MicroRNA-125a suppresses intestinal mucosal inflammation through targeting ETS-1 in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

High-throughput omics technologies in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing intestinal disease. Elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms of IBD requires high-throughput technologies (HTTs) to effectively obtain and analyze large amounts of data. Recently, HTTs have been widely used in IBD, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiomics, metabolomics and single-cell sequencing. When combined with endoscopy, the application of these technologies can provide an in-depth understanding on the alterations of intestinal microbe diversity and abundance, the abnormalities of signaling pathway-mediated immune responses and functionality, and the evaluation of therapeutic effects, improving the accuracy of early diagnosis and treatment of IBD. This review comprehensively summarizes the development and advancement of HTTs, and also highlights the challenges and future directions of these technologies in IBD research. Although HTTs have made striking breakthrough in IBD, more standardized methods and large-scale dataset processing are still needed to achieve the goal of personalized medicine.

CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful tool in colorectal cancer research

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide and seriously threatens human health. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associate nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is an adaptive immune system of bacteria or archaea. Since its introduction, research into various aspects of treatment approaches for CRC has been accelerated, including investigation of the oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), drug resistance genes, target genes, mouse model construction, and especially in genome-wide library screening. Furthermore, the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be utilized for gene therapy for CRC, specifically involving in the molecular targeted drug delivery or targeted knockout in vivo. In this review, we elucidate the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its comprehensive applications in CRC. Additionally, we discussed the issue of off-target effects associated with CRISPR/Cas9, which serves to restrict its practical application. Future research on CRC should in-depth and systematically utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 system thereby achieving clinical practice.

An update on the roles of transcription factor Ets1 in autoimmune diseases

Transcription factors are crucial to regulate gene expression in immune cells and in other cell types. In lymphocytes, there are a large number of different transcription factors that are known to contribute to cell differentiation and the balance between quiescence and activation. One such transcription factor is E26 oncogene homolog 1 (Ets1). Ets1 expression is high in quiescent B and T lymphocytes and its levels are decreased upon activation. The human ETS1 gene has been identified as a susceptibility locus for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In accord with this, gene knockout of Ets1 in mice leads to development of a lupus-like autoimmune disease, with enhanced activation and differentiation of both B cells and T cells. Prior reviews have summarized functional roles for Ets1 based on studies of Ets1 knockout mice. In recent years, numerous additional studies have been published that further validate ETS1 as a susceptibility locus for human diseases where immune dysregulation plays a causative role. In this update, new information that further links Ets1 to human autoimmune diseases is organized and collated to serve as a resource. This update also describes recent studies that seek to understand molecularly how Ets1 regulates immune cell activation, either using human cells and tissues or mouse models. This resource is expected to be useful to investigators seeking to understand how Ets1 may regulate the human immune response, particularly in terms of its roles in autoimmunity and inflammation. This article is categorized under: Immune System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Immune System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Targeted delivery of miR125a-5p and human Factor VIII attenuates molecular mediators of hemophilic arthropathy

Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) due to repeated bleeding into the joint cavity is a major cause of morbidity in patients with hemophilia. The molecular mechanisms contributing to this condition are not well characterized. MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to modulate the phenotype of multiple joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since miR125a is known to modulate disease progression in OA and RA, we performed a targeted screen of miR125a-5p and its target genes in a murine model of chronic HA. A digital PCR analysis demonstrated significant downregulation of miR125a-5p (2-fold vs control joint). Further molecular evaluation revealed elevated expression of the immunological markers STAT1 (7.6-fold vs control joint) and TRAF6 (10.6 fold vs control joint), which are direct targets of miR125a-5p. We then studied the impact of targeted overexpression of miR125a-5p using an Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector in modulating the molecular mediators of HA. AAV5-miR125a vectors were administered intra-articularly either alone or in combination with a low dose of AAV8-based human factor 8 (F8) gene in a murine model of HA. We observed significantly increased expression of miR125a-5p in AAV5-miR125a administered mice (~12 fold vs injured joint) or in combination with AAV8-F8 vectors (~44 fold vs injured joint). The activity assay revealed ~17 %-20 % FVIII levels in mice that received low dose liver-directed F8 gene therapy. Further immunohistochemical analysis, demonstrated a decrease in inflammatory markers (STAT1 and TRAF6) and cartilage-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 3, 9, 13 in the joints of treated animals. These data highlight the crucial role of miR125a-5p in the development of HA.

MicroRNA-125a-5p regulates the effect of Tregs on Th1 and Th17 through targeting ETS-1/STAT3 in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease mediated by helper T (Th)17 and Th1 cells. MicroRNA-125a (miR-125a) is reduced in the lesional skin of psoriatic patients. However, the mechanism by which miR-125a participates in psoriasis remains unclear.

METHODS

The levels of miR-125a-5p and its downstream targets (ETS-1, IFN-γ, and STAT3) were detected in CD4+ T cells of healthy controls and psoriatic patients by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In vitro, transfection of miR-125a-5p mimics was used to analyze the effect of miR-125a-5p on the differentiation of Th17 cells by flow cytometry. Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model was used to evaluate the role of upregulating miR-125a-5p by intradermal injection of agomir-125a-5p in vivo.

RESULTS

miR-125a-5p was downregulated in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of psoriatic patients, which was positively associated with the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and negatively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Moreover, the miR-125a-5p mimics promoted the differentiation of Tregs and downregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of ETS-1, IFN-γ, and STAT3 in murine CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, agomir-125a-5p alleviated psoriasis-like inflammation in an IMQ-induced mouse model by downregulating the proportion of Th17 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-125a-5p may have therapeutic potential in psoriasis by restoring the suppressive function of Tregs on Th17 cells through targeting STAT3, and on Th1 cells indirectly through targeting ETS-1 and IFN-γ.

Integrated analysis of inflammatory mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs elucidates the molecular interactome behind bovine mastitis

Mastitis is known as intramammary inflammation, which has a multifactorial complex phenotype. However, the underlying molecular pathogenesis of mastitis remains poorly understood. In this study, we utilized a combination of RNA-seq and miRNA-seq techniques, along with computational systems biology approaches, to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular interactome involved in mastitis. We retrieved and processed one hundred transcriptomic libraries, consisting of 50 RNA-seq and 50 matched miRNA-seq data, obtained from milk-isolated monocytes of Holstein-Friesian cows, both infected with Streptococcus uberis and non-infected controls. Using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach, we constructed co-expressed RNA-seq-based and miRNA-seq-based modules separately. Module-trait relationship analysis was then performed on the RNA-seq-based modules to identify highly-correlated modules associated with clinical traits of mastitis. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to understand the functional behavior of these modules. Additionally, we assigned the RNA-seq-based modules to the miRNA-seq-based modules and constructed an integrated regulatory network based on the modules of interest. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we conducted further analyses, including hub RNA detection, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, screening of hub-hub RNAs, and target prediction analysis on the detected modules. We identified a total of 17 RNA-seq-based modules and 3 miRNA-seq-based modules. Among the significant highly-correlated RNA-seq-based modules, six modules showed strong associations with clinical characteristics of mastitis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the turquoise module was directly related to inflammation persistence and mastitis development. Furthermore, module assignment analysis demonstrated that the blue miRNA-seq-based module post-transcriptionally regulates the turquoise RNA-seq-based module. We also identified a set of different RNAs, including hub-hub genes, hub-hub TFs (transcription factors), hub-hub lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs), and hub miRNAs within the modules of interest, indicating their central role in the molecular interactome underlying the pathogenic mechanisms of S. uberis infection. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the molecular crosstalk between immunoregulatory mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs during S. uberis infection. These findings offer valuable directions for the development of molecular diagnosis and biological therapies for mastitis.

Updated immunomodulatory roles of gut flora and microRNAs in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease is a heterogeneous intestinal inflammatory disorder, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Existing studies have shown that the pathogenesis of IBD is closely related to the host's genetic susceptibility, intestinal flora disturbance and mucosal immune abnormalities, etc. It is generally believed that there are complicated interactions between host immunity and intestinal microflora/microRNAs during the occurrence and progression of IBD. Intestinal flora is mainly composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses and helminths. These commensals are highly implicated in the maintenance of intestinal microenvironment homeostasis alone or in combination. MiRNA is an endogenous non-coding small RNA with a length of 20 to 22 nucleotides, which can perform a variety of biological functions by silencing or activating target genes through complementary pairing bonds. A large quantity of miRNAs are involved in intestinal inflammation, mucosal barrier integrity, autophagy, vesicle transportation and other small RNA alterations in IBD circumstance. In this review, the immunomodulatory roles of gut flora and microRNAs are updated in the occurrence and progression of IBD. Meanwhile, the gut flora and microRNA targeted therapeutic strategies as well as other immunomodulatory approaches including TNF-α monoclonal antibodies are also emphasized in the treatment of IBD.

The involvement of TH17 cells in the pathogenesis of IBD

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unclear. Immune dysfunction may play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBD, in which the role of CD4⁺ T helper (Th) cells is particularly important. Th17 cells are a major component of CD4⁺ T cells, and their differentiation is regulated by a variety of extracellular signals, transcription factors, RNA, and posttranslational modifications. Th17 cells specifically produce IL-17 and play an important role in the protection of mucous membranes and epithelial tissues against infection by extracellular microbes. However, when immune regulation is dysfunctional, Th17 cells abnormally proliferate and produce large amounts of proinflammatory cytokines that can recruit other inflammatory cells, which together induce abnormal immune responses and result in the development of many autoimmune diseases. In recent years, studies have confirmed that Th17 cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD, which makes it a possible target for IBD therapy. This article reviews the recent progress of Th17 cells involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and its targeted therapy.

Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives

The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.

Gut Microbiota-MicroRNA Interactions in Intestinal Homeostasis and Cancer Development

Pre-clinical models and clinical studies highlight the significant impact of the host-microbiota relationship on cancer development and treatment, supporting the emerging trend for a microbiota-based approach in clinical oncology. Importantly, the presence of polymorphic microbes is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. The epigenetic regulation of gene expression by microRNAs affects crucial biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and cell death. Recent evidence has documented the existence of bidirectional gut microbiota-microRNA interactions that play a critical role in intestinal homeostasis. Importantly, alterations in microRNA-modulated gene expression are known to be associated with inflammatory responses and dysbiosis in gastrointestinal disorders. In this review, we summarize the current findings about miRNA expression in the intestine and focus on specific gut microbiota-miRNA interactions linked to intestinal homeostasis, the immune system, and cancer development. We discuss the potential clinical utility of fecal miRNA profiling as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in colorectal cancer, and demonstrate how the emerging trend of gut microbiota modulation, together with the use of personalized microRNA therapeutics, might bring improvements in outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the era of precision medicine.

Circulating extracellular vesicle-encapsulated microRNA-557 induces a proinflammatory immune response and serves as a diagnostic or relapse marker in autoimmune hepatitis

AIM

This study investigated serum microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and the relationship of these molecules with diagnostic and relapse markers.

METHODS

Initially, extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miRNAs (EV-miRNAs) in serum with altered expression in AIH relative to healthy control (HC) samples were identified using microarray analysis. To validate the microarray results, the expression levels of selected EV-miRNAs were determined.

RESULTS

Among the 2569 mature miRNAs evaluated in the microarray, EV-miR-557 discriminated patients with AIH from healthy controls (HCs). Validation by digital polymerase chain reaction indicated that serum EV-miR-557 levels were higher in patients with AIH (7.75 copies/μl) than in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (1.60 copies/μl; p < 0.001), patients with primary biliary cholangitis (2.16 copies/μl; p < 0.005), and HCs (1.86 copies/μl; p < 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for the probability of AIH using serum EV-miR-557 between the AIH and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, AIH and primary biliary cholangitis, and AIH and HC groups were 0.81, 0.78, and 0.79, respectively. In addition, serum EV-miR-557 levels >7.69 copies/μl were associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse in patients with AIH (7-year incidence rate: 11.1 vs. 35.4%, log-rank test, p < 0.05). Interestingly, gene expression analysis revealed that increased miR-557 expression following transient transfection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with a miR-557 mimic resulted in enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokine-related genes such as interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor. Moreover, miR-557 induced significant tumor necrosis factor-α production (mean: 313.5 vs. 10 642.3 pg/ml, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EV-miR-557 may play an important role as a potential biomarker of AIH and may be a promising therapeutic target for AIH.

Diagnostic and therapeutic potential of RNASET2 in Crohn's disease: Disease-risk polymorphism modulates allelic-imbalance in expression and circulating protein levels and recombinant-RNASET2 attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion

Ribonuclease T2 gene (RNASET2) variants are associated in genome wide association studies (GWAS) with risk for several autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD). In T cells, a functional and biological relationship exists between TNFSF15-mediated enhancement of IFN-γ production, mucosal inflammation and RNASET2. Disease risk variants are associated with decreased mRNA expression and clinical characteristics of severe CD; however, functional classifications of variants and underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to pathogenesis remain largely unknown. In this study we demonstrate that allelic imbalance of RNASET2 disease risk variant rs2149092 is associated with transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating transcription factor binding, promoter-transactivation and allele-specific expression. RNASET2 mRNA expression decreases in response to multiple modes of T cell activation and recovers following elimination of activator. In CD patients with severe disease necessitating surgical intervention, preoperative circulating RNASET2 protein levels were decreased compared to non-IBD subjects and rebounded post-operatively following removal of the inflamed region, with levels associated with allelic carriage. Furthermore, overexpression or treatment with recombinant RNASET2 significantly reduced IFN-γ secretion. These findings reveal that RNASET2 cis- and trans-acting variation contributed regulatory complexity and determined expression and provide a basis for linking genetic variation with CD pathobiology. These data may ultimately identify RNASET2 as an effective therapeutic target in a subset of CD patients with severe disease.

B Cell Activation Results in IKK-Dependent, but Not c-Rel- or RelA-Dependent, Decreases in Transcription of the B Cell Tolerance-Inducing Gene Ets1

Ets1 is a key transcription factor in B cells that is required to prevent premature differentiation into Ab-secreting cells. Previously, we showed that BCR and TLR signaling downregulate Ets1 levels and that the kinases PI3K, Btk, IKK, and JNK are required for this process. PI3K is important in activating Btk by generating the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate, to which Btk binds via its PH domain. Btk in turn is important in activating the IKK kinase pathway, which it does by activating phospholipase Cγ2→protein kinase Cβ signaling. In this study, we have further investigated the pathways regulating Ets1 in mouse B cells. Although IKK is well known for its role in activating the canonical NF-κB pathway, IKK-mediated downregulation of Ets1 does not require either RelA or c-Rel. We also examined the potential roles of two other IKK targets that are not part of the NF-κB signaling pathway, Foxo3a and mTORC2, in regulating Ets1. We find that loss of Foxo3a or inhibition of mTORC2 does not block BCR-induced Ets1 downregulation. Therefore, these two pathways are not key IKK targets, implicating other as yet undefined IKK targets to play a role in this process.

Dioscin ameliorates inflammatory bowel disease by up-regulating miR-125a-5p to regulate macrophage polarization

PURPOSE

Dioscin has been proven to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection roles. However, the role of Dioscin in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its related mechanisms is unclear and needs further study.

METHODS

The colitis model in mice was established. After Dioscin (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) treatment, the colon length was measured by a ruler. Histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, gut permeability, tight junction proteins, macrophage infiltration, macrophage polarization, and miR-125a-5p level were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), FITC-dextran, Western blot, and flow cytometry. In vitro experiments, after RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interleukin-4 (IL-4), were treated with Dioscin and miR-125a-5p inhibitor, miR-125a-5p level, cell vitality, inflammatory cytokines, and M1/M2 marker genes were measured by qRT-PCR and MTT assay.

RESULTS

Dioscin (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) relieved DSS-triggered colitis and restrained the serum and colon of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. Meanwhile, different concentrations' Dioscin weakened M1 macrophage polarization but facilitated tight junction protein expressions, M2 macrophage polarization, and miR-125a-5p level in colitic mice. Moreover, miR-125a-5p inhibitor reversed the modulation of Dioscin on miR-125a-5p expression, cell vitality, and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. We further discovered that Dioscin restrained M1 marker gene (CD16) expression while intensifying M2 marker genes (CD206 and Arginase-1) expressions in vitro, which was reversed by miR-125a-5p inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Dioscin modulated macrophage polarization by increasing miR-125a-5p, thereby improving the intestinal epithelial barrier function and reducing IBD.

Harnessing the inherent power of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing regulatory T cells (CAR-Tregs) to treat autoimmune-related disorders

Over the past years, adoptive cell therapy with regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) has captured the attention of many scientists and clinicians as a novel promising approach for treating a wide range of immune-mediated disorders. In particular, the robust immunosuppressive properties of these cells have been demonstrated to make them uniquely valuable for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. More recently, it has been brought to light that adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs (CAR-Tregs) can also serve a protective role against autoimmune-related disorders. Interestingly, a growing body of evidence indicates that the beneficial and therapeutic effects of antigen-specific CAR-Tregs surpass those of polyclonal Tregs in treating autoimmune conditions. Therefore, harnessing and adapting CAR technology to generate more specific and effective CAR-Tregs, both in terms of tissue localization and antigen recognition, may lay the foundations for the development of far more potent immunotherapeutic strategies for autoimmune-related disorders. Herein, we first highlight the major immunosuppressive abilities of CAR-Tregs and further summarize the current findings on their potential applications in treating autoimmune-related disorders. Then, we will attempt to address the practical challenges in the clinical use of CAR-Treg therapies.

Cell-Crossing Functional Network Driven by microRNA-125a Regulates Endothelial Permeability and Monocyte Trafficking in Acute Inflammation

Opening of the endothelial barrier and targeted infiltration of leukocytes into the affected tissue are hallmarks of the inflammatory response. The molecular mechanisms regulating these processes are still widely elusive. In this study, we elucidate a novel regulatory network, in which miR-125a acts as a central hub that regulates and synchronizes both endothelial barrier permeability and monocyte migration. We found that inflammatory stimulation of endothelial cells induces miR-125a expression, which consecutively inhibits a regulatory network consisting of the two adhesion molecules VE-Cadherin (CDH5) and Claudin-5 (CLDN5), two regulatory tyrosine phosphatases (PTPN1, PPP1CA) and the transcription factor ETS1 eventually leading to the opening of the endothelial barrier. Moreover, under the influence of miR-125a, endothelial expression of the chemokine CCL2, the most predominant ligand for the monocytic chemokine receptor CCR2, was strongly enhanced. In monocytes, on the other hand, we detected markedly repressed expression levels of miR-125a upon inflammatory stimulation. This induced a forced expression of its direct target gene CCR2, entailing a strongly enhanced monocyte chemotaxis. Collectively, cell-type-specific differential expression of miR-125a forms a synergistic functional network controlling monocyte trafficking across the endothelial barrier towards the site of inflammation. In addition to the known mechanism of miRNAs being shuttled between cells via extracellular vesicles, our study uncovers a novel dimension of miRNA function: One miRNA, although disparately regulated in the cells involved, directs a biologic process in a synergistic and mutually reinforcing manner. These findings provide important new insights into the regulation of the inflammatory cascade and may be of great use for future clinical applications.

Genome Editing Using CRISPR-Cas9 and Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Autoimmune diseases are disorders that destruct or disrupt the body's own tissues by its own immune system. Several studies have revealed that polymorphisms of multiple genes are involved in autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, gene therapy has become a promising approach in autoimmune diseases, and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) has become one of the most prominent methods. It has been shown that CRISPR-Cas9 can be applied to knock out proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) or block PCSK9, resulting in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In other studies, it can be used to treat rare diseases such as ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency and hereditary tyrosinemia. However, few studies on the treatment of autoimmune disease using CRISPR-Cas9 have been reported so far. In this review, we highlight the current and potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 in the management of autoimmune diseases. We summarize the potential target genes for immunomodulation using CRISPR-Cas9 in autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), psoriasis, and type 1 coeliac disease. This article will give a new perspective on understanding the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in autoimmune diseases not only through animal models but also in human models. Emerging approaches to investigate the potential target genes for CRISPR-Cas9 treatment may be promising for the tailored immunomodulation of some autoimmune diseases in the near future.

Aberrant expressions of circulating lncRNA NEAT1 and microRNA‐125a are linked with Th2 cells and symptom severity in pediatric allergic rhinitis

Objective

Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (lnc‐NEAT1) and its target microRNA‐125a (miR‐125a) are reported to regulate immune and inflammation process in allergic rhinitis (AR). Hence, this study intended to investigate the correlation between lnc‐NEAT1 and miR‐125a expressions, as well as their clinical values in pediatric AR patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from 80 pediatric AR patients, 40 disease controls (DCs), and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were collected to detect lnc‐NEAT1 and miR‐125a expressions by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For pediatric AR patients only, serum interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin (IL)‐10 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; meanwhile, T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells in CD4⁺ T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Lnc‐NEAT1 was overexpressed, while miR‐125a downregulated in pediatric AR patients compared to DCs and HCs (all p < 0.001). Moreover, lnc‐NEAT1 expression negatively correlated with miR‐125a expression in pediatric AR patients (p = 0.002), but not in DCs (p = 0.226) or HCs (p = 0.237). Furthermore, in pediatric AR patients, lnc‐NEAT1 expression positively associated with TNSS (p < 0.001), sneezing score (p = 0.006), and congestion score (p = 0.008); miR‐125a expression was negatively related to TNSS (p < 0.001), itching score (p = 0.040), and sneezing score (p = 0.005). Additionally, lnc‐NEAT1 expression positively, while miR‐125a expression negatively correlated with Th2 cells and IL‐10 (all p < 0.05), but they were not correlated with Th1 cells or IFN‐γ in pediatric AR patients.

Conclusion

Circulating lnc‐NEAT1 and miR‐125a are aberrantly expressed and linked with Th2 cells and symptom severity in pediatric allergic rhinitis.

Long-term exclusive enteral nutrition remodels gut microbiota and alleviates TNBS-induced colitis in mice

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) provides an effective strategy for the induction of clinical remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease. However, the feasibility of long-term EEN in management of disease and the...

MicroRNA-200b-3p as a biomarker for diagnosis and survival prognosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by acute paraquat poisoning

BACKGROUND

Acute paraquat poisoning-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) leads to the high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p), an upstream inhibitor of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in acute paraquat poisoning patients for the prediction of MODS and survival.

METHODS

This study enrolled 80 patients with MODS induced by paraquat and 94 healthy volunteers. The interaction between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was identified by luciferase reporter assay. miR-200b-3p levels were measured by quantitative real-time (QRT) PCR. High-mobility group box 1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p in screening MODS patients. The relationship between miR-200b-3p and the 28-day survival of MODS patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of miR-200b-3p. Correlation between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was confirmed by Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

miR-200b-3p directly target HMGB1. miR-200b-3p, decreased in MODS patients, had high diagnostic value to screen MODS patients from healthy controls. Additionally, serum miR-200b-3p was decreased in non-survivors, and patients with low miR-200b-3p level had poor 28-day survival. Serum miR-200b-3p could independently predict the survival prognosis. Moreover, serum HMGB1 level was increased in MODS patients, and was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p level.

CONCLUSION

Decreased miR-200b-3p may function as a biomarker for the diagnosis and survival prognosis of MODS patients, and miR-200b-3p may be involved in the progression of acute paraquat-induced MODS via regulating inflammatory responses by targeting HMGB1.

Long noncoding RNA KIF9-AS1 promotes cell apoptosis by targeting the microRNA-148a-3p/suppressor of cytokine signaling axis in inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disease. This study was attempted to investigate the effects of long noncoding RNA KIF9-AS1 (KIF9-AS1) on the development of IBD and its underlying mechanism of action.

METHODS

Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was implemented to examine the expression of KIF9-AS1 and microRNA-148a-3p (miR-148a-3p). The IBD mouse model was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length and histological injury were used to evaluate the colon injury. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. In vitro, IBD was simulated by DSS treatment in colonic cells. Then the apoptosis of colonic cells was detected by flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate the interactions among KIF9-AS1, miR-148a-3p and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3).

RESULTS

KIF9-AS1 expression was upregulated in IBD patients, DSS-induced IBD mice and DSS-induced colonic cells, whereas miR-148a-3p expression was downregulated. KIF9-AS1 silencing attenuated the apoptosis of DSS-induced colonic cells in vitro and alleviated colon injury and inflammation in DSS-induced IBD mice in vivo. Additionally, the mechanical experiment confirmed that KIF9-AS1 and SOCS3 were both targeted by miR-148a-3p with the complementary binding sites at 3'UTR. Moreover, miR-148a-3p inhibition or SOCS3 overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of KIF9-AS1 silencing on the apoptosis of DSS-induced colonic cells.

CONCLUSION

KIF9-AS1 silencing hampered the colon injury and inflammation in DSS-induced IBD mice in vivo, and restrained the apoptosis of DSS-induced colonic cells by regulating the miR-148a-3p/SOCS3 axis in vitro, providing a new therapeutic target for IBD.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 and its targets (microRNA-21 and microRNA-125a) in rheumatoid arthritis: Altered expression and potential to monitor disease activity and treatment outcome

Background

The present study aimed to explore the association of long non‐coding RNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (lnc‐NEAT1) with inflammation, disease activity, treatment outcome, and its targets (microRNA [miR]‐21 and miR‐125a) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sampled from 130 RA patients at baseline, week (W) 6, and W12, as well as from 60 healthy controls (HCs) after enrollment. Meanwhile, the expressions of lnc‐NEAT1, miR‐21, and miR‐125a were detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

lnc‐NEAT1 was elevated, but miR‐21 and miR‐125a were declined in RA patients compared with HCs (all p < 0.001); meanwhile, lnc‐NEAT1 was negatively correlated with miR‐21 and miR‐125a (both p < 0.05) in RA patients. Besides, elevated lnc‐NEAT1 but declined miR‐21 and miR‐125a were correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein and the 28‐joint Disease Activity‐ESR score (all p < 0.05) in RA patients. Moreover, lnc‐NEAT1 was declined from baseline to W12 in RA patients (p < 0.001). Additionally, lnc‐NEAT1 at W12 was declined in response patients compared with non‐response patients (p = 0.006), and also decreased in remission patients compared with non‐remission patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

lnc‐NEAT1 and its targets (miR‐21 and miR‐125a) correlate with RA risk and disease activity, and declined lnc‐NEAT1 associates with better treatment outcome to some extent in RA patients, suggesting that lnc‐NEAT1 might be a potential biomarker to monitor disease activity and treatment outcome in RA.

MiRNA-182-5p aggravates experimental ulcerative colitis via sponging Claudin-2

Tight junction proteins play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier. MiRNA-182-5p is capable of targeting claudin-2 which is one of the vital tight junction proteins and the effect and mechanism of miRNA-182-5p was explored here in the DSS-induced colitis model. The pathological conditions were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining. The gene expression level was assessed via PCR. Quantitative immunohistochemistry analysis was performed for the measurement of claudin-2. microRNA.org online tool was used for target gene prediction. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to detect the target of miRNA-182-5p. The inflammatory and oxidative stress level were measured using corresponding kits. MiRNA-182-5p was highly expressed in colitis model and miRNA-182-5p inhibitor exerted protective effects on colitis induced by DSS in mice. The protective effects includded improvement of pathological changes, increases in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative genes, and up-regulation of TGF-β1. Claudin-2 mRNA was predicted as the target of miRNA-182-5p, which was validated via luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Claudin-2 overexpression was found in miRNA-182-5p inhibitor group. Consistent with the role of miRNA-182-5p, claudin-2 overexpression also exerted protective effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Inhibition of miRNA-182-5p exerted protective effects on colitis via targeting and upregulating claudin-2. The findings in study provide a new therapeutic strategy for colitis treatment and lay the foundation for future study.

MicroRNA-10a Negatively Regulates CD4+ T Cell IL-10 Production through Suppression of Blimp1

An uncontrolled CD4⁺ T cell response is a critical hallmark of autoimmune diseases. IL-10, which can be produced by both effector and regulatory CD4⁺ T cells, plays an essential role in the inhibition of autoimmunity. MicroRNAs are key molecules involved in regulating immune responses. However, how miR-10a regulates CD4⁺ T cell function in the pathogenesis of intestinal immune responses is not fully understood. In this study, we show that the mice with deficient miR-10a in CD4⁺ T cells were more resistant to intestinal inflammation upon inflammatory insult. miR-10a-deficient CD4⁺CD45Rb^hi T cells were less colitogenic in Rag ^-/- mice, in which CD4⁺ T cell production of IL-10 was increased. miR-10a-deficient CD4⁺ T cells expressed a higher expression of IL-10 in vitro. Blocking the IL-10/IL-10R pathway in vivo aggravated colitis induced by miR-10a-deficient CD4⁺CD45Rb^hi T cells. Mechanically, miR-10a suppressed CD4⁺ T cell production of IL-10 through targeting Prdm1, which encodes Blimp1. We further show that that CD4⁺ T cells lacking Blimp1 produced lower levels of IL-10 and induced more severe colitis in Rag ^-/- mice. These data thus establish the role of miR-10a in the inhibition of IL-10 production in CD4⁺ T cells to regulate intestinal homeostasis.

miRNAs Alter T Helper 17 Cell Fate in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

T helper 17 (Th17) cells are characterized by the secretion of the IL-17 cytokine and are essential for the immune response against bacterial and fungal infections. Despite the beneficial roles of Th17 cells, unrestrained IL-17 production can contribute to immunopathology and inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Although these diverse outcomes are directed by the activation of Th17 cells, the regulation of Th17 cells is incompletely understood. The discovery that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and function has greatly improved our understanding of Th17 cells in immune response and disease. Here, we provide an overview of the biogenesis and function of miRNA and summarize the role of miRNAs in Th17 cell differentiation and function. Finally, we focus on recent advances in miRNA-mediated dysregulation of Th17 cell fate in autoimmune diseases.

MicroRNA-125a Correlates with Decreased Psoriasis Severity and Inflammation and Represses Keratinocyte Proliferation

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis has a complex etiology related to inflammation and dysregulated immune system. MicroRNA (miR)-125a is a miRNA intimately related to inflammation and immunity; therefore, we presumed that it might play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of miR-125a with disease severity and inflammation in psoriasis patients, and the effect of miR-125a on proliferation, apoptosis as well as its target signaling pathway in keratinocytes.

METHODS

Sixty psoriasis patients were consecutively recruited, then lesional and non-lesional skin tissue samples were collected. miR-125a in lesional and non-lesional skin tissues, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 mRNA expressions in lesional skin tissues were detected. Then, miR-125a overexpression, control overexpression, miR-125a knockdown and control knockdown plasmids were transfected into HaCaT cells. Subsequently, cell proliferation, apoptosis, IL-23R, JAK2, and STAT3 expressions were assessed.

RESULTS

miR-125a was reduced in lesional skin tissue compared with non-lesional skin tissue (p < 0.001), and it distinguished lesional skin tissue from non-lesional skin tissue with a high area under curve of 0.917 (95% CI 0.866-0.968). Negative association of miR-125a in lesional skin tissue with lesional body surface area (p = 0.037) and psoriasis area and severity index score (p < 0.001) was found. Additionally, miR-125a was negatively correlated with TNF-α (p = 0.001), IL-1β (p = 0.014), and IL-17 (p = 0.003) in lesional skin tissue. In cellular experiments, miR-125a overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while miR-125a knockdown enhanced proliferation and repressed apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Additionally, miR-125a negatively regulated the IL-23R/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-125a could facilitate the disease monitoring and probably has the potential to be a therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Identification of microRNA-16-5p and microRNA-21-5p in feces as potential noninvasive biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal disease. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may participate in the pathophysiology of IBD.

METHODS

A miRCURY™ LNA Array and in situ hybridization were employed to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in fecal specimens from 41 IBD patients (22 ulcerative colitis (UC), 19 Crohn's disease (CD)) and 23 healthy controls (HC). RT-qPCR was performed to confirm the findings. The DEMs target genes and corresponding biological functions were predicted by bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with HC, miR-16-5p in the feces was up-regulated both in UC and CD patients (p < 0.01), while miR-21-5p was up-regulated only in UC patients (p < 0.01). TargetScan 7.2, miRWalk, and miRDB were used to predict 216 public target genes of miR-16-5p and miR-21-5p, and six hub genes (PIK3R1, GRB2, SUZ12, NTRK2, Smurf2, and WWP1) were analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. All the hub genes promote the occurrence and development of IBD-related colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated levels of miR-16-5p and miR-21-5p in feces of IBD patients have to guide significance for the noninvasive clinical diagnosis of IBD and have a warning effect on the occurrence of IBD-related colorectal cancer.

MicroRNAs Regulate Intestinal Immunity and Gut Microbiota for Gastrointestinal Health: A Comprehensive Review

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The regulation of microRNA expression in the gut intestine is gradually recognized as one of the crucial contributors of intestinal homeostasis and overall health. Recent studies indicated that both the microRNAs endogenous in the gut intestine and exogenous from diets could play influential roles in modulating microbial colonization and intestinal immunity. In this review, we discuss the biological functions of microRNAs in regulating intestinal homeostasis by modulating intestinal immune responses and gut microbiota. We particularly focus on addressing the microRNA-dependent communication and interactions among microRNA, gut microbiota, and intestinal immune system. Besides, we also summarize the roles of diet-derived microRNAs in host-microbiome homeostasis and their benefits on intestinal health. A better understanding of the relationships among intestinal disorders, microRNAs, and other factors influencing intestinal health can facilitate the application of microRNA-based therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases.

Role of MicroRNAs in the Progression and Metastasis of Colon Cancer

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to the mRNA of their target genes. The dysfunction of miRNAs is strongly associated with the inflammation of the colon. Besides, some microRNAs are shown to suppress tumours, while others promote tumour progression and metastasis. Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis, which increase the risk factor for inflammation-associated colon cancer. MicroRNAs are shown to be involved in gastrointestinal pathologies by targeting the transcripts encoding proteins of the intestinal barrier and their regulators that are associated with inflammation and colon cancer. Detection of these microRNAs in the blood, serum, tissues, faecal matter, etc, will enable us to use these microRNAs as biomarkers for early detection of the associated malignancies and design novel therapeutic strategies to overcome the same. Information on MicroRNAs can be applied for the development of targeted therapies against inflammation-mediated colon cancer.

MicroRNAs in autoimmune liver diseases: from diagnosis to potential therapeutic targets

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are a group of liver disorders composed of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) characterized by chronic hepatic and biliary inflammation. Although several genetic factors, such as HLA alleles, TNFA, and CTLA-4, have been reported in the pathogenesis of AILDs, many details remain unknown. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial components in the diagnosis and therapeutic applications of various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), glomerulonephritis, and AILDs. MiRNAs comprise a class of small, noncoding molecules of 19--25 nucleotides that modulate multiple genes by suppressing or degrading target mRNAs. Altered miRNA profiles have been identified in serum, immune cells, and live tissues from AILD patients. Elevated serum miR-21 and miR-122 levels in AIH patients as well as decreased miR-200c levels in PSC patients indicate their diagnostic utility. Highly expressed miR-122 and miR-378f as well as downregulated miR-4311 and miR-4714-3p in serum samples from refractory PBC patients suggest their potential to evaluate treatment efficacy. Moreover, miRNAs have been reported to participate in AILD development. Increased miR-506 levels may impair bile secretion in PBC by inhibiting Cl-/HCO3-anion exchanger 2 (AE2) and type III inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-3 (InsP3R3). Additionally, different miRNA mimics or antagonists, such as atagomiR-155 and miR-223 mimics, have been widely applied in experimental AILD murine models with great efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of miRNAs in AILDs, aiming to summarize their potential roles in diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, and we discuss the challenges and future applications of miRNAs in clinical practice.

IFN-γ promoted exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells to attenuate colitis via miR-125a and miR-125b

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated therapeutic effects for colitis through immunomodulation and anti-inflammation. However, whether MSC-derived exosomes possessed the similar function remains unclear. In present study, exosomes were isolated from control and IFN-γ-primed MSCs and was verified by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and immunofluorescence staining. Administration of exosomes to mice significantly improved the disease activity index and histological score of colitis, and decreased the ratio of Th17 cells with elevated Treg cells ratio in mice colitis model. Exosomes from IFN-γ-primed MSCs showed superior therapeutic effects to colitis. Exosomes treatment inhibited Th17 differentiation in vitro, and exosomes from IFN-γ-primed MSCs showed higher inhibition efficacy. Mechanistically, exosomes treatment significantly decreased the expression of Stat3 and p-Stat3 to inhibit Th17 cells differentiation. IFN-γ pretreatment increased the level of miR-125a and miR-125b of exosomes, which directly targeted on Stat3, to repress Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, combination of miR-125a and miR-125b agmior infusion also showed therapeutic effects for colitis, accompanied by decreased Th17 cell ratio. Collectively, this study demonstrates that IFN-γ treatment promoted exosomes from MSCs to attenuate colitis through increasing the level of miR-125a and miR-125b, which binding on 3′-UTR of Stat3 to repress Th17 cell differentiation. This study provides a new approach of exocytosis on the treatment of colitis.

Long non-coding RNA ANRIL knockdown suppresses apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing neurite outgrowth via binding microRNA-125a in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the long non-coding RNA antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (lnc-ANRIL) knockdown on apoptosis, neurite outgrowth and inflammation based on a PC12 cellular Alzheimer's disease (AD) model. A cellular AD model was constructed by treating nerve growth factor stimulated PC12 cells with amyloid β (Aβ) 1–42 and then control knockdown plasmid and lnc-ANRIL knockdown plasmid were transfected in the PC12 cellular AD model as the KD- negative control (NC) group or the AD-ANRIL group respectively. Apoptosis, neurite outgrowth, pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNA (miR)-125a were assessed. Rescue experiments were conducted by transfecting lnc-ANRIL knockdown plasmid and lnc-ANRIL knockdown plasmid and miR-125a inhibitor in the PC12 cellular AD model as the KD-ANRIL group or KD-ANRIL + KD-miR-125a group respectively. Following transfection, cell apoptosis deccreased while neurite outgrowth increased in the KD-ANRIL group compared with the KD-NC group (all P<0.01). Concerning inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 were decreased in the KD-ANRIL group compared with the KD-NC group (all P<0.01). miR-125a was negatively regulated by lnc-ANRIL and therefore rescue experiments were subsequently conducted. In the rescue experiments, cell apoptosis was increased while total neurite outgrowth was inhibited in the KD-ANRIL + KD-miR-125a group compared with the KD-ANRIL group (all P<0.01), and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 were increased in the KD-ANRIL + KD-miR-125a group compared with the KD-ANRIL group (all P<0.01). A luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that lnc-ANRIL directly bound miR-125a. lnc-ANRIL knockdown suppressed cell apoptosis and inflammation while promoting neurite outgrowth via binding of miR-125a in AD.

Huagan tongluo Fang improves liver fibrosis via down-regulating miR-184 and up-regulating FOXO1 to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research is to reveal the improvement effect and potential mechanism of Huagan tongluo Fang (HGTLF) on liver fibrosis.

METHODS

A mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄ was established to analyze the effect of HGTLF on liver fibrosis. The expression changes of miRNA after HGTLF stimulation were detected by qRT-PCR. After interference with miR-184 in Th17 cells, the concentration of IL-17A in cell culture supernatants was detected by ELISA and the proportion of Th17 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The relationship between miR-184 and FOXO1 was verified by online software and dual-luciferase reporter system. After HGTLF treatment of Th17 cells overexpressing miR-184, the protein level of FOXO1 was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

HGTLF could significantly improve liver fibrosis in mice. By qRT-PCR, miR-184 was most significantly expressed after HGTLF drug stimulation, and miR-184 was considered to be the major RNA involved in Th17 cell differentiation. Interference with miR-184 in Th17 cells inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells. By online software and dual-luciferase reporter system assay, the direct interaction of miR-184 with FOXO1 was confirmed. After HGTLF treatment of Th17 cells overexpressing miR-184, FOXO1 protein levels were significantly up-regulated and inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells, which was reversed by miR-184 inhibitors. The Vivo experiments also confirmed the improvement effect of HGTLF on liver fibrosis in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that HGTLF could improve liver fibrosis via down-regulating miR-184 and up-regulating of FOXO1 to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: A new therapeutic approach in the treatment of infection and autoimmunity

CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein9) may be viewed as an adaptive bacterial immune system. When a virus infects a bacterium, a fragment of the virus genome is inserted into the CRISPR sequence of the bacterial genome as a memory. When the bacterium becomes infected again with the same virus, an RNA molecule that is a transcript of the memory sequence, directs Cas9, an endonuclease, to the complementary region of the virus genome, and Cas9 disables the virus by a double-strand break. In recent years, studies have shown that by designing synthetic RNA molecules and delivering them along with Cas9 into eukaryotic cells, different regions of the cell's genome can be targeted and manipulated. These findings have drawn much attention to this new technology and it has been shown that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can be used to treat some human diseases. These include infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. In this review article, in addition to a brief overview of the biology of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we collected the most recent findings on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for better investigation of the pathogenesis and treatment of viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis virus infections, and onco-virus infections), non-viral infections (parasitic, fungal, and bacterial infections), and autoimmune diseases.

Altered Expression of Long Noncoding and Messenger RNAs in Diabetic Nephropathy following Treatment with Rosiglitazone

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by metabolic disorder and inflammation. However, the regulatory effects that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have on the pathogenesis of DN and on the efficacy of rosiglitazone treatment have yet to be clearly defined. Herein, we performed unbiased RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptomic profiles in db/db diabetic mouse model with or without rosiglitazone treatment that served to improve the phenotypes of DN. Moreover, RNA-seq profiling revealed that the development of DN caused an upregulation in the expression of 1176 mRNAs and a downregulation in the expression of 1010 mRNAs compared to controls, with the expression of 251 mRNAs being returned to normal following treatment with rosiglitazone. Further, 88 upregulated and 68 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in db/db mice compared to controls, 10 of which had their normal expression restored following treatment with rosiglitazone. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the primary pathways involved in the pathogenesis of DN, and subsequently in the therapeutic effects of PPARγ, are related to inflammatory and metabolic processes. From bioinformatics analysis, lncRNA-AI838599 emerged as a novel molecular mechanism for rosiglitazone treatment in DN through TNFα-NFκb pathway. These findings may indicate a new molecular regulatory approach for the development of DN therapeutic agents.

LRCH1 suppresses migration of CD4+ T cells and refers to disease activity in ulcerative colitis

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronically remittent and progressive inflammatory disorder. LRCH1 is reported to be involved in the immune-regulation of several diseases. However, the exact roles of LRCH1 in UC are still obscure. Materials and Methods: LRCH1 expression was analyzed in the inflamed mucosa and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with UC by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Peripheral blood CD4⁺ T cells were transfected with lentivirus-expressing LRCH1 (LV-LRCH1) or LV-sh-LRCH1, and cytokine expression was determined by using flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Transfected CD4⁺ T cells were harvested to examine the capacity of chemotaxis using Transwell plate. Results: LRCH1 expression was highly decreased in colonic mucosa and PBMCs from patients with A-UC, and negatively correlated with disease activity. Up or down regulation of LRCH1 did not affect the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells, and the related cytokines expression. Moreover, LRCH1 inhibited migratory capacity of CD4⁺ T cells toward CXCL12 by PKCα. Conclusion: LRCH1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of UC, possibly through modulating the migration of CD4⁺ T cells. Therefore, targeting LRCH1 might serve as a novel therapeutic approach in the management of UC.

Genetic association of E26 transformation specific sequence 1 polymorphisms with the susceptibility of primary biliary cholangitis in China

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic and cholestatic liver disease characterized by an autoimmune-mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. E26 transformation specific sequence 1 (ETS-1) is a transcription factor regulating the expression of various immune-related genes. The aim of our study was to identify the associations between the gene polymorphisms of ETS-1 with the susceptibility and clinical characteristics of PBC in Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4937333, rs11221332 and rs73013527) of ETS-1 were selected based on relevant studies. Genotyping was executed with polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting (PCR-HRM) assay. SNP rs4937333 of ETS-1 was prominent correlation with the susceptibility of PBC (P = 0.007, OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.10–1.88). For rs4937333, PBC patients carrying the allele T assumed high-level TP (P = 0.020), and homozygous genotype TT assumed low-level RDW (P = 0.033). For rs11221332, PBC patients carrying the allele T assumed high-level TP and HDLC (P = 0.004, P = 0.015, respectively). For rs73013527, PBC patients carrying the allele T assumed low-level PLT (P = 0.002), and homozygous genotype TT assumed high-level RDW (P = 0.021). In conclusion, Gene polymorphisms of ETS-1 present relevant with the susceptibility of PBC, and affect the expression of TP, HDLC, PLT and RDW concentrations in patients with PBC.