Long Non-coding RNA MEG3 Attenuates the Angiotensin II-Induced Injury of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Interacting With p53

Possible role of lncRNAs in amelioration of Parkinson's disease symptoms by transplantation of dopaminergic cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since dopaminergic cell transplantation is a clinical method to treat PD, this study investigated the effects of dopaminergic cell therapy on the expression of some lncRNAs and genes related to PD. In this study, Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The control group (Sal group) received saline injections. The Par group was a PD rat model with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection in right striatum (ST). PD animals were transplanted by undifferentiated P19 stem cells (Par-E group), and P19-derived dopaminergic cells (Par-N group). Cell transplant effects were evaluated using behavioral tests (cylinder, open field, and rotarod tests), and histological methods (H&E and Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry). Moreover, the expression of lncRNAs MALAT1, MEG3, and SNHG1, alongside specific neuronal (synaptophysin) and dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase) markers was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Behavioral and histopathological examinations revealed that cell transplantation partially compensated dopaminergic cell degeneration in ST and substantia nigra (SN) of PD rats. The expression of MALAT1, SNHG1, and MEG3 was decreased in the ST of the Par group, while MEG3 and SNHG1 gene expression was increased in PBMC relative to the Sal group. In PBMC of the Par-N group, all three lncRNAs showed a reduction in their expression. Conversely, MALAT1 and SNHG1 expression was increased in ST tissue, while MEG3 gene expression was decreased compared to the Sal group. In conclusion, dopaminergic cell transplantation could change the lncRNAs expression. Furthermore, it partially improves symptoms in PD rats.

Sex Influence on Autophagy Markers and miRNAs in Basal and Angiotensin II-Treated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) display many sex and gender differences, and endothelial dysfunction, angiotensin II (Ang II), and autophagy represent key factors in the autophagic process Therefore, we studied whether Ang II modulates the mentioned processes in a sex-specific way in HUVECs obtained from healthy male and female newborns. In basal HUVECs, the Parkin gene and protein were higher in FHUVECs than in MHUVECs, while the Beclin-1 protein was more expressed in MHUVECs, and no other significant differences were detected. Ang II significantly increases LAMP-1 and p62 protein expression and decreases the expression of Parkin protein in comparison to basal in MHUVECs. In FHUVECs, Ang II significantly increases the expression of Beclin-1 gene and protein, and Parkin gene. The LC3 II/I ratio and LAMP-1 protein were significantly higher in MHUVECs than in FHUVECs, while Parkin protein was significantly more expressed in Ang II-treated FHUVECs than in male cells. Ang II affects the single miRNA levels: miR-126-3p and miR-133a-3p are downregulated and upregulated in MHUVECs and FHUVECs, respectively. MiR-223 is downregulated in MHUVEC and FHUVECs. Finally, miR-29b-3p and miR-133b are not affected by Ang II. Ang II effects and the relationship between miRNAs and organelles-specific autophagy is sex-dependent in HUVECs. This could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex differences in endothelial dysfunction, providing useful indications for innovative biomarkers and personalized therapeutic approaches.

Genetic Deletion of the LINC00520 Homolog in Mouse Aggravates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension

(1) Background: Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease that is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Apart from genetic predisposition, the mechanisms involved in this disease have yet to be fully understood. We previously reported that LEENE (lncRNA enhancing endothelial nitric oxide expression, transcribed from LINC00520 in the human genome) regulates endothelial cell (EC) function by promoting the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Mice with genetic deletion of the LEENE/LINC00520 homologous region exhibited impaired angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in a diabetic hindlimb ischemia model. However, the role of LEENE in blood pressure regulation is unknown. (2) Methods: We subjected mice with genetic ablation of leene and wild-type littermates to Angiotensin II (AngII) and monitored their blood pressure and examined their hearts and kidneys. We used RNA-sequencing to identify potential leene-regulated molecular pathways in ECs that contributed to the observed phenotype. We further performed in vitro experiments with murine and human ECs and ex vivo experiments with murine aortic rings to validate the select mechanism. (3) Results: We identified an exacerbated hypertensive phenotype of leene-KO mice in the AngII model, evidenced by higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At the organ level, we observed aggravated hypertrophy and fibrosis in the heart and kidney. Moreover, the overexpression of human LEENE RNA, in part, restored the signaling pathways impaired by leene deletion in murine ECs. Additionally, Axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits VEGFR suppresses LEENE in human ECs. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests LEENE as a potential regulator in blood pressure control, possibly through its function in ECs.

Vascular mechanotransduction

This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.

The multifaceted biology of lncR-Meg3 in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Cardio-cerebrovascular disease, related to high mortality and morbidity worldwide, is a type of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular dysfunction involved in various processes. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct additional research into the pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple functions and are involved in nearly all cellular biological processes, including translation, transcription, signal transduction, and cell cycle control. LncR-Meg3 is one of them and is becoming increasingly popular. By binding proteins or directly or competitively binding miRNAs, LncR-Meg3 is involved in apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other processes. Recent research has shown that LncR-Meg3 is associated with acute myocardial infarction and can be used to diagnose this condition. This article examines the current state of knowledge regarding the expression and regulatory function of LncR-Meg3 in relation to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The abnormal expression of LncR-Meg3 can influence neuronal cell death, inflammation, apoptosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, etc., thereby aggravating or promoting the disease. In addition, we review the bioactive components that target lncR-Meg3 and propose some potential delivery vectors. A comprehensive and in-depth analysis of LncR-Meg3’s role in cardiovascular disease suggests that targeting LncR-Meg3 may be an alternative therapy in the near future, providing new options for slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease.

LncRNA Meg3 knockdown reduces corneal neovascularization and VEGF-induced vascular endothelial angiogenesis via SDF-1/CXCR4 and Smad2/3 pathway

The crucial effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular angiogenesis has been well known in corneal neovascularization (CNV). This research aimed to determine the underlying value and mechanism of Meg3 on CNV in vivo and in vitro. In an alkali-burned mouse model, length and area of new vessels were increased along with thinning of corneal epithelium, accompanied by the overexpression of Meg3. Notably, subconjunctival injection of shMeg3 suppressed the degree of injury in cornea, causing expression of the angiogenesis markers--VEGF-A and CD31 decreased. In VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), knockdown of Meg3 antagonized the enhancement of viability, proliferation, wound healing ability and angiogenesis by VEGF. The proteins expression of VEGF-A, CD31, SDF-1/CXCR4 as well as phosphoraylation-Smad2/3 pathways, which were related to angiogenesis, were reduced with Meg3 deficiency. Overall, knockdown of Meg3 alleviated formation of neovascularization in alkali-burned corneas and reduced VEGF-induced angiogenesis by inhibiting SDF-1/CXCR4 and Smad2/3 signaling in vitro.

Noncoding RNAs in age-related cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide and represent a severe economic burden and public health concern. The majority of human genes do not code for proteins. However, noncoding transcripts play important roles in ageing that significantly increases the risk for CVDs. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of multiple biological processes related to ageing such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation. NcRNAs are also involved in pathophysiological developments within the cardiovascular system including arrhythmias, cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, myocardial infarction and heart failure. In this review article, we cover the roles of ncRNAs in cardiovascular ageing and disease as well as their potential therapeutic applications in CVDs.

Ibandronate promotes autophagy by inhibiting Rac1–mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo

We previously reported that ibandronate (IBAN) could improve endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats. However, the mechanism by which IBAN improves endothelial function is unclear. The IBAN-induced autophagic process in vitro experiments were determined by detection of LC3, Beclin1, and P62 protein levels via western blotting. The autophagy flux was detected by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For in vivo experiments, spontaneously hypertensive rats were orally administered with IBAN. Utilizing angiotensin II (Ang II) to stimulate the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) as a model of endothelial cell injury in hypertension, we found that IBAN promoted autophagy and protected cell viability in Ang II-treated-endothelial cells while these effects could be reversed by autophagy inhibitor. In terms of mechanism, IBAN treatment decreased the levels of Rac1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Activating either Rac1 or mTOR could reverse IBAN-induced autophagy. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments also indicated that IBAN promotes autophagy by downregulating Rac1-mTOR. Taken together, our results firstly revealed that IBAN enhances autophagy via inhibiting Rac1-mTOR signaling pathway, and thus alleviates Ang II-induced injury in endothelial cells.

Current State and Progress of Research on the Role of lncRNA in HBV-Related Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate in the world, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays an important role in its development. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is highly related to the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the activation of oncogenes in HCC. Researchers have used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify many noncoding transcripts related to the development of HCC and have studied the interaction between these transcripts and DNA, RNA, or protein to determine the relevant mechanism in the development of HCC. In general, the research on lncRNA represents a new field of cancer research, and the imbalance in lncRNA plays an pivotal role in the occurrence of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize some of the dysfunctional lncRNAs in human HCC associated with HBV infection. Their regulatory pathways, functions, and potential molecular mechanisms in the occurrence and development of HCC are discussed.

Emerging role of long non-coding RNAs in endothelial dysfunction and their molecular mechanisms

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the novel class of transcripts involved in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation of physiology and the pathology of diseases. Studies have evidenced that the impairment of endothelium is a critical event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by an imbalance in vasodilation and vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, proinflammatory factors, and nitric oxide bioavailability. Disruption of the endothelial barrier permeability, the first step in developing atherosclerotic lesions is a consequence of endothelial dysfunction. Though several factors interfere with the normal functioning of the endothelium, intrinsic epigenetic mechanisms governing endothelial function are regulated by lncRNAs and perturbations contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. This review comprehensively addresses the biogenesis of lncRNA and molecular mechanisms underlying and regulation in endothelial function. An insight correlating lncRNAs and endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases can positively impact the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases and treatment strategies.

Pathological Bases and Clinical Application of Long Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases

Increasing evidence has suggested that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have vital roles in cardiovascular tissue homeostasis and diseases. As a main subgroup of ncRNAs, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in lipid metabolism, inflammation, vascular injury, and angiogenesis. They have also been implicated in many human diseases including atherosclerosis, arterial remodeling, hypertension, myocardial injury, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Importantly, it was reported that lncRNAs were dysregulated in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A variety of studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs could influence gene expression at transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation level. Particularly, emerging evidence has confirmed that the crosstalk among lncRNAs, mRNA, and miRNAs is an important underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs. Nevertheless, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in CVDs have not been fully explored yet. In this review, we will comprehensively summarize the main findings about lncRNAs and CVDs, highlighting the most recent discoveries in the field of lncRNAs and their pathophysiological functions in CVDs, with the aim of dissecting the intrinsic association between lncRNAs and common risk factors of CVDs including hypertension, high glucose, and high fat. Finally, the potential of lncRNAs functioning as the biomarkers, therapeutic targets, as well as specific diagnostic and prognostic indicators of CVDs will be discussed in this review.

Peptidomics analysis revealed that a novel peptide VMP‑19 protects against Ang II‑induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a vital pathological change in hypertension, which is mainly caused by apoptosis and oxidative stress injury of vascular endothelial cells. Peptidomics is a method for the direct analysis of small bioactive peptides in various biological samples using liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Given the advantages of the low molecular weight, optimum targeting and easy access to cells, peptides have attracted extensive attention in the field of drug research. However, to the best of our knowledge, little is currently known regarding the role of peptides in vascular endothelial injury. In order to investigate the peptides involved in vascular endothelial protection, MS was used to analyze the peptide profiles in the supernatant of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by Ang II. The results revealed that 211 peptides were identified, of which six were upregulated and 13 were downregulated when compared with the control group. Subsequently, the present study analyzed the physical and chemical properties and biological functions of identified peptides by bioinformatics, and successfully screened a peptide (LLQDSVDFSLADAINTEFK) named VMP‑19 that could alleviate the apoptosis and oxidative stress injury of HUVECs induced by Ang II. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to use peptidomics to analyze the peptide profiles of supernatant secreted by HUVECs, and revealed that the novel peptide VMP‑19 could protect HUVECs from apoptosis and oxidative stress injury. The results of the present study could provide novel insights into treatment strategies for hypertension.

[Regulation of long non-coding RNA in cartilage injury of osteoarthritis]

Objective

To summarize the regulatory effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) on osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage injury.

Methods

The molecular functions and mechanisms of lncRNA were introduced and its regulatory effects on the pathological processes of OA were elaborated by referring to the relevant literature at domestic and abroad in recent years.

Results

The pathological characteristics of OA are degeneration of articular cartilage and inflammation of synovial tissue, but its etiology and pathological mechanism have not been clarified. lncRNA is a kind of heterogeneous non-coding RNA, which plays a regulatory role in many inflammation-related diseases and exerts a wide range of biological functions. lncRNA is a regulator involved in the pathogenesis of OA, and is abnormally expressed in OA cartilage, leading to the degeneration of the extracellular matrix of cartilage.

Conclusion

At present, there have been preliminary studies on the pathological effects of lncRNA in regulating OA and the biological functions of chondrocytes. However, the pathogenesis of lncRNA and its regulatory network in OA and the way in which it regulates inflammatory pathways are still unclear, and further exploration is needed.

Silencing of CRT relieves Ang II-Induced injury of HUVECs with insulin resistance

In this study, we investigated the effects of Angiotensin II (Ang II) on insulin-resistant endothelial cells. High glucose and insulin at series of concentrations were used to induce IR in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Successful IR induction was confirmed according to glucose consumption and glycogen content levels. Cell morphology was observed under a microscope. Expression levels of Ang II and Calreticulin (CRT) were measured by ELISA, qRT-PCR and Western blot as appropriate. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. HUVECs with IR were exposed to Ang II at series of concentrations, and then the cell viability, apoptosis and CRT were detected. Rescue assays were performed by transfection of siCRT or overexpression of CRT with or without Ang II stimulation into the HUVECs with IR. Expressions of cell apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Glucose (33.3 mmol/L) and insulin (4 µmol/L) induced significantly strong IR to the HUVECs, with a pathological appearance. Levels of Agn II and CRT were both up-regulated by IR. Cell viability of HUVECs was slightly reduced after IR induction for 2 h, and cell apoptosis rate was increased. In addition, Ang II (10^-7 mol/l) suppressed cell viability and glucose uptake, promoted cell apoptosis and increased CRT, and these effects could be weakened by silencing CRT. Thus, we preliminarily proved that Ang II up-regulates CRT, and CRT knockdown can relieve Ang II-induced injury of HUVECs with IR.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 promotes cataractogenesis by upregulating TP53INP1 expression in age-related cataract

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of visual impairment or even blindness among the aged population globally. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has been proven to be the potential regulator of ARC. The latest study reveals that maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) promotes the apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of multiple cancer cells. However, the expression and role of MEG3 in ARC are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of MEG3 in ARC and explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying these effects. We observed that MEG3 expression was up-regulated in the age-related cortical cataract (ARCC) lens capsules and positively correlated with the histological degree of ARCC. The pro-apoptosis protein, active caspase-3 and Bax increased in the anterior lens capsules of ARCC tissue, while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased compared to normal lens. Knockdown of MEG3 increased the viability and inhibited the apoptosis of LECs upon the oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. MEG3 was localized in both nucleus and cytoplasm in LECs. MEG3 facilitated TP53INP1 expression via acting as miR-223 sponge and promoting P53 expression. Additionally, TP53INP1 knockdown alleviated H₂O₂-induced lens turbidity. In summary, MEG3 promoted ARC progression by up-regulating TP53INP1 expression through suppressing miR-223 and promoting P53 expression, which would provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of ARC.

Knockdown of Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) AK094457 Relieved Angiotensin II Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury

Background

Hypertension could induce many serious diseases, including damage to vascular endothelial cells. As a non-coding RNA, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has received much attention in scientific research and has a regulating efficacy on many critical life activities in human body. The level of lncRNA AK094457 is thought to be elevated in hypertensive rats. However, there is no research indicating the relationship between the level of lncRNA AK094457 and vascular endothelial injury.

Material/Methods

In our study, we used lentiviral to knockdown lncRNA AK094457, and the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated by the Ang II to imitate the vascular endothelial cell damage caused by hypertension. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to detect the cells viability. Western blotting was performed to detect the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), p-eNOS and endothelin-1 (ET-1). After that the production of the NO was monitored. At last, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptosis rates were detected in this study.

Results

According to the results, we found that knockdown lncRNA AK094457 could alleviate the decrease of vascular endothelial cell viability induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). The knockdown of lncRNA AK094457 also relieved the downregulation of eNOS and p-eNOS, and the decreasing of NO release. At the same time, the knockdown of lncRNA inhibited the levels of Ang II-induced proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1, and IL-6) and cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1]). The levels of ROS and apoptosis rates also decreased after the knockdown of lncRNA AK094457.

Conclusions

All these results indicated that lncRNA AK094457 could promote Ang II-induced vascular endothelial cell injury. On the contrary, knockdown of lncRNA AK094457 could alleviate this damage.