MiR-367 alleviates inflammatory injury of microglia by promoting M2 polarization via targeting CEBPA

A Systematic Review of MicroRNAs in Hemorrhagic Neurovascular Disease: Cerebral Cavernous Malformations as a Paradigm

Hemorrhagic neurovascular diseases, with high mortality and poor outcomes, urge novel biomarker discovery and therapeutic targets. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They have been studied in association with disease states and implicated in mechanistic gene interactions in various pathologies. Their presence and stability in circulating fluids also suggest a role as biomarkers. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about miRNAs in the context of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a disease involving cerebrovascular dysmorphism and hemorrhage, with known genetic underpinnings. We also review common and distinct miRNAs of CCM compared to other diseases with brain vascular dysmorphism and hemorrhage. A systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, queried all peer-reviewed articles published in English as of January 2025 and reported miRNAs associated with four hemorrhagic neurovascular diseases: CCM, arteriovenous malformations, moyamoya disease, and intracerebral hemorrhage. The PubMed systematic search retrieved 154 articles that met the inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 267 unique miRNAs identified in the literature on these four hemorrhagic neurovascular diseases. Of these 267 miRNAs, 164 were identified in preclinical studies, while 159 were identified in human subjects. Seventeen miRNAs were common to CCM and other hemorrhagic diseases. Common and unique disease-associated miRNAs in this systematic review motivate novel mechanistic hypotheses and have potential applications in diagnostic, predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic contexts of use. Much of current research can be considered hypothesis-generating, reflecting association rather than causation. Future areas of mechanistic investigation are proposed alongside approaches to analytic and clinical validations of contexts of use for biomarkers.

Single-cell chromatin accessibility landscape profiling reveals the diversity of epigenetic regulation in the rat nervous system

The mammalian nervous system controls complex functions through highly specialized and interacting structures. Single-cell sequencing can provide information on cell-type-specific chromatin structure and regulatory elements, revealing differences in chromatin organization between different cell types and their potential roles of these differences in brain function. Here, we generated a chromatin accessibility dataset through single-cell ATAC-seq of 174,593 high-quality nuclei from 16 adult rat brain regions. We identified cell subtypes of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells with highly specific distributions and characterized gene regulatory elements associated with cell type-specific regions. To further investigate the gene regulatory network involved in spinal cord regeneration, we integrated our scATAC-seq data with published single-nucleus RNA-seq data from the spinal cord, and we identified more detailed regeneration related elements by drawing GRNs centered on the transcription factor Jun in the OPC. We also performed similar integration analyses in the midbrain. Our findings provide a solid foundation for the comprehensive dissection of the molecular architecture of the mammalian nervous system.

Exploring the correlation between innate immune activation of inflammasome and regulation of pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage: From mechanism to treatment

Stroke has emerged as the primary cause of disability and death globally in recent years. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a particularly severe kind of stroke, is occurring in an increasing number of people. The two main clinical treatments for ICH now in use are conservative pharmaceutical therapy and surgical intervention, both of which have risks and drawbacks. Consequently, it is crucial to look into the pathophysiology of ICH and consider cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. Recent research has revealed that pyroptosis is a newly identified type of cell death distinguished by the break of the cell membrane and the discharge of pro-inflammatory substances through different routes. Following ICH, glial cells experience pyroptosis, which worsens neuroinflammation. Hence, the onset and progression of ICH are strongly linked to pyroptosis, which is facilitated by different inflammasomes. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive investigation of ICH damage processes and uncover new targets for treatment. The impact and function of pyroptosis in ICH, as well as the activation and regulation of inflammasomes and their mediated pyroptosis pathways will be fully discussed in this review.

Dysregulated expression of miR‑367 in disease development and its prospects as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker (Review)

MicroRNA (miR)-367 has a wide range of functions in gene regulation and as such plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation and development, making it an essential molecule in various physiological processes. miR-367 belongs to the miR-302/367 cluster and is located in the intronic region of human chromosome 4 on the 4q25 locus. Dysregulation of miR-367 is associated with various disease conditions, including cancer, inflammation and cardiac conditions. Moreover, miR-367 has shown promise both as a tumor suppressor and a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast, gastric and prostate cancer. The elucidation of the essential role of miR-367 in inflammation, development and cardiac diseases emphasizes its versatility in regulating various physiological processes beyond cancer biology. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the complex regulatory mechanisms involving miR-367 in different physiological and pathological contexts. In conclusion, the versatility and significance of miR-367 makes it a promising candidate for further study and in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The miR-302/367 cluster: Aging, inflammation, and cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that occupy a significant role in biological processes as important regulators of intracellular homeostasis. First, we will discuss the biological genesis and functions of the miR-302/367 cluster, including miR-302a, miR-302b, miR-302c, miR-302d, and miR-367, as well as their roles in physiologically healthy tissues. The second section of this study reviews the progress of the miR-302/367 cluster in the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and diseases associated with aging. This cluster's aberrant expression in cells and/or tissues exhibits similar or different effects in various diseases through molecular mechanisms such as proliferation, apoptosis, cycling, drug resistance, and invasion. This article also discusses the upstream and downstream regulatory networks of miR-302/367 clusters and their related mechanisms. Particularly because studies on the upstream regulatory molecules of miR-302/367 clusters, which include age-related macular degeneration, myocardial infarction, and cancer, have become more prevalent in recent years. MiR-302/367 cluster can be an important therapeutic target and the use of miRNAs in combination with other molecular markers may improve diagnostic or therapeutic capabilities, providing unique insights and a more dynamic view of various diseases. It is noted that miRNAs can be an important bio-diagnostic target and offer a promising method for illness diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Galectin-3 promotes brain injury by modulating the phenotype of microglia via binding TLR-4 after intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and disability rate, and neuroinflammation is involved in secondary brain injury. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is one of the scaffold proteins of Galectins. Studies have indicated that Gal-3 plays an important role in the physiological and pathological state of the nervous system. Here we focus on the role of Gal-3 in ICH, especially in neuroinflammation.

METHODS

Injection of autologous blood into the right basal ganglia was used to simulate ICH injury, and the level of Gal-3 in brain was regulated by related means. The changes of Gal-3 were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, the level of neuroinflammation by immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. Apoptosis and neuron loss were detected by TUNEL staining FJB staining and Nissl staining, and neurological deficits were judged by neurobehavioral tests.

RESULTS

The protein level of Gal-3 increased at 24 h after ICH. Downregulation of Gal-3 level can reduce the infiltration of M1-type microglia and peripheral inflammatory cells, thus alleviating post-ICH neuroinflammation, and reducing cell apoptosis and neuron loss in brain tissue. ICH-induced neurological damage was rescued. Meanwhile, the promotion in the expression level of Gal-3 increased neuroinflammatory activation and nerve cell death, aggravating ICH-induced brain injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proves that Gal-3 is involved in neuroinflammation and nerve damage after ICH. Gal-3 expression should not be encouraged early on to prevent neuroinflammation. which provides a new possibility for clinical treatment for ICH patients.

Research progress of endogenous hematoma absorption after intracerebral hemorrhage

Non-traumatic intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage is referred to as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Although ICH is associated with a high rate of disability and case fatality, active intervention can significantly lower the rate of severe disability. Studies have shown that the speed of hematoma clearance after ICH determines the patient's prognosis. Following ICH, depending on the hematoma volume and mass effect, either surgical- or medication-only conservative treatment is chosen. The goal of promoting endogenous hematoma absorption is more relevant because surgery is only appropriate for a small percentage of patients, and open surgery can cause additional trauma to patients. The primary method of removing hematoma after ICH in the future will involve understanding how to produce and manage macrophage/microglial endogenous phagocytic hematomas. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and key targets for clinical purposes.

MicroRNA-124-3p alleviates cerebral ischaemia-induced neuroaxonal damage by enhancing Nrep expression

OBJECTIVE

Ischaemic stroke has a high death rate and frequently results in long-term and severe brain damage in survivors. miRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) treatment has been suggested to reduce ischaemia and play a vital function in avoiding neuron death. An investigation of the role of miR-124-3p, in the ischaemia damage repair or protection in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model, was the purpose of this research.

METHODS

The expression of miRNA and mRNA in the MCAO model was predicted using bioinformatics analysis. The OGD/R neuronal model was developed. We examined the influence of a number of compounds on the OGD/R model in vitro using gain- and loss-of-function approaches.

RESULTS

For starters, miR-124-3p and Nrep level in the MCAO model were found to be lower in the model predicted by bioinformatics than in the sham-operated group. And then in the OGD/R model, miR-124-3p treatment reduced OGD/R neuronal damage, increased neuronal survival, and reduced apoptosis in cell lines. Moreover, we further looked at the impact of miR-124-3p on downstream Rnf38 and Nrep using the OGD/R model. Western blot analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-124-3p binds and inhibits Rnf38. Finally, although Nrep expression was reduced in the OGD/R model neuronal model, it was shown that miR-124-3p administration reduced apoptosis and increased neuronal activity, particularly with regard to axon regeneration-related proteins.

CONCLUSION

Our studies have shown that miR-124-3p may reduce neuronal injury by preventing Rnf38-mediated effects on the Nrep axis.

MicroRNAs modulate neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage: Prospects for new therapy

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common subtype of hemorrhagic stroke. After ICH, blood components extravasate from vessels into the brain, activating immune cells and causing them to release a series of inflammatory mediators. Immune cells, together with inflammatory mediators, lead to neuroinflammation in the perihematomal region and the whole brain, and neuroinflammation is closely related to secondary brain injury as well as functional recovery of the brain. Despite recent progress in understanding the pathophysiology of ICH, there is still no effective treatment for this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs 17-25 nucleotides in length that are generated naturally in the human body. They bind complementarily to messenger RNAs and suppress translation, thus regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They have been found to regulate the pathophysiological process of ICH, particularly the neuroinflammatory cascade. Multiple preclinical studies have shown that manipulating the expression and activity of miRNAs can modulate immune cell activities, influence neuroinflammatory responses, and ultimately affect neurological functions after ICH. This implicates the potentially crucial roles of miRNAs in post-ICH neuroinflammation and indicates the possibility of applying miRNA-based therapeutics for this disease. Thus, this review aims to address the pathophysiological roles and molecular underpinnings of miRNAs in the regulation of neuroinflammation after ICH. With a more sophisticated understanding of ICH and miRNAs, it is possible to translate these findings into new pharmacological therapies for ICH.

MicroRNA-124 modulates neuroinflammation in acute methanol poisoning rats via targeting Krüppel-like factor-6

Microglia activation-stimulated neuroinflammation exerts functionally in neurodegenerative diseases like brain injury. Acute methanol poisoning (AMP) is a crucial cause of death and morbidity that possibly leads to neuroinflammation. Studies have manifested that miRNAs can modulate microglia activation to mediate neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, the role of miR-124 in AMP-stimulated neuroinflammation is uncertain. This research was to explore the action of miR-124 in AMP-stimulated neuroinflammation and its molecular mechanism. The study findings indicated that AMP accelerated microglia activation and stimulated inflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue of rats. MiR-124 expression was lowered in AMP rats, while KLF6 expression was elevated. Elevated miR-124 or repressed KLF6 increased the number of CD206⁺ cells and decreased the number of CD68⁺ cells, as well as restrained inflammation and NF-κB phosphorylation and induced superoxide dismutase, Nrf2/HO-1, and M2 polarization. MiR-124 modulated microglia activation via targeting KLF6. AMP repressed neuronal viability and enhanced neuronal apoptosis. Suppression of miR-124 further promoted AMP-induced damage to neurons, while inhibition of KLF6 turned around this phenomenon. Anyway, our study demonstrated that miR-124 accelerates M2 polarization via targeting KLF6 to ameliorate AMP-stimulated neuronal damage.

miR-141-3p protects against blood-brain barrier disruption and brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by targeting ZEB2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the diagnosis and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). miR-141-3p has been widely reported to regulate neurological disorders and cerebropathy. However, the specific role of miR-141-3p in ICH has not yet been revealed. The aim of this study was exploration of the biological functions and mechanism of miR-141-3p in ICH by establishing a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model. After ICH induction, miR-141-3p mimics or miR-NC were administered into the right striatum of the model mice followed by the performance of neurological tests. After euthanasia of the mice, the injury volume, brain water content, and injury to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were evaluated. Evans blue (EB) was used to stain the brain slices, and EB extravasation was detected to evaluate the injury to BBB. miR-141-3p expression in perihematomal edema and hematoma areas after ICH was assessed by RT-qPCR. The levels of tight junction proteins in brain tissues and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were evaluated by western blotting. The FITC-dextran 20 method was used to assess BMEC permeability. The binding between miR-141-3p and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was verified with a luciferase reporter assay. In this study, miR-141-3p overexpression alleviated ICH-induced brain injury and protected BBB integrity in vivo. ZEB2 was a target gene of miR-141-3p. ZEB2 overexpression promoted BBB disruption, and miR-141-3p overexpression attenuated the promoting effect exerted by ZEB2. Overall, miR-141-3p protects against BBB disruption and attenuates brain injuries induced by ICH by targeting ZEB2.