Short-Term Memory Deficit Associates with miR-153-3p Upregulation in the Hippocampus of Middle-Aged Mice

The early stages of ageing are a critical time window in which the ability to detect and identify precocious molecular and cognitive markers can make the difference in determining a healthy vs unhealthy course of ageing. Using the 6-different object task (6-DOT), a highly demanding hippocampal-dependent recognition memory task, we classified a population of middle-aged (12-month-old) CD1 male mice in Impaired and Unimpaired based on their short-term memory. This approach led us to identify a different microRNAs expression profile in the hippocampus of Impaired mice compared to Unimpaired ones. Among the dysregulated microRNAs, miR-153-3p was upregulated in the hippocampus of Impaired mice and appeared of high interest for its putative target genes and their possible implication in memory-related synaptic plasticity. We showed that intra-hippocampal injection of the miR-153-3p mimic in adult (3-month-old) mice is sufficient to induce a short-term memory deficit similar to that observed in middle-aged Impaired mice. Overall, these findings unravel a novel role for hippocampal miR-153-3p in modulating short-term memory that could be exploited to prevent early cognitive deficits in ageing.

Deficiency of circ_0103809 Attenuates Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Malignant Progression by Controlling miR-153-3p/HDAC1 Network

Circular RNAs are vital players in tumorigenesis. We held the purpose to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0103809 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expressions of circ_0103809, miR-153-3p and HDAC1 mRNA were determined using quantitative real-time PCR assay, and HDAC1 protein was quantified using western blot analysis. MTT, EdU, flow cytometry, tube-formation, wound healing and tube-formation assays were conducted for functional analysis. The predicted relationship among circ_0103809, miR-153-3p and HDAC1 was ascertained using dual-luciferase analysis, RIP assay and pull-down analysis. Animal models were further constructed to realize circ_0103809's role in vivo. Circ_0103809 was upregulated NSCLC specimens, cells and serum-derived exosomes. Serum exosomal circ_0103809 had the potency to be a diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC. Circ_0103809 silencing inhibited NSCLC cell growth, metastasis and angiogenesis and triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Circ_0103809 deficiency also suppressed the growth of transplanted tumors. Circ_0103809 acted as the miR-153-3p sponge, and the biological effects of circ_0103809 knockdown were relieved by miR-153-3p inhibition. HDAC1 was directly targeted by miR-153-3p, and miR-153-3p enrichment inhibited NSCLC cell malignant phenotypes by sequestering HDAC1. Circ_0103809 knockdown repressed NSCLC malignant progression partly by regulating miR-153-3p/HDAC1 signaling.

The study of HMOX1 DNA methylation and gene expression and the diagnostic potential of miR-153-3p in preeclampsia

Background: The objective was to elucidate the potential epigenetic regulatory mechanism in HMOX1 expression in preeclampsia. Materials & methods: HMOX1 promoter DNA methylation was evaluated in the placental tissue and blood of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. HMOX1 and miR-153-3p gene expression were assessed in placental tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Related microarray datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were also analyzed. Results: In placental tissue, despite HMOX1 expression downregulation, there was no significant change in HMOX1 methylation. In PBMCs, there was no significant alteration in HMOX1 expression, while hypomethylation was observed in blood. The miR-153-3p expression increased in the placental tissue and in the PBMCs of preeclampsia. Conclusion: DNA methylation does not affect HMOX1 expression, while miR-153-3p might be a biomarker for preeclampsia.

Triptolide inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

To explore the role and mechanism of triptolide in regulating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression by mediating the circular RNA (circRNA)-related pathway.

METHODS

The expression levels of circNOX4, miR-153-3p and special AT-rich sequence binding protein-1 (SATB1) were measured by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was confirmed by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was employed to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle process. Moreover, cell migration and invasion were detected using transwell assay. The protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation markers and SATB1 were determined by western blot analysis. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were performed to confirm the interaction between miR-153-3p and circNOX4 or SATB1. Xenograft tumor models were built to verify the effects of triptolide and circNOX4 on ESCC tumor growth.

RESULTS

CircNOX4 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and its expression could be reduced by triptolide. Triptolide could inhibit ESCC proliferation, cell cycle process, migration, invasion, EMT process, and promote apoptosis, while these effects were reversed by circNOX4 overexpression. MiR-153-3p could be sponged by circNOX4, and the promotion effect of circNOX4 on the progression of triptolide-treated ESCC cells was abolished by miR-153-3p overexpression. SATB1 was a target of miR-153-3p. Also, SATB1 knockdown reversed the enhancing effect of miR-153-3p inhibitor on the progression of triptolide-treated ESCC cells. Triptolide reduced ESCC tumor growth by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 axis.

CONCLUSION

Triptolide could hinder ESCC progression, which was mainly achieved by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 axis.

LncRNA SNHG15 regulates autophagy and prevents cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury through mediating miR-153-3p/ATG5 axis

Ischaemic stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) of small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG15) has been supposedly performed a regulatory role in many diseases. Nonetheless, the function of SNHG15 in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury has not been clarified. The OGD/R of Neuro2A cells simulated the ischaemic and reperfused states of the brain. Neuro2a cell line with stable transfection of plasmid with silent expression of SNHG15 was constructed. Neuro2a cell lines transfected with miR-153-3p mimic (miR-153-3p-mimics) and miR-153-3p inhibitor (miR-153-3p-inhibition) were constructed. Expression of SNHG15, mi R-200a, FOXO3 and ATG7 in mouse brain tissue and N2a cells was identified by qRT-PCR. Western blot (WB) analysis of mouse brain tissue and Neuro2a cells revealed the presence of the proteins ATG5, Cle-caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, LC3 II/I and P62 (WB). The representation and distribution of LC3B were observed by immunofluorescence. The death of cells was measured using a technique called flow cytometry (FACS). SNHG15 was highly expressed in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury model. Down-regulation of SNHG15 lead to lower apoptosis rate and decreased autophagy. Dual luciferase assay and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) found lncRNA SNHG15/miR-153-3p/ATG5. Compared to cells transfected with NC suppression, cells transfected with miR-153-3p-inhibition had substantially greater overexpression of LC 3 II/I, ATG5, cle-Caspase-3, and Bax, as determined by a recovery experiment, the apoptosis rate was elevated, yet both P62 and Bcl-2 were significantly lower and LC3+ puncta per cells were significantly increased. Co-transfection of miR-153-3p-inhibition and sh-SNHG15 could reverse these results. LncRNA SNHG15 regulated autophagy and prevented cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury through mediating the miR-153-3p/ATG5 axis.

miR-153-3p suppresses the differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells via targeting GPR55

Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and decline. NSCs (neural stem cells) serve as beneficial and promising adjuncts to treat Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to determine the role of miR-153-3p expression in NSC differentiation and proliferation. We illustrated that miR-153-3p was decreased and GPR55 was upregulated during NSC differentiation. IL-1β can induce miR-153-3p expression. Luciferase reporter analysis noted that elevated expression of miR-153-3p significantly inhibited the luciferase value of the WT reporter plasmid but did not change the luciferase value of the mut reporter plasmid. Ectopic miR-153-3p expression suppressed GPR55 expression in NSCs and identified GPR55 as a direct target gene of miR-153-3p. Ectopic expression of miR-153-3p inhibited NSC growth and differentiation into astrocytes and neurons. Elevated expression of miR-153-3p induced the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, in NSCs. Furthermore, miR-153-3p inhibited NSC differentiation and proliferation by targeting GPR55 expression. These data suggested that miR-153-3p may act as a clinical target for the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases.

LncRNA TM4SF19-AS1 exacerbates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via enhancing LAMC1 expression

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive tumor with high mortality and unfavorable prognosis. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to exert pivotal parts in cancers. Nevertheless, the functions of most lncRNAs in HNSCC need deeper exploration. Our present research tried to clarify the biological role of TM4SF19 antisense RNA 1 (TM4SF19-AS1) and investigate its regulatory mechanism in HNSCC. RT-qPCR analysis was done to test TM4SF19-AS1 expression and identify the up-regulation of TM4SF19-AS1 in HNSCC cells. Loss-of-function assays were also involved, and the data implied that TM4SF19-AS1 knockdown hampered the proliferation, migration, invasion, along with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HNSCC cells. In vivo assays revealed TM4SF19-AS1 depletion restrained HNSCC tumor growth. Additionally, mechanism experiments were implemented to uncover the underlying regulatory mechanism of TM4SF19-AS1 in HNSCC cells. It turned out that TM4SF19-AS1 modulated laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1) expression via sequestering microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p) and recruiting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC) protein. Rescue assays confirmed that TM4SF19-AS1 contributed to HNSCC cell malignant behaviors via up-regulating LAMC1. To summarize, TM4SF19-AS1 played an oncogenic role in HNSCC cells, signifying TM4SF19-AS1 may have the potential to be used as a novel molecular target for HNSCC diagnosis.

miR-153-3p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by down-regulating the expression of RUNX2 in a high glucose environment

To study the effect of miR-153-3p on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a high glucose environment and its potential mechanism. The results showed that high glucose inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the expression of miR-153-3p increased during osteogenic differentiation. Further experiments found that in BMSCs induced by high glucose, overexpression of miR-153-3p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the expressions of osteogenesis-related genes bone sialoprotein, Collagen I and alkaline phosphatase were down-regulated, while silencing of miR-153-3p alleviated the inhibition effect. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) had a targeted binding site with miR-153-3p and a negative regulatory effect. Molecular studies further confirmed that miR-153-3p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by targeting the 3'-UTR of RUNX2. In conclusion, our study found that as one key regulator of high glucose affecting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, miR-153-3p may play a negative regulatory role by inhibiting the expression of RUNX2.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge-Curcuma aromatica Salisb. suppresses growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization via a Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as one of the commonest cancer types around the world. Due to the poor understanding on the causes of CRC formation and progression, this study sets out to investigate the physiological mechanisms by which Astragalus mongholicus Bunge-Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (ARCR) regulates CRC growth and metastasis, and the role in which M2 macrophage polarization plays in this process. An orthotopic-transplant model of CRC was established to evaluate the influence of ARCR on the polarization of M2 macrophage and the growth and metastasis of tumors. Next, the binding affinity among Sp1, ZFAS1, miR-153-5p, and CCR5 was identified using multiple assays. Finally, after co-culture of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) with CRC cell line CT26.WT, the cell proliferative, invasive, and migrated abilities were assessed in gain- or loss-of-function experiments. ARCR inhibited the infiltration of M2 macrophages into tumor microenvironment to suppress the CRC growth and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, ARCR inhibited the transcription of ZFAS1 by reducing Sp1 expression to repress M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, ZFAS1 competitively binds to miR-153-3p to upregulate the CCR5 expression. Finally, ARCR suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages to inhibit the tumor growth and tumor metastasis in CRC by mediating the Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis. Collectively, ARCR appears to suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis by suppressing M2 macrophage polarization via Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis. 1. ARCR suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis 2. ZFAS1 promotes CCR5 expression by competitively binding to miR-153-3p. 3. Sp1 promotes M2 macrophage polarization by activating ZFAS1 via miR-153-3p/CCR5. 4. The study unveiled a protective target against CRC.

miR-153-3p inhibited osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs through CBFβ signaling

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have multilineage differentiation potential and especially show a great foreground in bone regeneration engineering. The mechanism of osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs needs to be explored exactly. As a kind of endogenous and non-coding small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in many biological processes including osteogenic differentiation. However, the mechanism of miR-153-3p in osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs is still unknown. Core-binding factors-beta (CBFβ) is a non-DNA-binding factor that combines with the runt-related transcription factor family transcription factors to mediate their DNA-binding affinities, and plays a critical role in regulating osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of miR-153-3p and CBFβ in DPSC osteogenesis. The expression of miR-153-3p and CBFβ was tested under the osteogenic condition, and the influence led by changing the expression of miR-153-3p or CBFβ had also been detected. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-153-3p directly targeted to CBFβ. The osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), were tested in protein level or mRNA level. ALP and Alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteoblast activity and mineral deposition. In osteogenic condition, the expressions of CBFβ and osteogenic markers were upregulated, whereas that of miR-153-3p was downregulated. miR-153-3p negatively regulated the osteogenic differentiation, and overexpression of CBFβ could offset the negative effect of miR-153-3p. Our findings provided a novel strategy for DPSC application in treatment of bone deficiencies and facilitated bone regeneration.

LncRNA miR-17-92a-1 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) promotes neuronal damage and microglial activation by targeting the microRNA-153-3p/alpha-synuclein axis in Parkinson's disease

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been regarded as modulators of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we addressed the role of lncRNA miR-17-92a-1 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) in Parkinson's disease (PD). C57BL/6 mice and SH-SY5Y cells were intervened with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to set up PD models in vivo and in vitro. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was implemented to compare the expression of MIR17HG and miR-153-3p. Cell viability and apoptosis were estimated by 3-(4,5-dimethyithiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Western blot (WB). The expression of alpha-synuclein (α-syn, SNCA) in BV2 was validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated using commercially available kits. Bioinformatics analysis, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and qRT-PCR were conducted to demonstrate the interactions between miR-153-3p, MIR17HG, and alpha-synuclein (SNCA). MIR17HG was up-regulated while miR-153-3p was down-regulated in PD patients, mouse models and cells. Inhibiting MIR17HG attenuated neuronal apoptosis, microglial activation and SNCA expression in PD mice. Conditioned medium from 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells intensified microglial inflammation, while inhibition of MIR17HG or overexpression of miR-153-3p restrained the inflammatory responses. MIR17HG's function was enforced by sponging miR-153-3p and releasing the attenuation of the putative targets of miR-153-3p and SNCA. Overall, MIR17HG, by targeting miR-153-3p and up-regulating SNCA, stimulates neuronal apoptosis and microglial inflammation in PD.

miR-153-3p Attenuates the Development of Gastric Cancer by Suppressing SphK2

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively reported to play a role in GC development; however, it remains unknown whether miR-153-3p participates in the nosogenesis of GC. GC tissues along with the adjacent nontumor tissues were obtained from 50 patients with GC. Moreover, we incubated human GC cell lines (SGC7901, AGS, MGC803, and BGC823) and a gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and then transfected BGC823 cells with miR-153-3p and DNA/SphK2 vector to determine the action of miR-153-3p and SphK2 on GC. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the levels of miR-153-3p and sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2). The viability of BGC823 cells was measured by the CCK-8 assay, while wound healing assays and transwell assays were used to measure the migration and invasion ability of BGC823 cells. Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to evaluate the level of SphK2. The binding ability of miR-153-3p and SphK2 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The expression level of miR-153-3p was reduced in GC tissues and cells, while the SphK2 was enhanced. An increase in miR-153-3p level led to a decline in the growth and metastasis of GC cells and increased their apoptosis. Moreover, a decrease in miR-153-3p level elevated GC cells growth and metastasis, and attenuated their apoptosis. SphK2 was also corroborated as a downstream gene of miR-153-3p. Here, SphK2 expression was elevated in GC tissues and cells, indicating SphK2 might be involved in the development of GC. Rescue assays showed that miR-153-3p could reverse the effect of SphK2 on the cell growth, metastasis, and the apoptosis of GC cells. In conclusion, this study showed that miR-153-3p suppressed the growth and metastasis in GC cells by regulating SphK2, which might facilitate the search for novel biomarkers to treat GC.

CircRNF121 knockdown suppresses the progression of cervical cancer by regulating miR-153-3p/ATF2 axis and wnt/β-catenin pathway

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common malignancy in gynecology. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as vital mediators in CC. However, the roles of circRNA ring finger protein 121 (circRNF121) in CC are largely unknown. Herein, we focused on the exact function and underlying mechanism of circRNF121 in CC development. Our results showed that circRNF121 was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circRNF121 suppressed cell growth, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC cells in vitro and blocked tumor formation in vivo. For mechanism investigation, circRNF121 could affect activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) expression by decoying miR-153-3p, thereby accelerating CC cell development. In conclusion, circRNF121 exerted the tumor-suppressive role in CC progression by altering miR-153-3p/ATF2 axis. These results suggested that circRNF121 might be a possible circ-targeted therapy for patients with CC.

Circular RNA PIP5K1A (circPIP5K1A) accelerates endometriosis progression by regulating the miR-153-3p/Thymosin Beta-4 X-Linked (TMSB4X) pathway

As a common gynecologic disease, endometriosis (EM) poses a threat to the reproductive health of about 10% women globally. Recent studies have revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are deeply implicated in EM pathogenesis. However, the functions of circPIP5K1A in EM have not been studied yet. Our study intended to uncover the molecular mechanism of circPIP5K1A in EM. In this work, gene and protein expressions were determined by RT-qPCR or Western blotting. CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were conducted to analyze cell viability, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, as well as RIP assay were performed to investigate the combination between miR-153-3p and circPIP5K1A or TMSB4X. Herein, we found remarkable high circPIP5K1A expression in EM tissues and cells. Silencing of circPIP5K1A suppressed proliferation, restrained cell cycle, increased cell apoptosis, and decreased migration and invasion in EM cells. In addition, miR-153-3p inhibition could abrogate the impacts of circPIP5K1A knockdown on EM progression in vitro. Also, we found that circPIP5K1A regulated TMSB4X level via interaction with miR-153-3p in EM cells. Besides, circPIP5K1A promoted EM progression via TMSB4X. Moreover, TMSB4X could activate the TGF-β signaling in hEM15A cells. To sum up, our study elucidated that circPIP5K1A accelerated EM progression in vitro by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway via the miR-153-3p/TMSB4X axis, providing a potential clinical target for EM treatment.

Long non-coding RNA FGD5-AS1 contributes to cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via sponging microRNA-153-3p by upregulating Twinfilin Actin Binding Protein 1 (TWF1)

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1) was reported to exert critical roles in multiple cancers. The current work aimed to determine the role of FGD5-AS1 in cisplatin (DDP) resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of FGD5-AS1, miR-153-3p, and twinfilin actin binding protein 1 (TWF1) were analyzed using RT-qPCR. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, and TUNEL assays were used to examine the IC₅₀ value of DDP, cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis. The interaction between miR-153-3p and TWF1 or FGD5-AS1 was determined by luciferase reporter and RIP assays. In our study, we found that FGD5-AS1 level was elevated in DDP-resistant HCC tissues and cell lines. FGD5-AS1 silencing improved the sensitivity of HCC cells to DDP. Moreover, FGD5-AS1 directly bound to miR-153-3p and FGD5-AS1 addition neutralized the inhibitory impacts of miR-153-3p supplementation on DDP resistance in the HCC cells. In addition, knockdown of TWF1 inhibited DDP resistance of HCC cells, which was reversed by miR-153-3p deletion. Lastly, FGD5-AS1 interference decreased TWF1 expression level, which was rescued by miR-153-3p inhibition. Our study exhibited that FGD5-AS1 promoted DDP resistance through modulating the miR-153-3p/TWF1 axis in HCC cells. This could be an effective treatment strategy for HCC patients.

Circ_0008673 regulates breast cancer malignancy by miR-153-3p/CFL2 axis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is an aggressive tumor, which poses a heavy burden to human health. Circular RNAs have been involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. This study aims to investigate whether circ_0008673 mediates breast cancer malignant progression by microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p)/cofilin 2 (CFL2) pathway.

METHODS

The RNA levels of circ_0008673, miR-153-3p and CFL2 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of CFL2, E-cadherin and N-cadherin was determined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was demonstrated through cell counting kit-8 and cell colony-formation assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Cell migratory and invasive capacities were determined by transwell assay. The associated relationship between miR-153-3p and circ_0008673 or CFL2 was predicted by online databases, and testified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. In vivo assay was employed to demonstrate the effects of circ_0008673 silencing on tumor formation in vivo.

RESULTS

Circ_0008673 and CFL2 expressions were upregulated, while miR-153-3p expression was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells compared with adjacent normal breast tissues and cells, respectively. Circ_0008673 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and repressed cell apoptosis, while circ_0008673 silencing had opposite effects. Additionally, circ_0008673 served as a sponge of miR-153-3p. And circ_0008673 was proved to regulate breast cancer cell malignancy by sponging miR-153-3p. MiR-153-3p was found to modulate breast cancer cell carcinogenesis via targeting CFL2. Furthermore, circ_0008673 silencing repressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0008673 promoted breast cancer progression by upregulating CFL2 expression through sponging miR-153-3p. This study provides a theoretical basis for researching circRNA-directed treatment of breast cancer.

Circular RNA circ-MMP11 Contributes to Lapatinib Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating the miR-153-3p/ANLN Axis

Background

Drug-resistance is a major obstacle to the treatment of breast cancer. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ-MMP11 has been reported to be promoting the progression of breast cancer. This study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of circ-MMP11 in lapatinib resistance in breast cancer.

Methods

Circ-MMP11, microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p), and Anillin (ANLN) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell viability, number of colonies, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. Exosomes were exerted and detected by differential centrifugation and a transmission electron microscope. The protein levels of CD63, CD9, and ANLN were assessed by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-153-3p and circ-MMP11 or ANLN was predicted by circinteractome or starbase, and then verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. The biological role of circ-MMP11 on breast cancer tumor growth and drug resistance was detected by the xenograft tumor model in vivo.

Results

Circ-MMP11 and ANLN were highly expressed, and miR-153-3p was decreased in LR breast cancer tissues and cells. Circ-MMP11 could be transported by exosomes. Furthermore, circ-MMP11 knockdown promoted lapatinib sensitivity by repressing cell viability, colony number, migration, invasion, and boosting apoptosis in LR breast cancer cells. Circ-MMP11 deficiency improved the drug sensitivity of breast cancer in vivo. Mechanically, circ-MMP11 could regulate ANLN expression through sponging miR-153-3p.

Conclusion

Circ-MMP11 could be transferred by exosomes in breast cancer cells. And circ-MMP11 functioned as a sponge of miR-153-3p to regulate ANLN expression, thereby promoting lapatinib resistance in breast cancer cells, providing therapeutic targets for the treatment of breast cancer.

CircATRNL1 protects against osteoarthritis by targeting miR-153-3p and KLF5

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chondrocyte injury. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including OA. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential role of circATRNL1 in OA pathology in vitro.

METHODS

Human chondrocytes were isolated and treated with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to mimic OA in vitro. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs between IL and 1β-treated chondrocytes and normal chondrocytes. The expression of circATRNL1, miR-153-3p and KLF5 was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). For functional analyses, cell apoptosis was assessed using a flow cytometry assay. Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation was monitored by measuring the levels of ECM-associated proteins by Western blot. The potential target miRNAs of circATRNL1 were screened by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The expression of circATRNL1 was decreased in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. CircATRNL1 overexpression ameliorated cell apoptosis and ECM degradation, which were promoted by IL-1β treatment. Mechanistic analysis revealed that circATRNL1 directly targeted miR-153-3p and that miR-153-3p could reverse the inhibitory effects of circATRNL1 overexpression on inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis and ECM degradation. KLF5 is a target of miR-153-3p.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results in this study suggested that circATRNL1 might ameliorate the development and progression of OA through regulating miR-153-3p/KLF5 axis. Our study increased the understanding of circRNAs as therapeutic targets in the treatment of OA.

Hsa_circ_0008537 facilitates liver carcinogenesis by upregulating MCL1 and Snail1 expression via miR‑153‑3p

The biological functions of circular RNAs in liver tumorigenesis have been well demonstrated by a number of studies. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, the role and mechanism of action of hsa_circ_0008537 (circ_0008537) in liver cancer pathogenesis remain undetermined. In the present study, circ_0008537 expression was associated with the GLI3 gene and was markedly increased in liver cancer tissue specimens and cells. High expression levels of circ_0008537 exhibited a poor prognosis. In addition, circ_0008537 overexpression resulted in an increased proliferation, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells, whereas circ_0008537 knockdown exhibited opposite effects. circ_0008537 acted as a sponge of microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p), and a negative correlation was observed between circ_0008537 and miR-153-3p expression in liver cancer. Transfection with miR-153-3p further abolished the effects of circ_0008537 on the malignant behavior of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, circ_0008537 indirectly affected the expression levels of pro-survival protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) and snail family zinc finger 1 (Snail1) via miR-153-3p in liver cancer cells. In conclusion, the data indicated that circ_0008537 facilitated liver carcinogenesis by indirectly regulating miR-153-3p and leading to the release of MCL1 and Snail1.

MiR-153-3p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through KDM6A-induced demethylation of H3K27me3

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have potential for osteogenic differentiation and show a great foreground in treating bone diseases. Histone three lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is a critical epigenetic modifier and plays an important role in regulating osteogenic differentiation. Multiple microRNAs have been found to play important roles in osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the roles of miR-153-3p and KDM6A in PDLSC osteogenesis.

METHODS

The levels of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting. Osteoblast activity and mineral deposition were detected by ALP and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining. The levels of miR-153-3p and KDM6A were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between KDM6A and miR-153-3p. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays were performed to identify the roles of miR-153-3p and KDM6A in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

RESULTS

In osteogenic PDLSCs, the expression of KDM6A, ALP, Runx2, and OPN was upregulated, whereas that of miR-153-3p was downregulated. miR-153-3p downregulation or KDM6A overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, as demonstrated by increases in ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression. KDM6A was confirmed to be a target of miR-153-3p, and KDM6A overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-153-3p mimic on PDLSC osteogenesis. KDM6A promoted ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression through the demethylation of H3K27me3 on the promoter regions of these genes.

CONCLUSION

miR-153-3p inhibited PDLSC osteogenesis by targeting KDM6A and inhibiting ALP, Runx2, and OPN transcription. These findings provide latent hope for PDLSCs application in periodontal therapy.

Blocking exosomal miRNA-153-3p derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates hypoxia-induced myocardial and microvascular damage by targeting the ANGPT1-mediated VEGF/PI3k/Akt/eNOS pathway

It has been widely reported that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a protective effect on myocardial infarction (MI). However, the specific molecules which play a damaging role in MSCs shuttled miRNAs are much less explored. MiRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p) is a vital miRNA which has been proved to modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, peritoneal fibrosis and aortic calcification. Here, we aim to study the effect and mechanism of miR-153-3p in MSC-derived exosomes on hypoxia-induced myocardial and microvascular damage. The exosomes of MSCs were isolated and identified, and the MSCs-exosomes with low expression of miR-153-3p (exo-miR-153-3p^-) were constructed to interfere with the endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes in the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model. The viability, apoptosis, angiogenesis of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes were determined. Additionally, ANGPT1/VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway was detected by ELISA and/or western blot. The results illustrated that exo-miR-153-3p^- significantly reduced the apoptosis of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes and promoted their viability. Meanwhile, exo-miR-153-3p^- can promote the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. Mechanistically, miR-153-3p regulates the VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathways by targeting ANGPT1. Intervention with VEGFR2 inhibitor (SU1498, 1 μM) remarkably reversed the protective effect of exo-miR-153-3p^- in vascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes treated by OGD. Collectively, MSCs-derived exosomes with low-expressed miR-153-3p notably promotes the activation of ANGPT1 and the VEGF/VEGFR2 /PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathways, thereby preventing the damages endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes against hypoxia.

Exosomes released from decidual macrophages deliver miR-153-3p, which inhibits trophoblastic biological behavior in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous abortion is a common disease in human pregnancy. Increasing evidence suggests that proper function of trophoblasts and immune balance of the maternal-fetal interface are crucial for successful pregnancy. Macrophages are involved in the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment. However, mechanisms associated with how macrophages impair trophoblasts' function in spontaneous abortion remain to be explored.

METHODS

Firstly, the characteristics of the isolated macrophage-derived exosomes were verified by TEM and Western blot. Then, we established the co-culture of macrophage-derived exosomes with trophoblasts, and explored the role of the exosomes in trophoblasts. Moreover, expression of miR-153-3p in the macrophage-derived exosomes was detected. A miR-153-3p mimic was transfected into trophoblasts to investigate its function in the biological functions of trophoblast cells. MRNA and protein expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. CCK8 assay was performed to measure cell proliferation and Transwell assay was utilized to examine migration of trophoblasts.

RESULTS

Compared with those in normal pregnant women, decidual macrophage-derived exosomes from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) patients suppressed the proliferation and migration of trophoblast cells through the IDO/STAT3 pathway. MiR-153-3p was highly expressed in exosomes released from decidual macrophages of URSA patients. Transfecting miR-153-3p mimics into trophoblast cells directly inhibited IDO genes, which suppressed STAT3 pathway activation, regulating the biological behavior of trophoblast cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study outlines the role of decidual macrophage-derived exosomal miR-153-3p in successful pregnancy maintenance, paving a new approach for the development of novel treatments for URSA.

Long Non-coding RNA FGD5-AS1 Regulates Cancer Cell Proliferation and Chemoresistance in Gastric Cancer Through miR-153-3p/CITED2 Axis

Background

In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of human long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FYVE RhoGEF And PH Domain Containing 5 Antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1) and its downstream epigenetic axis, human microRNA-153-3p (hsa-miR-153-3p)/Cbp/P300-interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 (CITED2) in human gastric cancer.

Methods

Gastric cancer cell lines and clinical tumor samples were used to assess FGD5-AS1 expression levels. Lentivirus containing FGD5-AS1 small interfering RNA (sh-FGD5AS1) was applied to knockdown FGD5-AS1 expression. Cancer cells in vitro and in vivo proliferation, and 5-FU chemoresistance were assessed, respectively. Expressions of hsa-miR-153-3p/CITED2 were also assessed in FGD5-AS1-downregulated gastric cancer cells. Hsa-miR-153-3p was knocked down and CITED2 was upregulated to assess their direct functional correlations with FGD5-AS1 in gastric cancer.

Results

Both gastric cancer cell lines and human tumor samples showed aberrant FGD5-AS1 upregulation. Lentiviral-induced FGD5-AS1 knockdown reduced cancer proliferation, 5-FU chemoresistance in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo. Hsa-miR-153-3p/CITED2 axis was confirmed to be downstream of FGD5-AS1 in gastric cancer. Hsa-miR-153-3p inhibition or CITED2 upregulation reversed the tumor-suppressing effects of FGD5-AS1 downregulation on gastric cancer proliferation and 5-FU chemoresistance.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that FGD5-AS1 can regulate human gastric cancer cell functions, possibly through its downstream epigenetic axis of hsa-miR-153-3p/CITED2.

LncRNA FGD5-AS1 promotes tumor growth by regulating MCL1 via sponging miR-153-3p in oral cancer

Purpose: To investigate the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FGD5-AS1 in oral cancer (OC) and to further clarify the regulation of FGD5-AS1 on miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis.

Results: FGD5-AS1 was significantly increased in OC tissues and cells. Loss of FGD5-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OC cells. FGD5-AS1 acted as a sponge of miR-153-3p, and MCL1 was direct target of miR-153-3p. Forced expression of miR-153-3p or inhibition of MCL1 reversed the promoted role of FGD5-AS1 on OC cells’ migration and invasion. The in vivo tumor growth assay showed that FGD5-AS1 promoted OC tumorigenesis by regulating miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis.

Conclusions: Our research revealed lncRNA FGD5-AS1 acted as an oncogene by regulating MCL1 via sponging miR-153-3p, thus providing some novel experimental basis for clinical treatment or prevention of OC.

Patients and Methods: The mRNA expression of FGD5-AS1, miR-153-3p and MCL1 was detected by qRT-PCR. CCK8 assay, Edu assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to detect the FGD5-AS1/ miR-153-3p/MCL1 axis function on proliferation, migration and invasion in OC cells. Western blot was used to calculate protein level of MCL1. Luciferase assay was used to detect the binding of miR-153-3p and MCL1, FGD5-AS1and miR-153-3p.

Downregulation of NEAT1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in NSCLC Via Sponging miR-153-3p

Background: Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to play a promotive role in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression through microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the exact influence and mechanism of NEAT1 were unsatisfied. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to examine the expression of NEAT1 and miR-153-3p. The cell proliferation ability, apoptosis rate, migration, and invasion were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were verified by Western blot. The interaction between NEAT1 and miR-153-3p was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Results: These data showed that NEAT1 is highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of NEAT1 suppresses cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and induces the cell apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. At the same time, NEAT1 directly interacts with miR-153-3p in NSCLC. In addition, upregulation of miR-153-3p inhibits the cell progression, and miR-153-3p inhibitor recovers the inhibition effect of si-NEAT1 in NSCLC cell lines. Subsequently, si-NEAT1 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is reactivated by miR-153-3p inhibitor. Conclusions: Knockdown of NEAT1 could suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC while promoting cell apoptosis through sponging miR-153-3p.

MicroRNA-153-3p enhances the sensitivity of chronic myeloid leukemia cells to imatinib by inhibiting B-cell lymphoma-2-mediated autophagy

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disease caused by abnormal DNA replication of bone marrow stem cells and chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of patients with CML. Imatinib (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is a first-line drug clinically used for CML. Mounting evidence has indicated that the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is associated with the chemoresistance of CML. In this study, miR-153-3p, which had been implicated with numerous types of tumors, was identified to be downregulated in IM-resistant CML cells. Upregulation of miR-153-3p significantly increased IM sensitivity and decreased the survival rate of IM-resistant CML cells, whereas downregulation of miR-153-3p attenuated these effects in IM-resistant CML cells. Upregulated miR-153-3p could decrease the autophagy caused by IM in IM-resistant CML cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that Bcl-2 is a direct target of miR-153-3p. Bcl-2 restoration reversed the increased sensitivity to IM induced by miR-153-3p-mimic transfection in IM-resistant CML cells. The results of the present study showed that dysregulated miR-153-3p may target Bcl-2 to promote the development of IM resistance and attenuate IM-induced apoptosis in CML. Therefore, miR-153-3p upregulation combined with IM treatment may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with low sensitivity.

MiR-153-3p induces immune dysregulation by inhibiting PELI1 expression in umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are identified as a promising tool for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and several microRNAs (miRNAs) are shown to exhibit vital roles in immune diseases. However, their function and mechanism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still unclear. The qRT-PCR analysis was employed to investigate level of miR-153-3p. Subsequently, western blot and luciferase reporter assays were carried out to determine miR-153-3p targets. Cell proliferation and migration were determined using EdU proliferation assays and transwell migration assays. Apoptosis levels were evaluated by annexin V staining and flow cytometry. We used human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation to treat MRL/lpr mice. It was observed that miR-153-3p was upregulated in patients with SLE, and was closely related to SLE disease activity. Overexpression of miR-153-3p decreased UC-MSCs proliferation and migration, and weakened UC-MSCs-mediated decrease of follicular T helper (Tfh) cells and increase of regulatory T (Treg) cells through repressing PELI1 in vitro. We also found that PELI1 overexpression abolished the function of miR-153-3p on UC-MSCs. Furthermore, miR-153-3p overexpression weakened the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs in MRL/lpr mice in vivo. Taken together, all data suggested that miR-153-3p is a mediator of SLE UC-MSCs regulation and may function as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus.

Long noncoding RNA KTN1-AS1 promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting miR-153-3p

Aim: To explore the biological functions and clinicopathologic significance of the long noncoding RNA KTN1-AS1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Materials & methods: We assessed the effects of KTN1-AS1 and identified the target miRNA by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The clinicopathologic features of KTN1-AS1 and its target miRNA were analyzed in HNSCC. Results:KTN1-AS1, a competing endogenous RNA, promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by sponging miR-153-3p in HNSCC. Dysregulation of SNAI1 and ZEB2 mediated the effect of KTN1-AS1 due to miR-153-3p exhaustion. The KTN1-AS1 and miR-153-3p combination can accurately diagnose HNSCC. Conclusion: The KTN1-AS1 and miR-153-3p combination could be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic predictor for HNSCC.

SNHG1 promotes MPP+-induced cytotoxicity by regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells via sponging miR-153-3p

Background

Long non-coding RNA small molecule RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) was previously identified to be relevant with Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. This work aims to further elucidate the regulatory networks of SNHG1 involved in PD.

Methods

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced mice and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺)-treated SH-SY5Y cells were respectively constructed as the in vivo and in vitro PD models. Expression levels of SNHG1 and miR-153-3p were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein expression levels of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) were measured by western blotting assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry assays. The interactions among SNHG1, miR-153-3p and PTEN were identified by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and/or RNA pull-down analysis.

Results

Increased SNHG1 expression was found in midbrain of MPTP-induced PD mice and MPP⁺-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of SNHG1 lowered viability and enhanced apoptosis in MPP⁺-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, SNHG1 acted as a molecular sponge to inhibit the expression of miR-153-3p. Furthermore, miR-153-3p-mediated suppression of MPP⁺-induced cytotoxicity was abated following SNHG1 up-regulation. Additionally, PTEN was identified as a direct target of miR-153-3p, and SNHG1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-153-3p to improve the expression of PTEN. Besides, enforced expression of PTEN displayed the similar functions as SNHG1 overexpression in regulating the viability and apoptosis of MPP⁺-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, SNHG1 was found to activate PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells by targeting miR-153-3p.

Conclusion

SNHG1 aggravates MPP⁺-induced cellular toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling via sponging miR-153-3p, indicating the potential of SNHG1 as a promising therapeutic target for PD.

NFATc3-dependent expression of miR-153-3p promotes mitochondrial fragmentation in cardiac hypertrophy by impairing mitofusin-1 expression

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders. Although mitochondrial dynamics, including changes in mitochondrial fission and fusion, have been implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain mostly unknown. Here, we show that NFATc3, miR-153-3p, and mitofusion-1 (Mfn1) constitute a signaling axis that mediates mitochondrial fragmentation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Methods: Isoprenaline (ISO) was used to stimulate the hypertrophic response and mitochondrial fragmentation in cultured cardiomyocytes and in vivo. We performed immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR to validate the function of Mfn1 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Bioinformatic analyses, a luciferase reporter assay, and gain- and loss-of-function studies were used to demonstrate the biological function of miR-153-3p, which regulates mitochondrial fragmentation and hypertrophy by targeting Mfn1. Moreover, ChIP-qPCR and a luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify transcription factor NFATc3 as an upstream regulator to control the expression of miR-153-3p.

Results: Our results show that ISO promoted mitochondrial fission and enhanced the expression of miR-153-3p in cardiomyocytes. Knockdown of miR-153-3p attenuated ISO-induced mitochondrial fission and hypertrophy in cultured primary cardiomyocytes. miR-153-3p suppression inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation in ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model. We identified direct targeting of Mfn1, a key protein of the mitochondrial fusion process, by miR-153-3p. Also, miR-153-3p promoted ISO-induced mitochondrial fission by suppressing the translation of Mfn1. We further found that NFATc3 activated miR-153-3p expression. Knockdown of NFATc3 inhibited miR-153-3p expression and blocked mitochondrial fission and hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions: Our data revealed a novel signaling pathway, involving NFATc3, miR-153-3p, and Mfn1, which could be a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

miR-153-3p Suppresses Inhibitor of Growth Protein 2 Expression to Function as Tumor Suppressor in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Alterations in microRNAs expression can accelerate the development of human cancers. However, the role of miR-153-3p in acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains unknown. The expression of miR-153-3p in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Effects of miR-153-3p expression on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. We then validated inhibitor of growth protein 2 as a direct target of miR-153-3p through bioinformatics analysis, luciferase activity reporter assay, and Western blot assay. The miR-153-3p expression was decreased in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia were obviously decreased by miR-153-3p overexpression. Moreover, inhibitor of growth protein 2 was validated as a direct target of miR-153-3p and the overexpression of inhibitor of growth protein 2 reversed the suppressive effects of miR-153-3p on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell behaviors. Based on these results, we provided evidence that miR-153-3p might be a target for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

WISP-1 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Via the miR-153-3p/Snail Axis

Around half of all patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) present with lymphatic metastasis, a strong predictor of poor survival. Improving survival rates depends on preventing the first step in the “invasion-metastasis cascade,” epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and developing antilymphangiogenesis therapies that antagonize lymphatic metastasis. The extracellular matrix-related protein WISP-1 (WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1) stimulates bone remodeling and tumor progression. We have previously reported that WISP-1 promotes OSCC cell migration and lymphangiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). This investigation sought to determine the role of WISP-1 in regulating EMT in OSCC. Our analysis of oral cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed significant and positive associations between levels of WISP-1 expression and clinical disease stage, as well as regional lymph node metastasis. We also found higher levels of WISP-1 expression in serum samples obtained from patients with OSCC compared with samples from healthy controls. In a series of in vitro investigations, WISP-1 activated EMT signaling via the FAK/ILK/Akt and Snail signaling transduction pathways and downregulated miR-153-3p expression in OSCC cells. Our findings detail how WISP-1 promotes EMT via the miR-153-3p/Snail axis in OSCC cells.

Upregulated circ_0005576 facilitates cervical cancer progression via the miR-153/KIF20A axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel group of noncoding RNAs characterized by a covalently closed loop. An increasing evidence suggests that deregulated circRNAs exert their essential regulatory roles in oncogenesis. However, little is explored on the biological role of novel circRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) progression. In the present study, we analyzed two GSE microarrays to screen for CC-specific circRNAs and found two circRNAs both expressed in CC cells and tissues. Among them, circ_0005576 was significantly overexpressed in both CC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, upregulated circ_0005576 was positively associated with advanced FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, but was negatively related with overall survival of CC patients. Additionally, circ_0005576 knockdown induced a suppressed cell growth, colony formation and metastasis of HeLa and SiHa cells. Mechanistically, circ 0005576 was mainly located in the cytoplasm and served as a sponge of miR-153-3p to increase kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) expression. Rescue assays further validated the effects of circ_0005576/miR-153-3p/KIF20A axis on CC proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, our research reveals a novel circ_0005576/miR-153-3p/KIF20A axis promoting CC progression, which may suggest a new insight into the pathogenesis of CC.

Long non-coding RNA TTN-AS1 facilitates tumorigenesis of papillary thyroid cancer through modulating the miR-153-3p/ZNRF2 axis

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial modulators in the tumorigenesis of numerous cancers, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, it is unclear whether lncRNA TTN antisense RNA 1 (TTN-AS1) can regulate PTC progression. The present study aimed to reveal the mechanism and function of TTN-AS1 in PTC.

METHODS

TTN-AS1 expression in 92 pairs PTC tissues and four PTC cells was measured via a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. The relationship of TTN-AS1 expression and clinical pathological features of PTC patients was analyzed using a chi-squared test. The biofunction of TTN-AS1 in PTC was identified by loss or gain-of-function assays. Based on bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments, the molecular mechanism of TTN-AS1 was analyzed and identified.

RESULTS

A high level of TTN-AS1 was observed in PTC tissues and cells. The expression level of TTN-AS1 is possibly associated with lymphatic metastasis, TNM stage and the overall survival of PTC patients. Functionally, TTN-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in PTC, whereas overexpression of TTN-AS1 led to the opposite results. Mechanistically, TTN-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p) to elevate zinc and ring finger 2 (ZNRF2) expression. Additionally, a high level of TTN-AS1 in PTC was closely correlated with the activity of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings obtained in the present study indicate that TTN-AS1 facilitated PTC progression by regulating the miR-153-3p/ZNRF2 axis and activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

LINC00152 facilitates tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via miR-153-3p/FYN axis

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been found to be associated with the biological behaviors of human cancers. LINC00152 is reported as an oncogene in many kinds of malignancies. However, the functions and mechanisms of LINC00152 involved in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain elusive. Our results revealed that LINC00152 expression was up-regulated in ESCC, and correlated with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Functionally, LINC00152 knockdown suppressed proliferation, decreased colony forming ability, and induced apoptosis in ESCC cells. Mechanically, LINC00152 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-153-3p, thereby facilitating its downstream target FYN. Moreover, miR-153-3p-mediated tumor-suppressive effects were partly reversed following LINC00152 overexpression. Also, FYN knockdown displayed a similar anti-cancerous role in ESCC cells. Taken together, LINC00152 contributed to ESCC progression by down-regulating miR-153-3p and promoting FYN expression, uncovering a novel LINC00152/miR-153-3p/FYN regulatory pathway in ESCC.

MicroRNA-153-3p enhances cell radiosensitivity by targeting BCL2 in human glioma

Background

Glioma is the most prevalent malignant tumor in human central nervous systems. Recently, the development of resistance to radiotherapy in glioma patients markedly vitiates the therapy outcome. MiR-153-3p has been reported to be closely correlated with tumor progression, but its effect and molecular mechanism underlying radioresistance remains unclear in glioma.

Methods

The expression of miR-153-3p was determined in radioresistant glioma clinical specimens as well as glioma cell lines exposed to irradiation (IR) using quantitative real-time PCR. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were then evaluated by MTT assay, colony formation assay, Flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3 activity assay in glioma cells (U87 and U251). Tumor forming was evaluated by nude mice model in vivo. TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis in nude mice model. The target genes of miR-153-3p were predicted and validated using integrated bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Here, we found that miR-153-3p was down-regulated in radioresistant glioma clinical specimens as well as glioma cell lines (U87 and U251) exposed to IR. Enhanced expression of miR-153-3p promoted the radiosensitivity, promoted apoptosis and elevated caspase-3 activity in glioma cells in vitro, as well as the radiosensitivity in U251 cell mouse xenografs in vivo. Mechanically, B cell lymphoma-2 gene (BCL2) was identified as the direct and functional target of miR-153-3p. Moreover, restoration of BCL2 expression reversed miR-153-3p-induced increase of radiosensitivity, apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in U251 cells in vitro. In addition, clinical data indicated that the expression of miR-153-3p was significantly negatively associated with BCL2 in radioresistance of glioma samples.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that miR-153-3p is a potential target to enhance the effect of radiosensitivity on glioma cells, thus representing a new potential therapeutic target for glioma.

Adenovirus-expressing miR-153-3p alleviates aortic calcification in a rat model with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have abnormal calcification in vascular tissue that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the specific molecular mechanisms for vascular calcification remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to determine the differentially expressed miRs and the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-153-3p in vascular calcification induced by adenine.

METHODS

Differentially expressed miRs were screened using a microarray chip in the thoracic aorta. miRs and mRNA expression were measured by RT-qPCR. Protein expression was performed by western blotting analysis. Aortic calcification was confirmed by Von Kossa staining. The targeted genes were predicted by a bioinformatics algorithm and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the expression of miR-153-3p was significantly down-regulated in the thoracic aorta from adenine-fed rats compared with that of the control group. Transfection of miR-153-3p into the thoracic aorta markedly suppressed adenine-induced aortic calcification and significantly decreased the mRNA expression of ALP, OC, OSX, SOST and Runx2. Further studies indicated that Runx2 was a direct target gene of miR-153-3p, which was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that increased vascular miR-153-3p expression attenuates adenine-induced aortic calcification via inhibiting osteogenic trans-differentiation in the thoracic aorta.

MicroRNA-153-3p suppress cell proliferation and invasion by targeting SNAI1 in melanoma

Malignant melanoma is one of the most common malignancies of the skin cancer and increasing evidences revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert significant effects in melanoma. In the present study, the underlying function of microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p) in melanoma was investigated from different levels, including cell level, protein level and gene level. Our results showed that expression of miR-153-3p was lower in melanoma tissues and melanoma cells compared with the para-tumor tissue and normal melanocytes. The overexpression of miR-153-3p inhibited the cell proliferation and invasion, at the same time promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, we identified that snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) is the direct target of miR-153-3p, and there is a negative correlation between miR-153-3p level and SNAI1 expression. In summary, we presented the evidences that miR-153-3p may act as a tumor suppressor by down-regulating the expression of SNAI1 in melanoma and miR-153-3p might be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma.