MicroRNA control of muscle development and disease

miR-26a is required for skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration in mice

Multiple microRNAs are known to be induced during the differentiation of myoblasts to myotubes. Yet, experiments in animals have not provided clear evidence for the requirement of most of these microRNAs in myogenic differentiation in vivo. miR-26a is induced during skeletal muscle differentiation and is predicted to target a well-known inhibitor of differentiation, the transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein (TGF-β/BMP) signaling pathway. Here we show that exogenous miR-26a promotes differentiation of myoblasts, while inhibition of miR-26a by antisense oligonucleotides or by Tough-Decoys delays differentiation. miR-26a targets the transcription factors Smad1 and Smad4, critical for the TGF-β/BMP pathway, and expression of microRNA-resistant forms of these transcription factors inhibits differentiation. Injection of antagomirs specific to miR-26a into neonatal mice derepressed both Smad expression and activity and consequently inhibited skeletal muscle differentiation. In addition, miR-26a is induced during skeletal muscle regeneration after injury. Inhibiting miR-26a in the tibialis anterior muscles through the injection of adeno-associated virus expressing a Tough-Decoy targeting miR-26a prevents Smad down-regulation and delays regeneration. These findings provide evidence for the requirement of miR-26a for skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration in vivo.

MiR-351 transiently increases during muscle regeneration and promotes progenitor cell proliferation and survival upon differentiation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many biological processes including muscle development. However, little is known regarding miRNA regulation of muscle regeneration. Murine tibialis anterior muscle was evaluated after cardiotoxin-induced injury and used for global miRNA expression analysis. From day 1 through day 21 following injury, 298 miRNAs were significantly changed at least at one time point, including 86 miRNAs that were altered >10-fold compared with uninjured skeletal muscle. Temporal miRNA expression patterns included inflammation-related miRNAs (miR-223 and -147) that increased immediately after injury; this pattern contrasted to that of mature muscle-specific miRNAs (miR-1, -133a, and -499) that abruptly decreased following injury followed by upregulation in later regenerative events. Another cluster of miRNAs were transiently increased in the early days of muscle regeneration including miR-351, a miRNA that was also transiently expressed during myogenic progenitor cell (MPC) differentiation in vitro. Based on computational predictions, further studies demonstrated that E2f3 was a target of miR-351 in myoblasts. Moreover, knockdown of miR-351 expression inhibited MPC proliferation and promoted apoptosis during MPC differentiation, whereas miR-351 overexpression protected MPC from apoptosis during differentiation. Collectively, these observations suggest that miR-351 is involved in both the maintenance of MPC proliferation and the transition into differentiated myotubes. Thus, a novel, time-dependent sequence of molecular events during muscle regeneration has been identified; miR-351 inhibits E2f3 expression, a key regulator of cell cycle progression and proliferation, and promotes MPC proliferation and protects early differentiating MPC from apoptosis, important events in the hostile tissue environment after acute muscle injury.

Muscle function in COPD: a complex interplay

The skeletal muscles play an essential role in life, providing the mechanical basis for respiration and movement. Skeletal muscle dysfunction is prevalent in all stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and significantly influences symptoms, functional capacity, health related quality of life, health resource usage and even mortality. Furthermore, in contrast to the lungs, the skeletal muscles are potentially remedial with existing therapy, namely exercise-training. This review summarizes clinical and laboratory observations of the respiratory and peripheral skeletal muscles (in particular the diaphragm and quadriceps), and current understanding of the underlying etiological processes. As further progress is made in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle dysfunction, new pharmacological therapies are likely to emerge to treat this important extra-pulmonary manifestation of COPD.

Systems biology of skeletal muscle: fiber type as an organizing principle

Skeletal muscle force generation and contraction are fundamental to countless aspects of human life. The complexity of skeletal muscle physiology is simplified by fiber type classification where differences are observed from neuromuscular transmission to release of intracellular Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the resulting recruitment and cycling of cross-bridges. This review uses fiber type classification as an organizing and simplifying principle to explore the complex interactions between the major proteins involved in muscle force generation and contraction.

MiR-23a inhibits myogenic differentiation through down regulation of fast myosin heavy chain isoforms

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that repress the expression of their target genes post-transcriptionally. MiRNAs participate in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, including development and diseases. However, the functional role and molecular mechanism by which miRNAs regulate skeletal muscle development and differentiation are not fully understood. In this report, we identified miR-23a as a key regulator of skeletal muscle differentiation. Using bioinformatics analyses, miR-23a is predicted to target multiple adult fast myosin heavy chain (Myh) genes, including Myh 1, 2 and 4. Luciferase reporter assays show that miR-23a directly targets the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of these mRNAs. Interestingly, the expression level of mature miR-23a is inversely correlated with myogenic progression in mouse skeletal muscle. Both gain- and loss-of-function studies using C2C12 myoblasts demonstrate that miR-23a inhibits myogenic differentiation. These findings therefore reveal a novel role of miR-23a in regulating myogenic differentiation via inhibiting the expression of fast myosin heavy chain isoforms.

Rapid and direct microRNA quantification by an enzymatic luminescence assay

A quantitative bioluminescence assay for rapid and sensitive microRNA (miRNA) expression analysis was developed. The assay uses miRNA directly as a primer for binding to a circular single-stranded DNA template, followed by rolling circle amplification. The detection of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) molecules released during the DNA polymerization and amplification process is performed by a multi-enzyme system. PPi is converted to ATP by ATP-sulfurylase, which provides energy for luciferase to oxidize luciferin and produce light. Experimental results show that the assay has a dynamic range exceeding three orders of magnitude and the ability to discriminate miRNAs with high-homology sequences. Quantification of nine miRNAs in human heart tissues demonstrated high cross-platform consistency between this assay and the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with R(2)=0.941. The assay requires fewer reagents, can be performed at an isothermal condition without thermal cycling, and is capable of detecting miRNAs in less than 1h. Compared with the real-time PCR and microarray-based detection methods, this assay provides a simpler, faster, and less expensive platform for miRNA quantification in life science research, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis.

The role of miRNAs in progesterone action

Small non-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs) are mediators of post-transcriptional gene silencing and are involved in all aspects of cell biology. Progesterone receptors (PR) are intimately involved in the normal physiology and diseases of hormone responsive tissues including the uterus and the breast. Recent evidence suggests that hormone regulated miRNAs play a substantial role in hormone receptor mediated gene regulation. However, relatively little is known regarding miRNAs regulated by PR or that target PR as compared to those regulated by or targeting estrogen receptors (ER). We summarize the state of current knowledge regarding miRNAs and PR action. We also delineate how progesterone regulated miRNAs might provide an additional level of control and fine tuning of gene regulation by hormone receptors and also facilitate cell- and tissue-specific gene regulation PR.

RNA-binding protein nucleolin in disease

Nucleolin is a multifunctional protein localized primarily in the nucleolus, but also found in the nucleoplasm, cytoplasm and cell membrane. It is involved in several aspects of DNA metabolism, and participates extensively in RNA regulatory mechanisms, including transcription, ribosome assembly, mRNA stability and translation, and microRNA processing. Nucleolin's implication in disease is linked to its ability to associate with target RNAs via its four RNA-binding domains and its arginine/glycin-rich domain. By modulating the post-transcriptional fate of target mRNAs, which typically bear AU-rich and/or G-rich elements, nucleolin has been linked to cellular events that influence disease, notably cell proliferation and protection against apoptotic death. Through its diverse RNA functions, nucleolin is increasingly implicated in pathological processes, particularly cancer and viral infection. Here, we review the RNA-binding activities of nucleolin, its influence on gene expression patterns, and its impact upon diseases. We also discuss the rising interest in targeting nucleolin therapeutically.

microRNA-206 promotes skeletal muscle regeneration and delays progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice

Skeletal muscle injury activates adult myogenic stem cells, known as satellite cells, to initiate proliferation and differentiation to regenerate new muscle fibers. The skeletal muscle-specific microRNA miR-206 is upregulated in satellite cells following muscle injury, but its role in muscle regeneration has not been defined. Here, we show that miR-206 promotes skeletal muscle regeneration in response to injury. Genetic deletion of miR-206 in mice substantially delayed regeneration induced by cardiotoxin injury. Furthermore, loss of miR-206 accelerated and exacerbated the dystrophic phenotype in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We found that miR-206 acts to promote satellite cell differentiation and fusion into muscle fibers through suppressing a collection of negative regulators of myogenesis. Our findings reveal an essential role for miR-206 in satellite cell differentiation during skeletal muscle regeneration and indicate that miR-206 slows progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Androgens and skeletal muscle: cellular and molecular action mechanisms underlying the anabolic actions

Androgens increase both the size and strength of skeletal muscle via diverse mechanisms. The aim of this review is to discuss the different cellular targets of androgens in skeletal muscle as well as the respective androgen actions in these cells leading to changes in proliferation, myogenic differentiation, and protein metabolism. Androgens bind and activate a specific nuclear receptor which will directly affect the transcription of target genes. These genes encode muscle-specific transcription factors, enzymes, structural proteins, as well as microRNAs. In addition, anabolic action of androgens is partly established through crosstalk with other signaling molecules such as Akt, myostatin, IGF-I, and Notch. Finally, androgens may also exert non-genomic effects in muscle by increasing Ca(2+) uptake and modulating kinase activities. In conclusion, the anabolic effect of androgens on skeletal muscle is not only explained by activation of the myocyte androgen receptor but is also the combined result of many genomic and non-genomic actions.

MicroRNA-148a promotes myogenic differentiation by targeting the ROCK1 gene

MicroRNAs are evolutionarily conserved small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical regulators of skeletal muscle development. Here, we identified miR-148a as a novel myogenic microRNA that mediated myogenic differentiation. The expression levels of miR-148a increased during C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Overexpression of miR-148a significantly promoted myogenic differentiation of both C2C12 myoblast and primary muscle cells. Blocking the function of miR-148a with a 2'-O-methylated antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor repressed C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), a known inhibitor of myogenesis, as a target of miR-148a. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate that miR-148a directly targeted the 3'-UTR of ROCK1. In addition, the overexpression of miR-148a decreased the protein expression of ROCK1 in C2C12 myoblast and primary muscle cells. Furthermore, ROCK1 inhibition with specific siRNA leaded to accelerated myogenic differentiation progression, underscoring a negative regulatory function of ROCK1 in myogenesis. Therefore, our results revealed a novel mechanism in which miR-148a positively regulates myogenic differentiation via ROCK1 down-regulation.

Epigenetic regulation of skeletal myogenesis

During embryogenesis a timely and coordinated expression of different subsets of genes drives the formation of skeletal muscles in response to developmental cues. In this review, we will summarize the most recent advances on the "epigenetic network" that promotes the transcription of selective groups of genes in muscle progenitors, through the concerted action of chromatin-associated complexes that modify histone tails and microRNAs (miRNAs). These epigenetic players cooperate to establish focal domains of euchromatin, which facilitates gene transcription, and large portions of heterochromatin, which precludes inappropriate gene expression. We also discuss the analogies and differences in the transcriptional and the epigenetic networks driving developmental and adult myogenesis. The elucidation of the epigenetic basis controlling skeletal myogenesis during development and adult life will facilitate experimental strategies toward generating muscle stem cells, either by reprogramming embryonic stem cells or by inducing pluripotency in adult skeletal muscles. During embryogenesis a timely and coordinated expression of different subsets of genes drives the formation of skeletal muscles in response to developmental cues. In this review, we will summarize the most recent advances on the "epigenetic network" that promotes the transcription of selective groups of genes in muscle progenitors, through the concerted action of chromatin-associated complexes that modify histone tails and microRNAs (miRNAs). These epigenetic players cooperate to establish focal domains of euchromatin, which facilitates gene transcription, and large portions of heterochromatin, which precludes inappropriate gene expression. We also discuss the analogies and differences in the transcriptional and the epigenetic networks driving developmental and adult myogenesis. The elucidation of the epigenetic basis controlling skeletal myogenesis during development and adult life will facilitate experimental strategies toward generating muscle stem cells, either by reprogramming embryonic stem cells or by inducing pluripotency in adult skeletal muscles.

MicroRNAs overexpressed in growth-restricted rat skeletal muscles regulate the glucose transport in cell culture targeting central TGF-β factor SMAD4

The micro-array profiling of micro-RNA has been performed in rat skeletal muscle tissues, isolated from male adult offspring of intrauterine plus postnatal growth restricted model (IPGR). Apparently, the GLUT4 mRNA expression in male sk. muscle was found to be unaltered in contrast to females. The over-expression of miR-29a and miR-23a in the experimental group of SMSP (Starved Mother Starved Pups) have been found to regulate the glucose transport activity with respect to their control counterparts CMCP (Control Mother Control Pups) as confirmed in rat L6 myoblast-myocyte cell culture system. The ex-vivo experimentation demonstrates an aberration in insulin signaling pathway in male sk. muscle that leads to the localization of the membrane-bound Glut4 protein. We have identified through a series of experiments one important protein factor SMAD4, a co-SMAD critical to the TGF-beta signaling pathway. This factor is targeted by miR-29a, as identified in an in vitro reporter-assay system in cell-culture experiment. The other micro-RNA, miR-23a, targets SMAD4 indirectly that seems to be critical in regulating insulin-dependent glucose transport activity. MicroRNA mimics, inhibitors and siRNA studies indicate the role of SMAD4 as inhibitory for glucose transport activities in normal physiological condition. The data demonstrate for the first time a critical function of microRNAs in fine-tuning the regulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle. Chronic starved conditions (IPGR) in sk. muscle up-regulates microRNA changing the target protein expression patterns, such as SMAD4, to alter the glucose transport pathways for the survival. The innovative outcome of this paper identifies a critical pathway (TGF-beta) that may act negatively for the mammalian glucose transport machinery.

MicroRNAs and ovarian function

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs which function in gene regulation with an important role in cell proliferation, maturation, and activity. The regulatory role of these small RNA molecules has recently begun to be explored in ovarian cells, uncovering their influence on gonadal development, steroidogenesis, apoptosis, ovulation, and corpus luteum development. This emerging area of research has extended and reshaped our understanding on how ovarian function is regulated. Here, we review the current understanding of miRNA biogenesis, the role and mechanism that miRNAs play in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation, and specifically the current evidence of miRNA involvement in ovarian development and function. Future comprehensive understanding of the role of miRNAs in the ovary in both physiological and pathological conditions may offer new treatment strategies for infertility and other ovarian disorders.

miR-375 is highly expressed and possibly transactivated by achaete-scute complex homolog 1 in small-cell lung cancer cells

In this study, we identified five miRNAs highly expressed in the small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line NCI-H209. Among them, the expression levels of miR-375 were dramatically elevated in all SCLC cell lines examined, coincident with the expression of the transcription factor achaete-scute complex homolog 1 (ASCL1). Moreover, miR-375 was upregulated and correlated with ASCL1 in the cell lines generated from mouse SCLC-like tumors as well. Dual-luciferase assays further showed that ASCL1 activated the expression of miR-375 by binding to the three E-box elements in the miR-375 promoter. These results imply a role of ASCL1 in SCLC via the upregulation of miR-375.

ERα, microRNAs, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

The most common form of breast cancer, luminal A, is estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive and epithelial, but nevertheless can metastasize. The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is probably the first step in the metastasis of epithelial cancers. We discuss the characteristics of EMT, including factors that induce EMT, and the relationship of EMT to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Estrogen/ERα signaling maintains an epithelial phenotype and suppresses EMT. An overview of microRNAs in breast cancer is presented, including how microRNA biogenesis is altered in cancer and regulated by ERα. We also discuss the role of the miR-200 family in opposing EMT. Finally, we discuss specific microRNAs that target ERα and regulate EMT in breast cancer, and the role of these microRNAs in breast cancer progression.

MicroRNA control of bone formation and homeostasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) repress cellular protein levels to provide a sophisticated parameter of gene regulation that coordinates a broad spectrum of biological processes. Bone organogenesis is a complex process involving the differentiation and crosstalk of multiple cell types for formation and remodeling of the skeleton. Inhibition of mRNA translation by miRNAs has emerged as an important regulator of developmental osteogenic signaling pathways, osteoblast growth and differentiation, osteoclast-mediated bone resorption activity and bone homeostasis in the adult skeleton. miRNAs control multiple layers of gene regulation for bone development and postnatal functions, from the initial response of stem/progenitor cells to the structural and metabolic activity of the mature tissue. This Review brings into focus an emerging concept of bone-regulating miRNAs, the evidence for which has been gathered largely from in vivo mouse models and in vitro studies in human and mouse skeletal cell populations. Characterization of miRNAs that operate through tissue-specific transcription factors in osteoblast and osteoclast lineage cells, as well as intricate feedforward and reverse loops, has provided novel insights into the supervision of signaling pathways and regulatory networks controlling normal bone formation and turnover. The current knowledge of miRNAs characteristic of human pathologic disorders of the skeleton is presented with a future goal towards translational studies.

Heme oxygenase-1 inhibits myoblast differentiation by targeting myomirs

AIMS

Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) is a cytoprotective enzyme degrading heme to biliverdin, iron ions, and carbon monoxide, whose expression is induced in response to oxidative stress. Its overexpression has been suggested as a strategy improving survival of transplanted muscle precursors.

RESULTS

Here we demonstrated that HMOX1 inhibits differentiation of myoblasts and modulates miRNA processing: downregulates Lin28 and DGCR8, lowers the total pool of cellular miRNAs, and specifically blocks induction of myomirs. Genetic or pharmacological activation of HMOX1 in C2C12 cells reduces the abundance of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206, which is accompanied by augmented production of SDF-1 and miR-146a, decreased expression of MyoD, myogenin, and myosin, and disturbed formation of myotubes. Similar relationships between HMOX1 and myomirs were demonstrated in murine primary satellite cells isolated from skeletal muscles of HMOX1(+/+), HMOX1(+/-), and HMOX1(-/-) mice or in human rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. Inhibition of myogenic development is independent of antioxidative properties of HMOX1. Instead it is mediated by CO-dependent inhibition of c/EBPδ binding to myoD promoter, can be imitated by SDF-1, and partially reversed by enforced expression of miR-133b and miR-206. Control C2C12 myoblasts injected to gastrocnemius muscles of NOD-SCID mice contribute to formation of muscle fibers. In contrast, HMOX1 overexpressing C2C12 myoblasts form fast growing, hyperplastic tumors, infiltrating the surrounding tissues, and disseminating to the lungs.

INNOVATION

We evidenced for the first time that HMOX1 inhibits differentiation of myoblasts, affects the miRNA processing enzymes, and modulates the miRNA transcriptome.

CONCLUSION

HMOX1 improves the survival of myoblasts, but concurrently through regulation of myomirs, may act similarly to oncogenes, increasing the risk of hyperplastic growth of myogenic precursors.

Inhibition of microRNA function by antimiR oligonucleotides

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in many developmental and cellular processes. Moreover, there is now ample evidence that perturbations in the levels of individual or entire families of miRNAs are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of human diseases. Indeed, disease-associated miRNAs represent a new class of targets for the development of miRNA-based therapeutic modalities, which may yield patient benefits unobtainable by other therapeutic approaches. The recent explosion in miRNA research has accelerated the development of several computational and experimental approaches for probing miRNA functions in cell culture and in vivo. In this review, we focus on the use of antisense oligonucleotides (antimiRs) in miRNA inhibition for loss-of-function studies. We provide an overview of the currently employed antisense chemistries and their utility in designing antimiR oligonucleotides. Furthermore, we describe the most commonly used in vivo delivery strategies and discuss different approaches for assessment of miRNA inhibition and potential off-target effects. Finally, we summarize recent progress in antimiR mediated pharmacological inhibition of disease-associated miRNAs, which shows great promise in the development of novel miRNA-based therapeutics.

MicroRNA Profiling Reveals Distinct Mechanisms Governing Cardiac and Neural Lineage-Specification of Pluripotent Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Realizing the potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been hindered by the inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types from pluripotent cells through multi-lineage differentiation. We recently reported that pluripotent hESCs maintained under a defined platform can be uniformly converted into a cardiac or neural lineage by small molecule induction, which enables lineage-specific differentiation direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and opens the door to investigate human embryonic development using in vitro cellular model systems. To identify mechanisms of small molecule induced lineage-specification of pluripotent hESCs, in this study, we compared the expression and intracellular distribution patterns of a set of cardinal chromatin modifiers in pluripotent hESCs, nicotinamide (NAM)-induced cardiomesodermal cells, and retinoic acid (RA)-induced neuroectodermal cells. Further, genome-scale profiling of microRNA (miRNA) differential expression patterns was used to monitor the regulatory networks of the entire genome and identify the development-initiating miRNAs in hESC cardiac and neural lineage-specification. We found that NAM induced nuclear translocation of NAD-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1 and global chromatin silencing, while RA induced silencing of pluripotence-associated hsa-miR-302 family and drastic up-regulation of neuroectodermal Hox miRNA hsa-miR-10 family to high levels. Genome-scale miRNA profiling indentified that a unique set of pluripotence-associated miRNAs was down-regulated, while novel sets of distinct cardiac- and neural-driving miRNAs were up-regulated upon the induction of lineage-specification direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs. These findings suggest that a predominant epigenetic mechanism via SIRT1-mediated global chromatin silencing governs NAM-induced hESC cardiac fate determination, while a predominant genetic mechanism via silencing of pluripotence-associated hsa-miR-302 family and drastic up-regulation of neuroectodermal Hox miRNA hsa-miR-10 family governs RA-induced hESC neural fate determination. This study provides critical insight into the earliest events in human embryogenesis as well as offers means for small molecule-mediated direct control and modulation of hESC pluripotent fate when deriving clinically-relevant lineages for regenerative therapies.

Stem-loop RT-qPCR for microRNA expression profiling

Quantification of the microRNAs (miRNAs) in cells or tissues is a crucial step in understanding their biological functions. Development of the stem-loop reverse transcription procedure and TaqMan(®) miRNA assays enables accurate detection of miRNA expression levels by quantitative PCR. Increased experimental throughput permits the expression screening of larger number of miRNAs with small amounts of sample. Here, we demonstrate the use of both TaqMan(®) Array Card and OpenArray(®) platforms to accurately determine the level of miRNA gene expression in biological samples.

Genome-Scale Mapping of MicroRNA Signatures in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Neurogenesis

To date, lacking of a clinically-suitable source of engraftable human stem/progenitor cells with adequate neurogenic potential has been the major setback in developing effective cell-based therapies against a wide range of neurological disorders. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a powerful tool to investigate the molecular controls in human embryonic neurogenesis as well as an unlimited source to generate the diversity of human neuronal cell types in the developing CNS for repair. However, realizing the developmental and therapeutic potential of hESCs has been hindered by conventional multi-lineage differentiation of pluripotent cells, which is uncontrollable, inefficient, highly variable, difficult to reproduce and scale-up. We recently identified retinoic acid (RA) as sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs under defined platform and trigger progression to human neuronal progenitors (hESC-I hNuPs) and neurons (hESC-I hNus) in the developing CNS with high efficiency, which enables hESC neuronal lineage-specific differentiation and opens the door to investigate human embryonic neurogenesis using the hESC model system. In this study, genome-scale profiling of microRNA (miRNA) differential expression patterns in hESC neuronal lineage-specific progression was used to identify molecular signatures of human embryonic neurogenesis. These in vitro neuroectoderm-derived human neuronal cells have acquired a neuron al identity by down-regulating pluripotence-associated miRNAs and inducing the expression of miRNAs linked to regulating human CNS development to high levels in a stage-specific manner, including silencing of the prominent pluripotence-associated hsa-miR-302 family and drastic expression increases of the Hox hsa-miR-10 and let-7 miRNAs. Following transplantation, hESC-I hNuPs engrafted and yielded well-integrated neurons at a high prevalence within neurogenic regions of the brain. In 3D culture, these hESC-I hNuPs proceeded to express subtype neuronal markers, such as dopaminergic and motor neurons, demonstrating their therapeutic potential for CNS repair. Our study provides critical insight into molecular neurogenesis in human embryonic development as well as offers an adequate human neurogenic cell source in high purity and large quantity for scale-up CNS regeneration.

Determination of miRNA targets in skeletal muscle cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small ∼22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by either destabilizing and consequently degrading their targeted mRNAs or by repressing their translation. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are essential for normal mammalian development, homeostasis, and many other functions. In addition, deleterious changes in miRNA expression were associated with human diseases. Several muscle-specific miRNAs, including miR-1, miR-133, miR-206, and miR-208, have been shown to be important for normal myoblast differentiation, proliferation, and muscle remodeling in response to stress. They have also been implicated in various cardiac and skeletal muscular diseases. miRNA-based gene therapies hold great potential for the treatment of cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Herein, we describe methods commonly applied to study the biological role of miRNAs, as well as techniques utilized to manipulate miRNA expression and to investigate their target regulation.

miR-203b: a novel regulator of MyoD expression in tilapia skeletal muscle

MyoD is one of the helix-loop-helix proteins regulating muscle-specific gene expression in tilapia. Tight regulation of MyoD protein level is necessary for the precise regulation of skeletal muscle development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Increasing evidences have suggested that miRNAs play an important role in regulating skeletal muscle development. We reasoned that MyoD expression may be regulated by miRNAs. Bioinformatics prediction identify a putative miR-203b target site in the 3’-UTR of MyoD gene. Interestingly, miR-203b expression is negatively correlated is negatively correlated with MyoD expression. miR-203b suppression leads to a significant increase in MyoD expression, thereby activating MyoD downstream gene. 3’-UTR luciferase reporter assay further verifies the direct interaction between miR-203b and MyoD. Taken together, our studies reveal a novel molecular mechanism in which miRNA participates in transcriptional circuits that regulates gene expression in tilapia skeletal muscle.

Downregulation of the serum response factor/miR-1 axis in the quadriceps of patients with COPD

RATIONALE

Muscle atrophy confers a poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet the molecular pathways responsible are poorly characterised. Muscle-specific microRNAs and serum response factor (SRF) are important regulators of muscle phenotype that contribute to a feedback system to regulate muscle gene expression. The role of these factors in the skeletal muscle dysfunction that accompanies COPD is unknown.

METHODS

31 patients with COPD and 14 healthy age-matched controls underwent lung and quadriceps function assessments, measurement of daily activity and a percutaneous quadriceps muscle biopsy. The expression of muscle-specific microRNAs, myosin heavy chains and components of the serum response factor signalling pathway were determined by qPCR.

RESULTS

A reduction in expression of miR-1 (2.5-fold, p=0.01) and the myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) A and B was observed in patients compared with controls (MRTF-A mRNA: twofold, p=0.028; MRTF-B mRNA: fourfold, p=0.011). miR-1 expression was associated with smoking history, lung function, fat-free mass index, 6 min walk distance and percentage of type 1 fibres. miR-133 and miR-206 were negatively correlated with daily physical activity. Insulin-like growth factor 1 mRNA was increased in the patients and miR-1 was negatively correlated with phosphorylation of the kinase Akt. Furthermore, the protein levels of histone deacetylase 4, another miR-1 target, were increased in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulation of the activity of the MRTF-SRF axis and the expression of muscle-specific microRNAs, particularly miR-1, may contribute to COPD-associated skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Mice lacking microRNA 133a develop dynamin 2–dependent centronuclear myopathy

MicroRNAs modulate cellular phenotypes by inhibiting expression of mRNA targets. In this study, we have shown that the muscle-specific microRNAs miR-133a-1 and miR-133a-2 are essential for multiple facets of skeletal muscle function and homeostasis in mice. Mice with genetic deletions of miR-133a-1 and miR-133a-2 developed adult-onset centronuclear myopathy in type II (fast-twitch) myofibers, accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function, fast-to-slow myofiber conversion, and disarray of muscle triads (sites of excitation- contraction coupling). These abnormalities mimicked human centronuclear myopathies and could be ascribed, at least in part, to dysregulation of the miR-133a target mRNA that encodes dynamin 2, a GTPase implicated in human centronuclear myopathy. Our findings reveal an essential role for miR-133a in the maintenance of adult skeletal muscle structure, function, bioenergetics, and myofiber identity; they also identify a potential modulator of centronuclear myopathies.

MicroRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma: pathogenetic implications and translational potentiality

There is growing evidence that interconnections among molecular pathways governing tissue differentiation are nodal points for malignant transformation. In this scenario, microRNAs appear as crucial players. This class of non-coding small regulatory RNA molecules controls developmental programs by modulating gene expression through post-transcriptional silencing of target mRNAs. During myogenesis, muscle-specific and ubiquitously-expressed microRNAs tightly control muscle tissue differentiation. In recent years, microRNAs have emerged as prominent players in cancer as well. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric skeletal muscle-derived soft-tissue sarcoma that originates from myogenic precursors arrested at different stages of differentiation and that continue to proliferate indefinitely. MicroRNAs involved in muscle cell fate determination appear down-regulated in rhabdomyosarcoma primary tumors and cell lines compared to their normal counterparts. More importantly, they behave as tumor suppressors in this malignancy, as their re-expression is sufficient to restore the differentiation capability of tumor cells and to prevent tumor growth in vivo. In addition, up-regulation of pro-oncogenic microRNAs has also been recently detected in rhabdomyosarcoma.

In this review, we provide an overview of current knowledge on microRNAs de-regulation in rhabdomyosarcoma. Additionally, we examine the potential of microRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic markers in this soft-tissue sarcoma, and discuss possible therapeutic applications and challenges of a "microRNA therapy".

PI3K/AKT signaling determines a dynamic switch between distinct KSRP functions favoring skeletal myogenesis

Skeletal myogenesis is orchestrated by distinct regulatory signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, that ultimately control muscle gene expression. Recently discovered myogenic micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are deeply implicated in muscle biology. Processing of miRNAs from their primary transcripts is emerging as a major step in the control of miRNA levels and might be well suited to be regulated by extracellular signals. Here we report that the RNA binding protein KSRP is required for the correct processing of primary myogenic miRNAs upon PI3K/AKT activation in myoblasts C2C12 and in the course of injury-induced muscle regeneration, as revealed by Ksrp knock-out mice analysis. PI3K/AKT activation regulates in opposite ways two distinct KSRP functions inhibiting its ability to promote decay of myogenin mRNA and activating its ability to favor maturation of myogenic miRNAs. This dynamic regulatory switch eventually contributes to the activation of the myogenic program.

Dynamic regulation of circulating microRNA during acute exhaustive exercise and sustained aerobic exercise training

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are intracellular mediators of essential biological functions. Recently, plasma-based 'circulating' miRNAs (c-miRNAs) have been shown to control cellular processes, but the c-miRNA response to human exercise remains unknown. We sought to determine whether c-miRNAs are dynamically regulated in response to acute exhaustive cycling exercise and sustained rowing exercise training using a longitudinal, repeated measures study design. Specifically, c-miRNAs involved in angiogenesis (miR-20a, miR-210, miR-221, miR-222, miR-328), inflammation (miR-21, miR-146a), skeletal and cardiac muscle contractility (miR-21, miR-133a), and hypoxia/ischaemia adaptation (miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-210) were measured at rest and immediately following acute exhaustive cycling exercise in competitive male rowers (n = 10, age = 19.1 ± 0.6 years) before and after a 90 day period of rowing training. Distinct patterns of c-miRNA response to exercise were observed and adhered to four major profiles: (1) c-miRNA up-regulated by acute exercise before and after sustained training (miR-146a and miR-222), (2) c-miRNA responsive to acute exercise before but not after sustained training (miR-21 and miR-221), (3) c-miRNA responsive only to sustained training (miR-20a), and (4) non-responsive c-miRNA (miR-133a, miR-210, miR-328). Linear correlations were observed between peak exercise levels of miR-146a and VO2max (r = 0.63, P = 0.003) and between changes in resting miR-20a and changes in VO2max (pre-training vs. post-training, r = 0.73; P = 0.02). Although future work is required, these results suggest the potential value of c-miRNAs as exercise biomarkers and their possible roles as physiological mediators of exercise-induced cardiovascular adaptation.

A genome-wide screen reveals a role for microRNA-1 in modulating cardiac cell polarity

Many molecular pathways involved in heart disease have their roots in evolutionarily ancient developmental programs that depend critically on gene dosage and timing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene dosage posttranscriptionally, and among these, the muscle-specific miR-1 is particularly important for developing and maintaining somatic/skeletal and cardiac muscle. To identify pathways regulated by miR-1, we performed a forward genetic screen in Drosophila using wing-vein patterning as a biological assay. We identified several unexpected genes that genetically interacted with dmiR-1, one of which was kayak, encodes a developmentally regulated transcription factor. Additional studies directed at this genetic relationship revealed a previously unappreciated function of dmiR-1 in regulating the polarity of cardiac progenitor cells. The mammalian ortholog of kayak, c-Fos, was dysregulated in hearts of gain- or loss-of-function miR-1 mutant mice in a stress-dependent manner. These findings illustrate the power of Drosophila-based screens to find points of intersection between miRNAs and conserved pathways in mammals.

Expression of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206 increases during development of human skeletal muscle

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and have been shown to play an important role during development. miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206 are expressed in muscle tissue and induced during muscle cell differentiation, a process that directs myoblasts to differentiate into mature myotubes, which are organized into myofibers. Although miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206 are well-studied in muscle, there is no information about their expression and function during human development. The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of these miRNAs in muscle cells isolated from different stages of human development.

Results

We examined the levels of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206 during the development of human foetus. All four miRNA levels were found increased during late stages of human foetal muscle development. Increases in the expression levels of these miRNAs were proportional to the capacity of myoblasts to form myotubes. Changes in miRNA levels during human foetal development were accompanied by endogenous alterations in their known targets and also in their inducer, MyoD. Ectopic MyoD expression caused an induction of muscle cell differentiation in vitro, accompanied by an increase in the levels of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206.

Conclusions

This study provides data about the profile of four miRNAs in human muscle cells isolated during different stages of foetal development. These results may shed light on the differentiation of muscle cells and regulation of muscle formation through miRNAs, during the development of human foetus.

Transgenic overexpression of miR-133a in skeletal muscle

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding regulatory RNAs of ~22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, primarily by associating with the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of their regulatory target mRNAs. Recent work has begun to reveal roles for miRNAs in a wide range of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Many miRNAs are expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle, and dysregulated miRNA expression has been correlated with muscle-related disorders. We have previously reported that the expression of muscle-specific miR-1 and miR-133 is induced during skeletal muscle differentiation and miR-1 and miR-133 play central regulatory roles in myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

Methods

In this study, we measured the expression of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle of mdx mice, an animal model for human muscular dystrophy. We also generated transgenic mice to overexpress miR-133a in skeletal muscle.

Results

We examined the expression of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle of mdx mice. We found that the expression of muscle miRNAs, including miR-1a, miR-133a and miR-206, was up-regulated in the skeletal muscle of mdx mice. In order to further investigate the function of miR-133a in skeletal muscle in vivo, we have created several independent transgenic founder lines. Surprisingly, skeletal muscle development and function appear to be unaffected in miR-133a transgenic mice.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that miR-133a is dispensable for the normal development and function of skeletal muscle.

Polycomb proteins in mammalian cell differentiation and plasticity

During development cell differentiation is accompanied by progressive restriction of the developmental potential and increased structural and functional specialization of cells. In this context, mechanisms of cell memory guarantee that cells maintain different identities previously determined by the integrated action of signalling and specific sets of transcription factors. Unraveling the molecular basis by which cells build and maintain their memory represents one of the most fascinating problems in biology. PcG proteins were originally identified as part of an epigenetic cellular memory system that controls gene silencing via chromatin structure. However, recent reports suggest that they are also involved in controlling dynamics and plasticity of gene regulation, particularly during differentiation, by interacting with other components of the transcriptional apparatus. In this review, we discuss the role of PcG proteins in pluripotent ES cells and in well known mammalian cell differentiation systems including skeletal muscle, epidermal, neuronal differentiation. The emerging picture suggests that indeed, plasticity and not rigidity is a fundamental aspect of PcG physiology and cell memory function.

A miR-centric view of head and neck cancers

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCCs) constitute the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an average 5-year survival rate of around 50%. Several microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation, have been linked to HNSCC based on their differential expression in tumors. Here, we present a compilation of multiple types of information on each HNSCC linked miRNA including their expression status in tumors, their molecular targets relevant to cancer, results of gene manipulation studies and association with clinical outcome. Further, we use this information to devise a new scheme for classifying them into causal and non-causal miRNAs in HNSCC. We also discuss the possibility of using miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for HNSCC, based on existing literature. Finally, we present available evidence that shows how altered expression of specific miRNAs can contribute to various "hallmarks of cancer" phenotypes such as limitless replicative potential owing to abnormal cell cycle regulation, evasion of apoptosis, reduced response to anti-growth signals, and Epithelial-Mesechymal transition (EMT).

A systematic analysis of the skeletal muscle miRNA transcriptome of chicken varieties with divergent skeletal muscle growth identifies novel miRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs

BACKGROUND

Functional studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play critical roles in a wide spectrum of biological processes including development and disease pathogenesis. To investigate the functional roles that miRNAs play during chicken skeletal muscle development, the miRNA transcriptomes of skeletal muscles from broiler and layer chickens were profiled using Solexa deep sequencing.

RESULTS

Some miRNAs have multiple isoforms and several miRNAs* are present at higher levels than their corresponding miRNAs. Thirty three novel and 189 known chicken miRNAs were identified using computational approaches. Subsequent miRNA transcriptome comparisons and real-time PCR validation experiments revealed 17 miRNAs that were differentially expressed between broilers and layers, and a number of targets of these miRNAs have been implicated in myogenesis regulation. Using integrative miRNA target-prediction and network-analysis approaches an interaction network of differentially expressed and muscle-related miRNAs and their putative targets was constructed, and miRNAs that could contribute to the divergent muscle growth of broiler and layer chickens by targeting the ACVR2B gene were identified, which can causes dramatic increases in muscle mass.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides the first transcriptome profiling-based evaluation of miRNA function during skeletal muscle development in chicken. Systematic predictions aided the identification of potential miRNAs and their targets, which could contribute to divergent muscle growth in broiler and layer chickens. Furthermore, these predictions generated information that can be utilized in further research investigating the involvement of interaction networks, containing miRNAs and their targets, in the regulation of muscle development.

Northern blotting analysis of microRNAs, their precursors and RNA interference triggers

Background

Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have heterogeneous ends resulting from imprecise cleavages by processing nucleases and from various non-templated nucleotide additions. The scale of miRNA end-heterogeneity is best shown by deep sequencing data revealing not only the major miRNA variants but also those that occur in only minute amounts and are unlikely to be of functional importance. All RNA interference (RNAi) technology reagents that are expressed and processed in cells are also exposed to the same machinery generating end-heterogeneity of the released short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or miRNA mimetics.

Results

In this study we have analyzed endogenous and exogenous RNAs in the range of 20-70 nt by high-resolution northern blotting. We have validated the results obtained with northern blotting by comparing them with data derived from miRNA deep sequencing; therefore we have demonstrated the usefulness of the northern blotting technique in the investigation of miRNA biogenesis, as well as in the characterization of RNAi technology reagents.

Conclusions

The conventional northern blotting enhanced to high resolution may be a useful adjunct to other miRNA discovery, detection and characterization methods. It provides quantitative data on distribution of major length variants of abundant endogenous miRNAs, as well as on length heterogeneity of RNAi technology reagents expressed in cells.

MicroRNA dysregulation following spinal cord contusion: implications for neural plasticity and repair

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is medically and socioeconomically debilitating. Currently, there is a paucity of effective therapies that promote regeneration at the injury site, and limited understanding of mechanisms that can be utilized to therapeutically manipulate spinal cord plasticity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute novel targets for therapeutic intervention to promote repair and regeneration. Microarray comparisons of the injury sites of contused and sham rat spinal cords, harvested 4 and 14 days following SCI, showed that 32 miRNAs, including miR124, miR129, and miR1, were significantly down-regulated, whereas SNORD2, a translation-initiation factor, was induced. Additionally, three miRNAs including miR21 were significantly induced, indicating adaptive induction of an anti-apoptotic response in the injured cord. Validation of miRNA expression by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization assays revealed that the influence of SCI on miRNA expression persists up to 14 days and expands both anteriorly and caudally beyond the lesion site. Specifically, changes in miR129-2 and miR146a expression significantly explained the variability in initial injury severity, suggesting that these specific miRNAs may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SCI. Moreover, the pattern of miRNA changes coincided spatially and temporally with the appearance of SOX2, nestin, and REST immunoreactivity, suggesting that aberrant expression of these miRNAs may not only reflect the emergence of stem cell niches, but also the reemergence in surviving neurons of a pre-neuronal phenotype. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of validated miRNA-targeted genes indicates that miRNA dysregulation may explain apoptosis susceptibility and aberrant cell cycle associated with a loss of neuronal identity, which underlies the pathogenesis of secondary SCI.

Differential glucose-regulation of microRNAs in pancreatic islets of non-obese type 2 diabetes model Goto-Kakizaki rat

BACKGROUND

The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a well-studied non-obese spontaneous type 2 diabetes (T2D) animal model characterized by impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in the pancreatic beta cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short regulatory RNAs involved in many fundamental biological processes. We aim to identify miRNAs that are differentially-expressed in the pancreatic islets of the GK rats and investigate both their short- and long term glucose-dependence during glucose-stimulatory conditions.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Global profiling of 348 miRNAs in the islets of GK rats and Wistar controls (females, 60 days, N = 6 for both sets) using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based microarrays allowed for the clear separation of the two groups. Significant analysis of microarrays (SAM) identified 30 differentially-expressed miRNAs, 24 of which are predominantly upregulated in the GK rat islets. Monitoring of qPCR-validated miRNAs during GSIS experiments on isolated islets showed disparate expression trajectories between GK and controls indicating distinct short- and long-term glucose dependence. We specifically found expression of rno-miR-130a, rno-miR-132, rno-miR-212 and rno-miR-335 to be regulated by hyperglycaemia. The putative targets of upregulated miRNAs in the GK, filtered with glucose-regulated mRNAs, were found to be enriched for insulin-secretion genes known to be downregulated in T2D patients. Finally, the binding of rno-miR-335 to a fragment of the 3'UTR of one of known down-regulated exocytotic genes in GK islets, Stxbp1 was shown by luciferase assay.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The perturbed miRNA network found in the GK rat islets is indicative of a system-wide impairment in the regulation of genes important for the normal functions of pancreatic islets, particularly in processes involving insulin secretion during glucose stimulatory conditions. Our findings suggest that the reduced insulin secretion observed in the GK rat may be partly due to upregulated miRNA expression leading to decreased production of key proteins of the insulin exocytotic machinery.

MicroRNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

In this review, we describe the recent advances in the understanding of the role of microRNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive and lethal fibrotic lung disease. Approximately 10% of the microRNAs are significantly changed in IPF lungs. Among the significantly downregulated microRNAs are members of let-7, mir-29, and mir-30 families as well as miR-17∼92 cluster among the upregulated mir-155 and mir-21. Downregulation of let-7 family members leads to changes consistent with epithelial mesenchymal transition in lung epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas inhibition of mir-21 modulates fibrosis in the bleomycin model of lung fibrosis. Perturbations of mir-155 and mir-29 have profibrotic effects in vitro but have not yet been assessed in vivo in the context of lung fibrosis. A recurrent global theme is that many microRNAs studied in IPF are both regulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and regulate TGFβ1 signaling pathway by their target genes. As a result, their aberrant expression leads to a release of inhibitions on the TGFβ1 pathway and to the creation of feed-forward loops. Coanalysis of published microRNA and gene expression microarray data in IPF reveals enrichment of the TGFβ1, Wnt, sonic hedgehog, p53, and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways and complex regulatory networks. The changes in microRNA expression in the IPF lung and the evidence for their role in the fibrosis suggest that microRNAs should be evaluated as therapeutic targets in IPF.

Improving murine embryonic stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes with neuregulin-1: differential expression of microRNA

Identification of factors that direct embryonic stem (ES) cell (ESC) differentiation into functional cardiomyocytes is essential for successful use of ESC-based therapy for cardiac repair. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and microRNA play important roles in the cardiac differentiation of ESCs. Understanding how NRG1 regulates microRNA will provide new mechanistic insights into the role of NRG1 on ESCs. It may also lead to the discovery of novel microRNAs that are important for ESC cardiac differentiation. The objective of this study was to assess the microRNA expression profile during NRG1-induced ESC cardiac differentiation. Murine ESCs were incubated with a recombinant NRG1β or an inhibitor of ErbB2 or ErbB4 during hanging drop-induced cardiac differentiation. The expression of cardiac-specific markers and microRNAs was analyzed by RT-PCR and microRNA array, respectively. We found that the expression of NRG1 and the ErbB receptors was increased during hanging drop-induced cardiac differentiation of ESCs. NRG1 stimulation during a specific developmental window enhanced, while inhibition of the ErbB2 or ErbB4 receptor inhibited, cardiac differentiation of ESCs. NRG1 increased the expression of mmu-miR-296-3p and mmu-miR-200c*, and decreased mmu-miR-465b-5p. Inhibition of mmu-miR-296-3p or mmu-miR-200c* decreased, while inhibition of mmu-miR-465-5p increased, the differentiation of ESCs into the cardiac lineage. This is the first report demonstrating that microRNAs are differentially regulated by NRG1-ErbB signaling during cardiac differentiation of ESCs. This study has also identified new microRNAs that are important for ESC cardiac differentiation.

Silencing of microRNA families by seed-targeting tiny LNAs

The challenge of understanding the widespread biological roles of animal microRNAs (miRNAs) has prompted the development of genetic and functional genomics technologies for miRNA loss-of-function studies. However, tools for exploring the functions of entire miRNA families are still limited. We developed a method that enables antagonism of miRNA function using seed-targeting 8-mer locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides, termed tiny LNAs. Transfection of tiny LNAs into cells resulted in simultaneous inhibition of miRNAs within families sharing the same seed with concomitant upregulation of direct targets. In addition, systemically delivered, unconjugated tiny LNAs showed uptake in many normal tissues and in breast tumors in mice, coinciding with long-term miRNA silencing. Transcriptional and proteomic profiling suggested that tiny LNAs have negligible off-target effects, not significantly altering the output from mRNAs with perfect tiny LNA complementary sites. Considered together, these data support the utility of tiny LNAs in elucidating the functions of miRNA families in vivo.

HuR and myogenesis: being in the right place at the right time

The process of muscle cell differentiation into myotubes, termed myogenesis, depends on a complex coordination of myogenic factors, many of which are regulated post-transcriptionally. HuR, an mRNA-binding protein, is responsible for regulating the expression of several such myogenic factors by stabilizing their mRNAs. The critical role for HuR in myogenesis also involves the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling ability of this protein. Indeed, in order to perform its stabilizing functions, HuR must accumulate in the cytoplasm. This requires its dissociation from the import factor Transportin 2 (TRN2) which is actually caused by the cleavage of a portion of cytoplasmic HuR. In this review, we describe the roles of HuR during myogenesis, and the mechanisms regulating its cytoplasmic accumulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Regulation of Signaling and Cellular Fate through Modulation of Nuclear Protein Import.

The tumour-suppressive function of miR-1 and miR-133a targeting TAGLN2 in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

On the base of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of bladder cancer (BC), we found that miR-1 and miR-133a were significantly downregulated in BC. In this study, we focussed on the functional significance of miR-1 and miR-133a in BC cell lines and identified a molecular network of these miRNAs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the miRNA expression signature of BC clinical specimens and identified several downregulated miRNAs (miR-133a, miR-204, miR-1, miR-139-5p, and miR-370). MiR-1 and miR-133a showed potential role of tumour suppressors by functional analyses of BC cells such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Molecular target searches of these miRNAs showed that transgelin 2 (TAGLN2) was directly regulated by both miR-1 and miR-133a. Silencing of TAGLN2 study demonstrated significant inhibitions of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis in BC cell lines. The immunohistochemistry showed a positive correlation between TAGLN2 expression and tumour grade in clinical BC specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The downregulation of miR-1 and miR-133a was a frequent event in BC, and these miRNAs were recognised as tumour suppressive. TAGLN2 may be a target of both miRNAs and had a potential oncogenic function. Therefore, novel molecular networks provided by miRNAs may provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of BC.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors in the treatment of muscular dystrophies: epigenetic drugs for genetic diseases

Histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACi) include a growing number of drugs that share the ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of some or all the HDACs. Experimental and preclinical evidence indicates that these epigenetic drugs not only can be effective in the treatment of malignancies, inflammatory diseases and degenerative disorders, but also in the treatment of genetic diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The ability of HDACi to counter the progression of muscular dystrophies points to HDACs as a crucial link between specific genetic mutations and downstream determinants of disease progression. It also suggests the contribution of epigenetic events to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies. Here we describe the experimental evidence supporting the key role of HDACs in the control of the transcriptional networks underlying the potential of dystrophic muscles either to activate compensatory regeneration or to undergo fibroadipogenic degeneration. Studies performed in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) indicate that dystrophin deficiency leads to deregulated HDAC activity, which perturbs downstream networks and can be restored directly, by HDAC blockade, or indirectly, by reexpression of dystrophin. This evidence supports the current view that HDACi are emerging candidate drugs for pharmacological interventions in muscular dystrophies, and reveals unexpected common beneficial outcomes of pharmacological treatment or gene therapy.

MicroRNAs in skeletal myogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of numerous biological processes by modulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has become increasingly clear that almost all aspects of skeletal muscle development involve regulation by miRNAs. Many of these miRNAs have distinct expression profiles in skeletal muscles, under the regulation by the myogenic program. In the last few years the field has seen a rapid expansion of our knowledge of myogenic miRNAs that target a wide range of muscle genes to coordinately control the myogenic process. In this review we provide an up-to-date list of reported myogenic miRNAs and survey their expression patterns, regulation of biogenesis, and gene targets in skeletal muscles. Emerging themes of miRNA regulation in the context of skeletal myogenesis will also be discussed.

DNA methylation restricts spontaneous multi-lineage differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells, but is stable during growth factor-induced terminal differentiation

The progressive restriction of differentiation potential from pluripotent embryonic stem cells, via multipotent progenitor cells to terminally differentiated, mature somatic cells, involves step-wise changes in transcription patterns that are tightly controlled by the coordinated action of key transcription factors and changes in epigenetic modifications. While previous studies have demonstrated tissue-specific differences in DNA methylation patterns that might function in lineage restriction, it is unclear at what exact developmental stage these differences arise. Here, we have studied whether terminal, multi-lineage differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts is accompanied by lineage-specific changes in DNA methylation patterns. Using bisulfite sequencing and genome-wide methylated DNA- and chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip techniques we show that in these cells, in general, myogenic genes are enriched for RNA polymerase II and hypomethylated, whereas osteogenic genes show lower polymerase occupancy and are hypermethylated. Removal of DNA methylation marks by 5-azacytidine (5AC) treatment alters the myogenic lineage commitment of these cells and induces spontaneous osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. This is accompanied by upregulation of key lineage-specific transcription factors. We subsequently analyzed genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and polymerase II occupancy during BMP2-induced osteogenesis. Our data indicate that BMP2 is able to induce the transcriptional program underlying osteogenesis without changing the methylation status of the genome. We conclude that DNA methylation primes C2C12 cells for myogenesis and prevents spontaneous osteogenesis, but still permits induction of the osteogenic transcriptional program upon BMP2 stimulation. Based on these results, we propose that cell type-specific DNA methylation patterns are established prior to terminal differentiation of adult progenitor cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.