miR-23b-3p and miR-125b-5p downregulate apo(a) expression by targeting Ets1 in HepG2 cells

In Vivo Imaging MicroRNA with Bright Fluorescent RNA Aptamer Through Target-Mediated Entropy-Driven Toehold Exchange

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in biological activities, but their in vivo imaging is still challenging due to the low abundance and the lack of efficient fluorescent tools. RNA aptamers with high affinity and low background emerge for bioimaging yet suffering from low brightness. We introduce a rational design based on target-mediated entropy-driven toehold exchange (EDTE) to induce the release of RNA aptamer and subsequently light up corresponding fluorophore, which achieves selective imaging of miRNAs with good stability in both living cells and tumor-bearing mouse. Through tailoring recognition unit of the EDTE probes, highly sensitive imaging of different miRNAs including miRNA-125b and miRNA-21 is achieved, confirming its universal bioimaging applications. In comparison with the reported "one-to-one" model, the EDTE strategy shows a remarkable 4.6-time improvement in signal/noise ratio for intracellular imaging of the same miRNA. Particularly, it realizes sensitive imaging of miRNA in vivo, providing a promising tool in investigating functions and interactions of disease-associated miRNAs.

MiR-23b and miR-133 Cotarget TGFβ2/NOTCH1 in Sheep Dermal Fibroblasts, Affecting Hair Follicle Development

Wool is produced and controlled by hair follicles (HFs). However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in HF development and regulation. Sheep dermal fibroblasts (SDFs) play a key role in the initial stage of HF development. Analyzing the molecular mechanism that regulates early HF development in superfine wool sheep is of great importance for better understanding the HF morphogenesis process and for the breeding of fine wool sheep. Here, we show that two microRNAs (miRNAs) affect the development of HFs by targeting two genes that are expressed by SDFs. Meanwhile, the overexpression and inhibition of oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 in SDFs cells and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were further detected using a CCK-8 assay, an Annexin V-FITC assay, a Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. We found that oar-miR-23b, oar-miR-133, and their cotarget genes TGFβ2 and NOTCH1 were differentially expressed during the six stages of HF development in superfine wool sheep. Oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 inhibited the proliferation and migration of SDFs and promoted the apoptosis of SDFs through TGFβ2 and NOTCH1. oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 inhibited the proliferation and migration of SDFs by jointly targeting TGFβ2 and NOTCH1, thereby inhibiting the development of superfine wool HFs. Our research provides a molecular marker that can be used to guide the breeding of ultrafine wool sheep.

The miRNA variants MIR196A2 (rs11614913) and MIR423 (rs6505162) contribute to an increase in the risk of myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression and play a key role in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Recent studies have suggested that miRNAs contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs and myocardial infarction (MI) remains in infancy.

AIM

The current study was designed to find out the association of SNPs in MIR196A2 and MIR423 (rs11614913 and rs6505162, respectively).

METHODS

Using Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (T-ARMS PCR) in 400 cases (MI patients) and 336 healthy controls. Using different inheritance models (co-dominant, homozygous dominant, homozygous recessive, and additive models), the association of these SNPs was genotyped with MI risk.

RESULTS

For variant rs11614913, significant distribution of the genotypes among the cases and controls was determined by co-dominant [χ2  = 29.19, 2; p value < 0.0001], dominant (C/C vs. C/T + T/T) [OR = 0.45 (0.34 to 0.61); p < 0.0001], recessive (T/T vs. C/T + C/C) [OR = 1.009 (0.63 to 1.63); p-value p value > 0.999], and additive models [OR = 0.65 (0.52 to 0.80); p value = 0.0001]. Similarly, a significant association of rs6505162 was determined by co-dominant [χ2  = 24.29, 2; p value < 0.0001], dominant (C/C vs. A/C+ A/A) [OR = 0.44 (0.32 to 0.61); p value < 0.0001], recessive (A/A vs. A/C + C/C) [OR = 1.29 (0.85 to 1.98); p value = 0.28], and additive models [OR = 0.65 (0.52 to 0.81); p value = 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the current study showed that both variants rs11614913 and rs6505162 are significantly associated with MI in the Pakistani population.

Association of KATP variants with CMD and RAP in CAD patients with increased serum lipoprotein(a) levels

CONTEXT

Refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is a specific subtype of coronary artery disease (CAD). Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and its induced coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) play an important role in pathogenesis of RAP, but its metabolism was mostly genetically determined. ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) is involved in lipid metabolism and microvascular homeostasis, and becomes a promising target for the management of Lp(a) and its related RAP.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations of KATP variants with hyperlipoprotein(a)emia, CMD and RAP in CAD patients.

DESIGN, PATIENTS, SETTINGS

A total of 1,148 newly diagnosed CAD patients were prospectively selected, and divided into control [Lp(a) < 180 mg/dL] and case [Lp(a) ≥ 180 mg/dL, hyperlipoprotein(a)emia] group.

METHODS

9 KATP variants were genotyped by MassARRAY system. The expression profile of exosome-derived microRNAs (exo-miRs) was identified by next-generation sequencing, and the expression levels of differentially expressed exo-miRs were evaluated by qRT-PCR in verification cohort.

RESULTS

Three KATP variants were associated with increased risk of hyperlipoprotein(a)emia in CAD patients as follows: rs2285676 (AA + GA genotype, adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.10-1.88, P = 0.008), rs1799858 (CC genotype, adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.73, P = 0.030), and rs141294036 (CC genotype, adjusted OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10-1.87, P = 0.008). Only rs141294036 was associated with increased risk of CMD (CC genotype, adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.23-2.13, P = 0.001), and further with increased RAP risk (CC genotype, adjusted HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22-3.43, P = 0.007) after median follow-up of 50.6-months. Between the two genotypes of rs141294036, 152 exo-miRs were significantly differentially expressed, only 10 exo-miRs (miR-7110-3p, miR-548az-5p, miR-214-3p, let-7i-5p, miR-218-5p, miR-128-3p, miR-378i, miR-625-3p, miR-128-1-5p and miR-3187-3p) were further confirmed in RAP patients with hyperlipoprotein(a)emia and CMD.

CONCLUSION

KATP rs141294036 may serve a potential genetic marker for hyperlipoprotein(a)emia, CMD and RAP in CAD patients.

miR-125b Promotes the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

miR-125b is involved in several tumors. However, miR-125b’s role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. Tumor tissues and oral normal mucosa tissues of OSCC patients were collected to measure miR-125b level. Oral cancer Tca8113 cells were separated into control group, miR-125b inhibitor group, and miR-125b mimics group, followed by measuring miR-125b level by real time PCR, cell survival, migration and invasion, PI3K/mTOR signaling protein level by Western blot. miR-125b was upregulated in OSCC tumor tissues and related to clinical/TNM stage, metastasis and overall survival (P < 0.05). miR-125b overexpression significantly promoted tumor cell behaviors and increased PI3K/mTOR phosphorylation (P < 0.05); while inhibiting miR-125b expression significantly inhibited tumor cell biological behaviors, and decreased PI3K/mTOR phosphorylation (P < 0.05). miR-125b level is increased in OSCC tumor tissues, which is related to clinicopathological characteristics. miR-125b overexpression promotes OSCC cell behaviors by regulating PI3K/mTOR signaling.

TGF‑β1 affects the renal cancer miRNome and regulates tumor cells proliferation

TGF-β1 is a pleiotropic cytokine that can either promote or inhibit cancer development and progression. It was previously found that TGF-β1 can regulate the expression of several microRNAs (miR or miRNA) involved in the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effects of TGF-β1 on the global RCC miRNome. It was found that TGF-β1 can regulate a complex network consisting of miRNAs and mRNAs involved in RCC transformation. In particular, TGF-β1 was revealed to regulate the proliferation of RCC cells while concomitantly modifying the expression of oncogenic regulators, including avian erythroblastosis virus E26 (V-Ets) oncogene homolog-1 (ETS1). In addition, TGF-β1 was demonstrated to regulate the expression of a number of miRNAs including miR-30c-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p. By contrast, TGF-β1 reciprocally modified the expression of genes encoding TGF-β1 receptors and SMADs, indicating a novel regulatory feedback mechanism mediated through the miRNAs. These data suggested that ETS1 served different roles in different subtypes of RCC tumors, specifically by functioning as an oncogene in clear cell RCC while as a tumor suppressor in papillary RCC.

MiR-125b Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer SW480 Cells via Targeting STAT3

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Multiple studies have unveiled the key role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development of various types of cancer. However, the mechanism of action of miR-125b in the development and progression of colon cancer remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we explored the association of miR-125b and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its role in the proliferation and apoptosis of SW480 colon cancer cells.

METHODS

The miR-125b expression in NCM460, SW480, HT29, and HCT8 cells was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SW480 cells were transfected with lentiviruses of GFP-miR-125b and GFP-NC to establish a stable miR-125b overexpression colon cancer cell model and a control model. The targeting relationship between miR-125b and STAT3 was analyzed using bioinformatics and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and TUNEL staining. The expression levels of STAT3, Bcl-2, and Bax were analyzed using Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that the relative mRNA expression of miR-125b was decreased in SW480, HT29, and HCT8 cells compared with that in NCM460 cells (P<0.05). The luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-125b downregulated the STAT3 gene expression (P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-125b inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in SW480 colon cancer cells and was accompanied by upregulated Bax expression and downregulated Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). Re-expression of STAT3 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas Bcl-2 expression increased, and Bax expression decreased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The miR-125b regulates the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 by downregulating the expression of STAT3, thereby inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of SW480 colon cancer cells.

Hsa-miRNA-23a-3p promotes atherogenesis in a novel mouse model of atherosclerosis

Of the known regulators of atherosclerosis, miRNAs have been demonstrated to play critical roles in lipoprotein homeostasis and plaque formation. Here, we generated a novel animal model of atherosclerosis by knocking in LDLR ^W483X in C57BL/6 mice, as the W483X mutation in LDLR is considered the most common newly identified pathogenic mutation in Chinese familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) individuals. Using the new in vivo mouse model combined with a well-established atherosclerotic in vitro human cell model, we identified a novel atherosclerosis-related miRNA, miR-23a-3p, by microarray analysis of mouse aortic tissue specimens and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). miR-23a-3p was consistently downregulated in both models, which was confirmed by qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis and further validation experiments revealed that the TNFα-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) gene was the key target of miR-23a-3p. The miR-23a-3p-related functional pathways were then analyzed in HAECs. Collectively, the present results suggest that miR-23a-3p regulates inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in atherogenesis by targeting TNFAIP3 through the NF-κB and p38/MAPK signaling pathways.

A profile of 8-oxo-dGTPase activities in the NCI-60 human cancer panel: Meta-analytic insight into the regulation and role of MTH1 (NUDT1) gene expression in carcinogenesis

We measured the specific 8-oxo-dGTPase activity profile of the NCI-60 panel of malignant cell lines, and MTH1 protein levels in a subset of 16 lines. Their 8-oxo-dGTPase activity was compared to twelve publicly accessible MTH1 mRNA expression data bases and their cross-consistency was analyzed. 8-oxo-dGTPase and MTH1 protein levels in these cell lines are generally, but not always, mainly determined by MTH1 mRNA expression levels. The aneuploidy number of MTH1 gene copies only slightly affects its mRNA expression levels. By using the data mining platforms Compare and CellMiner, our 8-oxo-dGTPase profile was compared to five global gene expression datasets to identify genes whose expression levels are directly or inversely associated with 8-oxo-dGTPase. We analyzed effects of SNP within MTH1 on MTH1 mRNA level and enzyme activity. Similar association analysis was performed for five microRNA expression datasets. We identified several proteins and microRNA which might be involved in the regulation of MTH1 expression and we discuss potential mechanisms. Comparison of chemical and natural products sensitivities of the NCI-60 panel suggests seven compounds which are directly or inversely associated with 8-oxo-dGTPase. We provide an integrated picture of MTH1 expression combined from eleven consistent MTH1 mRNA and our 8-oxo-dGTPase activity NCI-60 profiles.

Upregulation of miR‑423 improves autologous vein graft restenosis via targeting ADAMTS‑7

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is one of the primary methods of treating coronary heart disease (CHD); however, vein graft restenosis is a major limiting factor of the effectiveness of CABG. Emerging evidence has indicated that miR‑423 is associated with vascular diseases. Additionally, upregulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs‑7 (ADAMTS‑7) contributes to neointima formation by promoting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and inhibiting the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of miR‑423 target, ADAMTS‑7, on regulating vein graft disease and identify novel biomarkers for use in therapy of vein graft failure (VGF). Aberrant expression of miR‑423 in plasma of patients with CHD prior to and following CABG confirms that miR‑423 may be a suitable target for preventing VGF. Furthermore, a dual‑luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that miR‑423 directly interacted with ADAMTS‑7 and suppressed its expression. Ectopic expression of miR‑423 suppressed ADAMTS‑7, resulting in decreased proliferation and migration rates of human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells by targeting ADAMTS‑7, but resulted in increased proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Overexpression of miR‑423 also enhanced re‑endothelialization and decreased neointimal formation in a rat vein graft model. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that the miR‑423/ADAMTS‑7 axis may possess potential clinical value for the prevention and treatment of restenosis in patients with CHD following CABG.

Identification of key genes and long non-coding RNA associated ceRNA networks in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although multiple efforts have been made to understand the development of HCC, morbidity, and mortality rates remain high. In this study, we aimed to discover the mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that contribute to the progression of HCC. We constructed a lncRNA-related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying HCC.

Methods

A microarray dataset (GSE54238) containing information about both mRNAs and lncRNAs was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in tumor tissues and non-cancerous tissues were identified using the limma package of the R software. The miRNAs that are targeted by DElncRNAs were predicted using miRcode, while the target mRNAs of miRNAs were retrieved from miRDB, miRTarBas, and TargetScan. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment of DEGs were performed using the EnrichNet website. We constructed a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs using STRING, and identified the hub genes using Cytoscape. Survival analysis of the hub genes and DElncRNAs was performed using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis database. The expression of molecules with prognostic values was validated on the UALCAN database. The hepatic expression of hub genes was examined using the Human Protein Atlas. The hub genes and DElncRNAs with prognostic values as well as the predictive miRNAs were selected to construct the ceRNA networks.

Results

We found that 10 hub genes (KPNA2, MCM7, CKS2, KIF23, HMGB2, ZWINT, E2F1, MCM4, H2AFX, and EZH2) and four lncRNAs (FAM182B, SNHG6, SNHG1, and SNHG3) with prognostic values were overexpressed in the hepatic tumor samples. We also constructed a network containing 10 lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA pathways, which might be responsible for regulating the biological mechanisms underlying HCC.

Conclusion

We found that the 10 significantly overexpressed hub genes and four lncRNAs were negatively correlated with the prognosis of HCC. Further, we suggest that lncRNA SNHG1 and the SNHG3-related ceRNAs can be potential research targets for exploring the molecular mechanisms of HCC.

Development of a Non-Coding-RNA-based EMT/CSC Inhibitory Nanomedicine for In Vivo Treatment and Monitoring of HCC

The objective of this study is to improve the overall prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); therefore, new therapeutic methods that can be used in vivo are urgently needed. In this study, the relationship between the quantities of microRNA (miR)-125b-5p in clinical specimens and clinicopathological parameters is analyzed. A folate-conjugated nanocarrier is used to transfect miR-125b-5p in vivo and to observe the therapeutic effect on HCC. The inhibitory effect and mechanism of miR-125b-5p on hepatoma cells are also studied. Data from clinical specimens and in vitro experiments confirm that the miR-125b-5p quantity is negatively correlated with progression, and the target protein that regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/cancer stem cells (CSC) potential in HCC is STAT3. The miR-125b-5p/STAT3 axis inhibits the invasion, migration, and growth of HCC via inactivation of the wnt/β-Catenin pathway. miR-125b-5p-loaded nanomedicine effectively inhibits the EMT/CSC potential of hepatoma cells in vivo together with their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization characteristics. An HCC-therapeutic and MRI-visible nanomedicine platform that achieves noninvasive treatment effect monitoring and timely individualized treatment course adjustment is developed.

OxLDL induces vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis through miR-125a-5p/TET2 pathway

Pyroptosis participates in the formation and development of atherosclerosis (As) by promoting inflammatory factor release and is closely related to the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. MicroRNAs can regulate the expression of target genes at the posttranscriptional level. Previous studies have shown that miR-125a-5p increases in hyperlipidemic-hyperglycemic conditions and is involved in apoptosis, but its specific role in pyroptosis and As remains unclear. We propose that miR-125a-5p may be implicated in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced vascular endothelial cells (VECs) pyroptosis and therefore conducted the current study. We observed that miR-125a-5p can inhibit tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) expression at the posttranscription level, resulting in abnormal DNA methylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased reactive oxygen species production, activated nuclear factor-κB that induces activation of inflammasome and maturation, release of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and pyroptosis. Given the role of VECs in vascular physiology, oxLDL-induced VEC pyroptosis may promote the development of As. Our current study reveals a novel pathway associated with pyroptosis program regulation, which comprises miR-125a-5p and TET2 in VECs. Modulation of their expression levels may serve as a potential target for therapeutic strategies of As.