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Zhang Y, Xing M, Meng F, Zhu L, Huang Q, Ma T, Fang H, Gu X, Huang S, Wu X, Lv G, Guo J, Wu L, Liu X, Chen Z. The mechanical mechanism of angiotensin II induced activation of hepatic stellate cells promoting portal hypertension. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151427. [PMID: 38820882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In the development of chronic liver disease, the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) plays a pivotal role in increasing intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) and inducing portal hypertension (PH) in cirrhosis. Our research demonstrated that HSC contraction, prompted by angiotensin II (Ang II), significantly contributed to the elevation of type I collagen (COL1A1) expression. This increase was intimately associated with enhanced cell tension and YAP nuclear translocation, mediated through α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, microfilaments (MF) polymerization, and stress fibers (SF) assembly. Further investigation revealed that the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway regulated MF polymerization and SF assembly by facilitating the phosphorylation of cofilin and MLC, while Ca2+ chiefly governed SF assembly via MLC. Inhibiting α-SMA-MF-SF assembly changed Ang II-induced cell contraction, YAP nuclear translocation, and COL1A1 expression, findings corroborated in cirrhotic mice models. Overall, our study offers insights into mitigating IHVR and PH through cell mechanics, heralding potential breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mulan Xing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fansheng Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base For TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qingchuan Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tianle Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huihua Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xujing Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Suzhou Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Gaohong Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun Guo
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base For TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Traber GM, Yi C, Batra N, Tu MJ, Yu AM. Novel RNA molecular bioengineering technology efficiently produces functional miRNA agents. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:680-694. [PMID: 38429100 PMCID: PMC11098458 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079904.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) govern posttranscriptional gene regulation and play important roles in various cellular processes and disease progression. While chemo-engineered miRNA mimics or biosimilars made in vitro are widely available and used, miRNA agents produced in vivo are emerging to closely recapitulate natural miRNA species for research. Our recent work has demonstrated the success of high-yield, in vivo production of recombinant miRNAs by using human tRNA (htRNA) fused precursor miRNA (pre-miR) carriers. In this study, we aim to compare the production of bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) molecules with glycyl versus leucyl htRNA fused hsa-pre-miR-34a carriers, namely, BioRNAGly and BioRNALeu, respectively, and perform the initial functional assessment. We designed, cloned, overexpressed, and purified a total of 48 new BioRNA/miRNAs, and overall expression levels, final yields, and purities were revealed to be comparable between BioRNAGly and BioRNALeu molecules. Meanwhile, the two versions of BioRNA/miRNAs showed similar activities to inhibit non-small cell lung cancer cell viability. Interestingly, functional analyses using model BioRNA/miR-7-5p demonstrated that BioRNAGly/miR-7-5p exhibited greater efficiency to regulate a known target gene expression (EGFR) than BioRNALeu/miR-7-5p, consistent with miR-7-5p levels released in cells. Moreover, BioRNAGly/miR-7-5p showed comparable or slightly greater activities to modulate MRP1 and VDAC1 expression, compared with miRCURY LNA miR-7-5p mimic. Computational modeling illustrated overall comparable 3D structures for exemplary BioRNA/miRNAs with noticeable differences in htRNA species and payload miRNAs. These findings support the utility of hybrid htRNA/hsa-pre-miR-34a as reliable carriers for RNA molecular bioengineering, and the resultant BioRNAs serve as functional biologic RNAs for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Traber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Colleen Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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3
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Batra N, Tu MJ, Yu AM. Molecular Engineering of Functional SiRNA Agents. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 38733599 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology constitutes a scientific domain focused on intentional redesign of organisms to confer novel functionalities or create new products through strategic engineering of their genetic makeup. Leveraging the inherent capabilities of nature, one may address challenges across diverse sectors including medicine. Inspired by this concept, we have developed an innovative bioengineering platform, enabling high-yield and large-scale production of biological small interfering RNA (BioRNA/siRNA) agents via bacterial fermentation. Herein, we show that with the use of a new tRNA fused pre-miRNA carrier, we can produce various forms of BioRNA/siRNA agents within living host cells. We report a high-level overexpression of nine target BioRNA/siRNA molecules at 100% success rate, yielding 3-10 mg of BioRNA/siRNA per 0.25 L of bacterial culture with high purity (>98%) and low endotoxin (<5 EU/μg RNA). Furthermore, we demonstrate that three representative BioRNA/siRNAs against GFP, BCL2, and PD-L1 are biologically active and can specifically and efficiently silence their respective targets with the potential to effectively produce downstream antiproliferation effects by PD-L1-siRNA. With these promising results, we aim to advance the field of synthetic biology by offering a novel platform to bioengineer functional siRNA agents for research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
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4
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Chen Y, Tu MJ, Han F, Liu Z, Batra N, Lara PN, Chen HW, Bi H, Yu AM. Use of recombinant microRNAs as antimetabolites to inhibit human non-small cell lung cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4273-4290. [PMID: 37799388 PMCID: PMC10547963 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the development of therapeutic microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), it is essential to define their pharmacological actions. Rather, miRNA research and therapy mainly use miRNA mimics synthesized in vitro. After experimental screening of unique recombinant miRNAs produced in vivo, three lead antiproliferative miRNAs against human NSCLC cells, miR-22-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-218-5p, were revealed to target folate metabolism by bioinformatic analyses. Recombinant miR-22-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-218-5p were shown to regulate key folate metabolic enzymes to inhibit folate metabolism and subsequently alter amino acid metabolome in NSCLC A549 and H1975 cells. Isotope tracing studies further confirmed the disruption of one-carbon transfer from serine to folate metabolites by all three miRNAs, inhibition of glucose uptake by miR-22-3p, and reduction of serine biosynthesis from glucose by miR-9-5p and -218-5p in NSCLC cells. With greater activities to interrupt NSCLC cell respiration, glycolysis, and colony formation than miR-9-5p and -218-5p, recombinant miR-22-3p was effective to reduce tumor growth in two NSCLC patient-derived xenograft mouse models without causing any toxicity. These results establish a common antifolate mechanism and differential actions on glucose uptake and metabolism for three lead anticancer miRNAs as well as antitumor efficacy for miR-22-3p nanomedicine, which shall provide insight into developing antimetabolite RNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Fangwei Han
- School of Public Health, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Primo N. Lara
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hong-Wu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Huichang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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5
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Tu MJ, Yu AM. Recent Advances in Novel Recombinant RNAs for Studying Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation in Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Curr Drug Metab 2023; 24:175-189. [PMID: 37170982 PMCID: PMC10825985 DOI: 10.2174/1389200224666230425232433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters are major determinants of the absorption, disposition, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs, and changes in ADME gene expression or function may alter the pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and further influence drug safety and therapeutic outcomes. ADME gene functions are controlled by diverse factors, such as genetic polymorphism, transcriptional regulation, and coadministered medications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a superfamily of regulatory small noncoding RNAs that are transcribed from the genome to regulate target gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The roles of miRNAs in controlling ADME gene expression have been demonstrated, and such miRNAs may consequently influence cellular drug metabolism and disposition capacity. Several types of miRNA mimics and small interfering RNA (siRNA) reagents have been developed and widely used for ADME research. In this review article, we first provide a brief introduction to the mechanistic actions of miRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. After summarizing conventional small RNA production methods, we highlight the latest advances in novel recombinant RNA technologies and applications of the resultant bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) agents to ADME studies. BioRNAs produced in living cells are not only powerful tools for general biological and biomedical research but also potential therapeutic agents amenable to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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6
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Traber GM, Yu AM. RNAi-Based Therapeutics and Novel RNA Bioengineering Technologies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:133-154. [PMID: 35680378 PMCID: PMC9827509 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) provides researchers with a versatile means to modulate target gene expression. The major forms of RNAi molecules, genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and exogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), converge into RNA-induced silencing complexes to achieve posttranscriptional gene regulation. RNAi has proven to be an adaptable and powerful therapeutic strategy where advancements in chemistry and pharmaceutics continue to bring RNAi-based drugs into the clinic. With four siRNA medications already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several RNAi-based therapeutics continue to advance to clinical trials with functions that closely resemble their endogenous counterparts. Although intended to enhance stability and improve efficacy, chemical modifications may increase risk of off-target effects by altering RNA structure, folding, and biologic activity away from their natural equivalents. Novel technologies in development today seek to use intact cells to yield true biologic RNAi agents that better represent the structures, stabilities, activities, and safety profiles of natural RNA molecules. In this review, we provide an examination of the mechanisms of action of endogenous miRNAs and exogenous siRNAs, the physiologic and pharmacokinetic barriers to therapeutic RNA delivery, and a summary of the chemical modifications and delivery platforms in use. We overview the pharmacology of the four FDA-approved siRNA medications (patisiran, givosiran, lumasiran, and inclisiran) as well as five siRNAs and several miRNA-based therapeutics currently in clinical trials. Furthermore, we discuss the direct expression and stable carrier-based, in vivo production of novel biologic RNAi agents for research and development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In our review, we summarize the major concepts of RNA interference (RNAi), molecular mechanisms, and current state and challenges of RNAi drug development. We focus our discussion on the pharmacology of US Food and Drug Administration-approved RNAi medications and those siRNAs and miRNA-based therapeutics that entered the clinical investigations. Novel approaches to producing new true biological RNAi molecules for research and development are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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7
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Matched Analyses of Brain Metastases versus Primary Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Reveal a Unique microRNA Signature. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010193. [PMID: 36613642 PMCID: PMC9820685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Distant spreading of tumor cells to the central nervous system in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurs frequently and poses major clinical issues due to limited treatment options. RNAs displaying differential expression in brain metastasis versus primary NSCLC may explain distant tumor growth and may potentially be used as therapeutic targets. In this study, we conducted systematic microRNA expression profiling from tissue biopsies of primary NSCLC and brain metastases from 25 patients. RNA analysis was performed using the nCounter Human v3 miRNA Expression Assay, NanoString technologies, followed by differential expression analysis and in silico target gene pathway analysis. We uncovered a panel of 11 microRNAs with differential expression and excellent diagnostic performance in brain metastasis versus primary NSCLC. Five microRNAs were upregulated in brain metastasis (miR-129-2-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-219a-2-3p, miR-219a-5p, and miR-9-5p) and six microRNAs were downregulated in brain metastasis (miR-142-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-199b-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-199b-5p, and miR-199a-5p). The differentially expressed microRNAs were predicted to converge on distinct target gene networks originating from five to twelve core target genes. In conclusion, we uncovered a unique microRNA profile linked to two target gene networks. Our results highlight the potential of specific microRNAs as biomarkers for brain metastasis in NSCLC and indicate plausible mechanistic connections.
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8
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Zhao Q, Pan B, Long W, Pan Y, Zhou D, Luan X, He B, Wang Y, Song Y. Metal Organic Framework-Based Bio-Barcode CRISPR/Cas12a Assay for Ultrasensitive Detection of MicroRNAs. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:9714-9722. [PMID: 36412588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas12a has shown great potential in molecular diagnostics, but its application in sensing of microRNAs (miRNAs) was limited by sensitivity and complexity. Here, we have sensitively and conveniently detected microRNAs by reasonably integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based biobarcodes with CRISPR/Cas12a assay (designated as MBCA). In this work, DNA-functionalized Zr-MOFs were designed as the converter to convert and amplify each miRNA target into activators that can initiate the trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a to further amplify the signal. Such integration provides a universal strategy for sensitive detection of miRNAs. By tuning the complementary sequences modified on nanoprobes, this assay achieves subattomolar sensitivity for different miRNAs and was selective to single-based mismatches. With the proposed method, the expression of miR-21 in different cancer cells can be assessed, and breast cancer patients and healthy individuals can be differentiated by analyzing the target miRNAs extracted from serum samples, holding great potential in clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhao
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics & Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 211816 Nanjing, China
| | - Bei Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210006 Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxiu Long
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics & Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 211816 Nanjing, China
| | - Yongchun Pan
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, China
| | - Dongtao Zhou
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Luan
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, China
| | - Bangshun He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210006 Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics & Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 211816 Nanjing, China
| | - Yujun Song
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, China
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Zhao M, Wang R, Yang K, Jiang Y, Peng Y, Li Y, Zhang Z, Ding J, Shi S. Nucleic acid nanoassembly-enhanced RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:916-941. [PMID: 36970219 PMCID: PMC10031267 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are involved in the crucial processes of disease progression and have emerged as powerful therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. However, efficient delivery of therapeutic RNA to the targeted location and precise detection of RNA markers remains challenging. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to applying nucleic acid nanoassemblies in diagnosing and treating. Due to the flexibility and deformability of nucleic acids, the nanoassemblies could be fabricated with different shapes and structures. With hybridization, nucleic acid nanoassemblies, including DNA and RNA nanostructures, can be applied to enhance RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. This review briefly introduces the construction and properties of different nucleic acid nanoassemblies and their applications for RNA therapy and diagnosis and makes further prospects for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rujing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kunmeng Yang
- The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Yuhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yachen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yuke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Sanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- Corresponding authors.
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Yi C, Yu AM. MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Solute Carrier Proteins Behind Xenobiotic and Nutrient Transport in Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:893846. [PMID: 35755805 PMCID: PMC9220936 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.893846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered metabolism, such as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect, has been recognized as characteristics of tumor cells for almost a century. Since then, there is accumulating evidence to demonstrate the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, addiction to excessive uptake and metabolism of key nutrients, to support rapid proliferation and invasion under tumor microenvironment. The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily transporters are responsible for influx or efflux of a wide variety of xenobiotic and metabolites that are needed for the cells to function, as well as some medications. To meet the increased demand for nutrients and energy, SLC transporters are frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. The SLCs responsible for the transport of key nutrients for cancer metabolism and energetics, such as glucose and amino acids, are of particular interest for their roles in tumor progression and metastasis. Meanwhile, rewired metabolism is accompanied by the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) that are small, noncoding RNAs governing posttranscriptional gene regulation. Studies have shown that many miRNAs directly regulate the expression of specific SLC transporters in normal or diseased cells. Changes of SLC transporter expression and function can subsequently alter the uptake of nutrients or therapeutics. Given the important role for miRNAs in regulating disease progression, there is growing interest in developing miRNA-based therapies, beyond serving as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. In this article, we discuss how miRNAs regulate the expression of SLC transporters and highlight potential influence on the supply of essential nutrients for cell metabolism and drug exposure toward desired efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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11
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Implication of microRNAs in Carcinogenesis with Emphasis on Hematological Malignancies and Clinical Translation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105838. [PMID: 35628648 PMCID: PMC9143361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs, that are involved in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, contributing to all established hallmarks of cancer. In this review, implications of miRNAs in hematological malignancies and their clinical utilization fields are discussed. As components of the complex regulatory network of gene expression, influenced by the tissue microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, miRNAs are “micromanagers” of all physiological processes including the regulation of hematopoiesis and metabolic pathways. Dysregulated miRNA expression levels contribute to both the initiation and progression of acute leukemias, the metabolic reprogramming of malignantly transformed hematopoietic precursors, and to the development of chemoresistance. Since they are highly stable and can be easily quantified in body fluids and tissue specimens, miRNAs are promising biomarkers for the early detection of hematological malignancies. Besides novel opportunities for differential diagnosis, miRNAs can contribute to advanced chemoresistance prediction and prognostic stratification of acute leukemias. Synthetic oligonucleotides and delivery vehicles aim the therapeutic modulation of miRNA expression levels. However, major challenges such as efficient delivery to specific locations, differences of miRNA expression patterns between pediatric and adult hematological malignancies, and potential side effects of miRNA-based therapies should be considered.
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Yi WR, Tu MJ, Yu AX, Lin J, Yu AM. Bioengineered miR-34a modulates mitochondrial inner membrane protein 17 like 2 (MPV17L2) expression toward the control of cancer cell mitochondrial functions. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12489-12503. [PMID: 35579419 PMCID: PMC9276019 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2076399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) control post-transcriptional gene expression critical for various cellular processes. Recently, we have invented a novel platform technology to achieve high-yield production of fully humanized, bioengineered miRNA agents (hBERAs) for research and development. This study is aimed to produce and utilize a new biologic miR-34a-5p (or miR-34a) molecule, namely, hBERA/miR-34a, to delineate the role of miR-34a-5p in the regulation of mitochondrial functions in human carcinoma cells. Bioengineered hBERA/miR-34a was produced through in vivo fermentation production and purified by anion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. hEBRA/miR-34a was processed to target miR-34a-5p in human osteosarcoma and lung cancer cells, as determined by selective stem-loop reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The mitochondrial inner membrane protein MPV17 like 2 (MPV17L2) was validated as a direct target for miR-34a-5p by dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analysis revealed that bioengineered miR-34a-5p effectively reduced MPV17L2 protein outcomes, leading to much lower levels of respiratory chain Complex I activities and intracellular ATP that were determined with specific assay kits. Moreover, Seahorse Mito Stress Test assay was conducted, and the results showed that biologic miR-34a-5p sharply reduced cancer cell mitochondrial respiration capacity, accompanied by a remarkable increase of oxidative stress and elevated apoptotic cell death, which are manifested by greater levels of reactive oxygen species and selective apoptosis biomarkers, respectively. These results demonstrate the presence and involvement of the miR-34a-5p-MPV17L2 pathway in the control of mitochondrial functions in human carcinoma cells and support the utility of novel bioengineered miRNA molecules for functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Rong Yi
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Xi Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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