatory network and the survival plot for three miRNAs and core genes were illustrated. The qPCR results showed that the relative expression of miR-146b and miR-214 significantly increased in NAFLD patients, while miR-194 showed significant down-regulation. The ceRNA network analysis implicated NEAT1 and XIST as sponge candidates for these miRNAs. The GSEA results identified 15 core genes involved in HSC activation, primarily enriched in NF-κB activation and autophagy pathways. STAT3, TCF3, RELA, and RUNX1 were considered potential transcription factors connected to miRNAs in the TF-miR network. Our study elucidated three candidate circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in NAFLD that could serve as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection strategies. Also, NF-κB activation, autophagy, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process are the main potential underlying mechanisms regulated by these miRNAs in liver fibrosis pathogenesis.

Tropisetron improved testicular inflammation in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: The role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and mir146a

As a serotonin antagonist, tropisetron positively affects blood glucose lowering, insulin synthesis, pancreas inflammation, and apoptosis in diabetes. Reproductive disorders are one of the diabetes-induced chronic complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of tropisetron on diabetes-induced testicular inflammation, its signaling pathway, and mir146a. To this end, animals were assigned to the control, tropisetron, diabetes (DM), DM-tropisetron, and DM-glibenclamide groups. Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to provide diabetes. Tropisetron and glibenclamide were then administrated intraperitoneally for 2 weeks after diabetes induction. Testes histology, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry assays were also performed. The finding revealed that tropisetron significantly improved diabetes-induced testis damages, lowered TLR4, TRAF6, IRAK1, NF-κB, and caspase3 protein expressions, and decreased TNF-α and IL-1 levels. Moreover, the mir146a expression declined following the tropisetron treatment. This study demonstrated that the significant role of tropisetron in lowering testicular inflammation and apoptosis might have been due to the inhibition of the TLR4/IRAK1/TRAF6 signaling pathway and thereby the attenuation of NF-κB and caspase3 expression and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the downregulation of mir146a, as an inflammatory microRNA interacting with TLR4, showed another pathway, through which tropisetron improved diabetes-induced testicular injuries.

Up-regulating microRNA-214-3p relieves hypoxic-ischemic brain damage through inhibiting TXNIP expression

A list of microRNAs (miRs) has been referred to involve in the development of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). Based on that, we probed the concrete role of miR-214-3p regulating thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in the illness. A neonatal HIBD mouse model was established using the Rice-Vannucci method, followed by measurements of miR-214-3p and TXNIP levels in brain tissues. After modeling, mice were given brain injection of the compounds that could alter miR-214-3p and TXNIP expression. Afterward, neurological function, neuronal inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neuron morphology, and the number of Nissl body were assessed in HIBD mice. The binding of miR-214-3p to TXNIP was analyzed. Lower miR-214-3p and higher TXNIP were analyzed in brain tissues of mice with HIBD. Up-regulating miR-214-3p or depleting TXNIP improved neurological function, reduced neuronal inflammation and neuronal apoptosis, attenuated morphological damage of neurons, and increased the number of Nissl bodies in mice with HIBD. TXNIP was targeted by miR-214-3p and overexpressing TXNIP reversed the therapeutic effect of miR-214-3p on HIBD mice. It is noted that promotion of miR-214-3p relieves HIBD in mice through inhibiting TXNIP expression.

Circ_0007706 downregulation ameliorates neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy via regulating the miR-579-3p/TRAF6 axis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a main factor of neonatal death and permanent neurologic deficit. This study sought to investigate the functional role of hsa_circ_0007706 (circ_0007706) in modulating neonatal HIE.

METHODS

In vitro HIE cell model was established in hBMVECs under the condition of oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) treatment. qRT-PCR analysis was utilized for detecting the level of circ_0007706, microRNA-579-3p (miR-579-3p) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). RNase R treatment and Oligo (dT) ₁₈ primers were employed to verify the features of circ_0007706, and nucleocytoplasmic separation was conducted for determining the location of circ_0007706. CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, and flow cytometry were carried out to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and TRAF6 was detected using western blot. Meanwhile, the levels of the pro-inflammatory factors were determined via ELISA. SOD activity and MDA level were assessed via the respective kits. Besides, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down were used to identify the association between miR-579-3p and circ_0007706 or TRAF6.

RESULTS

Circ_0007706 was elevated in HIE newborns and OGD/R cell model. Knockdown of circ_0007706 greatly alleviated OGD/R-induced injury, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. We found that miR-579-3p was a direct target of circ_0007706, and miR-579-3p inhibitor could reverse the impact of circ_0007706 knockdown on OGD/R-caused cell damage in hBMVECs. In addition, miR-579-3p directly interacted with TRAF6, and the protective effects of miR-579-3p on OGD/R-induced injury in hBMVECs were harbored by TRAF6 overexpression. Our data indicated that circ_0007706 knockdown could downregulate the expression of TRAF6 by sponging miR-579-3p in OGD/R-treated hBMVECs.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that circ_0007706 knockdown assuaged HIE-induced injury by decreasing TRAF6 expression via targeting miR-579-3p.

Multi-omics research strategies in ischemic stroke: A multidimensional perspective

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a multifactorial and heterogeneous neurological disorder with high rate of death and long-term impairment. Despite years of studies, there are still no stroke biomarkers for clinical practice, and the molecular mechanisms of stroke remain largely unclear. The high-throughput omics approach provides new avenues for discovering biomarkers of IS and explaining its pathological mechanisms. However, single-omics approaches only provide a limited understanding of the biological pathways of diseases. The integration of multiple omics data means the simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes, RNAs, proteins and metabolites, revealing networks of interactions between multiple molecular levels. Integrated analysis of multi-omics approaches will provide helpful insights into stroke pathogenesis, therapeutic target identification and biomarker discovery. Here, we consider advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics and outline their use in discovering the biomarkers and pathological mechanisms of IS. We then delineate strategies for achieving integration at the multi-omics level and discuss how integrative omics and systems biology can contribute to our understanding and management of IS.

Paradoxical attenuation of neuroinflammatory response upon LPS challenge in miR-146b deficient mice

The miR-146 family consists of two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-146a and miR-146b (miR-146a/b), both of which are known to suppress immune responses in a variety of conditions. Here, we studied how constitutive deficiency of miR-146b (Mir146b-/-) affects lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in mice. Our experiments demonstrated that miR-146b deficiency results in the attenuation of LPS-induced neuroinflammation, as it was evidenced by the reduction of sickness behavior, a decrease in the inflammatory status of microglia, and the loss of morphological signs of microglial activation in the hippocampus. Gene expression analysis revealed that LPS-induced upregulation of hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines is attenuated in Mir146b-/- mice, compared to wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, reduced expression of the NF-κB nuclear protein p65, reduced miR-146 family target TLR4 expression and relatively stronger upregulation of miR-146a was found in Mir146b-/- mice as compared to WT mice upon LPS challenge. Compensatory upregulation of miR-146a can explain the attenuation of the LPS-induced neuroinflammation. This was supported by experiments conducted with miR-146a/b deficient mice (Mir146a/b-/-), which demonstrated that additional deletion of the miR-146a led to the restoration of LPS-induced sickness behavior and proinflammatory cytokines. Our experiments also showed that the observed upregulation of miR-146a in Mir146b-/- mice is due to the overexpression of a miR-146a transcription inducer, interferon regulatory factor 7 (Irf7). Altogether, our results show the existence of crosstalk between miR-146a and mir-146b in the regulation of LPS-induced neuroinflammation.

miR-2013 negatively regulates phylogenetically conserved PIP5K involved in TLR4 mediated immune responses of amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri Tsingtaunese)

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) is a catalytic kinase that performs multiple functions in organisms. Recent studies have shown that PIP5Kα in mammals can directly participate in the TLR-mediated innate immune regulation by controlling the production of PIP2. However, the PIP5K homologous gene has not been identified in Cephalochordata to date. In this study, we firstly identify and characterize a new PIP5K family member (designed as AmphiPIP5K) from Cephalochordata amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtaunese), particularly AmphiPIP5K is orthologous with vertebrate PIP5Kα and paralogous with PIP5Kβ and PIP5Kγ. Secondly, we find that the AmphiPIP5K is involved in amphioxus innate immune response to LPS stimulation. Thirdly, our results demonstrate that miR-2013 can inhibit AmphiPIP5K expression by binding to the CDS and 3' UTR regions of AmphiPIP5K. Collectively, our work not only demonstrates the evolutionary pattern of amphioxus PIP5K, but also reveals that miR-2013 negatively regulate PIP5K expression to involve in amphioxus innate immune response.

Enhanced Cognition and Neurogenesis in miR-146b Deficient Mice

The miR-146 family consists of two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-146a and miR-146b, which are both known to suppress a variety of immune responses. Here in this study, we show that miR-146b is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells, while miR-146a is mainly expressed in microglia and astroglia of adult mice. Accordingly, miR-146b deficient (Mir146b-/-) mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors and enhanced cognition. Characterization of cellular composition of Mir146b-/- mice using flow cytometry revealed an increased number of neurons and a decreased abundancy of astroglia in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, whereas microglia abundancy remained unchanged. Immunohistochemistry showed a higher density of neurons in the frontal cortex of Mir146b-/- mice, enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis as evidenced by an increased proliferation, and survival of newly generated cells with enhanced maturation into neuronal phenotype. No microglial activation or signs of neuroinflammation were observed in Mir146b-/- mice. Further analysis demonstrated that miR-146b deficiency is associated with elevated expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) mRNA in the hippocampus, which might be at least in part responsible for the observed neuronal expansion and the behavioral phenotype. This hypothesis is partially supported by the positive correlation between performance of mice in the object recognition test and Gdnf mRNA expression in Mir146b-/- mice. Together, these results show the distinct function of miR-146b in controlling behaviors and provide new insights in understanding cell-specific function of miR-146b in the neuronal and astroglial organization of the mouse brain.

MIR600HG sponges miR-125a-5p to regulate glycometabolism and cisplatin resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via mediating RNF44

There is increasing evidence that dysregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is implicated in tumorigenesis and progression. We aim to explore the role of lncRNA MIR600HG in glycometabolism and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells via regulating microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) and RING finger 44 (RNF44). Expression of MIR600HG, miR-125a-5p, and RNF44 in OSCC clinical samples, cell lines, and DDP-resistant OSCC cells (SCC-9/DDP) was determined. In SCC-9 cells, proliferation, IC50 value of DDP, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected; in SCC-9/DDP cells, proliferation, IC50 value of DDP, apoptosis, glucose consumption, and production of lactic acid and ATP were evaluated. The interaction of MR600HG, miR-125a-5p, and RNF44 was verified. MIR600HG and RNF44 were upregulated while miR-125a-5p was downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and also in SCC-9/DDP cells. In SCC-9 cells, MIR600HG overexpression improved cell growth, metastasis, and inhibited cell susceptibility to DDP; in SCC-9/DDP cells, silencing of MIR600HG promoted apoptosis, improved DDP sensitivity, and inhibited cell glycolysis. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p showed the opposite effect to downregulation of MIR600HG. MIR600HG bound to miR-125a-5p and miR-125a-5p targeted RNF44. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p reversed the improvement of DDP sensitivity and the inhibition of cell glycolysis by downregulated MIR600HG on SCC-9/DDP cells. Downregulating RNF44 reversed the promotion of DDP resistance and cell glycolysis of SCC-9/DDP cells mediated by downregulation of miR-125a-5p. Collectively, our study addresses that MIR600HG downregulation elevates miR-125a-5p and reduces RNF44 expression, thereby improving DDP sensitivity and inhibiting glycolysis in DDP-resistant OSCC cells.

Inducible MicroRNA-132 Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Cytokines by Targeting TRAF6, TAK1, and TAB1 in Teleost Fish

The innate immune response is the first line of defense against pathogen infection. Eradication of pathogen infection requires appropriate immune and inflammatory responses, but excessive inflammation may cause inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs, and accumulating evidence has shown that in mammals, they can act as negative regulators that participate in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses. However, the miRNA-mediated immune regulation networks in the inflammatory responses of lower vertebrates are largely unknown. In this study, we report an miRNA, miR-132, identified from miiuy croaker, that acts as a negative regulator in the host's bacterium-induced inflammatory response. We found that miR-132 expression was dramatically increased upon infection by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio harveyi and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Inducible miR-132 inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by targeting tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), transforming growth factor-activated protein kinase 1 (TAK1), and TAK1 binding protein 1 (TAB1), thus avoiding an excessive inflammatory response. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-132 modulates the inflammatory response through a TRAF6-, TAK1-, and TAB1-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. These results collectively reveal that miR-132 plays a negative regulatory role in the host antibacterial immune response, which will help to gain insight into the intricate network of host resistance to pathogen infection in lower vertebrates.

miR‑146b‑5p promotes colorectal cancer progression by targeting TRAF6

Increasing evidence highlights the multiple roles of microRNAs (miRs) in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the molecular mechanism, particularly the target of miR-146b-5p in CRC has not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to elucidate the influence of miR-146b-5p via regulating tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in CRC. The expression levels of miR-146b-5p and TRAF6 in CRC tissue and cells were determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting. Binding between miR-146b-5p and TRAF6 was examined using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The impact of miR-146b-5p and TRAF6 on proliferation and migration of CRC cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. An animal model of CRC was established to determine the carcinogenic effect of the miR-146b-5p-TRAF6 axis. The results demonstrated that miR-146b-5p was highly expressed in CRC tissue samples compared with in normal adjacent tissue samples and in CRC cells compared with in the normal NCM460 cell line, whereas TRAF6 was expressed at low levels. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p decreased TRAF6 expression in CRC HT29 and SW620 cells. miR-146b-5p targeted and inhibited TRAF6 expression in CRC cells. Furthermore, transfection with a miR-146b-5p mimic promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells and tumor growth; however, these effects were abolished by TRAF6 overexpression. Transfection with a miR-146b-5p inhibitor suppressed the proliferation of CRC cells. Taken together, the results from the present study demonstrated that miR-146b-5p could enhance the initiation and tumorigenesis of CRC by targeting TRAF6. These results will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying CRC development and will facilitate the development of targeted therapy for CRC.

Neural Function Recovery and Safety of Mild Hypothermia Therapy Combined with Monosialotetrahexosylganglioside on Neonatal Asphyxia Complicated by Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Objective

To explore the effect and safety of mild hypothermia therapy combined with monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) on neural function recovery of neonatal asphyxia complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Methods

The clinical data of 90 neonates with HIE were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment methods, the neonates were divided into a routine group, a mild hypothermia group, and a combination group, with 30 cases in each group. The differences in neural function recovery, biochemical indexes, clinical signs recovery, efficacy, and complications were observed in the three groups after treatment.

Results

After treatment, the score of neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) and level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the combination group were higher than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). The levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100β protein, and plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the combination group were lower than those in the other two groups, and the recovery time of consciousness, muscle tension, and reflex was shorter (P < 0.05). The combination group showed higher total effective rate and lower incidence of complications as compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Mild hypothermia therapy combined with GM1 for the treatment of neonatal asphyxia complicated by HIE can promote the recovery of neural function and reduce the incidence of complications in neonates.

MiR-582-5p attenuates neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy by targeting high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) through inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

MiR-582-5p has been demonstrated to protect against ischemic stroke. However, its implication in the progression of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has not been explored.

METHODS

In this study, we used an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to investigate the protective effect of miR-582-5p on PC12 cells. OGD-induced inhibition of cell viability and promotion of cell death was assessed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were utilized to examine the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The effects of miR-582-5p on OGD-induced oxidative injury were assessed by the determination of oxidative stress indicators. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay and gain-offunction assay were used to determine the mechanism of miR-582-5p in OGD-induced cell injury.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-582-5p was reduced upon OGD treatment in PC12 cells. Overexpression of miR-582-5p inhibited OGD-induced PC12 cell injury by regulating cell viability, apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. MiR-582-5p targeted and negatively regulated high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). MiR-582-5p presented protective effects on OGD-induced PC12 cell injury by targeting HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that miR-582-5p ameliorates neuronal injury by inhibiting apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress through targeting HMGB1.

MicroRNA-146b-5p suppresses cholangiocarcinoma cells by targeting TRAF6 and modulating p53 translocation

BACKGROUND

In view of the poor prognosis and high mortality of cholangiocarcinoma, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies. This study aims to reveal the biological function of miR-146b-5p in cholangiocarcinoma cell and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

The expression level and prognostic information on miR-146b-5p in cholangiocarcinoma were obtained in TCGA database. The biological function of miR-146b-5p on proliferation and vitality of cholangiocarcinoma cell HUCCT-1 was examined by EdU and MTT assay, and the apoptosis of HUCCT-1 cells transfected with miR-146b-5p mimic, mimic control, inhibitor, inhibitor control was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The western blot was done to evaluate the effect of miR-146b-5p targeting substrate and the expression of p53 in whole-cell protein and mitochondria fractions.

RESULTS

Our finding revealed that miR-146b-5p expression in patients with CHOL was lower than the normal group(p＜0.001). MiR-146b-5p expression was down-regulated in human cholangiocarcinoma HUCCT-1 and RBE cells compared to normal control HIBEC and other cancer cells. The miR-146b-5p mimic could inhibit HUCCT-1 cell proliferation (p＜0.05) and promote HUCCT-1 cell apoptosis significantly (p＜0.05). The results of western blot showed that miR-146b-5p mimic could directly target TRAF6 3'UTR region and up-regulate the expression of p53 in mitochondria and miR-146b-5p inhibitor could down-regulated the level of p53 in mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

MiR-146b-5p is a cholangiocarcinoma suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis with targeting TRAF6, possibly via modulating p53 translocation to mitochondria.

High-Throughput Sequencing of BACHD Mice Reveals Upregulation of Neuroprotective miRNAs at the Pre-Symptomatic Stage of Huntington's Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder marked by transcriptional alterations that result in neuronal impairment and death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation and fine-tuning of gene expression. Several studies identified altered miRNA expression in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases, however their roles in early stages of HD remain elusive. Here, we deep-sequenced miRNAs from the striatum of the HD mouse model, BACHD, at the age of 2 and 8 months, representing the pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages of the disease. Our results show that 44 and 26 miRNAs were differentially expressed in 2- and 8-month-old BACHD mice, respectively, as compared to wild-type controls. Over-representation analysis suggested that miRNAs up-regulated in 2-month-old mice control the expression of genes crucial for PI3K-Akt and mTOR cell signaling pathways. Conversely, miRNAs regulating genes involved in neuronal disorders were down-regulated in 2-month-old BACHD mice. Interestingly, primary striatal neurons treated with anti-miRs targeting two up-regulated miRNAs, miR-449c-5p and miR-146b-5p, showed higher levels of cell death. Therefore, our results suggest that the miRNAs altered in 2-month-old BACHD mice regulate genes involved in the promotion of cell survival. Notably, over-representation suggested that targets of differentially expressed miRNAs at the age of 8 months were not significantly enriched for the same pathways. Together, our data shed light on the role of miRNAs in the initial stages of HD, suggesting a neuroprotective role as an attempt to maintain or reestablish cellular homeostasis.

Olea europaea Suppresses Inflammation by Targeting TAK1-Mediated MAP Kinase Activation

Possessing a variety of medicinal functions, Olea europaea L. is widely cultivated across the world. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Olea europaea is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, how the methanol extract of the leaves of Olea europaea (Oe-ME) can suppress in vitro inflammatory responses was examined in terms of the identification of the target protein. RAW264.7 and HEK293T cells were used to study macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses and to validate the target protein using PCR, immunoblotting, nuclear fraction, overexpression, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) under fixed conditions. Oe-ME treatment inhibited the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in activated RAW264.7 cells. Oe-ME diminished the activation of activator protein (AP)-1 and the phosphorylation of its upstream signaling cascades, including extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), p38, MKK7, and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), in stimulated-RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression and CETSA were carried out to verify that TAK1 is the target of Oe-ME. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of Oe-ME could be attributed to its control of posttranslational modification and transcription of TAK1.

Ketamine and Propofol Protect Neuron Cells from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Injury through SAPK/JNK Signalling Pathway

Ketamine and propofol are commonly used anaesthetic reagents. Recent research revealed that ketamine and propofol have an important role in cell survival. However, it remains unknown whether they affect the outcome of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. To address this issue, we in this study investigated the effects of ketamine and propofol on the survival and proliferation of neuronal PC12 cells after exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation- (OGD-) induced injury. PC12 cells were maintained under a 3-dimensional (3D) culture system to mimic a real physiological microenvironment. The cell injury was induced by 5% CO2 and 95% N2 for a different time point. MTT assay was used for the cell proliferation assay. The cell apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) labeling, immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. Our results showed that PC12 cell apoptosis was significantly increased for up to 70% after the cells were treated with OGD for 24 hours and reduced to baseline at the 72-hour time point. However, pretreatment with ketamine and propofol significantly protected the cells from OGD-induced cell apoptosis, as evidenced by more expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and lower expression of proapoptotic cleaved caspase-3, phosphor-SAPK/JNK, and phosphor-c-Jun than those of untreated control cells. Thus, we conclude that ketamine and propofol protected PC12 cells from OGD-induced cell apoptosis, at least partially through the SAPK/JNK signalling pathway.