MicroRNA-155 and Its Role in Malignant Hematopoiesis

Detection of MicroRNA-155 based on lambda exonuclease selective digestion and CRISPR/cas12a-assisted amplification

In numerous malignancies, miRNA-155 is overexpressed and has oncogenic activity because it is one of the most efficient microRNAs for inhibiting apoptosis in human cancer cells. As a result, the highest sensitive detection of the miRNA-155 gene is a technological instrument that can enable early cancer screening. In this study, a miRNA-155 biosensor was created to create a hairpin probe that can bind to the miRNA-155 gene using lambda nucleic acid exonuclease, which can cut the 5' phosphorylated double strand, and by the DNA probe is recognized by the Cas12a enzyme, which then activates Cas12a to catalyze trans-cutting produces strong fluorescence. Research finding, the target concentration's logarithm and corresponding fluorescence intensity have a strong linear connection, and the limit of detection (LOD) of the sensing system was determined to be 8.3 pM. In addition, the biosensor displayed exceptional specificity, low false-positive signal, and high sensitivity in detecting the miRNA-155 gene in serum samples. This study's creation of a biosensor that has high sensitivity, good selectivity, and is simple to operate provides promising opportunities for research into biosensor design and early cancer detection.

Human erythrocytes' perplexing behaviour: erythrocytic microRNAs

Erythrocytes have the potential role in erythropoiesis and disease diagnosis. Thought to have lacked nucleic acid content, mammalian erythrocytes are nevertheless able to function for 120-140 days, metabolize heme, maintain oxidative stress, and so on. Mysteriously, erythrocytes proved as largest repositories of microRNAs (miRNAs) some of which are selectively retained and function in mature erythrocytes. They have unique expression patterns and have been found to be linked to specific conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, high-altitude hypoxia, chronic mountain sickness, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions as well as host-parasite interactions. They also have been implicated in cell storage-related damage and the regulation of its survival. However, the mechanism by which miRNAs function in the cell remains unclear. Investigations into the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in erythrocytes via extracellular vesicles have provided important clues in research studies on Plasmodium infection. Erythrocytes are also the primary source of circulating miRNAs but, how they affect the plasma/serum miRNAs profiles are still poorly understood. Erythrocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs, can interact with various body cell types, and have easy access to all regions, making them potentially crucial in various pathophysiological conditions. Which can also improve our understanding to identify potential treatment options and discovery related to non-invasive diagnostic markers. This article emphasizes the importance of erythrocytic miRNAs while focusing on the enigmatic behaviour of erythrocytes. It also sheds light on how this knowledge may be applied in the future to enhance the state of erythrocyte translational research from the standpoint of erythrocytic miRNAs.

Exogenous modification of EL-4 T cell extracellular vesicles with miR-155 induce macrophage into M1-type polarization

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promising potential to be used as therapeutics, disease biomarkers, and drug delivery vehicles. We aimed to modify EVs with miR-155 to modulate macrophage immune response that can be potentially used against infectious diseases. Primarily, we characterized T cells (EL-4) EVs by several standardized techniques and confirmed that the EVs could be used for experimental approaches. The bioactivities of the isolated EVs were confirmed by the uptake assessment, and the results showed that target cells can successfully uptake EVs. To standardize the loading protocol by electroporation for effective biological functionality, we chose fluorescently labelled miR-155 mimics because of its important roles in the immune regulations to upload them into EVs. The loading procedure showed that the dosage of 1 µg of miRNA mimics can be efficiently loaded to the EVs at 100 V, further confirmed by flow cytometry. The functional assay by incubating these modified EVs (mEVs) with in vitro cultured cells led to an increased abundance of miR-155 and decreased the expressions of its target genes such as TSHZ3, Jarid2, ZFP652, and WWC1. Further evaluation indicated that these mEVs induced M1-type macrophage polarization with increased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS expression. The bioavailability analysis revealed that mEVs could be detected in tissues of the livers. Overall, our study demonstrated that EVs can be engineered with miR-155 of interest to modulate the immune response that may have implications against infectious diseases.

Clinical Significance of microRNAs in Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematologic malignancies are a group of neoplastic conditions that can develop from any stage of the hematopoiesis cascade. Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Mounting evidence highlights the role of miRNAs in malignant hematopoiesis via the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. In this review, we provide current knowledge about dysregulated miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. We summarize data about the clinical utility of aberrant miRNA expression profiles in hematologic cancer patients and their associations with diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of treatment response. Moreover, we will discuss the emerging role of miRNAs in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and severe post-HSCT complications, such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The therapeutical potential of the miRNA-based approach in hemato-oncology will be outlined, including studies with specific antagomiRs, mimetics, and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Since hematologic malignancies represent a full spectrum of disorders with different treatment paradigms and prognoses, the potential use of miRNAs as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers might lead to improvements, resulting in a more accurate diagnosis and better patient outcomes.

Expression of MicroRNA-155 in Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Coronavirus Disease 2019, or Both: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the eleventh leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of NHL. Up to winter 2021-2022, the death toll caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exceeded 5.6 million worldwide. Possible molecular mechanisms involved in the systemic inflammation, and cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients are still not fully understood. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) plays a role in the post-transcriptional gene regulation of hematopoiesis, oncogenesis, and inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-155 in patients with DLBCL and/or COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2020 in Tehran (Iran) to evaluate the expression of miR-155 in adult patients diagnosed with DLBCL and/or COVID-19. The real-time polymerase chain reaction technique was used to evaluate the expression of miR-155 in the sera of 92 adults who were either healthy or suffering from DLBCL and/or COVID-19. Relative quantification of gene expression was calculated in terms of cycle threshold (Ct) value. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The expression of miR-155 was not associated with the sex or age of the participants. In comparison with healthy individuals (-ΔCt -1.92±0.25), the expression of miR-155 increased in patients with COVID-19 (1.95±0.14), DLBCL (2.25±0.16), or both (4.33±0.65).

Conclusion

The expression of miR-155 increased in patients with DLBCL and/or COVID-19.

The Role of miR-155 in Antitumor Immunity

MicroRNAs belong to a group of short non-coding RNA molecules that are involved in the regulation of gene expression at multiple levels. Their function was described two decades ago, and, since then, microRNAs have become a rapidly developing field of research. Their participation in the regulation of cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell growth, and migration, made microRNAs attractive for cancer research. Moreover, as a single microRNA can simultaneously target multiple molecules, microRNAs offer a unique advantage in regulating multiple cellular processes in different cell types. Many of these cell types are tumor cells and the cells of the immune system. One of the most studied microRNAs in the context of cancer and the immune system is miR-155. MiR-155 plays a role in modulating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in distinct immune cell types. As such, miR-155 can be part of the communication between the tumor and immune cells and thus impact the process of tumor immunoediting. Several studies have already revealed its effect on antitumor immune responses, and the targeting of this molecule is increasingly implemented in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of miR-155 in the regulation of antitumor immunity and the shaping of the tumor microenvironment, and the plausible implementation of miR-155 targeting in cancer therapy.

Trading places: Peptide and small molecule alternatives to oligonucleotide-based modulation of microRNA expression

It is well established that microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is involved in the development and progression of various diseases, especially cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that small molecule and peptide agents can interfere with miRNA disease pathways. Despite this, very little is known about structural features that drive drug-miRNA interactions and subsequent inhibition. In this review, we highlight the advances made in the development of small molecule and peptide inhibitors of miRNA processing. Specifically, we attempt to draw attention to peptide features that may be critical for interaction with the miRNA secondary structure to regulate miRNA expression. We hope that this review will help to establish peptides as exciting miRNA expression modulators and will contribute towards the development of the first miRNA-targeting peptide therapy.

An AC electrokinetics-based electrochemical aptasensor for the rapid detection of microRNA-155

Traditional immunosensors are often limited by low sensitivity and long detection times, for they usually depend on passive diffusion-dominated transport of target analytes for the binding reaction with a bio-recognition element such as enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers. Numerous studies rely on electric field manipulation by using alternating current (AC) electrokinetics to enhance the hybridization rate and reduce the hybridization time for faster and more efficient detection. This study demonstrated a rapid electrochemical aptasensor integrated with an AC electroosmotic (ACEO) flow phenomenon for the enhanced target hybridization of microRNA-155 (miR-155). Optimization of the electrokinetic conditions for target collection resulted in a saturation point after 75 s miR-155 was detected within the range of 1 aM-10 pM with a detection limit of 1 aM, which is 100 times lower and about 50 times faster compared with the conventional diffusion-dependent detection done for 1 h. The detection was also done in spiked serum samples, and a concentration range within the required detection range was obtained. The highly sensitive and specific results allow for the rapid and real-time sensing of target biomarkers, which can be used for the early detection of infection.

MicroRNA expression patterns in HbE/β-thalassemia patients: The passwords to unlock fetal hemoglobin expression in β-hemoglobinopathies

Hemoglobin E (HbE)/β-thalassemia is a form of β-hemoglobinopathy that is well-known for its clinical heterogeneity. Individuals suffering from this condition are often found to exhibit increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels - a factor that may contribute to their reduced blood transfusion requirements. This study hypothesized that the high HbF levels in HbE/β-thalassemia individuals may be guided by microRNAs and explored their involvement in the disease pathophysiology. The miRNA expression profile of hematopoietic progenitor cells in HbE/β-thalassemia patients was investigated and compared with that of healthy controls. Using miRNA PCR array experiments, eight miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, hsa-miR-148b-3p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-192-5p, hsa-miR-335-5p, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-98-5p) were identified to be significantly up-regulated whereas four miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-320a, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p) were significantly down-regulated. Target analysis found them to be associated with several biological processes and molecular functions including MAPK and HIF-1 signaling pathways - the pathways known to be associated with HbF upregulation. Results of dysregulated miRNAs further indicated that miR-17/92 cluster might be of critical importance in HbF regulation. The findings of our study thus identify key miRNAs that can be extrinsically manipulated to elevate HbF levels in β-hemoglobinopathies.

The miR-155 regulates cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo

MiR-155 is reported as immune regulated miRNA in mammalian corresponding to immunity, antibacterial and antiviral effects regulation. However, the roles and mechanisms of the miRNA have remained largely undefined. We herein comprehensively investigated the functions of miR-155 in vitro and in vivo by miR-155 mimics, agomir and antagomir in Cyprinus carpio and Ictalurus punctatus, with the target genes in the SOSC1 pathway certified in I. punctatus via luciferase reporter assays. Results showed that the miR-155 regulated the expressions of cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10. Further research confirmed SOSC1 as one of the targets of the miRNA, and the JAK1/STAT3/SOSC1 signal pathway involved in the miR-155 effects on the expression of immune cytokines as well. Additionally, the changes of TLR2 in fish may also be related to miR-155 along with its target SOCS1, and the TLR2/MyD88 pathway may partly participate in the effects of the miR-155 on the cytokines. The research here confirmed that the miR-155 can regulate cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo, which would provide resources for understanding and studying about immune regulation in fish.

miR-155 as a novel clinical target for hematological malignancies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that repress target genes, are a promising new focus of targeted therapeutics for cancer. miR-155 is a well-studied miRNA involved in inflammation that acts oncogenically in many hematological malignancies. Like other miRNAs, its role in these diseases is complex and nuanced, which gives particular power to its inhibition in diseased cells. This, together with increasing understanding of its key targets in cancer and the use of powerful mouse models of miR-155 in cancer, makes miR-155 an ideal target for therapeutic inhibition. Here, we review the role of miRNAs, and particularly miR-155, in cancers, and discuss progress on therapeutically targeting it, including the ongoing clinical trial of anti-miR-155 molecule Cobomarsen (MRG-106).

microRNA and Metabolite Signatures Linked to Early Consequences of Lethal Radiation

Lethal total body irradiation (TBI) triggers multifactorial health issues in a potentially short time frame. Hence, early signatures of TBI would be of great clinical value. Our study aimed to interrogate microRNA (miRNA) and metabolites, two biomolecules available in blood serum, in order to comprehend the immediate impacts of TBI. Mice were exposed to a lethal dose (9.75 Gy) of Cobalt-60 gamma radiation and euthanized at four time points, namely, days 1, 3, 7 and 9 post-TBI. Serum miRNA libraries were sequenced using the Illumina small RNA sequencing protocol, and metabolites were screened using a mass spectrometer. The degree of early impacts of irradiation was underscored by the large number of miRNAs and metabolites that became significantly expressed during the Early phase (day 0 and 1 post-TBI). Radiation-induced inflammatory markers for bone marrow aplasia and pro-sepsis markers showed early elevation with longitudinal increment. Functional analysis integrating miRNA-protein-metabolites revealed inflammation as the overarching host response to lethal TBI. Early activation of the network linked to the synthesis of reactive oxygen species was associated with the escalated regulation of the fatty acid metabolism network. In conclusion, we assembled a list of time-informed critical markers and mechanisms of significant translational potential in the context of a radiation exposure event.

Impaired Regeneration Contributes to Poor Outcomes in Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk and accelerates the course of peripheral artery disease, making patients more susceptible to ischemic events and infections and delaying tissue healing. Current understanding of pathogenic mechanisms is mainly based on the negative influence of diabetes mellitus on atherosclerotic disease and inflammation. In recent years, the novel concept that diabetes mellitus can impinge on endogenous regenerative processes has been introduced. Diabetes mellitus affects regeneration at the local level, disturbing proper angiogenesis, collateral artery formation, and muscle repair. Recent evidence indicates that an impairment in vascular mural cells, alias pericytes, may participate in diabetic peripheral vasculopathy. Moreover, the bone marrow undergoes a global remodeling, consisting of microvessels and sensory neurons rarefaction and fat accumulation, which creates a hostile microenvironment for resident stem cells. Bone marrow remodeling is also responsible for detrimental systemic effects. In particular, the aid of reparative cells from the bone marrow is compromised: these elements are released in an improper manner and become harmful vectors of inflammatory and antiangiogenic molecules and noncoding RNAs. This new understanding of impaired regeneration is inspiring new therapeutic options for the treatment of ischemic complications in people with diabetes mellitus.

Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of MiR-155 in Hematologic Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Aberrant miR-155 expression has been reported in various types of hematologic malignancies. However, the prognostic and clinicopathological value of miR-155 remains unclear. Here, we performed this systemic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of miR-155 expression in hematologic malignancies.

Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library databases and OVID to identify eligible studies published from Jan 1, 2008 to Aug 1, 2018. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to detect the prognostic and clinicopathological role of miR-155 in hematologic malignancies.

Results: A total of 18 studies including 2316 patients were enrolled in the present meta-analysis, indicating significant association between elevated miR-155 expression and poor overall survival (OS) in 2114 patients (pooled HR = 1.72, 95%CI [1.50-1.97], p<0.001). Elevated miR-155 expression level was related to shorter event free survival (EFS, pooled HR = 1.55, 95%CI [0.94-2.57], P=0.002), disease free survival (DFS, pooled HR = 1.38, 95%CI [1.13-1.68], P=0.001), progress free survival (PFS, pooled HR = 1.58, 95%CI [1.06-2.35], p<0.001) and treatment free survival (TFS, pooled HR = 1.67, 95%CI [1.16-2.39], P=0.006). Additionally, overexpression of miR-155 was found to be significantly related to FLT3/ITD presence (OR=4.751, 95%CI [3.229-6.990], P<0.001), more WT1 mutation (OR=2.090, 95%CI [1.240-3.522], P=0.006) and less CEBPA mutation (OR=0.477, 95%CI [0.286-0.794], P=0.004) in 552 AML patients.

Conclusion: MiR-155 expression was found to be associated with several leukemia-related phenotype and poor prognosis in hematologic malignancies. Therefore, miR-155 overexpression might be a convinced unfavorable prognostic indicator that helps the clinical decision-making process.

Expression of microRNA-155 in inflammatory cells modulates liver injury

MicroRNA 155 (miR-155) is involved in immune and inflammatory diseases and is associated with liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis. However, the mechanisms involved in miR-155 regulation of liver injury are largely unknown. The role of miR-155 in acute liver injury was assessed in wild-type (WT), miR-155^-/- , and miR-155^-/- mice transplanted with WT bone marrow. Additionally, miR-155 expression was evaluated in liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Concanavalin A, but not acetaminophen, treatment increased the expression of miR-155 in liver tissue of WT mice. Concanavalin A induced increases in cell death, liver aminotransferases, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligands 1, 5, 9, 10, and 11; chemokine [C-C motif] ligands 2 and 20; and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1) in miR-155^-/- compared to WT mice. Importantly, these animals showed a significant decrease in cluster of differentiation 4-positive/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3-positive and forkhead box p3-positive cell recruitment but no changes in other inflammatory cell populations. Mechanistically, miR-155-deficient regulatory T cells showed increased SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 expression, a known target of miR-155. Inhibition of SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 in miR-155^-/- mice restored forkhead box p3 recruitment and reduced liver cytokine expression. Transplantation of bone marrow from WT animals into miR-155^-/- mice partially reversed the effect of concanavalin A on miR-155^-/- mice as assessed by proinflammatory cytokines and cell death protein expression. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis showed a marked increase in miR-155 expression in the liver but reduced expression of miR-155 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-155 expression is altered in both liver tissue and circulating inflammatory cells during liver injury, thus regulating inflammatory cell recruitment and liver damage; these results suggest that maintaining miR-155 expression in inflammatory cells might be a potential strategy to modulate liver injury. (Hepatology 2018).

miR-155 induction is a marker of murine norovirus infection but does not contribute to control of replication in vivo

Background: Due to their role in fine-tuning cellular protein expression, microRNAs both promote viral replication and contribute to antiviral responses, for a range of viruses. The interactions between norovirus and the microRNA machinery have not yet been studied. Here, we investigated the changes that occur in microRNA expression during murine norovirus (MNV) infection. Methods: Using RT-qPCR-based arrays, we analysed changes in miRNA expression during infection with the acute strain MNV-1 in two permissive cell lines, a murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, and a murine microglial cell line, BV-2. By RT-qPCR, we further confirmed and analysed the changes in miR-155 expression in the infected cell lines, bone-marrow derived macrophage, and tissues harvested from mice infected with the persistent strain MNV-3. Using miR-155 knockout (KO) mice, we investigated whether loss of miR-155 affected viral replication and pathogenesis during persistent MNV-3 infection in vivo and monitored development of a serum IgG response by ELISA. Results: We identified cell-specific panels of miRNAs whose expression were increased or decreased during infection. Only two miRNAs, miR-687 and miR-155, were induced in both cell lines. miR-155, implicated in innate immunity, was also upregulated in bone-marrow derived macrophage and infected tissues. MNV-3 established a persistent infection in miR-155 knockout (KO) mice, with comparable levels of secreted virus and tissue replication observed as for wildtype mice. However, serum anti-MNV IgG levels were significantly reduced in miR-155 KO mice compared to wildtype mice. Conclusions: We have identified a panel of miRNAs whose expression changes with MNV infection. miR-155 induction is a marker of MNV infection in vitro and in vivo, however it does not contribute to the control of persistent infections in vivo. This finding suggests that the immune defects associated with miR-155 deletion, such as lower serum IgG levels, are also not important for control of persistent MNV-3 infection.

A comparative study of the characterization of miR-155 in knockout mice

miR-155 is one of the most important miRNAs and plays a very important role in numerous biological processes. However, few studies have characterized this miRNA in mice under normal physiological conditions. We aimed to characterize miR-155 in vivo by using a comparative analysis. In our study, we compared miR-155 knockout (KO) mice with C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice in order to characterize miR-155 in mice under normal physiological conditions using many evaluation methods, including a reproductive performance analysis, growth curve, ultrasonic estimation, haematological examination, and histopathological analysis. These analyses showed no significant differences between groups in the main evaluation indices. The growth and development were nearly normal for all mice and did not differ between the control and model groups. Using a comparative analysis and a summary of related studies published in recent years, we found that miR-155 was not essential for normal physiological processes in 8-week-old mice. miR-155 deficiency did not affect the development and growth of naturally ageing mice during the 42 days after birth. Thus, studying the complex biological functions of miR-155 requires the further use of KO mouse models.

Expression and Function of miR-155 in Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small noncoding RNA that can regulate the expression of target genes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. miR-155 is a multifunctional miRNA with inflammation-related and oncogenic roles. In particular, the dysregulation of miR-155 has been strongly implicated in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer in addition to being involved in molecular changes of important targets and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the expression and function of miR-155 during inflammation and carcinogenesis and its potential use as an effective therapeutic target for certain gastrointestinal diseases.

Role of Tat-interacting protein of 110 kDa and microRNAs in the regulation of hematopoiesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hematopoiesis is regulated by cellular factors including transcription factors, microRNAs, and epigenetic modifiers. Understanding how these factors regulate hematopoiesis is pivotal for manipulating them to achieve their desired potential. In this review, we will focus on HIV-1 Tat-interacting protein of 110 kDa (Tip110) and its regulation of hematopoiesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are several pathways in hematopoiesis that involve Tip110 regulation. Tip110 is expressed in human cord blood CD34 cells; its expression decreases when CD34 cells begin to differentiate. Tip110 is also expressed in mouse marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Tip110 expression increases the number, survival, and cell cycling of HPC. Tip110-mediated regulation of hematopoiesis has been linked to its reciprocal control of proto-oncogene expression. Small noncoding microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to play important roles in regulation of hematopoiesis. miR-124 specifically targets 3'-untranslated region of Tip110 and subsequently regulates Tip110 expression in HSC.

SUMMARY

Our recent findings for manipulating expression levels of Tip110 in HSC and HPC could be useful for expanding HSC and HPC and for improving engraftment of cord blood HSC/HPC.