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D'Aversa E, Salvatori F, Vaccarezza M, Antonica B, Grisafi M, Singh AV, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Tisato V, Gemmati D. circRNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Integrity in Blood-Brain Barrier Architecture: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:1316. [PMID: 39195206 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161316] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive demyelination and neuronal loss, with extensive neurological symptoms. As one of the most widespread neurodegenerative disorders, with an age onset of about 30 years, it turns out to be a socio-health and economic issue, thus necessitating therapeutic interventions currently unavailable. Loss of integrity in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the distinct MS hallmarks. Brain homeostasis is ensured by an endothelial cell-based monolayer at the interface between the central nervous system (CNS) and systemic bloodstream, acting as a selective barrier. MS results in enhanced barrier permeability, mainly due to the breakdown of tight (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) between endothelial cells. Specifically, proinflammatory mediator release causes failure in cytoplasmic exposure of junctions, resulting in compromised BBB integrity that enables blood cells to cross the barrier, establishing iron deposition and neuronal impairment. Cells with a compromised cytoskeletal protein network, fiber reorganization, and discontinuous junction structure can occur, resulting in BBB dysfunction. Recent investigations on spatial transcriptomics have proven circularRNAs (circRNAs) to be powerful multi-functional molecules able to epigenetically regulate transcription and structurally support proteins. In the present review, we provide an overview of the recent role ascribed to circRNAs in maintaining BBB integrity/permeability via cytoskeletal stability. Increased knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for impairment and circRNA's role in driving BBB damage and dysfunction might be helpful for the recognition of novel therapeutic targets to overcome BBB damage and unrestrained neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Bianca Antonica
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Miriana Grisafi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Strategic Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Strategic Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Kong K, Ding X, Wang Y, Xu S, Li G, Wang X, Zhang M, Ni Y, Xu G. Circular RNA expression profile and functional analysis of circUvrag in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:558-575. [PMID: 38282307 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14355] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in retinal pathophysiology; however, their expression profiles and functions in photoreceptor apoptosis are largely unknown. We explored circRNA-expression profiles and circUvrag (host gene: Uvrag, ultraviolet radiation resistance associated gene) function in light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats and 661 W photoreceptor cells were exposed to blue light to establish light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified using microarrays. Potential functions of dysregulated circRNAs were analysed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. CircUvrag expression and localization were evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. CircUvrag overexpression and knockdown were induced using a plasmid and a small interfering RNA, respectively, and retinal function and structure were assessed using scotopic electroretinography, haematoxylin-eosin staining, and TUNEL staining. Microglial migration was assessed using IBA1 immunostaining. The apoptosis ratio of photoreceptor cells in vitro was detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS We identified 764 differentially expressed circRNAs, which were potentially related with the development of retinal structures, including neurons, dendrites, and synapses, and might participate in nervous-system pathophysiology. Light exposure enriched circUvrag in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). CircUvrag knockdown decreased photoreceptor apoptosis and microglial migration to the ONL after light exposure, preserving ONL thickness and a-wave amplitude. In vitro, circUvrag knockdown inhibited photoreceptor apoptosis, although circUvrag overexpression slightly promoted photoreceptor apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS CircUvrag knockdown attenuated light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis, and might be a potential target in retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjie Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sisi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Research Center, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqin Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Su R, Zhou M, Lin J, Shan G, Huang C. A circular RNA-gawky-chromatin regulatory axis modulates stress-induced transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3702-3721. [PMID: 38416578 PMCID: PMC11039993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to heavy metal stress, the RNA-binding protein (RBP) gawky translocates into the nucleus and acts as a chromatin-interacting factor to activate the transcription of many stress-responsive genes. However, the upstream regulators of gawky-mediated transcription and their mechanistic details remain unknown. Here, we identified a class of metal-responsive element-containing circRNAs (MRE circRNAs) which specifically interact with gawky during copper stress. Using classic stress-responsive genes as a readout (Drosophila MT), we found that overexpression of MRE circRNAs led to a significant repression in stress-induced transcription. Mechanistically, MRE circRNAs promote the dissociation of gawky from chromatin and increase its aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation, which ultimately impedes the loading of RNA polymerase II to the active gene loci. The MRE motif serves as an important RNA regulon for maintaining the circRNA-gawky interaction, loss of which impaired the inhibitory effects of MRE circRNAs on gawky. Through RNA-seq analyses, we then identified over 500 additional stress-responsive genes whose induced transcription was attenuated upon MRE circRNA overexpression. Finally, we uncovered the physiological relevance of MRE circRNA-mediated regulation in cellular defense against copper overloading. Taken together, this study proposes that the circRNA-RBP-chromatin axis may represent a fundamental regulatory network for gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Su
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Jiamei Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ge Shan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Wang C, Wang Q, Xu G, Sun Z, Zhang D, Ma C, Li Y, Wen D, Zhang X, Cong B. Circular RNA expression profiles and functional predication after restraint stress in the amygdala of rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1381098. [PMID: 38685915 PMCID: PMC11056511 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1381098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolonged or repeated exposure to stress elevates the risk of various psychological diseases, many of which are characterized by central nervous system dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly abundant in the mammalian brain. Although their precise expression and function remain unknown, they have been hypothesized to regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression. In this investigation, we comprehensively analyzed whether restraint stress for 2 days altered the circRNA expression profile in the amygdala of male rats. The impact of restraint stress on behavior was evaluated using an elevated plus maze and open field test. Serum corticosterone levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 10,670 circRNAs were identified using RNA sequencing. Ten circRNAs were validated by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyzes supported the notion that genes associated with differentially expressed circRNAs are primarily implicated in neuronal activity and neurotransmitter transport. Moreover, the three differentially expressed circRNAs showed high specificity in the amygdala. Overall, these findings indicate that differentially expressed circRNAs are highly enriched in the amygdala and offer a potential direction for further research on restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guangming Xu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Police University for Criminal Justice, Baoding, China
| | - Zhaoling Sun
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunling Ma
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yingmin Li
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Di Wen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hainan Tropical Forensic Medicine Academician Workstation, Haikou, China
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Słowikowski B, Owecki W, Jeske J, Jezierski M, Draguła M, Goutor U, Jagodziński PP, Kozubski W, Dorszewska J. Epigenetics and the neurodegenerative process. Epigenomics 2024; 16:473-491. [PMID: 38511224 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0416] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases are multifactorial, genetic and environmental. Environmental factors such as diet, physical activity and emotional state are epigenetic factors. Environmental markers are responsible for epigenetic modifications. The effect of epigenetic changes is increased inflammation of the nervous system and neuronal damage. In recent years, it has been shown that epigenetic changes may cause an increased risk of neurological disorders but, currently, the relationship between epigenetic modifications and neurodegeneration remains unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge about neurological disorders caused by epigenetic changes in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and epilepsy. Advances in epigenetic techniques may be key to understanding the epigenetics of central changes in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Słowikowski
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Wojciech Owecki
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Jan Jeske
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Michał Jezierski
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Michał Draguła
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Ulyana Goutor
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Paweł P Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Chair & Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
| | - Jolanta Dorszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 61-701, Poland
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Kelley CM, Maloney B, Beck JS, Ginsberg SD, Liang W, Lahiri DK, Mufson EJ, Counts SE. Micro-RNA profiles of pathology and resilience in posterior cingulate cortex of cognitively intact elders. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae082. [PMID: 38572270 PMCID: PMC10988646 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is a key hub of the default mode network underlying autobiographical memory retrieval, which falters early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently performed RNA sequencing of post-mortem PCC tissue samples from 26 elderly Rush Religious Orders Study participants who came to autopsy with an ante-mortem diagnosis of no cognitive impairment but who collectively displayed a range of Braak I-IV neurofibrillary tangle stages. Notably, cognitively unimpaired subjects displaying high Braak stages may represent cognitive resilience to AD pathology. Transcriptomic data revealed elevated synaptic and ATP-related gene expression in Braak Stages III/IV compared with Stages I/II, suggesting these pathways may be related to PCC resilience. We also mined expression profiles for small non-coding micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which regulate mRNA stability and may represent an underexplored potential mechanism of resilience through the fine-tuning of gene expression within complex cellular networks. Twelve miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between Braak Stages I/II and III/IV. However, the extent to which the levels of all identified miRNAs were associated with subject demographics, neuropsychological test performance and/or neuropathological diagnostic criteria within this cohort was not explored. Here, we report that a total of 667 miRNAs are significantly associated (rho > 0.38, P < 0.05) with subject variables. There were significant positive correlations between miRNA expression levels and age, perceptual orientation and perceptual speed. By contrast, higher miRNA levels correlated negatively with semantic and episodic memory. Higher expression of 15 miRNAs associated with lower Braak Stages I-II and 47 miRNAs were associated with higher Braak Stages III-IV, suggesting additional mechanistic influences of PCC miRNA expression with resilience. Pathway analysis showed enrichment for miRNAs operating in pathways related to lysine degradation and fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. Finally, we demonstrated that the 12 resilience-related miRNAs differentially expressed in Braak Stages I/II versus Braak Stages III/IV were predicted to regulate mRNAs related to amyloid processing, tau and inflammation. In summary, we demonstrate a dynamic state wherein differential PCC miRNA levels are associated with cognitive performance and post-mortem neuropathological AD diagnostic criteria in cognitively intact elders. We posit these relationships may inform miRNA transcriptional alterations within the PCC relevant to potential early protective (resilience) or pathogenic (pre-clinical or prodromal) responses to disease pathogenesis and thus may be therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy M Kelley
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - John S Beck
- Departments of Translational Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Stephen D Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and the NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Winnie Liang
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Scott E Counts
- Departments of Translational Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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