MicroRNA-29a-3p regulates abdominal aortic aneurysm development and progression via direct interaction with PTEN

miR-29a-3p compositely regulates the COL6A6/PTEN-PI3K/Akt/CUX1 feedback loop to participate in the proliferation and invasion of pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenoma (PA) is one of the most common intracranial tumors, and owing to its special biological morphology and behavior, there is currently no effective treatment. miRNAs play crucial roles as diagnostic indicators and targets for the treatment of numerous cancer types. The objective of this research was to explore how miR-29a-3p influences the development of PA. We collected 25 pairs of PA tissue and normal pituitary tissue, followed by the subcutaneous injection of 5 × 107 HP75 cells into the left axilla of nude mice, creating a heterotopic PA xenograft tumor model for experimental study. TtT/GF and HP75 cell proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice were assessed using CCK-8, Transwell, and immunohistochemistry tests. Western blotting, RT‒qPCR and RIP were used to detect the expression and interaction of related proteins and genes. The expression of miR-29a-3p was upregulated in PA. Knockdown of miR-29a-3p can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of TtT/GF and HP75 cells and reduce the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of these cells. Furthermore, reducing miR-29a-3p levels suppressed the expression of Ki-67 in the PA tissues of nude mice and slowed tumor growth. From a mechanistic standpoint, miR-29a-3p can target COL6A6 and PTEN. Knockdown of miR-29a-3p inhibits the PI3K/Akt/CUX1 signaling pathway through simultaneously increasing COL6A6 and PTEN expression, thus inhibiting the proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT of PA cells and alleviating the progression of PA. Conversely, CUX1 can promote the expression of miR-29a-3p through a positive feedback loop and accelerate the development of PA. Our study suggests that downregulating the expression of miR-29a-3p may be a new target for the treatment of PA.

SOX6 expression and aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta

Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms (AAAs, TAAs) remain a major cause of deaths worldwide, in part due to the lack of reliable prognostic markers or early warning signs. Sox6 has been found to regulate renin controlling blood pressure. We hypothesized that Sox6 may serve as an important regulator of the mechanisms contributing to hypertension-induced aortic aneurysms. Phenotype and laboratory-wide association scans in a clinical cohort found that SOX6 gene expression is associated with aortic aneurysm in subjects of European ancestry. Sox6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression were upregulated in aortic tissues from patients affected by either AAA or TAA. In Sox6 knockout mice with angiotensin-II-induced AAA, we found that Sox6 plays critical role in the development and progression of AAA. Our data support a regulatory role of SOX6 in the development of hypertension-induced AAA, suggesting that Sox6 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of aortic aneurysms.

Epigenetic modifications in abdominal aortic aneurysms: from basic to clinical

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a disease characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, involving multiple factors in its occurrence and development, ultimately leading to vessel rupture and severe bleeding. AAA has a high mortality rate, and there is a lack of targeted therapeutic drugs. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in AAA, and the treatment of AAA in the epigenetic field may involve a series of related genes and pathways. Abnormal expression of these genes may be a key factor in the occurrence of the disease and could potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of AAA is of significant importance in revealing the mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying new therapeutic targets. This knowledge can contribute to offering AAA patients better clinical treatment options beyond surgery. This review systematically explores various aspects of epigenetic regulation in AAA, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification. The analysis of the roles of these regulatory mechanisms, along with the identification of relevant genes and pathways associated with AAA, is discussed comprehensively. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion is provided on existing treatment strategies and prospects for epigenetics-based treatments, offering insights for future clinical interventions.

Deciphering disease signatures and molecular targets in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome through transcriptome and miRNome sequencing of dermal fibroblasts

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a severe connective tissue disorder caused by dominant mutations in the COL3A1 gene encoding type III collagen (COLLIII). COLLIII is primarily found in blood vessels and hollow organs, and its deficiency leads to soft connective tissues fragility, resulting in life-threatening arterial and organ ruptures. There are no current targeted therapies available. Although the disease usually results from COLLIII misfolding due to triple helix structure disruption, the underlying pathomechanisms are largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis using RNA- and miRNA-seq on a large cohort of dermal fibroblasts from vEDS patients and healthy donors. Our investigation revealed an intricate interplay between proteostasis abnormalities, inefficient endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and compromised autophagy, which may significantly impact the molecular pathology. We also present the first detailed miRNAs expression profile in patient cells, demonstrating that several aberrantly expressed miRNAs can disrupt critical cellular functions involved in vEDS pathophysiology, such as autophagy, proteostasis, and mTOR signaling. Target prediction and regulatory networks analyses suggested potential interactions among miRNAs, lncRNAs, and candidate target genes linked to extracellular matrix organization and autophagy-lysosome pathway. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the functional role of ncRNAs in vEDS pathogenesis, shedding light on possible miRNAs and lncRNAs signatures and their functional implications for dysregulated pathways related to disease. Deciphering this complex molecular network of RNA interactions may yield additional evidence for potential disease biomolecules and targets, assisting in the design of effective patient treatment strategies.

Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hBMSCs)-Derived miR-29a-3p-Containing Exosomes Impede Laryngocarcinoma Cell Malignant Phenotypes by Inhibiting PTEN

Although microRNA-29a-3p was reported to inhibit laryngocarcinoma progression, the potential mechanisms have not been explored clearly. Laryngocarcinoma tissues were collected for analyzing the levels of miR-29a-3p and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The miR mimics or inhibitor was transfected into laryngocarcinoma cell lines M4E and Hep2 for the investigation of the biological functions (proliferative, invasion, migratory rates, and apoptotic rates) of this miRNA. The exosomes (Exo) from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) after the transfection of miR mimics/inhibitor/si-PTEN were isolated and used to stimulate M4E and Hep2 cells. The in vivo mouse model was constructed to verify our findings. The miR-29a-3p level was decreased, and PTEN level was elevated in laryngocarcinoma tissues and the cancer cell lines. MiR mimics could inhibit proliferative, invasive migratory rates while promoting apoptotic rates of M4E and Hep2 cells. MiR-29a-3p was enriched in hBMSC-derived Exo, and the Exo from miR-29a-3p mimics transfected hBMSCs could inhibit laryngocarcinoma cell malignant phenotypes in vitro and prevent tumor progression in vivo. In addition, the direct binding relationship between miR-29a-3p and PTEN in this disease was determined. In conclusion, hBMSC-derived Exo with upregulated miR-29a-3p inhibited laryngocarcinoma progression via regulating PTEN, providing a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in this disease.

The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinases in immune-inflammatory responses: potential therapeutic targets for abdominal aortic aneurysm

The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) includes inflammatory responses, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degradation, VSMC apoptosis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, among which the inflammatory response plays a key role. At present, surgery is the only curing treatment, and no effective drug can delay AAA progression in clinical practice. Therefore, searching for a signaling pathway related to the immune-inflammatory response is an essential direction for developing drugs targeting AAA. Recent studies have confirmed that the PI3K family plays an important role in many inflammatory diseases and is involved in regulating various cellular functions, especially in the immune-inflammatory response. This review focuses on the role of each isoform of PI3K in each stage of AAA immune-inflammatory response, making available explorations for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of inflammation and immune response during the formation and development of AAA.

Biomarkers in EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications

Circulating biomarkers have been recently investigated among patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Considering the plethora of small descriptive studies reporting potential associations between biomarkers and clinical outcomes, this review aims to summarize the current literature considering both the treated disease (post EVAR) and the untreated disease (AAA before EVAR). All studies describing outcomes of tissue biomarkers in patients undergoing EVAR and in patients with AAA were included, and references were checked for additional sources. In the EVAR scenario, circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a marker of inflammatory reaction which might predict postoperative morbidity; cystatin C is a promising early marker of post-procedural acute kidney injury; plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration after 3 months from EVAR might help in detecting post-procedural endoleak. This review also summarizes the current gaps in knowledge and future direction of this field of research. Among markers used in patients with AAA, galectin and granzyme appear to be promising and should be carefully investigated even in the EVAR setting. Larger prospective trials are required to establish and evaluate prognostic models with highest values with these markers.

Extracellular vesicles-encapsulated microRNA-29b-3p from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes fracture healing via modulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are well-established as vital regulators of fracture healing, whereas angiogenesis is one of the critical processes during the course of bone healing. Accordingly, the current study sought to determine the functions of microRNA (miR)-29b-3p from BM-MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the angiogenesis of fracture healing via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis. Firstly, BM-MSCs-EVs were extracted and identified. The lentiviral protocol was adopted to construct miR-29b-3p^KD-BMSCs or miR-negative control-BMSCs, which were then co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro to determine the roles of EVs-encapsulated miR-29b-3p on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs in vitro with the help of a CCK-8 assay, scratch test, and tube formation assay. Subsequent database prediction, luciferase activity assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assay findings identified the downstream target gene of miR-29b-3p, PTEN, and a signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT. Furthermore, the application of si-PTEN attenuated the effects induced by miR-29b-3p^KD-EVs. Finally, a mouse model of femoral fracture was established with a locally instilled injection of equal volumes of BM-MSCs-EVs and miR-29b-3p^KD-BM-MSCs-EVs. Notably, the mice treated with BMSC-EVs presented with enhanced neovascularization at the fracture site, in addition to increased bone volume (BV), BV/tissue volume, and mean bone mineral density; whereas miR-29b-3p^KD-BMSCs-EVs-treated mice exhibited decreased vessel density with poor fracture healing capacity. Collectively, our findings elicited that BM-MSCs-EVs carrying miR-29b-3p were endocytosed by HUVECs, which consequently suppressed the PTEN expression and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby promoting HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, and ultimately facilitating fracture healing.

Circ_0092291 attenuates angiotensin II-induced cell damages in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells via mediating the miR-626/COL4A1 signal axis

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal vascular disease, and the dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in AAA progression. Circ_0092291 was downregulated in AAA patients, but its function in AAA remains unclear. This research was performed for the functional analysis of circ_0092291 and its mechanism exploration with mircoRNA-626 (miR-626) and collagen type IV alpha1 chain (COL4A1) in AAA. Human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMC) were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II). Levels of circ_0092291, miR-626, and COL4A1 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Inflammatory cytokines were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell apoptosis was measured using caspase3 activity assay and flow cytometry. Angiopoiesis was assessed via tube formation assay. The protein analysis was conducted by western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays were used to validate the molecular binding. Circ_0092291 downregulation was found in AAA samples and Ang II-treated cells. Inflammatory response and cell apoptosis were reduced while angiopoiesis and ECM level were facilitated after overexpression of circ_0092291 in Ang II-treated T/G HA-VSMC cells. MiR-626 was a miRNA target for circ_0092291, and miR-626 inhibition protected T/G HA-VSMC from Ang II-induced cell injury. Moreover, the regulation of circ_0092291 was achieved by serving as a miR-626 sponge in Ang II-treated cells. COL4A1 was affirmed as a target for miR-626 and circ_0092291 resulted in the level change of COL4A1 by sponging miR-626. Additionally, miR-626 downregulation inhibited the cell damages caused by Ang II through increasing the level of COL4A1 and the function of circ_0092291 was attributed to the upregulation of COL4A1. The evidence indicated that circ_0092291 could suppress the Ang II-induced cell dysfunction by targeting the miR-626/COL4A1 signaling axis. Circ_0092291 might improve the diagnosis and treatment of AAA.Key Points.Biological mechanism, Apoptosis, Molecular target.

The roles and diagnostic value of miRNA-1246 in the serum of patients with intracranial aneurysms

Background

Inflammatory response is one of the important factors affecting the formation of intracranial aneurysm. miR-1246 is involved in the regulation of several inflammatory diseases; however, its expression levels and the mechanism of action in intracranial aneurysms remain further investigated.

Methods

Bioinformatics was used to analyze the levels of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in the serum of intracranial aneurysm patients as well as in the intracranial aneurysm tissues downloaded from the GEO RNA-seq database. Blood samples were collected pre-operatively from patients with intracranial aneurysms as well as from healthy volunteers, and miRNA-1246 expression levels were detected using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Meanwhile, the diagnostic value of miR-1246 for intracranial aneurysm was explored using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Principle findings and results

Serum levels of miR-1246 were elevated in intracranial aneurysm patients. Bioinformatics studies revealed that the target genes of miR-1246, TP53, glycogen synthetase kinase (GSK), and transcription factor YY1 may play important roles in the development of intracranial aneurysms. miR-1246 is involved in inflammatory response, lipid, and atherosclerotic signaling pathways.

Conclusions and significance

High level of miR-1246 is found in the serum of patients with intracranial aneurysms and may serve as a diagnostic or/and treatment marker for intracranial aneurysms.

miR-29a-3p promotes migration and invasion in ameloblastoma via Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting catenin beta interacting protein 1

BACKGROUND

Ameloblastoma (AB) is a common epithelial odontogenic tumor. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been found to be related to AB invasion.

METHODS

The alteration expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was performed by miRNA and mRNA microarray analysis and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of miR-29a-3p on migration and invasion in AB cells were evaluated by a transwell assay. Bioinformatic prediction was conducted using the miRSystem and validated by quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, and a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

miR-29a-3p was overexpressed in AB tissues, which promoted the migration and invasion of AB cells in vitro. Catenin beta interacting protein 1 (CTNNBIP1), a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was predicted to be a target of miR-29a-3p. miR-29a-3p inhibited the expression of CTNNBIP1 and promoted the expression of the downstream molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-29a-3p promoted migration and invasion in AB via Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting CTNNBIP1.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes modulate vascular endothelial injury via miR-144-5p/PTEN in intracranial aneurysm

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA). This study investigated the molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-144-5p (ex-miR-144-5p) and PTEN in IA. Ex-miR-144-5p expression was assessed in serum from individuals with ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RA) or unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UA), and healthy controls (HC). Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with transfection of miR-144-5p mimic or miR-144-5p inhibitor. IA rats were induced by combing systemic hypertension and intrathecal elastase injection. VECs were transfected with miR-144-5p mimic or inhibitor to verify the impacts of miR-144-5p on cell viability and proliferation. The connection between miR-144-5p and PTEN was verified by luciferase activity assay. Our data proved that ex-miR-144-5p was decreased in both UA and RA patients. MiR-144-5p overexpression in MSCs-derived exosome promoted VEC viability, inhibited VEC proliferation of VEs, and decreased the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and osteopontin (OPN). IA rats injected with ex-miR-144-5p mimic showed significant luminal dilation, declined smooth muscle layers, and thinned vascular wall. Besides, inhibited cell apoptosis and decreased protein expressions were also observed. However, ex-miR-144-5p inhibitor had the opposite effects both in vivo and in vitro. We validated that miR-144-5p directly targeted PTEN. MiR-144-5p mimic increased cell viability and proliferation and reduced protein expressions, which could be blunted by PTEN overexpression. This study suggests that miR-144-5p elevates PTEN expression, thereby boosting apoptosis and attenuating viability of VECs in IA.

Beneficial role of microRNA-328-3p in fracture healing by enhancing osteoblastic viability through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway

Although fragility fracture is a global public health burden, the mechanisms underlying fracture healing remain unclear. The present study aimed to assess the dynamic expression pattern of microRNA-328-3p (miR-328-3p) during fracture healing in patients with fragility fracture and to explore the functional role and mechanisms of miR-328-3p in the regulation of osteoblastic viability. The expression levels of miR-328-3p was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Osteoblastic proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed via MTT and flow cytometry assays. A luciferase reporter assay was adopted to confirm the interaction between miR-328-3p and its target gene PTEN, and western blotting was used to explore the activity of PI3K/AKT signaling. The results of the present study demonstrated that serum miR-328-3p expression did not significantly differ at the early stage of healing in patients with fracture, but was markedly decreased 14 and 21 days post fixation (P<0.01). PTEN was demonstrated to be a target gene of miR-328-3p and was inhibited by miR-328-3p overexpression in osteoblasts (P<0.001). miR-328-3p overexpression increased osteoblastic proliferation but decreased apoptotic rate, with these effects being reversed by PTEN overexpression (P<0.05). The expression of phosphorylated-AKT was elevated in osteoblasts by miR-328-3p overexpression, but this effect was abolished by overexpressing PTEN. Thus, the present study revealed that miR-328-3p may accelerate fracture healing by promoting osteoblastic viability through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Identification of a Plasma Microrna Signature as Biomarker of Subaneurysmal Aortic Dilation in Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk

Patients with subaneurysmal aortic dilation (SAD; 25–29 mm diameter) are likely to progress to true abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Despite these patients having a higher risk of all-cause mortality than subjects with aortic size <24 mm, early diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. MicroRNAs (miRs) are well-recognized potential biomarkers due to their differential expression in different tissues and their stability in blood. We have investigated whether a plasma miRs profile could identify the presence of SAD in high cardiovascular risk patients. Using qRT-PCR arrays in plasma samples, we determined miRs differentially expressed between SAD patients and patients with normal aortic diameter. We then selected 12 miRs to be investigated as biomarkers by construction of ROC curves. A total of 82 significantly differentially expressed miRs were found by qPCR array, and 12 were validated by qRT-PCR. ROC curve analyses showed that seven selected miRs (miR-28-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-93-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-338-3p, miR-339-3p, and miR-378a-3p) could be valuable biomarkers for distinguishing SAD patients. MiR-339-3p showed the best sensitivity and specificity, even after combination with other miRs. Decreased miR-339-3p expression was associated with increased aortic abdominal diameter. MiR-339-3p, alone or in combination with other miRs, could be used for SAD screening in high cardiovascular risk patients, helping to the early diagnosis of asymptomatic AAA.