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Yu Q, Shu S, Ju XY, Peng W, Ren XQ, Si SH, Song SZ, Xie XY, Fang BJ, Zhou S. Electroacupuncture Promotes Angiogenesis in Mice with Cerebral Ischemia by Inhibiting miR-7. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:543-550. [PMID: 38532151 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3715-z] [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: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the angiogenesis effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shuigou acupoint (GV 26) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, and explore the value of miRNA-7 (miR-7) in it. METHODS First, 48 mice were randomly divided into sham operation, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, and EA treatment groups. Then 9 mice were divided into carrier control group, miR-7 knockout group and miR-7 overexpression group (n=3 each group). Finally, 20 mice were divided into model and carrier control group, model and miR-7 knockout group, EA treatment and carrier control group and EA treatment and miR-7 overexpression group, with 3-6 mice in each group. The MCAO model was established in the MCAO and EA groups. Neurological deficit score and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to evaluate the severity of cerebral ischemia. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to describe basic pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify cerebral microvessel density. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-7 and its downstream target genes Krüppel-like factor 4/vascular endothelial growth factor (KLF4/VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) in the ischemic cerebral cortex. RESULTS After EA, neurological deficit scores and infarction volumes decreased, and the density of cerebral microvessels increased. In the MCAO group, miR-7 expression was higher than that in the sham group (P<0.01). After EA at GV 26, miR-7 expression decreased (P<0.01) and the expression of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 increased as compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). After EA combined with overexpression of miR-7, the expression of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 decreased compared to the control EA group (P<0.01). After miR-7 knockdown, the expression of KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2 increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS EA could promote angiogenesis in MCAO mice likely by inhibiting the expression of miR-7 and relieving inhibition of downstream target genes KLF4/VEGF and ANG-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi Shu
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin-Yao Ju
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Emergency, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xue-Qi Ren
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shu-Han Si
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi-Zhen Song
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xue-Yun Xie
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Bang-Jiang Fang
- Department of Emergency, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Berg K, Gorham J, Lundt F, Seidman J, Brueckner M. Endocardial primary cilia and blood flow are required for regulation of EndoMT during endocardial cushion development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594405. [PMID: 38798559 PMCID: PMC11118576 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Blood flow is critical for heart valve formation, and cellular mechanosensors are essential to translate flow into transcriptional regulation of development. Here, we identify a role for primary cilia in vivo in the spatial regulation of cushion formation, the first stage of valve development, by regionally controlling endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) via modulation of Kruppel-like Factor 4 (Klf4) . We find that high shear stress intracardiac regions decrease endocardial ciliation over cushion development, correlating with KLF4 downregulation and EndoMT progression. Mouse embryos constitutively lacking cilia exhibit a blood-flow dependent accumulation of KLF4 in these regions, independent of upstream left-right abnormalities, resulting in impaired cushion cellularization. snRNA-seq revealed that cilia KO endocardium fails to progress to late-EndoMT, retains endothelial markers and has reduced EndoMT/mesenchymal genes that KLF4 antagonizes. Together, these data identify a mechanosensory role for endocardial primary cilia in cushion development through regional regulation of KLF4.
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Kim MY, Jo MS, Choi SG, Moon HW, Park J, Lee JY. Repeated Injections of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Ameliorate Erectile Dysfunction in a Cavernous Nerve Injury Rat Model. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e19. [PMID: 38311373 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the therapeutic effect of repeated injections of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on the erectile dysfunction (ED) of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model and to identify potential target genes of these injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using an aqueous two-phase system. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Normal, BCNI, exosome once, and exosome-repeat groups. After four weeks, we measured the intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio to evaluate erectile function and examined cavernous nerve tissues for histological and molecular analyses. RNA sequencing in penile tissues was used to determine differentially expressed genes and was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze biological roles. RESULTS The ICP/MAP ratios in the exosome-once and exosome-repeat groups were significantly increased compared to those in the BCNI group. Interestingly, the ICP/MAP ratio showed a greater increase in the exosome-repeat group, which also showed significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level compared to the BCNI and exosome-once groups. Three genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exosome group, among which Ras homolog family member B promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS Repeated injections of MSC-derived exosomes can be effective in the treatment of rat models with ED induced by cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Young Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Prostate Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Soo Jo
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Geum Choi
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Prostate Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyong Woo Moon
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Prostate Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaesung Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Ji Youl Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Prostate Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Huang Z, Yang Y, Ma S, Li J, Ye H, Chen Q, Li Z, Deng J, Tan C. KLF4 down-regulation underlies placental angiogenesis impairment induced by maternal glucose intolerance in late pregnancy. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 124:109509. [PMID: 37907170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109509] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal glucose intolerance in late pregnancy can easily impair pregnancy outcomes and placental development. The impairment of placental angiogenesis is closely related to the occurrence of glucose intolerance during pregnancy, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, the pregnant mouse model of maternal high-fat diet and endothelial injury model of porcine vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) was used to investigate the effect of glucose intolerance on pregnancy outcomes and placental development. Feeding pregnant mice, a high-fat diet was shown to induce glucose intolerance in late pregnancy, and significantly increase the incidence of resorbed fetuses. Moreover, a decrease was observed in the proportion of blood sinusoids area and the expression level of CD31 in placenta, indicating that placental vascular development was impaired by high-fat diet. Considering that hyperglycemia is an important symptom of glucose intolerance, we exposed PVECs to high glucose (50 mM), which verified the negative effects of high glucose on endothelial function. Bioinformatics analysis further emphasized that high glucose exposure could significantly affect the angiogenesis-related functions of PVECs and predicted that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) may be a key mediator of these functional changes. The subsequent regulation of KLF4 expression confirmed that the inhibition of KLF4 expression was an important reason why high glucose impaired the endothelial function and angiogenesis of PVECs. These results indicate that high-fat diet can aggravate maternal glucose intolerance and damage pregnancy outcome and placental angiogenesis, and that regulating the expression of KLF4 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for maintaining normal placental angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyu Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Animal Science, Guangdong Maoming Agriculture & Forestry Technical College, Maoming, China
| | - Shuo Ma
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxuan Ye
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiling Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhishan Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Deng
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chengquan Tan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Kesidou D, Bennett M, Monteiro JP, McCracken IR, Klimi E, Rodor J, Condie A, Cowan S, Caporali A, Wit JBM, Mountford JC, Brittan M, Beqqali A, Baker AH. Extracellular vesicles from differentiated stem cells contain novel proangiogenic miRNAs and induce angiogenic responses at low doses. Mol Ther 2024; 32:185-203. [PMID: 38096818 PMCID: PMC10787168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from healthy endothelial cells (ECs) have shown potential for promoting angiogenesis, but their therapeutic efficacy remains poorly understood. We have previously shown that transplantation of a human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cell product (hESC-ECP), promotes new vessel formation in acute ischemic disease in mice, likely via paracrine mechanism(s). Here, we demonstrated that EVs from hESC-ECPs (hESC-eEVs) significantly increased EC tube formation and wound closure in vitro at ultralow doses, whereas higher doses were ineffective. More important, EVs isolated from the mesodermal stage of the differentiation (hESC-mEVs) had no effect. Small RNA sequencing revealed that hESC-eEVs have a unique transcriptomic profile and are enriched in known proangiogenic microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs). Moreover, an in silico analysis identified three novel hESC-eEV-miRNAs with potential proangiogenic function. Differential expression analysis suggested that two of those, miR-4496 and miR-4691-5p, are highly enriched in hESC-eEVs. Overexpression of miR-4496 or miR-4691-5p resulted in increased EC tube formation and wound closure in vitro, validating the novel proangiogenic function of these miRNAs. In summary, we demonstrated that hESC-eEVs are potent inducers of EC angiogenic response at ultralow doses and contain a unique EV-associated miRNA repertoire, including miR-4496 and miR-4691-5p, with novel proangiogenic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Kesidou
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Matthew Bennett
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - João P Monteiro
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ian R McCracken
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Eftychia Klimi
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Julie Rodor
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Alison Condie
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh EH14 4BE, UK
| | - Scott Cowan
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh EH14 4BE, UK
| | - Andrea Caporali
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jan B M Wit
- Mirabilis Therapeutics BV, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mairi Brittan
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Abdelaziz Beqqali
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; CARIM Institute, University of Maastricht, Maastricht 6229HX, the Netherlands.
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Bakhashab S, Megantara HP, Mahaputra DK, O’Neill J, Phowira J, Weaver JU. Decoding of miR-7-5p in Colony Forming Unit-Hill Colonies as a Biomarker of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease-A MERIT Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11977. [PMID: 37569355 PMCID: PMC10418446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colony forming unit-Hill (CFU-Hill) colonies were established to serve as a sensitive biomarker for vascular health. In animals, the overexpression of miR-7-5p was shown to be pro-atherogenic and associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In a MERIT study, we aimed to explore the role of miR-7-5p expression in CFU-Hill colonies in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and the effect of metformin in subclinical CVD. The expression of miR-7-5p in CFU-Hill colonies in 29 T1DM subjects without CVD and 20 healthy controls (HC) was measured. Metformin was administered to T1DM subjects for eight weeks. MiR-7-5p was upregulated in T1DM whereas metformin reduced it to HC levels. MiR-7-5p was positively correlated with c-reactive protein, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed miR-7-5p as a biomarker of CVD, and upregulated miR-7-5p, defining subclinical CVD at a HbA1c level of 44.3 mmol/mol. Ingenuity pathway analysis predicted miR-7-5p to inhibit the mRNA expression of Krüppel-like factor 4, epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 and insulin receptor substrate ½, and insulin receptor, while metformin activated these miRNAs via transforming growth factor-β1 and Smad2/3. We proved the pro-atherogenic effect of miR-7-5p that maybe used as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Bakhashab
- Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 2189, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamzah Pratama Megantara
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Dimas Kirana Mahaputra
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Josie O’Neill
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Jason Phowira
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Jolanta U. Weaver
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (H.P.M.); (D.K.M.); j.o' (J.O.); (J.P.)
- Department of Diabetes, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE9 6SH, UK
- Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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Rafiq M, Dandare A, Javed A, Liaquat A, Raja AA, Awan HM, Khan MJ, Naeem A. Competing Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks of hsa_circ_0126672 in Pathophysiology of Coronary Heart Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030550. [PMID: 36980823 PMCID: PMC10047999 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a global health concern, and its molecular origin is not fully elucidated. Dysregulation of ncRNAs has been linked to many metabolic and infectious diseases. This study aimed to explore the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of CHD and predicted a candidate circRNA that could be targeted for therapeutic approaches to the disease. circRNAs associated with CHD were identified and CHD gene expression profiles were obtained, and analyzed with GEO2R. In addition, differentially expressed miRNA target genes (miR-DEGs) were identified and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Networks of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA and the miRNA/affected pathways were constructed. Furthermore, a miRNA/mRNA homology study was performed. We identified that hsa_circ_0126672 was strongly associated with the CHD pathology by competing for endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms. hsa_circ_0126672 characteristically sponges miR-145-5p, miR-186-5p, miR-548c-3p, miR-7-5p, miR-495-3p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-21. Up-regulation of has_circ_0126672 affected various CHD-related cellular functions, such as atherosclerosis, JAK/STAT, and Apelin signaling pathways. Our results also revealed a perfect and stable interaction for the hybrid of miR-145-5p with NOS1 and RPS6KB1. Finally, miR-145-5p had the highest degree of interaction with the validated small molecules. Henchashsa_circ_0126672 and target miRNAs, notably miR-145-5p, could be good candidates for the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Abdullahi Dandare
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria
| | - Arham Javed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Afrose Liaquat
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Afraz Ahmad Raja
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Hassaan Mehboob Awan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jawad Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.J.K.); (A.N.); Tel.: +92-519-049-6140 (M.J.K)
| | - Aisha Naeem
- Health Research Governance Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Correspondence: (M.J.K.); (A.N.); Tel.: +92-519-049-6140 (M.J.K)
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Predicting Microenvironment in CXCR4- and FAP-Positive Solid Tumors-A Pan-Cancer Machine Learning Workflow for Theranostic Target Structures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020392. [PMID: 36672341 PMCID: PMC9856808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAP) are promising theranostic targets. However, it is unclear whether CXCR4 and FAP positivity mark distinct microenvironments, especially in solid tumors. (2) Methods: Using Random Forest (RF) analysis, we searched for entity-independent mRNA and microRNA signatures related to CXCR4 and FAP overexpression in our pan-cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database-representing n = 9242 specimens from 29 tumor entities. CXCR4- and FAP-positive samples were assessed via StringDB cluster analysis, EnrichR, Metascape, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Findings were validated via correlation analyses in n = 1541 tumor samples. TIMER2.0 analyzed the association of CXCR4 / FAP expression and infiltration levels of immune-related cells. (3) Results: We identified entity-independent CXCR4 and FAP gene signatures representative for the majority of solid cancers. While CXCR4 positivity marked an immune-related microenvironment, FAP overexpression highlighted an angiogenesis-associated niche. TIMER2.0 analysis confirmed characteristic infiltration levels of CD8+ cells for CXCR4-positive tumors and endothelial cells for FAP-positive tumors. (4) Conclusions: CXCR4- and FAP-directed PET imaging could provide a non-invasive decision aid for entity-agnostic treatment of microenvironment in solid malignancies. Moreover, this machine learning workflow can easily be transferred towards other theranostic targets.
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Jiang F, Zhang B, Zhang X, Zhang R, Lu Q, Shi F, Xu J, Deng L. miRNA‑92a inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation and may help prevent in‑stent restenosis. Mol Med Rep 2023; 27:40. [PMID: 36601739 PMCID: PMC9835053 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.12927] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype during cellular proliferation and migration may represent a potential therapeutic approach for vascular intimal hyperplasia prevention. However, the precise role of this process in VSMC biology and remodeling remains unclear. In the present study, western blotting, PCR, MTT and Transwell assays were used to analyze related protein and mRNA expression, cell viability and cell migration, respectively. It was demonstrated that miR‑92a modulated VSMCs into a synthetic phenotype via the Kruppel‑like factor 4 (KLF4) pathway. Targeting microRNA (miRNA/miR)‑92a in VSMCs using a KLF4 inhibitor suppressed the synthetic phenotype and inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration. To further confirm this finding, the expression levels of miR‑92a were measured in patients undergoing coronary artery intervention. The serum miR‑92a expression levels were significantly higher in patients with in‑stent restenosis (ISR) compared with those in patients without ISR, whereas KLF4 expression was significantly reduced in the non‑ISR group. Bioinformatic analysis and promoter‑luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the regulatory mechanisms underlying KLF4 expression. KLF4 was demonstrated to be transcriptionally upregulated by miR‑92a in VSMCs. miRNA transfection was also performed to regulate the level of miR‑92a expression. miR‑92a overexpression inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration, and also increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of certain differentiated VSMC‑related genes. Finally, miR‑92a inhibition promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, which could be reversed using a KLF4 inhibitor. Collectively, these results indicated that the local delivery of a KLF4 inhibitor may act as a novel therapeutic option for the prevention of ISR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Qin Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Fengjie Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Jianjiang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Lang Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Lang Deng, Department of Cardiology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, 198 Hongqi Road, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313003, P.R. China, E-mail:
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10
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Silva GCV, Borsatto T, Schwartz IVD, Sperb-Ludwig F. Characterization of the 3'UTR of the BTD gene and identification of regulatory elements and microRNAs. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20200432. [PMID: 35167647 PMCID: PMC8846296 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced biotinidase activity is associated with a spectrum of deficiency ranging
from total deficiency to heterozygous levels, a finding that is not always
explained by the pathogenic variants observed in the BTD gene.
The investigation of miRNAs, regulatory elements and variants in the 3’UTR
region may present relevance in understanding the genotype-phenotype
association. The aims of the study were to characterize the regulatory elements
of the 3’UTR of the BTD gene and identify variants and miRNAs
which may explain the discrepancies observed between genotype and biochemical
phenotype. We evaluated 92 individuals with reduced biotinidase activity (level
of heterozygotes = 33, borderline = 35, partial DB = 20 or total DB= 4) with
previously determined BTD genotype. The 3’UTR of the
BTD gene was Sanger sequenced. In silico
analysis was performed to identify miRNAs and regulatory elements. No variants
were found in the 3’UTR. We found 97 possible miRNAs associated with the
BTD gene, 49 predicted miRNAs involved in the alanine,
biotin, citrate and pyruvate metabolic pathways and 5 genes involved in biotin
metabolism. Six AU-rich elements were found. Our data suggest variants in the
3'UTR of BTD do not explain the genotype-phenotype
discrepancies found in Brazilian individuals with reduced biotinidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerda Cristal Villalba Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Laboratório BRAIN, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Taciane Borsatto
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Laboratório BRAIN, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ida Vanessa Doederlein Schwartz
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Laboratório BRAIN, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sperb-Ludwig
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Laboratório BRAIN, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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11
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Zhang W, Wang Q, Du H, Jiang S. CRISPR/cas9-mediated overexpression of long non-coding RNA SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 regulates the proliferation of osteosarcoma by increasing the expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase and Kruppel like factor 4. Bioengineered 2021; 13:6678-6687. [PMID: 34696664 PMCID: PMC8973734 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1995106] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, derived from primitive mesenchymal cells, is the most common primary solid malignant tumor of bone. The cause of osteosarcoma remains unclear. In recent years, the role of non-coding sequences in regulating protein expression in tumors has been paid more and more attention, especially long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). We speculate that SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 (SOX21-AS1) can regulate the expression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) through sponging hsa-mir-7-5p and hsa-mir-145-5p. We knocked lncRNA SOX21-AS1 into the genome of 143B cells through CRISPR/Cas9, then screened out a monoclonal cell line. Detect the transcription level and protein expression level of the above-mentioned related genes, and cell proliferation. Then, ginsenoside Rg3 was added to culture the cell line knocked into lncRNA SOX21-AS1, and the expression levels of lncRNA SOX21-AS1, hsa-mir-7-5p, hsa-mir-145-5p, mTOR, and KLF4 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation method detects cell viability, explores the molecular mechanism of lncRNA SOX21-AS1 in osteosarcoma, and checks whether it can be used as a potential drug target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Our results demonstrate that the overexpression of lncRNA SOX21-AS1 up-regulates mTOR and KLF4 by sponging hsa-mir-7-5p and hsa-mir-145-5p, and ultimately regulates the proliferation of osteosarcoma. It is proved that ginsenoside Rg3 can inhibit the cell proliferation of osteosarcoma by reducing the expression level of lncRNA SOX21-AS1. It provides an alternative for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Zhang
- Health Management Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of human resources, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Haibo Du
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Shichao Jiang
- Department of orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China.,Department of orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
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12
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Gu X, Li X, Jin Y, Zhang Z, Li M, Liu D, Wei F. CDR1as regulated by hnRNPM maintains stemness of periodontal ligament stem cells via miR-7/KLF4. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4501-4515. [PMID: 33837664 PMCID: PMC8093972 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CDR1as is a well‐identified circular RNA with regulatory roles in a variety of physiological processes. However, the effects of CDR1as on stemness of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we detect CDR1as in human PDLSCs, and subsequently demonstrate that CDR1as maintains PDLSC stemness. Knockdown of CDR1as decreases the expression levels of stemness‐related genes and impairs the cell's multi‐differentiation and cell migration abilities, while overexpression of CDR1as increases the expression levels of stemness‐related genes and enhances these abilities. Furthermore, our results indicate that the RNA‐binding protein hnRNPM directly interacts with CDR1as and regulates its expression in PDLSCs. In addition, we show that CDR1as promotes the expression of stemness‐related genes in PDLSCs by inhibiting miR‐7‐mediated suppression of KLF4 expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CDR1as participates in the molecular circuitry that regulates PDLSC stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuge Gu
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Mengying Li
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Dongxu Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Fulan Wei
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
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13
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MiR-7 in Cancer Development. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030325. [PMID: 33806891 PMCID: PMC8004586 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA involved in the regulation of specific mRNA translation. They participate in cellular signaling circuits and can act as oncogenes in tumor development, so-called oncomirs, as well as tumor suppressors. miR-7 is an ancient miRNA involved in the fine-tuning of several signaling pathways, acting mainly as tumor suppressor. Through downregulation of PI3K and MAPK pathways, its dominant role is the suppression of proliferation and survival, stimulation of apoptosis and inhibition of migration. Besides these functions, it has numerous additional roles in the differentiation process of different cell types, protection from stress and chromatin remodulation. One of the most investigated tissues is the brain, where its downregulation is linked with glioblastoma cell proliferation. Its deregulation is found also in other tumor types, such as in liver, lung and pancreas. In some types of lung and oral carcinoma, it can act as oncomir. miR-7 roles in cell fate determination and maintenance of cell homeostasis are still to be discovered, as well as the possibilities of its use as a specific biotherapeutic.
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14
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Woodcock CSC, Hafeez N, Handen A, Tang Y, Harvey LD, Estephan LE, Speyer G, Kim S, Bertero T, Chan SY. Matrix stiffening induces a pathogenic QKI-miR-7-SRSF1 signaling axis in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 320:L726-L738. [PMID: 33565360 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00407.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) refers to a set of heterogeneous vascular diseases defined by elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), leading to right ventricular (RV) remodeling and often death. Early increases in pulmonary artery stiffness in PAH drive pathogenic alterations of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs), leading to vascular remodeling. Dysregulation of microRNAs can drive PAEC dysfunction. However, the role of vascular stiffness in regulating pathogenic microRNAs in PAH is incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrated that extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening downregulated miR-7 levels in PAECs. The RNA-binding protein quaking (QKI) has been implicated in the biogenesis of miR-7. Correspondingly, we found that ECM stiffness upregulated QKI, and QKI knockdown led to increased miR-7. Downstream of the QKI-miR-7 axis, the serine and arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) was identified as a direct target of miR-7. Correspondingly, SRSF1 was reciprocally upregulated in PAECs exposed to stiff ECM and was negatively correlated with miR-7. Decreased miR-7 and increased QKI and SRSF1 were observed in lungs from patients with PAH and PAH rats exposed to SU5416/hypoxia. Lastly, miR-7 upregulation inhibited human PAEC migration, whereas forced SRSF1 expression reversed this phenotype, proving that miR-7 depended upon SRSF1 to control migration. In aggregate, these results define the QKI-miR-7-SRSF1 axis as a mechanosensitive mechanism linking pulmonary arterial vascular stiffness to pathogenic endothelial function. These findings emphasize implications relevant to PAH and suggest the potential benefit of developing therapies that target this miRNA-dependent axis in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shan Chen Woodcock
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Neha Hafeez
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam Handen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ying Tang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lloyd D Harvey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Leonard E Estephan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gil Speyer
- Research Computing, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Seungchan Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Computational Systems Biology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas
| | - Thomas Bertero
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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15
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Ji Z, Luo J, Su T, Chen C, Su Y. miR-7a Targets Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 Gene and Suppresses Viability and Invasion of Cells in Diabetic Retinopathy Mice via PI3K-Akt-VEGF Pathway. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2021; 14:719-728. [PMID: 33623407 PMCID: PMC7896799 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s288482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major leading causes for vision loss globally. Current study illustrates the role of miR-7a in DR. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retinal pericytes (RPs) and Endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated from mouse model of DR. qRT-PCR was done for expression of miR-7a and target gene mRNA, Western blot for protein expression. Identification of miR-7a target gene was done by TargetScan and Luciferase assay. Cell viability and invasion was done by MTT and Transwell chamber assay. RESULTS The expression of miR-7a was down-regulated whereas level of IRS-2 was unregulated in isolated RPs and ECs. Luciferase assay suggested correlation between miR-7a and IRS-2, over-expression of miR-7a using a mimic resulted in suppression in viability and invasion capacity of RPs and ECs and inhibited the protein levels of PI3K/Akt cascade and IRS-2, and however the inhibitor reversed them respectively. Transfection of siRNA targeting IRS-2 caused alteration in miR-7a mediated changes in ECs suggesting that miR-7a may decrease angiogenesis in DR by inhibiting the levels of IRS-2. CONCLUSION miR-7a suppresses PI3K/Akt cascade via targeting IRS-2, thus decreasing the viability and invasion capacity of RPs and ECs, suggesting an interesting treatment target for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinyuan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Su
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changzheng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yu Su Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-2788041911 Email
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16
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Lin CL, Ying TH, Yang SF, Wang SW, Cheng SP, Lee JJ, Hsieh YH. Transcriptional Suppression of miR-7 by MTA2 Induces Sp1-Mediated KLK10 Expression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:699-710. [PMID: 32402941 PMCID: PMC7218230 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MTA2 is involved in tumor proliferation and metastasis. However, the role of MTA2 in cervical cancer thus far has not been identified. In this study, we report that elevated expression of MTA2 negatively correlates with Kallikrein-10 (KLK10) expression and poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Knockdown of MTA2 substantially inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion, and it enhanced KLK10 expression of the cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, shMTA2-mediated suppression of cell mobility was significantly restored by knockdown of KLK10. We also found that Sp1 (transcription factor specificity protein 1) is critical for shMTA2-induced transcriptional upregulation of KLK10 and subsequent biological functions. Furthermore, we found that the expression of miR-7 is elevated by MTA2 silencing and then by direct inhibition of Sp1 expression. Knockdown of Sp1 additively enhanced KLK10 expression in MTA2-knocked down cervical cancer cells, suggesting that the miR-7/Sp1 axis acts as an effector of MTA2 to impact KLK10 levels and mobility of cervical cancer cells. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the physiological relationship between MTA2 and KLK10 via regulating the miR-7/Sp1 axis, and they provide a potential therapeutic target in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ho Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Cheng
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Jen Lee
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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17
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Yang Z, Hu H, Zou Y, Luo W, Xie L, You Z. miR-7 Reduces High Glucose Induced-damage Via HoxB3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Curr Mol Med 2019; 20:372-378. [PMID: 31702491 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666191023151137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. This study investigated the effect of miR-7 in the regulation of cell proliferation via the HoxB3 gene and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in DR. METHODS Human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) cultured in normal medium (Control) and high glucose medium (25mM glucose, HG) was transfected with mimics NC (HG+ mimics NC), miR-7 mimics (HG+miR-7 mimics), inhibitor NC (HG+ inhibitor NC), and miR-inhibitor (HG+miR-7 inhibitor). The cells were assayed for viability, apoptosis, and expression of genes. RESULTS HG reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. However, miR-7 mimics reduced the apoptosis. PCR results showed that miR-7 was significantly upregulated after transfection with miR-7 mimics. The expression of Hoxb3, mTOR, p-PI3K, and p- AKT was significantly downregulated at mRNA and protein levels after miR-7 mimics transfection, while no difference was observed for PI3K and AKT expression. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that miR-7 regulates the growth of retinal epithelial cells through various pathways and is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hanying Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuling Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenbluo Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhipeng You
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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18
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Fan X, Liu M, Tang H, Leng D, Hu S, Lu R, Wan W, Yuan S. MicroRNA-7 Exerts Antiangiogenic Effect on Colorectal Cancer via ERK Signaling. J Surg Res 2019; 240:48-59. [PMID: 30909065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that microRNA-7 (miR-7) family members may play important roles in human cancer by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of miR-7 in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS Initially, cancer and adjacent tissues were collected from 76 patients with CRC. Then, microvascular density was detected using the Weidner counting method. The functional role of miR-7 in CRC was determined using ectopic expression, knockdown, and reporter assay experiments. The vasculogenic mimicry density was determined. Expression of miR-7, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), vascular endothelial growth factor, and thrombospondin-1 was determined. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, scratch tests, and Transwell assays were conducted to examine cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Finally, flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. RESULTS CRC tissues showed increased microvascular density and EGFR expression, activated ERK signaling, and miR-7 downregulation. EGFR was a target gene of miR-7. miR-7 overexpression and EGFR silencing decreased vasculogenic mimicry density, cell migration, and cell invasion, but increased cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-7 overexpression and EGFR silencing upregulated thrombospondin-1 and downregulated EGFR, ERK1/2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, we observed that the effect of miR-7 inhibition was abolished after EGFR silencing. CONCLUSIONS Overexpressed miR-7 suppresses angiogenesis of CRC cells through ERK signaling by downregulating EGFR. It may identify new targets for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuepeng Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Dewen Leng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuli Hu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibo Wan
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiying Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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19
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Li L, Rispoli R, Patient R, Ciau-Uitz A, Porcher C. Etv6 activates vegfa expression through positive and negative transcriptional regulatory networks in Xenopus embryos. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1083. [PMID: 30842454 PMCID: PMC6403364 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGFA signaling controls physiological and pathological angiogenesis and hematopoiesis. Although many context-dependent signaling pathways downstream of VEGFA have been uncovered, vegfa transcriptional regulation in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that the ETS transcription factor, Etv6, positively regulates vegfa expression during Xenopus blood stem cell development through multiple transcriptional inputs. In agreement with its established repressive functions, Etv6 directly inhibits expression of the repressor foxo3, to prevent Foxo3 from binding to and repressing the vegfa promoter. Etv6 also directly activates expression of the activator klf4; reflecting a genome-wide paucity in ETS-binding motifs in Etv6 genomic targets, Klf4 then recruits Etv6 to the vegfa promoter to activate its expression. These two mechanisms (double negative gate and feed-forward loop) are classic features of gene regulatory networks specifying cell fates. Thus, Etv6's dual function, as a transcriptional repressor and activator, controls a major signaling pathway involved in endothelial and blood development in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rossella Rispoli
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Roger Patient
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Aldo Ciau-Uitz
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Catherine Porcher
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
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Shih J, Lin H, Hsiao A, Su Y, Tsai S, Chien C, Kung H. Unveiling the role of microRNA‐7 in linking TGF‐β‐Smad‐mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition with negative regulation of trophoblast invasion. FASEB J 2019; 33:6281-6295. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801898rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐Chung Shih
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and ProteomicsCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hua‐Heng Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - An‐Che Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Yi‐Ting Su
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Shawn Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chung‐Liang Chien
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hsiu‐Ni Kung
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
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21
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Liu Y, Du Y, Hu X, Zhao L, Xia W. Up-regulation of ceRNA TINCR by SP1 contributes to tumorigenesis in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:367. [PMID: 29614984 PMCID: PMC5883880 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Assembling evidences suggested that aberrant expression of tissue differentiation-inducing non-protein coding RNA (TINCR) intimately associated with variety of human cancer. However, the expression pattern and involvement of TINCR in breast cancer has not been fully investigated. Here we set out to analyze expression of TINCR in breast cancer and elucidate its mechanistic involvement in tumor incidence and progression. Methods The expression of TINCR was determined by q-PCR. SP1 binding sites were analyzed by ChIP-qPCR. The relative transcription activity was measured with luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability was measured with CCK-8 method. Clonogenic capacity was evaluated by soft agar assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V/7-AAD staining. The migration and invasion were determined by trans-well assay and wound healing. The tumor growth in vivo was evaluated in xenograft mice model. Protein expression was quantified by immunoblotting. Results TINCR was aberrantly up-regulated by SP1, which in turn stimulated cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth and suppressed cell apoptosis in breast cancer. TINCR silencing significantly suppressed migration and invasion in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, TINCR modulated KLF4 expression via competing with miR-7, which consequently contributed to its oncogenic potential. MiR-7 inhibition severely compromised TINCR silencing-elicited tumor repressive effects. Conclusion Our data uncovered a crucial role of TINCR-miR-7-KLF4 axis in human breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4255-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of ENT, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaying Du
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Xia
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Jeong D, Ham J, Park S, Lee S, Lee H, Kang HS, Kim SJ. MicroRNA-7-5p mediates the signaling of hepatocyte growth factor to suppress oncogenes in the MCF-10A mammary epithelial cell. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15425. [PMID: 29133945 PMCID: PMC5684415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15846-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) is a non-coding RNA of 23-nucleotides that has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in various cancers including breast cancer. Although there have been copious studies on the action mechanisms of miR-7, little is known about how the miR is controlled in the mammary cell. In this study, we performed a genome-wide expression analysis in miR-7-transfected MCF-10A breast cell line to explore the upstream regulators of miR-7. Analysis of the dysregulated target gene pool predicted hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as the most plausible upstream regulator of miR-7. MiR-7 was upregulated in MCF-10A cells by HGF, and subsequently downregulated upon treatment with siRNA against HGF. However, the expression of HGF did not significantly change through either an upregulation or downregulation of miR-7 expression, suggesting that HGF acts upstream of miR-7. In addition, the target genes of miR-7, such as EGFR, KLF4, FAK, PAK1 and SET8, which are all known oncogenes, were downregulated in HGF-treated MCF-10A; in contrast, knocking down HGF recovered their expression. These results indicate that miR-7 mediates the activity of HGF to suppress oncogenic proteins, which inhibits the development of normal cells, at least MCF-10A, into cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawoon Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Ham
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungbin Park
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeon Lee
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunkyung Lee
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Sung Kang
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Thamotharan S, Chu A, Kempf K, Janzen C, Grogan T, Elashoff DA, Devaskar SU. Differential microRNA expression in human placentas of term intra-uterine growth restriction that regulates target genes mediating angiogenesis and amino acid transport. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176493. [PMID: 28463968 PMCID: PMC5413012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental insufficiency leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) demonstrates perturbed gene expression affecting placental angiogenesis and nutrient transfer from mother to fetus. To understand the post-transcriptional mechanisms underlying such placental gene expression changes, our objective was to identify key non-coding microRNAs that express biological function. To this end, we initially undertook microarrays targeting microRNAs in a small sub-set of placentas of appropriate (AGA) versus small for gestational age (SGA) weight infants, and observed up-regulation of 97 miRs and down-regulation of 44 miRs in SGA versus AGA. In a larger cohort of samples (AGA, n = 21; SGA, n = 11; IUGR subset, n = 5), we validated by qRT-PCR differential expression of three specific microRNAs (miR-10b, -363 and -149) that target genes mediating angiogenesis and nutrient transfer. Validation yielded an increase in miR-10b and -363 expression of ~2.5-fold (p<0.02 each) in SGA versus AGA, and of ~3-fold (p<0.005) in IUGR versus AGA, with no significant change despite a trending increase in miR-149. To further establish a cause-and-effect paradigm, employing human HTR8 trophoblast cells, we assessed the effect of nutrient deprivation on miR expression and inhibition of endogenous miRs on target gene expression. In-vitro nutrient deprivation (~50%) increased the expression of miR-10b and miR-149 by 1.5-fold (p<0.02) while decreasing miR-363 (p<0.0001). Inhibition of endogenous miRs employing antisense sequences against miR-10b, -363 and -149 revealed an increase respectively in the expression of the target genes KLF-4 (transcription factor which regulates angiogenesis), SNAT1 and 2 (sodium coupled neutral amino acid transporters) and LAT2 (leucine amino acid transporter), which translated into a similar change in the corresponding proteins. Finally to establish functional significance we performed dual-luciferase reporter assays with 3'-insertion of miR-10b alone and observed a ~10% reduction in the 5'-luciferase activity versus the control. Lastly, we further validated by microarray and employing MirWalk software that the pathways and target genes identified by differentially expressed miRs in SGA/IUGR compared to AGA are consistent in a larger cohort. We have established the biological significance of various miRs that target common transcripts mediating pathways of importance, which are perturbed in the human IUGR placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthie Thamotharan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Alison Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Katie Kempf
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Carla Janzen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Tristan Grogan
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David A. Elashoff
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sherin U. Devaskar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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