MicroRNA-targeting nanomedicines for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration

Low back pain stands as a pervasive global health concern, afflicting almost 80% of adults at some point in their lives with nearly 40% attributable to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). As only symptomatic relief can be offered to patients there is a dire need for innovative treatments.Given the accumulating evidence that multiple microRNAs (miRs) are dysregulated during IVDD, they could have a huge potential against this debilitating condition. The way miRs can profoundly modulate signaling pathways and influence several cellular processes at once is particularly exciting to tackle this multifaceted disorder. However, miR delivery encounters extracellular and intracellular biological barriers. A promising technology to address this challenge is the vectorization of miRs within nanoparticles, providing both protection and enhancing their uptake within the scarce target cells of the degenerated IVD. This comprehensive review presents the diverse spectrum of miRs' connection with IVDD and demonstrates their therapeutic potential when vectorized in nanomedicines.

Using bioinformatics technology to mine the expression of serum exosomal miRNA in patients with traumatic brain injury

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the most common traumatic neurological disease, is associated with high mortality and long-term complications, and is a global public health issue. However, there has been little progress in serum markers for TBI research. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biomarkers that can sufficiently function in TBI diagnosis and evaluation.

Methods

Exosomal microRNA (ExomiR), a stable circulating marker in the serum, has aroused widespread interest among researchers. To explore the level of serum ExomiR after TBI, we quantified ExomiR expression levels in serum exosomes extracted from patients with TBI using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and explored potential biomarkers using bioinformatics screening.

Results

Compared with the control group, there were 245 ExomiR (136 up-regulated and 109 down-regulated) in the serum of the TBI group that changed significantly. We observed serum ExomiRs expression profiles associated with neurovascular remodeling, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, and a cascade of secondary injury, including eight up-regulated ExomiRs (ExomiR-124-3p, ExomiR-137-3p, ExomiR-9-3p, ExomiR-133a-5p, ExomiR-204-3p, ExomiR-519a-5p, ExomiR-4732-5p, and ExomiR-206) and 2 down-regulated ExomiR (ExomiR-21-3p and ExomiR-199a-5).

Discussion

The results revealed that serum ExomiRs might become a new research direction and breakthrough for the diagnosis and pathophysiological treatment of patients with TBI.

Causes of and Molecular Targets for the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Review

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a pathological condition that can lead to intractable back pain or secondary neurological deficits. There is no fundamental cure for this condition, and current treatments focus on alleviating symptoms indirectly. Numerous studies have been performed to date, and the major strategy for all treatments of IVDD is to prevent cell loss due to programmed or regulated cell death. Accumulating evidence suggests that several types of cell death other than apoptosis, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, are also involved in IVDD. In this study, we discuss the molecular pathway of each type of cell death and review the literature that has identified their role in IVDD. We also summarize the recent advances in targeted therapy at the RNA level, including RNA modulations through RNA interference and regulation of non-coding RNAs, for preventing cell death and subsequent IVDD. Therefore, we review the causes and possible therapeutic targets for RNA intervention and discuss the future direction of this research field.

Systematic review of transcriptome and microRNAome associations with gestational diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with increased risk for preterm birth and related complications for both the pregnant person and newborn. Changes in gene expression have the potential to characterize complex interactions between genetic and behavioral/environmental risk factors for GDM. Our goal was to summarize the state of the science about changes in gene expression and GDM.

DESIGN

The systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

METHODS

PubMed articles about humans, in English, from any date were included if they described mRNA transcriptome or microRNA findings from blood samples in adults with GDM compared with adults without GDM.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles were found representing 1355 adults (n=674 with GDM, n=681 controls) from 12 countries. Three studies reported transcriptome results and thirteen reported microRNA findings. Identified pathways described various aspects of diabetes pathogenesis, including glucose and insulin signaling, regulation, and transport; natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity; and fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Studies described 135 unique miRNAs that were associated with GDM, of which eight (miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-222-3p, miR-210-3p, and miR-342-3p) were described in 2 or more studies. Findings suggest that miRNA levels vary based on the time in pregnancy when GDM develops, the time point at which they were measured, sex assigned at birth of the offspring, and both the pre-pregnancy and gestational body mass index of the pregnant person.

CONCLUSIONS

The mRNA, miRNA, gene targets, and pathways identified in this review contribute to our understanding of GDM pathogenesis; however, further research is warranted to validate previous findings. In particular, longitudinal repeated-measures designs are needed that control for participant characteristics (e.g., weight), use standardized data collection methods and analysis tools, and are sufficiently powered to detect differences between subgroups. Findings may be used to improve early diagnosis, prevention, medication choice and/or clinical treatment of patients with GDM.

MicroRNA-mediated calcineurin signaling activation induces CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, IL8, and chemotactic activities in 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate exposed macrophages

Occupational exposure to 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), the most widely used monomeric diisocyanate, is one of the leading causes of occupational asthma (OA). Previously, we identified microRNA (miR)-206-3p/miR-381-3p-mediated PPP3CA/calcineurin signalling regulated iNOS transcription in macrophages and bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALCs) after acute MDI exposure; however, whether PPP3CA/calcineurin signalling participates in regulation of other asthma-associated mediators secreted by macrophages/BALCs after MDI exposure is unknown.Several asthma-associated, macrophage-secreted mediator mRNAs from MDI exposed murine BALCs and MDI-glutathione (GSH) conjugate treated differentiated THP-1 macrophages were analysed using RT-qPCR.Endogenous IL1B, TNF, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and TGFB1 were upregulated in MDI or MDI-GSH conjugate exposed BALCs and macrophages, respectively. Calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (FK506) attenuated the MDI-GSH conjugate-mediated induction of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL8/IL8 but not others. Transfection of either miR-inhibitor-206-3p or miR-inhibitor-381-3p in macrophages induced chemokine CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL8 transcription, whereas FK506 attenuated the miR-inhibitor-206-3p or miR-inhibitor-381-3p-mediated effects. Finally, MDI-GSH conjugate treated macrophages showed increased chemotactic ability to various immune cells, which may be attenuated by FK506.In conclusion, these results indicate that MDI exposure to macrophages/BALCs may recruit immune cells into the airway via induction of chemokines by miR-206-3p and miR-381-3p-mediated calcineurin signalling activation.

Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.

microRNAs and Corresponding Targets Involved in Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer in Preclinical In Vivo Models

The high death toll of colorectal cancer patients is due to metastatic disease which is difficult to treat. The liver is the preferred site of metastasis, followed by the lungs and peritoneum. In order to identify new targets and new modalities of intervention we surveyed the literature for microRNAs (miRs) which modulate metastasis of colorectal cancer in preclinical in vivo models. We identified 12 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated miRs corresponding to the latter criterium. The vast majority (n=16) of identified miRs are involved in modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Other categories of metastasis-related miRs exhibit tumor- and metastasis-suppressing functions, modulation of signaling pathways, transmembrane receptors and a class of miRs, which interfere with targets which do not fit into these categories. Finally, we discuss the principles of miR inhibition and reconstitution of function, prospective clinical evaluation of with miR-related agents in the context of clinical evaluation in metastasis relevant settings.

Excessive All-Trans Retinoic Acid Inhibits Cell Proliferation Through Upregulated MicroRNA-4680-3p in Cultured Human Palate Cells

Cleft palate is the second most common congenital birth defect, and both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the etiology of the disease. However, it remains largely unknown how environmental factors affect palate development. Our previous studies show that several microRNAs (miRs) suppress the expression of genes involved in cleft palate. Here we show that miR-4680-3p plays a crucial role in cleft palate pathogenesis. We found that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) specifically induces miR-4680-3p in cultured human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells. Overexpression of miR-4680-3p inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner through the suppression of expression of ERBB2 and JADE1, which are known cleft palate-related genes. Importantly, a miR-4680-3p-specific inhibitor normalized cell proliferation and altered expression of ERBB2 and JADE1 in cells treated with atRA. Taken together, our results suggest that upregulation of miR-4680-3p induced by atRA may cause cleft palate through suppression of ERBB2 and JADE1. Thus, miRs may be potential targets for the prevention and diagnosis of cleft palate.

Differential expression of microRNA miR-150-5p in IgA nephropathy as a potential mediator and marker of disease progression

Understanding why certain patients with IgA nephropathy progress to kidney failure while others maintain normal kidney function remains a major unanswered question. To help answer this, we performed miRNome profiling by next generation sequencing of kidney biopsies in order to identify microRNAs specifically associated with the risk of IgA nephropathy progression. Following sequencing and validation in independent cohorts, four microRNAs (-150-5p, -155-5p, -146b-5p, -135a-5p) were found to be differentially expressed in IgA nephropathy progressors compared to non-progressors, and patients with thin membrane nephropathy, lupus nephritis and membranous nephropathy, and correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and the Oxford MEST-C scores (five histological features that are independent predictors of clinical outcome). Each individual microRNA increased the discrimination score of the International IgAN Prediction Tool, although due to the small number of samples the results did not reach statistical significance. miR-150-5p exhibited the largest amplitude of expression between cohorts and displayed the best discrimination between IgA nephropathy progressors and non-progressors by receiver operating curve analysis (AUC: 0.8). However, expression was similarly upregulated in kidneys with established fibrosis and low estimated glomerular filtration rates at the time of biopsy. Consistent with a more generic role in kidney fibrosis, in situ hybridization revealed that miR-150-5p was found in lymphoid infiltrates, and areas of proliferation and fibrosis consistent with the known drivers of progression. Thus, miR-150-5p may be a potential functional mediator of kidney fibrosis that may add value in predicting risk of progression in IgA nephropathy and other kidney diseases.

Expression and Purification of tRNA/ pre-miRNA-Based Recombinant Noncoding RNAs

Research on RNA function and therapeutic potential is dominated by the use of chemoengineered RNA mimics. Recent efforts have led to the establishment of novel technologies for the production of recombinant or bioengineered RNA molecules, which should better recapitulate the structures, functions and safety profiles of natural RNAs because both are produced and folded in living cells. Herein, we describe a robust approach for reproducible fermentation production of bioengineered RNA agents (BERAs) carrying warhead miRNAs, siRNAs, aptamers, or other forms of small RNAs, based upon an optimal hybrid tRNA/pre-miRNA carrier. Target BERA/sRNAs are readily purified by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) to a high degree of homogeneity (>97%). This approach offers a consistent high-level expression (>30% of total bacterial RNAs) and large-scale production of ready-to-use BERAs (multiple to tens milligrams from 1 L bacterial culture).

Roles of miR-10a-5p and miR-103a-3p, Regulators of BDNF Expression in Follicular Fluid, in the Outcomes of IVF-ET

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, plays critical roles in the physiological process of oocyte mature and IVF outcomes of patients with infertility. However, the regulation of BDNF expression in the microenvironment surrounding the oocyte is still unknown. We initially predicted some microRNA (miRNA) candidates targeting bdnf with a series of bioinformatics analysis tools to determine the underlying regulatory mechanisms of BDNF, particularly the effect of miRNAs on BDNF expression. Then, we assessed whether the expression of these 14 selected miRNAs was negatively associated with BDNF expression in follicular fluid (FF) samples obtained from mature (>18 mm) or immature (<15 mm) follicles. Finally, we used the candidate miRNAs, miR-103a-3p and miR-10a-5p, to further investigate the relationship between their expression in FF and the outcomes of infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET treatment. The results of the bioinformatics analysis revealed 14 miRNAs that might directly regulate BDNF expression and might have a close relationship with oocyte development. BDNF was expressed at significantly lower levels in FF from immature follicles than in FF from mature follicles, and only the expression of miR-103a-3p and miR-10a-5p was negatively correlated with BDNF expression in FF. Moreover, in another cohort of 106 infertile women undergoing IVF-ET treatment, miR-103a-3p or miR-10a-5p expression predicted the developmental status of the corresponding oocytes in which high expression of miR-103a-3p or miR-10a-5p resulted in a poor quality of embryo on days 3 and 5 during the IVF-ET treatment. In conclusion, our study is the first to show that miR-103a-3p or miR-10a-5p negatively affects the maturation of oocytes by regulating the expression of BDNF in human FF. Additionally, the expression levels of miR-103a-3p or miR-10a-5p in FF may predict the outcomes of IVF, which are helpful for improving embryo selection and consequently the IVF success rate in the clinic.

The Role of microRNAs in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review

MicroRNAs are highly investigated for their role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, evidence for clinical implementation is still lacking. In our systematic review, we evaluated the potential of microRNAs as pathophysiological and diagnostic biomarkers of heart failure. We identified 72 differentially expressed microRNA molecules among groups of heart failure patients and control groups by searching the PubMed database. We did not identify a substantial overlap of differentially expressed microRNAs among different studies; only five microRNAs (miR-1228, miR-122, miR-423-5p, miR-142-3p, and exosomal miR-92b-5p) were differentially expressed in more than one included study. Gene set enrichment analysis, based on the gene targets of microRNAs presented in the included studies, showed that gene targets of differentially expressed microRNAs were enriched in the MAPK, TGFβ, PI3K-Akt, and IL-2 signaling pathways, as well as apoptosis pathway, p53 activity regulation, and angiogenesis pathway. Results of our systematic review show that there is currently insufficient support for the use of any of the presented microRNAs as pathophysiological or prognostic biomarkers in the clinical setting.

Extracellular Vesicle miRNAs in the Promotion of Cardiac Neovascularisation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide claiming almost 17. 9 million deaths annually. A primary cause is atherosclerosis within the coronary arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle resulting in myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac cell death. Despite substantial progress in the management of coronary heart disease (CHD), there is still a significant number of patients developing chronic heart failure post-MI. Recent research has been focused on promoting neovascularisation post-MI with the ultimate goal being to reduce the extent of injury and improve function in the failing myocardium. Cardiac cell transplantation studies in pre-clinical models have shown improvement in cardiac function; nonetheless, poor retention of the cells has indicated a paracrine mechanism for the observed improvement. Cell communication in a paracrine manner is controlled by various mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs have emerged as novel regulators of intercellular communication, by transferring molecules able to influence molecular pathways in the recipient cell. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of EVs to stimulate angiogenesis by transferring microRNA (miRNA, miR) molecules to endothelial cells (ECs). In this review, we describe the process of neovascularisation and current developments in modulating neovascularisation in the heart using miRNAs and EV-bound miRNAs. Furthermore, we critically evaluate methods used in cell culture, EV isolation and administration.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Bone Marrow-Derived Proangiogenic Cells (PACs) in a Mouse Model of Hindlimb Ischemia: Modulation by Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background

Classical cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) are associated with impaired angiogenic activities of bone marrow–derived proangiogenic cells (PACs) related to peripheral artery diseases (PADs) and ischemia-induced neovascularization. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of gene expression, and they are involved in the modulation of PAC function and PAC paracrine activity. However, the effects of CRFs on the modulation of miR expression in PACs are unknown.

Aims and Methods

We used a model of hindlimb ischemia and next-generation sequencing to perform a complete profiling of miRs in PACs isolated from the bone marrow of mice subjected to three models of CRFs: aging, smoking (SMK) and hypercholesterolemia (HC).

Results

Approximately 570 miRs were detected in PACs in the different CRF models. When excluding miRs with a very low expression level (<100 RPM), 40 to 61 miRs were found to be significantly modulated by aging, SMK, or HC. In each CRF condition, we identified downregulated proangiogenic miRs and upregulated antiangiogenic miRs that could contribute to explain PAC dysfunction. Interestingly, several miRs were similarly downregulated (e.g., miR-542-3p, miR-29) or upregulated (e.g., miR-501, miR-92a) in all CRF conditions. In silico approaches including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and cluster dendogram analyses identified predictive effects of these miRs on pathways having key roles in the modulation of angiogenesis and PAC function, including vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, PI3K/AKT/MAPK signaling, transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) pathway, p53, and cell cycle progression.

Conclusion

This study describes for the first time the effects of CRFs on the modulation of miR profile in PACs related to PAD and ischemia-induced neovascularization. We found that several angiogenesis-modulating miRs are similarly altered in different CRF conditions. Our findings constitute a solid framework for the identification of miRs that could be targeted in PACs in order to improve their angiogenic function and for the future development of novel therapies to improve neovascularization and reduce tissue damage in patients with severe PAD.

MicroRNA Deregulation in Blood Serum Identifies Multiple System Atrophy Altered Pathways

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

MicroRNA (miRNA) changes are observed in PD but remain poorly explored in other α-synucleinopathies such as MSA.

METHODS

By genome-wide analysis we profiled microRNA expression in serum from 20 MSA cases compared to 40 controls. By qPCR we validated top differentially expressed microRNAs in another sample of 20 MSA and 20 controls. We also assessed the expression of MSA differentially expressed microRNAs in two consecutive sets of 19 and 18 PD patients.

RESULTS

In the discovery set we identified 25 differentially expressed microRNAs associated with MSA, which are related to prion disease, fatty acid metabolism, and Notch signaling. Among these, we selected nine differentially expressed microRNAs and by qPCR confirmed array findings in a second MSA sample. MicroRNA-7641 and microRNA-191 consistently differentiated between MSA and PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum microRNA changes occur in MSA and may reflect disease-associated mechanisms. We identified two microRNAs which may differentiate MSA from PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Remodeling and Regeneration in Physical Exercise

Regular physical activity with aerobic and muscle-strengthening training protects against the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease and can improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. In the past decade significant advances have been made in identifying mechanisms of cardiomyocyte re-programming and renewal including an enhanced exercise-induced proliferational capacity of cardiomyocytes and its progenitor cells. Various intracellular mechanisms mediating these positive effects on cardiac function have been found in animal models of exercise and will be highlighted in this review. 1) activation of extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3 phosphate kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), EGFR/JNK/SP-1, nitric oxide (NO)-signaling, and extracellular vesicles; 2) gene expression modulation via microRNAs (miR), in particular via miR-17-3p and miR-222; and 3) modulation of cardiac cellular metabolism and mitochondrial adaption. Understanding the cellular mechanisms, which generate an exercise-induced cardioprotective cellular phenotype with physiological hypertrophy and enhanced proliferational capacity may give rise to novel therapeutic targets. These may open up innovative strategies to preserve cardiac function after myocardial injury as well as in aged cardiac tissue.

Mechanisms and Modulation of Oxidative/Nitrative Stress in Type 4 Cardio-Renal Syndrome and Renal Sarcopenia

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem and a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CKD could amplify the progression of chronic heart failure leading to the development of type 4 cardio-renal syndrome (T4CRS). The severity and persistence of heart failure are strongly associated with mortality risk in T4CRS. CKD is also a catabolic state leading to renal sarcopenia which is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle strength and physical function. Renal sarcopenia also promotes the development of CVD and increases the mortality in CKD patients. In turn, heart failure developed in T4CRS could result in chronic muscle hypoperfusion and metabolic disturbances leading to or aggravating the renal sarcopenia. The interplay of multiple factors (e.g., comorbidities, over-activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system [RAAS], sympathetic nervous system [SNS], oxidative/nitrative stress, inflammation, etc.) may result in the progression of T4CRS and renal sarcopenia. Among these factors, oxidative/nitrative stress plays a crucial role in the complex pathomechanism and interrelationship between T4CRS and renal sarcopenia. In the heart and skeletal muscle, mitochondria, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, uncoupled nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and xanthine oxidase are major ROS sources producing superoxide anion (O2^·−) and/or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). O2^·− reacts with nitric oxide (NO) forming peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) which is a highly reactive nitrogen species (RNS). High levels of ROS/RNS cause lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, interacts with both DNA repair enzymes and transcription factors, leads to the oxidation/nitration of key proteins involved in contractility, calcium handling, metabolism, antioxidant defense mechanisms, etc. It also activates the inflammatory response, stress signals inducing cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, or cell death via different mechanisms (e.g., apoptosis, necrosis) and dysregulates autophagy. Therefore, the thorough understanding of the mechanisms which lead to perturbations in oxidative/nitrative metabolism and its relationship with pro-inflammatory, hypertrophic, fibrotic, cell death and other pathways would help to develop strategies to counteract systemic and tissue oxidative/nitrative stress in T4CRS and renal sarcopenia. In this review, we also focus on the effects of some well-known and novel pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and physical exercise on cardiac and skeletal muscle oxidative/nitrative stress in T4CRS and renal sarcopenia.

Blood-based biomarkers in lung cancer: prognosis and treatment decisions

Despite recent advances, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a devastating disease with overall poor prognosis. Major contributing factors include obstacles to diagnosing the disease early in its course during the asymptomatic stage as well as diversity and complexity of its biology underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Advances in molecularly targeted therapies which drives the development of personalized cancer care require precise and comprehensive understanding of tumor biology, not only at the time of diagnosis but also during treatment course and surveillance. As lung tumor tissue can be difficult to obtain without invasive and potentially risky procedures, it is difficult to monitor treatment response with serial tissue biopsies. Development of non-invasive but reliable blood based tumor markers has become an important research area. In this review, we focus on the following circulating biomarkers that have been identified in recent years: circulating tumor cells (CTCs); circulating cell-free nucleic acids, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNA (miR); and other biomarkers such as genomic and proteomic features. These biomarkers not only have prognostic values, but also can help guild treatment decisions by monitoring tumor burden, detecting minimal residual disease and/or recurrent disease, as well as monitoring evolution of genetic alterations throughout the treatment course.

Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Etiology of Bladder Cancer

According to data of the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization (Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, GLOBOCAN, and the World Health Organization Mortality), bladder is among the top ten body locations of cancer globally, with the highest incidence rates reported in Southern and Western Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Western Asia. Males (M) are more vulnerable to this disease than females (F), despite ample frequency variations in different countries, with a M:F ratio of 4.1:1 for incidence and 3.6:1 for mortality, worldwide. For a long time, bladder cancer was genetically classified through mutations of two genes, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3, for low-grade, non-invasive papillary tumors) and tumor protein P53 (TP53, for high-grade, muscle-invasive tumors). However, more recently scientists have shown that this disease is far more complex, since genes directly involved are more than 150; so far, it has been described that altered gene expression (up- or down-regulation) may be present for up to 500 coding sequences in low-grade and up to 2300 in high-grade tumors. Non-coding RNAs are essential to explain, at least partially, this ample dysregulation. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge about long and short non-coding RNAs that have been linked to bladder cancer etiology.

Noncoding RNA in drug resistant sarcoma

Sarcomas are a group of malignant tumors that arise from mesenchymal origin. Despite significant development of multidisciplinary treatments for sarcoma, survival rates have reached a plateau. Chemotherapy has been extensively used for sarcoma treatment; however, the development of drug resistance is a major obstacle limiting the success of many anticancer agents. Sarcoma biology has traditionally focused on genomic and epigenomic deregulation of protein-coding genes to identify the therapeutic potential for reversing drug resistance. New and more creative approaches have found the involvement of noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in drug resistant sarcoma. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of noncoding RNAs characteristics and the regulated genes involved in drug resistant sarcoma, and focus on their therapeutic potential in the future.

Estrogen-regulated STAT1 activation promotes TLR8 expression to facilitate signaling via microRNA-21 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Recent studies implicate innate immunity to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Toll-like receptor (TLR)8 is estrogen-regulated and binds viral ssRNA to stimulate innate immune responses, but recent work indicates that microRNA (miR)-21 within extracellular vesicles (EVs) can also trigger this receptor. Our objective was to examine TLR8 expression/activation to better understand sex-biased responses involving TLR8 in SLE. Our data identify an estrogen response element that promotes STAT1 expression and demonstrate STAT1-dependent transcriptional activation of TLR8 with estrogen stimulation. In lieu of viral ssRNA activation, we explored EV-encapsulated miR-21 as an endogenous ligand and observed induction of both TLR8 and cytokine expression in vitro. Moreover, extracellular miR detection was found predominantly within EVs. Thus, just as a cytokine or chemokine, EV-encapsulated miR-21 can act as an inflammatory signaling molecule, or miRokine, by virtue of being an endogenous ligand of TLR8. Collectively, our data elucidates a novel innate inflammatory pathway in SLE.

Plasma and saliva miR-21 expression in colorectal cancer patients

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) expression was quantified by real-time qRT-PCR in peripheral blood and saliva samples obtained from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) of varying degrees of malignancy and healthy volunteers. All patients had adenocarcinoma located in the distal colon at different stages. Significant differences were detected between the control group and the total experimental group of CRC patients (plasma, P = 0.0001; saliva, P = 5e-12). MiR-21 expression was also significantly different in certain subgroups of patients with CRC disease stages II-IV as compared to the control group. No correlation of miR-21 expression was found with regard to gender and age of patents. Also, there were no significant individual correlations and linear regression of miR-21 expression in the plasma and saliva. The estimated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 expression were respectively 65 and 85% in the plasma, and 97 and 91% in the saliva. Our data suggest that miR-21 in both the saliva and plasma could be a proper biomarker for CRC screening, although the saliva miR-21 expression test looks preferable due to its higher sensitivity, specificity, and technical simplicity.

Circulating miR-499 are novel and sensitive biomarker of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

miRNAs are known to play a crucial role in cardiac development, and the expression of miRNA is altered in the diseased heart. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of plasma microRNA-499 (miR-499) as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Enrolled in this study were 227 patients with chest pain on presentation to the departments of emergency and cardiology of Wuxi Second People's Hospital between October 2011 and May 2014. Additional 100 healthy individuals who received physical examination in the same hospital during the same period were used as control. Plasma was collected at admission, and the abundance of miR-499 was measured using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

MiR-499 was significantly elevated in 142 patients diagnosed with AMI as compared with 85 patients in non-AMI group and 100 subjects in healthy control group. Plasma miR-499 were already detectable in the plasma as early as 1 h after onset of chest pain in AMI patients, and continued to increase gradually without any sign of decreasing tendency within 9 h in AMI patients. miR-499 was highly positively correlated with the serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cTnI. The area under the curve (AUC) of miR-499 for the diagnosis of AMI was 0.86, with an optimal cut-off value of 4.79, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 80.28%.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-499 was shown to substantially increase the diagnostic accuracy of CK-MB and cTnI in the diagnosis of AMI, and therefore it may prove to be a useful marker for early diagnosis of AMI.

microRNA control of interferons and interferon induced anti-viral activity

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that are spontaneously produced in response to virus infection. They act by binding to IFN-receptors (IFN-R), which trigger JAK/STAT cell signalling and the subsequent induction of hundreds of IFN-inducible genes, including both protein-coding and microRNA genes. IFN-induced genes then act synergistically to prevent virus replication and create an anti-viral state. miRNA are therefore integral to the innate response to virus infection and are important components of IFN-mediated biology. On the other hand viruses also encode miRNAs that in some cases interfere directly with the IFN response to infection. This review summarizes the important roles of miRNAs in virus infection acting both as IFN-stimulated anti-viral molecules and as critical regulators of IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes. It also highlights how recent knowledge in RNA editing influence miRNA control of virus infection.